Compression device, operation method for compression device, and manufacturing method for compression device

Abstract

A compression device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a compressor that, by means of oxidation-reduction of hydrogen generated by applying a voltage between an anode and a cathode having lower flexural rigidity than the anode, or by means of electrolysis of water, generates compressed hydrogen at the cathode; and a controller that determines an abnormality, at the time of start or stop, on the basis of a gas flow rate at an outlet of the anode, or the pressure of the cathode, after an inspection gas supplier supplied an inspection gas to the cathode.

Description

Compression device, method for operating a compression device, and method for manufacturing a compression device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a compression device, a method for operating a compression device, and a method for manufacturing a compression device.

[0002] In recent years, hydrogen has been attracting attention as a clean alternative energy source to fossil fuels due to environmental issues such as global warming and energy issues such as the depletion of oil resources. Hydrogen is expected to be a clean energy source because it produces essentially only water when burned, and does not emit carbon dioxide, which causes global warming, and almost no nitrogen oxides. Furthermore, fuel cells, for example, are devices that use hydrogen as a fuel with high efficiency, and their development and widespread use is progressing for automobile power sources and home power generation.

[0003] For example, hydrogen used as fuel for fuel cell vehicles is generally stored in a hydrogen tank inside the vehicle at a high pressure of several tens of MPa. Such high-pressure hydrogen is generally obtained by compressing low-pressure (atmospheric) hydrogen using a mechanical compressor.

[0004] In the coming hydrogen society, in addition to hydrogen production, technological development is required to store hydrogen at high density and transport or use it in small volumes at low cost. In particular, the development of a hydrogen supply infrastructure is necessary to promote the widespread use of fuel cells, and various proposals have been made to produce, refine, and store high-density high-purity hydrogen in order to ensure a stable supply of hydrogen.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes that in an electrochemical cell in which a desired voltage is applied between an anode and a cathode disposed on either side of an electrolyte membrane, hydrogen in a hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode is transferred to the cathode to produce compressed hydrogen, and the rigidity of the cathode flow structure (gas diffusion layer) is made lower than the rigidity of the anode flow structure (gas diffusion layer).

[0006] Patent No. 6360061

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide, as an example, a compression device, a method for operating a compression device, and a method for manufacturing a compression device, in which an abnormality in a compressor can be determined more appropriately than in the past.

[0008] A compressor device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a compressor that generates compressed hydrogen at the cathode by applying a voltage between an anode and a cathode having a lower bending rigidity than the anode, and by oxidation-reduction of the hydrogen generated at the cathode, or by electrolysis of water, and a controller that determines an abnormality based on the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode or the pressure of the cathode after supplying a test gas to the cathode from a test gas supplier at the time of startup or shutdown.

[0009] A method of operating a compressor device according to one aspect of the present disclosure involves applying a voltage between an anode and a cathode having a lower bending rigidity than the anode, generating compressed hydrogen at the cathode through oxidation-reduction of the hydrogen generated or electrolysis of water, and supplying a test gas to the cathode upon startup or shutdown, and determining an abnormality based on the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode or the pressure of the cathode after the test gas has been supplied.

[0010] A method for manufacturing a compression device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes stacking an electrochemical cell including an electrolyte membrane, an anode on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a cathode on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane to produce a stack, supplying a test gas to the cathode, and determining an abnormality based on the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode or the pressure of the cathode after the test gas has been supplied.

[0011] The compressor device, the method for operating the compressor device, and the method for manufacturing the compressor device according to one aspect of the present disclosure can achieve the effect of being able to determine an abnormality in the compressor more appropriately than in the past.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a compression device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a compression device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the compression device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the compression device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a compression device according to a modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a compression device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the compression device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the compression device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a compression device according to a first modified example of the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a compression device according to a second modified example of the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a compression device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0013] In the electrochemical cell for producing compressed hydrogen disclosed in Patent Document 1, the rigidity of the cathode is made lower than the rigidity of the anode, as described above. However, adequate consideration has not been given to an appropriate method for detecting abnormalities such as breakage of the electrolyte membrane in the electrochemical cell disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0014] After extensive research, the inventors have discovered that when supplying a test gas to an electrochemical cell to perform a leak test between the anode and cathode in order to detect the above-mentioned abnormality, supplying the test gas to the cathode rather than the anode can prevent damage to the electrolyte membrane during the test.

[0015] This is because the supply pressure of the test gas is relatively high to make leak detection easier, and if the test gas is supplied to the anode, the electrolyte membrane may fall toward the cathode, which has lower bending rigidity than the anode, and the electrolyte membrane may be damaged.

[0016] Therefore, the compression device of the first aspect of the present disclosure comprises a compressor that generates compressed hydrogen at the cathode by applying a voltage between an anode and a cathode having a lower bending rigidity than the anode, and by oxidation-reduction of the hydrogen generated at the cathode, or by electrolysis of water, and a controller that determines an abnormality based on the gas flow rate at the anode outlet or the pressure at the cathode after supplying test gas to the cathode from a test gas supplier at the time of startup or shutdown.

[0017] With this configuration, the compressor device of this aspect can determine whether the compressor is malfunctioning more appropriately than in the past.

[0018] Specifically, the amount of test gas leaking from the cathode to the anode through the electrolyte membrane after the test gas is supplied to the cathode from the test gas supply device is thought to change depending on the state of damage to the electrolyte membrane, so the compressor abnormality can be appropriately determined using the gas flow rate at the anode outlet or the cathode pressure after the test gas is supplied to the cathode from the test gas supply device.

[0019] If a high-pressure test gas is supplied to the anode by the test gas supply device, the electrolyte membrane is more likely to be damaged due to deformation than if the same test gas is supplied to the cathode, because the bending stiffness of the cathode is lower than that of the anode, as described above.

[0020] Therefore, the compression device of this embodiment checks whether or not the electrolyte membrane is damaged using the gas flow rate at the anode outlet or the cathode pressure after supplying the test gas from the test gas supplier to the cathode, thereby reducing the possibility of inducing damage to the electrolyte membrane during compressor inspection compared to when the same test gas is supplied to the anode.

[0021] A compression device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is the compression device according to the first aspect, wherein the supply pressure of the test gas from the test gas supplier may be higher than the supply pressure of the anode fluid during an operation of producing compressed hydrogen.

[0022] With this configuration, the compression device of this embodiment controls the supply pressure of the test gas from the test gas supply device so that it is higher than the supply pressure of the anode fluid during the compressed hydrogen production operation, making it easier to determine whether the compressor is malfunctioning compared to a case where such control is not performed. The reason for this is that the higher the supply pressure of the test gas is compared to the supply pressure of the anode fluid, the more noticeable the change in the gas flow rate at the anode outlet or the change in cathode pressure will be in the event of an abnormality such as electrolyte membrane damage.

[0023] A compression device of a third aspect of the present disclosure is the compression device of the first or second aspect, wherein the supply pressure of the test gas from the test gas supplier may be higher than the upper limit of the supply pressure of the anode fluid during the compressed hydrogen production operation.

[0024] With this configuration, the compression device of this aspect controls the supply pressure of the test gas from the test gas supplier so that it is higher than the upper limit of the supply pressure of the anode fluid during the compressed hydrogen production operation, making it easier to determine whether the compressor is malfunctioning compared to a case where such control is not performed. The reason for this is that the higher the supply pressure of the test gas is compared to the upper limit of the supply pressure of the anode fluid, the more noticeable the change in the gas flow rate at the anode outlet or the change in the cathode pressure will be in the event of an abnormality such as electrolyte membrane damage.

[0025] A compression device of a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the compression device of any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the bending stiffness of the cathode gas diffusion layer included in the cathode may be lower than the bending stiffness of the anode gas diffusion layer included in the anode.

[0026] A compressor device of a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the compressor device of any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the controller may determine that an abnormality has occurred when the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode after supplying the test gas to the cathode is equal to or greater than a first threshold value.

[0027] In an abnormal state where the electrolyte membrane is damaged, the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode tends to be higher than the gas flow rate in a normal state where the electrolyte membrane is not damaged. Therefore, by setting the first threshold to a desired value, the compressor device of this aspect can appropriately determine an abnormality in the compressor based on a comparison between the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode and the first threshold.

[0028] A compression device of a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the compression device of any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the controller may determine that an abnormality has occurred if the pressure of the cathode after supplying the test gas to the cathode is equal to or lower than a second threshold value.

[0029] In the abnormal state where the electrolyte membrane is damaged, the pressure at the cathode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode tends to be lower than the pressure at the cathode under normal conditions where the electrolyte membrane is not damaged. Therefore, by setting the second threshold to a desired value, the compressor device of this aspect can appropriately determine whether the compressor is malfunctioning based on a comparison between the pressure at the cathode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode and the second threshold.

[0030] A compression device of a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the compression device of any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the controller may determine that an abnormality has occurred if the pressure drop at the cathode after supplying the test gas to the cathode is equal to or greater than a third threshold value.

[0031] In an abnormal state where the electrolyte membrane is damaged, the pressure drop at the cathode after supplying the test gas to the cathode tends to be larger than the pressure drop at the cathode under normal conditions where the electrolyte membrane is not damaged. Therefore, by setting the third threshold to a desired value, the compressor device of this aspect can appropriately determine whether the compressor is malfunctioning based on a comparison between the pressure drop at the cathode after supplying the test gas to the cathode and the third threshold.

[0032] A compressor device of an eighth aspect of the present disclosure may be configured such that, in any one of the compressor devices of the first to seventh aspects, the controller determines that an abnormality has occurred if the rate at which the pressure of the cathode decreases after the test gas is supplied to the cathode is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold value.

[0033] In an abnormal state where the electrolyte membrane is damaged, the rate at which the pressure at the cathode decreases after the test gas is supplied to the cathode tends to be greater than the rate at which the pressure at the cathode decreases when the electrolyte membrane is not damaged. Therefore, by setting the fourth threshold to a desired value, the compressor device of this aspect can appropriately determine an abnormality in the compressor based on a comparison between the rate at which the pressure at the cathode decreases after the test gas is supplied to the cathode and the fourth threshold.

[0034] A method for operating a compressor device according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure involves applying a voltage between an anode and a cathode having a lower bending rigidity than the anode, generating compressed hydrogen at the cathode through oxidation-reduction of the hydrogen generated or electrolysis of water, and supplying a test gas to the cathode at startup or shutdown, and determining an abnormality based on the gas flow rate at the anode outlet or the pressure of the cathode after the test gas has been supplied.

[0035] The operational effects of the method for operating the compression device of this aspect are similar to those of the compression device of the first aspect, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0036] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a compression device, which includes stacking electrochemical cells including an electrolyte membrane, an anode on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a cathode on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane to produce a stack, supplying a test gas to the cathode, and determining an abnormality based on the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode or the pressure of the cathode after the test gas has been supplied.

[0037] The operational effects achieved by the method for manufacturing a compressor device of this aspect are similar to those achieved by the compressor device of the first aspect, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each of the embodiments described below illustrates an example of each of the above aspects. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, and the arrangement and connection of the components shown below are merely examples and do not limit the above aspects unless otherwise stated in the claims. Furthermore, among the following components, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept of this aspect will be described as optional components. Furthermore, in the drawings, descriptions of components with the same reference numerals may be omitted. For ease of understanding, the drawings illustrate each component schematically, and the shapes, dimensional ratios, and the like may not be accurately depicted. Furthermore, in the operation, the order of each process may be changed, and other known processes may be added, as necessary.

[0039] First Embodiment [Device Configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a compression device according to a first embodiment.

[0040] 1, the compression device 100 of this embodiment includes a compressor 1 and a controller 50. The compressor 1 includes an ion-conductive electrolyte membrane 11, an anode AN, and a cathode CA.

[0041] The compressor 1 is a device that generates compressed hydrogen at the cathode CA by oxidation-reduction of hydrogen generated by applying a voltage between the anode AN and the cathode CA, which has a lower bending rigidity than the anode AN, or by electrolysis of water.

[0042] Here, an electrochemical hydrogen pump can be given as an example of the compressor 1 in which compressed hydrogen is generated at the cathode CA through oxidation-reduction of hydrogen. In this case, during the compressed hydrogen generation operation, a hydrogen-containing gas is supplied to the anode AN as an anode fluid. That is, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump, a voltage is applied between the anode AN and the cathode CA, which are disposed on either side of the electrolyte membrane 11, so that hydrogen in the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode AN is oxidized to protons. These protons move to the cathode CA through the electrolyte membrane and are reduced, thereby generating compressed hydrogen at the cathode CA. Note that the hydrogen-containing gas may be, for example, hydrogen gas generated by electrolysis of water or reformed gas generated by a reforming reaction of a hydrocarbon gas.

[0043] Furthermore, examples of the compressor 1 in which compressed hydrogen is generated at the cathode CA by electrolysis of water include PEM-type and AEM (anion exchange membrane)-type water electrolysis devices. In this case, water is supplied to the anode AN as an anode fluid during the compressed hydrogen generation operation. However, in an AEM-type water electrolysis device, water may be supplied to the cathode CA. In other words, the water electrolysis device is a device that generates oxygen at the anode AN and hydrogen at the cathode CA by applying a voltage between the anode AN and the cathode CA, which are provided with the electrolyte membrane 11 sandwiched between them. At this time, in a PEM-type water electrolysis device, protons (H + ) is used, and in the AEM type water electrolysis device, anions (OH - ) is used.

[0044] Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of a compression device 100 equipped with an electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A, which is an example of a compressor 1, will be described in further detail with reference to FIG.

[0045] The anode AN is provided on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane 11. The anode AN is an electrode including an anode catalyst layer 22 and an anode gas diffusion layer 24. The cathode CA is provided on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane 11. The cathode CA is an electrode including a cathode catalyst layer 23 and a cathode gas diffusion layer 25. As a result, the electrolyte membrane 11 is sandwiched between the anode AN and the cathode CA so as to be in contact with the anode catalyst layer 22 and the cathode catalyst layer 23, respectively.

[0046] The electrolyte membrane 11 may have any configuration as long as it is a membrane having proton conductivity. For example, the electrolyte membrane 11 may be a fluorine-based polymer electrolyte membrane, a hydrocarbon-based electrolyte membrane, or the like. Specifically, the electrolyte membrane 11 may be, but is not limited to, Nafion (registered trademark, manufactured by DuPont) or Aciplex (registered trademark, manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation).

[0047] The anode catalyst layer 22 is provided on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane 11. The anode catalyst layer 22 includes, but is not limited to, carbon capable of supporting a catalytic metal (e.g., platinum) in a dispersed state.

[0048] The cathode catalyst layer 23 is provided on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane 11. The cathode catalyst layer 23 includes, but is not limited to, carbon capable of supporting a catalytic metal (e.g., platinum) in a dispersed state.

[0049] For both the cathode catalyst layer 23 and the anode catalyst layer 22, various methods can be used to prepare the catalyst, but these methods are not particularly limited. For example, carbon-based powders include powders of graphite, carbon black, and conductive activated carbon. The method for supporting platinum or other catalytic metals on a carbon support is not particularly limited. For example, methods such as powder mixing or liquid-phase mixing may be used. The latter liquid-phase mixing method includes, for example, dispersing a support such as carbon in a colloidal solution of catalyst components and allowing the support to adsorb. The state in which the catalytic metal, such as platinum, is supported on the carbon support is not particularly limited. For example, the catalytic metal may be microparticulated and supported on the support in a highly dispersed state.

[0050] The cathode gas diffusion layer 25 is provided on the cathode catalyst layer 23. The cathode gas diffusion layer 25 is made of a porous material and has electrical conductivity and gas diffusibility. It is desirable that the cathode gas diffusion layer 25 has elasticity so as to appropriately accommodate displacement and deformation of the components caused by the pressure difference between the cathode CA and the anode AN during operation of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. The substrate of the cathode gas diffusion layer 25 can be, for example, a carbon fiber sintered compact, but is not limited to this.

[0051] The anode gas diffusion layer 24 is provided on the anode catalyst layer 22. The anode gas diffusion layer 24 is made of a porous material and has electrical conductivity and gas diffusibility. It is desirable that the anode gas diffusion layer 24 has enough rigidity to withstand the pressure of the electrolyte membrane 11 caused by the pressure difference when the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is in operation. The substrate of the anode gas diffusion layer 24 can be, for example, a carbon particle sintered body or a titanium sintered body, but is not limited to these.

[0052] As described above, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A of this embodiment, the bending rigidity of the cathode gas diffusion layer 25 included in the cathode CA is lower than the bending rigidity of the anode gas diffusion layer 24 included in the anode AN.

[0053] In the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A, as described above, by applying a voltage between the anode AN and the cathode CA, hydrogen in the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode AN moves to the cathode CA, thereby generating compressed hydrogen at the cathode CA. This voltage may be applied by a voltage applicator (not shown).

[0054] The voltage applicator may have any configuration as long as it can apply a voltage between the anode AN and the cathode CA. Examples of the voltage applicator include a DC / DC converter and an AC / DC converter. A DC / DC converter is used when the voltage applicator is connected to a DC power source such as a solar cell, a fuel cell, or a battery. An AC / DC converter is used when the voltage applicator is connected to an AC power source such as a commercial power source. Furthermore, the voltage applicator may be, for example, a power supply that adjusts the voltage applied between the anode AN and the cathode CA and the current flowing between the anode AN and the cathode CA so that the power supplied to the electrochemical cell of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A reaches a predetermined set value.

[0055] The controller 50 determines whether an abnormality exists based on the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode AN or the pressure at the cathode CA after the test gas is supplied from the test gas supplier to the cathode CA at the time of start-up or shutdown. The controller 50 may also control the overall operation of the compressor 100.

[0056] Here, "during shutdown" refers to the time after the supply of cathode gas containing compressed hydrogen from the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A to a hydrogen consumer (not shown) has stopped. Alternatively, "during shutdown" may refer to the time after the compression operation that generates compressed hydrogen to be supplied to a hydrogen consumer has stopped.

[0057] "Start-up" refers to the time of preparation (start-up operation) for the start of compression operation of the compression device 100. The "start-up" of the compression device 100 may be started when an appropriate start-up signal is input to the controller 50. When the "start-up" of the compression device 100 is completed, the compression operation of the compression device 100 is started.

[0058] Furthermore, "determining an abnormality based on the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode AN after the test gas is supplied from the test gas supply device to the cathode CA" includes any form of determining an abnormality using the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode AN after the test gas is supplied from the test gas supply device to the cathode CA. For example, the determination may be based on the gas flow rate value at the outlet of the anode AN itself after the test gas is supplied from the test gas supply device to the cathode CA, or the determination may be based on a change in the gas flow rate value at the outlet of the anode AN after the test gas is supplied from the test gas supply device to the cathode CA. Alternatively, the determination may be based on the rate of change (differential value) of the gas flow rate value at the outlet of the anode AN after the test gas is supplied from the test gas supply device to the cathode CA.

[0059] Furthermore, "determining an abnormality based on the pressure of the cathode CA after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA from the test gas supply device" includes any form of determining an abnormality using the outlet of the anode AN after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA from the test gas supply device. For example, the determination may be based on the pressure value of the cathode CA itself after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA from the test gas supply device, or may be based on a change in the pressure value of the cathode CA after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA from the test gas supply device. Alternatively, the determination may be based on the rate of change (differential value) of the pressure value of the cathode CA after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA from the test gas supply device.

[0060] Examples of the hydrogen consumers include hydrogen storage devices, fuel cells, hydrogen infrastructure piping, etc. Examples of the hydrogen storage devices include dispensers installed at hydrogen stations, hydrogen cylinders, etc.

[0061] The controller 50 includes, for example, an arithmetic circuit (not shown) and a memory circuit (not shown) that stores a control program. Examples of the arithmetic circuit include an MPU and a CPU. Examples of the memory circuit include a memory. The controller 50 may be configured as a single controller that performs centralized control, or may be configured as a plurality of controllers that cooperate with each other to perform distributed control.

[0062] Although not shown in the drawings, members and devices required for the hydrogen compression operation of the compression device 100 are provided as appropriate.

[0063] For example, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A, a pair of separators may sandwich the anode AN and the cathode CA from the outside, respectively. In this case, the separator in contact with the anode AN is a conductive plate-shaped member for supplying a hydrogen-containing gas to the anode AN. This plate-shaped member has a serpentine-shaped gas flow path through which the hydrogen-containing gas to be supplied to the anode AN flows. The separator in contact with the cathode CA is a conductive plate-shaped member for extracting hydrogen from the cathode CA. This plate-shaped member has a gas flow path through which the hydrogen extracted from the cathode CA flows.

[0064] Furthermore, in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A, sealing materials such as gaskets are usually provided on both sides of the electrochemical cell to prevent high-pressure hydrogen from leaking to the outside, and the electrochemical cell is pre-assembled as an integral part of the electrochemical cell of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. Then, the separators described above are arranged on the outside of the electrochemical cell to mechanically fix it and to electrically connect adjacent electrochemical cells to each other in series.

[0065] A typical stack structure involves alternately stacking electrochemical cells and separators to form a stack of approximately 10 to 200 electrochemical cells, sandwiching the stack between end plates via current collector plates and insulating plates, and fastening both end plates with fastening rods. In this case, to supply an appropriate amount of hydrogen-containing gas to each gas flow channel of the separator, each separator must have a groove-shaped branch path branched from an appropriate pipe line, with its downstream end connected to one end of each gas flow channel of the separator. To discharge an appropriate amount of hydrogen-containing gas from each gas flow channel of the separator, each separator must have a groove-shaped branch path branched from an appropriate pipe line, with its upstream end connected to the other end of each gas flow channel of the separator. Furthermore, to discharge high-pressure cathode gas from each separator's cathode, each separator must have a groove-shaped branch path branched from an appropriate pipe line, with its upstream end connected to the cathode of the separator.

[0066] The above-described pipes are called manifolds, and the manifolds are formed, for example, by a series of through-holes provided at appropriate positions in the members that make up the stack.

[0067] The compression device 100 may also be provided with a temperature detector that detects the temperature of the electrochemical cell, a temperature regulator that adjusts the temperature of the electrochemical cell, a dew point regulator that adjusts the dew point of the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode AN, and the like.

[0068] The above-mentioned members and devices not shown are merely examples and are not limited to this example.

[0069] [Operation] An example of the hydrogen compression operation of the compression device 100 will now be described with reference to the drawings. The following operation may be performed, for example, by the arithmetic circuit of the controller 50 reading out a control program from the memory circuit of the controller 50. However, it is not essential that the following operation be performed by the controller 50. An operator may perform some of the operations. In the following example, a case where the operation is controlled by the controller 50 will be described.

[0070] First, low-pressure, high-humidity hydrogen-containing gas is supplied to the anode AN of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A, and a voltage from a voltage applicator is applied to the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. Then, in the anode catalyst layer 22 of the anode AN, hydrogen molecules separate into protons and electrons (Equation (1)). The protons are conducted through the electrolyte membrane 11 and move to the cathode catalyst layer 23. The electrons move to the cathode catalyst layer 23 via the voltage applicator.

[0071] Then, hydrogen molecules are generated again in the cathode catalyst layer 23 (Equation (2)). It is known that when the protons move through the electrolyte membrane 11, a certain amount of water accompanies the protons as electro-osmotic water from the anode AN to the cathode CA.

[0072] In this case, for example, when high-pressure compressed hydrogen generated at the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is supplied to a hydrogen storage tank (not shown) through a cathode gas outlet passage (not shown), the hydrogen (H) generated at the cathode CA can be compressed by increasing the pressure loss in the cathode gas outlet passage using a back pressure valve, an adjustment valve (not shown), etc., provided in the cathode gas outlet passage. Increasing the pressure loss in the cathode gas outlet passage here corresponds to reducing the opening of the back pressure valve or adjustment valve provided in the cathode gas outlet passage.

[0073] Anode: H2 (low pressure) → 2H + +2e - ... (1) Cathode: 2H + +2e - →H2 (high pressure) ... (2) In this way, in the compression device 100, by applying a voltage between the anode AN and the cathode CA, which are disposed on either side of the electrolyte membrane 11, hydrogen in the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the anode AN is moved to the cathode CA, thereby generating compressed hydrogen. The cathode gas containing compressed hydrogen generated at the cathode CA is temporarily stored in a hydrogen storage vessel, for example, after moisture and impurities are removed from the cathode gas.

[0074] Next, the compression operation of the compression device 100 is stopped. Specifically, for example, the back pressure valve and the adjustment valve provided in the cathode gas outlet flow path are closed to stop the supply of cathode gas from the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A to the hydrogen storage tank. The cathode gas stored in the hydrogen storage tank may be supplied to a fuel cell or the like at an appropriate time.

[0075] Here, in the compression device 100 of this embodiment, when starting up or shutting down, an inspection gas is supplied to the cathode CA, and an abnormality is determined based on the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode AN or the pressure of the cathode CA after the inspection gas has been supplied.

[0076] As described above, the compression device 100 and the method for operating the compression device 100 according to this embodiment can determine abnormalities in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A more appropriately than conventional methods.

[0077] Specifically, the amount of test gas leaking from the cathode CA to the anode AN through the electrolyte membrane 11 after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA from the test gas supply device is thought to change depending on the state of damage to the electrolyte membrane 11, so an abnormality in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A can be appropriately determined using the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode AN or the pressure of the cathode CA after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA from the test gas supply device.

[0078] If a high-pressure test gas is supplied to the anode AN by the test gas supply device, the electrolyte membrane 11 is more likely to be damaged due to deformation of the electrolyte membrane 11 than when the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA. This is because, as described above, the bending rigidity of the cathode CA is lower than that of the anode AN.

[0079] Therefore, the compression device 100 and the operating method of the compression device 100 of this embodiment check whether or not the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged by using the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode AN or the pressure of the cathode CA after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA from the test gas supplier, thereby reducing the possibility of inducing damage to the electrolyte membrane 11 when testing the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A compared to when the test gas is supplied to the anode AN.

[0080] First Example The compression device 100 of this example is similar to the compression device 100 of the first embodiment, except for the supply pressure of the test gas, which will be described below.

[0081] In the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A of this embodiment, the supply pressure of the test gas from the test gas supply device is higher than the supply pressure of the hydrogen-containing gas during the compressed hydrogen production operation. Specifically, the supply pressure of the hydrogen-containing gas during the compressed hydrogen production operation is often set to an appropriate value, for example, about 0.1 MPaG (gauge pressure) or less. Therefore, the supply pressure of the test gas is set to a value higher than about 0.1 MPaG, for example, preferably at least 0.2 MPaG or more, and more preferably 0.4 MPaG or more.

[0082] The upper limit of the supply pressure of the test gas is the design upper limit pressure of the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A, in other words, the endurance pressure of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. The design upper limit pressure of the cathode CA is often set, for example, to several times the upper limit value of the cathode CA during compressed hydrogen generation operation. An example of the upper limit value of the cathode CA during compressed hydrogen generation operation is approximately 40 MPaG.

[0083] As described above, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A of this embodiment controls the supply pressure of the test gas from the test gas supply device so that it is higher than the supply pressure of the hydrogen-containing gas during the compressed hydrogen production operation, making it easier to determine whether there is an abnormality in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A than if such control is not performed. The reason for this is that the higher the supply pressure of the test gas is compared to the supply pressure of the hydrogen-containing gas, the more noticeable the change in the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode AN or the change in pressure at the cathode CA in the event of an abnormality such as damage to the electrolyte membrane 11 becomes.

[0084] The compression device 100 of this embodiment may be similar to the compression device 100 of the first embodiment except for the above-mentioned features.

[0085] Second Example The compression device 100 of this example is similar to the compression device 100 of the first embodiment, except for the supply pressure of the test gas, which will be described below.

[0086] In the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A of this embodiment, the supply pressure of the test gas from the test gas supply device is higher than the upper limit of the supply pressure of the hydrogen-containing gas during the compressed hydrogen production operation. Specifically, the upper limit of the supply pressure of the hydrogen-containing gas during the compressed hydrogen production operation is often set to, for example, about 0.1 MPaG (gauge pressure). Therefore, the supply pressure of the test gas is set to a value higher than about 0.1 MPaG, preferably at least 0.2 MPaG or higher, and more preferably 0.4 MPaG or higher.

[0087] The upper limit of the supply pressure of the test gas is the design upper limit pressure of the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A, in other words, the endurance pressure of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. The design upper limit pressure of the cathode CA is often set, for example, to several times the upper limit value of the cathode CA during compressed hydrogen generation operation. An example of the upper limit value of the cathode CA during compressed hydrogen generation operation is approximately 40 MPaG.

[0088] As described above, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A of this embodiment controls the supply pressure of the test gas from the test gas supply device so that it is higher than the upper limit of the supply pressure of the hydrogen-containing gas during the compressed hydrogen production operation, making it easier to determine whether there is an abnormality in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A than if such control is not performed. The reason for this is that the higher the supply pressure of the test gas is compared to the upper limit of the supply pressure of the hydrogen-containing gas, the more noticeable the change in the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode AN or the change in pressure at the cathode CA in the event of an abnormality such as damage to the electrolyte membrane 11 becomes.

[0089] Other than the above-mentioned features, the compression device 100 of this embodiment may be similar to the compression device 100 of the first embodiment or the first example of the first embodiment.

[0090] Second Embodiment [Device Configuration] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a compression device according to a second embodiment.

[0091] 2, the compression device 100 of this embodiment includes an electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A, an inspection gas supply path 5, an anode supply path 8, an anode discharge path 6, and a controller 50. Here, the configuration of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is the same as that of the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0092] The anode supply passage 8 is a passage for supplying a hydrogen-containing gas to the anode AN of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A.

[0093] The downstream end of the anode supply channel 8 may be connected to any location that communicates with the anode AN of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. For example, the downstream end of the anode supply channel 8 may be connected to the inlet of the anode AN. Specifically, when the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A includes the stack described above, the downstream end of the anode supply channel 8 may be connected to a manifold for introducing a hydrogen-containing gas. The upstream end of the anode supply channel 8 may be connected to, for example, an appropriate hydrogen supply source. Examples of hydrogen supply sources include a water electrolysis device, a reformer, and a hydrogen tank.

[0094] The anode discharge passage 6 is a passage for discharging excess hydrogen-containing gas from the anode AN of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A.

[0095] The upstream end of the anode discharge channel 6 may be connected to any location that communicates with the anode AN of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. For example, the upstream end of the anode discharge channel 6 may be connected to the outlet of the anode AN. Specifically, when the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A includes the stack described above, the upstream end of the anode discharge channel 6 may be connected to a manifold for discharging hydrogen-containing gas.

[0096] Here, during the compression operation of the compression device 100, the anode discharge channel 6 may be routed so that the downstream end of the anode discharge channel 6 is connected, for example, to an appropriate position of the anode supply channel 8. This allows the hydrogen-containing gas discharged from the anode AN to be appropriately reused during the compression operation of the compression device 100.

[0097] On the other hand, when the test gas is supplied from the test gas supply device to the cathode CA, the downstream end of the anode discharge path 6 may be connected to, for example, a flow meter or a gas sensor. As the gas sensor, for example, a gas detector (model number: GP-1000) manufactured by Riken Keiki Co., Ltd. can be used, but is not limited to this.

[0098] The test gas supply path 5 is a flow path for supplying the test gas to the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A.

[0099] The downstream end of the inspection gas supply path 5 may be connected to any location that communicates with the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. For example, the downstream end of the inspection gas supply path 5 may be connected to the outlet of the cathode CA. Specifically, when the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A includes the stack described above, the downstream end of the inspection gas supply path 5 may be connected to a manifold for discharging cathode gas. The upstream end of the inspection gas supply path 5 may be connected to, for example, an inspection gas supplier.

[0100] The test gas supply device may be, for example, a test gas supply source having a predetermined supply pressure, a pump communicating with the test gas supply source, or the like.

[0101] Examples of the former test gas supply source include a hydrogen gas girdle, a hydrogen gas cylinder, a helium gas cylinder, etc. For example, a hydrogen gas girdle or a hydrogen gas cylinder can be used when starting or stopping the compressor 100. Before the compressor 100 is shipped from the factory, a helium gas cylinder can be used.

[0102] Here, the pump may be an external device provided outside the compressor 100, but it may also be configured as an internal device provided in the compressor 100. A specific example of such a configuration will be described in a modified example.

[0103] The controller 50 determines that an abnormality has occurred when the gas flow rate L at the outlet of the anode AN after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA is equal to or greater than the threshold value A.

[0104] 4 is a reference value appropriately set to determine whether or not there is damage to the electrolyte membrane 11, and can be determined, for example, from the measurement value of the flow meter under normal conditions when there is no damage to the electrolyte membrane 11. The detailed configuration of the controller 50 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0105] [Operation] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the compression device of the second embodiment. The operation shown in Fig. 3 may be performed, for example, by the arithmetic circuit of the controller 50 reading a control program from the memory circuit of the controller 50. However, it is not necessarily required that this operation be performed by the controller 50. An operator may perform some of the operations. In the following example, a case where the operation is controlled by the controller 50 will be described.

[0106] In step S1, when the compression operation of the compression device 100 is stopped (if "YES" in step S1), an inspection of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A, which will be described below, is carried out while the compression operation of the compression device 100 is stopped.

[0107] First, in step S2, the supply of the test gas to the cathode CA is started. For example, a valve provided in the test gas supply path 5 is opened, and an appropriate amount of the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA for a predetermined time.

[0108] Next, in step S3, the supply of the inspection gas to the cathode CA is stopped. For example, the valve provided in the inspection gas supply path 5 is closed.

[0109] Next, in step S4, after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA, the flow rate L of the gas passing through the outlet of the anode AN is derived using a flow meter provided at the outlet of the anode AN.

[0110] Next, in step S5, it is determined whether the gas flow rate L in step S4 is equal to or greater than a threshold value A (Ls).

[0111] In step S5, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 4, if the gas flow rate L in step S4 is equal to or greater than the threshold value A (Ls) (if the answer is "YES" in step S5), it is determined in step S6 that damage to the electrolyte membrane 11 exists.

[0112] In step S5, if the gas flow rate L in step S4 is not equal to or greater than the threshold value A (Ls) ("NO" in step S5), it is determined in step S7 that the electrolyte membrane 11 is not damaged.

[0113] The above-described inspection of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is merely an example and is not limited to this example. For example, in the above, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is inspected when the compression operation of the compression device 100 is stopped, but such inspection may also be performed when the compression operation of the compression device 100 is started. Furthermore, in the above, a flow meter is used to determine whether or not the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged, but a gas sensor may also be used to determine whether or not the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged.

[0114] In an abnormal state where the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged, the gas flow rate L at the outlet of the anode AN after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA is likely to be higher than the gas flow rate L in normal states where the electrolyte membrane 11 is not damaged. Therefore, by setting the threshold value A (Ls) to a desired value, the compression device 100 of this embodiment can appropriately determine an abnormality in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A based on a comparison between the gas flow rate L at the outlet of the anode AN after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA and the threshold value A (Ls).

[0115] Other than the above-mentioned features, the compression device 100 of this embodiment may be similar to the compression device 100 of any one of the first embodiment and the first and second examples of the first embodiment.

[0116] (Modification) The compression device 100 of this modification is similar to the compression device 100 of the second embodiment except for the gas flow path configuration described below.

[0117] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a compression device according to a modified example of the second embodiment.

[0118] 5, the compression device 100 of this embodiment includes an electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A, an inspection gas supply passage 5A, a second valve 5B, an anode supply passage 8A, a first valve 8B, an anode discharge passage 6, a hydrogen-containing gas supply device 7, and a controller 50. The configuration of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is the same as that of the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted. Also, the configuration of the anode discharge passage 6 is the same as that of the second embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0119] The hydrogen-containing gas supply device 7 is provided in the anode supply path 8A and is a device for supplying a hydrogen-containing gas to the anode AN of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A as shown by the dotted line in Fig. 5. The hydrogen-containing gas supply device 7 may have any configuration as long as it can supply a hydrogen-containing gas to the anode AN of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. The hydrogen-containing gas supply device 7 may be, for example, a pump, but is not limited to this.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 5 , the inspection gas supply line 5A branches off from the anode supply line 8A between the hydrogen-containing gas supply device 7 and the first valve 8B and serves to supply the inspection gas to the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. Specifically, the upstream end of the inspection gas supply line 5A connects to the anode supply line 8A at a branch point BR. The inspection gas supply line 5A extends so as to communicate with the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. The downstream end of the inspection gas supply line 5A may be connected to any location that communicates with the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. For example, if the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A includes the stack described above, the downstream end of the inspection gas supply line 5A may communicate with a manifold for discharging hydrogen.

[0121] As described above, in the compression device 100 of this modified example, the hydrogen-containing gas supply device 7 provided in the compression device 100 is used as the test gas supply device. In this case, a hydrogen-containing gas is used as the test gas. That is, the hydrogen-containing gas supply device 7 is provided in the anode supply path 8A, and is a device for supplying a hydrogen-containing gas as the test gas to the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 5 .

[0122] As described above, the compression device 100 of this modified example can reduce the number of parts compared to when an external device provided outside the compression device 100 is used as the inspection gas supplier.

[0123] Here, the first valve 8B is provided in the anode supply line 8A downstream of the branch point BR and is a valve for opening and closing the anode supply line 8A. The second valve 5B is provided in the inspection gas supply line 5A and is a valve for opening and closing the inspection gas supply line 5A. In other words, when the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is inspected, the first valve 8B is closed and the second valve 5B is opened.

[0124] The first valve 8B and the second valve 5B may have any configuration as long as they can open and close the anode supply channel 8A and the inspection gas supply channel 5A.

[0125] For example, the first valve 8B and the second valve 5B may be an on-off valve, etc. Such on-off valves may be, for example, a drive valve or a solenoid valve driven by nitrogen gas or air, etc., but are not limited to these.

[0126] The gas flow path configuration of the compression device 100 described above is merely an example and is not limited to this example. For example, if the compression device 100 is a water electrolysis device, a water supply provided in the water electrolysis device can be used as the test gas supply device. In this case, when testing the compressor 1, a tank that stores an appropriate test gas is connected to the water supply device. Furthermore, a three-way valve provided at the branch point BR can be used instead of the first valve 8B and the second valve 5B.

[0127] The operational effects achieved by the compression device 100 of this modified example are similar to those achieved by the compression device 100 of the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0128] Other than the above-mentioned features, the compression device 100 of this modified example may be similar to the compression device 100 of any one of the first embodiment, the first to second examples of the first embodiment, and the second embodiment.

[0129] Third Embodiment [Device Configuration] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a compression device according to a third embodiment.

[0130] 6, the compression device 100 of this embodiment includes an electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A, a pressure gauge 9, and a controller 50. Here, the configuration of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is the same as that of the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0131] The pressure gauge 9 is a device that detects the pressure of the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. The pressure gauge 9 may have any configuration as long as it can detect the pressure of the cathode CA of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A. For example, the pressure gauge 9 may be configured to detect the pressure in a gas flow passage that communicates with the cathode CA.

[0132] The controller 50 determines that an abnormality has occurred if the pressure of the cathode CA after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA is equal to or lower than the threshold value B.

[0133] 8 is a reference value appropriately set to determine whether or not the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged, and can be determined, for example, from the measurement value of the pressure gauge 9 under normal conditions when the electrolyte membrane 11 is not damaged. The detailed configuration of the controller 50 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0134] [Operation] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the compression device of the third embodiment. The operation shown in Fig. 7 may be performed, for example, by the arithmetic circuit of the controller 50 reading out a control program from the memory circuit of the controller 50. However, it is not necessarily required that this operation be performed by the controller 50. An operator may perform some of the operations. In the following example, a case where the operation is controlled by the controller 50 will be described.

[0135] In step S11, when the compression operation of the compression device 100 is stopped (if "YES" in step S11), an inspection of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A, which will be described below, is performed when the compression operation of the compression device 100 is stopped. Note that steps S12 and S13 are similar to steps S2 and S3 in Fig. 3, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0136] In step S14, after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA, the pressure P of the cathode CA is derived using the pressure gauge 9.

[0137] Next, in step S15, it is determined whether the pressure P in step S14 is equal to or less than a threshold value B (Ps).

[0138] In step S15, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 8, if the pressure P in step S14 is less than or equal to the threshold value B (Ps) (if the answer is "YES" in step S15), it is determined in step S16 that there is damage to the electrolyte membrane 11.

[0139] In step S15, if the pressure P in step S14 is not equal to or less than the threshold value B (Ps) ("NO" in step S15), it is determined in step S17 that the electrolyte membrane 11 is not damaged.

[0140] The above-described inspection of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is merely an example and is not limited to this example. For example, in the above example, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is inspected when the compression operation of the compression device 100 is stopped, but such inspection may also be performed when the compression operation of the compression device 100 is started.

[0141] In the event of an abnormality in which the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged, the pressure P at the cathode CA after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA is likely to be smaller than the pressure P at the cathode CA under normal conditions in which the electrolyte membrane 11 is not damaged. Therefore, by setting the threshold value B (Ps) to a desired value, the compression device 100 of this embodiment can appropriately determine an abnormality in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A based on a comparison of the cathode pressure P after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA with the threshold value B (Ps).

[0142] Other than the above-mentioned features, the compression device 100 of this embodiment may be similar to the compression device 100 of any of the first embodiment, the first to second examples of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the variant of the second embodiment.

[0143] (First Modification) The compression device 100 of this modification is similar to the compression device 100 of the third embodiment, except for the control content of the controller 50, which will be described below.

[0144] The controller 50 determines that an abnormality has occurred if the rate of pressure decrease in the cathode CA after supplying the test gas to the cathode CA is equal to or greater than the threshold value C. In other words, the "threshold value C" corresponds to an example of the "fourth threshold value" of the present disclosure. Here, the "rate of pressure decrease in the cathode CA" can be expressed, for example, as the rate of decrease (ΔP / Δt) of the pressure (P) of the cathode CA per unit time (Δt) after supplying the test gas to the cathode CA. Therefore, in this modified example, a case will be described in which the "rate of pressure decrease in the cathode CA" is expressed by the above-mentioned amount of change (ΔP / Δt).

[0145] 8 is a reference value appropriately set to determine whether or not the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged, and can be determined, for example, from the measurement value of the pressure gauge 9 under normal conditions when the electrolyte membrane 11 is not damaged. The detailed configuration of the controller 50 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0146] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the compression device of the first modified example of the third embodiment. The operation shown in Fig. 9 may be performed, for example, by the arithmetic circuit of the controller 50 reading a control program from the memory circuit of the controller 50. However, it is not necessarily required that this operation be performed by the controller 50. An operator may perform part of the operation. In the following example, a case where the operation is controlled by the controller 50 will be described.

[0147] In step S21, when the compression operation of the compression device 100 is stopped (if "YES" in step S21), an inspection of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A, which will be described below, is performed when the compression operation of the compression device 100 is stopped. Note that steps S22 and S23 are similar to steps S2 and S3 in Figure 3, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0148] In step S24, after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA, the pressure gauge 9 is used to derive the rate of pressure decrease (ΔP / Δt) of the cathode CA.

[0149] Next, in step S25, it is determined whether the rate of pressure decrease (ΔP / Δt) in step S24 is equal to or greater than a threshold value C (ΔPs / Δt).

[0150] In step S25, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 8, if the rate of pressure decrease (ΔP / Δt) in step S24 is equal to or greater than the threshold value C (ΔPs / Δt) (if the answer is "YES" in step S25), it is determined in step S26 that there is damage to the electrolyte membrane 11.

[0151] In step S25, if the rate of pressure decrease (ΔP / Δt) in step S24 is not greater than or equal to threshold value C (ΔPs / Δt) (if "NO" in step S25), it is determined in step S27 that there is no damage to the electrolyte membrane 11.

[0152] The above-described inspection of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is merely an example and is not limited to this example. For example, in the above example, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is inspected when the compression operation of the compression device 100 is stopped, but such inspection may also be performed when the compression operation of the compression device 100 is started.

[0153] In the event of an abnormality in which the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged, the rate of pressure drop (ΔP / Δt) at the cathode CA after supplying the test gas to the cathode CA tends to be greater than the rate of pressure drop (ΔP / Δt) at the cathode CA under normal conditions in which the electrolyte membrane 11 is not damaged. Therefore, by setting the threshold value C (ΔPs / Δt) to a desired value, the compression device 100 of this embodiment can appropriately determine an abnormality in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A based on a comparison of the rate of pressure drop (ΔP / Δt) at the cathode after supplying the test gas to the cathode CA with the threshold value C (ΔPs / Δt).

[0154] Other than the above-mentioned features, the compression device 100 of this embodiment may be similar to the compression device 100 of any of the first embodiment, the first to second examples of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the modified example of the second embodiment, and the third embodiment.

[0155] (Second Modification) The compression device 100 of this modification is similar to the compression device 100 of the third embodiment, except for the control content of the controller 50, which will be described below.

[0156] The controller 50 determines that an abnormality has occurred if the pressure drop at the cathode CA after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA is equal to or greater than the threshold value D. In other words, the "threshold value D" corresponds to an example of the "third threshold value" of the present disclosure. Here, the "pressure drop at the cathode CA" can be expressed, for example, as the difference (ΔP) in the pressure (P) at the cathode CA at a predetermined time (Δt) after the test gas has been supplied to the cathode CA. Therefore, in this modified example, a case will be described in which the "pressure drop at the cathode CA" is expressed as the above-mentioned change (ΔP).

[0157] 8 is a reference value appropriately set to determine whether or not the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged, and can be determined, for example, from the measurement value of the pressure gauge 9 under normal conditions when the electrolyte membrane 11 is not damaged. The detailed configuration of the controller 50 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0158] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the compression device of the second modified example of the third embodiment. The operation shown in Fig. 10 may be performed, for example, by the arithmetic circuit of the controller 50 reading a control program from the memory circuit of the controller 50. However, it is not necessarily required that this operation be performed by the controller 50. An operator may perform some of the operations. In the following example, a case where the operation is controlled by the controller 50 will be described.

[0159] In step S31, when the compression operation of the compression device 100 is stopped (if "YES" in step S31), an inspection of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A, which will be described below, is performed when the compression operation of the compression device 100 is stopped. Note that steps S32 and S33 are similar to steps S2 and S3 in Figure 3, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0160] In step S40, it is determined whether a predetermined time (Δt) has elapsed.

[0161] In step S40, if the predetermined time (Δt) has not elapsed ("No" in step S40), the operation of step S40 is executed again.

[0162] In step S40, if a predetermined time (Δt) has elapsed (if "Yes" in step S40), the process proceeds to the next step, and in step S34, the pressure drop (ΔP) of the cathode CA during the predetermined time (Δt) after the completion of the supply of the test gas to the cathode CA is calculated using the pressure gauge 9. Specifically, the difference between the pressure immediately after the supply of the test gas to the cathode (CA) is stopped in step S33 and the pressure after the predetermined time (Δt) has elapsed since step S33 in step S40 is the pressure drop value (ΔP).

[0163] Next, in step S35, it is determined whether the pressure drop (ΔP) in step S34 is equal to or greater than a threshold value D (ΔPs).

[0164] In step S35, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 8, if the pressure drop (ΔP) in step S34 is greater than or equal to the threshold value D (ΔPs) (if the answer is "YES" in step S35), it is determined in step S36 that there is damage to the electrolyte membrane 11.

[0165] In step S35, if the pressure drop (ΔP) in step S34 is not equal to or greater than the threshold value D (ΔPs) ("NO" in step S35), it is determined in step S37 that the electrolyte membrane 11 is not damaged.

[0166] The above-described inspection of the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is merely an example and is not limited to this example. For example, in the above example, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is inspected when the compression operation of the compression device 100 is stopped, but such inspection may also be performed when the compression operation of the compression device 100 is started.

[0167] In the event of an abnormality in which the electrolyte membrane 11 is damaged, the pressure drop (ΔP) at the cathode CA after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA is likely to be larger than the pressure drop (ΔP) at the cathode CA under normal conditions in which the electrolyte membrane 11 is not damaged. Therefore, by setting the threshold value D (ΔPs) to a desired value, the compression device 100 of this embodiment can appropriately determine an abnormality in the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A based on a comparison of the pressure drop (ΔP) at the cathode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode CA with the threshold value D (ΔPs).

[0168] Other than the above-mentioned features, the compression device 100 of this embodiment may be similar to the compression device 100 of any of the first embodiment, the first to second examples of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the modified example of the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and the first modified example of the third embodiment.

[0169] Fourth Embodiment The compression device 100 of this embodiment is similar to the compression device 100 of the first embodiment, except for the manufacturing method of the electrochemical cell 1B, which will be described below.

[0170] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method for manufacturing the compression device of the fourth embodiment.

[0171] In the compression device 100 of this embodiment, the electrochemical hydrogen pump 1A is inspected as follows during the manufacturing process before the compression device 100 is shipped from the factory.

[0172] First, a stack is prepared by stacking electrochemical cells 1B each including an electrolyte membrane 11, an anode AN on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane 11, and a cathode CA on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane 11. Although only a single electrochemical cell 1B is shown in FIG. 10, the stack often includes approximately 10 to 200 electrochemical cells 1B.

[0173] Next, a test gas is supplied to the cathode CA, and an abnormality is determined based on the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode AN or the pressure of the cathode CA after the test gas has been supplied. At this time, the controller for determining an abnormality in the stack is an external device provided outside the compressor 100. However, this controller may also be built into the compressor 100. The detailed configuration of the controller and the test of the electrochemical hydrogen pump performed by this controller are the same as in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0174] The operational effects achieved by the method for manufacturing the compressor 100 of this embodiment are similar to those achieved by the compressor 100 of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0175] Other than the above-described features, the manufacturing method of the compression device 100 of this embodiment may be the same as any of the first embodiment, the first to second examples of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the modified example of the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and the first modified example to the second modified example of the third embodiment.

[0176] Note that the first embodiment, the first example to the second example of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the modified example of the second embodiment, the third embodiment, the first modified example to the second modified example of the third embodiment, and the fourth embodiment may be combined with one another as long as they do not exclude one another. Furthermore, many improvements and other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above description. Therefore, the above description should be construed as merely illustrative and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode for carrying out the present disclosure. Details of the structure and / or function thereof may be substantially changed without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0177] An aspect of the present disclosure can be utilized in a compressor device, a method for operating a compressor device, and a method for manufacturing a compressor device, which can determine an abnormality in a compressor more appropriately than conventional methods.

[0178] 1: Compressor 1A: Electrochemical hydrogen pump 1B: Electrochemical cell 5: Inspection gas supply channel 5A: Inspection gas supply channel 5B: Second valve 6: Anode discharge channel 7: Hydrogen-containing gas supply device 8: Anode supply channel 8A: Anode supply channel 8B: First valve 9: Pressure gauge 11: Electrolyte membrane 22: Anode catalyst layer 23: Cathode catalyst layer 24: Anode gas diffusion layer 25: Cathode gas diffusion layer 50: Controller 100: Compression device A: Threshold value AN: Anode B: Threshold value BR: Branch point C: Threshold value CA: Cathode D: Threshold value L: Gas flow rate P: Pressure

Claims

1. a compressor that applies a voltage between an anode and a cathode having a bending rigidity lower than that of the anode to generate compressed hydrogen at the cathode through oxidation-reduction of the generated hydrogen or electrolysis of water; a controller that determines an abnormality based on the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode or the pressure of the cathode after a test gas is supplied to the cathode from a test gas supplier at the time of start-up or shutdown.

2. 2. The compression device according to claim 1, wherein the supply pressure of the test gas from the test gas supplier is higher than the supply pressure of the anode fluid during the operation of producing compressed hydrogen.

3. 3. The compression device according to claim 1, wherein the supply pressure of the test gas from the test gas supplier is higher than an upper limit value of the supply pressure of the anode fluid during the operation of producing compressed hydrogen.

4. 4. The compressor according to claim 1, wherein the bending stiffness of a cathode gas diffusion layer included in the cathode is lower than the bending stiffness of an anode gas diffusion layer included in the anode.

5. The compressor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the controller determines that an abnormality has occurred when a gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode is equal to or greater than a first threshold value.

6. The compressor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the controller determines that an abnormality has occurred when the pressure of the cathode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode is equal to or lower than a second threshold value.

7. The compressor device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the controller determines that an abnormality has occurred when a pressure drop at the cathode after the test gas is supplied to the cathode is equal to or greater than a third threshold value.

8. The compressor device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the controller determines that an abnormality has occurred when a rate at which the pressure at the cathode decreases after the test gas is supplied to the cathode is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold value.

9. A voltage is applied between an anode and a cathode having a bending rigidity lower than that of the anode, and compressed hydrogen is generated at the cathode through oxidation-reduction of the generated hydrogen or electrolysis of water; A method for operating a compressor, comprising: supplying a test gas to the cathode at the time of start-up or shutdown; and determining whether or not there is an abnormality based on the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode or the pressure of the cathode after the test gas has been supplied.

10. preparing a laminate by stacking electrochemical cells including an electrolyte membrane, an anode on one main surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a cathode having a bending rigidity lower than that of the anode on the other main surface of the electrolyte membrane; A method for manufacturing a compressor, comprising: supplying a test gas to the cathode; and determining whether or not there is an abnormality based on the gas flow rate at the outlet of the anode or the pressure of the cathode after the test gas has been supplied.