Power generation system

Abstract

To inhibit combustible gas from staying in a fuel cell housing body for housing a fuel cell.SOLUTION: A power generating system comprises a fuel cell 51, a fuel cell housing body 19, a fuel gas storing unit 6, a fuel housing body 40, a fuel gas piping 46, a piping housing body 80, and a third ventilation unit 81. The fuel cell 51 supplies power to a power apparatus in a ship. The fuel cell housing body 19 houses the fuel cell 51. The fuel gas storing unit 6 stores fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell 51. The fuel housing body 40 houses the fuel gas storing unit 6. The fuel gas passes through the fuel gas piping 46. The piping housing body 80 houses part of the fuel gas piping 46. The third ventilation unit 81 ventilates the inside of the piping housing body 80.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power generation system. [Background technology]

[0002] The traffic route forming structure for a liquefied gas fuelled ship described in Patent Document 1 includes a vehicle loading area and a refuelling station. The refuelling station houses a bunker manifold connected to a fuel tank that stores liquefied gas fuel. The valve of the bunker manifold is a gas generation source that may cause fuel gas evaporated from the liquefied gas fuel to leak into the atmosphere. Therefore, the refuelling station is a gas generation chamber that houses the gas generation source.

[0003] An airlock space and a small compartment are provided between the fueling station and the vehicle loading area. The airlock space is adjacent to the fueling station. The small compartment is adjacent to the airlock space. That is, the airlock space is located between the small compartment and the fueling station.

[0004] The pressure in the airlock space is always maintained higher than that of the refueling station and the compartment, thus preventing fuel gas from diffusing from the refueling station, which is the gas source, to the vehicle loading area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-131174 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Fuel cell ships powered by fuel cells are known. Fuel cells consume fuel gas to generate electricity. Fuel gas is flammable. Therefore, fuel cell ships are sometimes required to house the fuel cells in a housing. When the fuel cells are housed in a housing, fuel gas that leaks or enters due to unavoidable circumstances is more likely to remain in the housing than when the fuel cells are arranged in an open space inside the ship.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a fuel cell ship that can prevent flammable gas from accumulating in a fuel cell container that houses a fuel cell. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a fuel cell ship includes a propulsion device, a fuel cell, a fuel cell housing, and a first ventilation section. The propulsion device generates a propulsive force for the hull. The fuel cell supplies power to the propulsion device. The fuel cell housing houses the fuel cell. The first ventilation section ventilates the interior of the fuel cell housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fuel cell ship that can prevent fuel gas from accumulating in a fuel cell housing that houses a fuel cell. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fuel cell ship according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a fuel cell system and a first ventilation unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is a flowchart showing a fuel gas cutoff method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a fuel cell system, a first ventilation unit, and a first external gas detection unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]10 is a flowchart showing a fuel gas cutoff method according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a fuel cell system, a first ventilation unit, a first external gas detection unit, and a second external gas detection unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a fuel gas cutoff method according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a part of the internal structure of a fuel cell ship according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) A fuel cell ship 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. First, the fuel cell ship 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the fuel cell ship 100.

[0013] 1, the fuel cell ship 100 includes a hull 1, a cabin 3, a fuel cell system 5, a fuel gas storage unit 6, a battery system 7, a propulsion unit 9, a plurality of auxiliary machines 11, an exhaust fan 13, a duct 15, and a control device 17. The cabin 3 is disposed on the top surface of the hull 1.

[0014] The control device 17 controls the fuel cell system 5, the fuel gas storage unit 6, the battery system 7, the propulsion device 9, the multiple accessories 11, and the exhaust fan 13. The control device 17 is configured, for example, with one or more computers. The computer is, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). Power is supplied to the control device 17 from a battery.

[0015] Specifically, the control device 17 has a control unit 171 and a memory unit 173. The control unit 171 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory unit 173 includes a storage device and stores data and computer programs. Specifically, the memory unit 173 includes a main storage device such as a semiconductor memory, and an auxiliary storage device such as a semiconductor memory, a solid-state drive, and / or a hard disk drive. The memory unit 173 may include removable media. The memory unit 173 corresponds to an example of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0016] The processor of the control unit 171 controls the fuel cell system 5, the fuel gas storage unit 6, the battery system 7, the propulsion unit 9, the multiple auxiliary machines 11, and the exhaust fan 13 by executing a computer program stored in the storage device of the memory unit 173.

[0017] The fuel cell system 5 functions as a main power source. The fuel cell system 5 consumes fuel gas to generate electric power (specifically, DC power). The fuel cell system 5 supplies electric power to the propulsion device 9, the auxiliary machinery 11, and the exhaust fan 13. The fuel cell system 5 also supplies electric power to the storage battery system 7 for charging the storage battery system 7.

[0018] The fuel gas storage unit 6 stores the fuel gas. The fuel gas storage unit 6 supplies the fuel gas to the fuel cell system 5. The fuel gas is flammable. The fuel gas is an example of the "flammable gas" of the present invention. Typically, the fuel gas is hydrogen gas.

[0019] The storage battery system 7 functions as an auxiliary power source. To compensate for a shortage of power supplied by the fuel cell system 5, the storage battery system 7 supplies stored power (specifically, DC power) to the propulsion unit 9, the auxiliary equipment 11, and the exhaust fan 13. The storage battery system 7 may also supply power to the control device 17. The storage battery system 7 has a storage battery. The storage battery is, for example, a lithium secondary battery, a nickel-cadmium storage battery, or a nickel-metal hydride storage battery.

[0020] The propulsion device 9 is driven by electricity and generates a propulsive force for the hull 1. The propulsion device 9 has a power conversion device 91, a propulsion motor 93, and a propeller 95. The power conversion device 91 converts the power supplied from the fuel cell system 5 into power according to the specifications of the propulsion motor 93. For example, the power conversion device 91 converts DC power into AC power. In this case, the power conversion device 91 has, for example, an inverter. The propulsion motor 93 is driven by the power (e.g., AC power) supplied from the power conversion device 91. When the propulsion motor 93 is driven, the rotational force of the propulsion motor 93 is transmitted to the propeller 95. As a result, the propeller 95 rotates, generating a propulsive force for the hull 1.

[0021] The exhaust fan 13 is driven by electricity and exhausts air from the inside of the hull 1 to the outside through a duct 15.

[0022] The auxiliary equipment 11 is a device driven by electricity and is different from the propulsion device 9 and the control device 17. The auxiliary equipment 11 is, for example, a compressor, a solenoid valve, a pump, lighting equipment, or air conditioning equipment. However, the type of the auxiliary equipment 11 is not particularly limited. The exhaust fan 13 is also an example of the auxiliary equipment 11.

[0023] Next, details of the fuel cell system 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the fuel cell system 5. As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel cell system 5 includes a fuel cell 51, an oxidant gas flow rate regulator 53, a shutoff unit 57, an off-gas circulation unit 59, a gas-liquid separator 60, a discharge unit 61, a coolant circulation unit 67, a coolant storage unit 69, and a heat exchanger 71. The fuel cell system 5 also includes an oxidant gas pipe 55, a first discharge pipe 56, a fuel gas pipe 63, an off-gas circulation pipe 65, a second discharge pipe 66, a third discharge pipe 68, a first coolant pipe 73, and a second coolant pipe 75. A manifold is formed inside the fuel cell 51 for circulating the fuel gas, the oxidant gas, and the first coolant. The oxidant gas flow rate regulator 53, the shutoff unit 57, the off-gas circulation unit 59, and the discharge unit 61 are examples of auxiliary equipment 11. The control unit 171 also controls the oxidizing gas flow rate regulator 53 , the shutoff unit 57 , the off-gas circulation unit 59 , and the discharge unit 61 .

[0024] The fuel cell 51 generates electric power (specifically, DC power) through an electrochemical reaction between a fuel gas and an oxidant gas. Typically, the oxidant gas is air, and the oxidant is oxygen.

[0025] The fuel cell 51 supplies power to the propulsion device 9, the exhaust fan 13, and the accessories 11. Note that the fuel cell 51 may supply power to the propulsion device 9, the exhaust fan 13, and the accessories 11 indirectly via a circuit such as a DC / DC converter.

[0026] Specifically, the fuel cell 51 is a fuel cell stack composed of a plurality of stacked cells. For example, each cell of the fuel cell 51 has a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode, a cathode, and a pair of separators. The anode and cathode sandwich the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The anode is the negative electrode (fuel electrode). The anode includes an anode catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer. The cathode is the positive electrode (air electrode). The cathode includes a cathode catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer. The anode, solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and cathode form a membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The pair of separators sandwich the membrane electrode assembly. Each separator has a plurality of grooves. Each groove of one separator forms a flow path for fuel gas. Each groove of the other separator forms a flow path for oxidant gas.

[0027] The oxidant gas flow rate adjusting unit 53 supplies the oxidant gas to the cathode of the fuel cell 51. Specifically, the oxidant gas flow rate adjusting unit 53 adjusts the flow rate of the oxidant gas supplied to the fuel cell 51. Typically, the oxidant gas flow rate adjusting unit 53 is an air compressor that compresses the oxidant gas and supplies the compressed oxidant gas to the fuel cell 51.

[0028] The oxidant gas pipe 55 connects the oxidant gas flow rate regulator 53 and the fuel cell 51, and guides the compressed oxidant gas supplied from the oxidant gas flow rate regulator 53 to the cathode of the fuel cell 51. That is, the oxidant passes through the oxidant gas pipe 55. The first discharge pipe 56 is connected to a cathode-side discharge manifold provided inside the fuel cell 51, and guides the oxidant off-gas and water discharged from the fuel cell 51 to the atmosphere. The oxidant off-gas refers to exhaust from the cathode. That is, the oxidant off-gas is cathode off-gas. The cathode refers to the cathode of the fuel cell 51.

[0029] The fuel cell system 5 may further include an oxidant gas diverter (not shown) and a bypass pipe (not shown). The oxidant gas diverter is disposed in the oxidant gas pipe 55 downstream of the oxidant gas flow rate adjuster 53 and upstream of the fuel cell 51. One end of the bypass pipe is connected to the oxidant gas diverter, and the other end of the bypass pipe is connected to the first discharge pipe 56.

[0030] The oxidant gas diverter adjusts the amount of oxidant gas supplied to the oxidant gas pipe 55 and the amount supplied to the bypass pipe out of the total amount of oxidant gas supplied from the oxidant gas flow rate adjuster 53. Typically, the oxidant gas diverter is a diverter valve. The bypass pipe guides the oxidant gas supplied from the oxidant gas flow rate adjuster 53 via the oxidant gas diverter to the first discharge pipe 56 without supplying it to the fuel cell 51.

[0031] The shutoff unit 57 is disposed in the fuel gas pipe 63 and opens or closes the flow path of the fuel gas pipe 63. Specifically, the shutoff unit 57 switches between supplying and stopping the supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell 51. Therefore, the shutoff unit 57 can shut off the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 51. Typically, the shutoff unit 57 is a shutoff valve. The fuel gas pipe 63 is connected to the fuel gas storage unit 6 (FIG. 1).

[0032] The fuel gas pipe 63 supplies the fuel gas from the fuel gas reservoir 6 to the anode of the fuel cell 51. In other words, the fuel gas passes through the fuel gas pipe 63.

[0033] The gas-liquid separation unit 60 separates water contained in the fuel off-gas discharged from the fuel cell 51 and discharges the water to the second discharge pipe 66. In addition, the gas-liquid separation unit 60 discharges the surplus fuel gas, which is the fuel off-gas after the water has been separated, to the off-gas circulation pipe 65. Typically, the gas-liquid separation unit 60 is a gas-liquid separator. The fuel off-gas refers to exhaust from the anode. In other words, the fuel off-gas is anode off-gas. The anode refers to the anode pole of the fuel cell 51.

[0034] The off-gas circulation unit 59 is disposed in the off-gas circulation pipe 65. The off-gas circulation unit 59 discharges the excess fuel gas discharged from the gas-liquid separation unit 60 to the fuel gas pipe 63. The fuel gas pipe 63 then supplies the excess fuel gas to the fuel cell 51. Typically, the off-gas circulation unit 59 is a pump. Note that, for example, the off-gas circulation unit 59 may be an ejector.

[0035] The discharge unit 61 is disposed at the boundary between the second discharge pipe 66 and the third discharge pipe 68. The discharge unit 61 discharges the water separated by the gas-liquid separator 60 to the third discharge pipe 68. In addition, the discharge unit 61 discharges a portion of the fuel off-gas discharged from the fuel cell 51, i.e., the remaining gas and water that are not supplied to the off-gas circulation pipe 65, to the third discharge pipe 68. Typically, the discharge unit 61 is a purge valve.

[0036] The third discharge pipe 68 connects the discharge unit 61 and the first discharge pipe 56, and guides the water and fuel off-gas discharged from the discharge unit 61 to the first discharge pipe 56. The first discharge pipe 56 then guides the water and fuel off-gas to the atmosphere.

[0037] The coolant circulation unit 67 circulates the first coolant in the first coolant piping 73. Typically, the coolant circulation unit 67 is a pump. The first coolant is, for example, water. Note that the first coolant may be, for example, an antifreeze liquid. The antifreeze liquid is, for example, a liquid obtained by mixing pure water and ethylene glycol in a predetermined ratio. The first coolant circulates in the first coolant piping 73. The first coolant piping 73 is connected to the fuel cell 51 and supplies the first coolant to the fuel cell 51. Therefore, the fuel cell 51 is cooled by the first coolant. The first coolant piping 73 corresponds to an example of a "coolant piping" in the present invention. The first coolant corresponds to an example of a "coolant" in the present invention.

[0038] The cooling medium reservoir 69 stores the first cooling medium. The cooling medium reservoir 69 is, for example, a tank. When the temperature of the first cooling medium changes, the first cooling medium expands or contracts. Therefore, the cooling medium reservoir 69 suppresses changes in the internal pressure of the first cooling medium pipe 73 caused by the expansion or contraction of the first cooling medium. As a result, the first cooling medium can be smoothly supplied to the fuel cell 51 by the first cooling medium pipe 73. The top of the cooling medium reservoir 69 may be open or closed.

[0039] The first cooling medium piping 73 is connected to the cooling medium reservoir 69. The first cooling medium piping 73 supplies the first cooling medium from the cooling medium reservoir 69 to the fuel cell 51. Then, the first cooling medium piping 73 discharges the first cooling medium that has cooled the fuel cell 51 to the cooling medium reservoir 69.

[0040] Specifically, the first cooling medium piping 73 has a cooling medium supply pipe 731 and a cooling medium discharge pipe 732. The cooling medium supply pipe 731 extends from the cooling medium storage unit 69 to the fuel cell 51. That is, one end of the cooling medium supply pipe 731 is connected to the cooling medium storage unit 69, and the other end of the cooling medium supply pipe 731 is connected to the fuel cell 51. The cooling medium circulator 67 causes the cooling medium supply pipe 731 to supply the first cooling medium stored in the cooling medium storage unit 69 to the fuel cell 51. Then, the first cooling medium absorbs heat from the fuel cell 51 as it passes through the fuel cell 51. That is, the first cooling medium cools the fuel cell 51.

[0041] Then, the first cooling medium that has absorbed the heat is discharged to the cooling medium discharge pipe 732. The cooling medium discharge pipe 732 extends from the fuel cell 51 to the cooling medium storage unit 69. In other words, one end of the cooling medium discharge pipe 732 is connected to the fuel cell 51, and the other end of the cooling medium discharge pipe 732 is connected to the cooling medium storage unit 69. The cooling medium circulator 67 causes the cooling medium discharge pipe 732 to guide the first cooling medium to the cooling medium storage unit 69.

[0042] A second cooling medium flows through the second cooling medium pipe 75. The second cooling medium is, for example, water (for example, seawater, river water, or lake water).

[0043] The heat exchanger 71 is disposed in the first cooling medium pipe 73 and the second cooling medium pipe 75. Specifically, the heat exchanger 71 is disposed in the cooling medium discharge pipe 732. The heat exchanger 71 exchanges heat between the first cooling medium and the second cooling medium, thereby cooling the first cooling medium that has absorbed heat from the fuel cell 51. The heat exchanger 71 is typically a heat exchanger.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel cell ship 100 further includes a fuel cell container 19, a first ventilation section 21, a first internal gas detection section 23, and a first fire detection section 25.

[0045] The fuel cell housing 19 houses the fuel cell 51. That is, the fuel cell housing 19 has a space for housing the fuel cell 51. In the example of Fig. 2, the fuel cell housing 19 houses, in addition to the fuel cell 51, the first internal gas detection unit 23, the first fire detection unit 25, the shutoff unit 57, the off-gas circulation unit 59, the gas-liquid separation unit 60, the discharge unit 61, part of the oxidant gas piping 55, part of the first discharge piping 56, part of the fuel gas piping 63, the off-gas circulation piping 65, the second discharge piping 66, the third discharge piping 68, and part of the first coolant piping 73.

[0046] On the other hand, the oxidizing gas flow rate adjuster 53, the cooling medium reservoir 69, and the heat exchanger 71 are disposed outside the fuel cell housing 19. At least one of the oxidizing gas flow rate adjuster 53, the cooling medium reservoir 69, and the heat exchanger 71 may be housed in the fuel cell housing 19.

[0047] The material of the fuel cell housing 19 is, for example, fiber reinforced plastics (FRP). Examples of fiber reinforced plastics include glass fiber reinforced plastic, glass fiber mat reinforced thermoplastic plastic, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, boron fiber reinforced plastic, aramid fiber reinforced plastic, Kevlar fiber reinforced plastic, Dyneema fiber reinforced plastic, and Zylon reinforced plastic. Note that the material of the fuel cell housing 19 is not particularly limited as long as the airtightness of the fuel cell housing 19 can be ensured, and may be, for example, an iron plate.

[0048] The fuel cell housing 19 has a hollow shape. For example, the fuel cell housing 19 has a hollow, approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. In this case, the fuel cell housing 19 has, for example, a top wall 19a, a bottom wall 19b, a front wall (not shown), a back wall (not shown), a side wall 19c, and a side wall 19d. However, the top surface, bottom surface, front surface, back surface, and side surface of the fuel cell housing 19 can be determined arbitrarily. Furthermore, the shape of the fuel cell housing 19 is not particularly limited as long as it has a space capable of housing the fuel cell 51. The fuel cell housing 19 can also be considered as a container, chamber, or box that houses the fuel cell 51. The fuel cell housing 19 is disposed, for example, below the deck 1a (FIG. 1) of the hull 1. Note that the fuel cell housing 19 may also be disposed, for example, on the deck 1a.

[0049] The first ventilation section 21 ventilates the inside of the fuel cell housing 19. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, even if fuel gas (combustible gas) leaks inside the fuel cell housing 19 due to an unavoidable event, the fuel gas can be discharged to the outside of the fuel cell housing 19. Furthermore, even if combustible gas (fuel gas or other combustible gas) enters the fuel cell housing 19 due to an unavoidable event, the combustible gas can be discharged to the outside of the fuel cell housing 19.

[0050] Therefore, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent flammable gas from accumulating in the fuel cell housing 19 that houses the fuel cell 51. In this specification, flammable gas refers to fuel gas or other flammable gas. "Fuel gas" is typically hydrogen gas, and "other flammable gas" is, for example, methane, ethane, propane, or carbon monoxide.

[0051] Specifically, the first ventilation section 21 has a first ventilation opening 211 and a second ventilation opening 213.

[0052] The first ventilation opening 211 is disposed in the fuel cell housing 19, and connects the inside and outside of the fuel cell housing 19. In the first embodiment, the first ventilation opening 211 is disposed in the lower part of the fuel cell housing 19. In the example of FIG. 2, the first ventilation opening 211 is disposed in the lower part of the side wall 19d. Note that, for example, the first ventilation opening 211 may be disposed in the bottom wall 19b on the side of the side wall 19d. However, as long as ventilation is possible, the position of the first ventilation opening 211 is not particularly limited. The first ventilation opening 211 is, for example, a ventilation opening for air intake. However, exhaust may also be performed through the first ventilation opening 211.

[0053] The second ventilation opening 213 is disposed in the fuel cell housing 19, and connects the inside and outside of the fuel cell housing 19. In the first embodiment, the second ventilation opening 213 is disposed in the upper part of the fuel cell housing 19. In the example of FIG. 2, the second ventilation opening 213 is disposed in the top wall 19a on the side of the side wall 19c. Note that, for example, the second ventilation opening 213 may be disposed in the upper part of the side wall 19c. However, as long as ventilation is possible, the location of the second ventilation opening 213 is not particularly limited. The second ventilation opening 213 is, for example, a ventilation opening for exhausting air. However, air may also be supplied through the second ventilation opening 213. The second ventilation opening 213 corresponds to an example of a "ventilation opening".

[0054] One or more filters (not shown) may be disposed in one or both of the first ventilation opening 211 and the second ventilation opening 213. The filters remove, for example, dust or sea salt particles.

[0055] The first internal gas detection unit 23 is disposed inside the fuel cell housing 19. For example, the first internal gas detection unit 23 is disposed on the upper inner surface of the fuel cell housing 19. This is because fuel gas is lighter than air and rises. The first internal gas detection unit 23 corresponds to an example of the "internal gas detection unit" of the present invention.

[0056] The first internal gas detection unit 23 detects fuel gas. Typically, the fuel gas is hydrogen gas, and therefore the first internal gas detection unit 23 is, for example, a hydrogen gas sensor. The first internal gas detection unit 23 outputs a signal indicating the fuel gas concentration (hydrogen gas concentration) to the control unit 171, for example.

[0057] When the first internal gas detection unit 23 detects fuel gas, the control unit 171 controls the shutoff unit 57 to shut off the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 51. Therefore, the shutoff unit 57 shuts off the fuel gas in the fuel gas pipe 63. As a result, the supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell 51 is stopped. For example, when the first internal gas detection unit 23 detects fuel gas, there is a possibility that fuel gas has leaked inside the fuel cell housing 19 due to an unavoidable event. Therefore, by shutting off the fuel gas in the fuel gas pipe 63, further leakage of fuel gas can be prevented.

[0058] Specifically, when the first internal gas detection unit 23 detects fuel gas at a concentration equal to or greater than a predetermined concentration TH1, the control unit 171 controls the cutoff unit 57 to cut off the fuel gas. The predetermined concentration TH1 is determined experimentally and / or empirically in advance.

[0059] The first fire detection unit 25 is disposed inside the fuel cell housing 19. Specifically, the first fire detection unit 25 is disposed on the upper inner surface of the fuel cell housing 19. In the example of FIG. 2, the first fire detection unit 25 is disposed on the top wall 19a of the fuel cell housing 19.

[0060] The first fire detection unit 25 detects a fire that has occurred inside the fuel cell housing 19 and outputs a signal indicating that a fire has occurred to the control unit 171. The first fire detection unit 25 includes, for example, one or more sensors selected from a smoke sensor that detects smoke, a heat sensor that detects heat, and a flame sensor that detects flames.

[0061] When the first fire detection unit 25 detects a fire, the control unit 171 controls the cutoff unit 57 to cut off the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 51. As a result, the cutoff unit 57 cuts off the fuel gas in the fuel gas pipe 63.

[0062] Next, a fuel gas cutoff method according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the fuel gas cutoff method. As shown in Figure 3, the fuel gas cutoff method includes steps S1 to S3.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, first, in step S1, the control unit 171 determines whether or not the first internal gas detection unit 23 has detected fuel gas.

[0064] If it is determined in step S1 that fuel gas is not detected (No), the process proceeds to step S2. For example, if the first internal gas detection unit 23 detects fuel gas at a concentration less than the predetermined concentration TH1 (including when the first internal gas detection unit 23 does not detect fuel gas), the process proceeds to step S2.

[0065] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that fuel gas has been detected (Yes), the process proceeds to step S3. For example, if the first internal gas detection unit 23 detects fuel gas at a concentration equal to or greater than the predetermined concentration TH1, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0066] Next, in step S2, the control unit 171 determines whether or not the first fire detection unit 25 has detected a fire.

[0067] If it is determined in step S2 that a fire has not been detected (No), the process proceeds to step S1.

[0068] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that a fire has been detected (Yes), the process proceeds to step S3.

[0069] Next, in step S3, the control unit 171 controls the shutoff unit 57 to shut off the fuel gas flowing through the fuel gas pipe 63. As a result, the shutoff unit 57 shuts off the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 51. Then, the process ends.

[0070] The order of steps S1 and S2 is not particularly limited, and they may be performed in any order or in parallel.

[0071] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 171 may execute the following process. For example, when the concentration of the fuel gas detected by the first internal gas detection unit 23 reaches "20% LEL," the control unit 171 issues a warning signal. For example, when the concentration of the fuel gas detected by the first internal gas detection unit 23 reaches "40% LEL," the control unit 171 issues a warning signal and controls the cutoff unit 57 to cut off the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 51.

[0072] (Embodiment 2) A fuel cell ship 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that ventilation by air supply is performed in the second embodiment. The configuration of the fuel cell ship 100 according to the second embodiment is similar to the configuration of the fuel cell ship 100 shown in Figure 1. Below, the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0073] First, the first ventilation unit 21A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the fuel cell system 5, the first ventilation unit 21A, and the first external gas detection unit 24. As shown in Fig. 4, the fuel cell ship 100 includes the first ventilation unit 21A. The first ventilation unit 21A ventilates the inside of the fuel cell housing 19.

[0074] First ventilation section 21A has first ventilation port 211, second ventilation port 213, duct 214, and first air supply section 215. Duct 214 is connected to first ventilation port 211.

[0075] First air supply section 215 is, for example, an air supply fan. Control section 171 controls first air supply section 215. First air supply section 215 corresponds to an example of the "air supply section" of the present invention.

[0076] The first air supply section 215 supplies air from outside the fuel cell housing 19 to the inside of the fuel cell housing 19 through the first ventilation opening 211. Therefore, the inside of the fuel cell housing 19 is ventilated by the air supply. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent flammable gas (fuel gas and other flammable gases) from remaining in the fuel cell housing 19 that houses the fuel cell 51. The first air supply section 215 is preferably a non-explosion-proof air supply fan, as this is inexpensive. However, the first air supply section 215 may also be an explosion-proof air supply fan.

[0077] Specifically, the first air supply section 215 supplies air, so that air from outside the fuel cell housing 19 is supplied to the inside of the fuel cell housing 19 through the first ventilation opening 211. Then, the air is exhausted through the second ventilation opening 213. As a result, the inside of the fuel cell housing 19 is ventilated.

[0078] In this case, the second ventilation port 213 functions as an exhaust port. Therefore, it is preferable to place the first internal gas detection unit 23 at the second ventilation port 213. Alternatively, it is preferable to place the first internal gas detection unit 23 upstream of the exhaust (air) flow relative to the second ventilation port 213 and in the vicinity of the second ventilation port 213. According to these preferable examples, fuel gas can be effectively detected. This is because fuel gas that leaks or enters due to unavoidable circumstances is concentrated at the second ventilation port 213, which functions as an exhaust port.

[0079] 4, the first air supply part 215 is disposed in the duct 214. The first air supply part 215 supplies air from outside the fuel cell housing 19 to the inside of the fuel cell housing 19 through the duct 214 and the first ventilation port 211. Note that the location of the first air supply part 215 is not particularly limited as long as air can be supplied to the fuel cell housing 19 through the first ventilation port 211. For example, the first air supply part 215 may be disposed in the first ventilation port 211.

[0080] In particular, in the second embodiment, it is preferable that the fuel cell ship 100 further includes a first external gas detection unit 24. The first external gas detection unit 24 is disposed outside the fuel cell housing 19. The first external gas detection unit 24 detects combustible gas (fuel gas or other combustible gas) flowing from the outside to the inside of the fuel cell housing 19. The first external gas detection unit 24 is, for example, a combustible gas sensor. In this specification, the combustible gas sensor may be, for example, a hydrogen gas sensor. The first external gas detection unit 24 outputs, for example, a signal indicating the combustible gas concentration to the control unit 171.

[0081] Specifically, the first external gas detection unit 24 is disposed outside the fuel cell housing 19 in correspondence with the first air supply part 215. More specifically, the first external gas detection unit 24 is disposed upstream of the air flow relative to the first air supply part 215. In the example of FIG. 4 , the first external gas detection unit 24 is disposed outside the first air supply part 215, near the air supply port 215a of the first air supply part 215. The first external gas detection unit 24 detects combustible gas flowing from outside the fuel cell housing 19 into the first ventilation port 211. In other words, the first external gas detection unit 24 detects combustible gas flowing from outside the fuel cell housing 19 toward the first air supply part 215.

[0082] When the first external gas detection unit 24 detects a combustible gas, the control unit 171 stops the first air supply unit 215. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to prevent the combustible gas from entering the fuel cell housing 19 through the first ventilation opening 211. As a result, it is possible to prevent unintended interactions between the fuel cell system 5 and the combustible gas. In addition, even if the first air supply unit 215 does not have an explosion-proof structure, it is possible to prevent unintended interactions between the combustible gas and the first air supply unit 215.

[0083] Specifically, when the first external gas detection unit 24 detects a combustible gas at a predetermined concentration TH2 or more, the control unit 171 stops the first gas supply unit 215. The predetermined concentration TH2 is determined in advance experimentally and / or empirically.

[0084] Additionally, if the first external gas detection unit 24 detects a combustible gas, the control unit 171 controls the shutoff unit 57 to shut off the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 51. Therefore, the shutoff unit 57 shuts off the fuel gas in the fuel gas piping 63. As a result, the supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell 51 is stopped, and power generation by the fuel cell 51 is stopped. For example, if the first external gas detection unit 24 detects a combustible gas, the combustible gas may have flowed into the fuel cell housing 19 through the first ventilation opening 211. Therefore, by shutting off the fuel gas in the fuel gas piping 63 and stopping the fuel cell 51, unintended interactions between the fuel cell system 5 and the combustible gas can be prevented.

[0085] Specifically, when the first external gas detection unit 24 detects a combustible gas at a predetermined concentration TH2 or more, the control unit 171 controls the cutoff unit 57 to cut off the fuel gas.

[0086] It should be noted that one or more filters (not shown) may be arranged in the first air supply part 215. The filters remove, for example, dust or sea salt particles.

[0087] Next, a fuel gas cutoff method according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the fuel gas cutoff method. As shown in Fig. 5, the fuel gas cutoff method includes steps S11 to S15.

[0088] 4 and 5, first, in step S11, the control unit 171 determines whether or not the first internal gas detection unit 23 has detected fuel gas. This is the same as step S1 in FIG.

[0089] If it is determined in step S11 that fuel gas has been detected (Yes), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0090] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that fuel gas is not detected (No), the process proceeds to step S12.

[0091] Next, in step S12, the control unit 171 determines whether the first external gas detection unit 24 has detected a combustible gas.

[0092] If it is determined in step S12 that combustible gas has been detected (Yes), the process proceeds to step S14. For example, if the first external gas detection unit 24 detects combustible gas at a concentration equal to or greater than the predetermined concentration TH2, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0093] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that combustible gas has not been detected (No), the process proceeds to step S13. For example, if the first external gas detection unit 24 detects combustible gas at a concentration less than the predetermined concentration TH2 (including the case where the first external gas detection unit 24 does not detect combustible gas), the process proceeds to step S13.

[0094] Next, in step S13, the control unit 171 determines whether or not the first fire detection unit 25 has detected a fire.

[0095] If it is determined in step S13 that a fire has not been detected (No), the process proceeds to step S11.

[0096] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that a fire has been detected (Yes), the process proceeds to step S14.

[0097] Next, in step S14, control unit 171 controls first air supply unit 215 to stop it. As a result, first air supply unit 215 stops supplying air to fuel cell containing body 19. In other words, if it is determined in step S12 that flammable gas has been detected, or if it is determined in step S13 that a fire has been detected, first air supply unit 215 stops.

[0098] Next, in step S15, the control unit 171 controls the shutoff unit 57 to shut off the fuel gas flowing through the fuel gas pipe 63. As a result, the shutoff unit 57 shuts off the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 51. That is, if it is determined in step S11 that fuel gas has been detected, if it is determined in step S12 that combustible gas has been detected, or if it is determined in step S13 that a fire has been detected, the shutoff unit 57 shuts off the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 51. Then, the processing ends.

[0099] The order of steps S11, S12, and S13 is not particularly limited and may be any order, or may be executed in parallel. In this case, for example, if a positive determination (Yes) is made in any of steps S11 to S13, the process proceeds to steps S14 and S15. The order of steps S14 and S15 is also not particularly limited and may be any order, or may be executed in parallel. Therefore, for example, if a positive determination (Yes) is made in any of steps S11 to S13, the process of step S14 and the process of step S15 may be executed simultaneously, or one of the processes may be executed a moment earlier.

[0100] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 171 may execute the following process. For example, when the concentration of the fuel gas detected by the first internal gas detection unit 23 reaches "20% LEL," or when the concentration of the combustible gas detected by the first external gas detection unit 24 reaches "20% LEL," the control unit 171 issues a warning signal. Then, for example, when the concentration of the fuel gas detected by the first internal gas detection unit 23 reaches "40% LEL," or when the concentration of the combustible gas detected by the first external gas detection unit 24 reaches "40% LEL," the control unit 171 issues a warning signal, controls the shutoff unit 57 to shut off the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 51, and stops the first air supply unit 215.

[0101] (Embodiment 3) A fuel cell ship 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment mainly in that the third embodiment detects fuel gas that may be released from a cooling medium reservoir 69. The configuration of the fuel cell ship 100 according to the third embodiment is similar to the configuration of the fuel cell ship 100 shown in Figure 1. Below, the differences between the third embodiment and the second embodiment will be mainly described.

[0102] First, the second external gas detection unit 27 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the fuel cell system 5, the first ventilation unit 21A, the first external gas detection unit 24, and the second external gas detection unit 27. As shown in Fig. 6, the fuel cell ship 100 is equipped with the second external gas detection unit 27.

[0103] The second external gas detection unit 27 is disposed outside the fuel cell housing 19. The second external gas detection unit 27 detects the fuel gas flowing from the inside of the fuel cell housing 19 to the outside. Typically, the fuel gas is hydrogen gas, and therefore the second external gas detection unit 27 is, for example, a hydrogen gas sensor. The second external gas detection unit 27 outputs a signal indicating the fuel gas concentration (hydrogen gas concentration) to the control unit 171, for example. The fuel gas corresponds to an example of the "combustible gas" of the present invention.

[0104] In particular, in the third embodiment, the second external gas detection unit 27 is disposed outside the fuel cell accommodating body 19 in correspondence with the cooling medium storage unit 69. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the top of the cooling medium storage unit 69 is open. That is, the cooling medium storage unit 69 has an upper opening 69a. The second external gas detection unit 27 is disposed above the second external gas detection unit 27. That is, the second external gas detection unit 27 is spaced apart from the cooling medium storage unit 69 and faces the upper opening 69a of the cooling medium storage unit 69. In the example of FIG. 6, the second external gas detection unit 27 is disposed near the upper opening 69a of the cooling medium storage unit 69.

[0105] For example, if fuel gas leaks from the fuel cell 51 due to an unavoidable event, the fuel gas may enter the first cooling medium piping 73 (specifically, the cooling medium discharge pipe 732). In this case, the fuel gas may move to the cooling medium storage unit 69 through the first cooling medium piping 73 (specifically, the cooling medium discharge pipe 732) and be released from the first cooling medium WA stored in the cooling medium storage unit 69. As a result, the second external gas detection unit 27 detects the fuel gas released from the first cooling medium WA.

[0106] When the second external gas detection unit 27 detects fuel gas, the control unit 171 controls the shutoff unit 57 to shut off the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 51. Therefore, the shutoff unit 57 shuts off the fuel gas in the fuel gas piping 63. As a result, the supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell 51 is stopped. For example, when the second external gas detection unit 27 detects fuel gas, there is a possibility that fuel gas is leaking from the fuel cell 51 due to an unavoidable event. Therefore, by shutting off the fuel gas in the fuel gas piping 63, further leakage of fuel gas can be prevented.

[0107] Specifically, when the second external gas detection unit 27 detects fuel gas at a concentration equal to or greater than a predetermined concentration TH3, the control unit 171 controls the cutoff unit 57 to cut off the fuel gas. The predetermined concentration TH3 is determined experimentally and / or empirically in advance.

[0108] Furthermore, when the second external gas detection unit 27 detects fuel gas, the first air supply unit 215 continues to supply air to the fuel cell housing 19. Therefore, the interior of the fuel cell housing 19 is ventilated by the air supply. As a result, fuel gas that leaks due to an unavoidable event is exhausted from the second ventilation port 213. This effectively prevents fuel gas from accumulating in the fuel cell housing 19 that houses the fuel cell 51.

[0109] Next, a fuel gas cutoff method according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the fuel gas cutoff method. As shown in Fig. 7, the fuel gas cutoff method includes steps S21 to S26.

[0110] 6 and 7, first, in step S21, the control unit 171 determines whether or not the first internal gas detection unit 23 has detected fuel gas. This is the same as step S1 shown in FIG.

[0111] If it is determined in step S21 that fuel gas has been detected (Yes), the process proceeds to step S26.

[0112] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S21 that fuel gas has not been detected (No), the process proceeds to step S22.

[0113] Next, in step S22, the control unit 171 determines whether the second external gas detection unit 27 has detected fuel gas.

[0114] If it is determined in step S22 that fuel gas is detected (Yes), the process proceeds to step S26. For example, if the second external gas detection unit 27 detects fuel gas at a concentration equal to or greater than the predetermined concentration TH3, the process proceeds to step S26.

[0115] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that fuel gas has not been detected (No), the process proceeds to step S23. For example, if the second external gas detection unit 27 detects fuel gas at a concentration less than the predetermined concentration TH3 (including the case where the second external gas detection unit 27 does not detect fuel gas), the process proceeds to step S23.

[0116] Next, in step S23, the control unit 171 determines whether or not the first external gas detection unit 24 has detected a combustible gas, as in step S12 of FIG.

[0117] If it is determined in step S23 that combustible gas has been detected (Yes), the process proceeds to step S25.

[0118] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that combustible gas has not been detected (No), the process proceeds to step S24.

[0119] Next, in step S24, the control unit 171 determines whether or not the first fire detection unit 25 has detected a fire.

[0120] If it is determined in step S24 that a fire has not been detected (No), the process proceeds to step S21.

[0121] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S24 that a fire has been detected (Yes), the process proceeds to step S25.

[0122] Next, in step S25, control unit 171 controls first air supply unit 215 to stop it. As a result, first air supply unit 215 stops supplying air to fuel cell containing body 19. In other words, if it is determined in step S23 that flammable gas has been detected, or if it is determined in step S24 that a fire has been detected, first air supply unit 215 stops.

[0123] Next, in step S26, the control unit 171 controls the shutoff unit 57 to shut off the fuel gas flowing through the fuel gas pipe 63. As a result, the shutoff unit 57 shuts off the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 51. That is, if it is determined in step S21 that fuel gas has been detected, if it is determined in step S22 that fuel gas has been detected, if it is determined in step S23 that combustible gas has been detected, or if it is determined in step S24 that a fire has been detected, the shutoff unit 57 shuts off the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 51. Then, the processing ends.

[0124] The order of steps S21, S22, S23, and S24 is not particularly limited and may be any order, or may be executed in parallel. In this case, for example, if a positive determination (Yes) is made in any of steps S21 to S24, the process proceeds to steps S25 and S26. The order of steps S25 and S26 is also not particularly limited and may be any order, or may be executed in parallel. Therefore, for example, if a positive determination (Yes) is made in any of steps S21 to S24, the process of step S25 and the process of step S26 may be executed simultaneously, or one of the processes may be executed a moment earlier.

[0125] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 171 may execute the following process. For example, when the concentration of fuel gas detected by the first internal gas detection unit 23 reaches "20% LEL," when the concentration of fuel gas detected by the second external gas detection unit 27 reaches "20% LEL," or when the concentration of combustible gas detected by the first external gas detection unit 24 reaches "20% LEL," the control unit 171 issues a warning signal. Then, for example, when the concentration of fuel gas detected by the first internal gas detection unit 23 reaches "40% LEL," when the concentration of fuel gas detected by the second external gas detection unit 27 reaches "40% LEL," or when the concentration of combustible gas detected by the first external gas detection unit 24 reaches "40% LEL," the control unit 171 issues a warning signal, controls the shutoff unit 57 to shut off the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 51, and stops the first gas supply unit 215.

[0126] (Embodiment 4) A fuel cell ship 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment mainly in that the fuel cell ship 100 includes a fuel container 40 and pipe containers 70 and 80. The configuration of the fuel cell ship 100 according to the fourth embodiment is similar to the configuration of the fuel cell ship 100 shown in Fig. 1. Below, the differences between the fourth embodiment and the third embodiment will be mainly described.

[0127] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing part of the internal structure of the fuel cell ship 100 according to embodiment 4. In Fig. 8, the air flow is indicated by dashed arrows.

[0128] As shown in Figure 8, the fuel cell ship 100 further includes an engine room 18 and bulkheads W1 and W2. The engine room 18 is located below the deck 1a. A fuel cell housing 19 is located in the engine room 18. The engine room 18 is separated from other spaces by bulkheads W1 and W2. The bulkheads W1 and W2 are made of, for example, fiber-reinforced plastic or steel plate.

[0129] The duct 214 connected to the fuel cell housing 19 extends from the first ventilation opening 211 to the deck 1a and is exposed from the upper surface of the deck 1a. The first air supply unit 215 is disposed at the end of the duct 214 on the deck 1a side. The first air supply unit 215 and the first external gas detection unit 24 are located at the upper part of the deck 1a. The first air supply unit 215 and the first external gas detection unit 24 may also be disposed in the engine room 18. The first discharge pipe 56 connected to the fuel cell 51 extends outside the ship. The first discharge pipe 56 may extend, for example, into an open space above the deck 1a.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 8, the fuel cell ship 100 further includes a fuel container 40, a second ventilation section 41, a third external gas detection section 42, a gas pipe 45, a fuel gas pipe 46, a shutoff section 47, a second internal gas detection section 48, and a second fire detection section 49.

[0131] The fuel container 40 accommodates the fuel gas storage section 6. That is, the fuel container 40 has a space for accommodating the fuel gas storage section 6. In the example of FIG. 8 , the fuel container 40 accommodates, in addition to the fuel gas storage section 6, a shutoff section 47, a second internal gas detection section 48, a second fire detection section 49, a portion of the gas pipe 45, and a portion of the fuel gas pipe 46.

[0132] The fuel container 40 is made of, for example, fiber-reinforced plastic or an iron plate. The fuel container 40 has a hollow shape. For example, the fuel container 40 has a hollow, approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. In this case, the fuel container 40 has, for example, a top wall 40a, a bottom wall 40b, a front wall (not shown), a rear wall (not shown), a side wall 40c, and a side wall 40d. However, the top, bottom, front, rear, and side surfaces of the fuel container 40 can be determined arbitrarily. Furthermore, the shape of the fuel container 40 is not particularly limited as long as it has a space capable of accommodating the fuel gas storage unit 6. The fuel container 40 can also be considered as a container, chamber, or box that accommodates the fuel gas storage unit 6. The fuel container 40 is disposed below the deck 1a of the hull 1.

[0133] One end of a fuel gas pipe 46 is connected to the fuel gas storage unit 6. The other end of the fuel gas pipe 46 is connected to one end of a fuel gas pipe 63. The other end of the fuel gas pipe 63 is connected to the fuel cell 51. Therefore, the fuel gas is supplied from the fuel gas storage unit 6 to the fuel cell 51 through the fuel gas pipe 46 and the fuel gas pipe 63. In other words, the fuel gas pipe 46 and the fuel gas pipe 63 are pipes that supply fuel gas to the fuel cell 51.

[0134] The shutoff unit 47 is disposed in the fuel gas pipe 46 and opens or closes the flow path of the fuel gas pipe 46. Specifically, the shutoff unit 47 switches between supplying and stopping the supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell 51. Therefore, the shutoff unit 47 can cut off the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 51. Typically, the shutoff unit 47 is a shutoff valve.

[0135] The second ventilation section 41 ventilates the interior of the fuel container 40. Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, even if fuel gas (combustible gas) leaks inside the fuel container 40 due to an unavoidable event, the fuel gas can be discharged to the outside of the fuel container 40. Furthermore, even if combustible gas (fuel gas or other flammable gas) enters the fuel container 40 due to an unavoidable event, the combustible gas can be discharged to the outside of the fuel container 40.

[0136] Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, accumulation of combustible gas (fuel gas or other combustible gas) in the fuel container 40 can be suppressed.

[0137] Specifically, second ventilation section 41 has third ventilation port 411, fourth ventilation port 412, and second air supply section 413. Second ventilation section 41 may further have duct 414 and duct 415.

[0138] The third ventilation opening 411 is disposed in the fuel container 40, and connects the inside and outside of the fuel container 40. In the fourth embodiment, the third ventilation opening 411 is disposed in the lower part of the fuel container 40. In the example of FIG. 8, the third ventilation opening 411 is disposed in the lower part of the side wall 40c. Note that, for example, the third ventilation opening 411 may be disposed in the bottom wall 40b on the side of the side wall 40c. However, the location of the third ventilation opening 411 is not particularly limited as long as ventilation is possible. The third ventilation opening 411 is a ventilation opening for supplying air.

[0139] The duct 414 is connected to the fuel container 40. The duct 414 extends from the third ventilation opening 411 of the fuel container 40 to the deck 1a and is exposed from the deck 1a. The second air supply unit 413 is disposed at the end of the duct 414 on the deck 1a side. The second air supply unit 413 and the third external gas detection unit 42 are located at the top of the deck 1a. The second air supply unit 413 and the third external gas detection unit 42 may be disposed in the fuel chamber 22.

[0140] Second air intake section 413 is, for example, an air intake fan. Second air intake section 413 may be provided with one or more filters (not shown). Second air intake section 413 is preferably a non-explosion-proof air intake fan because it is inexpensive. However, second air intake section 413 may also be an explosion-proof air intake fan. The filter removes, for example, dust or sea salt particles. Control section 171 shown in FIG. 1 controls second air intake section 413.

[0141] The second air supply unit 413 supplies air from outside the fuel container 40 to the inside of the fuel container 40 through the duct 414 and the third ventilation port 411. Therefore, the inside of the fuel container 40 is ventilated by the air supply. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent flammable gas (fuel gas or other flammable gas) from remaining in the fuel container 40. Note that the location of the second air supply unit 413 is not particularly limited as long as air can be supplied to the fuel container 40 through the third ventilation port 411. For example, the second air supply unit 413 may be located at the third ventilation port 411.

[0142] Specifically, since second air supply unit 413 supplies air, air outside fuel container 40 is supplied to the inside of fuel container 40 through third ventilation opening 411. Then, air is exhausted through fourth ventilation opening 412. As a result, the inside of fuel container 40 is ventilated.

[0143] The fourth ventilation opening 412 is disposed in the fuel container 40 and connects the inside and outside of the fuel container 40. In the fourth embodiment, the fourth ventilation opening 412 is disposed in the upper part of the fuel container 40. In the example of FIG. 8, the fourth ventilation opening 412 is disposed in the top wall 40a on the side of the side wall 40d. Note that the fourth ventilation opening 412 may be disposed in the upper part of the side wall 40d, for example. However, the location of the fourth ventilation opening 412 is not particularly limited as long as ventilation is possible. The fourth ventilation opening 412 is a ventilation opening for exhaust.

[0144] The duct 415 is connected to the fuel container 40. The duct 415 extends from the fourth ventilation opening 412 to the outside of the deck 1a. Therefore, exhaust air is discharged through the fourth ventilation opening 412 and the duct 415.

[0145] Specifically, air is supplied into the interior of the fuel container 40 by the second air supply unit 413 through the duct 414 and the third ventilation port 411. The air is then exhausted through the fourth ventilation port 412 and the duct 415.

[0146] The third external gas detection unit 42 is disposed outside the fuel containing body 40. The third external gas detection unit 42 detects a combustible gas (fuel gas or other combustible gas) flowing from the outside to the inside of the fuel containing body 40. The third external gas detection unit 42 is, for example, a combustible gas sensor. The third external gas detection unit 42 outputs, for example, a signal indicating the combustible gas concentration to the control unit 171.

[0147] Specifically, the third external gas detection unit 42 is disposed outside the fuel containing body 40 in correspondence with the second gas supply unit 413. More specifically, the third external gas detection unit 42 is disposed upstream of the second gas supply unit 413 in the air flow direction. In the example of FIG. 8 , the third external gas detection unit 42 is disposed outside the second gas supply unit 413, near the gas supply port 413a of the second gas supply unit 413. The third external gas detection unit 42 detects combustible gas flowing from outside the fuel containing body 40 into the third ventilation port 411. In other words, the third external gas detection unit 42 detects combustible gas flowing from outside the fuel containing body 40 toward the second gas supply unit 413.

[0148] When the third external gas detection unit 42 detects a combustible gas, the control unit 171 (FIG. 1) stops the second gas supply unit 413. Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to prevent the combustible gas from entering the fuel container 40 through the third ventilation opening 411. In addition, even if the second gas supply unit 413 does not have an explosion-proof structure, it is possible to prevent unintended interaction between the combustible gas and the second gas supply unit 413.

[0149] Specifically, when the third external gas detection unit 42 detects a combustible gas at a predetermined concentration TH4 or higher, the control unit 171 stops the second gas supply unit 413. The predetermined concentration TH4 is determined in advance experimentally and / or empirically.

[0150] Additionally, when the third external gas detection unit 42 detects a combustible gas, the control unit 171 controls the shutoff unit 47 to shut off the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 51. Therefore, the shutoff unit 47 shuts off the fuel gas in the fuel gas pipe 46. As a result, the supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell 51 is stopped, and power generation by the fuel cell 51 is stopped.

[0151] Specifically, when the third external gas detector 42 detects a combustible gas at a predetermined concentration TH4 or more, the controller 171 controls the cutoff unit 47 to cut off the fuel gas.

[0152] The second internal gas detector 48 is disposed inside the fuel container 40. For example, the second internal gas detector 48 is disposed on the upper inner surface of the fuel container 40.

[0153] The second internal gas detector 48 detects fuel gas. Typically, the fuel gas is hydrogen gas, and therefore the second internal gas detector 48 is, for example, a hydrogen gas sensor. The second internal gas detector 48 outputs a signal indicating the fuel gas concentration (hydrogen gas concentration) to the control unit 171, for example.

[0154] When the second internal gas detection unit 48 detects fuel gas, the control unit 171 controls the shutoff unit 47 to shut off the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 51. Therefore, the shutoff unit 47 shuts off the fuel gas in the fuel gas pipe 46. For example, when the second internal gas detection unit 48 detects fuel gas, there is a possibility that fuel gas has leaked inside the fuel container 40 due to an unavoidable event. Therefore, by shutting off the fuel gas in the fuel gas pipe 46, further leakage of fuel gas can be prevented.

[0155] Specifically, when the second internal gas detection unit 48 detects fuel gas at a concentration equal to or greater than a predetermined concentration TH5, the control unit 171 controls the cutoff unit 47 to cut off the fuel gas. The predetermined concentration TH5 is determined experimentally and / or empirically in advance.

[0156] The second internal gas detector 48 may be disposed, for example, at the fourth ventilation port 412. Alternatively, the second internal gas detector 48 may be disposed, for example, upstream of the fourth ventilation port 412 in the flow of exhaust (air) and in the vicinity of the fourth ventilation port 412.

[0157] The second fire detection unit 49 is disposed inside the fuel container 40. Specifically, the second fire detection unit 49 is disposed on the upper inner surface of the fuel container 40. In the example of FIG. 8 , the second fire detection unit 49 is disposed on the top wall 40a of the fuel container 40.

[0158] The second fire detection unit 49 detects a fire that has broken out inside the fuel container 40, and outputs a signal indicating that a fire has broken out to the control unit 171. The configuration of the second fire detection unit 49 is similar to the configuration of the first fire detection unit 25.

[0159] When the second fire detection unit 49 detects a fire, the control unit 171 controls the shutoff unit 47 to shut off the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 51. As a result, the shutoff unit 47 shuts off the fuel gas in the fuel gas pipe 46.

[0160] Here, the control unit 171 may execute processing similar to the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 based on the detection results of the third external gas detection unit 42, the second internal gas detection unit 48, and the second fire detection unit 49.

[0161] In addition, when the second internal gas detection unit 48 detects fuel gas, when the third external gas detection unit 42 detects combustible gas, or when the second fire detection unit 49 detects a fire, the control unit 171 may control the shut-off unit 57 to shut off the fuel gas.

[0162] In addition, when the first internal gas detection unit 23 detects fuel gas, when the first external gas detection unit 24 detects combustible gas, when the second external gas detection unit 27 detects fuel gas, or when the first fire detection unit 25 detects a fire, the control unit 171 may control the shut-off unit 47 to shut off the fuel gas.

[0163] Furthermore, when the second internal gas detection unit 48 detects fuel gas, the third external gas detection unit 42 detects combustible gas, the second fire detection unit 49 detects a fire, the first internal gas detection unit 23 detects fuel gas, the first external gas detection unit 24 detects combustible gas, the second external gas detection unit 27 detects fuel gas, or the first fire detection unit 25 detects a fire, the control unit 171 may simultaneously control the shutoff unit 57 and the shutoff unit 47 to shut off the fuel gas. As a result, the shutoff unit 57 and the shutoff unit 47 shut off the fuel gas substantially simultaneously.

[0164] Furthermore, when the second internal gas detection unit 48 detects fuel gas, the third external gas detection unit 42 detects combustible gas, the second fire detection unit 49 detects a fire, the first internal gas detection unit 23 detects fuel gas, the first external gas detection unit 24 detects combustible gas, the second external gas detection unit 27 detects fuel gas, or the first fire detection unit 25 detects a fire, the control unit 171 may simultaneously control the shutoff unit 57 and the shutoff unit 47 to shut off the fuel gas and, in parallel, control the opening / closing unit 86 to open the flow path of the gas pipe 85. As a result, the shutoff unit 57 and the shutoff unit 47 shut off the fuel gas and the opening / closing unit 86 opens the flow path of the gas pipe 85 substantially simultaneously. Therefore, fuel gas remaining in the fuel gas pipes 46 and 63 between the shutoff unit 47 and the shutoff unit 57 can be released outside the ship through the gas pipe 85, more effectively stopping the supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell 51.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 8, the fuel cell ship 100 further includes a fuel chamber 22 and a bulkhead W3. The fuel chamber 22 is disposed below the deck 1a. The fuel container 40 is disposed in the fuel chamber 22. The fuel chamber 22 is separated from other spaces by bulkheads W2 and W3. The bulkheads W2 and W3 are made of, for example, fiber-reinforced plastic or steel plate. In the example of FIG. 8, the fuel chamber 22 and the engine room 18 are adjacent to each other. The bulkhead W2 is disposed between the fuel chamber 22 and the engine room 18.

[0166] The fuel cell ship 100 further includes a piping container 80 , a third ventilation unit 81 , a fourth external gas detection unit 82 , a gas piping 85 , an opening / closing unit 86 , and a third internal gas detection unit 87 .

[0167] The piping housing 80 is arranged in the engine room 18. The piping housing 80 houses a portion of the fuel gas piping 46, a portion of the fuel gas piping 63, a portion of the gas piping 45, a portion of the gas piping 85, and an opening / closing unit 86 (hereinafter referred to as "a portion of the fuel gas piping 46, etc.").

[0168] The material of the piping housing 80 is, for example, fiber-reinforced plastic or steel plate. The piping housing 80 has a hollow shape. For example, the piping housing 80 has a hollow, approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. In this case, the piping housing 80 has, for example, a top wall 80a, a bottom wall 80b, a front wall (not shown), a back wall (not shown), a side wall 80c, and a side wall 80d. However, the top surface, bottom surface, front surface, back surface, and side surfaces of the piping housing 80 can be determined arbitrarily. Furthermore, the shape of the piping housing 80 is not particularly limited as long as it has a space large enough to accommodate, for example, a portion of the fuel gas piping 46. The piping housing 80 can also be considered as a container, chamber, or box that accommodates, for example, a portion of the fuel gas piping 46. The piping housing 80 is disposed, for example, below the deck 1a of the hull 1.

[0169] One end of the gas pipe 85 is connected to the fuel gas pipe 46 and the fuel gas pipe 63. The other end of the gas pipe 85 is located inside the duct 415.

[0170] The opening / closing unit 86 is disposed in the gas pipe 85. The opening / closing unit 86 opens or closes the flow path of the gas pipe 85. The opening / closing unit 86 is, for example, an opening / closing valve.

[0171] The third ventilation section 81 ventilates the inside of the pipe housing 80. Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, even if fuel gas (combustible gas) leaks inside the pipe housing 80 due to an unavoidable event, the fuel gas can be discharged to the outside of the pipe housing 80. Furthermore, even if combustible gas (fuel gas or other flammable gas) enters the pipe housing 80 due to an unavoidable event, the combustible gas can be discharged to the outside of the pipe housing 80.

[0172] Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to prevent flammable gas (fuel gas and other flammable gases) from remaining in the pipe housing 80 that houses a part of the fuel gas pipe 46 and the like.

[0173] Specifically, third ventilation section 81 has fifth ventilation port 811, sixth ventilation port 812, and third air supply section 813. Third ventilation section 81 may further have duct 814.

[0174] The fifth ventilation opening 811 is disposed in the piping housing 80, and connects the inside and outside of the piping housing 80. In the fourth embodiment, the fifth ventilation opening 811 is disposed in the lower part of the piping housing 80. In the example of FIG. 8, the fifth ventilation opening 811 is disposed in the lower part of the side wall 80d. Note that, for example, the fifth ventilation opening 811 may be disposed in the bottom wall 80b on the side of the side wall 80d. However, as long as ventilation is possible, the arrangement of the fifth ventilation opening 811 is not particularly limited. The fifth ventilation opening 811 is a ventilation opening for supplying air.

[0175] The duct 814 is connected to the piping housing 80. The duct 814 extends from the fifth ventilation opening 811 of the piping housing 80 to the deck 1a and is exposed from the deck 1a. The third air supply unit 813 is disposed at the end of the duct 814 on the deck 1a side. The third air supply unit 813 and the fourth external gas detection unit 82 are located at the top of the deck 1a. The third air supply unit 813 and the fourth external gas detection unit 82 may be disposed in the fuel chamber 22.

[0176] The third air intake section 813 is, for example, an air intake fan. The third air intake section 813 is preferably a non-explosion-proof air intake fan, as this is inexpensive. However, the third air intake section 813 may also be an explosion-proof air intake fan. The third air intake section 813 may be provided with one or more filters (not shown). The filters remove, for example, dust or sea salt particles. The control section 171 controls the third air intake section 813.

[0177] The third air supply unit 813 supplies air from outside the piping housing 80 to the inside of the piping housing 80 through the duct 814 and the fifth ventilation port 811. Therefore, the inside of the piping housing 80 is ventilated by the air supply. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent flammable gas (fuel gas or other flammable gas) from remaining in the piping housing 80 that houses a portion of the fuel gas piping 46, etc. Note that the location of the third air supply unit 813 is not particularly limited as long as air can be supplied to the piping housing 80 through the fifth ventilation port 811. For example, the third air supply unit 813 may be located at the fifth ventilation port 811.

[0178] Specifically, since the third air supply section 813 supplies air, air outside the piping housing 80 is supplied to the inside of the piping housing 80 through the fifth ventilation port 811. Then, the air is exhausted through the sixth ventilation port 812. As a result, the inside of the piping housing 80 is ventilated.

[0179] The sixth ventilation opening 812 is disposed in the piping housing 80, and connects the inside and outside of the piping housing 80. In the fourth embodiment, the sixth ventilation opening 812 is disposed in the upper part of the piping housing 80. In the example of FIG. 8, the sixth ventilation opening 812 is disposed in the top wall 80a. Note that, for example, the sixth ventilation opening 812 may be disposed in the upper part of the side wall 80c. However, the arrangement of the sixth ventilation opening 812 is not particularly limited as long as ventilation is possible. The sixth ventilation opening 812 is a ventilation opening for exhaust.

[0180] The fourth external gas detection unit 82 is disposed outside the piping housing 80. The fourth external gas detection unit 82 detects combustible gas (fuel gas or other combustible gas) flowing from the outside to the inside of the piping housing 80. The fourth external gas detection unit 82 is, for example, a combustible gas sensor. The fourth external gas detection unit 82 outputs a signal indicating the combustible gas concentration to the control unit 171, for example.

[0181] Specifically, the fourth external gas detection unit 82 is disposed outside the piping housing 80 in correspondence with the third air supply part 813. More specifically, the fourth external gas detection unit 82 is disposed upstream of the air flow relative to the third air supply part 813. In the example of FIG. 8 , the fourth external gas detection unit 82 is disposed outside the third air supply part 813, near the air supply port 813a of the third air supply part 813. The fourth external gas detection unit 82 detects combustible gas flowing from outside the piping housing 80 into the fifth ventilation port 811. In other words, the fourth external gas detection unit 82 detects combustible gas flowing from outside the piping housing 80 toward the third air supply part 813.

[0182] When the fourth external gas detection unit 82 detects a combustible gas, the control unit 171 (FIG. 1) stops the third gas supply unit 813. Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to prevent the combustible gas from entering the piping housing 80 through the fifth ventilation opening 811. In addition, even if the third gas supply unit 813 does not have an explosion-proof structure, it is possible to prevent unintended interaction between the combustible gas and the third gas supply unit 813.

[0183] Specifically, when the fourth external gas detection unit 82 detects a combustible gas at a predetermined concentration TH6 or higher, the control unit 171 stops the third gas supply unit 813. The predetermined concentration TH6 is determined in advance experimentally and / or empirically.

[0184] Additionally, when the fourth external gas detection unit 82 detects a combustible gas, the control unit 171 controls the shutoff unit 47 to shut off the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 51. Therefore, the shutoff unit 47 shuts off the fuel gas in the fuel gas pipe 46. As a result, the supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell 51 is stopped, and power generation by the fuel cell 51 is stopped.

[0185] Specifically, when the fourth external gas detector 82 detects a combustible gas at a predetermined concentration TH6 or higher, the controller 171 controls the cutoff unit 47 to cut off the fuel gas.

[0186] The third internal gas detector 87 is disposed inside the piping housing 80. For example, the third internal gas detector 87 is disposed on the upper inner surface of the piping housing 80.

[0187] The third internal gas detector 87 detects fuel gas. Typically, the fuel gas is hydrogen gas, and therefore the third internal gas detector 87 is, for example, a hydrogen gas sensor. The third internal gas detector 87 outputs a signal indicating the fuel gas concentration (hydrogen gas concentration) to the control unit 171, for example.

[0188] When the third internal gas detection unit 87 detects fuel gas, the control unit 171 controls the shutoff unit 47 to shut off the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 51. Therefore, the shutoff unit 47 shuts off the fuel gas in the fuel gas piping 46. For example, when the third internal gas detection unit 87 detects fuel gas, there is a possibility that fuel gas has leaked inside the piping housing 80 due to an unavoidable event. Therefore, by shutting off the fuel gas in the fuel gas piping 46, further leakage of fuel gas can be prevented.

[0189] Specifically, when the third internal gas detector 87 detects fuel gas at a concentration equal to or greater than a predetermined concentration TH7, the controller 171 controls the shutoff unit 47 to shut off the fuel gas. The predetermined concentration TH7 is determined experimentally and / or empirically.

[0190] The third internal gas detection unit 87 may be disposed, for example, at the sixth ventilation port 812. Alternatively, the third internal gas detection unit 87 may be disposed, for example, upstream of the sixth ventilation port 812 in the flow of exhaust (air) relative to the sixth ventilation port 812, in the vicinity of the sixth ventilation port 812. The fuel cell ship 100 does not need to be equipped with the third internal gas detection unit 87. This is because even if fuel gas leaks inside the piping housing 80, the fuel gas will flow into the piping housing 70, and therefore the fuel gas can be detected by the fourth internal gas detection unit 94.

[0191] Here, the control unit 171 may execute the same process as the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 (excluding step S13) based on the detection results of the fourth external gas detection unit 82 and the third internal gas detection unit 87.

[0192] In addition, when the third internal gas detection unit 87 detects fuel gas or when the fourth external gas detection unit 82 detects combustible gas, the control unit 171 may control the shut-off unit 57 to shut off the fuel gas.

[0193] As shown in FIG. 8, the fuel cell ship 100 further includes a piping housing 70, a fourth ventilation section 72, a fuel gas inlet 74, a first check valve 76, an inert gas inlet 77, an opening / closing section 78, a second check valve 79, an inert gas piping 92, and a fourth internal gas detection section 94.

[0194] The piping housing 70 is disposed on the upper part of the deck 1a. The piping housing 70 houses a part of the gas piping 45, a part of the gas piping 85, an inert gas piping 92, a first check valve 76, an opening / closing unit 78, and a second check valve 79 (hereinafter referred to as "a part of the gas piping 45, etc.").

[0195] The material of the piping housing 70 is, for example, fiber-reinforced plastic. The piping housing 70 has a hollow shape. For example, the piping housing 70 has a hollow, approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. In this case, the piping housing 70 has, for example, a top wall 70a, a bottom wall 70b, a front wall (not shown), a rear wall (not shown), a side wall 70c, and a side wall 70d. However, the top surface, bottom surface, front surface, rear surface, and side surface of the piping housing 70 can be determined arbitrarily. Furthermore, the shape of the piping housing 70 is not particularly limited as long as it has a space capable of housing a portion of the gas pipe 45, etc. The piping housing 70 can also be considered as a container, chamber, or box that houses a portion of the gas pipe 45, etc. Note that the piping housing 70 and the piping housing 80 may be formed as the same housing and may be connected to each other.

[0196] One end of the gas pipe 45 is connected to the fuel gas storage section 6, and the other end of the gas pipe 45 is connected to the fuel gas inlet 74. The first check valve 76 is disposed upstream of the gas pipe 45. Fuel gas is supplied to the fuel gas inlet 74. The fuel gas then passes through the first check valve 76 and the gas pipe 45 and is introduced into the fuel gas storage section 6. As a result, the fuel gas is stored in the fuel gas storage section 6. Because the fuel gas passes through the gas pipe 45, the gas pipe 45 can also be considered as the "fuel gas pipe." The first check valve 76 prevents the fuel gas from flowing back.

[0197] When fuel gas is supplied to the fuel gas inlet 74 , the opening and closing unit 78 closes the flow path of the inert gas pipe 92 .

[0198] One end of the inert gas piping 92 is connected upstream of the gas piping 45, and the other end of the inert gas piping 92 is connected to the inert gas inlet 77. An opening / closing unit 78 and a second check valve 79 are arranged in the inert gas piping 92. The second check valve 79 is arranged downstream of the opening / closing unit 78. The opening / closing unit 78 opens or closes the flow path of the inert gas piping 92. The opening / closing unit 78 is, for example, an opening / closing valve. Note that the fuel cell ship 100 does not necessarily have to be equipped with the opening / closing unit 78 because the fuel cell ship 100 is equipped with the second check valve 79.

[0199] When fuel gas is not supplied to the fuel gas inlet 74, inert gas is supplied to the inert gas inlet 77. The inert gas is typically nitrogen gas. When the opening / closing unit 78 opens the flow path of the inert gas pipe 92, the inert gas is introduced into the fuel gas storage unit 6 through the second check valve 79 and the gas pipe 45. When the shutoff unit 47 opens the flow path of the fuel gas pipe 46, the opening / closing unit 86 opens the flow path of the gas pipe 85, and the shutoff unit 57 closes the flow path of the fuel gas pipe 63, the inert gas is discharged from the fuel gas storage unit 6 through the fuel gas pipe 46, the gas pipe 85, the eighth ventilation port 721, and the duct 724 to the duct 415. In other words, the fuel gas is purged by the inert gas. Note that the gas pipe 85 can also be considered a "fuel gas pipe" because the fuel gas passes through it during purging.

[0200] The fourth ventilation section 72 ventilates the inside of the pipe housing 70. Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, even if fuel gas (combustible gas) leaks inside the pipe housing 70 due to an unavoidable event, the fuel gas can be discharged to the outside of the pipe housing 70. Furthermore, even if combustible gas (fuel gas or other flammable gas) enters the pipe housing 70 due to an unavoidable event, the combustible gas can be discharged to the outside of the pipe housing 70.

[0201] Therefore, according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to prevent flammable gas (fuel gas and other flammable gases) from remaining in the pipe housing 70 that houses a part of the gas pipe 45 and the like.

[0202] Specifically, the fourth ventilation section 72 has an eighth ventilation opening 721 and a ninth ventilation opening 722. The fourth ventilation section 72 may further have a duct 724.

[0203] The eighth ventilation opening 721 is disposed in the piping housing 70, and connects the inside and outside of the piping housing 70. In the fourth embodiment, the eighth ventilation opening 721 is disposed in the lower part of the piping housing 70. In the example of FIG. 8, the eighth ventilation opening 721 is disposed in the bottom wall 70b. However, the arrangement of the eighth ventilation opening 721 is not particularly limited as long as ventilation is possible. The eighth ventilation opening 721 is a ventilation opening for supplying air.

[0204] The ninth ventilation opening 722 is disposed in the piping housing 70, and connects the inside and outside of the piping housing 70. In the fourth embodiment, the ninth ventilation opening 722 is disposed on the upper inside side of the piping housing 70. However, the location of the ninth ventilation opening 722 is not particularly limited as long as ventilation is possible. The ninth ventilation opening 722 is a ventilation opening for exhausting air.

[0205] The base end of the duct 724 is connected to the ninth ventilation port 722. The tip end of the duct 724 is located inside the duct 415. Therefore, air flows into the piping housing 70 from the eighth ventilation port 721 and is exhausted to the duct 415 through the ninth ventilation port 722 and the duct 724. Note that the exhaust from the piping housing 70 may be directed independently toward the outside of the ship without joining the duct 415.

[0206] The fourth internal gas detection unit 94 is disposed inside the piping housing 70. For example, the fourth internal gas detection unit 94 is disposed on the upper inner surface of the piping housing 70.

[0207] The fourth internal gas detector 94 detects fuel gas. Typically, the fuel gas is hydrogen gas, and therefore the fourth internal gas detector 94 is, for example, a hydrogen gas sensor. The fourth internal gas detector 94 outputs a signal indicating the fuel gas concentration (hydrogen gas concentration) to the control unit 171, for example.

[0208] When the fourth internal gas detection unit 94 detects fuel gas, the control unit 171 controls the shutoff unit 47 to shut off the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 51. Therefore, the shutoff unit 47 shuts off the fuel gas in the fuel gas piping 46. For example, when the fourth internal gas detection unit 94 detects fuel gas, there is a possibility that fuel gas has leaked inside the piping container 70 due to an unavoidable event. Therefore, by shutting off the fuel gas in the fuel gas piping 46, further leakage of fuel gas can be prevented.

[0209] Specifically, when the fourth internal gas detection unit 94 detects fuel gas at a concentration equal to or greater than a predetermined concentration TH8, the control unit 171 controls the cutoff unit 47 to cut off the fuel gas. The predetermined concentration TH8 is determined experimentally and / or empirically in advance.

[0210] The fourth internal gas detector 94 may be disposed, for example, at the ninth ventilation port 722. Alternatively, the fourth internal gas detector 94 may be disposed, for example, upstream of the ninth ventilation port 722 in the flow of exhaust (air) and in the vicinity of the ninth ventilation port 722.

[0211] Here, the control unit 171 may execute the same process as the process shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0212] When the fourth internal gas detector 94 detects fuel gas, the controller 171 may control the cutoff unit 57 to cut off the fuel gas.

[0213] As shown in FIG. 8 , the fuel cell ship 100 further includes a communication portion 98 and a communication portion 99. The communication portion 98 communicates the piping housing 70 and the piping housing 80. Specifically, the communication portion 98 communicates the eighth ventilation port 721 of the piping housing 70 and the sixth ventilation port 812 of the piping housing 80. The communication portion 98 is, for example, a pipe. In other words, the communication portion 98 is a hollow member that connects the piping housing 70 and the piping housing 80.

[0214] According to the fourth embodiment, by providing the communication portion 98, exhaust from the pipe receptacle 80 can be performed via the communication portion 98 and the pipe receptacle 70.

[0215] Specifically, air is supplied into the inside of the pipe housing 80 by the third air supply part 813 through the duct 814 and the fifth ventilation port 811. The air then passes through the sixth ventilation port 812, the communication part 98, the eighth ventilation port 721, the ninth ventilation port 722, and the duct 724, and is exhausted to the duct 415. The air then passes through the duct 415 and is exhausted.

[0216] The gas pipe 45 extends from the fuel gas storage section 6 to the pipe housing 80, and further extends to the pipe housing 70 through the sixth ventilation port 812, the communication port 98, and the eighth ventilation port 721. The gas pipe 85 also extends from the pipe housing 70 to the pipe housing 70 through the sixth ventilation port 812, the communication port 98, and the eighth ventilation port 721. The fuel gas pipe 46 extends from the fuel gas storage section 6 to the pipe housing 80, and is connected to the gas pipe 85 and the fuel gas pipe 63 inside the pipe housing 80.

[0217] The communication part 99 communicates the piping housing 80 with the fuel cell housing 19. Specifically, it communicates the second ventilation port 213 of the fuel cell housing 19 with the piping housing 70. More specifically, the communication part 99 communicates the opening 80x of the piping housing 70 with the second ventilation port 213 of the fuel cell housing 19. The opening 80x is disposed in, for example, the side wall 80d of the piping housing 80. The communication part 98 is, for example, a pipe. That is, the communication part 99 is a hollow member that connects the piping housing 80 with the fuel cell housing 19.

[0218] According to the fourth embodiment, by providing the communication portion 99, exhaust from the fuel cell housing 19 can be carried out via the communication portion 99 and the pipe housing 80.

[0219] Specifically, air is supplied to the inside of the fuel cell housing 19 by the first air supply part 215 through the duct 214 and the first ventilation port 211. The air then passes through the second ventilation port 213, the communication part 99, and the opening 80x, and enters the pipe housing 80. The air then passes through the sixth ventilation port 812, the communication part 98, the eighth ventilation port 721, the ninth ventilation port 722, and the duct 724, and is exhausted to the duct 415. The air is then exhausted through the duct 415.

[0220] The fuel gas pipe 63 extends from the fuel cell 51 through the second ventilation port 213, the communication portion 99, and the opening 80x to the pipe housing 80. The fuel gas pipe 63 is connected to the fuel gas pipe 46 and the gas pipe 85 inside the pipe housing 80.

[0221] As shown in Fig. 8, the fuel cell ship 100 further includes a gas detection unit 50. The gas detection unit 50 is disposed inside the duct 415. The duct 415 extends from the fourth ventilation port 412 of the fuel container 40, through the deck 1a and the piping container 70, to the outside of the piping container 70. The gas detection unit 50 is disposed inside the duct 415, above the duct 724.

[0222] The gas detection unit 50 detects fuel gas. Typically, the fuel gas is hydrogen gas, and therefore the gas detection unit 50 is, for example, a hydrogen gas sensor. The gas detection unit 50 outputs, for example, a signal indicating the fuel gas concentration to the control unit 171.

[0223] When the gas detection unit 50 detects fuel gas, the control unit 171 controls the shutoff unit 47 to shut off the fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell 51. Therefore, the shutoff unit 47 shuts off the fuel gas in the fuel gas pipe 46. As a result, the supply of fuel gas to the fuel cell 51 is stopped.

[0224] Specifically, when the gas detection unit 50 detects fuel gas at a concentration equal to or greater than a predetermined concentration TH9, the control unit 171 controls the cutoff unit 47 to cut off the fuel gas. The predetermined concentration TH9 is determined in advance experimentally and / or empirically.

[0225] When the gas detection unit 50 detects fuel gas, the control unit 171 may control the cutoff unit 57 to cut off the fuel gas. The fuel cell ship 100 does not necessarily have to be equipped with the gas detection unit 50.

[0226] The embodiments and examples of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the spirit of the present invention (for example, (1) to (4) below). Furthermore, the components disclosed in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, some of the components shown in one embodiment may be added to the components of another embodiment, or some of the components shown in one embodiment may be deleted from the embodiment.

[0227] Furthermore, the drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the configuration of each component shown in the above embodiment is merely an example and is not particularly limited, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present invention.

[0228] (1) In Fig. 6, the fuel cell ship 100 does not have to be equipped with the first air supply unit 215 and the first external gas detection unit 24. Also, in Fig. 6, the fuel cell ship 100 does not have to be equipped with the first external gas detection unit 24.

[0229] (2) In FIG. 8, the fuel cell ship 100 may include some or none of the following sets: the set of the first gas supply unit 215 and the first external gas detection unit 24, the set of the second gas supply unit 413 and the third external gas detection unit 42, and the set of the third gas supply unit 813 and the fourth external gas detection unit 82. The fuel cell ship 100 may also include an exhaust fan corresponding to at least one of the second ventilation opening 213, the fourth ventilation opening 412, the sixth ventilation opening 812, and the ninth ventilation opening 722. The exhaust fan is preferably explosion-proof. The exhaust fan may also be non-explosion-proof.

[0230] Furthermore, in Figure 8, the fuel cell ship 100 may be equipped with some or none of the detection units among the first internal gas detection unit 23, the first external gas detection unit 24, the first fire detection unit 25, the second external gas detection unit 27, the third external gas detection unit 42, the second internal gas detection unit 48, the second fire detection unit 49, the fourth external gas detection unit 82, the third internal gas detection unit 87, the fourth internal gas detection unit 94, and the gas detection unit 50.

[0231] (3) In Fig. 8, the fuel cell ship 100 may have one or more filters (not shown) disposed in some or all of the first air supply section 215, the second air supply section 413, and the third air supply section 813. The filters remove, for example, dust or sea salt particles.

[0232] (4) In the present invention, the fuel cell ship 100 may be provided with a communication part (hereinafter referred to as "communication part P") that connects the second ventilation port 213 of the fuel cell housing 19 to one of the piping housing 80 (Figure 8) and the fuel housing 40 (Figure 8).

[0233] For example, in the fourth embodiment described with reference to FIG. 8, the communication part P is the communication part 99. The communication part 99 communicates the second ventilation port 213 of the fuel cell housing 19 with the piping housing 80.

[0234] For example, the communication part P (not shown) may communicate the second ventilation port 213 of the fuel cell containing body 19 shown in FIG. 8 with the fuel containing body 40 shown in FIG. 8. That is, the communication part P may communicate the fuel cell containing body 19 and the fuel containing body 40 shown in FIG. 8. In this case, for example, the fuel containing body 40 is disposed adjacent to the fuel cell containing body 19. Also, for example, the communication part P communicates an opening (not shown) of the fuel containing body 40 with the second ventilation port 213 of the fuel cell containing body 19. The opening of the fuel containing body 40 is disposed in, for example, a side wall 40d of the fuel containing body 40. The communication part P is, for example, a pipe. That is, the communication part P is a hollow member that connects the fuel containing body 40 and the fuel cell containing body 19.

[0235] (5) In addition to the fuel cell system 5 and the storage battery system 7, the fuel cell ship 100 may also include a power source other than the fuel cell system 5 and the storage battery system 7. The power source may be, for example, an engine-type generator equipped with a power conversion device. [Industrial Applicability]

[0236] The present invention relates to a power generation system and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0237] 1. Hull 6 Fuel gas storage section 9 Propulsion device 51 Fuel Cell 19 Fuel cell housing 21, 21A First ventilation section 24 First external gas detector (external gas detector) 27 Second external gas detector (external gas detector) 40 Fuel container 45 Gas piping (fuel gas piping) 46 Fuel gas piping 41 Second ventilation section 47, 57 Breaker 63 Fuel gas piping 69 Coolant reservoir 80 Piping container 73 1st coolant pipe (coolant pipe) 81 Third Ventilation Section 85 Gas piping (fuel gas piping) 100 fuel cell ship 171 Control Unit 211 First ventilation outlet 213 Second ventilation outlet 215 1st air supply section (air supply section)

Claims

1. a fuel cell that supplies power to onboard power equipment; a fuel cell housing that houses the fuel cell; a fuel gas storage section that stores fuel gas to be supplied to the fuel cell; a fuel container that houses the fuel gas reservoir; a fuel gas pipe through which the fuel gas passes; a pipe housing that houses a portion of the fuel gas pipe; a ventilation section for ventilating the inside of the pipe housing; A power generation system comprising:

2. The power generation system according to claim 1, wherein the pipe housing has a gas detection unit that detects combustible gas flowing from the outside of the pipe housing to the inside of the pipe housing, or combustible gas flowing from the inside of the pipe housing to the outside.

3. a shutoff unit that opens or closes a flow path of the fuel gas pipe; a control unit that controls the interrupter; Furthermore, The power generation system according to claim 2 , wherein when the gas detector detects the combustible gas, the controller controls the cutoff unit to cut off the fuel gas.

4. The power generation system according to claim 2 , wherein the gas detection unit is disposed outside the pipe housing and detects the concentration of the combustible gas flowing from the outside to the inside of the pipe housing.

5. The ventilation section is A ventilation port that communicates the inside and outside of the pipe housing; an air supply unit that supplies air outside the pipe housing to the inside of the pipe housing through the ventilation opening; The power generation system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

6. the fuel container has a gas detector for detecting flammable gas leaking into the fuel container, The power generation system according to claim 3 , wherein when the gas detector of the fuel container detects the combustible gas, the controller controls the cutoff unit to cut off the fuel gas.

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