fuel cell system

Abstract

Remotely and appropriately manage the operation of fuel cell modules. [Solution] A fuel cell module 1 and a management device 80 are connected via a network NE. The fuel cell module 1 incorporates a fuel cell 30, a cartridge 20 for supplying hydrogen, and a control device 10. A tag 23 recording a unique cartridge ID is attached to the cartridge 20, and the management device 80 manages the cartridge ID by linking it to the module ID of the fuel cell module 1. In this way, the management device can detect if an unauthentic cartridge or a cartridge incompatible with the fuel cell module has been installed, or if a cartridge has become detached from the fuel cell module, thereby improving safety when operating the fuel cell module.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell system including fuel cell modules and a management device connected via a network. [Background technology]

[0002] Fuel cells, which generate electricity using hydrogen, are expected to be an energy source that does not emit harmful substances. One possible method of operating fuel cells is to provide the hydrogen fuel in portable cartridges or the like. Considering that fuel cells are still expensive, it is also considered useful to operate fuel cells in a shared manner among multiple users. When considering operation in this manner, for example, in the case of shared use, it is desirable to be able to remotely manage fuel cells and the cartridges attached to them. It is also preferable to perform individual cartridge recognition to ensure that the correct cartridge is installed.

[0003] Although not a fuel cell, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that supports the operation of a shared service for electric vehicles, and discloses technology for remotely obtaining the remaining battery charge of each electric vehicle and instructing the battery swapper to swap batteries. Patent Document 1 particularly discloses notifying a server of the electric vehicle's location information and remaining charge. Patent Document 2 discloses a technology for realizing printing in an appropriate state by attaching an IC chip to an ink cartridge installed in a printer and storing ink information therein. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-92139 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-93393 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When considering the operation of a fuel cell module that generates electricity by supplying hydrogen from a cartridge to a fuel cell, there is still room for improvement in the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2. That is, because fuel cells handle hydrogen, there is a high need to confirm that the correct cartridge is being used properly, and while both Patent Documents 1 and 2 can manage the remaining amount of battery or ink, they are unable to manage the correct operation from this perspective. In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a fuel cell system that can remotely manage the operating status of a fuel cell module that supplies hydrogen from a cartridge to a fuel cell to generate electricity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides A fuel cell system comprising fuel cell modules and a management device connected via a network, The fuel cell module comprises: a fuel cell that generates electricity using hydrogen; a removably attached cartridge for supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell; a control device for controlling the operation of the fuel cell; the cartridge has an identification section in which a cartridge ID, which is identification information unique to the cartridge, is recorded; the control device transmits the cartridge ID obtained by the identification unit and a module ID, which is identification information unique to the fuel cell module, to the management device via the network; The management device may be a fuel cell system having a management section that manages the module ID and the cartridge ID in association with each other.

[0007] According to the present invention, a cartridge ID, which is unique identification information, is recorded on a cartridge that is detachably attached to a fuel cell module, and the management device can manage the module ID, which is identification information for the fuel cell itself, by linking the cartridge ID to the module ID. Since it is possible to know which cartridge is attached to the fuel cell, it is possible to take action if the correct cartridge is not attached, such as when the cartridge is too large or too small, or when the cartridge connector is incompatible. It is also possible to detect when a cartridge has been removed. It is also possible to detect when an inauthentic cartridge, such as a cartridge without a cartridge ID, has been attached. As a result, safety and convenience can be improved when using the fuel cell module.

[0008] In the present invention, in order to enable the various measures described above, the management device may manage cartridge attributes (for example, size, type of compatible fuel cell, etc.) in association with the cartridge ID. In the present invention, the fuel cell module can be used in various ways. For example, it can be mounted on an electrically powered vehicle such as an electric bicycle, an electrically assisted bicycle, an electric kick scooter, an electric vehicle, or other electrically powered moving object. Furthermore, it can also be used as an auxiliary power source in preparation for a power outage in medical equipment, vending machines, and other moving objects.

[0009] In the present invention, the network may be a public network such as the Internet, or a communication network or intranet dedicated to this system. Communication with the network can be performed in various ways, such as wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0010] In the present invention, The identification unit may be configured as an IC chip that can electronically read and write information.

[0011] Since it is difficult to imitate or copy an IC chip, the above-mentioned embodiment can reduce the risk of an unauthentic cartridge being used. Furthermore, since the cartridge ID is recorded invisibly on the IC chip, the possibility of the cartridge ID itself being recognized by the user can be reduced, reducing the possibility of the cartridge ID being misused or misused. Furthermore, because the IC chip is readable and writable, it has the advantage of being able to change the cartridge ID or record information other than the cartridge ID, such as the amount of hydrogen remaining in the cartridge. Although reading and writing to an IC chip can be done using either contact or contactless methods, contactless methods offer greater convenience.

[0012] However, the identification unit is not limited to electronically reading the cartridge ID in this way. For example, the cartridge ID may be configured as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode as the identification unit. The cartridge ID itself may also be represented by characters. Various other forms are possible.

[0013] In the present invention, When a predetermined appropriate cartridge ID is not obtained for the module ID, the management device may determine that an abnormality has occurred and take a predetermined abnormality measure.

[0014] This makes it possible to prevent the fuel cell module from operating with an inappropriate cartridge installed. The predetermined abnormality measure may be, for example, to have the fuel cell module display or output an alarm by voice. Alternatively, a warning may be sent by e-mail or other means to a predetermined address, such as the system administrator.

[0015] In the present invention, either the control device or the management device includes a calculation unit that calculates the amount of hydrogen consumed or the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge based on one or more values ​​of the amount of power generated by the fuel cell, the flow rate of hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell, and the pressure; The control device may also manage the calculation results by the calculation unit.

[0016] This makes it possible to manage the amount of hydrogen consumed or the amount of hydrogen remaining in the cartridge. Both the consumed amount and the remaining amount may be calculated, or only one of them may be calculated. Hereinafter, when referring to the consumed amount, etc., this meaning is used. In fuel cells, there is a high correlation between the amount of hydrogen consumed and the amount of power generated, and the advantage is that the amount of hydrogen consumed can be calculated relatively accurately by using parameters such as the amount of power generated, hydrogen flow rate, pressure, etc. Therefore, the above-mentioned method has the advantage of being able to calculate the amount of hydrogen consumed in a relatively simple manner without having to provide a special mechanism for measuring the remaining amount in the cartridge.

[0017] When calculating hydrogen consumption in this way, the identification unit is composed of an IC chip that can electronically read and write information, The control device may also record the calculation result of the calculation unit in the identification unit.

[0018] This allows the amount of hydrogen consumed and other information to be recorded in the identification unit. If this information is also managed by the management device, it becomes possible to determine whether the cartridge is being used properly by comparing whether the two pieces of information are consistent. Another advantage is that the fuel cell module can know the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge without communicating with the management device.

[0019] When calculating hydrogen consumption, etc., The management device may notify the user to replace the cartridge when the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge falls below a predetermined value.

[0020] This makes it possible to prompt the user to replace the cartridge at an appropriate time. The notification may be, for example, a display or audio output indicating the need for replacement in the fuel cell system. Alternatively, a notification prompting the user to replace the cartridge may be sent by email or other means to a specified contact person registered in the management device as the person to replace the cartridge.

[0021] When calculating hydrogen consumption, etc., The management device may determine the degree of deterioration of the cartridge based on the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge and the amount of hydrogen required to refill the cartridge until it is full.

[0022] Deterioration of the cartridge can lead to hydrogen leakage. Furthermore, if a hydrogen storage alloy is used, its deterioration can prevent the cartridge from filling with the intended amount. If the cartridge is not degraded, the sum of the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge and the amount filled when the cartridge is fully filled should approximately match the cartridge capacity. However, if this does not match, cartridge degradation is suspected. Thus, according to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to determine cartridge degradation, thereby improving safety.

[0023] In the present invention, the fuel cell module includes a position information detection unit that detects position information, The management device may also manage the location information.

[0024] Location information can be used for a variety of purposes. For example, if an abnormality occurs in the fuel cell module, location information can be used to quickly address the issue. Furthermore, if the fuel cell module is installed on a mobile vehicle, the location information can be used to analyze trends in power generation volume in conjunction with the vehicle's movement trajectory, and can be used to control the operation of the fuel cell module. For fixed fuel cell modules, location information can also be used to detect theft and other incidents.

[0025] When managing the location information of fuel cell modules, The cartridge comprises: a cartridge position information detection unit that detects position information; a communication unit that communicates the location information to the management device, The management device may manage the cartridge ID and the cartridge position information in association with each other.

[0026] In the above aspect, the cartridge can communicate its own position information to the management device, which can then manage the position information regardless of whether the cartridge is attached to the fuel cell module or not. Cartridge location information can be used for a variety of purposes. For example, by comparing the fuel cell module location information with the cartridge location information, it is possible to determine whether the cartridge is installed in the fuel cell module. It is also possible to manage the location of a cartridge even if it is not installed in the fuel cell module. Furthermore, if the location information changes when the cartridge is not installed, it can be used to detect theft or other incidents.

[0027] The present invention does not necessarily have to include all of the above-described features, and some of them may be omitted or combined as appropriate. Furthermore, the present invention may be configured as a management method in which the various functions of the above-described fuel cell module or management device are executed by a computer, or as a computer program for causing a computer to execute such a method. Furthermore, the present invention may be configured as a computer-readable recording medium on which such a computer program is recorded. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a fuel cell system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of a management database. [Figure 3]10 is a flowchart of a mounting state determination process. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart of a hydrogen remaining amount determination process. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart of a location information management process. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart of a hydrogen filling amount management process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Examples of the present invention will be described below. A. System Configuration: FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell module 1 and a management device 80 connected by a network NE. The fuel cell module 1 is not limited to one unit, and multiple fuel cell modules 1a, 1b, etc. may be used. The fuel cell system may also include a hydrogen filling device 50 for filling the hydrogen cartridges 20 used in the fuel cell module 1, a computer PC for an operator to view overall management information, etc.

[0030] In this embodiment, the network NE uses the Internet. Communication with the network can be established via various devices, such as a public telephone network, a mobile phone network, or a wireless LAN repeater. In this embodiment, the fuel cell module 1 can be individually connected to the network NE wirelessly. The cartridge 20 can also be connected to the network NE wirelessly without going through the fuel cell module 1. The management device 80, computer PC, and hydrogen filling device 50 are also each connected to the network NE wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0031] The configuration of the fuel cell module 1 will be described. In this embodiment, the fuel cell module 1 is configured so that an electric bicycle is equipped with a fuel cell 30 instead of a battery, and runs on the power of the fuel cell 30. The fuel cell 30 is a device that generates electricity through the oxidation reaction of hydrogen, and the hydrogen fuel is supplied from a cartridge 20. The cartridge 20 contains a hydrogen storage alloy and can supply a predetermined amount of hydrogen. It is detachably attached to the fuel cell module 1, and can be replaced as needed when the remaining amount of hydrogen becomes low.

[0032] The operation of the fuel cell module 1 is controlled and managed by a control device 10. The control device 10 is configured as a computer with an internal CPU and memory, and the functions shown at the bottom of the figure are configured as software using a computer program. Some or all of these functions may also be configured as hardware. The transmitter / receiver 11 transmits and receives predetermined information to and from the management device 80 and the like through communication via the network NE. The power generation control unit 12 supplies hydrogen from the cartridge 20 according to the amount of power generation required by the fuel cell module 1, and causes the fuel cell 30 to generate power. The detection unit 14 detects information from various sensors attached to the fuel cell module 1. The flow rate sensor 16 detects the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the cartridge 20 to the fuel cell 30. The pressure sensor 17 detects the pressure of the hydrogen. The GPS 18 detects position information of the fuel cell module 1. Various other sensors may also be provided. The calculation unit 15 uses the detection results of the detection unit 14 and the like to calculate the amount of hydrogen consumed in the fuel cell 30 and the remaining amount in the cartridge 20. Furthermore, the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 30 and the like may also be used.

[0033] The tag input / output unit 13 reads out a cartridge ID, which is identification information unique to the cartridge, from a tag 23 that serves as an identification unit attached to the cartridge 20. An enlarged view of cartridge 20 is shown in the figure. Cartridge 20 comprises a main body 21 that stores hydrogen and a cover 22 that fits over the main body. An IC tag 23 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as tag 23), which is a type of RFID that records a cartridge ID, is attached to the inside of cover 22. A communication antenna 19 is provided in the fuel cell module 1 at a position that allows communication with tag 23 when cartridge 20 is attached. Tag 23 operates by receiving weak radio waves from antenna 19, and is capable of reading and writing data from and to antenna 19. In this manner, the tag input / output unit 13 exchanges information with the tag 23. In this embodiment, information read from the tag 23 includes the cartridge ID and the amount of hydrogen remaining in the cartridge, and information written to the tag 23 includes the amount of hydrogen remaining at each moment when the fuel cell module 1 is in use.

[0034] As explained above, in addition to the fuel cell module 1, multiple fuel cell modules 1a, 1b, etc. can be used. Like the fuel cell module 1, the fuel cell modules 1a, 1b may be mobile objects such as electric bicycles, or may be objects that are not generally mobile, such as medical equipment or vending machines. In either case, like the fuel cell module 1, the fuel cell modules 1a, 1b can be configured with a fuel cell, a cartridge, a control device, etc.

[0035] Next, the configuration of the management device 80 will be described. In this embodiment, the management device 80 is configured by installing a computer program that realizes each of the functions shown in the figure on a server equipped with a CPU and memory. Some or all of the functions may be configured as hardware. Furthermore, the management device 80 does not have to be configured as a single server, and may be configured as multiple servers, etc.

[0036] The transmitting / receiving unit 81 transmits and receives predetermined information to and from the fuel cell module 1, etc., through communication via the network NE. The transmitting / receiving unit 81 also communicates with the computer PC used by the manager of the fuel electronics system, and displays information from the management device 80 as needed and receives instructions required for management. The mounting state determination unit 82 determines the mounting state based on information such as the module ID and cartridge ID obtained from the fuel cell module 1. The replacement determination unit 83 determines the time for replacement of the cartridge 20 based on the remaining amount of the cartridge 20. The deterioration determining unit 84 determines the deterioration of the cartridge 20 based on the remaining amount of the cartridge 20 and the amount of the cartridge filled up to the full capacity.

[0037] The management device 80 also has a management database 85 for recording various information about the fuel cell system. A database management unit 86 reads and writes information from and to the management database 85. The data structure of the management database 85 will be described later.

[0038] The hydrogen filling device 50 will now be described. The hydrogen filling device 50 is a device for filling hydrogen into the cartridge 20. The mechanism for filling hydrogen is not shown in the drawing. As shown in the figure, the hydrogen filling device 50 has a control device equipped with a CPU, memory, etc., and computer programs for realizing the functions shown in the figure are installed. These functions may also be configured as hardware. The transmitting / receiving unit 51 transmits and receives predetermined information to and from the management device 80 and the like through communication via the network NE, such as the amount of hydrogen to be filled. The filled amount measuring unit 52 measures the amount of hydrogen filled into the cartridge 20 . The tag input / output unit 53 reads and writes information from the tag 23 of the cartridge 20 .

[0039] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the management database. The management database 85 of this embodiment includes a fuel cell module database 85a, a cartridge database 85b, and a hydrogen filling device database 85c. In addition to these, for example, if the fuel cell module 1 is shared by various users, a database for managing information about those users may also be provided. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the three databases shown in the figure are constructed as separate databases while being interrelated to each other, but they may be constructed by further dividing them into smaller databases, or they may be constructed together.

[0040] The fuel cell module database 85a manages information about the fuel cell modules. The data is managed for each module ID that identifies the fuel cell module. The cartridge ID for identifying the cartridge installed in the fuel cell module, location information, remaining amount of cartridge 20, and other information are recorded every moment for each date and time in a so-called log format. The timing of recording can be determined as desired. The fuel cell module database 85a may also record other information such as the type and name of the fuel cell module. It may also record information identifying the user who is using the fuel cell module, information on malfunctions and other problems, etc. Furthermore, if there are multiple types of cartridges, some of which are compatible with the fuel cell module and some of which are not, it may also record information to identify the compatible cartridge.

[0041] The cartridge database 85b records information about each cartridge. Data is recorded for each cartridge ID. The data is recorded in a log format, with the module ID of the fuel cell module to which the cartridge is attached, location information, remaining capacity of the cartridge, and other information recorded every moment, by date and time. The timing of recording can be set as desired. The cartridge database 85b may also record other information such as the cartridge type, name, capacity, and the date of start of use, as well as information for identifying the fuel cell module that the cartridge is compatible with.

[0042] The hydrogen filling device database 85c records information about hydrogen filling devices. The data is recorded for each hydrogen filling device ID, which is identification information unique to the hydrogen filling device. The data is then recorded in a so-called log format, including the cartridge ID of the cartridge that was filled, the date and time of filling, the remaining amount in the cartridge before filling, and the amount filled. In this embodiment, the data is recorded at the time of filling, but the timing for recording the data can be determined arbitrarily. The hydrogen filling device database 85c may also record other information such as the type, name, and location of the hydrogen filling device, as well as information for identifying cartridges that are compatible with the hydrogen filling device.

[0043] The fuel cell system of this embodiment is configured with the system configuration and database configuration described above, but this is merely an example and various other configurations can be adopted.

[0044] B. Various management processes: The following describes various management processes executed during operation of the fuel cell system. The following processes are executed by the control device 10, management device 80, hydrogen filling device 50, etc. of the fuel cell module 1, respectively. Furthermore, each process described below is a process that is repeatedly executed during operation of the fuel cell system. In this embodiment, the individual processes are described as being executed in multiple threads, but they may also be executed sequentially.

[0045] 3 is a flowchart of the mounting state determination process, where the left side shows the process executed by the fuel cell module, and the right side shows the process executed by the management device. When the process starts, the fuel cell module accesses the tag of the cartridge and reads the cartridge ID (step S10). If this reading is not successful (step S11), repeated reading attempts are made. If a predetermined number of attempts or a predetermined time has elapsed without the cartridge ID being read, an error may be detected and the process may be stopped.

[0046] The processes of steps S10 and S11 may be omitted once the cartridge ID has been read successfully, thereby reducing the processing load. However, if steps S10 and S11 are executed each time the installation status determination process is performed, there is an advantage in that it is possible to detect when the cartridge is intentionally removed while the fuel cell module is in use, or when it becomes detached due to some kind of trouble.

[0047] When the cartridge ID is detected, the fuel cell module transmits the module ID and cartridge ID to the management device (step S12). When the management device receives the module ID and cartridge ID (step S20), it determines whether the cartridge ID is appropriate (step S21). For example, it may be determined whether the cartridge ID is proper information to be used in the fuel cell system. Proper cartridge IDs may be pre-registered in the management device, and it may be determined whether the received cartridge ID matches any of these. It may also be determined whether the cartridge ID is a duplicate of a cartridge ID installed in another fuel cell module. In this way, it is possible to determine whether an illegal cartridge ID is being used. The compatibility of the fuel cell module and cartridge may also be determined. The type of compatible cartridge or cartridge ID may be registered in advance in the management device according to the type of fuel cell module, and this information may be referenced to determine whether a compatible cartridge is installed. By making this determination, the safety of the fuel cell module can be improved. The judgment of suitability (step S21) is not limited to these, and various judgments can be applied.

[0048] Depending on the result of the determination, the management device outputs an instruction to the fuel cell module to permit or stop operation (step S22). The fuel cell module starts or stops operation in response to this instruction (step S13). This ensures that the fuel cell module is operating with the correct cartridge properly installed.

[0049] Furthermore, if the management device determines that the cartridge ID is not appropriate, it outputs an alarm (step S23). The alarm can be output, for example, by sending an email to a predetermined contact point, such as the administrator's computer PC. An alarm signal may be sent to the fuel cell module, which may then display an alarm or sound an alarm. Alternatively, the operation of the fuel cell module may be forcibly stopped.

[0050] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the hydrogen remaining amount determination process. This process is executed repeatedly while the fuel cell module is in operation. It is assumed that a proper cartridge is installed. The left side shows the process executed by the fuel cell module, and the right side shows the process executed by the management device.

[0051] When the process starts, the fuel cell module accesses the tag on the cartridge and reads the remaining amount of hydrogen (step S30). This process may also be repeated until the reading is successful, similar to step S10 in FIG.

[0052] Next, the fuel cell module calculates the amount of hydrogen consumed and the amount of hydrogen remaining based on the flow rate and pressure of hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell (step S31). The amount of power generated by the fuel cell may also be used. The calculated remaining hydrogen amount is then written to the tag of the cartridge (step S32) and transmitted to the management device (step S33). By writing the remaining hydrogen amount to the tag, it is possible to detect the remaining hydrogen amount by reading the tag even when the cartridge is removed from the fuel cell module. Furthermore, because the remaining hydrogen amount is managed redundantly by the tag and the management device, if an inauthentic cartridge with a counterfeit cartridge ID is used, it is also possible to determine its suitability based on the remaining amount. Regarding the writing to the tag in step S32, it may be possible to check whether the writing was normal by reading from the tag after writing. This ensures the accuracy of the remaining capacity information. Furthermore, if the writing is not normal, it may be determined that there is something wrong with the cartridge, and its use may be stopped.

[0053] The management device records the remaining amount of hydrogen received from the fuel cell module in a database (step S40), and then determines whether or not it is time to replace the cartridge based on the remaining amount (step S41). For example, a method can be used in which it is determined that it is time to replace the cartridge when the amount of hydrogen remaining in the cartridge falls below a predetermined value. In this case, the "predetermined value" that serves as the criterion for determination may be a fixed value or a variable value. For example, the predetermined value may be set by predicting the amount of power generation and the amount of hydrogen required in the future based on the history of previous power generation amounts. Furthermore, the timing of replacement may be determined by taking into account the deterioration of the cartridge. For example, if the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge is lower than the amount estimated based on the history of power generation, it is possible that hydrogen is leaking, and it may be determined that it is time to replace the cartridge.

[0054] If it is determined that the cartridge should be replaced, the management device sends a replacement instruction to the fuel cell module (step S42). The fuel cell module receives this and notifies the user of the replacement instruction (step S34). For example, the fuel cell module displays a message indicating the replacement or outputs an audio message. In the case of a fuel cell system shared by multiple users, the instruction in step S42 may be given by sending an e-mail to the address registered as the contact address of the person in charge of cartridge replacement.

[0055] By carrying out the above process, it becomes possible to operate the fuel cell system while appropriately replacing the cartridge.

[0056] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the location information management process. This process is executed repeatedly while the fuel cell module is in operation. It is assumed that the correct cartridge is installed. The left side shows the process executed by the fuel cell module, and the right side shows the process executed by the management device.

[0057] When the process starts, the fuel cell module transmits its location information (step S50), which is received by the management device (step S60). The management device identifies the cartridge attached to the fuel cell module (step S61). Since the management device manages the module ID of the fuel cell module in association with the cartridge ID (see FIG. 3), it can identify the cartridge based on this information. The management device receives the location information of the identified cartridge (step S62). In this embodiment, the cartridge can be connected to the network without going through the fuel cell module, so the management device obtains the location information directly from the cartridge.

[0058] The management device then uses the position information received from each of the fuel cell module and cartridge to determine whether the relative positions of the two are appropriate (step S63). If the cartridge is truly attached to the fuel cell module, the two should be located sufficiently close to each other. Furthermore, if the fuel cell module is moving, the cartridge should also be moving. In step S63, it is determined based on these criteria whether the cartridge is attached to the fuel cell. The reference values ​​used for these determinations can be determined arbitrarily. They may be fixed values ​​or variable values.

[0059] Depending on the result of the determination, the management device outputs an instruction to the fuel cell module to permit or stop operation (step S64). The fuel cell module starts or stops operation in response to this instruction (step S51). This ensures that the fuel cell module operates with the correct cartridge properly installed. Note that in the installation status determination process (Fig. 3), the suitability is determined using the module ID and cartridge ID, but by using the position information in addition as described above, the accuracy of the suitability determination can be improved, and ultimately the safety of the fuel cell system can be improved.

[0060] If the management device determines that the cartridge ID is not correct, it outputs an alarm (step S65). The alarm can be output, for example, by sending an email to a predetermined contact point, such as the administrator's computer PC. An alarm signal may be sent to the fuel cell module, which may display an alarm or sound an alarm. Alternatively, the operation of the fuel cell module may be forcibly stopped.

[0061] 6 is a flowchart of the hydrogen filling amount management process. The left side shows the process executed by the hydrogen filling device, and the right side shows the process executed by the management device.

[0062] When the process starts, the hydrogen filling device accesses the tag of the cartridge, reads the cartridge ID and the remaining amount of hydrogen (step S70), and transmits them to the management device (step S71). While the cartridge is being filled with hydrogen until it is full, the hydrogen filling device measures the amount of hydrogen filled (step S72), transmits the cartridge ID and the amount of hydrogen filled to the management device (step S73), and writes the remaining amount of hydrogen after filling to the tag of the cartridge (step S74).

[0063] The management device receives the cartridge ID, the remaining amount of hydrogen before filling, and the amount of hydrogen filled (steps S80, S81), and determines the deterioration of the cartridge based on the remaining amount of hydrogen and the amount of hydrogen filled (step S82). If the cartridge is not degraded, the sum of the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge and the amount filled when the cartridge is fully filled should approximately match the cartridge capacity. However, if the cartridge deteriorates, hydrogen leakage may occur. Furthermore, if the cartridge uses a hydrogen storage alloy, its deterioration may prevent it from being able to fill the intended amount. Therefore, if the remaining amount of hydrogen before filling, the amount of hydrogen filled, and the cartridge capacity do not match, cartridge degradation is suspected. The criterion value for determining whether or not they match can be determined arbitrarily. It may be a fixed value, or it may be variable depending on the time elapsed since the cartridge began to be used, the number of times it has been filled, etc.

[0064] The management device transmits the result of the determination to the hydrogen filling device (step S83) and records it in the database (step S84). The hydrogen filling device notifies the user of the result (step S75). The presence or absence of deterioration may be displayed, or an appropriate sound may be output. If the cartridge has deteriorated to the point that it should no longer be used, the hydrogen filling device may take measures such as displaying or outputting an alarm, or sending an email to an administrator.

[0065] According to the fuel cell system described above, in a fuel cell system that generates electricity using hydrogen supplied from a removable cartridge, it is possible to determine whether the cartridge is properly installed, whether the remaining amount of hydrogen is appropriate, whether the location information is appropriate, whether there is any deterioration, etc., and manage the system to ensure that it operates in an appropriate state.

[0066] It is not necessary to provide all of the various features described in the present embodiment, and some of them may be omitted or combined as appropriate. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and various modifications can be made. [Industrial Applicability]

[0067] The present invention can be used to manage a fuel cell system that includes fuel cell modules and a management device connected via a network. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1, 1a, 1b Fuel cell module 10 Control device 11 Transmitter / Receiver 12 Power generation control unit 13 Tag input / output section 14 Detector 15 Calculation section 16 Flow Sensor 17 Pressure Sensor 19 Antenna 20 cartridges 21 Main Unit 22 Cover 23 Tags, IC tags 30 Fuel Cell 50 Hydrogen filling equipment 51 Transmitter / Receiver 52 Filling amount measurement unit 53 Tag input / output section 80 Management device 81 Transmitter / Receiver 82 Wearing status determination unit 83 Exchange Judgment Department 84 Deterioration judgment section 85 Management Database 85a Fuel Cell Module Database 85b Cartridge Database 85c Hydrogen Filling Equipment Database 86 Database Management Department

Claims

1. A fuel cell system comprising fuel cell modules and a management device connected via a network, The fuel cell module comprises: a fuel cell that generates electricity using hydrogen; a removably attached cartridge for supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell; a control device for controlling the operation of the fuel cell; the cartridge has an identification section in which a cartridge ID, which is identification information unique to the cartridge, is recorded; the control device transmits the cartridge ID obtained by the identification unit and a module ID, which is identification information unique to the fuel cell module, to the management device via the network; the management device has a management unit that manages the module ID and the cartridge ID in association with each other, either the control device or the management device includes a calculation unit that calculates the amount of hydrogen consumed or the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge based on one or more values ​​of the amount of power generated by the fuel cell, the flow rate of hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell, and the pressure; The control device also manages the calculation results by the calculation unit, The management device determines the degree of deterioration of the cartridge based on the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge and the amount of hydrogen required to refill the cartridge until it is full.

2. 2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, A fuel cell system in which the identification unit is configured with an IC chip that can electronically read and write information.

3. 2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, When the management device does not obtain a predetermined correct cartridge ID for the module ID, it determines that an abnormality has occurred and takes predetermined measures to deal with the abnormality.

4. A fuel cell system according to claim 1, the identification unit is configured with an IC chip that can electronically read and write information, The control device also records the calculation result of the calculation unit in the identification unit.

5. A fuel cell system according to claim 1, The management device notifies the user that the cartridge should be replaced when the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge falls below a predetermined value.

6. 2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, the fuel cell module includes a position information detection unit that detects position information, The management device also manages the location information of the fuel cell system.

7. A fuel cell system according to claim 6, The cartridge comprises: a cartridge position information detection unit that detects position information; a communication unit that communicates the location information to the management device, The management device manages the cartridge ID and the cartridge position information in association with each other.

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