Power generation system

Abstract

To appropriately perform a power generation operation at the time of recovery after a power source loss while preventing deterioration or breakage of a nonvolatile memory.SOLUTION: A power generation system operates a power generation device by setting any one of a plurality of operation modes based on setting instruction information received from at least one of a management server and a remote control device. The power generation system comprises: a nonvolatile memory; a storage processing section by which, in a case where a predetermined condition is established, any one of a plurality of operation modes is stored in the memory as an operation mode at the time of recovery from a power source loss and, on the other hand, in a case where the setting instruction information is received from at least the management server, the setting instruction information is not stored in the memory; and a setting section for reading out the operation mode at the time of recovery, which was stored in the memory at the time of recovery after the power source loss, and performing setting so as to operate the power generation device in the operation mode at the time of recovery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power generation system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a power generation system that is installed in a customer facility and feeds surplus or all of the generated power back into the power grid. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a power generation system that is communicably connected to a server installed by an electric power company or the like, obtains output-related information (output suppression information) regarding power generation output from the server, and performs power generation by adjusting the output to the power grid according to the information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described power generation system, power may be lost during operation, and the acquired output-related information may disappear. In that case, it is possible to reacquire the output-related information via communication with the server after recovery. On the other hand, in a power generation system that is not connected to the server and acquires output-related information based on the operation of a remote control provided in the customer facility, it cannot be reacquired unless the remote control is operated. For this reason, it is conceivable to provide a nonvolatile memory that retains data even when the power supply is interrupted, and save the output-related information in the nonvolatile memory each time it is acquired. However, when a power generation system equipped with a nonvolatile memory is connected to a server, the output-related information may be frequently transmitted from the server, and the writing operation may be frequently performed, which may cause deterioration or damage of the nonvolatile memory.

[0005] The primary purpose of this disclosure is to prevent degradation and damage to non-volatile memory while ensuring proper power generation operation upon recovery after a power loss. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This disclosure employs the following means to achieve the primary objectives described above.

[0007] The power generation system disclosed herein is A power generation system that operates a power generation device by setting one of a plurality of operating modes based on setting instruction information received from at least one of a management server and a remote control device, Non-volatile memory and A storage processing unit that, when certain conditions are met, saves one of the plurality of operating modes in the memory as the operating mode when power is restored after a power loss, while at least when it receives the setting instruction information from the management server, it does not save the setting instruction information in the memory. A setting unit reads the operating mode stored in the memory at the time of recovery after a power loss, and sets the power generator to operate in the operating mode at the time of recovery. The gist of it is that it is equipped with the following features.

[0008] In the power generation system of this disclosure, the operating mode for power recovery after a power loss is saved to non-volatile memory when predetermined conditions are met. On the other hand, when setting instruction information for the operating mode is received from the management server, that information is not saved to memory. Therefore, even if setting instruction information is frequently sent from the management server, frequent write operations to the non-volatile memory are not performed, thus preventing deterioration or damage to the non-volatile memory. Then, when power is recovered after a power loss, the operating mode for the recovery is read from the non-volatile memory, and the power generation device is set to operate in that operating mode, so that power generation operation can be performed appropriately.

[0009] In the power generation system of this disclosure, the storage processing unit may, when the operating time of the power generation device reaches a predetermined time, consider the predetermined condition to be met and save the operating mode that was set for the longest time or set the most times during operation as the operating mode at the time of recovery in the memory. On the other hand, when the setting instruction information is received from the management server and the remote control device, the setting instruction information may not be saved in the memory. In this way, the operation at the time of recovery can be appropriately performed in the operating mode that was set for the longest time or set the most frequently during operation. Furthermore, since the setting instruction information received from the management server and the remote control device is not saved in non-volatile memory, frequent write operations can be prevented, and memory corruption can be prevented.

[0010] In the power generation system of this disclosure, the storage processing unit may, upon receiving the setting instruction information from the remote control device, consider the predetermined conditions to be met and save the operating mode instructed by the setting instruction information as the operating mode at the time of recovery in the memory, while refraining from saving the setting instruction information to the memory when receiving the setting instruction information from the management server. This allows for proper operation at the time of recovery using the operating mode set by the remote control device. Furthermore, since the setting instruction information received from the management server is not saved in non-volatile memory, frequent write operations can be prevented, thereby preventing memory corruption.

[0011] In the power generation system of this disclosure, it is possible to set whether or not there is a communication connection with the management server that periodically sends periodic information separately from the setting instruction information. The storage processing unit may determine that the predetermined condition is met when it receives the setting instruction information without a history of receiving the periodic information within a predetermined period, and save the operating mode instructed by the setting instruction information as the operating mode at the time of recovery in the memory. On the other hand, if it receives the setting instruction information while there is a history of receiving the periodic information within the predetermined period, it may not save the setting instruction information in the memory. Here, the state without a history of receiving periodic information can be described as a state where a communication connection with the management server has not been set (established), and the setting instruction information is sent from the remote control device. For this reason, by saving the operating mode included in the setting instruction information in non-volatile memory, the operation at the time of recovery can be appropriately performed in the operating mode set by the remote control device. On the other hand, the state with a history of receiving periodic information can be described as a state where a communication connection with the management server has been set, and there is a possibility that setting instruction information will be sent frequently. For this reason, by not saving the setting instruction information in non-volatile memory, frequent write operations can be prevented, and memory corruption can be prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the connection relationship between the management server 10 and the fuel cell system 20. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of the fuel cell system 20. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows an example of the power restoration process. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows an example of the mode saving process upon recovery. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the mode saving process when a modified version is restored. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the mode saving process when a modified version is restored. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the connection relationship between the management server 10 and the fuel cell system 20. Figure 2 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the fuel cell system 20. The management server 10 is connected via a network 12 to fuel cell systems 20 owned by multiple consumers, such as residences 2 and businesses, which are supplied with power from the power grid 1, thereby forming a power adjustment system and performing management to adjust the balance of power supply and demand among each consumer. For example, the management server 10 transmits output-related information and time information related to power generation output to the fuel cell system 20 via the network 12. There are two types of fuel cell systems 20: those with a communication connection set up (established) with the management server 10 via the network 12 (20A, 20B in Figure 1) and those without a communication connection set up with the management server 10 (20C in Figure 1). However, since both are configured similarly, they will not be described in any particular distinction.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the fuel cell system 20 is configured as a cogeneration system comprising a control device 21 that controls the entire system, a power generation unit 30 including a fuel cell stack 31 that generates electricity by receiving fuel gas (reformed gas) and oxidizer gas (air), and a waste heat recovery device 70 including a hot water storage tank 71 for recovering the heat generated by the power generation of the power generation unit 30 as hot water. In addition, for example, a remote control device 100 (see Figure 2) is installed in the residence 2 for residents to operate the fuel cell system 20.

[0015] In this embodiment, the fuel cell stack 31 is configured as a solid oxide fuel cell stack and generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen contained in the fuel gas supplied to the anode and oxygen contained in the oxidizer gas supplied to the cathode. In this embodiment, air from the air blower 51 is supplied to the cathode as the oxidizer gas. A power conditioner (not shown), including a DC / DC converter and an inverter, is connected to the output terminal of the fuel cell stack 31 and connects to the power grid 1 via a relay (not shown) to supply power to the loads in the dwelling 2.

[0016] The power generation unit 30 includes, in addition to the fuel cell stack 31, a vaporizer 32 that evaporates reformed water to generate steam, and a reformer 33 that generates fuel gas (reformed gas) from raw fuel gas (e.g., natural gas or LPG) and steam and supplies it to the anode of the fuel cell stack 31. The vaporizer 32 is supplied with raw fuel gas from a gas supply source via a gas pump 41 through a solenoid valve 42 and a desulfurizer 43, and reformed water from a reformed water tank 62 via a water pump 61. A combustion section 34 is provided inside an insulated unit case 38 that houses the fuel cell stack 31, vaporizer 32, and reformer 33. An ignition heater 35 is provided in the combustion section 34, which ignites and burns a mixed gas of fuel off-gas (anode off-gas) and oxidizer off-gas (cathode off-gas) that has passed through the fuel cell stack 31, thereby supplying combustion heat to the fuel cell stack 31, vaporizer 32, and reformer 33. The combustion exhaust gas generated by the combustion of fuel off-gas and oxidizer off-gas is supplied to the heat exchanger 72 via the combustion catalyst 36.

[0017] The waste heat recovery device 70 includes a hot water storage tank 71 for storing hot water, a circulation pipe 73 connecting the hot water storage tank 71 and the heat exchanger 72, and a circulation pump 74 provided in the circulation pipe 73. The waste heat recovery device 70 recovers waste heat by circulating the hot water with the circulation pump 74, taking out the hot water from the lower part of the hot water storage tank 71, heating it by heat exchange with the combustion exhaust gas in the heat exchanger 72, and returning the heated hot water to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 71. The heat exchanger 72 is connected to the reformed water tank 62 via a condensate pipe 78 provided with a water purifier. The combustion exhaust gas supplied to the heat exchanger 72 is cooled by heat exchange with the hot water, and the water vapor component is condensed and recovered into the reformed water tank 62.

[0018] The control device 21 is configured as a microprocessor centered on the CPU 21a. In addition to the CPU 21a, it includes a ROM 21b for storing processing programs, a RAM 21c for temporarily storing data, an EEPROM 21d which is a non-volatile memory for holding data even when the power supply is cut off, and an input / output port (not shown). Detection signals from various sensors (not shown) and the like are input to the control device 21. On the other hand, drive signals to the ignition heater 35, gas pump 41, solenoid valve 42, air blower 51, water pump 61, circulation pump 74, etc. are output from the control device 21 via the output port.

[0019] The management server 10 transmits output-related information regarding power generation output (power generation increase or power generation suppression) to the control devices 21 of the fuel cell systems 20A, 20B based on the power generation status and power generation plan of the power utility, the current power consumption amount, the future predicted power consumption amount, etc. The output-related information includes a setting instruction for the operation mode (operation pattern) of the fuel cell system 20 (power generation unit 30) and corresponds to the setting instruction information. Also, the management server 10 periodically (at every predetermined period) transmits time information (regular information) indicating the accurate date and time to the control devices 21 of the fuel cell systems 20A, 20B. For example, when the predetermined time (e.g., 0:00:00) arrives every day, the management server 10 generates time information indicating the date and time (year, month, day, hour, minute, second) and transmits it to the control device 21.

[0020] The remote controller 100 transmits output-related information to the control device 21 based on operations by residents or the like. The output-related information from the remote controller 100 includes instructions for power generation output, setting instructions for the operation mode, etc., similar to the output-related information from the management server 10. Further, when the remote controller 100 receives information such as the operating status of the fuel cell system 20 from the control device 21, it displays the information on the display panel of the remote controller 100.

[0021] When the control device 21 of the fuel cell system 20 receives output-related information from the management server 10 or the remote controller 100, it stores at least each piece of information included in the output-related information, that is, instructions for power generation output and setting instructions for the operation mode, in the RAM 21c, and controls the power generation unit 30 and each auxiliary machine to operate based on those instructions. The operation mode of the fuel cell system 20 may have a plurality of operation modes. For example, there are three operation modes: a fixed output operation mode with reverse power flow, a load-following operation mode with reverse power flow, and a load-following operation mode without reverse power flow. The fixed output operation mode with reverse power flow is a mode in which the power generation unit 30 is operated at a fixed output such as the rated output, and surplus power is fed back to the power grid 1. The load-following operation mode with reverse power flow is a mode in which the power generation unit 30 is operated to follow the power consumption of the load, and when surplus power occurs, it is fed back to the power grid 1. The load-following operation mode without reverse power flow is a mode in which the power generation unit 30 is operated to follow the power consumption of the load reduced by a predetermined amount while purchasing a predetermined amount of power so as not to feed back power (no surplus power occurs). In the fuel cell system 20 in which reverse power flow to the power grid 1 is permitted, operation is performed by setting any one of the three operation modes. Also, in the fuel cell system 20 in which reverse power flow to the power grid 1 is not permitted, operation is performed by setting the load-following operation mode without reverse power flow among the three operation modes.

[0022] Next, we will explain the operation of the fuel cell system 20 configured in this way, particularly the operation for recovery after a power outage or other power loss. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of power recovery-related processing. In power recovery-related processing, the CPU 21a of the control device 21 executes a recovery mode saving process to save the recovery mode, which is the operating mode at the time of recovery (S100).

[0023] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the recovery mode saving process. The CPU 21a determines whether the fuel cell system 20 is a system that allows reverse power flow (S200). If it determines that reverse power flow is not allowed, it determines whether the recovery mode is not saved (not set) (S210). If the CPU 21a determines that the recovery mode is not saved, it saves the reverse power flow-free load-following operation mode as the recovery mode in the EEPROM 21d (S220) and proceeds to S280. After performing the process in S220, the CPU 21a determines that the recovery mode is not unsaved and skips S220, proceeding to S280.

[0024] Furthermore, if the CPU 21a determines in S200 that reverse power flow is permitted, it obtains the operating time T and the set time for each operating mode (S230), and determines whether the operating time T has reached a predetermined time Tref (initial saving timing) (S240). The operating time T is the cumulative time since the fuel cell system 20 started power generation operation. The predetermined time Tref is set to several hundred hours, for example, 200 hours or 300 hours. If the CPU 21a determines that the operating time T has reached the predetermined time Tref, it saves the operating mode with the longest set time for the operating time T up to that point as the recovery mode in the EEPROM 21d (S250), and proceeds to S280. Therefore, the recovery mode is used for the longest period of time from the start of operation until the predetermined time Tref is reached, and it is a mode that reflects the operating status (operating mode) of the fuel cell system 20.

[0025] On the other hand, if the CPU 21a determines in S240 that the operating time T is either less than or exceeds a predetermined time Tref and therefore has not reached the predetermined time Tref, it determines in S260 whether the operating time T has reached n times the predetermined time Tref (where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2) and whether it is the update timing. If the CPU 21a determines that the operating time T has not reached n times the predetermined time Tref, it skips S270 and proceeds to S280. In this case, even if the recovery mode saving process is executed, the recovery mode is not saved in the EEPROM 21d, and either a recovery mode already saved in the EEPROM 21d is maintained, or the default recovery mode is maintained. The default operating mode is, for example, the constant output operation mode with reverse power flow.

[0026] Furthermore, when the CPU 21a determines that the operating time T has reached n times the predetermined time Tref, it updates the recovery mode in the EEPROM 21d to the operating mode with the longest duration set between the last save (setting) of the recovery mode and the predetermined time Tref (S270), and proceeds to S280. As a result, the recovery mode becomes the operating mode with the longest duration set between the initial saving of the recovery mode in S250 and the next occurrence of the predetermined time Tref. In addition, even after updating the recovery mode in S270, the recovery mode is updated to the operating mode with the longest duration set since the last update each time the operating time T becomes n times the predetermined time Tref. Therefore, if the operating status (operating mode) of the fuel cell system 20 changes, the recovery mode in the EEPROM 21d also changes, allowing a recovery mode that more appropriately reflects the operating status to be saved in the EEPROM 21d.

[0027] Then, the CPU 21a determines whether or not it has received output-related information from the management server 10 or the remote control 100 (S280). If it determines that it has not received output-related information, it terminates the recovery mode saving process. On the other hand, if the CPU 21a determines that it has received output-related information, it saves each piece of information, such as the operating mode, contained in the output-related information to the RAM 21c without saving it to the EEPROM 21d (S290), and terminates the recovery mode saving process.

[0028] In the power recovery-related processing shown in Figure 3, the CPU 21a executes the recovery mode saving process in S100 and then determines whether it is time for power recovery after a power loss due to a blackout or the like (S110). If the CPU 21a determines that it is not time for power recovery, it returns to processing in S100. On the other hand, if the CPU 21a determines that it is time for power recovery, it reads the recovery mode from the EEPROM 21d, sets the read recovery mode to be reflected in the operation control when power is restored (S120), and then terminates the power recovery-related processing.

[0029] Here, information such as the operating mode stored in RAM21c in S290 is lost when power is lost, but in this embodiment, the recovery mode is stored in EEPROM21d, so it can be read when power is restored after a power loss. As a result, the operation control when power is restored is performed in the recovery mode. When power is restored, the fuel cell system 20 is started up, and then operation control (power generation process) is performed. In the start-up process, the corresponding auxiliary equipment is controlled sequentially to perform fuel adsorption processing, which involves adsorbing fuel components onto the desulfurizer 43 to suppress deviations in the air-fuel ratio of the mixed gas, purging processing of the combustion section 34, ignition processing of off-gas in the combustion section 34, steam reforming processing, etc., which may take several hours. Depending on the configuration of the fuel cell system 20 and the state of the auxiliary equipment, one of these processes may be omitted.

[0030] The fuel cell system 20 described above saves the recovery mode to the EEPROM 21d when the operating time T reaches a predetermined time Tref, and does not save output-related information received from the management server 10 or remote control 100 to the EEPROM 21d. Then, when power is restored after a power loss, the recovery mode is read from the EEPROM 21d and set as the operation control for power restoration. For this reason, even if output-related information is frequently transmitted from the management server 10, etc. (for example, once every few tens of minutes, such as every 10 or 15 minutes), frequent writing to the EEPROM 21d is not performed, thus preventing deterioration or damage to the EEPROM 21d. In addition, since the recovery mode is saved to the EEPROM 21d when the operating time T reaches a predetermined time Tref, operation when power is restored can be performed with an appropriate operation mode that reflects the operating status.

[0031] Furthermore, the predetermined time Tref is set to several hundred hours, such as 200 or 300 hours, to allow for a certain period of continuous operation and to grasp the trend of the operating mode. This prevents frequent and repeated saving of the recovery mode to the EEPROM 21d. Also, since the operating mode that has been set for the longest time is used as the recovery mode, the trend of the operating mode settings can be appropriately reflected in the recovery mode. In addition, since the recovery mode is updated each time the operating time T reaches the predetermined time Tref, changes in the trend of the operating state (operating mode) can be appropriately reflected.

[0032] In the embodiment described above, the recovery mode was updated (saved) each time the operating time T reached a predetermined time Tref, according to the operating mode settings (setting time) during the preceding predetermined time Tref. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the recovery mode may be updated each time the operating time T reaches a predetermined time Tref, according to the operating mode settings (setting time) during the operating time T (cumulative time) from the start of operation. Alternatively, the recovery mode may be saved in the EEPROM 21d when the operating time T first reaches the predetermined time Tref, and that recovery mode may be maintained thereafter.

[0033] In this embodiment, the operating mode with the longest set duration is used as the recovery mode, but the system is not limited to this; the operating mode with the most set occurrences (frequency) may also be used as the recovery mode. Alternatively, the system is not limited to saving the recovery mode according to the operating mode settings, but may also use the following modified example. Figures 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the recovery mode saving process in the modified example. In the modified example, steps S200 to S220 in Figure 4, i.e., the processing for systems where reverse power flow is not permitted, are omitted, but this processing can be performed in the same manner.

[0034] In the modified example shown in Figure 5, the CPU 21a determines whether or not it has received output-related information (S300). If it determines that it has not received output-related information, it terminates the recovery mode saving process. In this modified example, the output-related information is assumed to include a source flag (source information) indicating whether the source is the management server 10 or the remote control 100. If the CPU 21a determines that it has received output-related information, it determines whether or not the output-related information is from the remote control 100 based on the source flag included in the output-related information (S310).

[0035] If the CPU 21a determines that the output-related information is from the remote control 100, it saves the operating mode included in the output-related information as the recovery mode to the EEPROM 21d (S320) and terminates the recovery mode saving process. On the other hand, if the CPU 21a determines that the output-related information is from the management server 10 and not from the remote control 100, it saves the output-related information (operating mode) to the RAM 21c (S330) without saving it to the EEPROM 21d and terminates the recovery mode saving process. Note that any necessary information is also saved to the RAM 21c in S320.

[0036] In the modified example shown in Figure 5, the operating mode included in the output-related information received from the remote control 100 is saved to the EEPROM 21d as the recovery mode, while the output-related information received from the management server 10 is not saved to the EEPROM 21d. Therefore, the recovery operation can be properly performed in the operating mode set by the remote control 100. In addition, the frequent writing of output-related information received from the management server 10 can be prevented, thus preventing deterioration or damage to the EEPROM 21d. Note that if a communication connection with the management server 10 is established during the startup process after power restoration, it is possible to control the operation after power restoration in the operating mode instructed by the output-related information from the management server 10.

[0037] Furthermore, in the modified example shown in Figure 6, the CPU 21a determines whether or not it has received output-related information (S400). If it determines that it has not received output-related information, it terminates the recovery mode saving process. On the other hand, if the CPU 21a determines that it has received output-related information, it determines whether or not there is a history of receiving time information within a predetermined period (S410). As described above, in fuel cell systems 20A and 20B, which have a communication connection with the management server 10, time information is received periodically (for example, once a day) from the management server 10, so there is a history of receiving time information within a predetermined period of several days, such as one or two days. On the other hand, in fuel cell system 20C, which does not have a communication connection with the management server 10, such time information is not received, so there is no history of receiving time information within a predetermined period.

[0038] If the CPU 21a determines that there is no history of receiving time information, i.e., that a communication connection with the management server 10 is not set up, it saves the operating mode included in the output-related information as the recovery mode in the EEPROM 21d (S420) and terminates the recovery mode saving process. On the other hand, if the CPU 21a determines that there is a history of receiving time information, i.e., that a communication connection with the management server 10 is set up, it saves the output-related information (operating mode) to the RAM 21c without saving it to the EEPROM 21d (S430) and terminates the recovery mode saving process. Note that necessary information is also saved to the RAM 21c in S420.

[0039] As shown in the modified example in Figure 6, if there is a history of receiving time information, output-related information may be frequently transmitted from the management server 10, so the output-related information is not saved in the EEPROM 21d. On the other hand, if there is no history of receiving time information, the output-related information is transmitted from the remote control 100, and is not usually transmitted as frequently as from the management server 10, so the operating mode included in the output-related information is saved in the EEPROM 21d as the recovery mode. This allows for proper operation upon recovery in the operating mode set by the remote control 100. Furthermore, frequent writing operations to the EEPROM 21d are prevented, thus preventing deterioration or damage to the EEPROM 21d. Also, as in Figure 5, if a communication connection with the management server 10 is established during the startup process after power restoration, it is possible to control operation upon power restoration in the operating mode instructed by the output-related information from the management server 10. Although time information is used as an example of periodic information transmitted periodically from the management server 10, any information that is transmitted periodically may be used.

[0040] The invention is not limited to the embodiments or modified forms, but is sufficient as long as the recovery mode is saved to the EEPROM 21d when predetermined conditions are met, while at least the output-related information (setting instruction information) received from the management server 10 is not saved to the EEPROM 21d. The predetermined conditions are not limited to the embodiments or modified forms, and may be conditions that are met when a dedicated setting operation for the recovery mode is performed using the remote control 100, or conditions that are met when the initial setting operation for the recovery mode is performed by a worker performing installation work on the fuel cell system 20.

[0041] In this embodiment, the process of saving the recovery mode was performed even in systems where reverse power flow is not permitted by including the processing S200 to S220 in Figure 4. However, the system is not limited to this, and the processing in Figure 4 may be performed only in systems where reverse power flow is permitted, and the processing S200 to S220 may be omitted. In addition, in systems where reverse power flow is not permitted, it is sufficient that the load-following operation mode without reverse power flow is saved as the recovery mode when the setting indicating that reverse power flow is not permitted is made.

[0042] In the embodiments described herein, the power generation system is applied to a fuel cell system 20, but it is not limited to this. It can be applied to any power generation system that operates the power generation device by setting one of a plurality of operating modes based on setting instruction information received from at least one of the management server and the remote control device. The remote control device is not limited to a dedicated remote control, but may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone with remote control functionality added.

[0043] The correspondence between the main elements of the embodiment and the main elements of the disclosure described in the section on the main elements of the embodiment and the means for solving the problems will be explained. In the embodiment, the EEPROM 21d corresponds to the "non-volatile memory" in the disclosure, the CPU 21a of the control device 21 that executes the power restoration related processing S100 (Figures 4, 5, and 6) corresponds to the "save processing unit", and the CPU 21a of the control device 21 that executes the same processing S120 corresponds to the "setting unit".

[0044] Furthermore, the correspondence between the main elements of the embodiments and the main elements of the disclosure described in the section on means for solving the problems is merely an example to specifically explain the form in which the embodiments implement the disclosure described in the section on means for solving the problems, and does not limit the elements of the disclosure described in the section on means for solving the problems. In other words, the interpretation of the disclosure described in the section on means for solving the problems should be based on the description in that section, and the embodiments are merely one specific example of the disclosure described in the section on means for solving the problems.

[0045] The above describes the forms for implementing this disclosure, but this disclosure is not limited in any way to these embodiments, and can of course be implemented in various forms as long as it does not deviate from the gist of this disclosure. [Industrial applicability]

[0046] This disclosure can be used in industries such as the manufacturing of power generation systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1 Power grid, 2 Residence, 10 Management server, 12 Network, 20, 20A, 20B, 20C Fuel cell system, 21 Control device, 21a CPU, 21b ROM, 21c RAM, 21d EEPROM, 30 Power generation unit, 31 Fuel cell stack, 32 Vaporizer, 33 Reformer, 34 Combustion section, 35 Ignition heater, 36 Combustion catalyst, 38 Unit case, 41 Gas pump, 42 Solenoid valve, 43 Desulfurizer, 51 Air blower, 61 Water pump, 62 Reformed water tank, 70 Waste heat recovery device, 71 Hot water storage tank, 72 Heat exchanger, 73 Circulation piping, 74 Circulation pump, 78 Condensate piping, 100 Remote control (remote control device).

Claims

1. A power generation system that operates a power generation device by setting one of a plurality of operating modes based on setting instruction information received from at least one of a management server and a remote control device, Non-volatile memory and A storage processing unit that, when certain conditions are met, saves one of the plurality of operating modes in the memory as the operating mode when power is restored after a power loss, while at least when it receives the setting instruction information from the management server, it does not save the setting instruction information in the memory. A setting unit reads the operating mode stored in the memory at the time of recovery after a power loss, and sets the power generator to operate in the operating mode at the time of recovery. Equipped with, The storage processing unit determines that the predetermined condition has been met when the operating time of the power generation device reaches a predetermined time, and saves the operating mode that has been set for the longest time or the most times it has been set during operation as the operating mode upon recovery in the memory. However, when it receives the setting instruction information from the management server and the remote control device, it does not save the setting instruction information in the memory. Power generation system.

2. A power generation system that operates a power generation device by setting one of a plurality of operating modes based on setting instruction information received from at least one of a management server and a remote control device, Non-volatile memory and A storage processing unit that, when certain conditions are met, saves one of the plurality of operating modes in the memory as the operating mode when power is restored after a power loss, while at least when it receives the setting instruction information from the management server, it does not save the setting instruction information in the memory. A setting unit reads the operating mode stored in the memory at the time of recovery after a power loss, and sets the power generator to operate in the operating mode at the time of recovery. Equipped with, When the storage processing unit receives the setting instruction information from the remote control device, it determines that the predetermined conditions have been met and saves the operating mode instructed by the setting instruction information as the operating mode upon recovery in the memory. However, when it receives the setting instruction information from the management server, it does not save the setting instruction information in the memory. Power generation system.

3. A power generation system that operates a power generation device by setting one of a plurality of operating modes based on setting instruction information received from at least one of a management server and a remote control device, Non-volatile memory and A storage processing unit that, when certain conditions are met, saves one of the plurality of operating modes in the memory as the operating mode when power is restored after a power loss, while at least when it receives the setting instruction information from the management server, it does not save the setting instruction information in the memory. A setting unit reads the operating mode stored in the memory at the time of recovery after a power loss, and sets the power generator to operate in the operating mode at the time of recovery. Equipped with, In addition to the aforementioned setting instruction information, it is possible to configure whether or not to establish a communication connection with the management server that periodically sends periodic information. The storage processing unit, upon receiving the setting instruction information within a predetermined period when there is no history of receiving the periodic information, determines that the predetermined condition has been met and saves the operating mode instructed by the setting instruction information as the operating mode upon recovery in the memory. However, if the setting instruction information is received within the predetermined period when there is a history of receiving the periodic information, the storage processing unit does not save the setting instruction information in the memory. Power generation system.

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