Abnormality diagnosis device

Abstract

To provide an abnormality diagnostic device capable of appropriately diagnosing details of an abnormality that occurs in a fuel cell device.SOLUTION: An abnormality diagnostic device refers to a measured air flow rate measured with an air flow measuring instrument, received from a fuel cell device via an information communication line. When a first determination condition is satisfied that, in a past predetermined determination period, both of a large flow rate state in which the measured value is larger than a predetermined target value and an amount of divergence of the measured value from the target value is equal to or larger than a set divergence value, and a small flow rate state in which the measured value is smaller than the target value and the amount of divergence of the measured value from the target value is equal to or larger than the set divergence value appear, the abnormality diagnostic device determines that a failure to eject exhaust gas performed from an internal space through an exhaust port is occurring.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an abnormality diagnosis device that diagnoses the contents of an abnormality occurring in a fuel cell device installed in a facility based on information received from the fuel cell device via an information communication line. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 (JP 2016-184319 A) describes a system that can diagnose and identify a faulty part in a power generation system and prevent erroneous diagnosis in the event of a fault. Specifically, in the system described in Patent Document 1, when the power generation system fails, failure data including the detection signal history of each of the multiple detection means provided at each part of the power generation device is generated. Then, from the past failure data recorded in the database, correlated failure data that is highly correlated with the failure data at the current failure is selected. Furthermore, a failure diagnosis result and a failure response record associated with the selected correlated failure data are output. In this way, the system described in Patent Document 1 identifies past failure data that is highly correlated with the failure data including the detection signal history detected when the current failure occurs, and considers the current failure to have occurred due to the same failure cause as the past failure data with which the correlation is high. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-184319 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is also a need for a method of diagnosing the operating state of a fuel cell device that does not rely on a statistical method such as the strength of correlation.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an abnormality diagnosis device that can appropriately diagnose the content of an abnormality occurring in a fuel cell device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A characteristic configuration of an abnormality diagnosis device according to the present invention for achieving the above object is an abnormality diagnosis device that diagnoses the contents of an abnormality occurring in a fuel cell device installed in a facility based on information received from the fuel cell device via an information communication line, comprising: The fuel cell device includes: a hot module including a reformer which generates fuel gas by steam reforming a raw fuel, a cell stack having a plurality of fuel cell units which generate power using the fuel gas generated by the reformer, and a combustion section which combusts off-gas discharged from the cell stack in an internal space of an inner container, the inner container being provided with an air inlet port used to supply air from the outside to the internal space and an exhaust port used to exhaust air from the internal space to the outside; a raw fuel supply passage for supplying raw fuel from the outside of the internal space to the reformer; an air supplier that supplies air to the internal space through the air supply port; an air flow rate meter that measures a flow rate per unit time of air supplied to the internal space by the air supply device; The point is that, by referring to the actual measurement value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow measuring instrument received from the fuel cell device via the information and communication line, if a first judgment condition is satisfied that both a high flow state in which the actual measurement value is greater than a predetermined target value and the deviation of the actual measurement value from the target value is equal to or greater than the set deviation value, and a low flow state in which the actual measurement value is smaller than the target value and the deviation of the actual measurement value from the target value is equal to or greater than the set deviation value, have occurred during a predetermined past judgment period, it is judged that there is a problem with the exhaust of exhaust gas from the internal space through the exhaust port.

[0007] According to the above characteristic configuration, the abnormality diagnosis device determines that a problem has occurred in exhausting exhaust gas from the internal space through the exhaust port if the first judgment condition is satisfied, that is, that both a high flow rate state and a low flow rate state have occurred during a predetermined past judgment period. In other words, the abnormality diagnosis device can automatically determine a diagnosis result for an abnormality that appears in the measurement result of the air flow measuring instrument.

[0008] For example, if a maintenance person is called out based only on the fact that an abnormality appears in the measurement results of at least one of the multiple measuring devices that the fuel cell device has, the maintenance person needs to diagnose the abnormality on the spot. However, in this characteristic configuration, the abnormality diagnosis device automatically identifies the diagnosis results for the abnormality, so that the maintenance person can make preparations in advance according to the diagnosis results before being called out. Therefore, it is possible to provide an abnormality diagnostic device that can properly diagnose the contents of abnormalities occurring in a fuel cell device.

[0009] Another characteristic configuration of the abnormality diagnosis device according to the present invention is that the fuel cell device includes a cooler that cools the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust port to the outside of the inner container, and an exhaust gas flow path through which the exhaust gas flows after being cooled by the cooler, When the first judgment condition is satisfied, it is judged that a poor exhaust of the exhaust gas occurs in the cooler or in the exhaust gas flow path downstream thereof.

[0010] According to the above characteristic configuration, when the first judgment condition is satisfied, the abnormality diagnosis device can automatically diagnose that an exhaust gas exhaust failure is occurring in the cooler or in the exhaust gas flow path downstream thereof.

[0011] In still another characteristic configuration of the abnormality diagnosis device according to the present invention, the fuel cell device includes a water purifier into which condensed water generated in the cooler flows, If the first judgment condition is satisfied, it is judged that the water purifier needs to be replaced.

[0012] According to the above characteristic configuration, the abnormality diagnostic device can automatically diagnose that the water purifier needs to be replaced if the first judgment condition is satisfied.

[0013] In still another characteristic configuration of the abnormality diagnosis device according to the present invention, the fuel cell device includes a gas measuring device capable of measuring a concentration of a volatile organic compound gas contained in the air supplied to the internal space by the air supply device, The point is that by referring to the actual measured value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow measuring instrument and the measurement result of the gas measuring instrument received from the fuel cell device via the information and communication line, if the second judgment condition that the concentration of the volatile organic compound gas measured by the gas measuring instrument is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value is satisfied and the first judgment condition is not satisfied and the low flow rate state appears continuously during the judgment period, it is judged that a narrowing or blockage has occurred in the flow path of the exhaust gas discharged outside the inner container.

[0014] According to the above characteristic configuration, when the second judgment condition is satisfied, that is, the concentration of the volatile organic compound gas measured by the gas measuring instrument is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, and the first judgment condition is not satisfied, and the low flow rate state occurs continuously during the judgment period, the abnormality diagnosis device can automatically diagnose that a narrowing or blockage has occurred in the flow path of the exhaust gas discharged outside the inner container.

[0015] Another characteristic configuration of the abnormality diagnosis device according to the present invention is that the fuel cell device includes a cooler that cools the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust port to the outside of the inner container, an exhaust gas flow path through which the exhaust gas flows after being cooled by the cooler, and a gas measuring device that can measure a concentration of a volatile organic compound gas contained in the air supplied to the internal space by the air supply device, The point is that by referring to the actual measured value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow measuring instrument and the measurement result of the gas measuring instrument received from the fuel cell device via the information and communication line, if the second judgment condition that the concentration of the volatile organic compound gas measured by the gas measuring instrument is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value is satisfied, and the first judgment condition is not satisfied, and the low flow rate state appears continuously during the judgment period, it is judged that the cooler needs to be replaced.

[0016] According to the above characteristic configuration, the abnormality diagnosis device can automatically diagnose that the cooler needs to be replaced when the second judgment condition, that is, the concentration of the volatile organic compound gas measured by the gas measuring instrument is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, is satisfied, the first judgment condition is not satisfied, and the low flow rate state occurs continuously during the judgment period.

[0017] In still another characteristic configuration of the abnormality diagnosis device according to the present invention, the fuel cell device includes a gas measuring device capable of measuring a concentration of a volatile organic compound gas contained in the air supplied to the internal space by the air supply device, The device is configured to refer to the actual measured value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow measuring instrument and the measurement result of the gas measuring instrument received from the fuel cell device via the information and communication line, and if the second judgment condition is satisfied, that is, the concentration of the volatile organic compound gas measured by the gas measuring instrument is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, and if the first judgment condition is not satisfied and the low flow rate state occurs continuously during the judgment period, it is determined that the gas measuring instrument needs to be replaced.

[0018] According to the above characteristic configuration, the abnormality diagnosis device can automatically diagnose that the gas measuring device needs to be replaced when the second judgment condition is satisfied, that is, the concentration of the volatile organic compound gas measured by the gas measuring device is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, the first judgment condition is not satisfied, and the low flow rate state occurs continuously during the judgment period.

[0019] In still another characteristic configuration of the abnormality diagnosis device according to the present invention, the fuel cell device includes a gas measuring device capable of measuring a concentration of a volatile organic compound gas contained in the air supplied to the internal space by the air supply device, The point is that by referring to the actual measured value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow measuring instrument and the measurement result of the gas measuring instrument received from the fuel cell device via the information and communication line, if the second judgment condition that the concentration of the volatile organic compound gas measured by the gas measuring instrument is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value is satisfied, and the first judgment condition is not satisfied, and the low flow rate state occurs continuously during the judgment period, it is judged that it is necessary to install a gas removal filter that removes the volatile organic compound gas contained in the air supplied to the internal space by the air supplier.

[0020] According to the above characteristic configuration, when the second judgment condition is satisfied, that is, the concentration of volatile organic compound gas measured by the gas measuring instrument is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, and the first judgment condition is not satisfied, and the low flow rate state occurs continuously during the judgment period, the abnormality diagnosis device can automatically diagnose the need to install a gas removal filter that removes volatile organic compound gas contained in the air supplied to the internal space by the air supplier.

[0021] Another characteristic configuration of the abnormality diagnosis device according to the present invention is that, when the deviation amount of the actual measured value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow rate measuring device from the target value is equal to or larger than the set deviation value, the fuel cell device performs a restart process of at least temporarily stopping the operation of the air supplier and then restarting it, By referring to the actual measured value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow measuring instrument received from the fuel cell device via the information and communication line and the fact that the restart process has been performed in the fuel cell device, if the third judgment condition that the low flow rate state occurs after the restart process is performed is satisfied, and the first judgment condition and the second judgment condition are not satisfied before the restart process is performed, and the low flow rate state occurs continuously during the judgment period before the restart process is performed, it is judged that an abnormality has occurred in at least one of the air supply device and the air flow measuring instrument.

[0022] According to the above characteristic configuration, the abnormality diagnosis device can automatically diagnose that an abnormality has occurred in at least one of the air supply device and the air flow measuring device if the third judgment condition, that a low flow state occurs after the restart process is performed, is satisfied, and the first and second judgment conditions are not satisfied before the restart process is performed, and the low flow state occurs continuously during the judgment period before the restart process is performed.

[0023] Another characteristic configuration of the abnormality diagnosis device according to the present invention is that, when the deviation amount of the actual measured value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow rate measuring device from the target value is equal to or larger than the set deviation value, the fuel cell device performs a restart process of at least temporarily stopping the operation of the air supplier and then restarting it, The point is that, by referring to the actual measured value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow measuring instrument received from the fuel cell device via the information and communication line and the fact that the restart process has been performed in the fuel cell device, if the third judgment condition, that the low flow rate state occurs after the restart process is performed, is satisfied, and the first judgment condition and the second judgment condition are not satisfied before the restart process is performed, and the low flow rate state has occurred continuously during the judgment period before the restart process is performed, it is judged that at least one of the replacement or cleaning of the air supply device and the replacement or cleaning of the air flow measuring instrument is necessary.

[0024] According to the above characteristic configuration, the abnormality diagnosis device can automatically diagnose that at least one of replacement or cleaning of the air supply device and replacement or cleaning of the air flow measuring device is necessary if the third judgment condition, that a low flow state occurs after the restart process is performed, is satisfied, and the first judgment condition and the second judgment condition are not satisfied before the restart process is performed, and the low flow state occurs continuously during the judgment period before the restart process is performed.

[0025] In still another characteristic configuration of the abnormality diagnosis device according to the present invention, the fuel cell device includes a foreign matter removing filter for removing foreign matter contained in the air supplied to the internal space by the air supplier, The method refers to the foreign matter concentration in the atmosphere at the point where the fuel cell device is installed, and refers to the actual measured value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow measuring instrument received from the fuel cell device via the information and communication line, the measurement results of the gas measuring instrument, and the fact that the restart process has been performed by the fuel cell device, and if a fourth judgment condition is met that the foreign matter concentration at the point where the fuel cell device is installed is equal to or greater than a set concentration value, and if the first judgment condition and the second judgment condition are not satisfied before the restart process is performed, and if the third judgment condition is not satisfied, and if the low flow rate state appears continuously during the judgment period before the restart process is performed, then it is judged that the foreign matter removal performance of the foreign matter removal filter is low.

[0026] According to the above characteristic configuration, the abnormality diagnosis device can automatically diagnose that the foreign matter removal performance of the foreign matter removal filter is low if the fourth judgment condition is satisfied, that is, the foreign matter concentration at the point where the fuel cell device is installed is equal to or higher than a set concentration value, and if the first judgment condition and the second judgment condition are not satisfied before the restart process is performed, and if the third judgment condition is not satisfied, and if the low flow rate state occurs continuously during the judgment period before the restart process is performed.

[0027] In still another characteristic configuration of the abnormality diagnosis device according to the present invention, the fuel cell device includes a foreign matter removing filter for removing foreign matter contained in the air supplied to the internal space by the air supplier, The method refers to the foreign matter concentration in the atmosphere at the point where the fuel cell device is installed, and refers to the actual value and the target value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow measuring instrument received from the fuel cell device via the information and communication line, the measurement results of the gas measuring instrument, and the fact that the restart process has been performed by the fuel cell device, and if a fourth judgment condition is met that the foreign matter concentration at the point where the fuel cell device is installed is equal to or greater than a set concentration value, and if the first judgment condition and the second judgment condition are not met before the restart process is performed, and if the third judgment condition is not met, and if the low flow rate state occurs continuously during the judgment period before the restart process is performed, then it is judged that the foreign matter removal filter needs to be replaced.

[0028] According to the above characteristic configuration, the abnormality diagnosis device can automatically diagnose that the foreign matter removal filter needs to be replaced if the fourth judgment condition is satisfied, that is, the foreign matter concentration at the point where the fuel cell device is installed is equal to or greater than a set concentration value, and if the first judgment condition and the second judgment condition are not satisfied before the restart process is performed, and if the third judgment condition is not satisfied, and if the low flow rate state occurs continuously during the judgment period before the restart process is performed.

[0029] In still another characteristic configuration of the abnormality diagnosis device according to the present invention, the fuel cell device includes a foreign matter removing filter for removing foreign matter contained in the air supplied to the internal space by the air supplier, The method refers to the concentration of foreign matter in the atmosphere at the point where the fuel cell device is installed, and refers to the actual value and the target value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow measuring instrument received from the fuel cell device via the information and communication line, the measurement results of the gas measuring instrument, and the fact that the restart process has been performed by the fuel cell device, and if the fourth judgment condition, that the foreign matter concentration at the point where the fuel cell device is installed is equal to or greater than a set concentration value, is not satisfied, and the first judgment condition and the second judgment condition are not satisfied before the restart process is performed, and the third judgment condition is not satisfied, it is determined that the flow of air supplied by the air supplier to the internal space is obstructed.

[0030] According to the above characteristic configuration, the abnormality diagnosis device can automatically diagnose that the flow of air supplied by the air supplier to the internal space is obstructed if the fourth judgment condition is satisfied, that is, the foreign matter concentration at the point where the fuel cell device is installed is equal to or greater than a set concentration value, and if the first judgment condition and the second judgment condition are not satisfied before the restart process is performed, and if the third judgment condition is not satisfied, and if the low flow rate state occurs continuously during the judgment period before the restart process is performed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a diagnostic system including an abnormality diagnostic device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a fuel cell device. [Diagram 3] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an abnormality diagnosis process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] An abnormality diagnosis device 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a diagnostic system including an abnormality diagnosis device 4. As shown in the figure, a fuel cell device 10 is provided in a facility 1 such as a residence or a business. The facility 1 is also provided with an electricity consumption device 5, a gas consumption device 6, and a Home Energy Management System (HEMS) 7. The HEMS 7 is a device that controls the operation of control target devices such as the electricity consumption device 5, the fuel cell device 10, and the gas consumption device 6, and can receive information from and transmit information to each device by communicating with the control target devices via communication lines. The HEMS 7 can also transmit information received from each device to the abnormality diagnosis device 4 and the like via an information communication line 2.

[0033] The power consumption device 5 and the fuel cell device 10 are connected to a power line 8 that is linked to the power grid, and can receive power supply from the power grid. In addition, power generated by the fuel cell device 10 can be supplied to the power grid via the power line 8. The gas consumption device 6 and the fuel cell device 10 can receive gas, such as city gas, supplied from a gas supply pipe 9. Although two facilities 1 are depicted in FIG. 1, the number of facilities 1 can be changed as appropriate. In the following description, gas, such as city gas, supplied from the gas supply pipe 9 may be referred to as "raw fuel."

[0034] The fuel cell device 10 can access the information and communication line 2 either via the HEMS 7 or without the HEMS 7. The fuel cell device 10 can communicate information with the abnormality diagnosis device 4, the information providing server device 3, the maintenance staff terminal device 60, the manufacturing staff terminal device 61, the manager terminal device 62, and the like, which are connected to the information and communication line 2.

[0035] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the fuel cell device 10. The fuel cell device 10 includes various components inside an outer container 11. Below, the configuration of the fuel cell device 10 will be explained by dividing it into a hot module 13, a raw fuel supply system, an air supply system, a reflux gas supply system, a water recovery system, a reforming water supply system, and an exhaust heat recovery system.

[0036] [Hot Module 13] A hot module 13 is provided inside the outer vessel 11, housing devices such as a cell stack 18 that operate in a high-temperature environment. Specifically, a vaporizer 14, a reformer 15, a manifold 16, a cell stack 18, and the like are provided inside the hot module 13. The vaporizer 14 vaporizes reforming water and supplies it to the reformer 15. The reformer 15 generates fuel gas by steam reforming the raw fuel. The reformer 15 is provided with a temperature measuring device T1 as a reformer temperature measuring device that measures the temperature of, for example, a reforming catalyst (not shown) of the reformer 15.

[0037] The cell stack 18 has a plurality of fuel cells 17 that generate power using fuel gas produced in the reformer 15 and supplied through a fuel gas supply passage L2. For example, the fuel gas produced in the reformer 15 passes through the fuel gas supply passage L2 and reaches the manifold 16, where the fuel gas is distributed to each of the fuel cells 17.

[0038] The space above the cell stack 18 becomes a combustion section 19 that combusts the off-gas discharged from the cell stack 18. This combustion heat is transferred to the vaporizer 14 and reformer 15 above it. The temperature of the combustion section 19 is measured by a temperature measuring device T2 that serves as a combustion section temperature measuring device. An igniter 20 ignites the off-gas.

[0039] An air supply path L10 is connected to the air intake port 21 of the hot module 13, and air is supplied to the inside of the hot module 13. Gas present inside the hot module 13 is exhausted to the outside of the hot module 13 from the exhaust port 22 of the hot module 13. The exhaust port 22 is provided with a combustion catalyst section 23 that catalytically combusts hydrogen, carbon monoxide, etc. contained in the exhausted gas using oxygen.

[0040] The exhaust gas that has passed through the combustion catalyst section 23 is supplied to the exhaust heat recovery heat exchanger 34. In the exhaust heat recovery heat exchanger 34, heat is exchanged between the exhaust gas and hot water flowing through the hot water circulation path L7 as a heat medium for exhaust heat recovery, i.e., the exhaust gas is cooled, and the moisture contained in the exhaust gas is condensed.

[0041] A gas-liquid separator 35 that separates condensed water contained in the exhaust gas is provided downstream of the exhaust heat recovery heat exchanger 34. The gas phase components in the exhaust gas are discharged to the outside of the outer vessel 11 through the exhaust gas flow path L4, and the liquid phase components in the exhaust gas are supplied to the water purifier 37 through the water recovery path L5. The outer vessel 11 is also provided with a ventilation port 55. A temperature measuring device T3 is provided inside the outer vessel 11 near the ventilation port 55. The temperature measuring device T3 measures, for example, the temperature of the outside air.

[0042] [Raw and fuel supply system] The raw fuel supply system is a system that supplies raw fuel to the reformer 15 via a raw fuel supply path L1. Specifically, the raw fuel supply system includes a shutoff valve 26, a pressure measuring instrument 27, a raw fuel flow rate measuring instrument 28, a zero governor 29, a raw fuel supplier 30, and a desulfurizer 31.

[0043] The shutoff valve 26 switches between a state in which the raw fuel is permitted to flow into the raw fuel supply line L1 and a state in which the raw fuel is shut off. The pressure gauge 27 measures the pressure of the raw fuel flowing into the raw fuel supply line L1. The raw fuel supplier 30 supplies the raw fuel to the reformer 15. Specifically, the raw fuel supplier 30 adjusts the flow rate per unit time of the raw fuel supplied to the reformer 15. The raw fuel flow rate meter 28 measures the flow rate per unit time of the raw fuel supplied to the reformer 15 by the raw fuel supplier 30. For example, the raw fuel supplier 30 operates the raw fuel supplier 30 so that the flow rate of the raw fuel measured by the raw fuel flow rate meter 28 becomes a target flow rate. The zero governor 29 adjusts the pressure of the raw fuel flowing through the raw fuel supply line L1 to be the same as atmospheric pressure. The desulfurizer 31 removes sulfur compounds and the like contained in the raw fuel.

[0044] [Air supply system] The air supply system is a system that supplies air to the hot module 13 via an air supply path L10. The air supplier 41 supplies air to the inside of the inner container 12. Specifically, the air supplier 41 adjusts the flow rate per unit time of the air supplied to the inside of the inner container 12. The air flow meter 42 measures the flow rate per unit time of the air supplied by the air supplier 41 to the inside of the inner container 12. The foreign matter removal filter 40 captures foreign matter contained in the air supplied by the air supplier 41 to the inside of the inner container 12.

[0045] [Reflux gas supply system] The reflux gas supply system is a system that supplies a part of the fuel gas generated in the reformer 15 to the raw fuel supply line L1 through the reflux gas supply line L3. The reflux gas supply line L3 branches from a branching portion 24 in the middle of the fuel gas supply line L2 and merges with a merging portion 25 in the middle of the raw fuel supply line L1 upstream of the desulfurizer 31, and supplies a part of the fuel gas flowing through the fuel gas supply line L2 to the raw fuel supply line L1. This allows hydrogen to be supplied to the desulfurizer 31. The reflux gas supply line L3 is drawn from the inside to the outside of the hot module 13. The orifice 33 is provided in the middle of the reflux gas supply line L3 and adjusts the flow rate per unit time of the fuel gas flowing through the reflux gas supply line L3. The temperature adjustment member 32 is provided around at least a part of the reflux gas supply line L3 to maintain the temperature of the reformed gas flowing through the reflux gas supply line L3. The condensed water recovery device 36 recovers condensed water generated in the reflux gas supply path L3. The temperature measuring device T4 measures the temperature of the reflux gas supply path L3 at a location where the temperature adjustment member 32 is provided. For example, the temperature measuring device T4 is a device that measures the temperature of the outer surface of the piping that constitutes the reflux gas supply path L3, a device that measures the internal temperature of the piping that constitutes the reflux gas supply path L3, or the like.

[0046] [Water recovery system] The water recovery system is a system that recovers water generated in the fuel cell device 10. The condensed water recovered using the water recovery line L5 is supplied to the reforming water tank 38. In the illustrated example, the water recovery line L5 has a first recovery line L5a that recovers water from the gas-liquid separator 35, and a second recovery line L5b that recovers water from the condensed water recovery unit 36. The condensed water recovered by the first recovery line L5a and the second recovery line L5b is supplied to the reforming water tank 38 via a water purifier 37. The water purifier 37 is a device for removing impurities contained in the recovered condensed water. For example, the water purifier 37 is filled with an ion exchange resin or the like, and ions of electrolytes (e.g., ionized and dissolved salts, ammonia, etc.) contained in the recovered condensed water are converted into impurities, for example, H + , O.H. - By replacing the electrolyte with water, the concentration of electrolytes contained in the recovered condensed water is relatively lowered (i.e., the electrical conductivity is lowered).

[0047] [Reformed water supply system] The reforming water supply system is a system that supplies reforming water to the reformer 15 via a reforming water supply passage L6. In this embodiment, the reforming water stored in the reforming water tank 38 is supplied to the vaporizer 14, and is supplied from the vaporizer 14 to the reformer 15. The reforming water supply system includes the reforming water supply passage L6, the reforming water tank 38, and a reforming water supply device 39. The reforming water tank 38 stores reforming water. The reforming water supply device 39 supplies reforming water to the reformer 15. Specifically, the reforming water supply device 39 is provided midway through the reforming water supply passage L6, and adjusts the flow rate per unit time of the reforming water flowing through the reforming water supply passage L6.

[0048] [Waste heat recovery system] The exhaust heat recovery system is a system that recovers heat generated by the fuel cell device 10. The exhaust heat recovery system includes a hot water storage tank 45, a water supply line L8, a hot water outlet line L9, a hot water circulation line L7, a circulation pump 44, and the like. Hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank 45. The hot water circulation line L7 circulates hot water between the hot water storage tank 45 and the heat exchanger 34 for exhaust heat recovery. The hot water storage tank 45 stores hot water such that relatively low-temperature hot water is stored in the lower part and relatively high-temperature hot water is stored in the upper part, that is, hot water is stored in a state in which temperature stratification is formed. More specifically, the hot water circulation line L7 is composed of an outgoing line that transfers hot water from the hot water storage tank 45 to the heat exchanger 34 for exhaust heat recovery, and a returning line that transfers hot water from the heat exchanger 34 for exhaust heat recovery to the hot water storage tank 45, and has a circulation pump 44 provided in the middle of the outgoing line.

[0049] With this configuration, hot water supplied from the lower part of the hot water storage tank 45 to the heat exchanger 34 for exhaust heat recovery through the forward line of the hot water circulation line L7 is heated by the heat exchanger 34 for exhaust heat recovery, and the heated hot water is supplied to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 45 through the return line of the hot water circulation line L7. A temperature measuring device T5 is provided on the return line to measure the temperature of the hot water transferred from the heat exchanger 34 for exhaust heat recovery to the hot water storage tank 45. In this embodiment, the fuel cell control unit 49 controls the operation of the circulation pump 44 so that the temperature of the hot water flowing through the return line and flowing into the hot water storage tank 45 (the temperature of the hot water measured by the temperature measuring device T5) becomes a predetermined hot water storage target temperature (for example, 65°C). In this way, the hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank 45 in a state in which temperature stratification is formed, that is, heat is stored.

[0050] A water supply line L8 for supplying clean water to the hot water storage tank 45 is connected to the bottom of the hot water storage tank 45, and a hot water outlet line L9 for discharging the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 45 is connected to the top of the hot water storage tank 45. The water supply pressure applied inside the water supply line L8 is applied to the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 45. With this configuration, for example, when a water faucet (not shown) connected to the hot water outlet line L9 is opened, hot water is discharged from the hot water storage tank 45 to the hot water outlet line L9, and clean water is supplied to the hot water storage tank 45 from the water supply line L8.

[0051] The cell stack 18 of the fuel cell device 10 is connected to the power line 8 via a power conversion circuit section 46. In an example shown in FIG. 2, the power conversion circuit section 46 includes a boost circuit 47 and an inverter 48.

[0052] The fuel cell device 10 includes a fuel cell control unit 49, a storage unit 50 that stores information handled by the fuel cell device 10, and a communication unit 51. Measurement results of the measuring instruments included in the fuel cell device 10 are transmitted to the fuel cell control unit 49, and the measurement results are stored in the storage unit 50. For example, the measurement results of the pressure measuring instrument 27, the raw fuel flow measuring instrument 28, the air flow measuring instrument 42, the gas measuring instrument 43, and the temperature measuring instruments T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 described above as "measuring instruments" are transmitted to the fuel cell control unit 49. The fuel cell control unit 49 then transmits these measurement results from the communication unit 51 to the abnormality diagnosis device 4 at a predetermined timing. The fuel cell control unit 49 also transmits abnormalities appearing in these measurement results as part of the measurement results from the communication unit 51 to the abnormality diagnosis device 4.

[0053] The fuel cell control unit 49 controls the operation of various devices such as the igniter 20, the shutoff valve 26, the raw fuel supplier 30, the reforming water supplier 39, the air supplier 41, the circulation pump 44, and the power conversion circuit unit 46 described above.

[0054] Next, a method will be described in which the abnormality diagnosis device 4 diagnoses the contents of an abnormality occurring in the fuel cell device 10 based on information received from the fuel cell device 10 installed in the facility 1 via the information communication line 2. The abnormality diagnosis device 4 includes a storage unit 4a and a diagnosis processing unit 4b.

[0055] The storage unit 4a of the abnormality diagnosis device 4 associates an abnormality appearing in the measurement result of at least one of the multiple measuring devices possessed by the fuel cell device 10 with an abnormality diagnosis process for identifying one of multiple possible diagnosis results for the abnormality, including at least one of the cause of the abnormality and a method of dealing with the abnormality, and stores the abnormalities for each of the multiple abnormalities. Specifically, the abnormality diagnosis process is configured by combining multiple judgment processes for determining whether or not at least one of the measurement result of the measuring device of the fuel cell device 10 and the operating environment of the fuel cell device 10 satisfies a predetermined judgment condition. The judgment result of the judgment process, which is determined depending on whether or not the judgment condition is satisfied, includes at least one of a case where a transition to another judgment process is instructed and a case where a diagnosis result of the abnormality diagnosis process is identified.

[0056] When an abnormality appears in the measurement results received from the fuel cell device 10 via the information and communication line 2, the diagnostic processing unit 4b of the abnormality diagnosis device 4 identifies a diagnosis result for the abnormality appearing in the received measurement results based on the contents of the abnormality diagnosis processing corresponding to the abnormality stored in the memory unit 4a and at least one of the measurement results of the measuring instrument of the fuel cell device 10 and the operating environment of the fuel cell device 10.

[0057] [Abnormality diagnosis process] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the details of the abnormality diagnosis process performed by the diagnosis processor 4b when an abnormality such as an abnormal air flow rate occurs. The fuel cell control unit 49 of the fuel cell device 10 monitors the measurement results of the air flow measurement device 42. The fuel cell control unit 49 then refers to the actual value of the air flow measured by the air flow measurement device 42, and determines that an abnormality called an air flow abnormality has occurred when a high flow state occurs in which the actual value of the air flow measured by the air flow measurement device 42 is greater than a predetermined target value and the deviation of the actual value from the target value is equal to or greater than a set deviation value, or when a low flow state occurs in which the actual value is smaller than the target value and the deviation of the actual value from the target value is equal to or greater than a set deviation value. The fuel cell control unit 49 then transmits the measurement result indicating that an abnormality called an air flow abnormality has occurred to the abnormality diagnosis device 4 from the communication unit 51.

[0058] When the abnormality diagnostic device 4 receives a measurement result notification from the fuel cell device 10 indicating that an abnormality such as an air flow rate abnormality has occurred, the abnormality diagnostic device 4 refers to the information stored in the memory unit 4a, reads out the abnormality diagnostic process corresponding to the air flow rate abnormality, and the diagnostic processing unit 4b executes the abnormality diagnostic process.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 3, the abnormality diagnosis process executed when an abnormality such as an air flow rate abnormality occurs is composed of a combination of four judgment processes: a judgment process at step #10, a judgment process at step #11, a judgment process at step #12, and a judgment process at step #13.

[0060] The judgment process of step #10 refers to the actual measurement value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow rate measuring device 42 received from the fuel cell device 10 via the information communication line 2, and judges whether or not a first judgment condition is met that both a high flow rate state in which the actual measurement value is larger than a predetermined target value and the deviation of the actual measurement value from the target value is equal to or larger than a set deviation value, and a low flow rate state in which the actual measurement value is smaller than the target value and the deviation of the actual measurement value from the target value is equal to or larger than a set deviation value have occurred during a predetermined past judgment period. In other words, in step #10, it is judged whether or not the measurement result of the air flow rate measuring device 42 meets the predetermined judgment condition.

[0061] In the judgment process of step #10, when the diagnostic processing unit 4b judges that the first judgment condition is satisfied, the diagnostic processing unit 4b determines that a recoverable temporary exhaust failure from the inner container 12 has occurred. That is, the diagnostic processing unit 4b judges that a recoverable temporary failure has occurred in the exhaust of the exhaust gas from the internal space of the inner container 12 through the exhaust port 22. In contrast, when the diagnostic processing unit 4b judges that the first judgment condition is not satisfied, the diagnostic processing unit 4b proceeds to the judgment process of step #11. It is unlikely that a high flow rate state will occur continuously during a predetermined judgment period. Therefore, the fact that the first judgment condition is not satisfied means that a low flow rate state has occurred continuously during the judgment period. In this way, the judgment result of the judgment process of step #10 includes a case where a transition to another judgment process is instructed and a case where a diagnosis result is specified.

[0062] Specifically, as described above, the fuel cell device 10 includes the heat exchanger 34 for exhaust heat recovery as a cooler for cooling the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust port 22 to the outside of the inner container 12, and the exhaust gas flow path L4 through which the exhaust gas flows after being cooled by the heat exchanger 34 for exhaust heat recovery. Since the off-gas is burned in the internal space of the inner container 12, the exhaust gas contains water vapor. Therefore, when the exhaust gas is cooled by the heat exchanger 34 for exhaust heat recovery, condensed water is generated. This condensed water flows into the water purifier 37 via the gas-liquid separator 35, but if foreign matter or gas accumulates in the water purifier 37, the flow of the condensed water in the water purifier 37 is hindered, and the condensed water may overflow into the heat exchanger 34 for exhaust heat recovery upstream of the water purifier 37 or into the exhaust gas flow path L4 downstream of the heat exchanger 34.

[0063] If the exhaust heat recovery heat exchanger 34 or a part of the exhaust gas flow path L4 is clogged with condensed water, the exhaust gas is not discharged from the inner space even if the air supplier 41 is operating, so the actual measured value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow rate measuring device 42 becomes very small. That is, a low flow rate state occurs. However, since the air supplier 41 is operating, the pressure of the exhaust gas gradually increases, and at a certain point, the exhaust gas flows out of the exhaust gas flow path L4 to the outside of the outer container 11 together with the condensed water that is blocking the gas flow path. That is, a high flow rate state occurs. In this way, if a recoverable temporary defect occurs in the exhaust of the exhaust gas from the internal space of the inner container 12 through the exhaust port 22, it is considered that both the high flow rate state and the low flow rate state will appear in a predetermined past judgment period.

[0064] 3 shows the diagnosis result A1 indicating that a recoverable temporary malfunction has occurred in the exhaust of exhaust gas from the internal space of the inner container 12 through the exhaust port 22, but the diagnosis result A1 may also indicate that a recoverable temporary malfunction has occurred in the exhaust of exhaust gas in the exhaust heat recovery heat exchanger 34 or in the exhaust gas flow path L4 downstream of the exhaust heat exchanger 34. Alternatively, the diagnosis result A1 may indicate that the water purifier 37 needs to be replaced. Thus, several examples of the diagnostic result A1 have been described, which may be used alone or in combination with any of the others.

[0065] The judgment process in step #11 is to judge whether or not the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOC) measured by gas measuring instrument 43 satisfies a second judgment condition that is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. Since gas measuring instrument 43 is provided inside the outer housing, this judgment process in step #11 can also be said to be a judgment process of whether or not VOC gas is detected inside the outer housing. In other words, in step #11, it is judged whether or not the measurement result of gas measuring instrument 43 satisfies the predetermined judgment condition.

[0066] In the judgment process of step #11, the diagnostic processing unit 4b refers to the measurement result of the gas measuring device 43 received from the fuel cell device 10 via the information communication line 2, and when it judges that the second judgment condition that the concentration of the volatile organic compound gas measured by the gas measuring device 43 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold is satisfied, it arrives at the specification of the diagnostic result A2 that the equipment failure due to the VOC gas has occurred. In contrast, when the diagnostic processing unit 4b judges that the second judgment condition is not satisfied, it proceeds to the judgment process of step #12. Thus, the judgment result of the judgment process of step #11 includes a case where a transition to another judgment process is instructed and a case where a diagnostic result is specified.

[0067] When the volatile organic compound gas has flowed into the inside of the outer container 11, there is a high possibility that the volatile organic compound gas is also mixed into the air supplied by the air supplier 41 to the inside of the inner container 12. In particular, when the volatile organic compound gas containing chlorine flows into the inside of the inner container 12 and then mixes with the exhaust gas and reaches the exhaust heat recovery heat exchanger 34, chlorine ions are mixed into the condensed water adhering to the inside of the exhaust heat recovery heat exchanger 34, and are concentrated over time, which may corrode the inside of the exhaust heat recovery heat exchanger 34. Then, the corrosion may cause narrowing or blockage in the flow path of the exhaust gas.

[0068] Therefore, the diagnostic processing unit 4b refers to the actual air flow rate measured by the air flow measuring instrument 42 and the measurement result of the gas measuring instrument 43 received from the fuel cell device 10 via the information and communication line 2, and if the second judgment condition is satisfied, that is, the concentration of volatile organic compound gas measured by the gas measuring instrument 43 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, and if the first judgment condition is not satisfied and a low flow rate state occurs continuously during the judgment period, it judges that there has been an equipment failure due to VOC gas, in particular, a narrowing or blockage has occurred in the flow path of the exhaust gas discharged outside the inner container 12.

[0069] 3 shows the diagnosis result A2 indicating that an equipment failure due to VOC gas has occurred, but the diagnosis result A2 may be that the heat exchanger 34 for exhaust heat recovery needs to be replaced. Alternatively, the diagnosis result A2 may be that the gas measuring device 43 needs to be replaced because the reliability of the measurement result of the gas measuring device 43 becomes low after the volatile organic compound gas adheres to the gas measuring device 43. Furthermore, the diagnosis result A2 may be that a gas removal filter that removes the volatile organic compound gas contained in the air supplied to the internal space by the air supply device 41 needs to be installed in order to prevent the volatile organic compound gas from being supplied to the inside of the inner container 12. For example, a gas removal filter such as an activated carbon filter can be additionally installed upstream or downstream of the existing foreign matter removal filter 40. Thus, several examples of the diagnostic result A2 have been described, which may be used alone or in combination with any of the others.

[0070] The determination process of step #12 is to determine whether or not a third determination condition is satisfied, that is, a low flow rate state occurs after a restart process is performed in which at least the operation of the air supplier 41 is stopped once and then restarted. Specifically, when the fuel cell device 10 determines that an air flow rate abnormality has occurred, in which the deviation amount of the actual measured value from the target value is equal to or greater than a set deviation value, the fuel cell device 10 performs a restart process in which at least the operation of the air supplier 41 is stopped once and then restarted. For example, the fuel cell device 10 performs a restart process in which the operation of the entire device is stopped once and then restarted. In this case, the fuel cell device 10 performs a restart process in which the supply of raw fuel and reforming water to the reformer 15 is stopped, the supply of air to the inside of the inner container 12 is stopped, power generation in the cell stack 18 is stopped, and so on, and then the supply of raw fuel and reforming water to the reformer 15 is resumed, the supply of air to the inside of the inner container 12 is resumed, and so on, and power generation in the cell stack 18 is resumed.

[0071] Furthermore, the abnormality diagnosis device 4 can identify whether the measurement result received from the fuel cell device 10 is the measurement result before the restart process or the measurement result after the restart process. For example, the measurement result transmitted from the fuel cell device 10 to the abnormality diagnosis device 4 is accompanied by at least one of information indicating that it is the measurement result before the restart process and information indicating that it is the measurement result after the restart process. Alternatively, if the measurement result transmitted from the fuel cell device 10 to the abnormality diagnosis device 4 is accompanied by information on the time of measurement and also by information on the time of the restart process, the abnormality diagnosis device 4 can identify whether the measurement result received from the fuel cell device 10 is the measurement result before the restart process or the measurement result after the restart process.

[0072] If the air supply device 41 and the air flow rate measuring device 42 only have a temporary malfunction, it is expected that the air supply device 41 and the air flow rate measuring device 42 will operate normally after the restart process is performed. For example, if dirt is only attached to the air flow path in the air supply device 41 and the air flow rate measuring device 42, gas containing water vapor present in the internal space of the inner container 12 may flow back from the inner container 12 to the air supply device 41 and the air flow rate measuring device 42, and the dirt may be removed by the water vapor. In that case, it is considered that the air supply device 41 and the air flow rate measuring device 42 will operate normally after the restart process is performed. In this way, if the third judgment condition that a low flow rate state occurs after the restart process is performed is satisfied, the diagnosis result A3 will be that an abnormality has occurred in at least one of the air supply device 41 and the air flow rate measuring device 42.

[0073] Therefore, the diagnostic processing unit 4b of the abnormality diagnostic device 4 refers to the actual value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow rate measuring device 42 received from the fuel cell device 10 via the information communication line 2 and the fact that the restart process has been performed in the fuel cell device 10, and if the third judgment condition that a low flow rate state occurs after the restart process is performed is satisfied, and the first and second judgment conditions are not satisfied before the restart process is performed, and the low flow rate state appears continuously during the judgment period before the restart process is performed, it reaches the specification of the diagnostic result A3 that an abnormality has occurred in at least one of the air supply device 41 and the air flow rate measuring device 42. On the other hand, if the diagnostic processing unit 4b judges that the third judgment condition is not satisfied, it proceeds to the judgment process of step #13. In this way, the judgment result of the judgment process of step #12 includes a case where a transition to another judgment process is instructed and a case where a diagnostic result is specified.

[0074] Incidentally, FIG. 3 shows a diagnosis result A3 indicating that an abnormality has occurred in at least one of the air supply device 41 and the air flow measuring device 42, but the diagnosis result A3 may also indicate that it is necessary to replace or clean at least one of the air supply device 41 and the air flow measuring device 42. Thus, several examples of the diagnostic result A3 have been described, which may be used alone or in combination with any of the others.

[0075] The judgment process of step #13 judges whether or not a fourth judgment condition is satisfied, that is, the foreign matter concentration at the point where the fuel cell device 10 is installed is equal to or greater than a set concentration value. In the judgment process of step #13, the diagnostic processing unit 4b determines diagnostic result A4 if the fourth judgment condition is satisfied, that is, the foreign matter concentration at the point where the fuel cell device 10 is installed is equal to or greater than a set concentration value, and determines diagnostic result A5 if the fourth judgment condition is not satisfied.

[0076] For example, the memory unit 4a of the abnormality diagnosis device 4 stores information indicating the concentration of foreign matter in the air at various points, which information is received from an information providing server device 3 that provides weather information, etc., as information relating to the operating environment of the fuel cell device 10. The memory unit 4a of the abnormality diagnosis device 4 also stores location information such as the address, latitude, and longitude of each facility 1. The diagnosis processing unit 4b of the abnormality diagnosis device 4 can then determine whether the concentration of foreign matter at the point where a specific fuel cell device 10 is installed is equal to or greater than a set concentration value.

[0077] It is assumed that the fuel cell device 10 installed at a location where the concentration of foreign matter in the air is high can operate normally if the foreign matter removal filter 40 has high foreign matter removal performance, but cannot operate normally if the foreign matter removal filter 40 has low foreign matter removal performance. For example, if the foreign matter removal performance of the foreign matter removal filter 40 is reduced due to a tear in the foreign matter removal filter 40, foreign matter may adhere to the air supply device 41 or air flow meter 42 downstream, obstructing the normal flow of air. Alternatively, if the foreign matter removal performance of the foreign matter removal filter 40 is reduced due to clogging with foreign matter, the normal flow of air is also obstructed.

[0078] Therefore, the diagnostic processing unit 4b of the abnormality diagnosis device 4 refers to the foreign matter concentration in the atmosphere at the location where the fuel cell device 10 is installed, and refers to the actual measured value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow meter 42, the measurement result of the gas meter 43, and the fact that the restart process has been performed by the fuel cell device 10, which are received from the fuel cell device 10 via the information communication line 2, and reaches a diagnosis result A4 that the foreign matter removal performance of the foreign matter removal filter 40 is low, that is, that the foreign matter removal filter 40 is abnormal, if the fourth judgment condition is satisfied, that is, the foreign matter concentration at the location where the fuel cell device 10 is installed is equal to or higher than the set concentration value, and the first and second judgment conditions are not satisfied before the restart process is performed, and the third judgment condition is not satisfied, and a low flow rate state occurs continuously during the judgment period before the restart process is performed. In other words, the judgment result of the judgment process of step #13 includes cases where the judgment result of the abnormality diagnosis process is specified.

[0079] Although FIG. 3 shows the diagnosis result A4 indicating that the foreign matter removal filter 40 is abnormal, the diagnosis result A4 may also indicate that the foreign matter removal filter 40 needs to be replaced. Thus, several examples of the diagnostic result A4 have been described, which may be used alone or in combination with any of the others.

[0080] If the diagnostic processing unit 4b determines in step #13 that the fourth judgment condition is not satisfied, it determines a diagnostic result A5 which determines that the flow of air supplied by the air supplier 41 to the internal space is obstructed, i.e., that a blockage has occurred in the air supply path L10.

[0081] As described above, the abnormality diagnosis device 4 can automatically perform the process from occurrence of an abnormality to identification of a diagnosis result for the abnormality according to a procedure of an abnormality diagnosis process created in advance. The identified diagnosis result is stored in the storage unit 4a of the abnormality diagnosis device 4. The storage unit 4a of the abnormality diagnosis device 4 also stores at least one of the contact information of the manager, such as the owner who manages the fuel cell device 10, the contact information of the maintenance person for the fuel cell device 10, and the contact information of the manufacturing related person, such as the assembler or the parts manufacturer of the fuel cell device 10, and the diagnosis processing unit 4b outputs the identified diagnosis result to at least one of the contact information of the manager, the contact information of the maintenance person, and the contact information of the manufacturing related person. For example, the diagnosis processing unit 4b transmits the diagnosis result to the email address of the manager of the fuel cell device 10, the email address of the maintenance person for the fuel cell device 10, and the email address of the manufacturing related person of the fuel cell device 10. As a result, the manager of the fuel cell device 10 can check the diagnosis result on the manager terminal device 62, the maintenance person for the fuel cell device 10 can check the diagnosis result on the maintenance person terminal device 60, and the manufacturing related person of the fuel cell device 10 can check the diagnosis result on the manufacturing related person terminal device 61. In this way, since the abnormality diagnosis device 4 automatically identifies the diagnosis result for the abnormality, maintenance personnel or the like can be dispatched after making preparations in advance according to the diagnosis result.

[0082] For example, before arriving at the site for repairs of the fuel cell device 10, the maintenance staff for the fuel cell device 10 can make preparations for repairs based on the diagnosis results, and the manufacturers of the fuel cell device 10 can prepare the parts necessary for repairs based on the diagnosis results. As a result, problems such as a lack of skilled personnel at the site where repairs are actually to be performed, or not having the parts necessary for repairs brought with them can be avoided.

[0083] In the above example, the diagnosis results of the abnormality diagnosis process include details of the malfunction occurring in a specific portion of the fuel cell device 10, such as "a recoverable temporary exhaust failure from the inner container 12 (diagnosis result A1)," "failure of the heat exchanger 34 for exhaust heat recovery due to VOC gas (diagnosis result A2)," "an abnormality occurring in at least one of the air supplier 41 and the air flow meter 42 (diagnosis result A3)," and "an abnormality in the foreign matter removal filter 40 (diagnosis result A4)," as the cause of the malfunction. If the manager, maintenance staff, and manufacturing personnel of the fuel cell device 10 know the details of the malfunction occurring in a specific portion of the fuel cell device 10 as the cause of the malfunction, they can determine the necessary work to be done in that portion, such as repairing or replacing parts.

[0084] The diagnosis results are not limited to the above-mentioned examples, but can be changed as appropriate. As a specific example, the diagnosis result may include, as a measure to deal with the abnormality, an instruction to replace or repair a specific component part of the fuel cell device 10. For example, as described above, the diagnosis result A1 of the abnormality diagnosis process may be "replace the water purifier 37," etc. If an instruction to replace or repair a specific component part of the fuel cell device 10 is included as a measure to deal with the abnormality, it is possible to prepare the component part to be replaced in advance and to determine in advance the personnel required for the replacement or repair work.

[0085] In addition, when issuing an instruction to replace or repair a specific component of the fuel cell system 10, it is preferable to know the degree of difficulty. For this reason, the storage unit 4a stores information indicating the degree of difficulty of the repair or replacement work for each of the multiple components of the fuel cell system 10, and the diagnosis result may include information indicating the degree of difficulty as a method of dealing with the abnormality. If information indicating the degree of difficulty of the repair or replacement work for the component is included as a method of dealing with the abnormality, preparations can be made in advance to dispatch personnel with the skills appropriate to the degree of difficulty.

[0086] In addition, when issuing an instruction to replace or repair a specific component of the fuel cell device 10, it is preferable for the maintenance personnel who actually carry out the replacement or repair to be able to view video data explaining the repair or replacement work in advance or on-site. For this reason, the storage unit 4a stores video data explaining the repair or replacement work of the components of the fuel cell device 10 for each of a plurality of components, and the diagnosis result may include the video data as a way to deal with an abnormality. If video data explaining the repair or replacement work of the components of the fuel cell device 10 is included as a way to deal with an abnormality, the person in charge of repairing or replacing the components can check the video data and reliably carry out the repair or replacement work.

[0087] <Another embodiment> <1> In the above embodiment, the configuration of the fuel cell device 10 has been specifically explained, but the configuration can be appropriately changed. Furthermore, the contents of the diagnosis results can also be changed as appropriate.

[0088] <2> In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the fuel cell control unit 49 determines that an abnormality, such as an air flow rate abnormality, has occurred, and then the fuel cell control unit 49 transmits the measurement result that an abnormality, such as an air flow rate abnormality, from the communication unit 51 to the abnormality diagnosis device 4, but other configurations are also possible. For example, the diagnosis processing unit 4b of the abnormality diagnosis device 4 may refer to the actual measurement value of the air flow rate received from the fuel cell device 10 via the information and communication line 2 and determine that an abnormality, such as an air flow rate abnormality, has occurred.

[0089] <3> In addition, the configurations disclosed in the above embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies below) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, provided no contradiction arises. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are illustrative, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and can be appropriately modified within the scope that does not deviate from the purpose of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0090] The present invention can be used in an abnormality diagnostic device that can appropriately diagnose the contents of an abnormality that occurs in a fuel cell device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1: Facilities 2: Information and communication lines 4: Abnormality diagnosis device 10:Fuel cell device 12:Inner container 13: Hot module 15: Reformer 17: Fuel cell 18: Cell stack 19: Combustion section 21:Air supply port 22: Exhaust port 34: Heat exchanger for exhaust heat recovery (cooler) 37:Water purifier 40: Foreign object removal filter 41: Air supply 42: Air flow meter 43: Gas measuring instrument L1: Raw fuel supply path L4: Exhaust gas flow path

Claims

1. 1. An abnormality diagnosis device for diagnosing the contents of an abnormality occurring in a fuel cell device installed in a facility based on information received from the fuel cell device via an information communication line, comprising: The fuel cell device includes: a hot module including a reformer which generates fuel gas by steam reforming a raw fuel, a cell stack having a plurality of fuel cell units which generate power using the fuel gas generated by the reformer, and a combustion section which combusts off-gas discharged from the cell stack in an internal space of an inner container, the inner container being provided with an air inlet port used to supply air from the outside to the internal space and an exhaust port used to exhaust air from the internal space to the outside; a raw fuel supply passage for supplying raw fuel from the outside of the internal space to the reformer; an air supplier that supplies air to the internal space through the air supply port; an air flow rate meter that measures a flow rate per unit time of air supplied to the internal space by the air supply device; An abnormality diagnosis device that, by referring to the actual measurement value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow measuring device received from the fuel cell device via the information and communication line, determines that a problem has occurred in the exhaust of exhaust gas from the internal space through the exhaust port if a first judgment condition is satisfied that, during a specified past judgment period, both a high flow state in which the actual measurement value is greater than a specified target value and the deviation of the actual measurement value from the target value is equal to or greater than a set deviation value, and a low flow state in which the actual measurement value is smaller than the target value and the deviation of the actual measurement value from the target value is equal to or greater than the set deviation value, have occurred.

2. the fuel cell device includes a cooler that cools the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust port to the outside of the inner container, and an exhaust gas flow path through which the exhaust gas flows after being cooled by the cooler, 2. The abnormality diagnosis device according to claim 1, wherein, when the first judgment condition is satisfied, it is judged that a poor exhaust of the exhaust gas occurs in the cooler or in the exhaust gas flow path downstream of the cooler.

3. the fuel cell device includes a water purifier into which condensed water generated in the cooler flows; 3. The abnormality diagnosis device according to claim 2, further comprising: a determination that replacement of the water purifier is necessary if the first determination condition is satisfied.

4. the fuel cell device includes a gas measuring device capable of measuring a concentration of a volatile organic compound gas contained in the air supplied to the internal space by the air supply device, The abnormality diagnosis device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which refers to the actual measured value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow measuring instrument and the measurement result of the gas measuring instrument received from the fuel cell device via the information and communication line, and determines that a narrowing or blockage has occurred in the flow path of the exhaust gas discharged outside the inner container if a second judgment condition is satisfied, that is, the concentration of the volatile organic compound gas measured by the gas measuring instrument is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, and if the first judgment condition is not satisfied and the low flow rate state occurs continuously during the judgment period.

5. the fuel cell device includes a cooler that cools the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust port to the outside of the inner container, an exhaust gas flow path through which the exhaust gas flows after being cooled by the cooler, and a gas measuring device that measures a concentration of a volatile organic compound gas contained in the air supplied to the internal space by the air supply device, An abnormality diagnosis device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, which refers to the actual measured value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow measuring instrument and the measurement result of the gas measuring instrument received from the fuel cell device via the information and communication line, and determines that the cooler needs to be replaced if a second judgment condition is satisfied, that is, the concentration of the volatile organic compound gas measured by the gas measuring instrument is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, and if the first judgment condition is not satisfied, and if the low flow rate state occurs continuously during the judgment period.

6. the fuel cell device includes a gas measuring device capable of measuring a concentration of a volatile organic compound gas contained in the air supplied to the internal space by the air supply device, An abnormality diagnosis device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, which refers to the actual measured value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow measuring instrument and the measurement result of the gas measuring instrument received from the fuel cell device via the information and communication line, and determines that the gas measuring instrument needs to be replaced if a second judgment condition is satisfied that the concentration of the volatile organic compound gas measured by the gas measuring instrument is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, and if the first judgment condition is not satisfied, and if the low flow rate state occurs continuously during the judgment period.

7. the fuel cell device includes a gas measuring device capable of measuring a concentration of a volatile organic compound gas contained in the air supplied to the internal space by the air supply device, The abnormality diagnosis device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, by referring to the actual value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow measuring instrument and the measurement result of the gas measuring instrument received from the fuel cell device via the information and communication line, if a second judgment condition is satisfied that the concentration of the volatile organic compound gas measured by the gas measuring instrument is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, and if the first judgment condition is not satisfied, and if the low flow rate state occurs continuously during the judgment period, it is judged that a gas removal filter for removing the volatile organic compound gas contained in the air supplied to the internal space by the air supplier needs to be installed.

8. when the deviation amount of the actual measured value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow rate measuring device from the target value is equal to or larger than the set deviation amount, the fuel cell device performs a restart process of at least temporarily stopping the operation of the air supplier and then restarting it, An abnormality diagnosis device as described in any one of claims 4 to 7, which refers to the actual value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow measuring device received from the fuel cell device via the information and communication line and the fact that the restart process has been performed in the fuel cell device, and if a third judgment condition is satisfied that the low flow rate state occurs after the restart process is performed, and if the first judgment condition and the second judgment condition are not satisfied before the restart process is performed, and if the low flow rate state occurs continuously during the judgment period before the restart process is performed, then it is judged that an abnormality has occurred in at least one of the air supply device and the air flow measuring device.

9. when the deviation amount of the actual measured value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow rate measuring device from the target value is equal to or larger than the set deviation amount, the fuel cell device performs a restart process of at least temporarily stopping the operation of the air supplier and then restarting it, An abnormality diagnosis device as described in any one of claims 4 to 8, which refers to the actual value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow measuring device received from the fuel cell device via the information and communication line and the fact that the restart process has been performed in the fuel cell device, and if a third judgment condition is satisfied that the low flow rate state occurs after the restart process is performed, and if the first judgment condition and the second judgment condition are not satisfied before the restart process is performed, and if the low flow rate state occurs continuously during the judgment period before the restart process is performed, then it is determined that at least one of replacing or cleaning the air supply device and replacing or cleaning the air flow measuring device is necessary.

10. the fuel cell device includes a foreign matter removing filter that removes foreign matter contained in the air supplied to the internal space by the air supplier; 10. The abnormality diagnosis device of claim 8 or 9, further comprising: a foreign matter removal filter configured to remove foreign matter from the fuel cell device when a fourth judgment condition is satisfied that the foreign matter concentration at the point where the fuel cell device is installed is equal to or greater than a set concentration value, and the first judgment condition and the second judgment condition are not satisfied before the restart process is performed, and the third judgment condition is not satisfied, and the low flow rate state occurs continuously during the judgment period before the restart process is performed, by referring to the foreign matter concentration in the atmosphere at the point where the fuel cell device is installed, and by referring to the actual measured value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow measuring instrument and the measurement result of the gas measuring instrument received from the fuel cell device via the information and communication line, and the restart process has been performed by the fuel cell device; and

11. the fuel cell device includes a foreign matter removing filter that removes foreign matter contained in the air supplied to the internal space by the air supplier; An abnormality diagnosis device as described in any one of claims 8 to 10, which refers to the foreign matter concentration in the atmosphere at a point where the fuel cell device is installed, and refers to the actual measured value and the target value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow measuring instrument received from the fuel cell device via the information and communication line, the measurement results of the gas measuring instrument, and the fact that the restart process has been performed by the fuel cell device, and determines that the foreign matter removal filter needs to be replaced if a fourth judgment condition is satisfied that the foreign matter concentration at the point where the fuel cell device is installed is equal to or greater than a set concentration value, and the first judgment condition and the second judgment condition are not satisfied before the restart process is performed, and the third judgment condition is not satisfied, and the low flow rate state appears continuously during the judgment period before the restart process is performed.

12. the fuel cell device includes a foreign matter removing filter that removes foreign matter contained in the air supplied to the internal space by the air supplier; An abnormality diagnosis device as described in any one of claims 8 to 11, which refers to the foreign matter concentration in the atmosphere at a point where the fuel cell device is installed, and refers to the actual value and the target value of the air flow rate measured by the air flow meter received from the fuel cell device via the information and communication line, the measurement results of the gas meter, and the fact that the restart process has been performed by the fuel cell device, and if a fourth judgment condition that the foreign matter concentration at the point where the fuel cell device is installed is equal to or greater than a set concentration value is not satisfied, and the first judgment condition and the second judgment condition are not satisfied before the restart process is performed, and the third judgment condition is not satisfied, it is determined that the flow of air supplied by the air supplier to the internal space is obstructed.

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