Control device

Abstract

To provide a control device which can improve the durability of an opening / closing valve and shorten the valve opening time of the opening / closing valve in the event of an abnormality.SOLUTION: A controller 10 controls a hydrogen injector 20 for supplying hydrogen gas to a fuel cell stack. The controller includes a high-side switch 12, a low-side switch 13, an early-shutoff circuit 14, and a CPU 11 which performs switching control of the high-side switch and the low-side switch. The CPU performs switching control to form a current path in which current flows through the hydrogen injector and does not flow through the early-shutoff circuit when closing the valve of the hydrogen injector in a case where it is determined that the state of the hydrogen gas is normal. The CPU performs switching control to form a current path in which current flows through the hydrogen injector and the early-shutoff circuit when closing the valve of the hydrogen injector in a case where it is determined that the state of the hydrogen gas is abnormal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device that controls an on-off valve for supplying fuel gas to a fuel cell. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes a sensor that detects the gas state in a fuel supply flow path through which fuel gas supplied from a fuel supply source flows to the fuel cell, and a control means that controls an on-off valve based on a value detected by the sensor. When an abnormality is detected by the sensor, the control means stops the on-off valve from opening and closing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-198535 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, it is desirable for an on-off valve to close relatively slowly in order to improve durability, but there is a conflicting demand for the on-off valve to close quickly in the event of an abnormality.

[0005] One disclosed object is to provide a control device that can improve the durability of an on-off valve and shorten the closing time of the on-off valve in the event of an abnormality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The control device disclosed herein comprises: A control device for controlling an on-off valve (20) for supplying a fuel gas to a fuel cell (40), a first switch (12) provided between a drive voltage source (90) and the on-off valve; a second switch (13) provided between the on-off valve and a ground (91); a quick-cut circuit (14) electrically connected to the on-off valve and consuming energy; a processing device (11) that controls the opening and closing of the on-off valve by switching control of the first switch and the second switch, and that acquires abnormality determination information indicating a state of the fuel gas from a gas detection device that detects the state of the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell, The processing device includes: an abnormality determination unit (S12, S18) that determines whether or not the state of the fuel gas is abnormal based on the abnormality determination information; a first switching unit (S20) that controls switching of the first switch and the second switch so that, when the abnormality determination unit determines that the valve is normal, a current path is formed in which a current flows through the valve and a current does not flow through the quick-cut circuit when the valve is closed; The device is characterized by having a second switching unit (S16) that, when the abnormality determination unit determines that an abnormality has occurred, performs switching control of the first switch and the second switch so that, when the on-off valve is closed, a current path flows through the on-off valve and the early-cutoff circuit.

[0007] In this way, the control device can speed up energy consumption and reduce the current flowing through the on-off valve by passing current through the early-break circuit during an abnormality. This allows the control device to shorten the closing time of the on-off valve during an abnormality compared to normal times. Also, because the control device does not pass current through the early-break circuit during normal times, it can slow down the closing time of the on-off valve compared to normal times. Therefore, the control device can improve the durability of the on-off valve.

[0008] The aspects disclosed in this specification adopt different technical means to achieve their respective objectives. The claims and the parenthetical symbols described in this section are illustrative of the corresponding relationship with the embodiments described below, and are not intended to limit the technical scope. The objectives, features, and effects disclosed in this specification will become clearer by referring to the following detailed description and the attached drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fuel cell system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 2 is a circuit diagram showing a current path in a fuel cell system according to an embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a quick-off circuit according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a controller in the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is a time chart showing a processing operation of a controller in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the control device is applied to a controller 10. The controller 10 is included in a fuel cell system shown in FIG. 1. The fuel cell system is configured to be mountable on a fuel cell vehicle equipped with a fuel cell stack 40 that outputs electric energy to an electric load such as an auxiliary device of the vehicle. The fuel cell system is a system that outputs electric energy by utilizing an electrochemical reaction between a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas in the fuel cell stack 40. In this embodiment, as an example, hydrogen gas is used as the fuel gas, and air is used as the oxidizing gas.

[0011] <Overall composition> As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell system mainly comprises a controller 10, a hydrogen injector 20, a high-pressure hydrogen tank 30, a fuel cell stack 40, a hydrogen detector 51, a low-pressure sensor 52, an air compressor 80, and the like.

[0012] The high-pressure hydrogen tank 30 is a device for storing high-pressure hydrogen gas. The high-pressure hydrogen tank 30 may include one tank for storing hydrogen gas, or may include multiple tanks. A first supply pipe 61, which is part of a flow path for supplying hydrogen gas to the fuel cell stack 40, is connected to the high-pressure hydrogen tank 30 via a tank opening / closing valve 71.

[0013] The tank opening / closing valve 71 controls the flow of hydrogen gas. For example, an electrically driven valve whose opening degree can be electrically controlled can be used as the tank opening / closing valve 71. The tank opening / closing valve 71 is controlled to open and close by the controller 10.

[0014] The fuel cell stack 40 outputs electrical energy by utilizing an electrochemical reaction. Hydrogen gas and air fuel gas are supplied to the fuel cell stack 40. The fuel cell stack 40 corresponds to a fuel cell.

[0015] The fuel cell stack 40 has a laminated structure (stack structure) in which a plurality of cells, which are the smallest unit, are stacked. In this embodiment, a so-called solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC: Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell) is adopted. Although not shown, each cell constituting the fuel cell stack 40 includes a membrane electrode assembly made of a pair of electrodes (anode, cathode) formed on both sides of an electrolyte membrane having ion permeability, a pair of separators sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly, and the like. The fuel cell stack 40 outputs electric energy by an electrochemical reaction occurring inside each cell when hydrogen gas and air, which are reactive gases, are supplied to each cell.

[0016] Here, a configuration regarding the flow of air to the fuel cell stack 40 will be described. A third supply pipe 64 is connected to the air inlet of the fuel cell stack 40. The third supply pipe 64 is also connected to an air compressor 80 via an air supply valve 73. The air compressor 80 supplies (introduces) air drawn from the atmosphere to the fuel cell stack 40. In other words, the air compressor 80 pressure-feeds the air to the fuel cell stack 40 via the third supply pipe 64 and the air supply valve 73.

[0017] The air compressor 80 is controlled by, for example, the controller 10. The air compressor 80 varies the rotation speed in response to a control signal output from the controller 10 to adjust the amount of air supplied to the fuel cell stack 40. In addition, the air supply valve 73 controls the flow of air.

[0018] An exhaust pipe 65 is connected to the air outlet of the fuel cell stack 40. An exhaust valve 74 is provided in the exhaust pipe 65. Unreacted air and water generated by electrochemical reactions exist inside the fuel cell stack 40. The exhaust pipe 65 and the exhaust valve 74 are provided to exhaust the unreacted air and water from the fuel cell stack 40 to the outside.

[0019] Note that, for example, electrically driven valves whose opening degree can be electrically controlled may be adopted as the air supply valve 73 and the exhaust valve 74. The air supply valve 73 and the exhaust valve 74 are controlled to be opened and closed by the controller 10.

[0020] Next, a configuration regarding the flow of hydrogen gas to the fuel cell stack 40 will be described. A second supply pipe 62 is connected to the hydrogen inlet of the fuel cell stack 40. The second supply pipe 62 is also connected to the high-pressure hydrogen tank 30 via the hydrogen injector 20 and a tank opening / closing valve 71. The hydrogen injector 20 is connected to a first supply pipe 61. The high-pressure hydrogen tank 30 supplies stored hydrogen gas to the fuel cell stack 40. In other words, the high-pressure hydrogen tank 30 supplies hydrogen gas to the fuel cell stack 40 via the first supply pipe 61, the second supply pipe 62, and the hydrogen injector 20.

[0021] A drain pipe 63 is connected to the hydrogen outlet of the fuel cell stack 40. A drain valve 72 is provided to the drain pipe 63. Inside the fuel cell stack 40, there is used gas (hydrogen off-gas) mixed with liquid. The drain pipe 63 and the drain valve 72 are provided to discharge the hydrogen off-gas from the fuel cell stack 40 to the outside. The drain valve 72 can be, for example, an electrically driven valve whose opening degree can be electrically controlled. The opening and closing of the drain valve 72 is controlled by the controller 10.

[0022] The hydrogen injector 20 is equipped with one electrically driven valve whose opening degree can be electrically controlled. Alternatively, the hydrogen injector 20 may have a plurality of electrically driven valves arranged in parallel. In the hydrogen injector 20, the opening and closing of the electrically driven valve is controlled by the controller 10. The hydrogen injector 20 corresponds to an on-off valve.

[0023] The hydrogen injector 20 comprises a fixed part made of metal, and a sliding part made of metal that is slidable relative to the fixed part. Therefore, the hydrogen injector 20 can be in two states: one in which the sliding part and the fixed part are in contact, and one in which the sliding part and the fixed part are separated. In the hydrogen injector, a buffer member such as rubber is provided between the sliding part and the fixed part to absorb the impact when the sliding part and the fixed part come into contact. When the sliding part and the fixed part collide with each other, the impact on the buffer member affects the lifespan of the hydrogen injector 20.

[0024] The hydrogen injector 20 functions as a device for controlling the amount of hydrogen gas flowing to the fuel cell stack 40. When the amount of hydrogen gas consumed by the fuel cell stack 40 is small, the opening degree of the electrically driven valve in the hydrogen injector 20 is reduced. On the other hand, when the amount of hydrogen gas consumed by the fuel cell stack 40 is large, the opening degree of the electrically driven valve in the hydrogen injector 20 is increased. The magnitude here is a relative relationship. In other words, the opening degree of the electrically driven valve in the hydrogen injector 20 is larger when the amount of hydrogen gas consumed by the fuel cell stack 40 is large than when it is small. Note that the hydrogen injector 20 may control the amount of hydrogen gas flowing to the fuel cell stack 40 by the number of electrically driven valves that are opened.

[0025] Furthermore, the hydrogen injector 20 reduces the pressure of the high-pressure hydrogen gas flowing through the first supply pipe 61 to a low pressure that is lower than the high pressure. In other words, the fuel cell system reduces the pressure of the high-pressure hydrogen gas in the high-pressure hydrogen tank 30 using the hydrogen injector 20 and supplies it to the fuel cell stack 40. For this reason, the first supply pipe 61 can also be considered a high-pressure pipe. On the other hand, the second supply pipe 62 can also be considered a low-pressure pipe.

[0026] The fuel cell system may be provided with a regulator between the hydrogen injector 20 and the high-pressure hydrogen tank 30. The regulator reduces the pressure of the high-pressure hydrogen gas flowing through the first supply pipe 61 to a medium pressure that is lower than the high pressure. In this case, the hydrogen injector 20 reduces the pressure of the medium-pressure hydrogen gas that has passed through the regulator to a low pressure that is lower than the medium pressure.

[0027] A hydrogen detector 51 is provided around the hydrogen supply path to detect whether or not hydrogen gas is leaking from the hydrogen supply path. The hydrogen detector 51 is electrically connected to the controller 10. The hydrogen detector 51 outputs an electrical signal to the controller 10 according to the hydrogen concentration around the hydrogen supply path.

[0028] The electrical signal output from the hydrogen detector 51 corresponds to concentration information indicating the hydrogen gas concentration, which is one of the states of hydrogen gas. The electrical signal output from the hydrogen detector 51 also corresponds to abnormality determination information. Hereinafter, the electrical signal output from the hydrogen detector 51 will be referred to as concentration information C. H Also, concentration information C H is also referred to as a hydrogen detector value. The hydrogen detector 51 corresponds to a gas detection device.

[0029] The hydrogen supply path is a path through which hydrogen gas flows between the high-pressure hydrogen tank 30 and the fuel cell stack 40. The hydrogen supply path therefore includes the hydrogen injector 20, the first supply pipe 61, the second supply pipe 62, etc. It is also preferable to provide the hydrogen detector 51 in a location near the hydrogen supply path where hydrogen leaked from the hydrogen supply path is likely to accumulate.

[0030] A low-pressure sensor 52 for detecting the pressure of hydrogen gas is provided in the second supply pipe 62. The low-pressure sensor 52 is electrically connected to the controller 10. The low-pressure sensor 52 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure of hydrogen gas flowing inside the second supply pipe 62 to the controller 10.

[0031] The electrical signal output from the low pressure sensor 52 corresponds to pressure information indicating the fuel gas pressure, which is one of the states of hydrogen gas. The electrical signal output from the low pressure sensor 52 also corresponds to abnormality determination information. Hereinafter, the electrical signal output from the low pressure sensor 52 will be referred to as pressure information P L Also, the pressure information P L The low pressure sensor 52 corresponds to a gas detection device.

[0032] <Controller configuration> 2, the controller 10 includes a CPU 11, a high-side switch 12, a low-side switch 13, and an early-cut circuit 14. The controller 10 also includes a first diode 151, a second diode 152, a differential amplifier circuit 16, a first resistor 171, a second resistor 172, a third resistor 173, a capacitor 18, and an internal power supply 19. The controller 10 also includes storage devices such as RAM and ROM (not shown). The controller 10 mainly controls a hydrogen injector 20 for supplying hydrogen gas to the fuel cell stack 40. Therefore, the controller 10 can also be called a hydrogen injector controller.

[0033] In Fig. 2, the current path when the hydrogen gas state is normal is shown by a dotted line, and the current path when the hydrogen gas state is abnormal is shown by a dashed dotted line.

[0034] The CPU 11 receives power from an internal power supply 19. The CPU 11 executes programs stored in the ROM. The CPU 11 performs various processes by executing the programs. For example, the CPU 11 controls the switching of the high-side switch 12 and the low-side switch 13 to control the opening and closing drive of the hydrogen injector 20. The CPU 11 controls the switching of the high-side switch 12 and the low-side switch 13 in response to a valve drive command output from an electronic control device such as a host ECU.

[0035] More specifically, the CPU 11 outputs a drive signal to the high-side switch 12 to control the switching of the high-side switch 12. The CPU 11 outputs a drive signal to the low-side switch 13 to control the switching of the low-side switch 13. The CPU 11 performs PWM control of the low-side switch 13. The CPU 11 corresponds to a processing device.

[0036] The high-side switch 12 is provided between a battery 90 provided in the vehicle and the hydrogen injector 20. The high-side switch 12 corresponds to the first switch. The battery 90 corresponds to the drive voltage source. The low-side switch 13 is provided between the hydrogen injector 20 and ground 91. The low-side switch 13 corresponds to the second switch.

[0037] As an example, a MOSFET is used as the low-side switch 13. The gate terminal of the low-side switch 13 is connected to the CPU 11 via a second resistor 172. The drain terminal of the low-side switch 13 is connected to the hydrogen injector 20 via a first resistor 171. An anode terminal of a first diode 151 is connected between the drain terminal and the first resistor 171. A cathode terminal of the first diode 151 is connected to the battery 90.

[0038] The quick-cut circuit 14 is electrically connected to the hydrogen injector 20 and is a circuit that consumes energy. The quick-cut circuit 14 is also a circuit for quickly closing the hydrogen injector 20. The quick-cut circuit 14 is connected between the electrical wiring that connects the high-side switch 12 and the hydrogen injector 20 and ground 91. The quick-cut circuit 14 is also connected to the electrical wiring via a second diode 152. The second diode 152 has an anode terminal connected to the quick-cut circuit 14 and a cathode terminal connected to the electrical wiring.

[0039] The early-cutoff circuit 14 may be, for example, a circuit as shown in Fig. 3. The early-cutoff circuit 14 includes a transistor 141, a Zener diode 142, and resistors 143 and 144. The early-cutoff circuit 14 is configured so that the switches 12 and 13 can be placed on a current path passing through the hydrogen injector 20 in response to a switching operation. The early-cutoff circuit 14 is configured such that the switches 12 and 13 are connected to a V CE The energy on the current path is consumed by +R×I. Also, the quick-cut circuit 14 consumes the energy on the current path by V CE +R×I=V Z +V BETherefore, the quick cutoff circuit 14 is V Z This makes it possible to adjust the convergence time of the current flowing through the hydrogen injector 20. However, the quick-cut circuit 14 is not limited to this.

[0040] The position where the quick-off circuit 14 is provided is not limited to the above. The quick-off circuit 14 may be provided on the cathode side of the second diode 152. Furthermore, the quick-off circuit 14 may be provided on the anode side or cathode side of the first diode 151.

[0041] The differential amplifier circuit 16 is connected to both ends of the first resistor 171. The differential amplifier circuit 16 and the first resistor 171 form a circuit for monitoring a current. The output end of the differential amplifier circuit 16 is connected to an AD terminal of the CPU 11 via a third resistor 173. The third resistor 173 and the capacitor 18 form an RC filter.

[0042] As described above, the CPU 11 is connected to the hydrogen detector 51 and the low pressure sensor 52. The CPU 11 receives the concentration information C H and pressure information P L The CPU 11 obtains the concentration information C H Based on the concentration information C, the CPU 11 judges (detects) whether the state of the hydrogen gas is abnormal or not. H When using the above, it is possible to detect whether or not hydrogen gas is actually leaking. Therefore, one of the abnormalities in the hydrogen gas concentration is that hydrogen gas is actually leaking.

[0043] In addition, the CPU 11 receives the pressure information P L Based on the pressure information P L When using the above, it is possible to detect whether there is a sign of a hydrogen gas leak. Therefore, one of the abnormalities in the hydrogen gas concentration is the presence of a sign of a hydrogen gas leak.

[0044] In this embodiment, an example is adopted in which the control device is applied to the controller 10. However, the control device of the present disclosure may include a hydrogen injector 20 in addition to the controller 10. The control device of the present disclosure may also include other components such as a fuel cell stack 40 and an air supply valve 73.

[0045] <Controller processing operations> When the vehicle is started and the fuel cell stack 40 is ready to generate power, the controller 10 starts the process of the flowchart of Fig. 4. Then, the controller 10 executes the process of the flowchart of Fig. 4 at predetermined time intervals.

[0046] In step S10, the hydrogen detector value is acquired. The CPU 11 acquires the concentration information C H Get the.

[0047] In step S12, C th ≦C H It is determined whether or not the abnormality is detected (abnormality determination unit). th is the concentration standard value. Concentration standard value C th is the threshold value for detecting whether hydrogen gas is leaking. th The hydrogen gas concentration value when there is a possibility of hydrogen gas leaking can be used. th can be set in advance and stored in a ROM or the like. Therefore, the concentration reference value C th is a fixed value.

[0048] CPU11 is C th ≦C H If it is determined that the hydrogen gas is in an abnormal state, that is, hydrogen gas is actually leaking, and the process proceeds to step S16. In the example of FIG. 5, the CPU 11 determines that hydrogen gas is actually leaking at timing a3. On the other hand, the CPU 11 th ≦C H If it is not determined that this is the case, it is assumed that the state of the hydrogen gas is normal, that is, that hydrogen gas is not actually leaking, and the process proceeds to step S14.

[0049] 5, the valve drive command is a drive command for the hydrogen injector 20. The valve current is a current flowing through the hydrogen injector 20. The high side drive signal is a drive signal for the high side switch 12. The low side drive signal is a drive signal for the low side switch 13. The abnormality detection is a signal indicating that an abnormality has been detected in steps S12 and S18.

[0050] In step S14, the low pressure value is acquired. The CPU 11 receives the pressure information P L Get the.

[0051] In step S18, P th ≦P L It is judged whether or not (abnormality judgment section). th is the pressure reference value. Pressure reference value P th is a threshold value for detecting whether there is a sign of hydrogen gas leakage. th The pressure value (Hi abnormal value) when there is a sign of hydrogen gas leakage can be used. th can be preset and stored in a ROM or the like. Therefore, the pressure reference value P th is a fixed value.

[0052] CPU11 is P th ≦P L If it is determined that the hydrogen gas is in an abnormal state, that is, there is a sign of hydrogen gas leakage, and the process proceeds to step S16. In the example of FIG. 5, the CPU 11 determines that there is a sign of hydrogen gas leakage at the timing a2. th ≦P L If it is not determined that this is the case, it is assumed that the state of the hydrogen gas is normal, that is, that there is no sign of a hydrogen gas leak, and the process proceeds to step S20.

[0053] As shown in steps S12 and S 18, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the state of the fuel gas is abnormal based on the abnormality determination information. Note that steps S14 and S18 may be executed before steps S10 and S12.

[0054] In step S16, emergency stop control is performed (second switching unit). The CPU 11 performs emergency stop control when closing the hydrogen injector 20. The CPU 11 performs switching control of the high-side switch 12 and the low-side switch 13 so that a current path passes through the hydrogen injector 20 and the early-cut circuit 14. In this embodiment, switching control is performed so that the high-side switch 12 is turned off and the low-side switch 13 is also turned off. The current path in this case is as shown by the dashed line in Figure 2. Step S16 can be considered a processing operation of the controller 10 in the event of an abnormality.

[0055] The controller 10 can improve the performance of cutting off hydrogen gas when it is determined that hydrogen gas is actually leaking (when an abnormality occurs). In other words, when it is determined that hydrogen gas is actually leaking, the controller 10 can close the hydrogen injector 20 earlier than under normal circumstances. Furthermore, the controller 10 can improve the performance of cutting off hydrogen gas when it is determined that there are signs of hydrogen gas leaking (when an abnormality occurs). In other words, when it is determined that there are signs of hydrogen gas leaking, the controller 10 can close the hydrogen injector 20 earlier than under normal circumstances.

[0056] In step S20, normal control is performed (first switching unit). The CPU 11 performs normal control when closing the hydrogen injector 20. The CPU 11 controls the switching of the high-side switch 12 and the low-side switch 13 so as to create a current path in which current flows through the hydrogen injector 20 and no current flows through the early-cut circuit 14. In this embodiment, switching control is performed so that the high-side switch 12 continues to be on and the low-side switch 13 is turned off.

[0057] The CPU 11 stops the low side drive signal in response to the valve drive command. However, as shown in P1 in Fig. 5, the CPU 11 continues to output the high side drive signal until the valve current becomes zero, without responding to the valve drive command. As a result, the high side switch 12 remains on until the valve current becomes zero. The current path in this case is as shown by the dotted line in Fig. 2. Note that step S20 can be considered a processing operation of the controller 10 in normal times.

[0058] <Effects> As described above, in the event of an abnormality, the controller 10 causes a current to flow through the early-break circuit 14, thereby accelerating energy consumption and enabling the current flowing through the hydrogen injector 20 to fall off more quickly. As a result, the controller 10 can shorten the valve-closing time of the hydrogen injector 20 in the event of an abnormality compared to normal times. On the other hand, since the controller 10 does not cause a current to flow through the early-break circuit 14 in the normal event, the controller 10 can slow the valve-closing time of the hydrogen injector 20 compared to normal times. Therefore, the controller 10 can improve the durability of the hydrogen injector 20. In other words, the controller 10 can achieve both improved durability of the hydrogen injector 20 and improved valve-closing speed in the event of an abnormality.

[0059] In other words, under normal circumstances, the controller 10 can contribute to a longer life of the hydrogen injector 20 by slowing down the convergence of the valve current. On the other hand, under abnormal circumstances, the controller 10 can contribute to improving the cut-off performance of the hydrogen injector 20 by quickly converging the valve current. Cut-off performance refers to the emergency stop performance of the hydrogen injector 20 in the event of an abnormality, etc., and how quickly the hydrogen injector 20 can be closed in an emergency. The controller 10 can also contribute to higher output and longer life by increasing the valve flow rate and using an LSV.

[0060] 5, the CPU 11 closes the hydrogen injector 20 under normal control at timing a1. t2 is the time required for the valve current to reach 0 under normal conditions.

[0061] Meanwhile, the CPU 11 closes the hydrogen injector 20 which is under emergency stop control at timings a2 and a3. When the CPU 11 closes the hydrogen injector 20 which is under emergency stop control, it immediately stops the output of the high side drive signal and the low side drive signal. t3 is the time required for the valve current to become 0 in the event of an abnormality. The controller 10 can make time t3<time t2.

[0062] Moreover, it can be said that the controller 10 can change the convergence speed of the valve current by changing the current path between normal and abnormal states.

[0063] In the present disclosure, it is sufficient that at least one of the hydrogen detector 51 and the low pressure sensor 52 is connected. In other words, it is sufficient that the present disclosure determines at least one of an abnormality in hydrogen gas concentration and an abnormality in fuel gas pressure.

[0064] Therefore, when only the hydrogen gas concentration is determined to be abnormal, steps S14 and S18 can be omitted. In this case, the CPU 11 uses the concentration information C H The CPU 11 obtains only the concentration information C H is the concentration standard value C th If it does not reach the concentration, it is judged to be normal, and the concentration information C H is the concentration standard value C th In the above cases, it is determined that there is an abnormality (abnormality determination unit). Therefore, if the CPU 11 determines NO in step S12, the process proceeds to step S20. This allows the controller 10 to improve the performance of cutting off hydrogen gas when it is determined that hydrogen gas is actually leaking.

[0065] In addition, when only the fuel gas pressure abnormality is judged, steps S10 and S12 can be omitted. In this case, the CPU 11 starts the process from step S14. The CPU 11 uses the pressure information P L The CPU 11 acquires only the pressure information P L is the pressure reference value P th If it does not reach the pressure, it is judged to be normal and the pressure information P L is the pressure reference value Pth In the above cases, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred (abnormality determination unit). This allows the controller 10 to improve the performance of cutting off hydrogen gas when it is determined that there is a sign of hydrogen gas leakage.

[0066] The switching control of the high-side switch 12 and the low-side switch 13 in steps S16 and S20 differs depending on factors such as the position of the early-cutoff circuit 14. Therefore, in step S16, any method can be used that controls the switching of the high-side switch 12 and the low-side switch 13 so that a current path is created that passes through the hydrogen injector 20 and the early-cutoff circuit 14. On the other hand, in step S20, any method can be used that controls the switching of the high-side switch 12 and the low-side switch 13 so that a current path is created that passes through the hydrogen injector 20 and does not pass through the early-cutoff circuit 14.

[0067] The present disclosure has been described based on the embodiments. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and structures. The present disclosure also encompasses various modifications and modifications within the scope of equivalents. In addition, although various combinations and forms are shown in the present disclosure, other combinations and forms including only one element, more than one element, or less than one element are also within the scope and concept of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 10...controller, 11...CPU, 12...high-side switch, 13...low-side switch, 14...early-break circuit, 141...transistor, 142...zener diode, 143, 144...resistor, 151...first diode, 152...second diode, 16...differential amplifier circuit, 171...first resistor, 172...second resistor, 173...third resistor, 18...capacitor, 19...internal power supply, 20...hydrogen injector, 30...high-pressure hydrogen tank, 40...fuel cell stack, 51...hydrogen detector, 52...low-pressure pressure sensor, 61...first supply pipe, 62...second supply pipe, 63...drain pipe, 64...third supply pipe, 65...exhaust pipe, 71...tank opening / closing valve, 72...drain valve, 73...air supply valve, 74...exhaust valve, 80...air compressor, 90...battery, 91...ground

Claims

1. A control device for controlling an on-off valve (20) for supplying fuel gas to a fuel cell (40), comprising: a first switch (12) provided between a drive voltage source (90) and the on-off valve; a second switch (13) provided between the on-off valve and a ground (91); a quick-cut circuit (14) electrically connected to the on-off valve and consuming energy; a processing device (11) that controls the opening and closing drive of the on-off valve by switching control of the first switch and the second switch, and obtains abnormality determination information indicating a state of the fuel gas from a gas detection device that detects a state of the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell, The processing device includes: an abnormality determination unit (S12, S18) that determines whether or not a state of the fuel gas is abnormal based on the abnormality determination information; a first switching unit (S20) that controls switching of the first switch and the second switch so that, when the abnormality determination unit determines that the valve is normal, a current path is formed in which a current flows through the valve and a current does not flow through the quick-cut circuit when the valve is closed; and a second switching unit (S16) that, when the abnormality determination unit determines that an abnormality has occurred, switches the first switch and the second switch so that, when the opening / closing valve is closed, a current path flows through the opening / closing valve and the quick-cut circuit.

2. the processing device acquires, as the abnormality determination information, concentration information indicating a fuel gas concentration, which is one of the states of the fuel gas; The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the abnormality determination unit determines that the concentration information is normal when the concentration information does not reach a reference concentration value, and determines that the concentration information is abnormal when the concentration information is equal to or greater than the reference concentration value.

3. the processing device acquires, as the abnormality determination information, pressure information indicating a fuel gas pressure, which is one of the states of the fuel gas; The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the abnormality determination unit determines that the pressure information is normal when the pressure information does not reach a pressure reference value, and determines that the pressure information is abnormal when the pressure information is equal to or greater than the pressure reference value.

4. the processing device acquires, as the abnormality determination information, concentration information indicating a fuel gas concentration, which is one of the states of the fuel gas, and pressure information indicating a fuel gas pressure, which is one of the states of the fuel gas; The control device according to claim 1, wherein the abnormality determination unit determines that the concentration information is normal when the concentration information does not reach a concentration reference value and the pressure information does not reach a pressure reference value, and determines that the concentration information is abnormal when the concentration information is equal to or greater than the concentration reference value or when the pressure information is equal to or greater than the pressure reference value.

5. a first diode (151) having an anode connected to a wiring connecting the on-off valve and the second switch and a cathode connected to the driving voltage source; The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a second diode (152) having an anode connected to the ground and a cathode connected to a wiring connecting the on-off valve and the first switch.

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