Fuel Cell Systems

Abstract

To enhance convenience to a user.SOLUTION: A fuel cell system 10 includes: a fuel cell 12 and a secondary battery 56 used as a power source for a power supply target object 52; and a control device 64 for controlling driving of the power supply target object. The control device determines whether a predetermined condition required for activation of the fuel cell is satisfied, permits a battery-driven mode in which the power supply target object is driven using only the secondary battery when the predetermined condition is satisfied, and prohibits the battery-driven mode when the predetermined condition is not satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell system mounted on an object to which power is supplied, such as a mobile object. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, research and development into fuel cells (fuel cell stacks) that contribute to energy efficiency has been conducted in order to ensure that more people have access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and advanced energy.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a fuel cell system mounted on a moving object. This fuel cell system has a fuel cell and a battery. A control device of the fuel cell system controls the moving object to be permitted to travel when both the start-up of the battery and the start-up of the travel function are completed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-271655 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, the state of the fuel cell is not taken into consideration when determining whether or not to permit the moving object to travel.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell and a secondary battery used as a power source for an object to be powered, and a control device that controls the operation of the object to be powered, wherein the control device determines whether predetermined conditions required for starting up the fuel cell are met, and if the predetermined conditions are met, allows a battery-powered mode in which the object to be powered can be driven using only the secondary battery, and if the predetermined conditions are not met, does not allow the battery-powered mode, performs maintenance control of the fuel cell when the object to be powered is not operating, and records a control history, and determines that the predetermined conditions are not met when the fuel cell is started from a stopped state when the object to be powered is not operating and there is a failure history in the control history. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, the fuel cell can be started when necessary, which improves the convenience for the user after the object to which power is supplied is driven. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fuel cell system according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the startup process. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the condition confirmation process. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a time chart showing an example of a process performed when the refrigerant temperature is high. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a time chart showing an example of a process performed when the refrigerant temperature is low. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] [1 Configuration of fuel cell system 10] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fuel cell system 10 according to the present invention. The fuel cell system 10 is installed in a vehicle. The fuel cell system 10 can also be used in moving objects other than vehicles (ships, aircraft, etc.), industrial machinery, etc. The fuel cell system 10 contributes to energy efficiency.

[0011] The fuel cell system 10 includes a fuel cell 12 , a fuel gas supply / discharge system 14 , an oxidant gas supply / discharge system 16 , a cooling system 18 , a power system 20 , and one or more ECUs 22 .

[0012] The fuel cell 12 is a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of power generation cells are stacked. Each power generation cell has a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode, and a cathode electrode. A cathode flow path is formed in the power generation cell to supply an oxidant gas to the cathode electrode. An anode flow path is formed in the power generation cell to supply a fuel gas to the anode electrode. The fuel cell 12 generates electricity by the reaction between the fuel gas (hydrogen gas) and the oxidant gas (air).

[0013] The fuel gas supply and exhaust system 14 has components for supplying fuel gas to the anode electrode of the fuel cell 12, and components for exhausting fuel off-gas from the anode electrode of the fuel cell 12. The fuel gas supply and exhaust system 14 has a gas tank (gas container) 24. The fuel gas supply and exhaust system 14 also has a supply flow path (flow path) 26, a discharge flow path 28, a circulation flow path 30, a first drain flow path 32, and a second drain flow path 34. The fuel gas supply and exhaust system 14 also has a tank valve 36, an injector 38, an ejector 40, a gas-liquid separator 42, a first drain valve 44, and a second drain valve 46.

[0014] The supply flow path 26 connects the exhaust port of the gas tank 24 and the inlet of the anode flow path of the fuel cell 12. A tank valve 36, an injector 38, and an ejector 40 are provided in the supply flow path 26, in that order, from upstream (gas tank 24) to downstream (fuel cell 12). The gas tank 24 stores high-pressure fuel gas. A pressure sensor 48 is provided in the gas tank 24. The pressure sensor 48 detects the internal pressure of the tank. The pressure sensor 48 transmits the detected value to the control device 64 of the ECU 22. The detected value of the pressure sensor 48 is correlated with the remaining amount of fuel gas in the gas tank 24. The tank valve 36 is an electromagnetic valve.

[0015] The discharge flow path 28 connects the outlet of the anode flow path of the fuel cell 12 and the intake port of the gas-liquid separator 42. The circulation flow path 30 connects the exhaust port of the gas-liquid separator 42 and the ejector 40. The first drain flow path 32 connects the drain port of the gas-liquid separator 42 and a diluter (not shown). A first drain valve 44 is provided in the first drain flow path 32. The first drain valve 44 is an electromagnetic valve. The second drain flow path 34 connects the drain port of the fuel cell 12 and the diluter (not shown). A second drain valve 46 is provided in the second drain flow path 34. The second drain valve 46 is an electromagnetic valve.

[0016] The oxidant gas supply / exhaust system 16 has components for supplying an oxidant gas to the cathode electrode of the fuel cell 12 , and components for discharging an oxidant off-gas from the cathode electrode of the fuel cell 12 .

[0017] The cooling system 18 has components for supplying coolant to the fuel cell 12 and components for discharging the coolant from the fuel cell 12. The cooling system 18 is provided with a temperature sensor (temperature acquisition device) 50. The temperature sensor 50 detects the temperature of the coolant discharged from the fuel cell 12. The temperature sensor 50 transmits the detected value to a control device 64 of the ECU 22. The detected value of the temperature sensor 50 is correlated with the internal temperature of the fuel cell 12.

[0018] The power system 20 has components for supplying electric power to one or more loads included in the vehicle. The power system 20 has a motor (power supply object) 52, an inverter 54, a battery (secondary battery) 56, a contactor 58, a battery converter 60, and an FC converter 62.

[0019] The motor 52 is a driving motor for driving the vehicle. The motor 52 can be operated by power supplied from the fuel cell 12 via an FC converter 62 and an inverter 54. The motor 52 can also be operated by power supplied from the battery 56 via a contactor 58, a battery converter 60, and the inverter 54.

[0020] The battery 56 is a high-voltage secondary battery. Like the fuel cell 12, the battery 56 is a power source for the motor 52. The battery 56 can supply power to the motor 52. The battery 56 can be charged by the power generated by the motor 52 or the power generated by the fuel cell 12.

[0021] The FC converter 62 is a DC / DC converter for boosting voltage. The battery converter 60 is a DC / DC converter for boosting voltage.

[0022] The one or more ECUs 22 have a control device 64 and a storage device 66. The control device 64 has a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be a processor such as a CPU. The processing circuit may be an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The processor is capable of performing various processes by executing programs stored in the storage device 66. The control device 64 functions as an FC control unit 68 and a vehicle control unit 70. At least a part of the multiple processes may be performed by electronic circuits including discrete devices.

[0023] The FC control unit 68 controls the operation of the fuel cell 12. For example, the FC control unit 68 controls each of the fuel gas supply and discharge system 14, the oxidant gas supply and discharge system 16, and the cooling system 18. For example, the FC control unit 68 outputs control signals to each of the tank valve 36, the first drain valve 44, the second drain valve 46, and the injector 38, and controls the operation of each of them.

[0024] The vehicle control unit 70 performs control related to the running of the vehicle. For example, the vehicle control unit 70 controls the power system 20. For example, the vehicle control unit 70 outputs control signals to each of the switch elements of the inverter 54, the contactor 58, the switch elements of the battery converter 60, and the switch elements of the FC converter 62, and controls the operation of each of them.

[0025] The storage device 66 has a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. An example of the volatile memory is a RAM. The volatile memory is used as a working memory of the processor. The volatile memory temporarily stores data and the like required for processing or calculation. An example of the non-volatile memory is a ROM, a flash memory, and the like. The non-volatile memory is used as a storage memory. The non-volatile memory stores programs, tables, maps, and the like. At least a part of the storage device 66 may be provided in the processor, integrated circuit, and the like as described above.

[0026] [2 Startup process] Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the start-up process. The control device 64 performs the start-up process shown in Fig. 2 when starting the vehicle. The user starts the vehicle, for example, by simultaneously depressing the brake pedal and operating the start / stop button. When the control device 64 detects that the brake pedal is depressed and the start / stop button is operated while the vehicle is stopped, it starts the start-up process shown in Fig. 2.

[0027] When detecting depression of the brake pedal and operation of the start / stop button, the vehicle control unit 70 prepares for traveling. For example, the vehicle control unit 70 connects the contactor 58. The vehicle control unit 70 also checks that the battery converter 60 and the FC converter 62 have started up. After connecting the contactor 58, the vehicle control unit 70 outputs a request for a battery traveling mode (battery-powered mode) to the FC control unit 68.

[0028] The battery driving mode is a driving mode that allows the vehicle to run using only the power of the battery 56, at least until the power of the fuel cell 12 becomes available. When the state of the fuel cell 12 is changed from a stopped state to a running state, such as when starting the vehicle, it takes time for the power of the fuel cell 12 to become available. For this reason, the vehicle cannot run using the power of the fuel cell 12 immediately after starting the vehicle. On the other hand, by permitting the battery driving mode, the vehicle can start running more quickly.

[0029] In step S1, the FC control unit 68 determines whether or not there is a request for the battery driving mode. If there is a request for the battery driving mode (step S1: YES), the process proceeds to step S2. On the other hand, if there is no request for the battery driving mode (step S1: NO), the process proceeds to step S10.

[0030] When the process moves from step S1 to step S2, the FC control unit 68 performs a condition confirmation process. In the condition confirmation process, the FC control unit 68 confirms one or more conditions (predetermined conditions) under which the vehicle may be run using the battery 56. The condition confirmation process will be described in [3] below. After executing step S2, the process moves to step S3.

[0031] In step S3, the FC control unit 68 determines whether one or more predetermined conditions are satisfied based on the result of step S2. If one or more predetermined conditions are satisfied (step S3: YES), the process proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if one or more predetermined conditions are not satisfied (step S3: NO), the process proceeds to step S7.

[0032] When the process moves from step S3 to step S4, the FC control unit 68 outputs a valve open signal to the tank valve 36. The tank valve 36 starts opening in response to the valve open signal. It takes some time from when the tank valve 36 starts opening until it is completely opened. When the tank valve 36 is completely opened, the fuel gas in the gas tank 24 flows toward the injector 38. This makes it possible for the injector 38 to inject the fuel gas toward the fuel cell 12.

[0033] In step S5, the FC control unit 68 permits the battery driving mode. That is, the FC control unit 68 permits the vehicle to drive using the battery 56. The FC control unit 68 outputs information indicating that driving using the battery 56 is permitted to the vehicle control unit 70, for example. In addition, the FC control unit 68 causes a display device provided in the driver's cab of the vehicle to display a message for the user (such as "preparation complete"), for example. Note that, although the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 shows that step S5 is performed after step S4, step S4 and step S5 are performed simultaneously. That is, the FC control unit 68 simultaneously outputs a valve opening signal and permits the battery driving mode. After steps S4 and S5 are performed, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0034] In step S6, the FC control unit 68 determines whether or not there is a request for FC power generation (power generation by the fuel cell 12). For example, when the SOC of the battery 56 drops below a predetermined value, the vehicle control unit 70 requests FC power generation from the FC control unit 68. The vehicle control unit 70 also requests FC power generation from the FC control unit 68 when, for example, a large amount of power is required (such as when the user presses the accelerator pedal hard). If there is a request for FC power generation (step S6: YES), the process proceeds to step S10. On the other hand, if there is no request for FC power generation (step S6: NO), the process of step S6 is repeatedly executed. In other words, the FC control unit 68 continues the battery driving mode until FC power generation is required.

[0035] When the process proceeds from step S3 to step S7, the FC control unit 68 prepares to start up the fuel cell 12. As in step S4, the FC control unit 68 outputs a valve open signal to the tank valve 36. The FC control unit 68 also checks the remaining amount of fuel gas in the gas tank 24 based on the detection value of the pressure sensor 48. After executing step S7, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0036] In step S8, the FC control unit 68 judges whether the fuel cell 12 is ready to start. The FC control unit 68 judges that the start preparation is complete when it has confirmed that the fuel cell 12 can be started or that the vehicle can be driven using the power of the fuel cell 12. For example, the FC control unit 68 judges that the fuel cell 12 is ready to start when it has confirmed that the tank valve 36 is open. For example, the FC control unit 68 judges that the fuel cell 12 is ready to start when it has confirmed that the gas is not exhausted. In such a case (step S8: YES), the process proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, the FC control unit 68 judges that the start preparation is not complete when it has confirmed that the fuel cell 12 cannot be started or that it is not preferable to drive the vehicle using the power of the fuel cell 12. In such a case (step S8: NO), the process proceeds to step S11.

[0037] When the process proceeds from step S8 to step S9, the FC control unit 68 permits the vehicle to travel. The FC control unit 68 outputs, for example, to the vehicle control unit 70, information indicating that travel using the fuel cell 12 has been permitted. In addition, the FC control unit 68 causes, for example, a display device provided in the driver's cab of the vehicle to display a message for the user (such as "preparation complete"). After execution of step S9, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0038] When moving to step S10 from step S6 or step S9, the FC control unit 68 starts power generation by the fuel cell 12. The FC control unit 68 controls each device of the fuel gas supply and discharge system 14 to control the supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell 12 and the discharge of fuel off-gas from the fuel cell 12. The FC control unit 68 controls each device of the oxidant gas supply and discharge system 16 to control the supply of oxidant gas to the fuel cell 12 and the discharge of oxidant off-gas from the fuel cell 12. The FC control unit 68 controls each device of the cooling system 18 to control the supply of coolant to the fuel cell 12 and the discharge of coolant from the fuel cell 12. When step S10 is executed, the startup process ends.

[0039] When the process moves from step S8 to step S11, the FC control unit 68 prohibits (does not permit) the vehicle from traveling. The FC control unit 68 outputs, for example, to the vehicle control unit 70, information indicating that traveling using the fuel cell 12 is prohibited. In addition, the FC control unit 68 causes, for example, a display device provided in the driver's cab of the vehicle to display a message for the user (such as traveling not permitted). When step S11 is executed, the startup process ends.

[0040] [3 Condition confirmation process] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the condition confirmation process. The FC control unit 68 executes the condition confirmation process shown in Fig. 3 in step S2 of the startup process shown in Fig. 2. In Fig. 3, three conditions (steps S22, S23, and S24) are shown as the predetermined conditions confirmed by the FC control unit 68. The FC control unit 68 may confirm only one of these. Also, the FC control unit 68 may confirm other conditions as the predetermined conditions.

[0041] In step S21, the FC control unit 68 acquires various information. The FC control unit 68 acquires a detection value of the refrigerant temperature from the temperature sensor 50. The FC control unit 68 acquires a maintenance control history from the storage device 66. The FC control unit 68 acquires a detection value of the internal pressure of the gas tank 24 from the pressure sensor 48. After step S21 is executed, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0042] In step S22, the FC control unit 68 compares the coolant temperature with a predetermined value. The predetermined value is a threshold value of the coolant temperature stored in the storage device 66. If the coolant temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, it takes time to warm up the fuel cell 12. In other words, it takes time until the fuel cell 12 becomes usable (until power generation becomes stable). In this case (step S22: YES), the process proceeds to step S26. On the other hand, if the coolant temperature exceeds the predetermined value, the warm-up of the fuel cell 12 is completed in a short time. In other words, it does not take long for the fuel cell 12 to become usable. In this case (step S22: NO), the process proceeds to step S23.

[0043] When the process proceeds from step S22 to step S23, the FC control unit 68 determines whether there is a history of failure of the maintenance control. The maintenance control is a control that is performed while the fuel cell 12 is stopped. An example of the maintenance control is drainage control. The FC control unit 68 monitors the temperature of the fuel cell 12 while the fuel cell 12 is stopped. For example, the FC control unit 68 monitors the coolant temperature based on the detection value of the temperature sensor 50. The FC control unit 68 opens the second drain valve 46 when the coolant temperature drops below a predetermined drainage temperature. Then, the water accumulated inside the fuel cell 12 flows through the second drain passage 34 and is drained to the outside of the fuel cell 12. This prevents the water in the fuel cell 12 from freezing. The FC control unit 68 stores the execution history and execution result (success or failure) of this drainage control in the storage device 66.

[0044] If there is a failure history in the drainage control history, there may be some abnormality in the fuel cell system 10. In this case (step S23: YES), the process proceeds to step S26. On the other hand, if there is no failure history in the drainage control history (step S23: NO), the process proceeds to step S24.

[0045] When the process proceeds from step S23 to step S24, the FC control unit 68 checks the remaining amount of fuel gas in the gas tank 24 based on the detection value of the pressure sensor 48. The FC control unit 68 determines that there is an out-of-gas state when the detection value of the pressure sensor 48 is equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure. If there is an out-of-gas state (step S24: YES), the process proceeds to step S26. On the other hand, if there is no out-of-gas state (step S24: NO), the process proceeds to step S25.

[0046] When the process moves from step S24 to step S25, the FC control unit 68 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied. On the other hand, when the process moves from any one of step S22, step S23, or step S24 to step S26, the FC control unit 68 determines that the predetermined condition is not satisfied. After execution of step S25 or step S26, the process moves to step S3 in FIG. 2.

[0047] As described above, the FC control unit 68 may check other conditions as the predetermined condition. For example, the start-up time of the fuel cell 12 may be predicted, and if the start-up time is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time, it may be determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0048] [4 Processing example] [4-1 Processing Example 1] Fig. 4 is a time chart showing an example of the process performed when the refrigerant temperature is high. Some of the processes performed when the vehicle is started will be explained over time with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 4. Specifically, the processes of steps S1 to S6 and step S10 in Fig. 2 will be explained over time.

[0049] At time t0, the vehicle control unit 70 detects depression of the brake pedal and operation of the start / stop button. The vehicle control unit 70 performs preparations for traveling between time t0 and time t1.

[0050] At time t1, the vehicle control unit 70 checks the connection of the contactor 58 and outputs a request for battery driving mode to the FC control unit 68 (step S1). The FC control unit 68 performs a condition checking process (step S2). At this point, the refrigerant temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. Also, although not shown, there is no history of failure of the drainage control, and the vehicle is not out of gas. In this case, the FC control unit 68 determines that the predetermined conditions are met (step S3: YES). Therefore, a process is performed to permit the battery driving mode.

[0051] At time t2, the FC control unit 68 confirms the start-up of the battery converter 60 and the FC converter 62. At this time, the FC control unit 68 outputs a valve open signal to the tank valve 36 (step S4). The tank valve 36 starts opening in accordance with the valve open signal. The FC control unit 68 also permits the battery driving mode (step S5). From time t2 to time t3, the vehicle can run using the power of the battery 56.

[0052] At time t3, the tank valve 36 opens. At this point, the vehicle can run on power from the fuel cell 12.

[0053] At time t4, for example, the user presses the accelerator pedal hard. Then, the vehicle control unit 70 requests FC power generation from the FC control unit 68 (step S6: YES). The FC control unit 68 cancels the battery driving mode and controls the power generation of the fuel cell 12 (step S10).

[0054] [4-2 Processing example 2] Fig. 5 is a time chart showing an example of the process performed when the refrigerant temperature is low. Some of the processes performed when the vehicle is started will be explained over time with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 5. Specifically, the processes of steps S1 to S3 and steps S7 to S9 in Fig. 2 will be explained over time.

[0055] At time t0, the vehicle control unit 70 detects depression of the brake pedal and operation of the start / stop button. The vehicle control unit 70 performs preparations for traveling between time t0 and time t1.

[0056] At time t1, the vehicle control unit 70 checks the connection of the contactor 58 and outputs a request for battery driving mode to the FC control unit 68 (step S1). The FC control unit 68 performs a condition checking process (step S2). At this point, the refrigerant temperature falls below a predetermined value. In this case, the FC control unit 68 determines that the predetermined condition is not satisfied (step S3: NO). The FC control unit 68 prohibits the battery driving mode. The vehicle control unit 70 requests the FC control unit 68 to generate FC power.

[0057] At time t2, the FC control unit 68 confirms the start-up of the battery converter 60 and the FC converter 62. At this point, the FC control unit 68 outputs a valve open signal to the tank valve 36 (step S7). The tank valve 36 starts the valve opening operation in accordance with the valve open signal.

[0058] At time t3, the tank valve 36 opens. At this point, the vehicle is capable of running on the power of the fuel cell 12. The FC control unit 68 permits the vehicle to run (step S8: YES, step S9).

[0059] [5 Others] The coolant temperature decreases as the temperature of the fuel cell 12 decreases. When the coolant temperature drops below a threshold value, as shown at time t4 in FIG. 4, the FC control unit 68 may cancel the battery driving mode and perform power generation control of the fuel cell 12.

[0060] [6 Inventions Obtained from the Embodiments] The invention that can be understood from the above embodiment will be described below.

[0061] One aspect of the present invention is a fuel cell system (10) comprising a fuel cell (12) and a secondary battery (56) used as a power source for an object to be powered (52), and a control device (64) that controls the operation of the object to be powered, wherein the control device determines whether or not predetermined conditions required for starting the fuel cell are satisfied, and if the predetermined conditions are satisfied, allows a battery-powered mode in which the object to be powered can be driven using only the secondary battery, and does not allow the battery-powered mode if the predetermined conditions are not satisfied.

[0062] In the above configuration, it is determined whether or not a predetermined condition required for starting the fuel cell is satisfied, and if the predetermined condition is satisfied, the battery-powered mode is permitted. With the above configuration, the fuel cell can be started when necessary. This improves user convenience after the power supply object is started.

[0063] A fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a gas container (24) for storing fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell, and a solenoid valve (36) for adjusting the open / closed state of a flow path (26) located between the gas container and the fuel cell, and the control device may instruct the solenoid valve to open when the specified condition is satisfied, and permit the battery-powered mode before the solenoid valve has completely opened.

[0064] According to the above configuration, the battery-powered mode can be set before the solenoid valve is completely opened. As a result, the user can use the object to which power is supplied more quickly, thereby improving user convenience.

[0065] In an aspect of the present invention, the control device may determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when a startup time of the fuel cell becomes equal to or shorter than a predetermined time.

[0066] If the secondary battery continues to be used while the fuel cell is not started, there is a risk that the SOC of the secondary battery will drop significantly. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the SOC of the secondary battery from dropping significantly.

[0067] A fuel cell system according to an aspect of the present invention may include a temperature acquisition device (50) that acquires the temperature of the fuel cell, and the control device may determine that the specified condition is not satisfied when the temperature is equal to or lower than a specified value.

[0068] The temperature of the fuel cell at the time of start-up is related to the warm-up time of the fuel cell. According to the above configuration, it is possible to reduce discomfort felt by the user.

[0069] In an aspect of the present invention, the control device may perform maintenance control of the fuel cell when the object to be supplied with power is not operating, record a control history, and determine that the specified condition is not satisfied when the fuel cell is started from a stopped state when the object to be supplied with power is not operating and there is a failure history in the control history.

[0070] In an aspect of the present invention, when the control device permits the battery-powered mode and then obtains a power generation request for the fuel cell, the control device may cancel the battery-powered mode and control the power generation of the fuel cell.

[0071] If the battery powered mode continues for a long period of time, there is a risk that the SOC of the secondary battery will drop significantly. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the SOC of the secondary battery from dropping significantly. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10...Fuel cell system 12...Fuel cell 24...Gas tank (gas container) 26...Supply flow path (flow path) 36...Tank valve (solenoid valve) 50...Temperature sensor (temperature acquisition device) 52...Motor (power supply object) 56... Battery (secondary battery) 64... Control device

Claims

1. A fuel cell and a secondary battery used as a power source for an object to be supplied with power; A control device for controlling the drive of the power supply object; A fuel cell system comprising: The control device includes: determining whether a predetermined condition required for starting the fuel cell is satisfied; permitting a battery-powered mode in which the power supply object can be driven using only the secondary battery when the predetermined condition is satisfied; If the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the battery-powered mode is not permitted; performing maintenance control of the fuel cell in a state in which the object to be supplied with power is not operating, and recording a success history in a control history if the maintenance control is successful, and recording a failure history in the control history if the maintenance control is unsuccessful; determining that the predetermined condition is not satisfied when the fuel cell is started from a stopped state in a state in which the object to be supplied with electric power is not operating and when there is a failure history in the control history; Fuel cell system.

2. 2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, a gas container for storing a fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell; an electromagnetic valve that adjusts an open / closed state of a flow path located between the gas container and the fuel cell; the control device instructs the solenoid valve to open when the predetermined condition is satisfied, and permits the battery-powered mode before the solenoid valve has completely opened. Fuel cell system.

3. 3. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, The control device determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when a startup time of the fuel cell is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time. Fuel cell system.

4. The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, When a power generation request for the fuel cell is acquired after the battery-powered mode is permitted, the control device cancels the battery-powered mode and controls the power generation of the fuel cell. Fuel cell system.

5. A fuel cell and a secondary battery used as a power source for an object to be powered, A control device for controlling the drive of the power supply object; A fuel cell system comprising: The control device includes: determining whether a predetermined condition required for starting the fuel cell is satisfied; permitting a battery-powered mode in which the power supply object can be driven using only the secondary battery when the predetermined condition is satisfied; If the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the battery-powered mode is not permitted; Executing maintenance control of the fuel cell while the power supply object is not in operation, and recording a control history; When the fuel cell is started from a stopped state in a situation where the object to be supplied with electric power is not operating, and when there is a failure history in the control history, it is determined that the predetermined condition is not satisfied; The fuel cell system determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when a startup time of the fuel cell is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time.

Images