Drive and power generation equipment

Abstract

To prevent a discrepancy between an amount of hydrogen consumed by an internal combustion engine and an amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine.SOLUTION: A drive device comprises: a reactor 25 which produces hydrogen; an internal combustion engine 40 using the hydrogen produced with the reactor 25 as fuel; and a control device 90 which controls output of the internal combustion engine 40 through adjusting an amount of the hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 on the basis of demand output which is a demand value with respect to output of the internal combustion engine 40. Given that the amount of the hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 according to the demand output is defined as a reference supply amount, the control device 90 changes the amount of the hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 with respect to the reference supply amount in a case of a difference between the output of the internal combustion engine 40 and the demand output so as to reduce the difference between the same.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive device including an internal combustion engine that uses hydrogen as fuel, and a power generation device including the drive device and a generator. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a drive device that includes a reactor that generates hydrogen and an internal combustion engine that uses the hydrogen generated by the reactor as fuel. In this drive device, the amount of hydrogen generated in the reactor is adjusted according to the future operating state of the internal combustion engine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 10,400,687 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If there is a discrepancy between the amount of hydrogen consumed by the internal combustion engine and the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine, the output of the internal combustion engine may fall significantly below the required output of the internal combustion engine, or unburned hydrogen may remain in the internal combustion engine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A first aspect of a drive device for solving the above problems includes a reactor that generates hydrogen, an internal combustion engine that uses the hydrogen generated by the reactor as fuel, and a control device that controls the output of the internal combustion engine by adjusting the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine based on a required output that is a required value for the output of the internal combustion engine. When the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine according to the required output is set to a reference supply amount, if a difference occurs between the output of the internal combustion engine and the required output, the control device changes the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine relative to the reference supply amount so as to reduce the magnitude of the difference between the output of the internal combustion engine and the required output.

[0006] When a difference occurs between the output of the internal combustion engine and the required output, the drive device adjusts the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine to reduce the magnitude of the difference, thereby preventing a discrepancy between the amount of hydrogen consumed by the internal combustion engine and the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine.

[0007] A second aspect of the drive device for solving the above problems includes a reactor that generates hydrogen, an internal combustion engine that uses the hydrogen generated by the reactor as fuel, and a control device that controls the output of the internal combustion engine so that the output of the internal combustion engine is based on the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine. When a predetermined abnormality occurs in the internal combustion engine, the control device reduces the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine.

[0008] When a predetermined abnormality occurs in the internal combustion engine, the drive device reduces the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine, thereby reducing the output of the internal combustion engine. That is, even if the output of the internal combustion engine decreases and the amount of hydrogen consumed by the internal combustion engine decreases, the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine is also reduced. Therefore, the drive device can prevent a discrepancy between the amount of hydrogen consumed by the internal combustion engine and the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine.

[0009] A first aspect of the power generation device for solving the above problem includes the drive device of the first aspect and a generator that generates electricity based on the output of the internal combustion engine. When the control device limits the power generation of the generator, it reduces the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine below the reference supply amount.

[0010] When the power generation of the generator is limited, the power generation device reduces the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine below a reference supply amount, thereby reducing the output of the internal combustion engine below the required output. In other words, even if the output of the internal combustion engine decreases and the amount of hydrogen consumed by the internal combustion engine decreases, the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine is also reduced. Therefore, even if the power generation of the generator is limited and the output of the internal combustion engine decreases, the power generation device can prevent a discrepancy between the amount of hydrogen consumed by the internal combustion engine and the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine.

[0011] A second aspect of the power generation device for solving the above problem includes the drive device of the second aspect and a generator that generates electricity based on the output of the internal combustion engine. When the power generation of the generator is limited, the control device reduces the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine.

[0012] When the power generation of the generator is limited, the power generation device reduces the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine, thereby reducing the output of the internal combustion engine. That is, even if the output of the internal combustion engine decreases and the amount of hydrogen consumed by the internal combustion engine decreases, the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine is also reduced. Therefore, even if the power generation of the generator is limited and the output of the internal combustion engine decreases, the power generation device can prevent a discrepancy between the amount of hydrogen consumed by the internal combustion engine and the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a power generating device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a plurality of processes executed by the CPU of the control device provided in the power generation device of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a graph showing the change over time in the hydrogen concentration, the water content of the oil, or the generator temperature. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the abnormality determination process executed by the CPU of the control device. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the adjustment process executed by the CPU of the control device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a plurality of processes executed by the CPU of the control device provided in the power generation device of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of a drive device and a power generating device will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1, the power generation device 10 includes a hydrogen generation device 20, an internal combustion engine 40, a generator 80, and a control device 90. The generator 80 generates electricity according to the output of the internal combustion engine 40. In this embodiment, the hydrogen generation device 20, the internal combustion engine 40, and the control device 90 constitute an example of a "drive device."

[0015] <Hydrogen generator> The hydrogen generation device 20 is a device that generates hydrogen gas and supplies the hydrogen gas to an internal combustion engine 40. The hydrogen generation device 20 includes a storage section 21, a supply pump 23, a reactor 25, and a DC power supply 26. Hereinafter, hydrogen gas will be simply referred to as "hydrogen."

[0016] The reservoir 21 stores pure water, which is a material for generating hydrogen. The supply pump 23 is an electric pump that draws pure water from the reservoir 21 and discharges the pure water. The supply pump 23 is connected to the reactor 25 via a water supply passage 231. The water supply passage 231 is a passage that supplies the pure water discharged by the supply pump 23 to the reactor 25.

[0017] The reactor 25 is a device that generates hydrogen by solid polymer water electrolysis. The reactor 25 generates hydrogen using pure water supplied via a water supply passage 231. The reactor 25 is connected to the internal combustion engine 40 via a connection passage 27.

[0018] The reactor 25 has an anode main electrode 251, a cathode main electrode 252, an ion exchange membrane 253, an anode catalytic electrode 254, and a cathode catalytic electrode 255. The ion exchange membrane 253 is located between the anode main electrode 251 and the cathode main electrode 252. The anode catalytic electrode 254 is interposed between the ion exchange membrane 253 and the anode main electrode 251. The cathode catalytic electrode 255 is interposed between the ion exchange membrane 253 and the cathode main electrode 252.

[0019] The DC power supply 26 is a power supply device that applies a voltage to the reactor 25. A positive electrode of the DC power supply 26 is electrically connected to the anode main electrode 251. A negative electrode of the DC power supply 26 is electrically connected to the cathode main electrode 252. Therefore, the DC power supply 26 supplies a positive charge to the anode main electrode 251 and a negative charge to the cathode main electrode 252.

[0020] When the DC power supply 26 applies a voltage to the reactor 25 in this manner, an anodic reaction shown in the following formula (A1) occurs, and a cathodic reaction shown in the following formula (A2) occurs, thereby generating hydrogen in the reactor 25.

[0021] 2H2O→O2+4H + +4e - (A1) 4H + +4e - →H2(A2) The hydrogen generated in the reactor 25 is introduced into the connecting passage 27. Then, the hydrogen is supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 via the connecting passage 27. On the other hand, the oxygen generated in the reactor 25 flows out of the reactor 25 through the oxygen passage 256.

[0022] An air supply passage 28 is connected to the connection passage 27. The air supply passage 28 is a passage for introducing air into the connection passage 27. Therefore, an air-fuel mixture containing hydrogen and air is supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 via the connection passage 27.

[0023] <Internal combustion engine> The internal combustion engine 40 is an internal combustion engine that uses as fuel the hydrogen produced by the reactor 25. The internal combustion engine 40 includes a cylinder block 41, a crankcase 43, an oil pan 45, and a cylinder head 47.

[0024] The crankcase 43 is attached to the lower part of the cylinder block 41. A crankshaft 49, which is the output shaft of the internal combustion engine 40, is housed inside the crankcase 43. The oil pan 45 is attached to the lower part of the crankcase 43. The oil pan 45 stores oil that circulates through the internal combustion engine 40.

[0025] The cylinder head 47 is attached to the top of the cylinder block 41. The cylinder block 41 and the cylinder head 47 define a plurality of cylinders 51. Only one of the plurality of cylinders 51 is shown in FIG.

[0026] The internal combustion engine 40 has the same number of pistons 53 and connecting rods 55 as the number of cylinders 51. The pistons 53 are housed in the corresponding cylinders 51 and are connected to the crankshaft 49 via the corresponding connecting rods 55. The pistons 53 reciprocate within the cylinders 51, causing the crankshaft 49 to rotate. The space defined by the peripheral walls of the cylinders 51 and the pistons 53 is called a combustion chamber 57.

[0027] A connecting passage 27 and an exhaust passage 59 are connected to the cylinder head 47. The connecting passage 27 is a passage through which the air-fuel mixture introduced into the multiple combustion chambers 57 flows. The connecting passage 27 is provided with an electric adjustment valve 61 that adjusts the amount of air-fuel mixture introduced into the combustion chambers 57. Specifically, the adjustment valve 61 is disposed in a portion of the connecting passage 27 downstream of the connection with the air supply passage 28. The smaller the opening of the adjustment valve 61, the smaller the amount of air-fuel mixture introduced into the multiple combustion chambers 57. In the multiple combustion chambers 57, the air-fuel mixture introduced into the combustion chambers 57 is combusted. When the air-fuel mixture is combusted in this manner, exhaust gas is generated in the multiple combustion chambers 57. The exhaust gas generated in the multiple combustion chambers 57 is then discharged into the exhaust passage 59.

[0028] A generator 80 is connected to the crankshaft 49. Therefore, power generated by combustion of the air-fuel mixture in the multiple combustion chambers 57 is transmitted to the generator 80 via the pistons 53, the connecting rods 55, and the crankshaft 49. As a result, the generator 80 generates electricity based on the output of the internal combustion engine 40.

[0029] The internal combustion engine 40 is equipped with a plurality of sensors. The plurality of sensors includes a crank angle sensor 71, a hydrogen concentration sensor 72, and a water content sensor 73. The crank angle sensor 71 detects the rotation angle of the crankshaft 49. The hydrogen concentration sensor 72 detects the hydrogen concentration in the crankcase 43. The water content sensor 73 detects the amount of water in the oil remaining in the oil pan 45. These plurality of sensors 71 to 73 output signals according to the detection results to the control device 90.

[0030] <Control device> The control device 90 includes a CPU 91 and a memory 93. The memory 93 stores a control program executed by the CPU 91. That is, the CPU 91 is an execution unit that executes the control program. By executing the control program, the CPU 91 adjusts the amount of hydrogen generated by the hydrogen generation device 20, the output of the internal combustion engine 40, and the amount of power generated by the generator 80.

[0031] Various processes executed by the CPU 91 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 91 executes a required output setting process M11, a supply amount derivation process M13, an abnormality determination process M15, a deviation determination process M16, and an adjustment process M17.

[0032] <Requested output setting process> In the required output setting process M11, the CPU 91 sets the required output PER, which is a required value of the output of the internal combustion engine 40. For example, when causing the generator 80 to generate power, the CPU 91 sets a preset output as the required output PER.

[0033] <Supply volume derivation process> In the supply amount derivation process M13, the CPU 91 derives an amount corresponding to the required output PER as the hydrogen supply amount SH, which is the amount of hydrogen supplied from the reactor 25 to the internal combustion engine 40. For example, the CPU 91 derives a larger value as the required output PER increases as the required output PER increases.

[0034] <Abnormality detection process> In the abnormality determination process M15, the CPU 91 determines whether or not a predetermined abnormality has occurred in the internal combustion engine 40. The predetermined abnormality is an abnormality that requires protection of the internal combustion engine 40. For example, the CPU 91 determines whether or not a predetermined abnormality has occurred in the internal combustion engine 40 based on the hydrogen concentration CH in the crankcase 43 and the water amount AW in the oil remaining in the oil pan 45.

[0035] Furthermore, in the abnormality determination process M15, the CPU 91 determines whether or not it is necessary to limit the power generation of the generator 80. For example, the CPU 91 determines whether or not it is necessary to limit the power generation of the generator 80 based on the generator temperature TPg, which is the temperature of the generator 80.

[0036] The abnormality determination process M15 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The abnormality determination process M15 is repeatedly executed for each predetermined control cycle. 4, in step S11 of the abnormality determination process M15, the CPU 91 acquires the hydrogen concentration CH in the crankcase 43. For example, the CPU 91 acquires the hydrogen concentration based on the detection value of the hydrogen concentration sensor 72 as the hydrogen concentration CH.

[0037] In the next step S13, the CPU 91 determines whether the hydrogen concentration CH is equal to or greater than the judgment hydrogen concentration CH. If the hydrogen concentration in the crankcase 43 becomes high, the CPU 91 executes a scavenging process, for example, to protect the internal combustion engine 40. The scavenging process is a process for discharging hydrogen from inside the crankcase 43 to the outside of the crankcase 43. A judgment hydrogen concentration CHth is set as a criterion for determining whether or not it is necessary to execute a process for protecting the internal combustion engine 40. If the CPU 91 determines that the hydrogen concentration CH will be equal to or greater than the judgment hydrogen concentration CHth (S13: YES), the CPU 91 proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, if the CPU 91 determines that the hydrogen concentration CH will not be equal to or greater than the judgment hydrogen concentration CHth (S13: NO), the CPU 91 proceeds to step S15.

[0038] The determination process of step S13 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3. The CPU 91 monitors the change in hydrogen concentration CH as shown by the solid line in FIG. 3. Based on the change in hydrogen concentration CH, the CPU 91 creates an approximation formula that shows the change in the increase in hydrogen concentration CH as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3. Next, the CPU 91 uses this approximation formula to estimate the arrival time ta, which is the time when the hydrogen concentration CH will reach the judgment hydrogen concentration CHth. If the reference time tb is set to a time that is a predetermined grace time TMa before the arrival time ta, the CPU 91 determines that the hydrogen concentration CH will be equal to or greater than the judgment hydrogen concentration CHth if the reference time tb is chronologically earlier than the current time. On the other hand, if the reference time tb is chronologically later than the current time, the CPU 91 determines that the hydrogen concentration CH will not be equal to or greater than the judgment hydrogen concentration CHth.

[0039] 4, in step S15, the CPU 91 acquires the water content AW of the oil circulating through the internal combustion engine 40. For example, the CPU 91 acquires the water content AW based on the detection value of the water content sensor 73. In this case, the water content AW is the amount of water in the oil in the oil pan 45.

[0040] In the next step S17, the CPU 91 determines whether the water amount AW is equal to or greater than the determination water amount AWth. When hydrogen is burned in the combustion chamber 57, water is produced. Some of the water produced in the combustion chamber 57 leaks into the oil pan 45 through the gap between the peripheral wall of the cylinder 51 and the piston 53. This increases the amount of water in the oil in the oil pan 45. That is, the amount of water in the oil circulating through the internal combustion engine 40 increases. When the amount of water in the oil increases, the CPU 91 performs an evaporation process, for example, to protect the internal combustion engine 40. The evaporation process is a process that reduces the amount of water in the oil by evaporating the water contained in the oil. The determination water amount AWth is set as a criterion for determining whether or not it is necessary to perform a process to protect the internal combustion engine 40. When the CPU 91 determines that the water amount AW is equal to or greater than the determination water amount AWth (S17: YES), the CPU 91 proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, when the CPU 91 determines that the moisture amount AW is not equal to or greater than the threshold moisture amount AWth (S17: NO), the CPU 91 shifts the processing to step S19.

[0041] The determination process of step S17 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3. The CPU 91 monitors the change in moisture content AW as shown by the solid line in FIG. 3. Based on the change in moisture content AW, the CPU 91 creates an approximation formula that indicates the change in the increase in moisture content AW as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3. Next, the CPU 91 uses this approximation formula to estimate the arrival time ta, which is the time when the moisture content AW will reach the determination moisture content AWth. If the reference time tb is set to a time a predetermined grace period TMa before the arrival time ta, the CPU 91 determines that the moisture content AW will be equal to or greater than the determination moisture content AWth if the reference time tb is chronologically earlier than the current time. On the other hand, if the reference time tb is chronologically later than the current time, the CPU 91 determines that the moisture content AW will not be equal to or greater than the determination moisture content AWth.

[0042] 4, in step S19, the CPU 91 acquires a generator temperature TPg, which is the temperature of the generator 80. For example, the CPU 91 acquires a temperature according to a detection value of a sensor that detects the temperature of the generator 80 as the generator temperature TPg.

[0043] In the next step S21, the CPU 91 determines whether the generator temperature TPg is equal to or greater than the judgment generator temperature TPgth. If the generator temperature TPg is too high, it is preferable to limit the power generation of the generator 80 in order to protect the generator 80. The judgment generator temperature TPgth is set as a criterion for determining whether protection of the generator 80 is necessary. If the CPU 91 determines that the generator temperature TPg is equal to or greater than the judgment generator temperature TPgth (S21: YES), the CPU 91 shifts the processing to step S23. On the other hand, if the CPU 91 determines that the generator temperature TPg is not equal to or greater than the judgment generator temperature TPgth (S21: NO), the CPU 91 shifts the processing to step S25.

[0044] The determination process of step S21 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3. The CPU 91 monitors the transition of the generator temperature TPg as shown by the solid line in FIG. 3. Based on the transition of the generator temperature TPg, the CPU 91 creates an approximation formula that indicates the transition of the increase in the generator temperature TPg as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3. Next, the CPU 91 uses the approximation formula to estimate the arrival time ta, which is the time when the generator temperature TPg will reach the determination generator temperature TPgth. When the reference time tb is set to a time that is a predetermined grace time TMa before the arrival time ta, the CPU 91 determines that the generator temperature TPg will be equal to or higher than the determination generator temperature TPgth if the reference time tb is chronologically earlier than the current time. On the other hand, if the reference time tb is chronologically later than the current time, the CPU 91 determines that the generator temperature TPg will not be equal to or higher than the determination generator temperature TPgth.

[0045] Returning to FIG. 4 , in step S23, the CPU 91 sets the abnormality determination flag FLG to ON. That is, if the CPU 91 determines that the hydrogen concentration CH will be equal to or greater than the determination hydrogen concentration CHth, it determines that a predetermined abnormality has occurred in the internal combustion engine 40. Furthermore, if the CPU 91 determines that the water amount AW will be equal to or greater than the determination water amount AWth, it determines that a predetermined abnormality has occurred in the internal combustion engine 40. If the CPU 91 determines that a predetermined abnormality has occurred in the internal combustion engine 40, it sets the abnormality determination flag FLG to ON. Furthermore, if the CPU 91 determines that the generator temperature TPg will be equal to or greater than the determination generator temperature TPgth, it determines that it is necessary to limit the power generation of the generator 80. If the CPU 91 determines that it is necessary to limit the power generation of the generator 80, it sets the abnormality determination flag FLG to ON. Thereafter, the CPU 91 temporarily ends the abnormality determination process M15.

[0046] In step S25, the CPU 91 sets the abnormality determination flag FLG to OFF. That is, the CPU 91 sets the abnormality determination flag FLG to OFF when both of the following are true: it has been determined that a predetermined abnormality has not occurred in the internal combustion engine 40; and it has been determined that there is no need to limit the power generation of the generator 80. Thereafter, the CPU 91 temporarily ends the abnormality determination process M15.

[0047] <Deviation determination process> As shown in FIG. 2, in a deviation determination process M16, the CPU 91 acquires the actual output PE, which is the output of the internal combustion engine 40. Then, the CPU 91 compares the actual output PE with the required output PER to determine whether or not a difference exists between the actual output PE and the required output PER. For example, if the magnitude of the difference between the actual output PE and the required output PER is equal to or greater than a predetermined difference, the CPU 91 determines that a difference exists between the actual output PE and the required output PER. A value that takes into account a calculation error of the actual output PE is set as the predetermined difference. Therefore, if the magnitude of the difference is less than the predetermined difference, the CPU 91 determines that no difference exists between the actual output PE and the required output PER.

[0048] <Adjustment processing> In the adjustment process M17, the CPU 91 adjusts the amount of hydrogen generated by the hydrogen generation device 20, the output of the internal combustion engine 40, and the amount of power generated by the generator 80.

[0049] The adjustment process M17 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 5. The adjustment process M17 is repeatedly executed for each predetermined control cycle. In step S40 of the adjustment process M17, the CPU 91 determines whether or not a difference exists between the actual output PE and the required output PER of the internal combustion engine 40, based on the execution result of the deviation determination process M16. If a difference exists between the actual output PE and the required output PER (S40: YES), the CPU 91 proceeds to step S47. On the other hand, if no difference exists between the actual output PE and the required output PER (S40: NO), the CPU 91 proceeds to step S41.

[0050] In step S41, the CPU 91 determines whether the abnormality determination flag FLG is set to OFF. If the abnormality determination flag FLG is set to OFF (S41: YES), the CPU 91 proceeds to step S43. On the other hand, if the abnormality determination flag FLG is set to ON (S41: NO), the CPU 91 proceeds to step S45.

[0051] In step S43, the CPU 91 performs standard control. In standard control, the CPU 91 equates the command output PEI, which is the command value for the output of the internal combustion engine 40, with the required output PER. When the required value for the amount of hydrogen generated by the hydrogen generator 20 is the required generation amount QOH, the CPU 91 sets a value corresponding to the command output PEI as the required generation amount QOH. When the amount of hydrogen generated by the hydrogen generator 20 based on the required output PER is the reference generation amount BOH, in standard control the required generation amount QOH becomes equal to the reference generation amount BOH. Note that the amount of hydrogen generated by the hydrogen generator 20 correlates with the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40. Therefore, when the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 based on the required output PER is the reference supply amount, standard control can be said to be control that equalizes the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 with the reference supply amount.

[0052] Furthermore, when the required value of the amount of power generated by the generator 80 is the required power generation amount RPG, the CPU 91 sets a larger value as the required generation amount QOH as the output of the internal combustion engine 40 increases. Therefore, in standard control, the CPU 91 sets a value according to the required output PER as the required power generation amount RPG.

[0053] Then, in standard control, the CPU 91 controls the hydrogen generation apparatus 20 based on the required generation amount QOH. For example, the CPU 91 controls the operation of the supply pump 23 so that the amount of pure water supplied to the reactor 25 decreases as the required generation amount QOH decreases. The CPU 91 also controls the operation of the internal combustion engine 40 based on the instruction output PEI. The CPU 91 controls the generator 80 based on the required power generation amount RPG. After performing standard control in this manner, the CPU 91 temporarily terminates the adjustment process M17.

[0054] In step S45, the CPU 91 performs first protective control. In the first protective control, the CPU 91 sets a value smaller than the required output PER as the command output PEI. The CPU 91 sets a value corresponding to the command output PEI as the required generation amount QOH. That is, in the first protective control, a value smaller than the reference generation amount BOH is set as the required generation amount QOH. Therefore, the first protective control can be said to be control that reduces the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 below the reference supply amount.

[0055] Furthermore, the CPU 91 sets a larger value as the required generation amount QOH as the output of the internal combustion engine 40 increases. Therefore, in the first protection control, the CPU 91 sets a value smaller than the amount of power generation according to the required output PER as the required generation amount RPG.

[0056] Then, in the first protective control, the CPU 91 controls the hydrogen generation device 20 based on the required generation amount QOH. When adjusting the supply amount of pure water to the reactor 25 based on the required generation amount QOH as described above, the CPU 91 controls the operation of the supply pump 23 so that the supply amount of pure water to the reactor 25 is less than when standard control is performed. The CPU 91 also controls the operation of the internal combustion engine 40 based on the instruction output PEI. The CPU 91 controls the generator 80 based on the required power generation amount RPG. After performing the first protective control in this manner, the CPU 91 temporarily terminates the adjustment process M17.

[0057] In step S47, the CPU 91 performs second protection control. In the second protection control, the CPU 91 changes the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 relative to the reference supply amount BSH so as to reduce the magnitude of the difference between the actual output PE and the required output PER of the internal combustion engine 40. Specifically, when the actual output PE is greater than the required output PER, the CPU 91 sets a value smaller than the required output PER as the command output PEI. The CPU 91 sets a value corresponding to the command output PEI as the required generation amount QOH. As a result, a value smaller than the reference generation amount BOH is set as the required generation amount QOH. On the other hand, when the actual output PE is smaller than the required output PER, the CPU 91 sets a value larger than the required output PER as the command output PEI. The CPU 91 sets a value corresponding to the command output PEI as the required generation amount QOH. As a result, a value larger than the reference generation amount BOH is set as the required generation amount QOH.

[0058] Furthermore, the CPU 91 sets a larger value as the output of the internal combustion engine 40, i.e., the actual output PE, increases as the required generation amount QOH increases. In other words, in the second protection control, the CPU 91 sets a value different from the amount of power generation according to the required output PER as the required generation amount RPG.

[0059] Then, in the second protective control, the CPU 91 controls the hydrogen generation device 20 based on the required generation amount QOH. The CPU 91 also controls the operation of the internal combustion engine 40 based on the instruction output PEI. Furthermore, the CPU 91 controls the generator 80 based on the required power generation amount RPG. After performing the second protective control in this manner, the CPU 91 temporarily terminates the adjustment process M17.

[0060] <Operation of this embodiment> If it is determined that no predetermined abnormality has occurred in the internal combustion engine 40, the internal combustion engine 40 operates normally. In particular, if there is no difference between the actual output PE and the required output PER of the internal combustion engine 40, standard control is performed, and the drive device operates based on the required output PER. That is, in the hydrogen generation device 20, the supply pump 23 operates so that the reactor 25 generates an amount of hydrogen corresponding to the required output PER. At this time, the reactor 25 generates an amount of hydrogen approximately equal to the reference generation amount BOH. The hydrogen generated in the reactor 25 is supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 together with air via the connecting passage 27. Then, in the combustion chamber 57 of the internal combustion engine 40, the air-fuel mixture supplied via the connecting passage 27 is combusted, and the actual output PE of the internal combustion engine 40 corresponds to the amount of hydrogen introduced into the combustion chamber 57. In this case, the actual output PE of the internal combustion engine 40 is approximately equal to the required output PER.

[0061] The generator 80 generates power based on the actual output PE of the internal combustion engine 40. When standard control is being performed, the actual output PE of the internal combustion engine 40 is approximately equal to the required output PER. Therefore, the amount of power generated by the generator 80 corresponds to the required output PER. In other words, the power generation by the generator 80 is not limited.

[0062] Note that even when it is determined that no predetermined abnormality has occurred in the internal combustion engine 40, if there is a difference between the actual output PE and the required output PER of the internal combustion engine 40, the second protective control is implemented. When the second protective control is implemented and the actual output PE is greater than the required output PER, the hydrogen generation device 20 operates to generate less hydrogen in the reactor 25 than when standard control is implemented. In this embodiment, the amount of pure water supplied to the reactor 25 by the supply pump 23 is reduced. This reduces the amount of hydrogen generated in the reactor 25 below the reference generation amount BOH. As a result, the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 becomes less than the reference supply amount BSH, thereby reducing the actual output PE of the internal combustion engine 40. As a result, the magnitude of the difference between the actual output PE and the required output PER decreases.

[0063] Conversely, when the actual output PE is smaller than the required output PER, the hydrogen generation device 20 operates to generate more hydrogen in the reactor 25 than when standard control is performed. In this embodiment, the amount of pure water supplied to the reactor 25 by the supply pump 23 is increased. As a result, the amount of hydrogen generated in the reactor 25 becomes greater than the reference generation amount BOH. Then, the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 becomes greater than the reference supply amount BSH, so the actual output PE of the internal combustion engine 40 increases, and as a result, the magnitude of the difference between the actual output PE and the required output PER decreases.

[0064] On the other hand, if it is determined that a predetermined abnormality has occurred in the internal combustion engine 40, a first protective control is implemented. As a result, the actual output power PE of the internal combustion engine 40 becomes smaller than the required output power PER. That is, the hydrogen generation device 20 operates to generate less hydrogen in the reactor 25 than when standard control is performed. In this embodiment, the amount of pure water supplied to the reactor 25 by the supply pump 23 is reduced. As a result, the amount of hydrogen generated in the reactor 25 becomes smaller than the reference generation amount BOH. As a result, the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 becomes smaller than the reference supply amount BSH, and the actual output power PE of the internal combustion engine 40 becomes smaller than the required output power PER. When the actual output power PE of the internal combustion engine 40 becomes smaller than the required output power PER in this way, the amount of power generated by the generator 80 becomes smaller than the amount of power generated according to the reference generation amount BOH. That is, the power generation by the generator 80 is limited.

[0065] <Effects of this embodiment> (1-1) In a situation where it is determined that the internal combustion engine 40 does not have a predetermined abnormality, if there is a difference between the actual output PE and the required output PER of the internal combustion engine 40, the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 is adjusted so as to reduce the magnitude of the difference between the actual output PE and the required output PER. This makes it possible to suppress a discrepancy between the amount of hydrogen consumed by the internal combustion engine 40 and the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40.

[0066] (1-2) When it is determined that a predetermined abnormality has occurred in the internal combustion engine 40, the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 becomes less than the reference supply amount BSH, and the actual output PE of the internal combustion engine 40 becomes less than the required output PER. In other words, even if the actual output PE of the internal combustion engine 40 decreases and the amount of hydrogen consumed by the internal combustion engine 40 decreases, the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 is also reduced. Therefore, even if a predetermined abnormality has occurred in the internal combustion engine 40 and the actual output PE of the internal combustion engine 40 decreases, the amount of hydrogen leaking into the crankcase 43 of the internal combustion engine 40 can be prevented from increasing. Therefore, the power generation device 10 can prevent the hydrogen concentration in the crankcase 43 from increasing even if a predetermined abnormality has occurred in the internal combustion engine 40 and the actual output PE of the internal combustion engine 40 decreases.

[0067] (1-3) In this embodiment, the first protective control is implemented even when the power generation of the generator 80 is limited. When the first protective control is implemented, the actual output power PE of the internal combustion engine 40 becomes smaller than when standard control is implemented. Therefore, the power generation device 10 can prevent the actual output power PE of the internal combustion engine 40 from becoming excessively large relative to the amount of power generated by the generator 80.

[0068] (1-4) When control shifts from standard control to first protective control, even if the amount of pure water supplied to the reactor 25 is reduced, the amount of hydrogen generated in the reactor 25 may not immediately decrease. During the period when the amount of hydrogen generated in the reactor 25 does not decrease, the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 is approximately equal to the standard supply amount BSH. In this case, the amount of hydrogen leaking from the combustion chamber 57 into the crankcase 43 in the internal combustion engine 40 does not decrease.

[0069] Therefore, in this embodiment, the CPU 91 determines whether the hydrogen concentration CH will become equal to or greater than the determination hydrogen concentration CHth based on the change in the hydrogen concentration CH in the crankcase 43. Therefore, the CPU 91 can transition from standard control to first protective control before the hydrogen concentration CH actually becomes equal to or greater than the determination hydrogen concentration CHth. This shortens the time lag between when the hydrogen concentration CH actually reaches the determination hydrogen concentration CHth and when the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 actually starts to decrease. This increases the effectiveness of preventing the hydrogen concentration in the crankcase 43 from becoming too high.

[0070] The CPU 91 determines whether the water content AW of the oil in the oil pan 45 will be equal to or greater than the critical water content AWth, based on the change in the water content AW of the oil in the oil pan 45. Therefore, the CPU 91 can transition control from standard control to first protective control before the water content AW actually becomes equal to or greater than the critical water content AWth. This shortens the time lag between when the water content AW actually reaches the critical water content AWth and when the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 actually starts to decrease. This increases the effectiveness of preventing the hydrogen concentration in the crankcase 43 from increasing.

[0071] The CPU 91 determines whether the generator temperature TPg will be equal to or higher than the critical generator temperature TPgth based on the progression of the generator temperature TPg. Therefore, the CPU 91 can transition control from standard control to first protective control before the generator temperature TPg actually becomes equal to or higher than the critical generator temperature TPgth. This shortens the time lag between when the generator temperature TPg actually reaches the critical generator temperature TPgth and when the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 actually starts to decrease. This increases the effectiveness of preventing the hydrogen concentration in the crankcase 43 from increasing.

[0072] (1-5) The amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 can also be reduced by reducing the opening of the adjustment valve 61. However, unless the amount of hydrogen generated in the reactor 25 is reduced, there is a risk that the amount of hydrogen remaining in the reactor 25 will become excessive. In this regard, in this embodiment, when the first protective control is performed, the amount of hydrogen generated in the reactor 25 is reduced compared to when standard control is performed. Therefore, the power generation device 10 can prevent the amount of hydrogen remaining in the reactor 25 from becoming excessive due to the implementation of the first protective control.

[0073] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment of the drive device and power generation device will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In the second embodiment, some of the processing contents of the control device are different from those of the first embodiment. In the following description, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same components as those of the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 91 executes a required supply amount setting process M21, a reference output setting process M23, an abnormality determination process M15, a deviation determination process M16A, and an adjustment process M27.

[0075] In the requested supply amount setting process M21, the CPU 91 sets a requested supply amount RSH, which is a requested value for the amount of hydrogen to be supplied to the internal combustion engine 40. For example, the CPU 91 sets a predetermined amount as the requested supply amount RSH.

[0076] In the reference output setting process M23, the CPU 91 sets the output of the internal combustion engine 40 according to the requested supply amount RSH as the reference output PEB. In a deviation determination process M16A, the CPU 91 determines whether or not a deviation has occurred between the actual output PE and the required output PER of the internal combustion engine 40. In the deviation determination process M16A, the CPU 91 acquires the reference output PEB as the required output PER. Then, the CPU 91 performs the determination in the same manner as in the deviation determination process M16 in the first embodiment.

[0077] In adjustment processing M27, the CPU 91 adjusts the amount of hydrogen generated by the hydrogen generation device 20, the output of the internal combustion engine 40, and the amount of power generated by the generator 80. Specifically, the CPU 91 performs the standard control when the abnormality determination flag FLG is set to OFF and it is determined that there is no difference between the actual output PE and the required output PER. Even if the abnormality determination flag FLG is set to OFF, the CPU 91 performs the second protective control when it is determined that there is a difference between the actual output PE and the required output PER. On the other hand, the CPU 91 performs the first protective control when the abnormality determination flag FLG is set to ON.

[0078] The first protective control of this embodiment will be described. That is, in the first protective control, the CPU 91 operates the supply pump 23 so that the amount of hydrogen generated in the reactor 25 is less than the required supply amount RSH. The CPU 91 also sets the output of the internal combustion engine 40 according to the amount of hydrogen generated in the reactor 25 as the command output PEI. The CPU 91 then controls the operation of the internal combustion engine 40 based on the command output PEI. The CPU 91 also sets the amount of power generation according to the command output PEI as the required power generation amount RPG. The CPU 91 then controls the generator 80 based on the required power generation amount RPG. That is, when the first protective control is implemented, the CPU 91 reduces the command output PEI compared to when standard control is implemented. The CPU 91 also reduces the required power generation amount RPG when the first protective control is implemented compared to when standard control is implemented.

[0079] The second protection control of this embodiment will be described. That is, in the second protection control, when the actual output PE is greater than the required output PER, the CPU 91 operates the supply pump 23 so that the amount of hydrogen generated in the reactor 25 is less than the required supply rate RSH. The CPU 91 also sets the output of the internal combustion engine 40 corresponding to the amount of hydrogen generated in the reactor 25 as the command output PEI. The CPU 91 then controls the operation of the internal combustion engine 40 based on the command output PEI. On the other hand, when the actual output PE is smaller than the required output PER, the CPU 91 operates the supply pump 23 so that the amount of hydrogen generated in the reactor 25 is greater than the required supply rate RSH. The CPU 91 also sets the output of the internal combustion engine 40 corresponding to the amount of hydrogen generated in the reactor 25 as the command output PEI. The CPU 91 then controls the operation of the internal combustion engine 40 based on the command output PEI.

[0080] <Actions and Effects of This Embodiment> In this embodiment, in addition to the effects (1-1) and (1-3) to (1-5) of the first embodiment, the following effects can be further obtained.

[0081] (2-1) When it is determined that a predetermined abnormality has occurred in the internal combustion engine 40, the amount of hydrogen generated in the reactor 25 becomes smaller than the required supply amount RSH, and the actual output power PE of the internal combustion engine 40 becomes smaller than the reference output power PEB. In other words, even if the actual output power PE of the internal combustion engine 40 decreases and the amount of hydrogen consumed by the internal combustion engine 40 decreases, the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 is also reduced. Therefore, even if a predetermined abnormality has occurred in the internal combustion engine 40 and the actual output power PE of the internal combustion engine 40 decreases, the amount of hydrogen leaking into the crankcase 43 of the internal combustion engine 40 can be prevented from increasing. Therefore, even if a predetermined abnormality has occurred in the internal combustion engine 40 and the actual output power PE of the internal combustion engine 40 decreases, the power generation device 10 can prevent the hydrogen concentration in the crankcase 43 from increasing.

[0082] (Example of change) The above-described embodiments can be modified as follows: The above-described embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

[0083] Even when the power generation of the generator 80 is restricted, if a predetermined abnormality does not occur in the internal combustion engine 40, the CPU 91 may execute the standard control or the second protective control. In the first and second protective controls, if the amount of hydrogen generated in the reactor 25 can be reduced, it is not necessary to reduce the amount of pure water supplied to the reactor 25. For example, in the first and second protective controls, the CPU 91 may reduce the amount of hydrogen generated in the reactor 25 by lowering the voltage applied to the reactor 25. Furthermore, when the amount of hydrogen generated in the reactor 25 is to be increased in the second protective control, the CPU 91 may increase the amount of hydrogen generated in the reactor 25 by increasing the voltage applied to the reactor 25.

[0084] In the first and second protective controls, the amount of hydrogen generated in the reactor 25 does not have to be reduced as long as the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 can be reduced. For example, in the first and second protective controls, the CPU 91 may reduce the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 by reducing the aperture of the adjustment valve 61 installed in the connection passage 27. Furthermore, when the amount of hydrogen generated in the reactor 25 is increased in the second protective control, the CPU 91 may increase the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 by increasing the aperture of the adjustment valve 61.

[0085] In the first protective control and the second protective control, the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 may be reduced by both reducing the amount of hydrogen generated in the reactor 25 and reducing the opening of the regulating valve 61. In addition, in the second protective control, the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine 40 may be increased by both increasing the amount of hydrogen generated in the reactor 25 and increasing the opening of the regulating valve 61.

[0086] In step S13 of the abnormality determination process M15, if the hydrogen concentration CH becomes equal to or greater than the threshold hydrogen concentration CHth, it may be determined that the hydrogen concentration CH becomes equal to or greater than the threshold hydrogen concentration CHth. In this case, if the hydrogen concentration CH is less than the threshold hydrogen concentration CHth, it may be determined that the hydrogen concentration CH will not become equal to or greater than the threshold hydrogen concentration CHth.

[0087] In step S17 of the abnormality determination process M15, if the water content AW in the oil becomes equal to or greater than the threshold water content AWth, it may be determined that the water content AW is equal to or greater than the threshold water content AWth. In this case, if the water content AW is less than the threshold water content AWth, it may be determined that the water content AW will not become equal to or greater than the threshold water content AWth.

[0088] In step S21 of the abnormality determination process M15, if the generator temperature TPg becomes equal to or greater than the determination generator temperature TPgth, it may be determined that the generator temperature TPg becomes equal to or greater than the determination generator temperature TPgth. In this case, if the generator temperature TPg is less than the determination generator temperature TPgth, it may be determined that the generator temperature TPg will not become equal to or greater than the determination generator temperature TPgth.

[0089] The hydrogen concentration CH acquired in step S11 of the abnormality determination process M15 does not have to be a value based on the detection value of the hydrogen concentration sensor 72. For example, the CPU 91 may acquire as the hydrogen concentration CH an estimated value of the hydrogen concentration based on the operating state of the internal combustion engine 40. In this case, the CPU 91 may estimate the hydrogen concentration using a trained model that has been subjected to machine learning. The trained model may be a model that receives state variables indicating the operating state of the internal combustion engine 40, such as the engine speed NE and the engine load factor KL, as input and outputs a variable corresponding to the hydrogen concentration.

[0090] The water content AW in the oil obtained in step S15 of the abnormality determination process M15 does not have to be a value based on the detection value of the water content sensor 73. For example, the CPU 91 may obtain as the water content AW an estimated value of the water content in the oil based on the operating state of the internal combustion engine 40. In this case, the CPU 91 may estimate the water content using a trained model that has been subjected to machine learning. The trained model may be a model that receives state variables indicating the operating state of the internal combustion engine 40, such as the engine speed NE and the engine load factor KL, as input, and outputs a variable corresponding to the water content in the oil.

[0091] The generator temperature TPg acquired in step S19 of the abnormality determination process M15 may be a value based on a detected value from a temperature sensor, or may be an estimated value of the temperature of the generator 80 based on the operating state of the generator 80. When estimating the temperature of the generator 80, the CPU 91 may estimate the temperature of the generator using a trained model that has been subjected to machine learning. The trained model may be a model that receives as input a state variable indicating the operating state of the generator 80, such as the rotation speed of the generator 80, and outputs a variable corresponding to the temperature of the generator 80.

[0092] When the power generated by the generator 80 is stored in the battery, if the abnormality determination process M15 determines that the amount of power stored in the battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, it may be determined that the power generation by the generator 80 needs to be limited.

[0093] The CPU 91 may determine whether a predetermined abnormality has occurred in the internal combustion engine 40 using a trained model that has been subjected to machine learning. For example, the trained model may be a model that receives state variables indicating the operating state of the internal combustion engine 40, such as the engine speed NE and the engine load factor KL, as input, and outputs a value indicating the probability that the predetermined abnormality has occurred. In this case, the CPU 91 determines that the predetermined abnormality has occurred when the probability indicated by the value output from the trained model is equal to or greater than a determination value, and determines that the predetermined abnormality has not occurred when the probability is less than the determination value.

[0094] The reactor may be a device that generates hydrogen by a method other than solid polymer water electrolysis, as long as it can generate hydrogen. For example, the reactor may be a device that generates hydrogen by alkaline water electrolysis. In this case, when a KOH solution is supplied as a material to the reactor, hydrogen is generated using a KOH container.

[0095] The control device 90 is not limited to a device that includes a CPU and a ROM and executes software processing. In other words, the control device 90 may have any one of the following configurations (a) to (c). (a) The control device 90 includes one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores program code or instructions that cause the CPU to execute processes. Memory, i.e., computer-readable media, includes any available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0096] (b) The control device 90 includes one or more dedicated hardware circuits for executing various processes. Examples of dedicated hardware circuits include application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or FPGAs. ASIC stands for "Application Specific Integrated Circuit," and FPGA stands for "Field Programmable Gate Array."

[0097] (c) The control device 90 includes a processor that executes some of the various processes in accordance with a computer program, and a dedicated hardware circuit that executes the remaining processes of the various processes.

[0098] (technical thought) Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described as supplementary notes.

[0099] (Appendix 1) A reactor for generating hydrogen; an internal combustion engine fueled by the hydrogen generated by the reactor; a control device that controls the output of the internal combustion engine by adjusting the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine based on a required output that is a required value for the output of the internal combustion engine, When the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine according to the required output is defined as a reference supply amount, When a difference occurs between the output of the internal combustion engine and the required output, the control device changes the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine relative to the reference supply amount so as to reduce the magnitude of the difference between the output of the internal combustion engine and the required output.

[0100] (Note 2) The present invention comprises a connection passage for supplying hydrogen generated in the reactor to the internal combustion engine, and an adjustment valve provided in the connection passage, and the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine is changed by adjusting the opening of the adjustment valve, 2. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the control device changes the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine by adjusting the opening of the regulating valve.

[0101] (Supplementary Note 3) The drive device according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, wherein the control device adjusts the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine by adjusting the amount of hydrogen produced in the reactor. (Appendix 4) The drive device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein the control device reduces the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine below the reference supply amount when a predetermined abnormality occurs in the internal combustion engine.

[0102] (Appendix 5) A reactor for generating hydrogen; an internal combustion engine fueled by the hydrogen generated by the reactor; a control device that controls the output of the internal combustion engine so that the output is based on the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine, The control device reduces the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine when a predetermined abnormality occurs in the internal combustion engine.

[0103] (Appendix 6) The drive device according to appendix 4 or appendix 5, wherein the control device determines that the predetermined abnormality has occurred in the internal combustion engine when it determines that the hydrogen concentration in the crankcase of the internal combustion engine is equal to or greater than a concentration determination value.

[0104] (Appendix 7) A drive device described in any one of Appendices 4 to 6, wherein the control device determines that the specified abnormality has occurred in the internal combustion engine when it determines that the amount of water in the oil circulating through the internal combustion engine is equal to or greater than a water amount judgment value.

[0105] (Appendix 8) The present invention comprises a connection passage for supplying hydrogen generated in the reactor to the internal combustion engine, and an adjustment valve provided in the connection passage, and the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine is changed by adjusting the opening of the adjustment valve, The drive device according to any one of Supplementary Note 4 to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the control device reduces the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine by adjusting the opening of the adjustment valve when the predetermined abnormality occurs in the internal combustion engine.

[0106] (Appendix 9) The drive device according to any one of Appendices 4 to 8, wherein the control device reduces the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine by reducing the amount of hydrogen produced in the reactor when the predetermined abnormality occurs in the internal combustion engine.

[0107] (Supplementary Note 10) A driving device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, comprising: a generator that generates electricity based on the output of the internal combustion engine; When the control device limits the power generation of the generator, the control device reduces the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine below the reference supply amount.

[0108] (Supplementary Note 11) A driving device according to any one of Supplementary Note 5 to Supplementary Note 9, comprising: a generator that generates electricity based on the output of the internal combustion engine; The power generation device, wherein the control device reduces the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine when the power generation of the power generator is limited. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 10...Power generation equipment 25...Reactor 27...Connecting passage 40...Internal combustion engine 43...Crankcase 61...Adjusting valve 80...Generator 90...Control device

Claims

1. a reactor for producing hydrogen; an internal combustion engine fueled by the hydrogen generated by the reactor; a control device that controls the output of the internal combustion engine by adjusting the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine based on a required output that is a required value for the output of the internal combustion engine, When the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine according to the required output is defined as a reference supply amount, The control device adjusting the amount of hydrogen produced in the reactor to thereby adjust the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine; when a difference occurs between the output of the internal combustion engine and the required output, changing the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine relative to the reference supply amount so as to reduce the magnitude of the difference between the output of the internal combustion engine and the required output; an arrival timing, which is the timing at which the hydrogen concentration will reach a concentration judgment value, is estimated based on the transition of the hydrogen concentration in the crankcase of the internal combustion engine, and when a time that is a predetermined grace time before the arrival timing is set as a reference timing, if the reference timing is chronologically earlier than the current time, it is determined that the hydrogen concentration will be equal to or greater than the concentration judgment value, but if the reference timing is chronologically later than the current time, it is determined that the hydrogen concentration will not be equal to or greater than the concentration judgment value; When it is determined in the determination process that the hydrogen concentration is equal to or greater than the concentration determination value, the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine is reduced below the reference supply amount. Drive unit.

2. a power generating device comprising: the drive device according to claim 1; and a generator that generates power based on an output of the internal combustion engine; When the power generation of the generator is limited, the control device reduces the amount of hydrogen supplied to the internal combustion engine below the reference supply amount. Power generation equipment.

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