Evaluation device, evaluation method, and evaluation device program

Abstract

Provided is an evaluation device 100 which evaluates the performance of a predetermined object W to be evaluated while changing temperature conditions, said evaluation device 100 comprising: a heating furnace 1 that has an in-furnace space 1s which accommodates the object W to be evaluated; a temperature adjustment mechanism C that carries out temperature adjustment by heating or cooling the object W to be evaluated or the surroundings of the object W; a temperature acquisition unit 34 that acquires the temperature of a plurality of points of the object W to be evaluated or a plurality of points around the object W; and a temperature adjustment mechanism control unit 35 that controls the temperature adjustment mechanism C so as to keep the absolute value of the difference between the plurality of temperatures which have been obtained by the temperature acquisition unit 34 a predetermined value or less.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an evaluation device, an evaluation method, and a program for the evaluation device for evaluating the performance of an evaluation object such as a fuel cell. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an evaluation device that evaluates the electrical performance of an evaluation object such as a fuel cell by changing the temperature conditions (for example, Patent Document 1). In such an evaluation device, the fuel cell is placed in a heating furnace and heated to a predetermined test temperature, and an evaluation test is performed at that test temperature. After the evaluation test is completed, the heating furnace is stopped, and after the furnace has cooled sufficiently, the tester removes the fuel cell and places the next fuel cell to be evaluated in the furnace to replace it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-200887 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the evaluation test method described above, it takes approximately 80 minutes to heat the fuel cell from room temperature to the test temperature (e.g., 800°C) using a heating furnace. However, after the evaluation test, the heating furnace is allowed to cool naturally, which means it takes approximately two days before the fuel cell can be replaced with the next fuel cell to be evaluated, which reduces the test operation rate. To improve the test operation rate, it is possible to supply cooling gas or the like into the heating furnace during temperature reduction. However, this would cause uneven temperature distribution within the heating furnace, and the temperature difference could cause damage such as cracks in the fuel cell. The same problem occurs when supplying heating gas or the like to shorten the time required for heating.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and its main objective is to improve the operating rate of evaluation tests in an evaluation device that evaluates the performance of an evaluation object such as a fuel cell by changing temperature conditions, while suppressing damage to the evaluation object caused by temperature differences. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] That is, the evaluation device according to the present invention evaluates the performance of a predetermined evaluation object by changing temperature conditions, and is characterized by comprising a heating furnace having an internal space for accommodating the evaluation object, a temperature control mechanism for controlling the temperature of the evaluation object or its surroundings by heating or cooling it, a temperature acquisition unit for acquiring temperatures at multiple locations on the evaluation object or its surroundings, and a temperature control mechanism control unit for controlling the temperature control mechanism so as to maintain the absolute value of the temperature difference between the temperatures at the multiple locations acquired by the temperature acquisition unit at or below a predetermined value.

[0007] With this configuration, since a temperature control mechanism is provided that controls the temperature by heating or cooling the evaluation object or its surroundings, by using the temperature control mechanism to heat or cool the evaluation object or its surroundings when the temperature in the heating furnace is rising or falling, the temperature rise time or temperature drop time can be shortened and the test operation rate can be improved. Moreover, since the temperatures of multiple locations on the evaluation object or its surroundings are obtained and the temperature control mechanism is controlled so that the temperature difference does not become too large, damage to the evaluation object due to temperature differences in the heating furnace can also be suppressed.

[0008] In the evaluation device, it is preferable that the temperature adjustment mechanism control unit controls the temperature adjustment mechanism based on a temperature difference between a maximum temperature and a minimum temperature among the temperatures at a plurality of locations acquired by the temperature acquisition unit. In this way, damage to the evaluation object due to temperature differences within the heating furnace can be effectively suppressed.

[0009] In addition, a specific embodiment of the evaluation device is one in which the temperature control mechanism is configured to include an outlet for supplying a temperature control fluid that promotes heating or cooling of the evaluation object into the furnace space.

[0010] Furthermore, it is preferable that the evaluation device is configured such that the heating furnace has a heating element within the furnace space, and the outlet is configured so that its direction can be set so as to spray the temperature-control fluid directly onto the heating element. In this way, by directing the outlet so that the temperature control fluid is sprayed directly onto the heating element of the heating furnace, the space inside the furnace can be efficiently cooled when the temperature is decreasing, and by directly spraying a temperature control fluid that is higher in temperature than the heating element when the temperature is increasing, the space inside the furnace can be efficiently heated.

[0011] If a low-temperature temperature control fluid is sprayed directly onto a high-temperature evaluation object during temperature reduction, a sudden temperature difference occurs on the surface of the evaluation object, which may cause cracks. Therefore, it is preferable that the outlet be configured so that its direction can be set so that the temperature control fluid is not sprayed directly onto the evaluation device housed in the furnace space. In this way, damage to the evaluation object due to temperature differences can be more effectively suppressed.

[0012] A specific embodiment of the evaluation device is one that has a temperature-raising operation mode in which the furnace space is heated to raise its temperature, and in this temperature-raising operation mode, the temperature control mechanism control unit controls the temperature control mechanism to supply a temperature-control fluid that is hotter than the temperature of the furnace space. In this way, damage to the evaluation object caused by the temperature difference inside the heating furnace in the temperature-raising operation mode can be suppressed, while the heating of the furnace space can be promoted, thereby shortening the temperature-raising time.

[0013] A specific embodiment of the evaluation device is one that has a temperature-reducing operation mode in which the furnace space is cooled to lower its temperature, and in the temperature-reducing operation mode, the temperature control mechanism control unit controls the temperature control mechanism to supply a temperature-control fluid that is lower in temperature than the furnace space. In this way, damage to the evaluation object caused by the temperature difference inside the heating furnace in the temperature-lowering operation mode can be suppressed, while the heating of the furnace space can be promoted, thereby shortening the temperature-lowering time.

[0014] Furthermore, it is preferable that the evaluation device be configured such that the heating furnace has an openable and closable outside air intake port for taking in outside air into the furnace space, and that in the temperature reduction operation mode, when the temperature of the object to be evaluated falls below a predetermined set temperature, the outside air intake port automatically opens to take in outside air into the furnace space. This allows for more effective cooling of the furnace interior during temperature reduction. In this case, if the temperature setting for opening the outside air inlet is set to, for example, below the spontaneous ignition temperature of the target, the risk of ignition due to opening the outside air inlet can be reduced.

[0015] Specific examples of the object to be evaluated in the evaluation device include a fuel cell, a catalyst, a sensor, and the like.

[0016] The evaluation method of the present invention is a method of evaluating a specified evaluation object by using an evaluation device that evaluates the performance of the specified evaluation object by changing temperature conditions, the evaluation device comprising a heating furnace having an internal space for accommodating the evaluation object, and a temperature control mechanism that heats or cools the evaluation object or its surroundings to control the temperature, and is characterized in that the temperature of multiple locations on the evaluation object or its surroundings is acquired, and the temperature control mechanism is controlled so as to maintain the absolute value of the temperature difference between the acquired temperatures at the multiple locations at or below a specified value.

[0017] The program for an evaluation device of the present invention is an evaluation device that evaluates the performance of a specified evaluation object by changing temperature conditions, and is a program for an evaluation device that includes a heating furnace having an internal space for accommodating the evaluation object, and a temperature control mechanism that heats or cools the evaluation object or its surroundings to control the temperature, and is characterized in that it causes a computer to function as a temperature acquisition unit that acquires temperatures at multiple locations on the evaluation object or its surroundings, and a temperature control mechanism control unit that controls the temperature control mechanism so as to maintain the absolute value of the temperature difference between the acquired temperatures at the multiple locations below a predetermined value.

[0018] Such an evaluation method and program for an evaluation device can achieve the same effects as the evaluation device of the present invention described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention configured in this manner, in an evaluation device that evaluates the performance of an evaluation object such as a fuel cell by changing temperature conditions, it is possible to improve the operating rate of the evaluation test while suppressing damage to the evaluation object caused by temperature differences. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the overall configuration of an evaluation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating the overall configuration of an evaluation device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating the overall configuration of an evaluation device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating the overall configuration of an evaluation device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating the overall configuration of an evaluation device according to another embodiment of the present invention, with the cover unit in a closed position. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating the overall configuration of an evaluation device according to another embodiment of the present invention, with the cover unit in the open position. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a control device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating the overall configuration of an evaluation device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 6 is a graph illustrating a cooling method in a temperature decreasing operation mode of the evaluation device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating the overall configuration of an evaluation device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating the overall configuration of an evaluation device according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] An embodiment of an evaluation device 100 according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0022] The evaluation device 100 of this embodiment evaluates the performance of a fuel cell W, which is the evaluation object W, and specifically, is used to perform an evaluation test to evaluate the cell performance of the fuel cell W by changing environmental conditions such as the ambient temperature. The cell performance of a fuel cell includes, for example, the voltage and current that the fuel cell can generate, electrical performance such as the resistance value of the fuel cell, and electrical performance when the ambient temperature changes. The evaluation test also includes a functionality test to check whether the fuel cell can be maintained functionally, such as by not being damaged when the ambient temperature is changed.

[0023] 1, the evaluation device 100 includes a heating furnace 1 having an internal furnace space 1s for accommodating and heating a fuel cell W, a power generation gas supply system 2 for supplying gas for power generation to the fuel cell W, and a control device 3. The evaluation device 100 is configured to control the heating furnace 1 with the control device 3 so as to be switchable between three operation modes: a temperature increase operation mode for increasing the temperature of the internal furnace space 1s, a temperature maintenance mode for maintaining the internal furnace space 1s at a predetermined set temperature (also referred to as a test temperature), and a temperature decrease operation mode for decreasing the temperature of the internal furnace space 1s.

[0024] The fuel cell W to be evaluated is a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) composed of a single cell including a solid electrolyte w1, an air electrode w2 (cathode), and a fuel electrode w3 (anode). Note that the fuel cell type is not limited to SOFC, and may be of other types, such as a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), a phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC), a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC), an alkaline electrolyte fuel cell (AFC), a direct current fuel cell (DFC), or a biofuel cell (BFC).

[0025] The heating furnace 1 includes a box-shaped furnace body 11 that forms an internal furnace space 1s for accommodating a fuel cell W, and a heating element 12 that heats the internal furnace space 1s.

[0026] The furnace body 11 has a bottom wall 11a on which the fuel cell W is placed, side walls 11b that surround the sides of the placed fuel cell W, and a top wall 11c that covers the top of the fuel cell W. An in-furnace space 1s is formed by the inner surfaces of the bottom wall 11a, the side walls 11b, and the top wall 11c.

[0027] The heating element 12 generates heat when supplied with power from, for example, a power supply circuit (not shown), thereby heating the furnace space 1s. In this embodiment, the heating element 12 is installed near the side wall 11b in the furnace space 1s so as to surround the side periphery of the placed fuel cell W. Note that the heating method of the heating furnace 1 is not limited to this, and it may also be one in which an electric current is passed through the furnace body 11 to generate resistance heating (Joule heating). In this case, the furnace body 11 is made of a conductive metal.

[0028] The power generation gas supply system 2 is for supplying gases necessary for power generation to the inside of the fuel cell W. Specifically, the power generation gas supply system 2 includes an anode pipe 21 that supplies a gas such as H2 gas to the anode w3 of the fuel cell W, an air electrode pipe 22 that supplies a gas such as air to the air electrode w2 of the fuel cell W, a power generation temperature regulator 23 that heats or cools the gas flowing through each pipe, and a power generation flow rate controller (not shown) that controls the flow rate of the gas flowing through each pipe.

[0029] The power generation temperature adjustment device 23 is configured to include one or both of a heater and a cooler, and is configured to control the heater and / or cooler in response to a control signal output from the control device 3, thereby adjusting the gas flowing through each pipe to a predetermined temperature. The flow rate control device is configured to include, for example, a mass flow controller, a flow rate control valve, etc., and is configured to adjust the gas flowing through each pipe to a predetermined flow rate in response to a control signal output from the control device 3.

[0030] The control device 3 controls the environmental conditions of the fuel cell W and evaluates the characteristics of the fuel cell W. Specifically, the control device 3 is a general-purpose or dedicated computer equipped with a CPU, memory, input / output interface, etc. By causing the CPU and peripheral devices to cooperate in accordance with a predetermined program stored in a predetermined area of ​​the memory, the control device 3 fulfills at least the functions of a furnace control unit 31 that controls the heating furnace 1, a power generation control unit 32 that controls the power generation operation of the fuel cell W, and an electrical measurement unit 33 that evaluates the electrical characteristics of the fuel cell W, as shown in FIG.

[0031] The furnace control unit 31 controls the power supply circuit of the heating furnace 1 to make the temperature of the furnace space 1s a predetermined test temperature. By controlling the power supply circuit of the heating furnace 1 with this furnace control unit 31, the evaluation device 100 can switch between three operation modes: a temperature increase operation mode, a temperature maintenance mode, and a temperature decrease operation mode.

[0032] The power generation control unit 32 controls the power generation gas supply system 2 to control the power generation operation of the fuel cell W. Specifically, the power generation control unit 32 is configured to send control signals to the power generation temperature adjustment device 23 and the power generation flow rate control device provided in the power generation gas supply system 2, and to control the temperature, flow rate, and pressure of the power generation gas supplied to the air electrode w2 and fuel electrode w3 of the fuel cell W.

[0033] The electrical measurement unit 33 acquires measurement signals from an electrical measurement device such as an impedance analyzer or cell voltage monitor (not shown) connected to the fuel cell W, and measures electrical characteristics such as resistance, current, or voltage of the fuel cell W in the temperature increase operation mode, temperature maintenance mode, and / or temperature decrease operation mode.

[0034] The evaluation device 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a temperature adjustment mechanism C for accelerating temperature increases and decreases in the fuel cell W and its surroundings by heating and cooling the fuel cell W and its surroundings in the temperature increase operation mode and the temperature decrease operation mode. The control device 3 is configured to further function as a temperature acquisition unit 34 that acquires temperatures at multiple locations in the heating furnace 1 and a temperature adjustment mechanism control unit 35 that controls the temperature adjustment mechanism C.

[0035] The temperature control mechanism C of this embodiment is configured using a temperature control fluid supply system 4 that supplies air, which is a temperature control fluid whose temperature has been adjusted by heating or cooling, to the furnace interior space 1s of the heating furnace 1. This temperature control fluid supply system 4 supplies the temperature control fluid from below to above in the furnace interior space 1s, and specifically includes a temperature control fluid piping 41 that supplies the temperature control fluid to the furnace interior space 1s, a temperature control device 42 that heats or cools the temperature control fluid flowing through the temperature control fluid piping 41, and a flow rate control device (not shown) that controls the flow rate of the temperature control fluid flowing through the temperature control fluid piping 41.

[0036] The temperature control fluid pipe 41 is provided to penetrate, for example, the bottom wall 11a or the side wall 11b of the furnace body 11. The upstream end of this temperature control fluid pipe 41 is connected to a gas source such as a gas cylinder, and a gas outlet 4g is formed at its downstream end, through which air, which serves as a temperature control fluid, is blown out. The gas outlet 4g is formed near the inner surface (bottom surface) of the bottom wall 11a of the furnace body 11, between the side surface of the mounted fuel cell W and the heating element 12 arranged near the side wall 11b of the furnace body 11. The gas outlet 4g is configured so that its orientation is adjustable (changeable). In this embodiment, the gas outlet 4g opens to face the heating element 12 of the heating furnace 1, and is oriented so that the temperature control fluid flowing through the temperature control fluid pipe 41 is blown directly toward the heating element 12. The gas outlet 4g is also oriented so that the temperature control fluid flowing through the temperature control fluid pipe 41 is not blown directly toward the side surface of the fuel cell W. The gas outlet 4g may be configured so that its direction can be automatically changed according to the temperature acquired by one or more of a plurality of temperature sensors 5, which will be described later.

[0037] The temperature control device 42 is configured to include one or both of a heater and a cooler, and is configured to control the heater and / or cooler in response to a control signal output from the temperature control mechanism control unit 35, and to adjust the temperature control fluid flowing through the temperature control fluid piping 41 to a predetermined temperature.

[0038] The flow control device is configured to include, for example, a mass flow controller or a flow control valve, and is configured to adjust the temperature control fluid flowing through the temperature control fluid piping 41 to a predetermined flow rate in accordance with a control signal output from the temperature control mechanism control unit 35.

[0039] The temperature acquisition unit 34 acquires multiple temperatures detected by multiple temperature sensors 5 provided in the heating furnace 1. The multiple temperature sensors 5 include, for example, thermocouples and are provided in or around the fuel cell W. In this embodiment, the multiple temperature sensors 5 are provided, for example, near the surface of the fuel cell W and near the surface of the heating element 12 of the heating furnace 1, and the temperature acquisition unit 34 is configured to acquire the temperatures near the surface of the fuel cell W and the temperatures near the surface of the heating element 12. The temperature sensors 5 may be provided inside the fuel cell W. The temperature acquisition unit 34 may be configured to store temperature data linking one or more temperatures acquired from each temperature sensor 5 with elapsed time or time in a predetermined storage unit set in the memory of the control device 3.

[0040] The temperature adjustment mechanism control unit 35 of this embodiment controls one or both of the temperature and flow rate of the temperature adjustment fluid supplied from the temperature adjustment fluid supply system 4 to the furnace space 1s by outputting control signals to one or both of the temperature adjustment devices 42 and the fluid control devices included in the temperature adjustment fluid supply system 4. For example, in the temperature increase operation mode, the temperature adjustment mechanism control unit 35 controls the temperature adjustment fluid supply system 4 to supply a temperature adjustment fluid that is higher than the temperature of the furnace space 1s (e.g., the lowest temperature among multiple temperatures acquired by the temperature acquisition unit 34). In the temperature decrease operation mode, the temperature adjustment mechanism control unit 35 controls the temperature adjustment fluid supply system 4 to supply a temperature adjustment fluid that is lower than the temperature of the furnace space 1s (e.g., the highest temperature among multiple temperatures acquired by the temperature acquisition unit 34). On the other hand, in the temperature maintenance mode, the temperature adjustment mechanism control unit 35 controls the temperature adjustment fluid supply system 4 to close an on-off valve included in the temperature adjustment fluid supply system 4 so as not to supply the temperature adjustment fluid to the furnace space 1s.

[0041] The temperature adjustment mechanism control unit 35 is configured to control one or both of the temperature and flow rate of the temperature adjustment fluid supplied from the temperature adjustment fluid supply system 4 in the temperature increase operation mode and the temperature decrease operation mode based on the temperature difference between the temperatures at multiple locations acquired by the temperature acquisition unit 34. More specifically, in the temperature increase operation mode and the temperature decrease operation mode, the temperature adjustment mechanism control unit 35 calculates the difference ΔT between two temperatures (e.g., temperatures Ta and Tb at two different points near the surface of the fuel cell W, or the temperature Ta near the surface of the fuel cell W and the temperature Tb near the surface of the heating element 12) among the multiple temperatures acquired by the temperature acquisition unit 34. The temperature adjustment mechanism control unit 35 then compares the absolute value of the temperature difference ΔT with a predetermined value Tx and controls the temperature or flow rate of the temperature adjustment fluid supplied from the temperature adjustment fluid supply system 4 so as to maintain the absolute value of the temperature difference ΔT at or below the predetermined value Tx. Note that this predetermined value Tx is set to a value sufficiently smaller than a temperature difference that would cause damage such as cracks to the fuel cell W, which is the evaluation target W.

[0042] Specifically, in the temperature increase operation mode, the temperature adjustment mechanism control unit 35 controls the temperature adjustment fluid supply system 4 to supply a temperature adjustment fluid having a temperature higher than the temperature of the furnace space 1s while the furnace 1 is heating the furnace space 1s. The temperature adjustment mechanism control unit 35 constantly calculates the temperature difference ΔT between the two temperatures Ta and Tb acquired by the temperature acquisition unit 34, and when the absolute value of the temperature difference ΔT exceeds a predetermined value Tx, controls one or both of the temperature and flow rate of the temperature adjustment fluid supplied from the temperature adjustment fluid supply system 4 so that the absolute value of the temperature difference ΔT is equal to or less than the predetermined value Tx.

[0043] On the other hand, in the temperature decreasing operation mode, while heating of the furnace space 1s by the heating furnace 1 is stopped, the temperature adjustment mechanism control unit 35 controls the temperature adjustment fluid supply system 4 to supply a temperature adjustment fluid at a temperature lower than the temperature of the furnace space 1s. The temperature adjustment mechanism control unit 35 then calculates the temperature difference ΔT between the two temperatures Ta and Tb acquired by the temperature acquisition unit 34, and when the absolute value of the temperature difference ΔT exceeds a predetermined value Tx, controls one or both of the temperature and flow rate of the temperature adjustment fluid supplied from the temperature adjustment fluid supply system 4 so that the absolute value of the temperature difference ΔT is equal to or less than the predetermined value Tx. Note that in the temperature decreasing operation mode, since the vicinity of the junction of dissimilar materials is easily damaged by the temperature difference, it is preferable to install one or more temperature sensors 5 near the junction of dissimilar materials on the surface or inside of the evaluation object X.

[0044] The evaluation device 100 of this embodiment configured as described above is equipped with a temperature adjustment mechanism C that adjusts the temperature by heating or cooling the evaluation object W or its surroundings, and therefore by heating or cooling the evaluation object W or its surroundings with the temperature adjustment mechanism C when the temperature in the heating furnace 1 is rising or falling, the temperature rise time or temperature drop time can be shortened and the test operation rate can be improved. Moreover, the temperatures of multiple locations on the evaluation object W or its surroundings are acquired and the temperature adjustment mechanism C is controlled so that the temperature difference does not become too large, which can also suppress damage to the evaluation object W caused by temperature differences in the heating furnace 1.

[0045] Furthermore, the gas outlet 4g is oriented so that the temperature control fluid supplied from the temperature control fluid supply system 4 is sprayed directly onto the heating element 12 of the heating furnace 1, thereby efficiently cooling the furnace space 1s when the temperature is decreasing. Also, the gas outlet 4g is oriented so that the temperature control fluid is not sprayed directly onto the evaluation device 100 housed in the furnace space 1s, thereby more effectively preventing damage to the evaluation object W due to temperature differences when the temperature is increased or decreased.

[0046] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0047] For example, in the evaluation device 100 of the above embodiment, the temperature adjustment mechanism C is configured using a temperature-adjusted fluid supply system 4, but this is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 3 , the temperature adjustment mechanism C of another embodiment may be configured using a power-generating gas supply system 2. In this case, the temperature adjustment mechanism C may be configured to promote heating and cooling of the fuel cell W and its surroundings by supplying a temperature-adjusted fluid, the temperature of which has been adjusted by heating or cooling, to the interior of the fuel cell W using the power-generating gas supply system 2. In this embodiment, the power-generating gas supply system 2 may be configured to supply the temperature-adjusted fluid to the anode w3 via the anode piping 21 and to supply the temperature-adjusted fluid to the cathode w2 via the cathode piping 22. In this embodiment, the temperature adjustment mechanism control unit 35 may control the power-generating temperature adjustment device 23 and the power-generating flow rate control device to control one or both of the temperature and flow rate of the temperature-adjusted fluid supplied to the anode w3 and the cathode w2, thereby promoting heating and cooling of the fuel cell W. The temperature-controlling fluid supplied into the fuel cell W using the power generation gas supply system 2 may be an inert gas such as nitrogen gas, a gas such as air or water vapor, a liquid such as water, or a gas-liquid mixture of these.

[0048] 3, the multiple temperature sensors 5 are provided at least inside the fuel cell W and near the surface of the heating element 12 of the heating furnace 1, and the temperature acquisition unit 34 may be configured to acquire at least the internal temperature of the fuel cell W and the temperature near the surface of the heating element 12. The temperature adjustment mechanism control unit 35 may be configured to compare the absolute value of the temperature difference ΔT between the internal temperature of the fuel cell W and the temperature near the surface of the heating element 12 with a preset value Tx, and to control the temperature or flow rate of the temperature adjustment fluid supplied into the fuel cell W so as to maintain the absolute value of the temperature difference ΔT at or below the preset value Tx.

[0049] In another embodiment, the temperature adjustment mechanism C may be configured to promote temperature increases and decreases in the fuel cell W and its surroundings by utilizing the exothermic and endothermic reactions of the fuel cell W. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, the temperature adjustment mechanism C in this embodiment is configured using a power generation gas supply system 2 and a power supply circuit 6 for applying voltage to the fuel cell W, and a power generation control unit 32 functions as a temperature adjustment mechanism control unit 35. Note that the power generation gas supply system 2 in this embodiment is configured to be able to supply water to the air electrode w2 and fuel electrode w3 of the fuel cell W.

[0050] In this embodiment, in the temperature increase operation mode, the power generation control unit 32, which is the temperature adjustment mechanism control unit 35, controls the power generation gas supply system 2 to operate the fuel cell W to generate electricity, and the resulting exothermic reaction heats the fuel cell W. The temperature adjustment mechanism control unit 35 may be configured to compare the absolute value of the temperature difference ΔT between the internal temperature of the fuel cell W acquired by the temperature acquisition unit 34 and the temperature near the surface of the heating element 12 with a preset value Tx, and to control the flow rate of the power generation gas supplied into the fuel cell W so as to maintain the absolute value of the temperature difference ΔT at or below the preset value Tx.

[0051] On the other hand, in the temperature decreasing operation mode, the power generation control unit 32, which is the temperature adjustment mechanism control unit 35, controls the power generation gas supply system 2 to supply water to the air electrode w2 and fuel electrode w3 of the fuel cell W, and controls the power supply circuit 6 to apply a voltage to the fuel cell W, thereby electrolyzing water within the fuel cell W and cooling the fuel cell W through the resulting endothermic reaction. The temperature adjustment mechanism control unit 35 may be configured to compare the absolute value of the temperature difference ΔT between the internal temperature of the fuel cell W and the temperature near the surface of the heating element 12, acquired by the temperature acquisition unit 34, with a preset value Tx, and control the voltage value applied to the fuel cell W so as to maintain the absolute value of the temperature difference ΔT at or below the preset value Tx.

[0052] 5, the evaluation device 100 of another embodiment includes a water-cooling mechanism 7 that cools the furnace body 11 by water cooling, and the temperature adjustment mechanism C may be configured using this water-cooling mechanism 7. In this case, the temperature adjustment mechanism C functions to promote cooling around the fuel cell W in the temperature-lowering operation mode. Specifically, the water-cooling mechanism 7 includes a water-cooled pipe 71 through which a cooling medium such as cooling water flows, and a chiller (not shown) that supplies cooling water to the water-cooled pipe 71. This water-cooled pipe 71 may be provided so as to pass through, for example, the side wall 11b of the furnace body 11.

[0053] In another embodiment of the evaluation device 100, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the heating furnace 1 has an openable / closable outside air inlet 1x for introducing outside air into the furnace interior space 1s, and the control device 3 may further function as an outside air intake control unit 36 ​​that controls the open / close state of the outside air inlet 1x. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the furnace body 11 of the heating furnace 1 has a base unit 1b including a bottom wall 11a and a cover unit 1a including an upper wall 11c and a side wall 11b that covers the fuel cell W placed on the base unit 1b. The heating furnace 1 has an elevator mechanism (not shown) that moves the cover unit 1a up and down relative to the base unit 1b. The elevator mechanism moves the cover unit 1a up and down in response to a control signal output from the control device 3, thereby moving the cover unit 1a between a sealed position P where the cover unit 1a contacts the base unit 1b to seal the furnace interior space 1s and an open position Q where the cover unit 1a is separated from the base unit 1b to open the furnace interior space 1s. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned outside air intake port 1x is formed by a gap formed between the cover unit 1a and the base unit 1b which are spaced apart from each other.

[0054] In the evaluation device 100 of this embodiment, when the temperature of the evaluation object W falls below a predetermined value Ti in the temperature-reducing operation mode, the outside air intake port 1x is automatically switched from a closed state to an open state. Specifically, in the temperature-reducing mode, the outside air intake control unit 36 ​​is configured to compare the temperature Te of the evaluation object W acquired by the temperature acquisition unit 34 with a predetermined set temperature Ti (hereinafter referred to as the outside air intake temperature Ti). When the temperature Te of the evaluation object W falls below the outside air intake temperature Ti, the outside air intake control unit 36 ​​outputs a control signal to the lifting mechanism to lift and lower the cover unit 1a from the sealed position P to the open position Q. This allows outside air to be taken into the furnace space 1s through the outside air intake port 1x formed between the cover unit 1a and the base unit 1b, thereby facilitating cooling of the evaluation device 100. The outside air intake temperature Ti is a temperature set based on the spontaneous ignition temperature of the evaluation device 100, and more specifically, is lower than the spontaneous ignition temperature of the evaluation device 100 and higher than the temperature at which the fuel cell W can be removed.

[0055] In other embodiments, the evaluation device 100 may include a plurality of temperature adjustment mechanisms C of different types. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the evaluation device 100 may include, as the plurality of temperature adjustment mechanisms C, a combination of two or more temperature adjustment mechanisms selected from a first temperature adjustment mechanism C1 that utilizes a temperature adjustment fluid supply system 4, a second temperature adjustment mechanism C2 that utilizes a power-generating gas supply system 2, a third temperature adjustment mechanism C3 that utilizes an exothermic reaction and an endothermic reaction in the fuel cell W, and a fourth temperature adjustment mechanism C4 that utilizes a water-cooling mechanism 7. The temperature adjustment mechanism control unit 35 may be configured to promote heating or cooling of the fuel cell W using some or all of the plurality of temperature adjustment mechanisms C1 to C4 in the temperature increase operation mode and the temperature decrease operation mode. 10, the heating furnace 1 may be configured to perform an evaluation test of the fuel cell W at a predetermined test temperature Tt in a temperature maintenance mode, and then switch to a temperature-reducing operation mode to reduce the temperature. During this process, while the temperature Te of the fuel cell W is equal to or lower than the test temperature Tt and equal to or higher than the outside air intake temperature Ti, one or more selected from the first temperature adjustment mechanism C1 to the fourth temperature adjustment mechanism C4 may be used to promote cooling of the fuel cell W. When the temperature Te of the fuel cell W falls below the outside air intake temperature Ti, the cooling by the first temperature adjustment mechanism C1 to the fourth temperature adjustment mechanism C4 may be stopped, and the cover unit 1a of the evaluation device 100 may be moved to open the outside air intake port 1x, thereby taking in outside air into the furnace space 1s and cooling the fuel cell W. The outside air intake port 1x may also be configured as an outlet for removing the evaluation object W.

[0056] In the evaluation device 100 of the embodiment described above, the gas outlet 4g of the temperature control fluid supply mechanism is open to face the side wall 11b of the furnace body 11, but this is not limiting. In the evaluation device 100 of other embodiments, as shown in Fig. 11, the gas outlet 4g of the temperature control fluid supply mechanism may be oriented so as to blow the temperature control gas directly onto the side surface of the fuel cell W. Furthermore, the gas outlet 4g may be oriented so as to blow the temperature control gas upward.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the temperature control fluid supply system 4 is configured to supply the temperature control fluid from below to above in the furnace space 1s in order to prevent hydrogen leakage, but this is not limiting. In other embodiments, the temperature control fluid supply system 4 may be configured to supply the temperature control fluid from above to below in the furnace space 1s.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the fuel cell W to be evaluated is composed of a single cell including a solid electrolyte w1, an air electrode w2 (cathode), and a fuel electrode w3 (anode). However, this is not limiting. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the fuel cell W may be composed of a stack of multiple single cells. As shown in FIG. 12, the evaluation device 100 of another embodiment may have a holder 8 that holds the fuel cell W in the furnace space 1s. The holder 8 may have a base plate 81 on which the fuel cell W is placed and an upper plate 82 that holds down the upper surface of the placed fuel cell W. In this case, the temperature acquisition unit 34 may acquire temperatures (e.g., temperatures at the top and bottom of the fuel cell W) detected by multiple temperature sensors 5 provided on the holder 8, and the temperature adjustment mechanism control unit 35 may control the temperature adjustment mechanism C based on the temperature difference between the upper and lower temperatures of the fuel cell W.

[0059] Furthermore, the plurality of temperature sensors 5 provided in the heating furnace 1 are not limited to being installed near the surface of the fuel cell W, inside the fuel cell W, or near the surface of the heating element 12, but may be installed at any location.

[0060] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the evaluation object W is a fuel cell W, but is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the evaluation object W may be, for example, a catalyst provided in an automobile exhaust pipe or various sensors such as an A / F sensor or an O2 sensor that detects components in exhaust gas. In other words, the present invention is applicable not only to evaluation devices 100 for fuel cells W, but also to evaluation devices 100 that evaluate the performance of various sensors and catalysts, or a combination of these, of the evaluation object W.

[0061] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0062] According to the present invention described above, in an evaluation device that evaluates the performance of an evaluation object such as a fuel cell by changing temperature conditions, it is possible to improve the operating rate of the evaluation test while suppressing damage to the evaluation object caused by temperature differences. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 100 ···Evaluation device 1...Heating furnace 1s...Furnace space 11 Furnace body 11a...Bottom wall 11b...Side wall 12 Heating element 2. Power generation gas supply system 21 Anode piping 22 Air electrode piping 23. Temperature control equipment for power generation 3. Control device 34...Temperature acquisition section 35 Temperature control mechanism control section 4...Temperature control fluid supply system 41 ...Temperature control fluid piping 42...Temperature control equipment 5. Temperature sensor C...Temperature control mechanism W ···Evaluation target

Claims

1. An evaluation device that evaluates the performance of a predetermined evaluation target by changing temperature conditions, a heating furnace having an internal space for accommodating the evaluation object; a temperature control mechanism that controls the temperature of the evaluation object or its surroundings by heating or cooling; a temperature acquisition unit that acquires temperatures at a plurality of locations on or around the evaluation target; an evaluation device comprising: a temperature adjustment mechanism control unit that controls the temperature adjustment mechanism so as to maintain an absolute value of a temperature difference between the temperatures at the multiple locations acquired by the temperature acquisition unit at or below a predetermined value.

2. The evaluation device according to claim 1 , wherein the temperature adjustment mechanism control unit controls the temperature adjustment mechanism based on a temperature difference between a maximum temperature and a minimum temperature among the temperatures at a plurality of locations acquired by the temperature acquisition unit.

3. 3. The evaluation device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature control mechanism is configured to include an outlet for supplying a temperature control fluid that promotes heating or cooling of the evaluation object into the furnace space.

4. The heating furnace is provided with a heating element in the furnace space, The evaluation device according to claim 3 , wherein the direction of the outlet can be set so as to blow the temperature control fluid directly onto the heating element.

5. The evaluation device according to claim 3 , wherein the direction of the blow-out port can be set so as not to blow the temperature control fluid directly onto the evaluation object accommodated in the furnace space.

6. the evaluation device has a temperature increasing operation mode in which the furnace space is heated to increase the temperature, 4. The evaluation device according to claim 3, wherein in the temperature increase operation mode, the temperature adjustment mechanism control unit controls the temperature adjustment mechanism so as to supply a temperature adjustment fluid having a temperature higher than the temperature of the furnace space.

7. the evaluation device has a temperature-reducing operation mode in which the furnace space is cooled to reduce the temperature, 4. The evaluation device according to claim 3, wherein in the temperature decreasing operation mode, the temperature adjustment mechanism control unit controls the temperature adjustment mechanism so as to supply a temperature adjustment fluid whose temperature is lower than the temperature of the furnace space.

8. the heating furnace has an openable and closable outside air intake port for taking outside air into the furnace space, 8. The evaluation device according to claim 7, wherein in the temperature decreasing operation mode, when the temperature of the evaluation object falls below a predetermined set temperature, the outside air intake port is automatically opened to take outside air into the furnace space.

9. 3. The evaluation device according to claim 1, wherein the object to be evaluated is a fuel cell, a catalyst, or a sensor.

10. A method for evaluating a predetermined evaluation object by using an evaluation device that evaluates the performance of the evaluation object by changing temperature conditions, the evaluation device including a heating furnace having an internal space for accommodating the evaluation object, and a temperature control mechanism that heats or cools the evaluation object or its surroundings to control the temperature, acquiring temperatures at a plurality of locations on or around the evaluation target; An evaluation method for controlling the temperature adjustment mechanism so as to maintain the absolute value of the temperature difference between the temperatures acquired at the multiple locations at or below a predetermined value.

11. A program for an evaluation device that evaluates the performance of a predetermined evaluation object by changing temperature conditions, the evaluation device including a heating furnace having an internal space for accommodating the evaluation object, and a temperature control mechanism that heats or cools the evaluation object or its surroundings to control the temperature, a temperature acquisition unit that acquires temperatures at a plurality of locations on or around the evaluation target; A program for an evaluation device that causes a computer to function as a temperature adjustment mechanism control unit that controls the temperature adjustment mechanism so as to maintain the absolute value of the temperature difference between the acquired temperatures at multiple locations at or below a predetermined value.

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