Control device for hydrogen production facility, hydrogen production facility, control method for hydrogen production facility, and control program for hydrogen production facility

Abstract

To provide a controller for a hydrogen production facility, a hydrogen production facility, a control method for a hydrogen production facility, and a control program for a hydrogen production facility, capable of prolonging the operation period as a whole plant.SOLUTION: A controller for a hydrogen production equipment is a controller including a plurality of electrolytic cells and a plurality of rectifiers for supplying DC power to a plurality of the electrolytic cells, and is provided with a deterioration coefficient acquisition part configured to acquire a plurality of deterioration coefficients indicating the degree of deterioration of a plurality of the electrolytic cells, a total required current and individual required current calculation part, and a control part configured to control a plurality of the rectifiers, respectively. The deterioration coefficient acquisition part is configured to acquire the deterioration coefficient on the basis of a first correlation indicating a correlation between an applied voltage and a current flowing in a circuit at the beginning of the life of the electrolytic cells and a second correlation indicating the correlation at the end of the life of the electrolytic cells for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device for a hydrogen production facility, a hydrogen production facility, a control method for a hydrogen production facility, and a control program for a hydrogen production facility. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Known hydrogen production facilities include electrolysis devices that generate hydrogen by electrolyzing water or water vapor.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a system for producing hydrogen by electrolyzing water in a water electrolysis device having an electrolysis cell including a solid electrolyte membrane. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-129372 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Electrolytic cells (electrolysis devices) for electrolyzing water or steam deteriorate over time and depending on the operating conditions (such as operating rate), resulting in a decrease in performance. Even when multiple electrolytic cells are operated under the same conditions, the degree of deterioration varies from one cell to another.

[0006] In a hydrogen production facility that includes multiple electrolytic cells with different degrees of deterioration, if the multiple electrolytic cells are operated under an equal load (amount of hydrogen produced), the more deteriorated electrolytic cells will deteriorate more rapidly, which may shorten the operating period (lifespan) of the hydrogen production facility (plant) as a whole.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, at least one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a control device for a hydrogen production facility, a hydrogen production facility, a control method for a hydrogen production facility, and a control program for a hydrogen production facility that can extend the operating period of the entire plant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A control device for a hydrogen production facility according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes: A control device for a hydrogen production facility including a plurality of electrolysis cells for electrolyzing water or steam, and a plurality of rectifiers for supplying DC power to the plurality of electrolysis cells, respectively, comprising: a deterioration coefficient acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of deterioration coefficients each indicating a degree of deterioration of the plurality of electrolysis cells; an individual required current calculation unit configured to calculate a total required current corresponding to an amount of hydrogen production required for the hydrogen production equipment and a plurality of individual required currents indicating required currents for the plurality of electrolytic cells, respectively, based on the plurality of deterioration coefficients; a controller configured to control each of the plurality of rectifiers based on the plurality of individual required currents; Equipped with The deterioration coefficient acquisition unit is configured to acquire the deterioration coefficient for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells based on a first correlation that indicates the correlation between the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell at the beginning of the life of the electrolytic cell and the current flowing in a circuit including the electrolytic cell, and a second correlation that indicates the correlation at the end of the life of the electrolytic cell.

[0009] Moreover, the hydrogen production facility according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of electrolysis cells for electrolyzing water or water vapor; a plurality of rectifiers for respectively supplying DC power to the plurality of electrolysis cells; the control device as described above configured to adjust the output voltage or output current of the plurality of rectifiers; Equipped with.

[0010] Further, a method for controlling a hydrogen production facility according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes: A control method for controlling a hydrogen production facility including a plurality of electrolysis cells for electrolyzing water or steam, and a plurality of rectifiers for supplying DC power to the plurality of electrolysis cells, respectively, comprising: obtaining a plurality of deterioration coefficients each indicating a degree of deterioration of the plurality of electrolysis cells; calculating a total required current corresponding to the amount of hydrogen production required for the hydrogen production equipment and a plurality of individual required currents indicating the required currents required for the plurality of electrolytic cells, respectively, based on the plurality of deterioration coefficients; controlling the plurality of rectifiers respectively based on the plurality of individual required currents; Equipped with In the step of acquiring the deterioration coefficient, for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells, the deterioration coefficient is acquired based on a first correlation that indicates the correlation between the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell at the beginning of the life of the electrolytic cell and the current flowing in a circuit including the electrolytic cell, and a second correlation that indicates the correlation at the end of the life of the electrolytic cell.

[0011] Further, a control program for a hydrogen production facility according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes: A control program for controlling a hydrogen production facility including a plurality of electrolysis cells for electrolyzing water or steam, and a plurality of rectifiers for supplying DC power to the plurality of electrolysis cells, On the computer, obtaining a plurality of deterioration coefficients each indicating a degree of deterioration of the plurality of electrolytic cells; calculating a total required current corresponding to the amount of hydrogen production required for the hydrogen production equipment and a plurality of individual required currents indicating the required currents required for the plurality of electrolytic cells, respectively, based on the plurality of deterioration coefficients; controlling each of the plurality of rectifiers based on the plurality of individual required currents; configured to cause In the step of acquiring the deterioration coefficient, for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells, the deterioration coefficient is acquired based on a first correlation that indicates the correlation between the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell at the beginning of the life of the electrolytic cell and the current flowing in a circuit including the electrolytic cell, and a second correlation that indicates the correlation at the end of the life of the electrolytic cell. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, there are provided a control device for a hydrogen production facility, a hydrogen production facility, a control method for a hydrogen production facility, and a control program for a hydrogen production facility, which are capable of extending the operating period of the entire plant. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen production facility to which a control device according to an embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a graph illustrating a procedure of a control method according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of components described as embodiments or shown in the drawings are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0015] (Configuration of hydrogen production facility) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen production facility to which a control device according to one embodiment is applied. As shown in Fig. 1, the hydrogen production facility 100 includes multiple electrolytic cells 2 (2A, 2B), multiple rectifiers 8 (8A, 8B), and a control device 10. The hydrogen production facility 100 may also include a storage unit 4 for storing hydrogen produced in the multiple electrolytic cells 2 (2A, 2B). Although Fig. 1 shows two electrolytic cells 2 and two rectifiers 8, the number of electrolytic cells 2 and rectifiers 8 constituting the hydrogen production facility 100 is not limited.

[0016] Each of the multiple electrolysis cells 2 (2A, 2B) is configured to electrolyze water or water vapor when a DC voltage is applied to it. The type of the multiple electrolysis cells 2 is not limited. The multiple electrolysis cells 2 may be, for example, electrolysis cells (electrolyzers) of an alkaline water electrolysis device, a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolysis device, or an anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis device for electrolyzing water (liquid), or may be electrolysis cells of a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) electrolysis device for electrolyzing water vapor.

[0017] The multiple rectifiers 8 (8A, 8B) are configured to supply DC power to the multiple electrolytic cells 2 (2A, 2B), respectively. Each of the multiple rectifiers 8 is configured to receive power (typically AC power) from a power source 90 via a power transmission line 92. The power source 90 may be a power grid or another power source (for example, a power generation device or a power storage device (battery, etc.)). Each of the multiple rectifiers 8 converts the power from the power source 90 from AC power to DC power as necessary, and outputs the DC voltage to each of the multiple electrolytic cells 2. Hereinafter, the DC voltage output from the rectifier 8 to the electrolytic cell 2 (the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell 2) is also referred to as the output voltage. The rectifier 8 is configured to be able to change the output voltage.

[0018] Each electrolytic cell 2 is supplied with water or water vapor. As described above, each electrolytic cell 2 is supplied with DC power via a rectifier 8. By applying a DC voltage between a pair of electrodes provided in the electrolytic cell 2 via the rectifier 8, the water or water vapor in the electrolytic cell 2 is electrolyzed, generating hydrogen on the cathode side and oxygen on the anode side. Water (electrolyte solution) in which an electrolyte is dissolved may be supplied to the electrolytic cell 2, and the water (water constituting the electrolyte solution) may be electrolyzed. The electrolyte may be an alkaline substance such as potassium hydroxide (KOH).

[0019] The hydrogen gas generated on the cathode side of the electrolytic cell 2 is introduced to a gas-liquid separator and / or a dehumidifier to remove moisture, and then introduced to the reservoir 4. The oxygen gas generated on the anode side of the electrolytic cell 2 may be introduced to a gas-liquid separator and / or a dehumidifier to remove moisture, and then supplied to an oxygen-consuming facility or may be released to the outside.

[0020] The storage unit 4 is configured to store gaseous hydrogen. The hydrogen stored in the storage unit 4 may be supplied to the hydrogen consumption equipment 6. The storage unit 4 may have properties suitable for supplying hydrogen to the hydrogen consumption equipment 6. The storage unit 4 may include, for example, a storage header (header tank).

[0021] The hydrogen consumption equipment 6 may include, for example, hydrogen combustion equipment configured to burn hydrogen (e.g., gas turbine equipment or steelmaking equipment, etc.), hydrogen liquefaction equipment configured to liquefy hydrogen, equipment that generates electricity through a chemical reaction using hydrogen as fuel (e.g., power generation equipment including fuel cells such as SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell)), equipment that produces fuel using hydrogen as a raw material (e.g., fuel synthesis equipment, etc.), or a hydrogen gas station configured to supply hydrogen to equipment.

[0022] The hydrogen production facility 100 may include multiple current sensors 14 (14A, 14B) for measuring the DC current flowing through a circuit including each of the multiple electrolysis cells 2 when water is electrolyzed in the multiple electrolysis cells 2. The circuit includes electric wires connecting a pair of DC voltage output terminals of the rectifier 8 to a pair of electrodes of the electrolysis cells 2. The current sensors 14 (14A, 14B) may be configured to measure the current flowing between either of the pair of output terminals of the rectifier 8 and either of the pair of electrodes of the electrolysis cells 2.

[0023] The hydrogen production facility 100 may include a flow rate sensor 16 for measuring the flow rate of hydrogen consumed in the hydrogen consumption facility 6. As shown in FIG. 1 , the flow rate sensor 16 may be provided in a line for guiding hydrogen from the storage unit 4 to the hydrogen consumption facility 6.

[0024] The current sensor 14 and / or the flow sensor 16 may be electrically connected to the controller 10 so that a signal indicative of the measurement by the current sensor 14 and / or the flow sensor 16 is sent to the controller 10 .

[0025] (Control of hydrogen production equipment) Next, a control device and a control method for a hydrogen production facility according to several embodiments will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a control device according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device according to one embodiment. In the following explanation, control of a hydrogen production facility 100 including N electrolysis cells 2 and N rectifiers 8 will be described. The control device 10 is configured to control a plurality of (i.e., N) rectifiers 8 based on measurement results from a current sensor 14 and / or a flow rate sensor 16, etc.

[0026] 2 and 3, the control device 10 according to one embodiment includes a deterioration coefficient acquisition unit 28 and an individual required current calculation unit 30. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the control device 10 may include a total required current acquisition unit 22, a first correlation acquisition unit 24, a second correlation acquisition unit 26, a control unit 31, and / or a storage unit 32.

[0027] The control device 10 includes a computer equipped with a processor (e.g., CPU), a main storage device (e.g., RAM), an auxiliary storage device, an interface, and the like. The control device 10 receives signals from the current sensor 14 and / or the flow rate sensor 16 via the interface. The processor is configured to process the received signals. The processor is also configured to process a program loaded in the main storage device. This realizes the functions of the total required current acquisition unit 22, the first correlation acquisition unit 24, the second correlation acquisition unit 26, the deterioration coefficient acquisition unit 28, the individual required current calculation unit 30, and the control unit 31. The storage unit 32 may include the main storage device or the auxiliary storage device of the computer constituting the control device 10.

[0028] The processing contents of the control device 10 are implemented as programs executed by the processor. The programs may be stored in, for example, an auxiliary storage device. When the programs are executed, they are loaded into the main storage device. The processor reads the programs from the main storage device and executes the instructions contained in the programs.

[0029] The total required current acquisition unit 22 acquires the total required current I corresponding to the amount of hydrogen production required for the hydrogen production facility 100. total The total required current acquisition unit 22 acquires the amount of hydrogen production required by the hydrogen production facility 100 based on the total required current I total The converter 23 may include a converter 23 (see FIG. 3) that converts the amount of hydrogen produced into the total required current I total Using a function showing the correlation between the hydrogen production amount and the total required current I total The signal may be converted into

[0030] The total required current acquisition unit 22 acquires, for example, the flow rate of hydrogen consumed in the hydrogen consumption equipment 6 to which hydrogen is supplied from the storage unit 4, and calculates the total required current I of the hydrogen production equipment 100 based on the flow rate of hydrogen consumed. totalThe total required current acquiring unit 22 may acquire the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the storage unit 4 to the hydrogen consuming equipment 6 as the hydrogen consumption flow rate in the hydrogen consuming equipment 6. In this case, the hydrogen flow rate measured by the flow rate sensor 16 (see FIG. 1) may be acquired as the consumption flow rate. Alternatively, the total required current acquiring unit 22 may calculate the hydrogen consumption flow rate in the hydrogen consuming equipment 6 based on a fuel command value, which is a command value for the fuel flow rate supplied to the hydrogen consuming equipment 6. In this case, the total required current acquiring unit 22 may be configured to convert the fuel command value into the hydrogen flow rate using a function that indicates the correlation between the fuel command value and the hydrogen flow rate.

[0031] The first correlation acquisition unit 24 is configured to acquire, for each of a plurality (N) of electrolytic cells 2, a first correlation that indicates the correlation between the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell 2 at the beginning of life (BOL) of the electrolytic cell 2 and the current flowing in a circuit including the electrolytic cell 2.

[0032] The first correlation is determined by the specifications (design) of the electrolysis cell 2 and can be acquired in advance. The first correlation acquired in advance in this manner may be stored in advance in the storage unit 32. The first correlation acquisition unit 24 may acquire the first correlation stored in advance in the storage unit 32.

[0033] Alternatively, two or more points of data relating to the applied voltage and the current at the beginning of the life of the electrolytic cell 2 can be measured, and the first correlation can be calculated based on the two or more points of data. The first correlation acquisition unit 24 can calculate an approximate curve (such as an approximate straight line) from the two or more points of data, and acquire the calculated approximate curve as the first correlation. The measured value of the current can be acquired using the current sensor 14 (see FIG. 1). The measured value of the applied voltage can be a value measured by a voltage sensor (not shown) that measures the voltage between a pair of electrodes of the electrolytic cell 2.

[0034] The second correlation acquisition unit 26 is configured to acquire, for each of a plurality (N) of electrolytic cells 2, a second correlation indicating the correlation between the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell 2 at the end of life (EOL) of the electrolytic cell 2 and the current flowing in the circuit including the electrolytic cell.

[0035] The second correlation is determined by the specifications (design) of the electrolysis cell 2 and can be acquired in advance. The second correlation acquired in advance in this manner may be stored in advance in the storage unit 32. The second correlation acquisition unit 26 may acquire the second correlation stored in advance in the storage unit 32.

[0036] Alternatively, data relating to the applied voltage and the current at two or more points at the end of the life of the electrolytic cell 2 can be measured, and the second correlation can be calculated based on the data at two or more points. The second correlation acquisition unit 26 can calculate an approximate curve (such as an approximate straight line) from the data at two or more points, and acquire the calculated approximate curve as the second correlation. The measured value of the current can be acquired using the current sensor 14 (see FIG. 1). The measured value of the applied voltage can be a value measured by a voltage sensor (not shown) that measures the voltage between a pair of electrodes of the electrolytic cell 2.

[0037] The first correlation coefficient and the second correlation coefficient can be calculated, for example, as follows. Fig. 4 is a graph illustrating the steps of a control method according to one embodiment. The vertical axis of the graph in Fig. 4 represents the applied voltage V of the electrolytic cell 2 (i.e., the output voltage of the rectifier 8), and the horizontal axis represents the current I of the circuit including the electrolytic cell 2.

[0038] In a certain electrolytic cell 2, the current value required to obtain a hydrogen production amount Fa (e.g., 40% of the rated operation) is Ia, and the current value required to obtain a hydrogen production amount Fb (e.g., 100% of the rated operation) in the electrolytic cell 2 is Ib. In addition, in this electrolytic cell 2, the applied voltage (design value) to obtain the current value Ia at the beginning of the life is V BOL_a The applied voltage (design value) to obtain the current value Ib at the beginning of the life is VBOL_b is.

[0039] These two points of data on the current and applied voltage (i.e., (Ia,V BOL_a ) and (Ib,V BOL_b )) the applied voltage V BOL The correlation between V and current I (first correlation) is BOL =(V BOL_b -V BOL_a ) / (Ib-Ia)×I+α BOL (where α BOL is the intercept). In FIG. 4, the line L1 is the line that indicates this first correlation.

[0040] In addition, in the electrolytic cell 2 described above, the applied voltage (design value) to obtain the current value Ia at the end of life is V EOL_a The applied voltage (design value) to obtain the current value Ib at the end of life is V EOL_b is.

[0041] These two points of data on the current and applied voltage (i.e., (Ia,V EOL_a ) and (Ib,V EOL_b )) the applied voltage V at the end of life for this electrolytic cell 2 EOL The correlation between V and current I (second correlation) is EOL =(V EOL_b -V EOL_a ) / (Ib-Ia)×I+α EOL (where α EOL is the intercept). In FIG. 4, the line L2 is the line that shows this second correlation.

[0042] The deterioration coefficient acquisition unit 28 acquires a plurality of (i.e., N) deterioration coefficients D that indicate the degree of deterioration of each of the N electrolysis cells 2 based on the first correlation acquired by the first correlation acquisition unit 24 and the second correlation acquired by the second correlation acquisition unit 26. i (D1,D2,…,D N ) is configured to obtain

[0043] The deterioration coefficient acquisition unit 28 calculates a deterioration coefficient Di for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells 2 based on the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell 2 currently required to pass a specific value of current through a circuit including the electrolytic cell, the voltage value corresponding to the specific value of current obtained from the first correlation described above, and the voltage value corresponding to the specific value of current obtained from the second correlation. i may be configured to calculate

[0044] In one embodiment, the degradation factor D i can be calculated as the deterioration rate of the electrolytic cell 2 at the beginning of its life (100% at the beginning of its life, 0% at the end of its life).

[0045] More specifically, the degradation factor D i (D1,D2,…,D N ) can be calculated as follows: i For the electrolytic cell 2 to be calculated, the measured value (operation data, etc.) of the applied voltage currently required to pass a specific value of current Ic through the circuit including the electrolytic cell 2 is Vcur_c (indicated by point P in FIG. 4). Also, the applied voltage V required at the beginning of the life of the electrolytic cell 2 to pass the above-mentioned current Ic is BOL_c can be calculated from the first correlation described above, and the applied voltage V required at the end of the life of the electrolytic cell 2 to flow the above-mentioned current Ic is EOL_c can be calculated from the second correlation described above (see Figure 4).

[0046] In this case, the current deterioration coefficient (deterioration rate) D for the target electrolytic cell 2 is i (100% at the beginning of the life and 0% at the end of the life) can be expressed, for example, by the following formula (A). D i =(V EOL_c -Vcur_c) / (V EOL_c -V BOL_c )×100(%) …(A)

[0047] For the plurality of electrolytic cells 2, a plurality of deterioration coefficients D are calculated using, for example, the above formula (A). i (D1,D2,…,D N) can be calculated.

[0048] The individual required current calculation unit 30 calculates the total required current I acquired by the total required current acquisition unit 22. total , and a plurality of degradation coefficients D acquired by the degradation coefficient acquisition unit 28 i (D1,D2,…,D N ) based on the plurality of individual required currents I, which respectively indicate the required currents required for the plurality of electrolysis cells 2. i (I1,I2,…,I N ) is configured to calculate

[0049] The individual required current calculation unit 30 calculates the deterioration coefficient D for the plurality of electrolysis cells 2. i (D1,D2,…,D N ) average D AVG The deterioration coefficient D of each of the plurality of electrolytic cells i The ratio (D i / D AVG ) to generate a plurality of individual required currents I corresponding to the plurality of electrolysis cells 2. i (I1,I2,…,I N ) may be calculated. i Average D AVG is the multiple degradation factor D i In this case, the average D of multiple degradation coefficients AVG is expressed by the following formula (B). D AVG =(D1+D2+…+D N ) / N …(B)

[0050] More specifically, multiple individual required currents I i (I1,I2,…,I N ) can be calculated, for example, as follows: As shown in FIG. 3, the individual required current calculation unit 30 calculates the total required current I total Divide by the number of electrolytic cell 2 in operation, N, to obtain the provisional required current I per electrolytic cell 2. total 3, the individual required current calculation unit 30 calculates the total required current I totalmay include a divider 36 configured to divide by the number N of electrolysis cells 2 in operation.

[0051] Next, for each of the N electrolytic cells 2, the above-mentioned provisional required current I total / N to the above ratio (D i / D AVG ) is multiplied to obtain the individual required current I required for each electrolysis cell 2. i (I1,I2,…,I N ) may be calculated from the following formula (C): i (I1,I2,…,I N ) may be calculated. I i =I total / N×(D i / D AVG ) …(C) As shown in FIG. 3, the individual required current calculation unit 30 calculates the provisional required current I total / N to the above ratio (D i / D AVG ) to obtain the required current I total / N is the individual required current I i The signal may include a converter 38 configured to convert the signal into

[0052] For the plurality of electrolytic cells 2, the plurality of individual required currents I are calculated using the above formula (C). i (I1,I2,…,I N ) can be calculated.

[0053] The control unit 31 calculates the individual required currents I calculated by the individual required current calculation unit 30. i (I1,I2,…,I N The control unit 31 is configured to control each of the plurality of (i.e., N) rectifiers 8 based on the individual required current I i (I1,I2,…,I N ) may be configured to adjust the output voltage of each rectifier 8 to match or approach

[0054] The storage unit 32 may store previously acquired measurement values ​​and design values, or the above-mentioned first correlation and / or second correlation, etc.

[0055] The degree of deterioration of the electrolytic cell 2 is reflected in the cell voltage during operation, and the higher the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell (i.e., the output voltage from the rectifier to the electrolytic cell) for the same amount of hydrogen generated (i.e., for the same current), the more advanced the deterioration of the electrolytic cell. In this regard, according to the above-described embodiment, for each of the multiple electrolytic cells 2, a deterioration coefficient D is calculated based on a first correlation that shows the correlation between the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell 2 and the current flowing in the circuit including the electrolytic cell 2 at the beginning of the life of the electrolytic cell 2 and a second correlation that shows the correlation at the end of the life of the electrolytic cell 2. i can be obtained appropriately. In addition, the deterioration coefficient D for the plurality of electrolytic cells 2 thus obtained i , and the total required current I corresponding to the amount of hydrogen production required for the entire hydrogen production facility 100 total Since the individual required current required for each of the electrolytic cells 2 is calculated based on the calculated individual required current, it is possible to appropriately distribute the required current according to the degree of deterioration of each of the electrolytic cells 2. For example, for an electrolytic cell 2 that is relatively deteriorated, the individual required current I i The required current can be distributed so that the required current I is relatively small. i By outputting a DC voltage from the rectifier 8 to each electrolytic cell 2 based on the above, it is possible to delay the deterioration of, for example, a relatively deteriorated electrolytic cell 2 and reduce the variation in the degree of deterioration among the multiple electrolytic cells 2. Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, the operating period (lifespan) of the hydrogen production facility 100 as a whole can be extended.

[0056] Furthermore, as described above, in some embodiments, for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells 2, the deterioration coefficient can be obtained based on the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell 2 currently required to pass a specific value of current through a circuit including the electrolytic cell 2, the voltage value corresponding to the specific value of current obtained from the first correlation, and the voltage value corresponding to the specific value of current obtained from the second correlation. Therefore, an appropriate deterioration coefficient D can be obtained for the plurality of electrolytic cells 2 using a simple method. i can be obtained.

[0057] Also, as described above, in some embodiments, the average deterioration coefficient D for the plurality of electrolysis cells 2 AVE The deterioration coefficient D of each of the plurality of electrolytic cells 2 i Using the ratio of i Therefore, the required current can be appropriately distributed according to the degree of deterioration of each of the electrolytic cells 2. For example, for an electrolytic cell 2 that is relatively deteriorated, the individual required current I i The required current can be distributed so that the individual required current I i By controlling the multiple rectifiers 8 based on this, it becomes easier to reduce the variation in the degree of deterioration of the multiple electrolysis cells 2. Therefore, the operating period of the hydrogen production facility 100 as a whole can be extended.

[0058] The contents described in each of the above embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0059] (1) A control device for a hydrogen production facility according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes: A control device (10) for a hydrogen production facility (100) including a plurality of electrolysis cells (2) for electrolyzing water or steam, and a plurality of rectifiers (8) for supplying direct current power to the plurality of electrolysis cells, respectively, comprising: A plurality of deterioration coefficients (D) each indicating the degree of deterioration of the plurality of electrolytic cells. i a degradation coefficient acquisition unit (28) configured to acquire a degradation coefficient; a total required current corresponding to the amount of hydrogen production required for the hydrogen production equipment, and a plurality of individual required currents (I ) each indicating the required current required for the plurality of electrolysis cells based on the plurality of deterioration coefficients; i an individual required current calculation unit (30) configured to calculate a control unit (31) configured to control each of the plurality of rectifiers based on the plurality of individual required currents; Equipped with The deterioration coefficient acquisition unit is configured to acquire the deterioration coefficient for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells based on a first correlation that indicates the correlation between the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell at the beginning of the life of the electrolytic cell and the current flowing in a circuit including the electrolytic cell, and a second correlation that indicates the correlation at the end of the life of the electrolytic cell.

[0060] The degree of deterioration of the electrolytic cell is reflected in the cell voltage during operation, and the higher the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell (i.e., the output voltage from the rectifier to the electrolytic cell) for the same amount of hydrogen generation (i.e., for the same current), the more advanced the deterioration of the electrolytic cell. In this regard, the configuration of (1) above makes it possible to appropriately obtain a deterioration coefficient for each of multiple electrolytic cells based on a first correlation that indicates the correlation between the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell and the current flowing in the circuit including the electrolytic cell at the beginning of the life of the electrolytic cell, and a second correlation that indicates the correlation at the end of the life of the electrolytic cell. Furthermore, the individual required current for each of the electrolytic cells is calculated based on the deterioration coefficients for the electrolytic cells obtained in this manner and the total required current corresponding to the hydrogen production rate required for the entire hydrogen production facility. This allows the required current to be appropriately distributed according to the degree of deterioration of each of the electrolytic cells. For example, the required current can be distributed so that the individual required current for a relatively deteriorated electrolytic cell is relatively small. By outputting a DC voltage from the rectifier to each electrolytic cell based on the calculated individual required currents, it is possible to, for example, delay the deterioration of a relatively deteriorated electrolytic cell and reduce the variation in the degree of deterioration among the electrolytic cells. Therefore, the configuration described in (1) above allows the operating period (lifespan) of the hydrogen production facility as a whole to be extended.

[0061] (2) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (1), The deterioration coefficient acquisition unit acquires, for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells, a specific value of current (I c ) applied to the electrolytic cell currently required to cause the current (Vcur_c) to flow, and the voltage value (V BOL_c ), and a voltage value (V EOL_c ) to obtain the degradation factor.

[0062] According to the configuration (2) above, for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells, the deterioration coefficient is obtained based on the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell currently required to pass a specific value of current through a circuit including the electrolytic cell, the voltage value corresponding to the specific value of current obtained from the first correlation, and the voltage value corresponding to the specific value of current obtained from the second correlation. Thus, an appropriate deterioration coefficient can be obtained for the plurality of electrolytic cells using a simple method.

[0063] (3) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (1) or (2), The control device The apparatus further includes a first correlation acquisition unit (24) configured to calculate, for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells, an approximation curve showing the relationship between the applied voltage and the current at the beginning of life (BOL) of the electrolytic cell as the first correlation, from data on at least two points: the applied voltage to the electrolytic cell and the current flowing in a circuit including the electrolytic cell at the beginning of life of the electrolytic cell.

[0064] According to the above configuration (3), for each of a plurality of electrolytic cells, an approximation curve (first correlation) showing the relationship between the applied voltage and the current at the beginning of the life of the electrolytic cell is calculated from data on at least two points: the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell and the current flowing through a circuit including the electrolytic cell at the beginning of the life of the electrolytic cell. Thus, the first correlation can be obtained by a simple method.

[0065] (4) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations (1) to (3) above, The control device The apparatus further includes a second correlation acquisition unit (26) configured to calculate, for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells, an approximation curve showing the relationship between the applied voltage and the current at the end of life (EOL) of the electrolytic cell as the second correlation, from data on at least two points: the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell and the current flowing in a circuit including the electrolytic cell at the end of life of the electrolytic cell.

[0066] According to the above configuration (4), for each of a plurality of electrolytic cells, an approximation curve (second correlation) showing the relationship between the applied voltage and the current at the end of the life of the electrolytic cell is calculated from data on at least two points: the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell and the current flowing through the circuit including the electrolytic cell at the end of the life of the electrolytic cell. Thus, the second correlation can be obtained by a simple method.

[0067] (5) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations (1) to (4) above, The individual required current calculation unit calculates the average deterioration coefficient (DAVEG ) for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells, i ) ratio (D i / D AVEG ) to calculate the plurality of individual required currents corresponding to the plurality of electrolytic cells.

[0068] According to the above configuration (5), the ratio of the deterioration coefficient of each of the electrolytic cells to the average deterioration coefficient for the electrolytic cells is used to calculate the individual required currents for the electrolytic cells. Therefore, the required current can be appropriately distributed to the electrolytic cells according to their respective degrees of deterioration. For example, the required current can be distributed so that the individual required current is relatively small for electrolytic cells that are relatively deteriorated. Controlling the multiple rectifiers based on the calculated individual required currents can help reduce the variation in the degree of deterioration among the electrolytic cells. Therefore, according to the above configuration (5), the operating period of the hydrogen production equipment as a whole can be extended.

[0069] (6) At least one embodiment of the hydrogen production facility (100) of the present invention comprises: a plurality of electrolysis cells (2) for electrolyzing water or water vapor; a plurality of rectifiers (8) for respectively supplying DC power to the plurality of electrolysis cells; a control device (10) according to any one of (1) to (5) above, configured to adjust the output voltage or output current of the plurality of rectifiers; Equipped with.

[0070] According to the above configuration (6), for each of a plurality of electrolytic cells, a deterioration coefficient can be appropriately obtained based on a first correlation that indicates the correlation between the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell at the beginning of the life of the electrolytic cell and the current flowing in the circuit including the electrolytic cell, and a second correlation that indicates the correlation at the end of the life of the electrolytic cell. Furthermore, the individual required current for each of the electrolytic cells is calculated based on the deterioration coefficients for the electrolytic cells obtained in this manner and the total required current corresponding to the hydrogen production rate required for the entire hydrogen production equipment. This allows the required current to be appropriately distributed according to the degree of deterioration of each of the electrolytic cells. For example, the required current can be distributed so that the individual required current for a relatively deteriorated electrolytic cell is relatively small. By outputting a DC voltage from the rectifier to each electrolytic cell based on the calculated individual required currents, it is possible to, for example, delay the deterioration of a relatively deteriorated electrolytic cell and reduce the variation in the degree of deterioration among the electrolytic cells. Therefore, the configuration described in (6) above allows the operating period (lifespan) of the hydrogen production equipment as a whole to be extended.

[0071] (7) A method for controlling a hydrogen production facility according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes: A control method for controlling a hydrogen production facility (100) including a plurality of electrolysis cells (2) for electrolyzing water or steam and a plurality of rectifiers (8) for supplying DC power to the plurality of electrolysis cells, the method comprising: obtaining a plurality of deterioration coefficients each indicating a degree of deterioration of the plurality of electrolysis cells; calculating a total required current corresponding to the amount of hydrogen production required for the hydrogen production equipment and a plurality of individual required currents indicating the required currents required for the plurality of electrolytic cells, respectively, based on the plurality of deterioration coefficients; controlling the plurality of rectifiers respectively based on the plurality of individual required currents; Equipped with In the step of acquiring the deterioration coefficient, for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells, the deterioration coefficient is acquired based on a first correlation that indicates the correlation between the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell at the beginning of the life of the electrolytic cell and the current flowing in a circuit including the electrolytic cell, and a second correlation that indicates the correlation at the end of the life of the electrolytic cell.

[0072] According to the method (7) above, for each of a plurality of electrolytic cells, a deterioration coefficient can be appropriately obtained based on a first correlation that indicates the correlation between the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell at the beginning of the life of the electrolytic cell and the current flowing in the circuit including the electrolytic cell, and a second correlation that indicates the correlation at the end of the life of the electrolytic cell. Furthermore, the individual required current for each of the electrolytic cells is calculated based on the deterioration coefficients for the electrolytic cells obtained in this manner and the total required current corresponding to the hydrogen production rate required for the entire hydrogen production facility. This allows the required current to be appropriately distributed according to the degree of deterioration of each of the electrolytic cells. For example, the required current can be distributed so that the individual required current for a relatively deteriorated electrolytic cell is relatively small. By outputting a DC voltage from the rectifier to each electrolytic cell based on the calculated individual required currents, it is possible to, for example, delay the deterioration of a relatively deteriorated electrolytic cell and reduce the variation in the degree of deterioration among the electrolytic cells. Therefore, the method described in (7) above can extend the operating period (lifespan) of the hydrogen production facility as a whole.

[0073] (8) A control program for a hydrogen production facility according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes: A control program for controlling a hydrogen production facility (100) including a plurality of electrolysis cells (2) for electrolyzing water or steam and a plurality of rectifiers (8) for supplying DC power to the plurality of electrolysis cells, the program comprising: On the computer, obtaining a plurality of deterioration coefficients each indicating a degree of deterioration of the plurality of electrolytic cells; calculating a total required current corresponding to the amount of hydrogen production required for the hydrogen production equipment and a plurality of individual required currents indicating the required currents required for the plurality of electrolytic cells, respectively, based on the plurality of deterioration coefficients; controlling each of the plurality of rectifiers based on the plurality of individual required currents; configured to cause In the step of acquiring the deterioration coefficient, for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells, the deterioration coefficient is acquired based on a first correlation that indicates the correlation between the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell at the beginning of the life of the electrolytic cell and the current flowing in a circuit including the electrolytic cell, and a second correlation that indicates the correlation at the end of the life of the electrolytic cell.

[0074] According to the program (8) above, for each of a plurality of electrolytic cells, a deterioration coefficient can be appropriately obtained based on a first correlation that indicates the correlation between the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell at the beginning of the life of the electrolytic cell and the current flowing in the circuit including the electrolytic cell, and a second correlation that indicates the correlation at the end of the life of the electrolytic cell. Furthermore, the individual required current for each of the electrolytic cells is calculated based on the deterioration coefficients for the electrolytic cells obtained in this manner and the total required current corresponding to the hydrogen production rate required for the entire hydrogen production equipment. This allows the required current to be appropriately distributed according to the degree of deterioration of each of the electrolytic cells. For example, the required current can be distributed so that the individual required current for a relatively deteriorated electrolytic cell is relatively small. By outputting a DC voltage from the rectifier to each electrolytic cell based on the calculated individual required currents, it is possible to delay the deterioration of a relatively deteriorated electrolytic cell and reduce the variation in the degree of deterioration among the electrolytic cells. Therefore, the program described in (8) above can extend the operating period (lifespan) of the hydrogen production equipment as a whole.

[0075] The above describes an embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and also includes forms in which the above-described embodiment is modified, or forms in which these forms are appropriately combined.

[0076] In this specification, expressions expressing relative or absolute arrangement such as "in a certain direction," "along a certain direction," "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," "concentric," or "coaxial" not only express such an arrangement strictly, but also express a state in which there is a relative displacement with a tolerance or an angle or distance to the extent that the same function is obtained. For example, expressions such as "identical," "equal," and "homogeneous" that indicate that something is in an equal state not only indicate a state of strict equality, but also indicate a state in which there is a tolerance or a difference to the extent that the same function is obtained. Furthermore, in this specification, expressions representing shapes such as a rectangular shape or a cylindrical shape not only represent rectangular shapes or cylindrical shapes in the strict geometric sense, but also represent shapes including uneven portions, chamfered portions, etc., to the extent that the same effect can be obtained. Furthermore, in this specification, the expressions "comprise," "include," or "have" a component are not exclusive expressions that exclude the presence of other components. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 2(2A,2B) Electrolytic cell 4. Storage section 6 Hydrogen consumption equipment 8(8A,8B) Rectifier 10 Control device 14(14A, 14B) Current sensor 16 Flow Sensor 22 Total required current acquisition section 23 Converter 24 First correlation acquisition unit 26 Second correlation acquisition unit 28 Degradation coefficient acquisition unit 30 Individual required current calculation section 31 Control Unit 32 Storage section 36 Divider 38 Converter 90 power supply 92 Power Lines 100 Hydrogen production facility

Claims

1. A control device for a hydrogen production facility including a plurality of electrolysis cells for electrolyzing water or steam, and a plurality of rectifiers for supplying DC power to the plurality of electrolysis cells, respectively, comprising: a deterioration coefficient acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of deterioration coefficients each indicating a degree of deterioration of the plurality of electrolysis cells; an individual required current calculation unit configured to calculate a total required current corresponding to an amount of hydrogen production required for the hydrogen production equipment and a plurality of individual required currents indicating required currents for the plurality of electrolytic cells, respectively, based on the plurality of deterioration coefficients; a controller configured to control each of the plurality of rectifiers based on the plurality of individual required currents; Equipped with the deterioration coefficient acquisition unit is configured to acquire the deterioration coefficient for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells based on a first correlation indicating a correlation between a voltage applied to the electrolytic cell and a current flowing in a circuit including the electrolytic cell at the beginning of the life of the electrolytic cell, and a second correlation indicating the correlation at the end of the life of the electrolytic cell; The deterioration coefficient acquisition unit is configured to calculate, for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells, the deterioration coefficient from a voltage applied to the electrolytic cell currently required to cause a specific value of current to flow through a circuit including the electrolytic cell, a voltage value corresponding to the specific value of current obtained from the first correlation, and a voltage value corresponding to the specific value of current obtained from the second correlation. Control device for hydrogen production facility.

2. The deterioration coefficient is expressed by the following formula (A): D i =(V EOL_c - Vcur_c) / (V EOL_c - V BOL_c)×100(%)...(A) In the above formula (A), D i is the deterioration coefficient for the i-th electrolytic cell, Vcur_c is the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell currently required to pass a specific value of current through a circuit including the electrolytic cell, V BOL_c is the voltage value corresponding to the specific value of current obtained from the first correlation, and V EOL_c is the voltage value corresponding to the specific value of current obtained from the second correlation. The control device for a hydrogen production facility according to claim 1.

3. and a first correlation acquisition unit configured to calculate, for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells, an approximation curve showing the relationship between the applied voltage to the electrolytic cell and the current flowing through a circuit including the electrolytic cell at the beginning of the life of the electrolytic cell, as the first correlation, from data at at least two points of the applied voltage to the electrolytic cell and the current flowing through the circuit including the electrolytic cell at the beginning of the life of the electrolytic cell. The control device for the hydrogen production facility according to claim 1 or 2.

4. and a second correlation acquisition unit configured to calculate, for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells, an approximation curve showing the relationship between the applied voltage to the electrolytic cell and the current flowing through a circuit including the electrolytic cell at the end of life of the electrolytic cell as the second correlation, based on data on at least two points of the applied voltage to the electrolytic cell and the current flowing through the circuit including the electrolytic cell at the end of life of the electrolytic cell. The control device for the hydrogen production facility according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the individual required current calculation unit is configured to calculate the plurality of individual required currents corresponding to the plurality of electrolytic cells using a ratio of a deterioration coefficient of each of the plurality of electrolytic cells to an average of the deterioration coefficients for the plurality of electrolytic cells. The control device for the hydrogen production facility according to claim 1 or 2.

6. a plurality of electrolysis cells for electrolyzing water or water vapor; a plurality of rectifiers for respectively supplying DC power to the plurality of electrolysis cells; 3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, configured to adjust the output voltage or output current of the plurality of rectifiers; Hydrogen production facility equipped with:

7. A control method for controlling a hydrogen production facility including a plurality of electrolysis cells for electrolyzing water or steam, and a plurality of rectifiers for supplying DC power to the plurality of electrolysis cells, respectively, comprising: obtaining a plurality of deterioration coefficients each indicating a degree of deterioration of the plurality of electrolysis cells; calculating a total required current corresponding to the amount of hydrogen production required for the hydrogen production equipment and a plurality of individual required currents indicating the required currents required for the plurality of electrolytic cells, respectively, based on the plurality of deterioration coefficients; controlling the plurality of rectifiers respectively based on the plurality of individual required currents; Equipped with In the step of acquiring the deterioration coefficient, for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells, the deterioration coefficient is acquired based on a first correlation indicating a correlation between a voltage applied to the electrolytic cell at the beginning of the life of the electrolytic cell and a current flowing in a circuit including the electrolytic cell, and a second correlation indicating the correlation at the end of the life of the electrolytic cell; In the step of acquiring the deterioration coefficient, for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells, the deterioration coefficient is calculated from the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell currently required to cause a specific value of current to flow through a circuit including the electrolytic cell, the voltage value corresponding to the specific value of current obtained from the first correlation, and the voltage value corresponding to the specific value of current obtained from the second correlation. A method for controlling a hydrogen production facility.

8. A control program for controlling a hydrogen production facility including a plurality of electrolysis cells for electrolyzing water or steam, and a plurality of rectifiers for supplying DC power to the plurality of electrolysis cells, On the computer, obtaining a plurality of deterioration coefficients each indicating a degree of deterioration of the plurality of electrolytic cells; calculating a total required current corresponding to the amount of hydrogen production required for the hydrogen production equipment and a plurality of individual required currents indicating the required currents required for the plurality of electrolytic cells, respectively, based on the plurality of deterioration coefficients; controlling each of the plurality of rectifiers based on the plurality of individual required currents; configured to cause In the step of acquiring the deterioration coefficient, for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells, the deterioration coefficient is acquired based on a first correlation indicating a correlation between a voltage applied to the electrolytic cell at the beginning of the life of the electrolytic cell and a current flowing through a circuit including the electrolytic cell, and a second correlation indicating the correlation at the end of the life of the electrolytic cell; In the step of acquiring the deterioration coefficient, for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells, the deterioration coefficient is calculated from the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell currently required to pass a specific value of current through a circuit including the electrolytic cell, the voltage value corresponding to the specific value of current obtained from the first correlation, and the voltage value corresponding to the specific value of current obtained from the second correlation. Control program for hydrogen production facilities.

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