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

Abstract

To provide a controller for a hydrogen production apparatus, a hydrogen production facility, a control method for the hydrogen production apparatus, and a control program for the hydrogen production apparatus, capable of shortening starting time of the hydrogen production apparatus.SOLUTION: A controller for a hydrogen production apparatus includes: an electrolytic cell for electrolyzing water; and a rectifier for supplying DC power to the electrolytic cell. The controller for the hydrogen production apparatus includes: a voltage controller configured to adjust an output voltage of the rectifier so that the output voltage output from the rectifier to the electrolytic cell matches a set voltage; and a voltage setting unit configured to set the set voltage to a first voltage greater than a rated voltage of the electrolytic cell during at least a part of the period during starting up of the hydrogen production apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Water electrolysis devices are known as devices for producing hydrogen.

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

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

[0005] When starting up a hydrogen production system (i.e., when switching from a stopped state to a hydrogen production / supply operation state), it is necessary to raise the temperature of the water (electrolyte solution, etc.) in the electrolytic cell to a temperature suitable for hydrogen production. It takes a certain amount of time to raise the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell, and this temperature-raising process is the rate-limiting factor for the preparation time for operation of the hydrogen production system (i.e., the startup time). Recently, there has been an increasing need to cover the equipment's power consumption with surplus electricity from renewable energy sources, and there is a demand for shortening plant startup times to operate efficiently using surplus electricity.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, at least one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a control device for a hydrogen production device, hydrogen production equipment, a control method for a hydrogen production device, and a control program for a hydrogen production device that can shorten the start-up time of the hydrogen production device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A control device for a hydrogen production device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes: A control device for a hydrogen production device including an electrolytic cell for electrolyzing water and a rectifier for supplying DC power to the electrolytic cell, a voltage control unit configured to adjust the output voltage of the rectifier so that the output voltage output from the rectifier to the electrolytic cell coincides with a set voltage; a voltage setting unit configured to set the set voltage to a first voltage that is higher than a rated voltage of the electrolytic cell during at least a part of a period during startup of the hydrogen production device; Equipped with.

[0008] Moreover, the hydrogen production facility according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes: a hydrogen production device including an electrolytic cell for electrolyzing water and a rectifier for supplying DC power to the electrolytic cell; the control device described above configured to control the hydrogen production device; Equipped with.

[0009] Further, a method for controlling a hydrogen production apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes: A method for controlling a hydrogen production device including an electrolytic cell for electrolyzing water and a rectifier for supplying DC power to the electrolytic cell, comprising: adjusting the output voltage of the rectifier so that the output voltage output from the rectifier to the electrolytic cell approaches a set voltage; setting the set voltage to a first voltage that is higher than a rated voltage of the electrolytic cell during at least a part of a start-up period of the hydrogen production apparatus; Equipped with.

[0010] Further, a control program for a hydrogen production apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes: A control program for a hydrogen production device including an electrolytic cell for electrolyzing water and a rectifier for supplying DC power to the electrolytic cell, On the computer, adjusting the output voltage of the rectifier so that the output voltage output from the rectifier to the electrolytic cell approaches a set voltage; setting the set voltage to a first voltage that is higher than a rated voltage of the electrolytic cell during at least a part of a period during startup of the hydrogen production apparatus; The method is configured to execute the following steps. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, there are provided a control device for a hydrogen production device, hydrogen production equipment, a control method for a hydrogen production device, and a control program for a hydrogen production device, which are capable of shortening the start-up time of the hydrogen production device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen production facility to which a control device according to an embodiment is applied; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is a flowchart of a control method for a hydrogen production device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a graph showing an example of time-dependent changes in output voltage, current, power, and temperature of water in an electrolytic cell at the start-up of a hydrogen production device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 3 is a flowchart of a control method for a hydrogen production device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of components described as embodiments or shown in the drawings are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0014] (Configuration of hydrogen production facility) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen production facility to which a control device according to one embodiment is applied. As shown in Fig. 1, the hydrogen production facility 100 includes a hydrogen production device 10 and a control device 20 for controlling the operation of the hydrogen production device 10. The hydrogen production facility 100 may also include a storage unit 4 for storing hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production device 10.

[0015] The hydrogen production device 10 is a water electrolysis device configured to generate hydrogen by electrolysis of water, and includes an electrolytic cell 2 for electrolyzing water, and a rectifier 8 for supplying DC power to the electrolytic cell 2. The type of water electrolysis device is not limited. The water electrolysis device may be, for example, an alkaline water electrolysis device, a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolysis device, an anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis device, or a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) water electrolysis device.

[0016] Rectifier 8 is configured to supply DC power to electrolytic cell 2. Rectifier 8 is supplied with power (typically AC power) from power source 90 via power transmission line 92. Power source 90 may be a power grid or another power source (for example, a power generator or a power storage device such as a battery). Rectifier 8 converts the power from power source 90 from AC power to DC power as necessary, and outputs it as a DC voltage to electrolytic cell 2. Hereinafter, the DC voltage output from rectifier 8 to electrolytic cell 2 (the voltage applied to electrolytic cell 2) will also be referred to as the output voltage.

[0017] Water is supplied to the electrolytic cell 2. As described above, DC power is supplied to the electrolytic cell 2 via the rectifier 8. By applying a DC voltage between a pair of electrodes provided in the electrolytic cell 2 via the rectifier 8, the water in the electrolytic cell 2 is electrolyzed, generating hydrogen on the cathode side and oxygen on the anode side. Water in which an electrolyte has been dissolved (electrolyte solution) is supplied to the electrolytic cell 2, and the water (water constituting the electrolyte solution) may be electrolyzed. The electrolyte may be an alkaline substance such as potassium hydroxide (KOH).

[0018] The hydrogen gas generated on the cathode side of the electrolytic cell 2 is introduced to a gas-liquid separator and / or a dehumidifier to remove moisture, and then introduced to the reservoir 4. The oxygen gas generated on the anode side of the electrolytic cell 2 may be introduced to a gas-liquid separator and / or a dehumidifier to remove moisture, and then supplied to an oxygen-consuming facility or may be released to the outside.

[0019] The storage unit 4 is configured to store gaseous hydrogen. The hydrogen stored in the storage unit 4 may be supplied to the hydrogen consumption equipment 6. The storage unit 4 may have properties suitable for supplying hydrogen to the hydrogen consumption equipment 6. The storage unit 4 may include, for example, a storage header (header tank).

[0020] The hydrogen consumption equipment 6 may include, for example, hydrogen combustion equipment configured to burn hydrogen (e.g., gas turbine equipment or steelmaking equipment, etc.), hydrogen liquefaction equipment configured to liquefy hydrogen, equipment that generates electricity through a chemical reaction using hydrogen as fuel (e.g., power generation equipment including fuel cells such as SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell)), equipment that produces fuel using hydrogen as a raw material (e.g., fuel synthesis equipment, etc.), or a hydrogen gas station configured to supply hydrogen to equipment.

[0021] The hydrogen production facility 100 may include a temperature sensor 12 for measuring the temperature of water (electrolyte solution, etc.) in the electrolytic cell 2. The temperature sensor 12 may be configured to measure the temperature of water in the electrolytic cell 2, or may be configured to measure the temperature of water in a line for guiding hydrogen gas or oxygen gas from the electrolytic cell 2 to a gas-liquid separator, or may be configured to measure the temperature of water in a line for returning water separated from hydrogen gas or oxygen gas in the gas-liquid separator to the electrolytic cell 2.

[0022] The hydrogen production facility 100 may include a current sensor 14 for measuring the DC current flowing through a circuit including the electrolyzer 2 when water is electrolyzed in the electrolyzer 2. The circuit includes electric wires connecting a pair of DC voltage output terminals of the rectifier 8 to a pair of electrodes of the electrolyzer 2. The current sensor 14 may be configured to measure the current flowing between either of the pair of output terminals of the rectifier 8 and either of the pair of electrodes of the electrolyzer 2.

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

[0024] The temperature sensor 12, the current sensor 14 and / or the flow sensor 16 may be electrically connected to the controller 20 so that signals indicative of measurements by the temperature sensor 12, the current sensor 14 and / or the flow sensor 16 are sent to the controller 20.

[0025] 2 is a schematic diagram of a control device according to one embodiment. The control device 20 is configured to control the operation of the hydrogen production device 10 based on the measurement results of the temperature sensor 12, the current sensor 14, and / or the flow rate sensor 16, etc.

[0026] 2, the control device 20 includes a voltage control unit 24 and a voltage setting unit 25. The control device 20 may also include a control mode selection unit 22, a current control unit 26, a current target value acquisition unit 28, and a storage unit 30.

[0027] The control mode selection unit 22 is configured to select the control mode of the rectifier 8 from a voltage control mode in which the rectifier 8 is controlled by a voltage control unit 24, and a current control mode in which the rectifier 8 is controlled by a current control unit 26.

[0028] The voltage control unit 24 is configured to adjust the output voltage of the rectifier 8 so that the output voltage from the rectifier 8 to the electrolytic cell 2 matches the set voltage. The set voltage may be set by a voltage setting unit 25, which will be described later, or may be set manually by an operator.

[0029] The voltage setting unit 25 sets the above-mentioned set voltage to a first voltage V that is higher than the rated voltage of the electrolytic cell 2 during at least a part of the period during which the hydrogen production device 10 is started up. A The first voltage V A may be stored in advance in the storage unit 30, which will be described later.

[0030] The start-up of the hydrogen production device 10 refers to the preparation period until the hydrogen production device 10 transitions from a stopped state to a hydrogen production / supply operating state. During the start-up of the hydrogen production device 10, a DC voltage is applied from the rectifier 8 to the electrolytic cell 2 to start electrolysis of water in the electrolytic cell 2, thereby causing a current to flow through a circuit including the electrolytic cell 2, thereby raising the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell 2. The completion of the start-up of the hydrogen production device 10 can be determined, for example, by the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell 2 rising and reaching a specified temperature.

[0031] The rated voltage of the electrolytic cell 2 is the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell 2 when the electrolytic cell 2 is operated at rated load (operation at 100% load (100% hydrogen production)). The rated voltage of the electrolytic cell 2 is determined as a specification depending on the model of the electrolytic cell 2.

[0032] The current control unit 26 is configured to adjust the output current of the rectifier 8 based on the current flowing through the above-mentioned circuit including the electrolytic cell 2 .

[0033] The current target value acquisition unit 28 is configured to acquire a current target value indicating the current of the circuit corresponding to the target amount of hydrogen produced in the electrolytic cell 2 (i.e., in the hydrogen production device 10) mainly after startup of the hydrogen production device 10 is completed.

[0034] Current target value acquisition unit 28 may, for example, acquire the hydrogen consumption flow rate in hydrogen consuming equipment 6 to which hydrogen is supplied from storage unit 4, and calculate the current target value based on the consumption flow rate. The hydrogen consumption flow rate in hydrogen consuming equipment 6 may be acquired as the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from storage unit 4 to hydrogen consuming equipment 6. In this case, the hydrogen flow rate measured by flow sensor 16 (see FIG. 1) may be acquired as the consumption flow rate. Alternatively, the hydrogen consumption flow rate in hydrogen consuming equipment 6 may be calculated based on a fuel command value, which is a command value for the fuel flow rate supplied to hydrogen consuming equipment 6. In this case, current target value acquisition unit 28 may be configured to convert the fuel command value into the hydrogen flow rate using a function indicating the correlation between the fuel command value and the hydrogen flow rate.

[0035] The storage unit 30 is configured to store preset values, etc. The values ​​stored in advance in the storage unit 30 are the values ​​of the first voltage V A , a limit value of the power in the circuit including the electrolytic cell 2, and / or the temperature (prescribed temperature) of the water in the electrolytic cell 2 for determining whether the start-up of the hydrogen production device 10 has been completed.

[0036] The control device 20 includes a computer equipped with a processor (e.g., CPU), a main storage device (e.g., memory device; RAM), an auxiliary storage device, an interface, etc. The control device 20 receives signals from the temperature sensor 12, the current sensor 14, and / or the flow rate sensor 16 via the interface. The processor is configured to process the signals received in this manner. The processor is also configured to process a program loaded in the main storage device. This realizes the functions of the control mode selection unit 22, the voltage control unit 24, the voltage setting unit 25, the current control unit 26, and the current target value acquisition unit 28 described above. The storage unit 30 described above may include the main storage device or the auxiliary storage device of the computer constituting the control device 20.

[0037] The processing contents of the control device 20 are implemented as programs executed by the processor. The programs may be stored in, for example, an auxiliary storage device. When the programs are executed, they are loaded into the main storage device. The processor reads the programs from the main storage device and executes the instructions contained in the programs.

[0038] (Control flow of hydrogen production equipment) Next, a method for controlling a hydrogen production device according to some embodiments will be described. Note that, although the following description will be made of a case where the above-described control device 20 is used to control the above-described hydrogen production device 10, in some embodiments, the method for controlling a hydrogen production device may be performed using another device, or some or all of the procedures described below may be performed manually.

[0039] FIG. 3 shows the hydrogen production device 10 according to one embodiment at the time of startup. 10 4 is a flowchart of a control method for the hydrogen production device 10 according to one embodiment. Fig. 4 is a graph showing an example of temporal changes in the output voltage V of the rectifier 8, the current I flowing through a circuit including the electrolytic cell 2, the power P in the circuit, and the temperature T of the water (electrolyte solution, etc.) in the electrolytic cell 2 at the start-up of the hydrogen production device 10. The power P is the product of the output voltage V and the current I (P = V × I).

[0040] In one embodiment, after the start-up of the hydrogen production device 10 (t0 in FIG. 4), the voltage control mode is selected as the control mode of the rectifier 8 by the control device 20 (S2 in FIG. 3), and at time t1 (FIG. 4), the set voltage of the rectifier 8 is set to a first voltage V_rated that is greater than the rated voltage V_rated of the electrolyzer 2. A (S4 in FIG. 3). As a result, after time t1, the output voltage V of the rectifier 8 is set to the first voltage V A is adjusted to match the

[0041] The first voltage V A may be the maximum working voltage of the electrolytic cell 2.

[0042] In this way, during at least a part of the period during the start-up of the hydrogen production device 10 (the period after time t1), the output voltage V output from the rectifier 8 to the electrolytic cell 2 (i.e., the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell 2) is a first voltage V that is greater than the rated voltage V_rated of the electrolytic cell 2. A , the current flowing through the circuit including the electrolytic cell 2 due to the electrolysis of water in the electrolytic cell 2 is larger than when the output voltage V is set to a voltage equal to or lower than the rated voltage V_rated of the electrolytic cell 2. This increases the Joule heat generated in the water in the electrolytic cell 2, and the rate at which the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell 2 rises. As the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell 2 rises, it becomes easier for current to flow through the water in the electrolytic cell 2 (i.e., the electrical resistance of the water decreases), and as the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell 2 rises, the current flowing through the circuit including the electrolytic cell 2 increases, and the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell 2 also tends to rise more easily. In this way, the time required to raise the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell 2 can be shortened. This reduces the start-up time of the hydrogen production device 10.

[0043] As described above, in step S4, the set voltage of the rectifier 8 is set to the first voltage V A After setting, the temperature T of the water in the electrolytic cell 2 reaches the specified temperature T C , and determines whether the temperature T reaches the specified temperature T (S6 in FIG. 3). C If the power P does not reach the limit value P (No in S6),B It is checked whether the limit value P B may be a value determined by the specifications of the electrolytic cell 2.

[0044] Power P is limited to P B Before reaching the specified temperature T (Yes in S10), the temperature T of the water in the electrolytic cell 2 C (Yes in S6 in FIG. 3), the control device 20 determines that the start-up of the hydrogen production device 10 is complete (S8 in FIG. 3), and the hydrogen production device 10 starts supplying hydrogen.

[0045] On the other hand, the temperature T of the water in the electrolytic cell 2 is set to the specified temperature T C When the power P does not reach the limit value P B (No in S6 and No in S10 in FIG. 3, time t2 in FIG. 4), the control mode of the rectifier 8 by the control device 20 is switched to the current control mode (S12 in FIG. 3), and the temperature T of the water in the electrolytic cell 2 reaches the specified temperature T C The power P is limited to the limit value P B The output voltage V of the rectifier 8 is adjusted so that the current I increases within a range not exceeding (S14 to S18 in FIG. 3, times t2 to t3 in FIG. 4).

[0046] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3, after the control mode of the rectifier 8 is switched to the current control mode in step S12, the current I is maintained (S14). C It is determined whether or not the value reaches (S16).

[0047] The temperature T of the water in the electrolytic cell 2 is the specified temperature T C When the time has passed (Yes in S16), the control device 20 determines that the start-up of the hydrogen production device 10 has been completed (S8 in FIG. 3), and the hydrogen production device 10 starts supplying hydrogen.

[0048] On the other hand, the temperature T of the water in the electrolytic cell 2 is set to the specified temperature T CWhile the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell 2 has not yet reached the limit value P (No in S16), the process proceeds to step S18. At this time, the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell 2 is rising, so the electrical resistance of the water in the electrolytic cell 2 decreases, and the voltage V and power P also decrease accordingly. Therefore, when the power P reaches the limit value P B The current is increased within a range that does not exceed the limit value P (Yes in S18 and S20). B If the temperature T of the water in the electrolytic cell 2 exceeds the specified temperature T (No in S20), the process returns to step S14 and the current I is maintained. C Steps S14 to S18 are repeated until the power P reaches the limit value P B While increasing the current I within the range not exceeding the specified temperature T, C In the example shown in FIG. 4, the power P can be made to reach the limit value P B From the time t2, the temperature T of the water in the electrolytic cell 2 reaches the specified temperature T C Steps S14 to S18 are repeated until time t3 is reached.

[0049] Alternatively, in one embodiment, once the control mode of the rectifier 8 is switched to the current control mode in step S12 described above, the temperature T of the water in the electrolytic cell 2 is set to a predetermined temperature T C The power P is limited to the limit value P B At the time when the control mode of the rectifier 8 is switched to the current control mode (time t2 in FIG. 4), the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell 2 is on the rise, and the current I is also on the rise. Therefore, from this time (time t2), the power P is adjusted to the limit value P B The power P is limited to a limit value P by adjusting the output voltage V so that it remains at B The current I can be increased within a range not exceeding

[0050] Thus, in some embodiments, during start-up of the hydrogen production device 10, the output voltage V of the rectifier 8 is increased above the rated voltage V_rated of the electrolyzer 2, so that the current I flowing through the circuit including the electrolyzer 2 increases, and the power P in the circuit reaches the limit value P BWhen the power P in the circuit reaches the limit value P, the control of the rectifier 8 is switched to the current control mode. B This increases the current I within a range not exceeding 1. This prevents overpower or overcurrent in the circuit and protects the electrolytic cell 2, while promoting the temperature rise of the water in the electrolytic cell 2 and shortening the start-up time of the hydrogen production device 10.

[0051] FIG. 5 shows the hydrogen production device 10 according to one embodiment after the start-up is completed. 10 1 is a flowchart of a control method.

[0052] As described above, when the temperature T of the water in the electrolytic cell 2 reaches the specified temperature T C (Yes in S6 or S16 above, time t3 in FIG. 4), the control device 20 determines that start-up of the hydrogen production device 10 is complete (S8 above). In one embodiment, when start-up of the hydrogen production device 10 is complete (time t3 in FIG. 4), the control device 20 selects the current control mode as the control mode for the rectifier 8, and adjusts the output voltage V of the rectifier 8 so that the current I flowing through the circuit including the electrolyzer 2 approaches the current target value (S22 in FIG. 5). The current target value is a target value of current according to the target amount of hydrogen production in the hydrogen production device 10, and is acquired, for example, by the current target value acquisition unit 28 described above. This allows the hydrogen production device 10 to produce and supply the target amount of hydrogen.

[0053] In step S22, the output voltage V of the rectifier 8 may be adjusted by feedback control based on the deviation between the above-mentioned current target value and the actual measured value of the current I (the value measured by the current sensor 14).

[0054] In the example shown in Figure 4, from time t3 onwards, the rectifier 8 is controlled based on the current target value in this way. At time t4, operation is performed at rated load (100% hydrogen production), and from time t4 onwards, the output voltage V, current I and temperature T of the water in the electrolytic cell 2 remain almost constant. In Figure 4, the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell 2 during rated load operation (i.e., the output voltage of the rectifier 8) is the rated voltage V_rated, and the power P during rated load operation is P_rated.

[0055] In some embodiments, during operation after the start-up of the hydrogen production device 10 is completed (i.e., during operation in step S22), the power P in the circuit including the electrolyzer 2 is set to a limit value P B The output voltage V of the rectifier 8 may be adjusted so that the current I approaches the target current value within a range not exceeding the target current value (S23 to S24 in FIG. 5).

[0056] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, when the hydrogen production device 10 is operated under control based on the current target value (step S22 described above), the power P is increased to the limit value P B It is checked whether the power P is less than the limit value P (S23). B While the power P has not reached the limit value P (Yes in step S23), the control in step S22 is continued. B When the power P reaches the limit value P (No in step S23), B The current I is maintained until it becomes less than the limit value P (S24). B is prevented from exceeding the limit.

[0057] In this way, during operation after the start-up of the hydrogen production device 10, the power P in the circuit including the electrolyzer 2 is limited to the limit value P B By controlling the current I flowing through the circuit so that it does not exceed this, it is possible to prevent overpower or overcurrent in the circuit and protect the electrolyzer 2, while producing and supplying the target amount of hydrogen.

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

[0059] (1) At least one embodiment of the present invention provides a control device (20) for a hydrogen production device (10), comprising: A control device for a hydrogen production device including an electrolytic cell (2) for electrolyzing water and a rectifier (8) for supplying DC power to the electrolytic cell, a voltage control unit (24) configured to adjust the output voltage (V) of the rectifier so that the output voltage (V) output from the rectifier to the electrolytic cell coincides with a set voltage; During at least a part of the start-up period of the hydrogen production device, the set voltage is set to a first voltage (V A ) a voltage setting unit (25) configured to set the Equipped with.

[0060] In the configuration (1) above, during at least a portion of the start-up of the hydrogen production apparatus, the output voltage output from the rectifier to the electrolytic cell (i.e., the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell) is set to a first voltage that is higher than the rated voltage of the electrolytic cell, so that the current flowing through the circuit including the electrolytic cell due to electrolysis of water in the electrolytic cell can be increased, thereby increasing the rate at which the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell rises. Therefore, with the configuration (1) above, the time required to raise the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell during start-up of the hydrogen production apparatus can be shortened, and the start-up time of the hydrogen production apparatus can be shortened.

[0061] (2) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (1), The first voltage is the maximum operating voltage of the electrolytic cell.

[0062] In the configuration (2) above, the output voltage of the rectifier is set to the maximum operating voltage of the electrolytic cell during at least a portion of the start-up of the hydrogen production device, so that the current flowing through the circuit including the electrolytic cell due to electrolysis of water in the electrolytic cell can be increased, thereby increasing the rate at which the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell rises. Therefore, with the configuration (2) above, the time required to raise the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell during start-up of the hydrogen production device can be further reduced, and the start-up time of the hydrogen production device can be further reduced.

[0063] (3) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (1) or (2), a current control unit (26) configured to adjust the output voltage of the rectifier based on a current (I) flowing through a circuit including the electrolytic cell; a control mode selection unit (22) configured to select a control mode of the rectifier from a voltage control mode in which the rectifier is controlled by the voltage control unit and a current control mode in which the rectifier is controlled by the current control unit; Equipped with The control mode selection unit is configured to select a power (P) in the circuit when the rectifier is controlled in the voltage control mode during startup of the hydrogen production device. B ), switching control of the rectifier from the voltage control mode to the current control mode; The current control unit is configured to adjust the output voltage of the rectifier so that the current increases within a range in which the power does not exceed the limit value during startup of the hydrogen production apparatus.

[0064] According to the configuration (3) above, by increasing the output voltage of the rectifier above the rated voltage of the electrolytic cell as in (1) above during startup of the hydrogen production apparatus, the current flowing through the circuit including the electrolytic cell increases, and when the power in the circuit reaches a limit value, the rectifier control is switched to current control mode, and the current is increased within a range that does not cause the power in the circuit to exceed the limit value. This prevents overpower or overcurrent in the circuit and protects the electrolytic cell, while promoting the temperature rise of the water in the electrolytic cell and shortening the startup time of the hydrogen production apparatus.

[0065] (4) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations (1) to (3) above, a current control unit (26) configured to adjust the output voltage of the rectifier based on a current flowing through a circuit including the electrolytic cell; a control mode selection unit (22) configured to select a control mode of the rectifier from a voltage control mode in which the rectifier is controlled by the voltage control unit and a current control mode in which the rectifier is controlled by the current control unit; a current target value acquisition unit (28) configured to acquire a current target value indicating a current of the circuit according to a target amount of hydrogen produced in the electrolytic cell; Equipped with the control mode selection unit selects the current control mode as the control mode of the rectifier when startup of the hydrogen production device is completed; The current control unit is configured to adjust the output voltage of the rectifier so that the current flowing through the circuit approaches the current target value after startup of the hydrogen production apparatus is completed.

[0066] According to the configuration (4) above, after the start-up of the hydrogen production device is completed, the control mode of the rectifier is set to the current control mode, and the output voltage of the rectifier is adjusted so that the current of the circuit including the electrolytic cell approaches the target current value corresponding to the target amount of hydrogen production. This makes it possible to start producing and supplying the target amount of hydrogen in a short time after the start-up of the hydrogen production device.

[0067] (5) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (4), The control mode selection unit is configured to select a control mode when the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell reaches a specified temperature (T C ), it is determined that the start-up of the hydrogen production device is complete.

[0068] According to the configuration (5) above, when the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell reaches a specified temperature, it is possible to appropriately determine that the start-up of the hydrogen production device has been completed, and to promptly start the production and supply of the target amount of hydrogen.

[0069] (6) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (4) or (5), The current control unit is configured to adjust the output voltage of the rectifier after startup of the hydrogen production device is complete so that the current approaches the target current value within a range in which the power in the circuit does not exceed a limit value.

[0070] According to the configuration (6) above, during operation after startup of the hydrogen production device, the current flowing through the circuit including the electrolytic cell is controlled within a range in which the power in the circuit does not exceed a limit value. This makes it possible to prevent overpower or overcurrent in the circuit and protect the electrolytic cell, while producing and supplying the target amount of hydrogen.

[0071] (7) A hydrogen production facility (100) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes: a hydrogen production device (10) including an electrolytic cell (2) for electrolyzing water and a rectifier (8) for supplying DC power to the electrolytic cell; a control device (20) according to any one of (1) to (6) above, configured to control the hydrogen production device; Equipped with.

[0072] In the configuration (7) above, during at least a portion of the start-up of the hydrogen production apparatus, the output voltage output from the rectifier to the electrolytic cell (i.e., the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell) is set to a first voltage that is higher than the rated voltage of the electrolytic cell, so that the current flowing through the circuit including the electrolytic cell due to electrolysis of water in the electrolytic cell can be increased, thereby increasing the rate at which the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell rises. Therefore, with the configuration (7) above, the time required to raise the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell during start-up of the hydrogen production apparatus can be shortened, and the start-up time of the hydrogen production apparatus can be shortened.

[0073] (8) A method for controlling a hydrogen production device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes: A method for controlling a hydrogen production device (10) including an electrolytic cell (2) for electrolyzing water and a rectifier (8) for supplying DC power to the electrolytic cell, comprising: Steps (S2, S4) of adjusting the output voltage of the rectifier so that the output voltage output from the rectifier to the electrolytic cell approaches a set voltage; a step (S4) of setting the set voltage to a first voltage that is higher than a rated voltage of the electrolytic cell during at least a part of a period during startup of the hydrogen production device; Equipped with.

[0074] In the method (8) above, during at least a portion of the start-up of the hydrogen production apparatus, the output voltage output from the rectifier to the electrolytic cell (i.e., the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell) is set to a first voltage that is higher than the rated voltage of the electrolytic cell, so that the current flowing through the circuit including the electrolytic cell due to electrolysis of water in the electrolytic cell can be increased, thereby increasing the rate at which the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell rises. Therefore, according to the method (8) above, the time required to raise the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell during start-up of the hydrogen production apparatus can be shortened, and the start-up time of the hydrogen production apparatus can be shortened.

[0075] (9) A control program for a hydrogen production device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes: A control program for a hydrogen production device (10) including an electrolytic cell (2) for electrolyzing water and a rectifier (8) for supplying DC power to the electrolytic cell, the program comprising: On the computer, adjusting the output voltage of the rectifier so that the output voltage output from the rectifier to the electrolytic cell approaches a set voltage; setting the set voltage to a first voltage that is higher than a rated voltage of the electrolytic cell during at least a part of a period during startup of the hydrogen production apparatus; The method is configured to execute the following steps.

[0076] According to the program of (9) above, during at least a portion of the start-up of the hydrogen production apparatus, the output voltage output from the rectifier to the electrolytic cell (i.e., the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell) is set to a first voltage that is higher than the rated voltage of the electrolytic cell, so that the current flowing through the circuit including the electrolytic cell due to electrolysis of water in the electrolytic cell can be increased, thereby increasing the rate at which the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell rises. Therefore, according to the program of (9) above, the time required to raise the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell during start-up of the hydrogen production apparatus can be shortened, and the start-up time of the hydrogen production apparatus can be shortened.

[0077] The above describes an embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and also includes forms in which the above-described embodiment is modified, or forms in which these forms are appropriately combined.

[0078] In this specification, expressions expressing relative or absolute arrangement such as "in a certain direction," "along a certain direction," "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," "concentric," or "coaxial" not only express such an arrangement strictly, but also express a state in which there is a relative displacement with a tolerance or an angle or distance to the extent that the same function is obtained. For example, expressions such as "identical," "equal," and "homogeneous" that indicate that something is in an equal state not only indicate a state of strict equality, but also indicate a state in which there is a tolerance or a difference to the extent that the same function is obtained. Furthermore, in this specification, expressions representing shapes such as a rectangular shape or a cylindrical shape not only represent rectangular shapes or cylindrical shapes in the strict geometric sense, but also represent shapes including uneven portions, chamfered portions, etc., to the extent that the same effect can be obtained. Furthermore, in this specification, the expressions "comprise," "include," or "have" a component are not exclusive expressions that exclude the presence of other components. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 2 Electrolytic cell 4. Storage section 6 Hydrogen consumption equipment 8 rectifier 10 Hydrogen production equipment 12 Temperature Sensor 14 Current Sensor 16 Flow Sensor 20 Control device 22 Control mode selection section 24 Voltage control section 25 Voltage setting section 26 Current control section 28 Current target value acquisition unit 30 Storage section 90 power supply 92 Power Lines 100 Hydrogen production facility

Claims

1. A control device for a hydrogen production device including an electrolytic cell for electrolyzing water and a rectifier for supplying DC power to the electrolytic cell, a voltage control unit configured to adjust the output voltage of the rectifier so that the output voltage output from the rectifier to the electrolytic cell coincides with a set voltage; a voltage setting unit configured to set the set voltage to a first voltage that is higher than a rated voltage that is a voltage in a steady state of an electrolysis reaction in the electrolytic cell during at least a part of a start-up of the hydrogen production apparatus; a current control unit configured to adjust the output voltage of the rectifier based on a current flowing in a circuit including the electrolytic cell; a control mode selection unit configured to select a control mode of the rectifier from a voltage control mode in which the rectifier is controlled by the voltage control unit and a current control mode in which the rectifier is controlled by the current control unit; Equipped with the control mode selection unit is configured to switch control of the rectifier from the voltage control mode to the current control mode when power in the circuit reaches a limit value while the rectifier is being controlled in the voltage control mode during startup of the hydrogen production apparatus; The current control unit is configured to adjust the output voltage of the rectifier so that the current increases within a range in which the power does not exceed the limit value during startup of the hydrogen production device. The control mode selection unit is configured to determine that the start-up of the hydrogen production device is completed when the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell reaches a specified temperature during the start-up of the hydrogen production device. Control device for hydrogen production equipment.

2. The first voltage is the maximum operating voltage of the electrolytic cell. The control device for the hydrogen production device according to claim 1.

3. The voltage control unit is configured to increase the current by maintaining the output voltage at the first voltage while the rectifier is controlled in the voltage control mode during startup of the hydrogen production apparatus. A control device for a hydrogen production device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a current control unit configured to adjust the output voltage of the rectifier based on a current flowing in a circuit including the electrolytic cell; a control mode selection unit configured to select a control mode of the rectifier from a voltage control mode in which the rectifier is controlled by the voltage control unit and a current control mode in which the rectifier is controlled by the current control unit; a current target value acquisition unit configured to acquire a current target value indicating a current of the circuit according to a target amount of hydrogen produced in the electrolytic cell; Equipped with the control mode selection unit selects the current control mode as the control mode of the rectifier when startup of the hydrogen production device is completed; The current control unit is configured to adjust the output voltage of the rectifier so that the current flowing through the circuit approaches the current target value after the start-up of the hydrogen production device is completed. A control device for a hydrogen production device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The current control unit is configured to adjust the output voltage of the rectifier so that, during startup of the hydrogen production apparatus, the current increases within a range in which the power does not exceed the limit value until the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell reaches the specified temperature, and so that the current is maintained once the power reaches the limit value. A control device for a hydrogen production device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The current control unit is configured to adjust the output voltage of the rectifier so that the current approaches the current target value within a range in which the power in the circuit does not exceed a limit value after the start-up of the hydrogen production device is completed. The control device for the hydrogen production device according to claim 4.

7. a hydrogen production device including an electrolytic cell for electrolyzing water and a rectifier for supplying DC power to the electrolytic cell; The control device according to claim 1 or 2, configured to control the hydrogen production device; Hydrogen production facility equipped with:

8. A method for controlling a hydrogen production device including an electrolytic cell for electrolyzing water and a rectifier for supplying DC power to the electrolytic cell, comprising: a first adjusting step of adjusting the output voltage of the rectifier so that the output voltage output from the rectifier to the electrolytic cell approaches a set voltage; setting the set voltage to a first voltage that is higher than a rated voltage that is a voltage in a steady state during an electrolysis reaction in the electrolytic cell, during at least a part of a period during startup of the hydrogen production device; a second adjusting step of adjusting the output voltage of the rectifier based on a current flowing in a circuit including the electrolytic cell; a selection step of selecting the adjustment of the output voltage of the rectifier from the first adjustment step and the second adjustment step; determining that the start-up of the hydrogen production device is completed when the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell reaches a specified temperature during the start-up of the hydrogen production device; Equipped with the selection step is configured to switch the regulation of the output voltage of the rectifier from the regulation in the first regulation step to the regulation in the second regulation step when the power in the circuit reaches a limit value during the start-up of the hydrogen production apparatus while the output voltage of the rectifier is being regulated in the first regulation step; In the second adjusting step, the output voltage of the rectifier is adjusted so that the current increases within a range in which the power does not exceed the limit value during startup of the hydrogen production device. A method for controlling a hydrogen production device.

9. A control program for a hydrogen production device including an electrolytic cell for electrolyzing water and a rectifier for supplying DC power to the electrolytic cell, On the computer, a first adjustment step of adjusting the output voltage of the rectifier so that the output voltage output from the rectifier to the electrolytic cell approaches a set voltage; setting the set voltage to a first voltage that is higher than a rated voltage, which is a voltage in a steady state during an electrolysis reaction in the electrolytic cell, during at least a part of a period during startup of the hydrogen production device; a second adjusting step of adjusting the output voltage of the rectifier based on a current flowing in a circuit including the electrolytic cell; selecting an adjustment of the output voltage of the rectifier from the first adjustment step and the second adjustment step; determining that the start-up of the hydrogen production device is complete when the temperature of the water in the electrolytic cell reaches a specified temperature during the start-up of the hydrogen production device; configured to cause during start-up of the hydrogen production apparatus, if power in the circuit reaches a limit value while the output voltage of the rectifier is being adjusted according to the first adjustment procedure, the adjustment of the output voltage of the rectifier is switched from adjustment according to the first adjustment procedure to adjustment according to the second adjustment procedure; In the second adjustment step, the output voltage of the rectifier is adjusted so that the current increases within a range in which the power does not exceed the limit value during startup of the hydrogen production device. Control program for hydrogen production equipment.

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