Electrochemical hydrogen boosting system

Abstract

To provide an electrochemical type hydrogen boosting system which can roughly uniformize water distribution contained in an electrolyte membrane in a short time, and as a result, can early start a hydrogen boosting stack.SOLUTION: An electrochemical type hydrogen boosting system 10 includes a hydrogen boosting stack 22 and a control device 20. The control device 20 includes: an operation control part 100 for allowing the hydrogen boosting stack 22 to supply hydrogen gas, allowing a power source device 24 to supply current to the hydrogen boosting stack 22, and allowing the hydrogen boosting stack 22 to perform boosting operation; and an operation stop control part 102 for allowing the hydrogen boosting stack 22 to supply liquid water, and then allowing the hydrogen boosting stack 22 to supply hydrogen gas, when receiving an operation stop instruction during the boosting operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrochemical hydrogen boosting system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, research and development has been conducted on electrochemical hydrogen boosting systems that contribute to energy efficiency in order to ensure that more people have access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and advanced energy.

[0003] The electrochemical hydrogen boosting system of Patent Document 1 includes an electrochemical hydrogen boosting device that boosts hydrogen. The electrochemical hydrogen boosting device includes a hydrogen boosting stack (hydrogen boosting section) and a power supply (power source). The hydrogen boosting stack has a unit cell including an electrolyte membrane, an anode power supply, and a cathode power supply. The power supply supplies a current to the hydrogen boosting stack, causing the hydrogen boosting stack to generate high-pressure hydrogen gas at a higher pressure than the hydrogen gas supplied to the hydrogen boosting stack.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses that, based on information regarding the wetness state of the electrolyte membrane, the outlet of the hydrogen boosting stack through which unreacted hydrogen gas is discharged is regulated, and water vapor is retained in the unit cell to maintain the electrolyte membrane in a good wet state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-94891 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when the technique of Patent Document 1 is used, there is a problem in that it takes a significant amount of time until the distribution of water contained in the electrolyte membrane becomes roughly uniform.

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An aspect of the present invention is an electrochemical hydrogen boosting system comprising: a hydrogen boosting stack having a unit cell including an electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode, and a cathode electrode; a supply device that supplies hydrogen gas and liquid water to the hydrogen boosting stack; a power supply device that supplies current to the hydrogen boosting stack; and a control device that controls the supply device and the power supply device, wherein the control device comprises an operation control unit that causes the hydrogen boosting stack to supply the hydrogen gas and the power supply device to supply the current from the power supply device to the hydrogen boosting stack, thereby causing the hydrogen boosting stack to perform a boosting operation, and a control unit that causes the liquid water to be supplied to the hydrogen boosting stack when an operation stop command is received during the boosting operation. The electrolyte membrane of each unit cell is uniformly impregnated with the liquid water. Then, the hydrogen gas is supplied to the hydrogen boosting stack. The water content of the electrolyte membrane is adjusted. and an operation stop control unit. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the above aspect, the water distribution in the electrolyte membrane can be made substantially uniform in a short period of time, which allows the hydrogen boosting stack to be started up quickly. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an electrochemical hydrogen boosting system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the moisture content adjusting process according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an electrochemical hydrogen boosting system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the moisture content adjusting process according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an electrochemical hydrogen boosting system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a gas-liquid separator. [Figure 7] FIG. 7A shows the tube in an extended state, and FIG. 7B shows the tube in a shortened state. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an electrochemical hydrogen boosting system according to the seventh modification. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an electrochemical hydrogen boosting system according to the eighth modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] In the following description, the term "upstream" means upstream in the direction of fluid flow (flow direction). Similarly, the term "downstream" means downstream in the direction of fluid flow (flow direction).

[0012] [First embodiment] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an electrochemical hydrogen boosting system 10 according to a first embodiment. The electrochemical hydrogen boosting system 10 includes an electrochemical hydrogen boosting device 12, a supply device 14, a high-pressure hydrogen storage device 16, a gas-liquid separator 18, and a control device 20.

[0013] The electrochemical hydrogen booster 12 is a device that electrochemically boosts the pressure of hydrogen gas. The electrochemical hydrogen booster 12 includes a hydrogen booster stack 22 and a power supply 24.

[0014] The hydrogen booster stack 22 has an inlet port PT1, an outlet port PT2, a high-pressure hydrogen port PT3, and a plurality of unit cells 26. The inlet port PT1 is a port for introducing hydrogen gas. The inlet port PT1 is connected to the anode side of each unit cell 26. The outlet port PT2 is a port for discharging unreacted hydrogen gas. The outlet port PT2 is connected to the anode side of each unit cell 26. The high-pressure hydrogen port PT3 is a port for discharging high-pressure hydrogen gas generated in the unit cell 26. The high-pressure hydrogen port PT3 is connected to the cathode side of each unit cell 26.

[0015] The plurality of unit cells 26 each have the same configuration. Each unit cell 26 has an electrolyte membrane 27, an anode electrode 28 provided on one surface of the electrolyte membrane 27, and a cathode electrode 29 provided on the other surface of the electrolyte membrane 27.

[0016] The electrolyte membrane 27 is, for example, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane (cation exchange membrane). The electrolyte membrane 27 may be reinforced on the anode side with a protective sheet including a fibrous skeleton. The electrolyte membrane 27 may use a fluorine-based electrolyte or an HC (hydrocarbon)-based electrolyte. The electrolyte membrane 27 is sandwiched between an anode electrode 28 and a cathode electrode 29.

[0017] The anode electrode 28 includes an anode catalyst layer bonded to one surface of the electrolyte membrane 27, and an anode power supply laminated on the anode catalyst layer. The cathode electrode 29 includes a cathode catalyst layer bonded to the other surface of the electrolyte membrane 27, and a cathode power supply laminated on the cathode catalyst layer. The anode power supply and the cathode power supply are formed into a structure that allows hydrogen gas to flow through them.

[0018] When a current is supplied between the anode electrode 28 and the cathode electrode 29, a part of the hydrogen gas supplied to the anode electrode 28 from the inlet port PT1 is converted into protons (H + The converted protons are transported through the electrolyte membrane 27 of The protons are transported to the cathode electrode 29 via the anode electrode 28. At the cathode electrode 29, high-pressure hydrogen gas is generated by an electrochemical reaction using the transported protons. The high-pressure hydrogen gas flows out from the high-pressure hydrogen port PT3. Hydrogen gas that has not reacted at the anode electrode 28 flows out from the exhaust port PT2.

[0019] The power supply device 24 supplies a current to the hydrogen booster stack 22. When a current is supplied to the hydrogen booster stack 22, the hydrogen booster stack 22 generates high-pressure hydrogen gas at a pressure higher than the hydrogen gas supplied to the hydrogen booster stack 22.

[0020] The power supply device 24 applies a voltage to the anode electrode 28 and the cathode electrode 29 of each unit cell 26 to supply a current to the unit cell 26. The power supply device 24 is configured to be able to adjust the magnitude of the current supplied to each unit cell 26 under the control of the control device 20. The larger the current supplied to a unit cell 26, the greater the amount of high-pressure hydrogen gas generated in that unit cell 26.

[0021] The supply device 14 is a device that supplies hydrogen gas and liquid water to the hydrogen booster stack 22. The supply device 14 has a hydrogen supply source 30, a humidifier 32, a water source 34, a pump 36, a plurality of flow paths, and a plurality of valves. The plurality of flow paths include a supply path 40, an introduction path 42, an outlet path 44, a water supply path 46, and an unreacted gas path 48. The plurality of valves include a pressure reducing valve 60, a hydrogen supply valve 62, a flow rate adjustment valve 64, an introduction valve 66, an outlet valve 68, a water supply valve 70, and a discharge valve 72.

[0022] The hydrogen supply source 30 is a device capable of supplying hydrogen gas. The hydrogen supply source 30 may be a cylinder formed by collecting a plurality of gas cylinders in which hydrogen gas is stored. The hydrogen supply source 30 supplies hydrogen gas to the hydrogen booster stack 22 via a supply path 40. The hydrogen gas supplied to the hydrogen booster stack 22 flows from an inlet port PT1 of the hydrogen booster stack 22 to the anode side of each unit cell 26.

[0023] The supply path 40 is a path that guides hydrogen gas from the hydrogen supply source 30 to the hydrogen booster stack 22. The upstream end of the supply path 40 is connected to the hydrogen supply source 30. The downstream end of the supply path 40 is connected to an inlet port PT1 of the hydrogen booster stack 22. A pressure reducing valve 60, a hydrogen supply valve 62, and a flow rate control valve 64 are provided in this order on the supply path 40 from upstream to downstream.

[0024] 1, there is one pressure reducing valve 60, but there may be two or more. The hydrogen supply valve 62 opens or closes under the control of the controller 20. The flow rate control valve 64 adjusts the flow rate of hydrogen gas supplied to the hydrogen booster stack 22 under the control of the controller 20.

[0025] The humidifier 32 is a device that humidifies hydrogen gas. The humidifier 32 has a sealed container 80. The humidifier 32 vaporizes liquid water stored in the sealed container 80. The humidifier 32 supplies water vapor to the supply path 40 via the outlet path 44.

[0026] The outlet path 44 is a path that leads water vapor from the humidifier 32 to the supply path 40. The upstream end of the outlet path 44 is disposed in the internal space of the sealed container 80. The downstream end of the outlet path 44 is connected to the supply path 40 between the hydrogen supply valve 62 and the flow rate adjustment valve 64. A outlet valve 68 is provided in the outlet path 44. The outlet valve 68 opens or closes under the control of the control device 20.

[0027] The humidifier 32 may be a bubbler type humidifier. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the humidifier 32 is a bubbler type humidifier. In this case, the humidifier 32 has a bubble generator 82. In this embodiment, the bubble generator 82 is disposed in the liquid water in the sealed container 80. The bubble generator 82 releases hydrogen gas supplied from the supply path 40 via the introduction path 42 into the liquid water as bubbles. In this case, the hydrogen gas contains water vapor. The hydrogen gas containing water vapor is supplied to the supply path 40 via the outlet path 44.

[0028] The introduction path 42 is a path that guides a portion of the hydrogen gas flowing through the supply path 40 from the supply path 40 to the bubble generator 82. The upstream end of the introduction path 42 is connected to a location on the supply path 40 upstream of the location to which the downstream end of the outlet path 44 is connected. The downstream end of the introduction path 42 is connected to the bubble generator 82. An introduction valve 66 is provided in the introduction path 42. The introduction valve 66 opens or closes according to the control of the control device 20.

[0029] A temperature adjustment device 84 may be provided to adjust the temperature of the liquid water stored in the sealed container 80. The temperature adjustment device 84 includes a heat exchanger 86, a circulation path 88 that circulates the liquid water between the heat exchanger 86 and the sealed container 80, and a pump 90 provided in the circulation path 88. The temperature adjustment device 84 drives the pump 90 to circulate the liquid water between the heat exchanger 86 and the sealed container 80 via the circulation path 88, and adjusts the liquid water to a set temperature by heat exchange with the heat exchanger 86.

[0030] The water source 34 is a device capable of supplying liquid water. The water source 34 may be a tank in which liquid water is stored. The water source 34 supplies liquid water to the supply path 40 via a water supply path 46.

[0031] The water supply path 46 is a path that guides liquid water from the water source 34 to the supply path 40. The upstream end of the water supply path 46 is connected to the water source 34. The downstream end of the water supply path 46 is connected to a location in the supply path 40 downstream of the location to which the downstream end of the outlet path 44 is connected.

[0032] The pump 36 is a device that supplies unreacted hydrogen gas discharged from the hydrogen booster stack 22 to the sealed container 80. The pump 36 is provided in the unreacted gas path 48. The pump 36 is driven under the control of the control device 20. When driven, the pump 36 imparts a flow force from the upstream side to the downstream side to the hydrogen gas.

[0033] The unreacted gas path 48 is a path that guides unreacted hydrogen gas discharged from the hydrogen booster stack 22 from the hydrogen booster stack 22 to the sealed container 80. The upstream end of the unreacted gas path 48 is connected to the discharge port PT2 of the hydrogen booster stack 22. The downstream end of the unreacted gas path 48 is connected to the sealed container 80. An exhaust valve 72 is provided in the unreacted gas path 48. The exhaust valve 72 opens or closes according to the control of the control device 20.

[0034] A vent path 50 is connected to the unreacted gas path 48 upstream of the exhaust valve 72. The vent path 50 is a path that guides the hydrogen gas flowing through the unreacted gas path 48 to the atmosphere. A vent valve 74 is provided in the vent path 50. The vent valve 74 opens or closes according to the control of the control device 20. The hydrogen gas that flows out into the unreacted gas path 48 is supplied into a sealed container 80 or exhausted via the vent path 50.

[0035] The high-pressure hydrogen storage device 16 is a device configured to be able to store high-pressure hydrogen gas. The high-pressure hydrogen storage device 16 may be a cylinder consisting of a plurality of gas cylinders in which high-pressure hydrogen gas is stored. The high-pressure hydrogen storage device 16 stores the high-pressure hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen booster stack 22 via the discharge path 52.

[0036] The discharge path 52 is a path that guides high-pressure hydrogen gas discharged from the hydrogen booster stack 22. The upstream end of the discharge path 52 is connected to the high-pressure hydrogen port PT3 of the hydrogen booster stack 22. The downstream end of the discharge path 52 is connected to the high-pressure hydrogen storage device 16. A pressure control valve 76 is provided in the discharge path 52. The pressure control valve 76 is a valve that allows a fluid to flow downstream when the pressure on the upstream side reaches a set pressure. The set pressure is set by the control device 20. Examples of the pressure control valve 76 include a solenoid valve and a back pressure valve.

[0037] The gas-liquid separator 18 is a device that separates each fluid from a multiphase flow of gas and liquid water. The gas-liquid separator 18 is provided in the discharge path 52 between the pressure control valve 76 and the hydrogen booster stack 22. The gas-liquid separator 18 has a water tank section 92. A gas input section 94 and a gas outlet section 96 are formed in the water tank section 92. The gas input section 94 is connected to the downstream end of the upstream section 52A of the discharge path 52. The gas outlet section 96 is connected to the upstream end of the downstream section 52B of the discharge path 52.

[0038] The gas-liquid separator 18 takes in the high-pressure hydrogen gas discharged from the hydrogen booster stack 22 via the gas input section 94. The gas-liquid separator 18 separates moisture (liquid water) in the high-pressure hydrogen gas discharged from the hydrogen booster stack 22. The gas-liquid separator 18, for example, cools the high-pressure hydrogen gas to separate the moisture from the high-pressure hydrogen gas. The gas-liquid separator 18 stores the moisture separated from the high-pressure hydrogen gas in the water tank section 92. The dry high-pressure hydrogen gas, which is the high-pressure hydrogen gas from which the moisture has been separated, is supplied to the high-pressure hydrogen storage device 16 from the gas outlet section 96 via the downstream section 52B of the discharge path 52.

[0039] The control device 20 is a device that controls the electrochemical hydrogen boosting device 12 and the supply device 14. The control device 20 includes one or more processors and a storage medium. The storage medium may be composed of a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. Examples of the processor include a CPU, an MCU, etc. Examples of the volatile memory include a RAM, etc. Examples of the non-volatile memory include a ROM, a flash memory, etc.

[0040] The control device 20 has an operation control unit 100 and an operation stop control unit 102. The operation control unit 100 and the operation stop control unit 102 are realized by a processor executing a program stored in a storage medium. At least one of the operation control unit 100 and the operation stop control unit 102 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. Alternatively, at least one of the operation control unit 100 and the operation stop control unit 102 may be realized by an electronic circuit including a discrete device.

[0041] Upon receiving an operation command, the operation control unit 100 causes the hydrogen booster stack 22 to perform a boosting operation. That is, the operation control unit 100 opens the hydrogen supply valve 62 to supply hydrogen gas from the hydrogen supply source 30 to the hydrogen booster stack 22. The operation control unit 100 also controls the power supply device 24 to supply current from the power supply device 24 to the hydrogen booster stack 22. In this case, a boosting operation is performed in the hydrogen booster stack 22. When the boosting operation is performed, an electrochemical reaction is carried out in each unit cell 26 based on the hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen supply source 30. As a result, high-pressure hydrogen gas is generated on the cathode side of each unit cell 26.

[0042] During the pressure boosting operation, the operation control unit 100 drives the pump 36 and opens the exhaust valve 72 to supply unreacted hydrogen gas in the hydrogen pressure boosting stack 22 to the sealed container 80. The operation control unit 100 also opens the vent valve 74 at any timing to exhaust the hydrogen gas.

[0043] During the pressurization operation, the operation control unit 100 controls the opening degree of the flow rate regulating valve 64 based on the target generation amount of high-pressure hydrogen gas, thereby adjusting the flow rate of hydrogen gas supplied to the hydrogen pressurization stack 22 .

[0044] During the pressure boosting operation, the operation control unit 100 opens the inlet valve 66 and the outlet valve 68 to introduce water vapor into the supply path 40 together with hydrogen gas. In this way, the operation control unit 100 humidifies the hydrogen gas supplied to the hydrogen boosting stack 22. The operation control unit 100 may adjust the flow rate ratio of hydrogen gas that passes through the humidifier 32 and hydrogen gas that does not pass through the humidifier 32 by controlling at least one of the opening degree of the hydrogen supply valve 62 and the opening degree of the inlet valve 66. Note that during the pressure boosting operation, the water supply valve 70 is closed.

[0045] When the operation stop control unit 102 receives an operation stop command while the boosting operation is being performed, it controls the power supply unit 24 to stop the supply of current to the hydrogen booster stack 22. The operation stop control unit 102 also closes the hydrogen supply valve 62, the inlet valve 66, and the outlet valve 68 to stop the supply of hydrogen gas to the hydrogen booster stack 22. Furthermore, the operation stop control unit 102 stops the drive of the pump 36 and closes the exhaust valve 72 to stop the discharge of fluid from the exhaust port PT2 (the anode side of each unit cell 26) of the hydrogen booster stack 22.

[0046] The operation shutdown control unit 102 does not have to close the hydrogen supply valve 62. In this case, the supply of hydrogen gas to the hydrogen booster stack 22 is not stopped. However, since the inlet valve 66 and the outlet valve 68 are closed, the hydrogen gas supplied to the hydrogen booster stack 22 is not humidified.

[0047] When the supply of current to the hydrogen booster stack 22 and the discharge of fluid from the discharge port PT2 (the anode side of each unit cell 26) of the hydrogen booster stack 22 are stopped, the operation shutdown control unit 102 executes a water content adjustment process. The water content adjustment process is a process for adjusting the water content of each unit cell 26. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the steps of the water content adjustment process according to the first embodiment.

[0048] In step S1, the operation shutdown control unit 102 opens the water supply valve 70, and then proceeds to step S2.

[0049] When the water supply valve 70 is opened, liquid water is supplied from the water source 34 to the supply path 40. The liquid water supplied to the supply path 40 flows from the inlet port PT1 of the hydrogen booster stack 22 to the anode side of each unit cell 26. Before the water content adjustment process, the discharge of fluid from the outlet port PT2 of the hydrogen booster stack 22 (the anode side of each unit cell 26) is stopped. Therefore, the liquid water that has flowed to the anode side of each unit cell 26 stagnates. Therefore, the electrolyte membrane 27 of each unit cell 26 is immersed in liquid water.

[0050] In step S2, the operation stop control unit 102 determines whether or not a predetermined water supply period has elapsed since the supply of liquid water was started (the water supply valve 70 was opened). The water supply period is set as a period for supplying a predetermined amount of liquid water based on the cross-sectional area of ​​the pipeline, etc. If the predetermined water supply period has not elapsed, the operation stop control unit 102 determines that the amount of liquid water supplied has not yet reached the predetermined amount. In this case, the operation stop control unit 102 remains in step S2. When the predetermined water supply period has elapsed, the operation stop control unit 102 determines that the amount of liquid water supplied has reached the predetermined amount. In this case, the operation stop control unit 102 proceeds to step S3.

[0051] In step S3, the operation shutdown control unit 102 closes the water supply valve 70, and then proceeds to step S4. When the water supply valve 70 is closed, the supply of liquid water to the hydrogen booster stack 22 is stopped.

[0052] In step S4, the operation stop control unit 102 opens the hydrogen supply valve 62, and then proceeds to step S5. If the hydrogen supply valve 62 is not closed before the start of the water content adjustment process, the operation stop control unit 102 proceeds to step S5 while keeping the hydrogen supply valve 62 open. In this case, the liquid water contained in the electrolyte membrane 27 can be blown off and removed by supplying hydrogen gas.

[0053] When the hydrogen supply valve 62 is opened, hydrogen gas is supplied to the hydrogen booster stack 22 through the supply path 40 without being humidified by the humidifier 32. The hydrogen gas supplied to the hydrogen booster stack 22 flows from the inlet port PT1 to the anode side of each unit cell 26. Before the water content adjustment process, the supply of current to the hydrogen booster stack 22 is stopped. Therefore, high-pressure hydrogen gas is not generated on the cathode side of each unit cell 26, and the gas pressure in the discharge path 52 including the cathode side of each unit cell 26 begins to be reduced. Therefore, the hydrogen gas that has flowed to the anode side of each unit cell 26 passes through the electrolyte membrane 27 of each unit cell 26 and flows to the cathode side of each unit cell 26. At this time, a part of the water remaining in the electrolyte membrane 27 of each unit cell 26 that is immersed in liquid water is pushed to the cathode side of each unit cell 26 by the hydrogen gas. The water pushed out to the cathode side of each unit cell 26 is discharged from the high-pressure hydrogen port PT3 together with the hydrogen gas, and is stored in the water tank section 92 of the gas-liquid separator 18. Meanwhile, since the gas pressure in the discharge path 52 is reduced, the hydrogen gas discharged from the high-pressure hydrogen port PT3 does not flow downstream from the pressure control valve 76.

[0054] In step S5, the operation shutdown control unit 102 determines whether or not a predetermined gas supply period has elapsed since the supply of liquid water was stopped. The gas supply period is set as a period for supplying a predetermined amount of hydrogen gas based on the cross-sectional area of ​​the pipeline, etc. If the predetermined gas supply period has not elapsed, the operation shutdown control unit 102 determines that the supply amount of hydrogen gas has not yet reached a predetermined amount. In this case, the operation shutdown control unit 102 remains in step S5. When the predetermined gas supply period has elapsed, the operation shutdown control unit 102 determines that the supply amount of hydrogen gas has reached a predetermined amount. In this case, the operation shutdown control unit 102 proceeds to step S6.

[0055] In step S6, the operation shutdown control unit 102 closes the hydrogen supply valve 62, and then ends the water content adjustment process.

[0056] As described above, in this embodiment, when the operation stop control unit 102 receives an operation stop command while the boosting operation is being performed, it causes liquid water to be supplied to the hydrogen booster stack 22, and then causes hydrogen gas to be supplied to the hydrogen booster stack 22.

[0057] Therefore, after the electrolyte membrane 27 of each unit cell 26 in the hydrogen booster stack 22 is uniformly saturated with water, the water content of the electrolyte membrane 27 can be appropriately adjusted by supplying hydrogen gas. This makes it possible to uniformize the water distribution in the electrolyte membrane 27 in a short period of time. As a result, the hydrogen booster stack 22 can be started up quickly.

[0058] [Second embodiment] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an electrochemical hydrogen boosting system 10 according to a second embodiment. In Fig. 3, the same components as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Note that in this embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0059] In this embodiment, the water source 34, the water supply path 46, and the water supply valve 70 are not provided. On the other hand, in this embodiment, a water return path 104, a hydrogen return path 106, a water return valve 108, and a hydrogen return valve 110 are newly provided. The water return path 104, the hydrogen return path 106, the water return valve 108, and the hydrogen return valve 110 are included in the supply device 14. Also, in this embodiment, the gas-liquid separator 18 is included in the supply device 14, and the water tank portion 92 of the gas-liquid separator 18 is substituted for the water source 34.

[0060] The water return path 104 is a path that guides liquid water from the gas-liquid separator 18 to the supply path 40. The upstream end of the water return path 104 is connected to a water outlet portion 112 formed in the water tank portion 92. The downstream end of the water return path 104 is connected to a location in the supply path 40 downstream of the location to which the downstream end of the outlet path 44 is connected.

[0061] The hydrogen return path 106 is a path that guides high-pressure hydrogen gas from the gas-liquid separator 18 to the supply path 40. The upstream end of the hydrogen return path 106 is connected to a hydrogen outlet portion 114 formed in the water tank portion 92. The downstream end of the hydrogen return path 106 is connected to a location in the supply path 40 downstream of the location to which the downstream end of the outlet path 44 is connected.

[0062] The water return valve 108 is provided in the water return path 104. The water return valve 108 opens or closes in response to control of the control device 20. The hydrogen return valve 110 is provided in the hydrogen return path 106. The hydrogen return valve 110 opens or closes in response to control of the control device 20.

[0063] The water outlet portion 112 is a port for discharging liquid water from the water tank portion 92. The water outlet portion 112 may be formed in the bottom wall of the water tank portion 92, or may be formed in the side wall of the water tank portion 92. The hydrogen outlet portion 114 is a port for discharging high-pressure hydrogen gas from the water tank portion 92. The hydrogen outlet portion 114 may be formed in the top wall of the water tank portion 92, or may be formed in the side wall of the water tank portion 92. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the water outlet portion 112 is formed in the bottom wall of the water tank portion 92, and the hydrogen outlet portion 114 is formed in the side wall of the water tank portion 92. When the water outlet portion 112 is formed in the side wall of the water tank portion 92, the water outlet portion 112 is formed below the gas outlet portion 96 and the hydrogen outlet portion 114.

[0064] Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the moisture content adjustment process according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 4, steps equivalent to those described in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals. Note that in this embodiment, explanations that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0065] In this embodiment, before the start of the water content adjustment process, the operation shutdown control unit 102 closes the hydrogen supply valve 62. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of hydrogen gas consumed in the hydrogen supply source 30, compared to a case in which the hydrogen supply valve 62 is not closed before the start of the water content adjustment process.

[0066] In step S11, the operation stop control unit 102 opens the water return valve 108, and then proceeds to step S2.

[0067] When the water return valve 108 opens, the liquid water stored in the water tank portion 92 of the gas-liquid separator 18 is pushed by the high-pressure hydrogen gas and flows through the water return path 104 to the supply path 40. As described above, the liquid water that has flowed into the supply path 40 flows to the anode side of each unit cell 26 of the hydrogen boosting stack 22 and stagnates. Therefore, the electrolyte membrane 27 of each unit cell 26 is immersed in the liquid water.

[0068] In step S13, the operation stop control unit 102 closes the water return valve 108, and then proceeds to step S 14. When the water return valve 108 is closed, the supply of liquid water to the hydrogen booster stack 22 is stopped.

[0069] In step S14, the operation shutdown control unit 102 opens the hydrogen return valve 110, and then the process proceeds to step S5.

[0070] When the hydrogen return valve 110 opens, the high-pressure exhaust path 52 communicates with the supply path 40, which has a lower pressure than the exhaust path 52. As a result, the gas pressure in the exhaust path 52, including the cathode side of each unit cell 26, begins to decrease. The rate of this decrease is faster than in the first embodiment.

[0071] When the discharge path 52 and the supply path 40 are in communication with each other, the hydrogen gas (high-pressure hydrogen gas) in the water tank section 92 is supplied to the supply path 40 from the gas-liquid separator 18 via the hydrogen return path 106 due to the pressure difference in gas pressure between the discharge path 52 and the supply path 40. The hydrogen gas supplied to the supply path 40 flows from the anode side of each unit cell 26 of the hydrogen boosting stack 22 to the cathode side via the electrolyte membrane 27, as described above. The water pushed out from the electrolyte membrane 27 to the cathode side of the unit cell 26 is stored in the water tank section 92 of the gas-liquid separator 18, as described above. On the other hand, the hydrogen gas flowing to the cathode side of each unit cell 26 does not flow downstream from the pressure control valve 76, as described above, but remains in the discharge path 52.

[0072] In step S16, the operation shutdown control unit 102 closes the hydrogen return valve 110, and then ends the water content adjustment process.

[0073] As described above, in this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, when the operation stop control unit 102 receives an operation stop command during the boosting operation, it causes liquid water to be supplied to the hydrogen boost stack 22 and then causes hydrogen gas to be supplied to the hydrogen boost stack 22. Therefore, after the electrolyte membrane 27 of each unit cell 26 in the hydrogen boost stack 22 is uniformly saturated with water, the water content of the electrolyte membrane 27 can be appropriately adjusted by supplying hydrogen gas. This makes it possible to make the water distribution contained in the electrolyte membrane 27 approximately uniform in a short period of time.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the liquid water supplied to the hydrogen boost stack 22 is liquid water stored in the water tank portion 92 of the gas-liquid separator 18. In other words, the liquid water is moisture separated from the high-pressure hydrogen gas obtained during the boost operation. Therefore, the water source 34 does not need to be provided in the electrochemical hydrogen boost system 10. As a result, the water distribution contained in the electrolyte membrane 27 can be made substantially uniform in a short period of time while suppressing an increase in the number of parts in the electrochemical hydrogen boost system 10. In addition, the liquid water can be used efficiently.

[0075] Furthermore, since dry hydrogen gas from which water has been separated by the gas-liquid separator 18 is supplied to the hydrogen boosting stack 22, the water content of the electrolyte membrane 27 can be quickly adjusted and the hydrogen gas can be efficiently utilized.

[0076] Furthermore, the liquid water is pushed out of the gas-liquid separator 18 by the high-pressure hydrogen gas, and is supplied to the hydrogen booster stack 22. Meanwhile, the hydrogen gas is supplied from the gas-liquid separator 18 to the hydrogen booster stack 22 due to the difference in gas pressure between the exhaust path 52 and the supply path 40. This eliminates the need for a pump. This makes it possible to substantially uniform the distribution of water contained in the electrolyte membrane 27 in a short period of time, while suppressing an increase in the number of parts in the electrochemical hydrogen booster system 10.

[0077] [Third embodiment] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an electrochemical hydrogen boosting system 10 according to a third embodiment. In Fig. 5, the same components as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Note that in this embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0078] In this embodiment, the water source 34, the water supply path 46, and the water supply valve 70 are not provided. On the other hand, in this embodiment, a return path 116, a return valve 118, and a pressure detector 120 are newly provided. The return path 116 and the return valve 118 are included in the supply device 14. Also, in this embodiment, the gas-liquid separator 18 is included in the supply device 14, and the water tank portion 92 of the gas-liquid separator 18 is substituted for the water source 34.

[0079] The return path 116 is a path that guides liquid water and high-pressure hydrogen gas (dry high-pressure hydrogen gas) from the gas-liquid separator 18 to the supply path 40. The upstream end of the return path 116 is connected to a gas-liquid outlet section 122 formed in the water tank section 92. The downstream end of the return path 116 is connected to a location in the supply path 40 downstream of the location to which the downstream end of the outlet path 44 is connected. A return valve 118 is provided in the return path 116. The return valve 118 opens or closes according to the control of the control device 20. The pressure detector 120 is a device that detects the gas pressure in the discharge path 52. The pressure detector 120 outputs the detection result to the control device 20.

[0080] In this embodiment, before the start of the water content adjustment process, the operation shutdown control unit 102 closes the hydrogen supply valve 62. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of hydrogen gas consumed in the hydrogen supply source 30, compared to a case in which the hydrogen supply valve 62 is not closed before the start of the water content adjustment process.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the moisture content adjustment process is performed by the operation stop control unit 102 only by opening and closing the return valve 118. That is, the operation stop control unit 102 opens the return valve 118 when the moisture content adjustment process is started.

[0082] When the return valve 118 opens, the liquid water stored in the water tank portion 92 of the gas-liquid separator 18 is pushed by the high-pressure hydrogen gas and flows through the return path 116 to the supply path 40. As described above, the liquid water that has flowed into the supply path 40 flows to the anode side of each unit cell 26 of the hydrogen boosting stack 22 and stagnates there. Therefore, the electrolyte membrane 27 of each unit cell 26 is immersed in the liquid water.

[0083] When the liquid water stored in the water tank portion 92 is exhausted, the high-pressure exhaust path 52 communicates with the supply path 40, which has a lower pressure than the exhaust path 52. Therefore, the gas pressure in the exhaust path 52 including the cathode side of each unit cell 26 starts to decrease. The rate of decrease in pressure is faster than that in the first embodiment.

[0084] When the discharge path 52 and the supply path 40 are connected, the hydrogen gas (high-pressure hydrogen gas) in the water tank section 92 is supplied to the supply path 40 from the gas-liquid separator 18 via the return path 116 due to the pressure difference in gas pressure between the discharge path 52 and the supply path 40. As described above, the hydrogen gas supplied to the supply path 40 flows from the anode side of each unit cell 26 of the hydrogen boosting stack 22 to the cathode side via the electrolyte membrane 27. The water pushed out from the electrolyte membrane 27 to the cathode side of the unit cell 26 is stored in the water tank section 92 of the gas-liquid separator 18 as described above. On the other hand, the hydrogen gas flowing to the cathode side of each unit cell 26 does not flow downstream from the pressure control valve 76 as described above.

[0085] The operation stop control unit 102 compares the gas pressure detected by the pressure detector 120 with a predetermined pressure threshold at a predetermined cycle after the return valve 118 is opened. When the gas pressure falls below the pressure threshold, the operation stop control unit 102 closes the return valve 118. This makes it possible to supply an appropriate amount of hydrogen gas to the hydrogen booster stack 22. When the operation stop control unit 102 closes the return valve 118, it ends the water content adjustment process.

[0086] As described above, in this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, when the operation stop control unit 102 receives an operation stop command while the boosting operation is being performed, it causes liquid water to be supplied to the hydrogen booster stack 22, and then causes hydrogen gas to be supplied to the hydrogen booster stack 22. Therefore, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained in this embodiment.

[0087] Also, in this embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the liquid water supplied to the hydrogen booster stack 22 is liquid water stored in the water tank portion 92 of the gas-liquid separator 18. Also, similar to the second embodiment, the hydrogen gas supplied to the hydrogen booster stack 22 is dry hydrogen gas from which water has been separated by the gas-liquid separator 18. Furthermore, similar to the second embodiment, the liquid water is pushed out of the gas-liquid separator 18 by the high-pressure hydrogen gas and supplied to the hydrogen booster stack 22. Meanwhile, the hydrogen gas is supplied from the gas-liquid separator 18 to the hydrogen booster stack 22 due to the pressure difference in gas pressure between the exhaust path 52 and the supply path 40. Therefore, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained in this embodiment.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the water content adjustment process performed by the operation stop control unit 102 is simply to open and close the return valve 118. Therefore, the processing load on the control device 20 can be reduced.

[0089] The above embodiment can be modified as follows.

[0090] (Variation 1) 6 is a schematic diagram showing the gas-liquid separator 18. In the second or third embodiment, the gas-liquid separator 18 may have a pipe portion 124. The pipe portion 124 protrudes from the bottom wall of the water tank portion 92 into the internal space of the water tank portion 92. The tip of the pipe portion 124 communicates with the internal space of the water tank portion 92. The base end of the pipe portion 124 communicates with the return path 116.

[0091] By providing the pipe section 124, it is possible to set the gas pressure in the water tank section 92 at the time when the liquid water finishes flowing out. In other words, the gas pressure in the water tank section 92 at the time when the liquid water finishes flowing out can be adjusted by the length of the pipe section 124. This makes it possible to prevent the pressure difference in gas pressure between the exhaust path 52 and the supply path 40 from disappearing at the timing when the liquid water finishes flowing out. Therefore, hydrogen gas can be reliably supplied from the gas-liquid separator 18 to the supply path 40 by the pressure difference in gas pressure.

[0092] (Variation 2) 7A shows the pipe portion 124 in an extended state, and FIG. 7B shows the pipe portion 124 in a shortened state. In the third embodiment, the gas-liquid separator 18 may have the pipe portion 124 and a pipe drive portion 126.

[0093] In this modified example, the tube portion 124 is formed in a telescopic structure. The telescopic structure is a structure in which two or more overlapping tubes can expand and contract. A seal member that suppresses the intrusion of liquid water is provided between the two or more tubes. The tube drive unit 126 drives the tube portion 124. For example, the tube drive unit 126 shortens the tube portion 124 by pushing in the tip portion of the tube portion 124 in response to the forward rotation of the motor. Also, the tube drive unit 126 extends the tube portion 124 by pulling the tip portion of the tube portion 124 in response to the reverse rotation of the motor.

[0094] In this modification, the operation stop control unit 102 controls the pipe driving unit 126 to adjust the length of the pipe unit 124. This makes it possible to appropriately set the gas pressure in the water tank unit 92 according to the water level in the water tank unit 92 at the time when the liquid water has finished flowing out.

[0095] For example, the operation stop control unit 102 adjusts the length of the pipe section 124 depending on the water level of the water tank section 92 detected by a water level detector provided in the water tank section 92. In this case, for example, the operation stop control unit 102 increases the length of the pipe section 124 as the water level of the water tank section 92 increases.

[0096] (Variation 3) In the second or third embodiment, the operation stop control unit 102 may calculate the amount of water discharged from the gas-liquid separator 18 based on the water level of the liquid water stored in the gas-liquid separator 18, and change the timing for closing the water return valve 108 or the return valve 118 according to the amount of water. This makes it possible to automatically set the gas supply period according to the amount of liquid water supplied.

[0097] (Variation 4) In the second or third embodiment, when the water level in the water tank section 92 at the start of the water content adjustment process exceeds a predetermined upper limit, the operation stop control section 102 may open the hydrogen supply valve 62. This makes it possible to replenish the hydrogen gas supplied to the hydrogen booster stack 22. As a result, even if a large amount of liquid water is supplied to the hydrogen booster stack 22, the water content of the electrolyte membrane 27 can be made appropriate.

[0098] (Variation 5) In the first, second or third embodiment, the operation shutdown control unit 102 does not have to stop the discharge of fluid from the discharge port PT2 (the anode side of each unit cell 26) of the hydrogen booster stack 22 before the water content adjustment process. In this case, the amount of water supply can be reduced compared to the case where the discharge of fluid from the discharge port PT2 of the hydrogen booster stack 22 is stopped. period By setting the time t1 to be long, it is possible to allow a sufficient amount of liquid water to be contained in the electrolyte membrane 27. In this modification, the operation shutdown control unit 102 stops the discharge of fluid from the discharge port PT2 of the hydrogen booster stack 22 during or after the water content adjustment process.

[0099] (Variation 6) In the first, second or third embodiment, when the operation shutdown control unit 102 receives an operation shutdown command while the boosting operation is being performed, the operation shutdown control unit 102 may perform a water content adjustment process while gradually reducing the current to the hydrogen boosting stack 22.

[0100] (Variation 7) Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an electrochemical hydrogen boosting system 10 according to Modification 7. In Fig. 8, the same components as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Note that in this embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0101] In this modification, the water source 34, the water supply path 46, and the water supply valve 70 are not provided. On the other hand, in this modification, a water supply path 128, a pump 130, and a path switch 132 are newly provided. The water supply path 128, the pump 130, and the path switch 132 are included in the supply device 14. Also, in this modification, the sealed container 80 of the humidifier 32 is substituted for the water source 34.

[0102] The water supply path 128 is a path that guides liquid water from the humidifier 32 to the supply path 40. The upstream end of the water supply path 128 is connected to the sealed container 80. The downstream end of the water supply path 128 is connected to the path switch 132.

[0103] The pump 130 is a device that supplies liquid water stored in the sealed container 80 to the hydrogen booster stack 22. The pump 130 is provided in the water supply path 128. The pump 130 is driven under the control of the control device 20. When driven, the pump 130 imparts a flow force from the upstream side to the downstream side to the hydrogen gas.

[0104] The path switch 132 is a device that switches whether to connect the water supply path 128 to the supply path 40 or to cut off the connection. The path switch 132 switches the connection according to the control of the control device 20. The path switch 132 is, for example, a three-way valve. The path switch 132 is provided at a position downstream of the point at which the downstream end of the outlet path 44 is connected in the supply path 40.

[0105] In this modification, during the boosting operation, the operation control unit 100 controls the path switch 132 not to connect the water supply path 128 to the supply path 40. In this case, hydrogen gas is supplied from the hydrogen supply source 30 to the hydrogen booster stack 22.

[0106] On the other hand, the operation stop control unit 102 starts the water content adjustment process (closes the hydrogen supply valve 62) and then period The pump 130 is driven and the water supply path 128 is connected to the supply path 40 until the time has elapsed. period After this time has elapsed, the pump 130 is stopped, the water supply path 128 is disconnected from the supply path 40, and the hydrogen supply valve 62 is opened. This provides the same effects as in the first embodiment.

[0107] The water supply path 128, the pump 130, and the path switch 132 may be applied to the second or third embodiment. For example, when the water level in the water tank unit 92 at the start of the water content adjustment process is below a predetermined water level threshold, the operation stop control unit 102 drives the pump 130 and connects the water supply path 128 to the supply path 40. This makes it possible to replenish the liquid water from the sealed container 80 even if the amount of liquid water stored in the water tank unit 92 is small, and as a result, an appropriate amount of liquid water can be supplied to the hydrogen booster stack 22.

[0108] (Variation 8) Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an electrochemical hydrogen boosting system 10 according to Modification 8. In Fig. 9, the same components as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Note that in this embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0109] In this modified example, a second gas-liquid separator 134 and a drainage path 136 are newly provided.

[0110] The second gas-liquid separator 134 is provided in the unreacted gas path 48. The second gas-liquid separator 134 has a water tank section 92A. A gas input section 94A, a gas outlet section 96A, and a water outlet section 112A are formed in the water tank section 92A. The second gas-liquid separator 134 separates moisture in the unreacted hydrogen gas discharged from the hydrogen booster stack 22 and stores it in the water tank section 92A. The drainage path 136 is a path that guides liquid water from the second gas-liquid separator 134 to the humidifier 32. The upstream end of the drainage path 136 is connected to the water outlet section 112A. The downstream end of the drainage path 136 is connected to the sealed container 80.

[0111] In this modification, the moisture in the unreacted hydrogen gas discharged from the hydrogen booster stack 22 can be used as a humidification source, and as a result, liquid water can be used efficiently.

[0112] (Variation 9) The bubble generator 82, the introduction path 42, and the introduction valve 66 may be omitted from the electrochemical hydrogen boosting system 10. The hydrogen gas flowing through the supply path 40 can be humidified even without providing the bubble generator 82, the introduction path 42, and the introduction valve 66. Therefore, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained even without providing the bubble generator 82, the introduction path 42, and the introduction valve 66.

[0113] The invention and effects that can be understood from the above description will be described below.

[0114] (1) The present invention relates to an electrochemical hydrogen boosting system (10) including a hydrogen boosting stack (22) having a unit cell (26) including an electrolyte membrane (27), an anode electrode (28), and a cathode electrode (29), a supply device (14) that supplies hydrogen gas and liquid water to the hydrogen boosting stack, a power supply device (24) that supplies current to the hydrogen boosting stack, and a control device (20) that controls the supply device and the power supply device. The control device includes an operation control unit (100) that causes the hydrogen boosting stack to supply the hydrogen gas and the power supply device to supply the current to the hydrogen boosting stack, thereby causing the hydrogen boosting stack to perform a boosting operation, and an operation stop control unit (102) that, when receiving an operation stop command during the boosting operation, causes the liquid water to be supplied to the hydrogen boosting stack and then causes the hydrogen gas to be supplied to the hydrogen boosting stack.

[0115] Therefore, after the electrolyte membrane of each unit cell in the hydrogen boosting stack is uniformly saturated with water, the water content of the electrolyte membrane can be appropriately adjusted by supplying hydrogen gas. This makes it possible to uniformize the water distribution in the electrolyte membrane in a short period of time. As a result, the hydrogen boosting stack can be started up quickly.

[0116] (2) The present invention relates to an electrochemical hydrogen boosting system as described in (1) above, wherein the supply device includes a hydrogen supply valve (62) provided in a supply path (40) that guides the hydrogen gas from a hydrogen supply source (30) to the hydrogen boosting stack, and a water supply valve (70) provided in a water supply path (46) that guides the liquid water from a water source (34) to the supply path, and the operation stop control unit controls a predetermined water supply valve (70) in response to the operation stop command. period The water supply valve is opened until a predetermined time has elapsed, and the supply of the liquid water is stopped and then a predetermined gas supply is started. period After the predetermined time has elapsed, the hydrogen supply valve may be closed.

[0117] This allows liquid water and hydrogen gas to be supplied through the supply path used during the boosting operation, and therefore, without changing the structure of the hydrogen boosting stack, the electrolyte membrane of each unit cell in the hydrogen boosting stack can be uniformly saturated with water, and then the water content of the electrolyte membrane can be appropriately adjusted by supplying hydrogen gas.

[0118] (3) The present invention relates to the electrochemical hydrogen boosting system described in (1) above, wherein the supply device comprises a gas-liquid separator (18) provided in a discharge path (52) that guides high-pressure hydrogen gas discharged from the hydrogen boosting stack and separates moisture in the high-pressure hydrogen gas, a hydrogen supply valve provided in a supply path that guides the hydrogen gas from a hydrogen supply source to the hydrogen boosting stack, a water return valve (108) provided in a water return path (104) that guides the liquid water from the gas-liquid separator to the supply path, and a hydrogen return valve (110) provided in a hydrogen return path (106) that guides the high-pressure hydrogen gas from the gas-liquid separator to the supply path, and the operation stop control unit closes the hydrogen supply valve and then period The water return valve is opened until the predetermined time has elapsed, and after the supply of the liquid water is stopped, the hydrogen return valve is opened and a predetermined gas supply is started. period After the elapse of the time period, the hydrogen return valve may be closed.

[0119] This allows liquid water and hydrogen gas to be supplied to the hydrogen booster stack via the supply path used during the boosting operation, and therefore, without changing the structure of the hydrogen booster stack, the electrolyte membrane of each unit cell in the hydrogen booster stack can be uniformly saturated with water, and then the water content of the electrolyte membrane can be appropriately adjusted by supplying hydrogen gas.

[0120] Furthermore, the water separated from the high-pressure hydrogen gas obtained during the boosting operation can be supplied to the hydrogen boosting stack. Therefore, a water source does not need to be installed in the electrochemical hydrogen boosting system. As a result, the water distribution in the electrolyte membrane can be made substantially uniform in a short period of time while suppressing an increase in the number of parts in the electrochemical hydrogen boosting system. In addition, liquid water can be used efficiently.

[0121] Furthermore, the dry hydrogen gas from which the water has been separated by the gas-liquid separator can be supplied to the hydrogen boosting stack, making it possible to quickly adjust the water content of the electrolyte membrane and efficiently utilize the hydrogen gas.

[0122] Furthermore, the liquid water is pushed out of the gas-liquid separator by the high-pressure hydrogen gas and supplied to the hydrogen booster stack. Meanwhile, the hydrogen gas is supplied from the gas-liquid separator to the hydrogen booster stack due to the difference in gas pressure between the exhaust path and the supply path. This eliminates the need for a pump. This makes it possible to substantially uniform the water distribution in the electrolyte membrane in a short period of time while minimizing an increase in the number of parts in the electrochemical hydrogen booster system.

[0123] (4) The present invention is the electrochemical hydrogen boost system described in (1) above, wherein the supply device comprises a gas-liquid separator provided in a discharge path that guides high-pressure hydrogen gas discharged from the hydrogen boost stack, and that separates moisture from the high-pressure hydrogen gas; a hydrogen supply valve provided in a supply path that guides the hydrogen gas from a hydrogen supply source to the hydrogen boost stack; and a return valve (118) provided in a return path (116) that guides the liquid water and the high-pressure hydrogen gas from the gas-liquid separator to the supply path, and the operation stop control unit may close the hydrogen supply valve and then open the return valve, thereby discharging the liquid water and the high-pressure hydrogen gas from the gas-liquid separator to the return path in this order.

[0124] This allows liquid water and hydrogen gas to be supplied to the hydrogen booster stack via the supply path used during the boosting operation, and therefore, without changing the structure of the hydrogen booster stack, the electrolyte membrane of each unit cell in the hydrogen booster stack can be uniformly saturated with water, and then the water content of the electrolyte membrane can be appropriately adjusted by supplying hydrogen gas.

[0125] Furthermore, the water separated from the high-pressure hydrogen gas obtained during the boosting operation can be supplied to the hydrogen boosting stack. Therefore, a water source does not need to be installed in the electrochemical hydrogen boosting system. As a result, the water distribution in the electrolyte membrane can be made substantially uniform in a short period of time while suppressing an increase in the number of parts in the electrochemical hydrogen boosting system. In addition, liquid water can be used efficiently.

[0126] Furthermore, the dry hydrogen gas from which the water has been separated by the gas-liquid separator can be supplied to the hydrogen boosting stack, making it possible to quickly adjust the water content of the electrolyte membrane and efficiently utilize the hydrogen gas.

[0127] Furthermore, the liquid water is pushed out of the gas-liquid separator by the high-pressure hydrogen gas and supplied to the hydrogen booster stack. Meanwhile, the hydrogen gas is supplied from the gas-liquid separator to the hydrogen booster stack due to the difference in gas pressure between the exhaust path and the supply path. This eliminates the need for a pump. This makes it possible to substantially uniform the water distribution in the electrolyte membrane in a short period of time while minimizing an increase in the number of parts in the electrochemical hydrogen booster system.

[0128] Furthermore, liquid water and hydrogen gas can be supplied to the hydrogen booster stack simply by opening the return valve, thereby reducing the processing load on the control device.

[0129] (5) The present invention is the electrochemical hydrogen boost system described in (4) above, wherein the operation stop control unit calculates the amount of water discharged from the gas-liquid separator based on the water level of the liquid water stored in the gas-liquid separator, and may change the timing of closing the return valve depending on the amount of water.

[0130] This makes it possible to automatically set the gas supply period according to the amount of liquid water supplied.

[0131] (6) The present invention is an electrochemical hydrogen boosting system as described in (4) above, wherein when the pressure of the high-pressure hydrogen gas in the exhaust path becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure threshold, the operation stop control unit may close the return valve.

[0132] This allows an appropriate amount of hydrogen gas to be supplied to the hydrogen boosting stack.

[0133] (7) The present invention is the electrochemical hydrogen boosting system described in (4) above, wherein the gas-liquid separator may further have a water tank portion (92) for storing the water, and a pipe portion (124) protruding from a bottom wall of the water tank portion into an internal space of the water tank portion, with a tip end communicating with the internal space and a base end communicating with the return path.

[0134] This allows the gas pressure in the water tank section at the time when the liquid water has finished flowing out to be adjusted by the length of the tube section. This makes it possible to prevent the gas pressure difference between the exhaust path and the supply path from disappearing at the time when the liquid water has finished flowing out. This allows hydrogen gas to be reliably supplied from the gas-liquid separator to the supply path by the gas pressure difference.

[0135] (8) The present invention relates to the electrochemical hydrogen boosting system described above in (7), wherein the tube section is formed to be extendable and retractable, the gas-liquid separator further has a tube drive unit (126) that extends or shortens the tube section, and the operation stop control unit controls the tube drive unit to adjust the length of the tube section.

[0136] This makes it possible to automatically set the gas pressure in the water tank section at the time when the outflow of liquid water has finished, depending on the water level in the water tank section, etc.

[0137] (9) The present invention relates to an electrochemical hydrogen boost system as described in any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the operation stop control unit may supply the liquid water to the hydrogen boost stack after stopping the supply of current to the hydrogen boost stack or while reducing the current supplied to the hydrogen boost stack.

[0138] This reduces the amount of oxygen gas generated by electrolysis of moisture remaining in the unit cell, thereby reducing the concentration of oxygen gas mixed with hydrogen gas supplied to the hydrogen boosting stack, thereby suppressing the occurrence of chemical reactions between oxygen gas and hydrogen gas.

[0139] (10) The present invention may be the electrochemical hydrogen boosting system described in (1) above, further comprising: a humidifier (32) for humidifying the hydrogen gas flowing through a supply path that guides the hydrogen gas from a hydrogen supply source to the hydrogen boosting stack; a second gas-liquid separator (134) provided in an unreacted gas path (48) that guides the unreacted hydrogen gas discharged from the hydrogen boosting stack, for separating moisture in the unreacted hydrogen gas; and a drainage path (136) that guides the moisture separated by the second gas-liquid separator to the humidifier.

[0140] This allows efficient use of liquid water.

[0141] The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 10...Electrochemical hydrogen boosting system 12...Electrochemical hydrogen boosting device 14...Supply device 16...High-pressure hydrogen storage device 18...gas-liquid separator 20...control device 22... Hydrogen booster stack 24... Power supply unit 26...Unit cell 27...Electrolyte membrane 28...Anode electrode 29...Cathode electrode 30... Hydrogen source 32... Humidifier 34...Water source 40...Supply route 52...exhaust path 62...hydrogen supply valve 70...Water supply valve 92...Water tank section 100: Operation control unit 102: Operation stop control unit 104... Water return path 106... Hydrogen return path 108...Water return valve 110...Hydrogen return valve 124... Tube section 126... Tube drive section 134... second gas-liquid separator 136... drainage path

Claims

1. a hydrogen boosting stack including a unit cell including an electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode, and a cathode electrode; A supply device for supplying hydrogen gas and liquid water to the hydrogen boosting stack; A power supply device that supplies current to the hydrogen boosting stack; a control device that controls the supply device and the power supply device; An electrochemical hydrogen boosting system comprising: The control device includes: an operation control unit that causes the hydrogen gas to be supplied to the hydrogen booster stack and the current to be supplied from the power supply device to the hydrogen booster stack, thereby causing the hydrogen booster stack to perform a boosting operation; an operation stop control unit that, when receiving an operation stop command during the pressurization operation, supplies the liquid water to the hydrogen pressurization stack, uniformly soaks the electrolyte membrane of each of the unit cells in the liquid water, and then supplies the hydrogen gas to the hydrogen pressurization stack to adjust the water content of the electrolyte membrane; An electrochemical hydrogen boosting system comprising:

2. 2. The electrochemical hydrogen boosting system according to claim 1, The supply device comprises: a hydrogen supply valve provided in a supply path that guides the hydrogen gas from a hydrogen supply source to the hydrogen boosting stack; a water supply valve provided in a water supply passage that guides the liquid water from a water source to the supply passage; Equipped with the operation stop control unit opens the water supply valve until a predetermined water supply period has elapsed since the operation stop command, and closes the hydrogen supply valve when a predetermined gas supply period has elapsed since the supply of the liquid water was stopped.

3. 2. The electrochemical hydrogen boosting system according to claim 1, The supply device comprises: a gas-liquid separator provided in a discharge path for guiding high-pressure hydrogen gas discharged from the hydrogen boosting stack, the gas-liquid separator separating moisture from the high-pressure hydrogen gas; a hydrogen supply valve provided in a supply path that guides the hydrogen gas from a hydrogen supply source to the hydrogen boosting stack; a water return valve provided in a water return passage that guides the liquid water from the gas-liquid separator to the supply passage; a hydrogen return valve provided in a hydrogen return passage that guides the high-pressure hydrogen gas from the gas-liquid separator to the supply passage; Equipped with an operation stop control unit that opens the water return valve until a predetermined water supply period has elapsed since the hydrogen supply valve is closed, opens the hydrogen return valve after the supply of the liquid water is stopped, and closes the hydrogen return valve after a predetermined gas supply period has elapsed.

4. 2. The electrochemical hydrogen boosting system according to claim 1, The supply device comprises: a gas-liquid separator provided in a discharge path for guiding high-pressure hydrogen gas discharged from the hydrogen boosting stack, the gas-liquid separator separating moisture from the high-pressure hydrogen gas; a hydrogen supply valve provided in a supply path that guides the hydrogen gas from a hydrogen supply source to the hydrogen boosting stack; a return valve provided in a return path that guides the liquid water and the high-pressure hydrogen gas from the gas-liquid separator to the supply path; Equipped with The operation stop control unit closes the hydrogen supply valve and then opens the return valve, thereby discharging the liquid water and the high-pressure hydrogen gas from the gas-liquid separator to the return path in that order.

5. 5. The electrochemical hydrogen boosting system according to claim 4, The operation stop control unit calculates the amount of water discharged from the gas-liquid separator based on the water level of the liquid water stored in the gas-liquid separator, and changes the timing for closing the return valve in accordance with the amount of water.

6. 5. The electrochemical hydrogen boosting system according to claim 4, When the pressure of the high-pressure hydrogen gas in the discharge path becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure threshold, the operation stop control unit closes the return valve.

7. 5. The electrochemical hydrogen boosting system according to claim 4, The gas-liquid separator comprises: A water tank portion for storing the water; The electrochemical hydrogen boosting system further comprises a pipe section that protrudes from a bottom wall of the water tank section into the internal space of the water tank section, the tip of which communicates with the internal space and the base end of which communicates with the return path.

8. 8. The electrochemical hydrogen boosting system according to claim 7, The tube portion is formed to be expandable and contractible, The gas-liquid separator further includes a pipe drive unit that extends or shortens the pipe unit, The operation shutdown control unit controls the tube drive unit to adjust the length of the tube section.

9. The electrochemical hydrogen boosting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The operation stop control unit supplies the liquid water to the hydrogen booster stack after stopping the supply of the current to the hydrogen booster stack or while reducing the current supplied to the hydrogen booster stack.

10. 2. The electrochemical hydrogen boosting system according to claim 1, a humidifier that humidifies the hydrogen gas flowing through a supply path that guides the hydrogen gas from a hydrogen supply source to the hydrogen boosting stack; a second gas-liquid separator provided in an unreacted gas passage that guides the unreacted hydrogen gas discharged from the hydrogen boosting stack, the second gas-liquid separator separating moisture from the unreacted hydrogen gas; a drainage path for guiding the moisture separated by the second gas-liquid separator to the humidifier; An electrochemical hydrogen boosting system comprising:

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