Controller for electrolytic device, electrolysis equipment, and method for controlling electrolytic device

Abstract

Provided is a controller for controlling an electrolytic device comprising: an electrolytic tank including an electrolytic cell having a first chamber and a second chamber; a first circulation line for circulating a first electrolytic liquid between the first chamber and a first gas-liquid separator; a second circulation line for circulating a second electrolytic liquid between the second chamber and a second gas-liquid separator; a first cooling part provided to the first circulation line; and a second cooling part provided to the second circulation line. The controller comprises: a temperature difference acquisition unit configured so as to acquire a temperature difference between the temperature of the first electrolytic liquid being flowing through the first circulation line and the temperature of the second electrolytic liquid being flowing through the second circulation line; and a flow rate balance regulation unit configured so as to regulate, on the basis of the temperature difference, the flow rate of the cooling fluid being supplied to the first cooling part or to the second cooling part or the circulation flow rate of the first electrolytic liquid or the second electrolytic liquid.

Description

Control device for electrolysis device, electrolysis equipment, and control method for electrolysis device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device for an electrolysis device, electrolysis equipment, and a control method for an electrolysis device. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-161405 filed with the Japan Patent Office on September 18, 2024, and incorporates its content herein by reference.

[0002] In an electrolysis device (for example, a water electrolysis device) for electrolyzing an electrolytic solution, while circulating the electrolytic solution between an electrolytic cell including an electrolytic cell provided with electrodes and a diaphragm and a gas-liquid separator, electrolysis of the electrolytic solution is performed by applying electric power to the electrolytic cell. In order to maintain good electrolysis efficiency of the electrolysis device, it is desirable to stably maintain the temperature of the electrolytic solution in the electrolytic cell at a predetermined value (for example, the rated temperature of the electrolysis device).

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an electrolysis system provided with a temperature control device for stably maintaining the temperature of the electrolytic solution in the electrolytic cell. This temperature control device adjusts the circulation flow rate of the electrolytic solution in each circulation line so that the temperature of the electrolytic solution at the inlet of the electrolytic cell in each of the anode-side and cathode-side circulation lines through which the electrolytic solution circulates becomes a predetermined value.

[0004] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0243048

[0005] By the way, due to differences in the characteristics of the constituent devices of the electrolytic solution circulation systems on the anode side and the cathode side, differences in the electrolysis reactions at the anode and the cathode, etc., a temperature difference in the electrolytic solution may occur between the anode side and the cathode side. Therefore, even when temperature control is performed in the electrolysis device, it may be difficult to stably maintain the temperature of the electrolytic solution in the electrolytic cell at a predetermined value.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, at least one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a control device for an electrolysis device, electrolysis equipment, and a control method for an electrolysis device that can easily stably maintain the temperature of the electrolytic solution in the electrolytic cell at a predetermined value.

[0007] A control device for an electrolytic apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is a control device for controlling an electrolytic apparatus comprising: an electrolytic cell including an electrolytic cell having a first chamber in which a first electrode is provided and a second chamber in which a second electrode is provided; a first circulation line for circulating a first electrolyte between the first chamber and a first gas-liquid separator; a second circulation line for circulating a second electrolyte between the second chamber and a second gas-liquid separator; a first cooling unit provided in the first circulation line for cooling the first electrolyte by heat exchange with a cooling fluid; and a second cooling unit provided in the second circulation line for cooling the second electrolyte by heat exchange with a cooling fluid, wherein the control device is configured to acquire a temperature difference acquisition unit which is the difference (TL1 - TL2) between the temperature TL1 of the first electrolyte flowing through the first circulation line and the temperature TL2 of the second electrolyte flowing through the second circulation line, The system includes a flow rate balance adjustment unit configured to adjust at least one of the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the first cooling unit or the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the second cooling unit, or at least one of the circulation flow rate of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line or the circulation flow rate of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line, based on the temperature difference ΔT.

[0008] Furthermore, an electrolytic apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an electrolytic cell including an electrolytic cell having a first chamber in which a first electrode is provided and a second chamber in which a second electrode is provided; a first circulation line for circulating a first electrolyte between the first chamber and a first gas-liquid separator; a second circulation line for circulating a second electrolyte between the second chamber and a second gas-liquid separator; a first cooling unit provided in the first circulation line for cooling the first electrolyte by heat exchange with a cooling fluid; a second cooling unit provided in the second circulation line for cooling the second electrolyte by heat exchange with a cooling fluid; and the above-described control device configured to control the electrolytic apparatus.

[0009] Furthermore, a control method for an electrolytic apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is a method for controlling an electrolytic apparatus including: an electrolytic cell having a first chamber in which a first electrode is provided and a second chamber in which a second electrode is provided; a first circulation line for circulating a first electrolyte between the first chamber and a first gas-liquid separator; a second circulation line for circulating a second electrolyte between the second chamber and a second gas-liquid separator; a first cooling unit provided in the first circulation line for cooling the first electrolyte by heat exchange with a cooling fluid; and a second cooling unit provided in the second circulation line for cooling the second electrolyte by heat exchange with a cooling fluid, comprising the steps of: obtaining a temperature difference between the first electrolyte flowing through the first circulation line and the second electrolyte flowing through the second circulation line; and adjusting, based on the temperature difference, at least one of the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the first cooling unit or the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the second cooling unit, or at least one of the circulating flow rate of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line or the circulating flow rate of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line.

[0010] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a control device for an electrolytic apparatus, electrolytic equipment, and a control method for an electrolytic apparatus are provided that make it easier to stably maintain the temperature of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell at a predetermined value.

[0011] This is a schematic diagram of an electrolytic equipment according to one embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of an electrolytic equipment according to one embodiment. This is a schematic diagram of a control device according to one embodiment. This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device according to one embodiment. This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device according to one embodiment. This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device according to one embodiment. This is a graph showing an example of the correlation between the load of the electrolytic device and the first correction value. This is a graph showing an example of the correlation between the load of the electrolytic device and the load correction coefficient. This is a graph showing an example of the correlation between the circulating flow rate of the electrolyte in the electrolytic device and the flow rate correction coefficient.

[0012] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc., of the components described as embodiments or shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but are merely illustrative examples.

[0013] (Configuration of Electrolytic Equipment) Figures 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams of an electrolytic equipment according to one embodiment. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electrolytic equipment 90 according to several embodiments comprises an electrolytic device 1 for performing electrolysis using an electrolyte and a control device 100 for controlling the electrolytic device 1. The electrolytic device 1 according to the embodiments described below is an electrolytic device for electrolyzing water, but the electrolytic devices according to some embodiments may be configured to electrolyze other substances.

[0014] The electrolytic apparatus 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 includes an electrolytic cell 2 for performing electrolysis using an electrolyte, a first gas-liquid separator 14 (separator) into which a first gas (e.g., oxygen gas) produced by electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 2 (e.g., electrolysis of water) is introduced, and a second gas-liquid separator 34 (separator) into which a second gas (e.g., hydrogen gas) produced in the electrolytic cell 2 is introduced.

[0015] The electrolytic cell 2 includes at least one electrolytic cell 4, each having a first chamber 10 in which a first electrode 12 (anode) is provided, a second chamber 30 in which a second electrode 32 (cathode) is provided, and a partition wall 6 for separating the first chamber 10 and the second chamber 30. The electrolytic cell 2 may also include a stack (cell stack) of multiple electrolytic cells 4. Figures 1 and 2 show a simplified representation of one electrolytic cell 4 constituting the electrolytic cell 2.

[0016] The first electrolyte is introduced into the first chamber 10 of the electrolytic cell 2, and the second electrolyte is introduced into the second chamber 30 of the electrolytic cell 2. The first and second electrolytes may be the same electrolyte. When performing electrolysis of water, the electrolytes (first electrolyte and / or second electrolyte) may be aqueous solutions of alkaline substances such as potassium hydroxide (KOH).

[0017] The illustrated electrolytic apparatus 1 includes a rectifier 8 for supplying DC power to the electrolytic cell 2. The rectifier 8 may be configured to convert power from a power source (power system, etc.; not shown) from AC power to DC power as needed, and output it to the electrolytic cell 2 as a DC voltage. By applying a DC voltage between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 32 via the rectifier 8, the substance to be electrolyzed (water, etc.) in the electrolytic cell 2 is electrolyzed.

[0018] The electrolytic apparatus 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 includes a first circulation line 16 for circulating a first electrolyte between the first chamber 10 of the electrolytic cell 4 and the first gas-liquid separator 14, and a second circulation line 36 for circulating a second electrolyte between the second chamber 30 of the electrolytic cell 4 and the second gas-liquid separator 34.

[0019] The first circulation line 16 includes a first inlet line 16a for introducing the first electrolyte from the first gas-liquid separator 14 into the first chamber 10 of the electrolytic cell 4, and a first outlet line 16b through which the first electrolyte and the first gas generated by the electrolytic reaction at the first electrode 12 are discharged from the first chamber 10. The first circulation line 16 may be provided with a first circulation pump 20 for circulating the first electrolyte through the first circulation line 16. The first circulation pump 20 may be configured to be driven by a first motor 21.

[0020] The second circulation line 36 includes a second inlet line 36a for introducing the second electrolyte from the second gas-liquid separator 34 into the second chamber 30 of the electrolytic cell 4, and a second outlet line 36b through which the second electrolyte and the second gas generated by the electrolytic reaction at the second electrode 32 are discharged from the second chamber 30. The second circulation line 36 may be provided with a second circulation pump 40 for circulating the second electrolyte through the second circulation line 36. The second circulation pump 40 may be configured to be driven by a second motor 41.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the first circulation line 16 may be provided with a first electrolyte valve 17 for adjusting the circulation flow rate of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line 16. The first electrolyte valve 17 may be provided in the first inlet line 16a or in the first outlet line 16b, as shown in Figure 2.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the second circulation line 36 may be provided with a second electrolyte valve 37 for adjusting the circulation flow rate of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line 36. The second electrolyte valve 37 may be provided in the second inlet line 36a or in the second outlet line 36b, as shown in Figure 2.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electrolytic device 1 may include a makeup water line 60 for supplying water (makeup water) to the electrolytic cell 2 for electrolysis. The makeup water line 60 may be connected to the second gas-liquid separator 34 as shown in the figure, or it may be connected to the first gas-liquid separator 14.

[0024] In the electrolytic apparatus 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2, by applying a voltage between electrodes provided in the electrolytic cell 2, the water in the electrolytic cell 2 is electrolyzed, generating oxygen gas (first gas) on the first electrode 12 (anode) side and hydrogen gas (second gas) on the second electrode 32 (cathode) side.

[0025] The oxygen gas generated on the first electrode 12 (anode) side is led to the first gas-liquid separator 14 via the first outlet line 16b, together with the first electrolyte in the first chamber 10 of the electrolytic cell 4. In the first gas-liquid separator 14, the oxygen gas and the first electrolyte are separated from each other. The oxygen gas separated in the first gas-liquid separator 14 is discharged from the first gas-liquid separator 14 via the first gas line 15. The first electrolyte separated in the first gas-liquid separator 14 is returned to the first chamber 10 of the electrolytic cell 4 via the first inlet line 16a. The oxygen gas discharged from the first gas-liquid separator 14 may be supplied to an oxygen storage unit (not shown) or an oxygen consumption unit (not shown) via the first gas line 15.

[0026] The hydrogen gas generated on the second electrode 32 (cathode) side, together with the second electrolyte in the second chamber 30 of the electrolytic cell 4, is guided to the second gas-liquid separator 34 via the second outlet line 36b. In the second gas-liquid separator 34, the hydrogen gas and the second electrolyte are separated from each other. The hydrogen gas separated in the second gas-liquid separator 34 is discharged from the second gas-liquid separator 34 via the second gas line 35. The second electrolyte separated in the second gas-liquid separator 34 is returned to the second chamber 30 of the electrolytic cell 4 via the second inlet line 36a. The hydrogen gas discharged from the second gas-liquid separator 34 may be supplied to a hydrogen storage unit (not shown) or a hydrogen consumption facility (not shown) via the second gas line 35.

[0027] The electrolytic apparatus 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 further includes a first cooling unit 18 provided in the first circulation line 16 for cooling the first electrolyte by heat exchange with a cooling fluid, and a second cooling unit 38 provided in the second circulation line 36 for cooling the second electrolyte by heat exchange with a cooling fluid.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first cooling unit 18 and the second cooling unit 38 are supplied with cooling fluid from the cooling fluid supply line 50. The first cooling unit 18 may be supplied with cooling fluid via a first cooling fluid line 52A that branches off from the cooling fluid supply line 50. The second cooling unit 38 may be supplied with cooling fluid via a second cooling fluid line 52B that branches off from the cooling fluid supply line 50.

[0029] The cooling fluid that has passed through the first cooling section 18 in the first cooling fluid line 52A, and the cooling fluid that has passed through the second cooling section 38 in the second cooling fluid line 52B, may be discharged via the cooling fluid discharge line 56. As shown in the figure, the first cooling fluid line 52A and the second cooling fluid line 52B may merge into the cooling fluid discharge line 56.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cooling fluid supply line 50 may be provided with a cooling fluid supply valve 51 for adjusting the flow rate of the cooling fluid flowing through the cooling fluid supply line 50.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the first cooling fluid line 52A may be provided with a first cooling fluid valve 54A for adjusting the flow rate of the cooling fluid in the first cooling fluid line 52A. As shown in Figure 1, the second cooling fluid line 52B may be provided with a second cooling fluid valve 54B for adjusting the flow rate of the cooling fluid in the second cooling fluid line 52B.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electrolytic equipment 90 may include a temperature sensor 70 for measuring the temperature TL1_i of the first electrolyte at the inlet of the electrolytic cell 2 in the first circulation line 16, and / or a temperature sensor 80 for measuring the temperature TL2_i of the second electrolyte at the inlet of the electrolytic cell 2 in the second circulation line 36. The temperature sensor 70 may be configured to measure the temperature of the first electrolyte in the first inlet line 16a. The temperature sensor 80 may be configured to measure the temperature of the second electrolyte in the second inlet line 36a.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electrolysis equipment 90 may include a temperature sensor 72 for measuring the temperature TL1_o of the first electrolyte at the outlet of the electrolytic cell 2 in the first circulation line 16, and / or a temperature sensor 82 for measuring the temperature TL2_o of the second electrolyte at the outlet of the electrolytic cell 2 in the second circulation line 36. The temperature sensor 72 may be configured to measure the temperature of the first electrolyte in the first outlet line 16b. The temperature sensor 82 may be configured to measure the temperature of the second electrolyte in the second outlet line 36b.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electrolysis equipment 90 may be equipped with a flow sensor 74 for measuring the flow rate of the first electrolyte (circulation flow rate FT1) in the first circulation line 16, and / or a flow sensor 84 for measuring the flow rate of the second electrolyte (circulation flow rate FT2) in the second circulation line 36.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electrolysis equipment 90 may be equipped with a temperature sensor 92 for measuring the temperature TC of the cooling fluid in the cooling fluid supply line 50.

[0036] The temperature sensors 70, 72, 80, 82, 92 and / or the flow sensors 74, 78 may be electrically connected to the control device 100, and signals indicating the measurement results from the temperature sensors 70, 72, 80, 82, 92 and / or the flow sensors 74, 78 may be sent to the control device 100.

[0037] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a control device 100 according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the control device 100 includes a temperature balance control unit 110 for controlling the temperature balance of the electrolytes (first electrolyte and second electrolyte) on the anode and cathode sides of the electrolytic cell 2. The control device 100 may also include an electrolyte temperature control unit 120 for controlling the temperature of the electrolytes (first electrolyte and second electrolyte) in the electrolytic cell 2.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the temperature balance control unit 110 includes a temperature difference acquisition unit 114 and a flow rate balance adjustment unit 116. The temperature balance control unit 110 may also include a base opening acquisition unit 112. As shown in Figure 3, the electrolyte temperature control unit 120 includes a target inlet temperature calculation unit 122, an opening command value calculation unit 124, a first correction unit 126 and / or a second correction unit 128.

[0039] The control device 100 includes at least one computer equipped with a processor (CPU, etc.), main memory (memory device; RAM, etc.), auxiliary memory, and an interface. The control device 100 is configured to receive signals indicating measurement results from temperature sensors 70, 72, 80, 82, 92 and / or flow sensors 74, 78 via the interface. The processor is configured to process the signals thus received. The processor is also configured to process programs that are loaded into the main memory. This realizes the functions of the control device 100, including the temperature balance control unit 110 and the temperature difference acquisition unit 114 described above.

[0040] The processing performed by the control device 100 is implemented as a program executed by the processor. The program may be stored, for example, in an auxiliary storage device. When the program is executed, these programs are loaded into main memory. The processor reads the program from main memory and executes the instructions contained in the program.

[0041] The temperature difference acquisition unit 114 is configured to acquire a temperature difference ΔT, which is the difference (TL1 - TL2) between the temperature TL1 of the first electrolyte flowing through the first circulation line 16 and the temperature TL2 of the second electrolyte flowing through the second circulation line 36. The above-mentioned temperature difference ΔT may be the difference (TL1_i - TL2_i) between the temperature TL1_i of the first electrolyte at the inlet of the electrolytic cell 2 (for example, a value measured by the temperature sensor 70) and the temperature TL2_i of the second electrolyte at the inlet of the electrolytic cell 2 (for example, a value measured by the temperature sensor 80), or it may be the difference (TL1_o - TL2_o) between the temperature TL1_o of the first electrolyte at the outlet of the electrolytic cell 2 (for example, a value measured by the temperature sensor 72) and the temperature TL2_o of the second electrolyte at the outlet of the electrolytic cell 2 (for example, a value measured by the temperature sensor 82).

[0042] The flow rate balance adjustment unit 116 is configured to adjust at least one of the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the first cooling unit 18 or the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the second cooling unit 38, or at least one of the circulation flow rate FT1 of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line 16 or the circulation flow rate FT2 of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line 36, based on the temperature difference ΔT acquired by the temperature difference acquisition unit 114.

[0043] The flow rate balance adjustment unit 116 may be configured to adjust at least one of the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the first cooling unit 18 or the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the second cooling unit 38, or at least one of the circulation flow rate FT1 of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line 16 or the circulation flow rate FT2 of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line 36, so that the above-mentioned temperature difference ΔT approaches zero.

[0044] The flow rate balance adjustment unit 116 may be configured to adjust the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the first cooling unit 18 or the second cooling unit 38 by adjusting the opening degree of the first cooling fluid valve 54A (see FIG. 1) or the second cooling fluid valve 54B (see FIG. 1).

[0045] The flow rate balance adjustment unit 116 may be configured to adjust the circulation flow rate FT1 of the first electrolytic solution in the first circulation line 16 or the circulation flow rate FT2 of the second electrolytic solution in the second circulation line 36 by adjusting the opening degree of the first electrolytic solution valve 17 (see FIG. 2) or the second electrolytic solution valve 37 (see FIG. 2). Alternatively, the flow rate balance adjustment unit 116 may be configured to adjust the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the first cooling unit 18 or the second cooling unit 38 by adjusting the rotational speed of the first circulation pump 20 or the second circulation pump 40. The rotational speed of the first circulation pump 20 or the second circulation pump 40 may be adjusted by controlling the rotational speed of the first motor 21 and / or the second motor 41 for driving the first circulation pump 20 or the second circulation pump 40.

[0046] The base opening degree acquisition unit 112 is configured to acquire a base value of the opening degree of the first cooling fluid valve 54A provided in the first cooling fluid line 52A and the second cooling fluid valve 54B provided in the second cooling fluid line 52B, or a base value of the opening degree of the first electrolytic solution valve 17 provided in the first circulation line 16 and the second electrolytic solution valve 37 provided in the second circulation line 36, based on the temperature TC of the cooling fluid flowing through the cooling fluid supply line 50.

[0047] The target inlet temperature calculation unit 122 is configured to acquire a target value TL_i* of the inlet temperature, which is the temperature of the electrolytic solution at the inlet of the electrolytic cell 2, based on the difference (TL_o* - TL_o) between the target value TL_o* and the measured value TL_o of the outlet temperature, which is the temperature of the electrolytic solution at the outlet of the electrolytic cell 2.

[0048] The above-mentioned target value TL_o* of the outlet temperature and the above-mentioned target value TL_i* of the inlet temperature may be, respectively, the common target value of the outlet temperature and the target value of the inlet temperature of the first electrolytic solution and the second electrolytic solution.

[0049] The measured value TL_o of the outlet temperature described above may be either the temperature TL1_o of the first electrolyte or the temperature TL2_o of the second electrolyte at the outlet of the electrolytic cell 2, or their average value. The measured value TL_i of the inlet temperature described above may be either the temperature TL1_i of the first electrolyte or the temperature TL2_i of the second electrolyte at the inlet of the electrolytic cell 2, or their average value.

[0050] The opening degree command value calculation unit 124 is configured to calculate the opening degree command value VT of the cooling fluid supply valve 51 based on the difference (TL_i* - TL_i) between the target value TL_i* and the measured value TL_i of the inlet temperature.

[0051] The control device 100 may be configured to adjust the opening degree of the cooling fluid supply valve 51 so that the opening degree of the cooling fluid supply valve 51 approaches the above-mentioned opening degree command value VT.

[0052] The first correction unit 126 is configured to correct the target value TL_i* of the inlet temperature by adding a first correction value C1, which is calculated based on a predetermined current setting value I_set (load setting value), to the above-mentioned target value TL_i* of the inlet temperature.

[0053] The second correction unit 128 is configured to correct the first correction value C1 by adding a second correction value C2, which is calculated based on at least one of the circulation flow rate FT1 of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line 16 or the circulation flow rate FT2 of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line 36, to the first correction value C1.

[0054] The second correction unit 128 may be configured to calculate a second correction value C2 based on at least one of the circulation flow rate FT1 of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line 16 or the circulation flow rate FT2 of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line 36, and the current setting value I_set.

[0055] (Control Method for Electrolytic Device) Next, with reference to Figures 4 to 9, control methods for the electrolytic device 1 according to several embodiments will be described. In the following, the case in which the operation of the electrolytic device 1 is controlled using the control device 100 described above will be described, but in some embodiments, some or all of the procedures described below may be performed manually.

[0056] Figures 4 and 5 are block diagrams showing the configuration of a temperature balance control unit 110 (control device 100) according to one embodiment. In the embodiment described with reference to Figures 4 and 5, it is assumed that the average temperature of the electrolyte (first electrolyte and second electrolyte) is separately adjusted by controlling the opening degree of the cooling fluid supply valve 51, etc.

[0057] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the temperature difference acquisition unit 114 acquires a temperature difference ΔT, which is the difference (TL1 - TL2) between the temperature TL1 of the first electrolyte flowing through the first circulation line 16 and the temperature TL2 of the second electrolyte flowing through the second circulation line 36. As an example, the temperature difference acquisition unit 114 acquires the difference (TL1 - TL2) between the temperature TL1_o of the first electrolyte at the outlet of the electrolytic cell 2 and the temperature TL2_o of the second electrolyte at the outlet of the electrolytic cell 2 as the above-mentioned temperature difference ΔT.

[0058] Next, the flow rate balance adjustment unit 116 adjusts at least one of the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the first cooling unit 18 or the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the second cooling unit 38, or at least one of the circulation flow rate FT1 of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line 16 or the circulation flow rate FT2 of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line 36, based on the temperature difference ΔT described above. This makes it possible to bring the temperature difference ΔT closer to zero, that is, to bring the temperatures of the electrolytes (first electrolyte and second electrolyte) on the first electrode (anode) side and the second electrode (cathode) side closer together.

[0059] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 4, the flow rate balance adjustment unit 116 is configured to adjust the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the first cooling unit 18 and the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the second cooling unit 38 based on the temperature difference ΔT described above.

[0060] More specifically, the flow rate balance adjustment unit 116 may be configured to acquire target opening values ​​VC1 for the first cooling fluid valve 54A (see Figure 1) and VC2 for the second cooling fluid valve 54B (see Figure 1) such that the temperature difference ΔT approaches zero, based on the temperature difference ΔT described above. The control device 100 may be configured to control the opening of the first cooling fluid valve 54A and the second cooling fluid valve 54B to match the acquired target values.

[0061] As shown in Figure 4, the flow rate balance adjustment unit 116 may include a converter 117a configured to convert the temperature difference ΔT into the opening degree change amount ΔVC1 of the first cooling fluid valve 54A, based on the correlation between the temperature difference ΔT and the opening degree change amount ΔVC1 of the first cooling fluid valve 54A. Alternatively, the flow rate balance adjustment unit 116 may include a converter 117b configured to convert the temperature difference ΔT into the opening degree change amount ΔVC2 of the second cooling fluid valve 54B, based on the correlation between the temperature difference ΔT and the opening degree change amount ΔVC2 of the second cooling fluid valve 54B. The correlation between the temperature difference ΔT and the opening degree change amount ΔVC1 of the first cooling fluid valve 54A, or the correlation between the temperature difference ΔT and the opening degree change amount ΔVC2 of the second cooling fluid valve 54B, may be obtained based on past operating results of the electrolytic device 1.

[0062] In one embodiment, the flow rate balance adjustment unit 116 is configured to adjust the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the first cooling unit 18 and / or the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the second cooling unit 38 such that the larger the temperature difference ΔT, the greater the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the first cooling unit 18 and / or the greater the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the second cooling unit 38.

[0063] That is, the converter 117a may be configured to convert the temperature difference ΔT into an opening degree change amount ΔVC1 of the first cooling fluid valve 54A such that the larger the input temperature difference ΔT, the larger the output opening degree change amount ΔVC1 of the first cooling fluid valve 54A (i.e., the opening degree of the first cooling fluid valve 54A increases). The converter 117b may be configured to convert the temperature difference ΔT into an opening degree change amount ΔVC2 of the second cooling fluid valve 54B such that the larger the input temperature difference ΔT, the larger the output opening degree change amount ΔVC2 of the second cooling fluid valve 54B (i.e., the opening degree of the second cooling fluid valve 54B decreases).

[0064] In this case, when the first electrolysis temperature T1 is higher than the second electrolysis temperature TL2 (ΔT > 0), the amount of change in the opening degree of the first cooling fluid valve 54A ΔVC1 becomes larger and the amount of change in the opening degree of the second cooling fluid valve 54B ΔVC2 becomes smaller compared to when the first electrolysis temperature T1 and the second electrolysis temperature TL2 are equal (ΔT = 0). As a result, the opening degree of the first cooling fluid valve 54A increases and the opening degree of the second cooling fluid valve 54B decreases. Therefore, more cooling fluid is supplied to the first electrolyte at a higher temperature, and the above-mentioned temperature difference ΔT can be brought closer to zero.

[0065] On the other hand, when the first electrolysis temperature T1 is lower than the second electrolysis temperature TL2 (ΔT < 0), the amount of change in the opening degree of the first cooling fluid valve 54A ΔVC1 becomes smaller and the amount of change in the opening degree of the second cooling fluid valve 54B ΔVC2 becomes larger compared to when the first electrolysis temperature T1 and the second electrolysis temperature TL2 are equal (ΔT = 0). As a result, the opening degree of the first cooling fluid valve 54A decreases and the opening degree of the second cooling fluid valve 54B increases. Therefore, more cooling fluid is supplied to the second electrolyte which is at a higher temperature, and the above-mentioned temperature difference ΔT can be brought closer to zero.

[0066] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 5, the flow rate balance adjustment unit 116 is configured to adjust the circulation flow rate FL1 of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line 16 and the circulation flow rate FL2 of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line 36 based on the temperature difference ΔT described above.

[0067] More specifically, the flow rate balance adjustment unit 116 may be configured to acquire target opening values ​​VL1 for the first electrolyte valve 17 and VL2 for the second electrolyte valve 37, based on the temperature difference ΔT described above, such that the temperature difference ΔT approaches zero. The control device 100 may be configured to control the opening of the first cooling fluid valve 54A and the second cooling fluid valve 54B to match the acquired target values.

[0068] As shown in Figure 5, the flow rate balance adjustment unit 116 may include a converter 117c configured to convert the temperature difference ΔT into the opening degree change amount ΔVL1 of the first electrolyte valve 17, based on the correlation between the temperature difference ΔT and the opening degree change amount ΔVL1 of the first electrolyte valve 17. Alternatively, the flow rate balance adjustment unit 116 may include a converter 117d configured to convert the temperature difference ΔT into the opening degree change amount ΔVL2 of the second electrolyte valve 37, based on the correlation between the temperature difference ΔT and the opening degree change amount ΔVL2 of the second electrolyte valve 37. The correlation between the temperature difference ΔT and the opening degree change amount ΔVL1 of the first electrolyte valve 17, or the correlation between the temperature difference ΔT and the opening degree change amount ΔVL2 of the second electrolyte valve 37, may be obtained based on past operating results of the electrolytic device 1.

[0069] In one embodiment, the flow rate balance adjustment unit 116 is configured to adjust the circulating flow rate FL1 of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line 16 and / or the circulating flow rate FT2 of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line 36 such that the larger the temperature difference ΔT, the smaller the circulating flow rate FT1 of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line 16 and / or the larger the circulating flow rate FT2 of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line 36.

[0070] In other words, the converter 117c may be configured to convert the temperature difference ΔT into the opening degree change amount ΔVL1 of the first electrolyte valve 17, such that the larger the input temperature difference ΔT, the smaller the output opening degree change amount ΔVL1 of the first electrolyte valve 17 becomes (i.e., the opening degree of the first electrolyte valve 17 decreases). The converter 117d may be configured to convert the temperature difference ΔT into the opening degree change amount ΔVL2 of the second electrolyte valve 37, such that the larger the input temperature difference ΔT, the larger the output opening degree change amount ΔVL2 of the second electrolyte valve 37 becomes (i.e., the opening degree of the second electrolyte valve 37 increases).

[0071] In this case, when the first electrolysis temperature T1 is higher than the second electrolysis temperature TL2 (ΔT > 0), the amount of change in the opening degree of the first electrolyte valve 17 ΔVL1 becomes smaller and the amount of change in the opening degree of the second electrolyte valve 37 ΔVL2 becomes larger compared to when the first electrolysis temperature T1 and the second electrolysis temperature TL2 are equal (ΔT = 0). As a result, the opening degree of the first electrolyte valve 17 decreases and the opening degree of the second electrolyte valve 37 increases. Therefore, the circulation flow rate FT1 of the higher temperature first electrolyte decreases and the first electrolyte is cooled further, making it possible to bring the above-mentioned temperature difference ΔT closer to zero.

[0072] On the other hand, when the first electrolysis temperature T1 is lower than the second electrolysis temperature TL2 (ΔT < 0), the amount of change in the opening degree of the first electrolyte valve 17 ΔVL1 becomes larger and the amount of change in the opening degree of the second electrolyte valve 37 ΔVL2 becomes smaller compared to when the first electrolysis temperature T1 and the second electrolysis temperature TL2 are equal (ΔT = 0). As a result, the opening degree of the first electrolyte valve 17 increases and the opening degree of the second electrolyte valve 37 decreases. Therefore, the circulation flow rate FT2 of the higher temperature second electrolyte decreases and the second electrolyte is cooled further, making it possible to bring the above-mentioned temperature difference ΔT closer to zero.

[0073] According to the above embodiment, the balance between the flow rate of the cooling fluid or the circulation flow rate of the electrolyte on the anode and cathode sides is adjusted based on the temperature difference ΔT between the electrolyte on the first electrode (anode) side and the second electrode (cathode) side. This makes it possible to reduce the temperature difference ΔT between the electrolyte on the anode and cathode sides. As a result, it becomes easier to stably maintain the temperature of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell at a predetermined value (for example, the rated temperature of the electrolytic device).

[0074] In some embodiments, the flow balance adjustment unit 116 may be configured to obtain the target opening degree of each valve by correcting the above-mentioned opening degree change amount with the base value (VC_base or VL_base; see Figures 4 and 5) of the opening degree of the first / second cooling fluid valves 54A, 54B or the first / second electrolyte valves 17, 37 obtained by the base opening degree acquisition unit 112.

[0075] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 4, the base opening acquisition unit 112 acquires the base value VC_base of the opening degrees of the first / second cooling fluid valves 54A and 54B based on the temperature TC of the cooling fluid in the cooling fluid supply line 50. For example, the base opening acquisition unit 112 may acquire the base value VC_base of the opening degrees of the first / second cooling fluid valves 54A and 54B by applying the above-mentioned temperature TC of the cooling fluid to the correlation between the temperature TC of the cooling fluid in the cooling fluid supply line 50 and the base value VC_base of the opening degrees of the first / second cooling fluid valves 54A and 54B. The correlation between the temperature TC of the cooling fluid and the base value VC_base of the opening degrees of the first / second cooling fluid valves 54A and 54B may be acquired based on past operating records of the electrolytic device 1.

[0076] In the correlation described above, the higher the temperature TC of the cooling fluid in the cooling fluid supply line 50, the larger the base value VC_base of the opening degree of the first / second cooling fluid valves 54A and 54B.

[0077] Furthermore, the flow rate balance adjustment unit 116 may obtain the target opening value VC1 for the first cooling fluid valve 54A and the target opening value VC2 for the second cooling fluid valve 54B by adding the opening degree change amounts ΔVC1 and ΔVC2 obtained by the converters 117a and 117b (see adders 118a and 118b in Figure 4) to the base value VC_base of the opening degrees of the first and second cooling fluid valves 54A and 54B obtained by the base opening degree acquisition unit 112.

[0078] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 5, the base opening acquisition unit 112 acquires the base value VL_base of the opening degrees of the first / second electrolyte valves 17 and 37 based on the temperature TC of the cooling fluid in the cooling fluid supply line 50. For example, the base opening acquisition unit 112 may acquire the base value VL_base of the opening degrees of the first / second electrolyte valves 17 and 37 by applying the above-mentioned temperature TC of the cooling fluid to the correlation between the temperature TC of the cooling fluid in the cooling fluid supply line 50 and the base value VL_base of the opening degrees of the first / second electrolyte valves 17 and 37. The correlation between the temperature TC of the cooling fluid and the base value VL_base of the opening degrees of the first / second electrolyte valves 17 and 37 may be acquired based on past operating records of the electrolytic device 1.

[0079] In the correlation described above, the higher the temperature TC of the cooling fluid in the cooling fluid supply line 50, the larger the base value VC_base of the opening degree of the first / second electrolyte valves 17 and 37.

[0080] Furthermore, the flow rate balance adjustment unit 116 may obtain the target opening value VL1 for the first electrolyte valve 17 and the target opening value VL2 for the second electrolyte valve 37 by adding the opening degree change amounts ΔVL1 and ΔVL2 obtained by the converters 117c and 117d (see adders 118c and 118d in Figure 5) to the base value VL_base of the opening degrees of the first and second electrolyte valves 17 and 37 obtained by the base opening degree acquisition unit 112.

[0081] The cooling effect of a cooling fluid increases as the temperature of the cooling fluid decreases. Therefore, when the cooling fluid is at a low temperature (for example, in winter), the opening degree of the valve (cooling fluid supply valve 51; a temperature control valve for adjusting the electrolyte temperature) provided in the cooling fluid supply line 50, which is the source of the cooling fluid, becomes small, making it difficult to properly control the electrolyte temperature. In this regard, in the above embodiment, a base value (VC_base or VL_base) of the opening degree of the first cooling fluid valve 54A, the second cooling fluid valve 54B, the first electrolyte valve 17, or the second electrolyte valve 37 is obtained based on the temperature of the cooling fluid, and this base value is corrected based on the temperature difference ΔT. Therefore, even when the cooling fluid is at a low temperature, for example, by obtaining an appropriate base value of the valve opening degree according to the temperature of the cooling fluid, the flow rate of the cooling fluid or the circulation flow rate of the electrolyte can be adjusted using the valve opening degree obtained by correcting this base value, thereby making the opening degree of the valve (cooling fluid supply valve 51 (temperature control valve)) provided in the cooling fluid supply line relatively large. Therefore, according to the above embodiment, it becomes easier to appropriately control the electrolyte temperature even when the temperature of the cooling fluid changes.

[0082] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electrolyte temperature control unit 120 (control device 100) according to one embodiment.

[0083] In some embodiments, the target inlet temperature calculation unit 122 obtains a target value TL_i* for the inlet temperature, which is the temperature of the electrolyte at the inlet of the electrolytic cell 2, based on the difference (TL_i* - TL_o) between the target value TL_o* for the outlet temperature, which is the temperature of the electrolyte at the outlet of the electrolytic cell 2, and the measured value TL_o.

[0084] As shown in Figure 6, the target inlet temperature calculation unit 122 may include a proportional-integral calculator 123 configured to calculate the target inlet temperature TL_i* by performing proportional and integral calculations based on the difference (TL_o* - TL_o) between the target outlet temperature and the measured value. The measured value TL_o of the outlet temperature used in the calculation by the target inlet temperature calculation unit 122 may be either the temperature TL1_o of the first electrolyte at the outlet of the electrolytic cell 2 (measured by the temperature sensor 72) or the temperature TL2_o of the second electrolyte (measured by the temperature sensor 82), or the average of these. In one embodiment, the measured value TL_o of the outlet temperature described above may be the higher of the temperature TL1_o of the first electrolyte at the outlet of the electrolytic cell 2 or the temperature TL2_o of the second electrolyte. In this case, it becomes easier to suppress the temperature of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell 2 from becoming excessively high, and the electrolytic apparatus 1 including the electrolytic cell 2 can be effectively protected from high temperatures.

[0085] The opening degree command value calculation unit 124 calculates the opening degree command value VT of the cooling fluid supply valve 51 based on the difference (TL_i* - TL_i) between the target value TL_i* of the inlet temperature and the measured value TL_i. Alternatively, the opening degree command value calculation unit 124 may calculate the opening degree command value VT of the cooling fluid supply valve 51 based on the difference (TL_i*' - TL_i) between the target value TL_i*' of the inlet temperature corrected by the first correction unit 126 described later and the measured value TL_i.

[0086] As shown in Figure 6, the opening degree command value calculation unit 124 may include a proportional-integral calculator 125 configured to calculate the opening degree command value VT of the cooling fluid supply valve 51 by performing proportional and integral calculations based on the difference (TL_i* - TL_i) (or TL_i*' - TL_i) between the target value of the inlet temperature TL_i* (or the target value of the inlet temperature corrected by the first correction unit 126 described later) and the measured value TL_i.

[0087] The measured value TL_i of the inlet temperature used in the calculation by the opening degree command value calculation unit 124 may be either the temperature TL1_i of the first electrolyte at the inlet of the electrolytic cell 2 (measured by the temperature sensor 70) or the temperature TL2_i of the second electrolyte (measured by the temperature sensor 80), or the average value thereof.

[0088] Generally, in order to maintain the electrolyte temperature in an electrolytic cell at a predetermined value, it is conceivable to control the electrolyte temperature at the outlet of the electrolytic cell (outlet temperature) so that it remains constant at a predetermined value. However, when the outlet temperature is kept constant, the electrolyte temperature at the inlet of the electrolytic cell 2 (inlet temperature) changes depending on the load (magnitude of the current applied to the electrolytic cell) and the electrolyte circulation flow rate. This inlet temperature is reflected in the outlet temperature after passing through the electrolytic cell over time, thus becoming a control disturbance. In this regard, according to the above embodiment, the target value TL_i* of the inlet temperature is obtained based on the difference between the target value and the measured value of the outlet temperature (TL_o* - TL_o), and the opening command value VT of the cooling fluid supply valve 51 is calculated based on the difference between the target value and the measured value of the outlet temperature (TL_i* - TL_i). Therefore, the outlet temperature TL_o of the electrolyte can be controlled in response to changes in the electrolyte inlet temperature TL_i, and the outlet temperature TL_o of the electrolyte can be controlled more stably.

[0089] In some embodiments, the electrolyte temperature control unit 120 includes a first correction unit 126 for correcting the target value of the inlet temperature TL_i* (the target value of the inlet temperature calculated by the proportional-integral unit 123) obtained by the target inlet temperature calculation unit 122.

[0090] The first correction unit 126 shown in Figure 6 includes a first correction value calculation unit 130 configured to calculate a first correction value C1 based on a predetermined current setting value I_set (load setting value). The first correction unit 126 shown in Figure 6 also includes an adder 127 configured to calculate a corrected target inlet temperature TL_i*' by adding the first correction value C1 calculated by the first correction value calculation unit 130 (or the first correction value C1' corrected by the second correction unit 128 described later) to the target inlet temperature TL_i* calculated by the proportional-integral unit 123. In this case, the opening degree command value calculation unit 124 calculates the opening degree command value VT of the cooling fluid supply valve 51 based on the difference (TL_i*' - TL_i) between the target inlet temperature TL_i*' corrected by the first correction unit 126 and the measured inlet temperature TL_i.

[0091] Here, Figure 7 is a graph showing an example of the correlation between the load of the electrolytic device 1 (horizontal axis) and the first correction value C1 (vertical axis). The first correction value calculation unit 130 may be configured to obtain the first correction value C1 corresponding to the current setting value I_set by applying the current setting value I_set to the correlation between the load of the electrolytic device 1 (corresponding to the current setting value I_set) and the first correction value C1. The above correlation may be obtained from the operating performance of the electrolytic device 1 in the past.

[0092] In order to maintain a constant electrolyte outlet temperature in the electrolytic cell 2, the larger the load (current setting value I_set), the greater the heat generated in the electrolytic cell 2, and therefore the lower the electrolyte inlet temperature needs to be. For this reason, in one embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, a correlation is used such that the first correction value C1 becomes smaller as the load (current setting value I_set) increases.

[0093] The current setting value I_set may be set to any value by the operator, or it may be set based on higher demands such as surplus power values ​​or hydrogen demand.

[0094] As described above, in order to maintain a constant electrolyte outlet temperature in the electrolytic cell 2, the larger the load (current applied to the electrolytic cell), the lower the electrolyte inlet temperature needs to be. In this regard, in the embodiment described above, the target value TL_i* of the inlet temperature is corrected by adding a first correction value C1 based on the current setting value I_set (load setting value), so that an appropriate target value for the inlet temperature according to the load (corrected target value TL_i*') can be calculated. By calculating the opening command value VT of the cooling fluid supply valve 51 based on the target value of the inlet temperature calculated in this way, more stable control of the electrolyte outlet temperature becomes possible.

[0095] In some embodiments, the electrolyte temperature control unit 120 includes a second correction unit 128 for obtaining a corrected first correction value C1' by correcting the first correction value C1 calculated by the first correction value calculation unit 130.

[0096] The second correction unit 128 may include a second correction value acquisition unit 138 configured to acquire a second correction value C2 based on the circulating flow rate FT of the electrolyte in the electrolytic device 1 (a value based on the first circulating flow rate FT1 or the second circulating flow rate FT2) and / or the current setting value I_set (load setting value). The second correction unit 128 may also include an addition unit 132 configured to calculate a corrected first correction value C1' by adding the second correction value C2 acquired by the second correction value acquisition unit 138 to the first correction value C1 calculated by the first correction value calculation unit 130.

[0097] The second correction value acquisition unit 138 shown in Figure 6 is configured to acquire the product (k3 × k2) of the flow rate correction coefficient k3 acquired by the flow rate correction coefficient acquisition unit 134 and the load correction coefficient k2 acquired by the load correction coefficient acquisition unit 136 as the second correction value C2.

[0098] Figure 8 is a graph showing an example of the correlation between the load of the electrolytic device 1 (horizontal axis) and the load correction coefficient k2 (vertical axis). The load correction coefficient acquisition unit 136 may be configured to acquire the load correction coefficient k2 corresponding to the current setting value I_set by applying the current setting value I_set to the correlation between the load of the electrolytic device 1 (corresponding to the current setting value I_set) and the load correction coefficient k2. The above correlation may be obtained from the operating performance of the electrolytic device 1 in the past.

[0099] Figure 9 is a graph showing an example of the correlation between the circulating flow rate FT (vertical axis) of the electrolyte and the flow rate correction coefficient k3 (vertical axis) in the electrolytic device 1. The flow rate correction coefficient acquisition unit 134 may be configured to acquire the flow rate correction coefficient k3 corresponding to the circulating flow rate FT by applying the circulating flow rate FT of the electrolyte to the correlation between the circulating flow rate FT of the electrolyte and the flow rate correction coefficient k3. The above correlation may be obtained from past operating results of the electrolytic device 1. As the circulating flow rate FT of the electrolyte in the electrolytic device 1, the first circulating flow rate FT1 of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line 16, the second circulating flow rate FT2 of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line 36, or the average value thereof may be used.

[0100] In the electrolytic cell 2, the larger the circulating flow rate FT of the electrolyte in the first circulation line 16 or the second circulation line 36, the greater the difference between the outlet temperature TL_o and the inlet temperature TL_i of the electrolyte tends to be. In this regard, in the above embodiment, the first correction value C1 is corrected by adding a second correction value C2 (i.e., a second correction value C2 based on the flow rate correction coefficient k3) based on the circulating flow rate FT1 or FT2 of the electrolyte in the first circulation line 16 or the second circulation line 36, so that an appropriate target value TL_i* of the inlet temperature can be calculated according to the load (current setting value I_set) and the circulating flow rate FT of the electrolyte. By calculating the opening command value VT of the cooling fluid supply valve 51 based on the target value TL_i* of the inlet temperature calculated in this way, more stable control of the outlet temperature TL_o of the electrolyte becomes possible.

[0101] Furthermore, the degree of temperature change of the electrolyte in accordance with the electrolyte circulation flow rate FT changes according to the load of the electrolytic device 1. In this regard, in the above-described embodiment, the second correction value C2 is calculated based on the electrolyte circulation flow rate FT (F1 or F2) in the first circulation line 16 or the second circulation line 36, and the current setting value I_set (load setting value) (i.e., based on the flow rate correction coefficient k3 and the load correction coefficient k2), so that the second correction value C2 can be calculated according to the load and the electrolyte circulation flow rate FT. By calculating the opening command value VT of the cooling fluid supply valve 51 based on the target value TL_i* of the inlet temperature calculated using this second correction value C2, more stable control of the electrolyte outlet temperature TL_o becomes possible.

[0102] The contents described in each of the above embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows:

[0103] [1] A control device (100) for an electrolytic apparatus (1) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is a control device for controlling an electrolytic apparatus comprising: an electrolytic cell (2) including an electrolytic cell (4) having a first chamber (10) in which a first electrode (12) is provided and a second chamber (30) in which a second electrode (32) is provided; a first circulation line (16) for circulating a first electrolyte between the first chamber and a first gas-liquid separator (14); a second circulation line (36) for circulating a second electrolyte between the second chamber and a second gas-liquid separator (34); a first cooling unit (18) provided in the first circulation line for cooling the first electrolyte by heat exchange with a cooling fluid; and a second cooling unit (38) provided in the second circulation line for cooling the second electrolyte by heat exchange with a cooling fluid, the control device for controlling an electrolytic apparatus, The system includes: a temperature difference acquisition unit (114) configured to acquire a temperature difference ΔT, which is the difference (TL1 - TL2) between the temperature TL1 of the first electrolyte flowing through the first circulation line and the temperature TL2 of the second electrolyte flowing through the second circulation line; and a flow rate balance adjustment unit (116) configured to adjust, based on the temperature difference ΔT, at least one of the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the first cooling unit or the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the second cooling unit, or at least one of the circulating flow rate of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line or the circulating flow rate of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line.

[0104] According to the configuration described in [1] above, the balance between the flow rate of the cooling fluid on the anode side and the cathode side or the circulation flow rate of the electrolyte is adjusted based on the temperature difference ΔT of the electrolyte on the anode side and the cathode side. This makes it possible to reduce the temperature difference ΔT of the electrolyte on the anode side and the cathode side. As a result, it becomes easier to stably maintain the temperature of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell at a predetermined value (for example, the rated temperature of the electrolytic device).

[0105] [2] In some embodiments, in the configuration of [1] above, the flow rate balance adjustment unit is configured to adjust at least one of the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the first cooling unit or the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the second cooling unit such that the larger the temperature difference ΔT, the greater the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the first cooling unit, or the greater the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the second cooling unit.

[0106] According to the configuration described in [2] above, the larger the temperature difference ΔT between the electrolyte on the anode and cathode sides (i.e., the higher the temperature TL1 of the first electrolyte), the greater the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the first cooling unit so that the first electrolyte is cooled more (or, the smaller the temperature difference ΔT (i.e., the higher the temperature TL2 of the second electrolyte), the greater the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the second cooling unit so that the second electrolyte is cooled more). By adjusting the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the first and / or second cooling unit, the temperature difference ΔT between the electrolyte on the anode and cathode sides can be reduced. This makes it easier to stably maintain the temperature of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell at a predetermined value (e.g., the rated temperature of the electrolytic device).

[0107] [3] In some embodiments, in the configuration of [1] above, the flow rate balance adjustment unit is configured to adjust at least one of the circulation flow rate of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line or the circulation flow rate of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line such that the larger the temperature difference ΔT, the smaller the circulation flow rate of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line, or the larger the circulation flow rate of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line.

[0108] According to the configuration described in [3] above, the larger the temperature difference ΔT between the electrolyte on the anode and cathode sides (i.e., the higher the temperature TL1 of the first electrolyte), the lower the circulation flow rate of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line is to cool the first electrolyte more (or, the smaller the temperature difference ΔT (i.e., the higher the temperature TL2 of the second electrolyte), the lower the circulation flow rate of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line is to cool the second electrolyte more). By adjusting the circulation flow rate of the electrolyte in the first circulation line and / or the second circulation line, the temperature difference ΔT between the electrolyte on the anode and cathode sides can be reduced. This makes it easier to stably maintain the temperature of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell at a predetermined value (e.g., the rated temperature of the electrolytic device).

[0109] [4] In some embodiments, in any of the configurations of [1] to [3] above, the electrolytic device includes: a cooling fluid supply line (50) through which a cooling fluid is supplied; a first cooling fluid line (52A) branching from the cooling fluid supply line to supply the cooling fluid to the first cooling section; and a second cooling fluid line (52B) branching from the cooling fluid supply line to supply the cooling fluid to the second cooling section, wherein the control device includes a base opening acquisition unit (112) configured to acquire a base value of the opening degree of a first cooling fluid valve (54A) provided in the first cooling fluid line and a second cooling fluid valve (54B) provided in the second cooling fluid line, or a base value of the opening degree of a first electrolyte valve (17) provided in the first circulation line and a second electrolyte valve (37) provided in the second circulation line, based on the temperature of the cooling fluid flowing through the cooling fluid supply line. The flow rate balance adjustment unit is configured to obtain a target opening degree for the first cooling fluid valve, the second cooling fluid valve, the first electrolyte valve, or the second electrolyte valve by correcting the base value of the opening degree of the first cooling fluid valve, the second cooling fluid valve, the first electrolyte valve, or the second electrolyte valve based on the temperature difference ΔT.

[0110] The cooling effect of a cooling fluid increases as the temperature of the cooling fluid decreases. Therefore, when the cooling fluid is cold (for example, in winter), the opening degree of the valve (temperature control valve for adjusting the electrolyte temperature) installed in the cooling fluid supply line, which is the source of the cooling fluid, becomes small, making it difficult to properly control the electrolyte temperature. In this regard, the configuration of [4] above obtains a base value for the opening degree of the first cooling fluid valve, second cooling fluid valve, first electrolyte valve, or second electrolyte valve based on the temperature of the cooling fluid, and corrects this base value based on the temperature difference ΔT to obtain the target opening degree of these valves. Therefore, even when the cooling fluid is cold, for example, by obtaining an appropriate base value for the valve opening degree according to the temperature of the cooling fluid, the flow rate of the cooling fluid or the circulation flow rate of the electrolyte can be adjusted using the valve opening degree obtained by correcting this base value, thereby making it possible to set the opening degree of the valve (temperature control valve) installed in the cooling fluid supply line to a relatively large range. Thus, according to the configuration of [4] above, it becomes easier to properly control the electrolyte temperature even when the temperature of the cooling fluid changes.

[0111] [5] In some embodiments, in any of the configurations of [1] to [4] above, the electrolytic device includes: a cooling fluid supply line (50) to which a cooling fluid is supplied; a first cooling fluid line (52A) branching from the cooling fluid supply line to supply the cooling fluid to the first cooling unit; a second cooling fluid line (52B) branching from the cooling fluid supply line to supply the cooling fluid to the second cooling unit; a cooling fluid supply valve (51) provided on the cooling fluid supply line; and the control device includes: a target inlet temperature calculation unit (122) configured to obtain a target value of the inlet temperature, which is the temperature of the electrolyte at the outlet of the electrolytic cell, based on the difference between a target value and a measured value of the outlet temperature, which is the temperature of the electrolyte at the outlet of the electrolytic cell; and an opening command value calculation unit (124) configured to calculate an opening command value of the cooling fluid supply valve based on the difference between the target value and a measured value of the inlet temperature.

[0112] To maintain the electrolyte temperature in the electrolytic cell at a predetermined value, it is conceivable to control the electrolyte temperature at the outlet of the electrolytic cell (outlet temperature) so that it remains constant at a predetermined value. However, when the outlet temperature is kept constant, the electrolyte temperature at the inlet of the electrolytic cell (inlet temperature) changes depending on the load (magnitude of the current applied to the electrolytic cell) and the electrolyte circulation flow rate. This inlet temperature is reflected in the outlet temperature after passing through the electrolytic cell over time, thus becoming a control disturbance. In this regard, according to the configuration of [5] above, the target value of the inlet temperature is obtained based on the difference between the target value of the outlet temperature and the measured value, and the opening command value of the cooling fluid supply valve is calculated based on the difference between the target value of the inlet temperature and the measured value. Therefore, the outlet temperature can be controlled in response to changes in the inlet temperature, and the outlet temperature can be controlled more stably.

[0113] [6] In some embodiments, in the configuration of [5] above, the control device includes a first correction unit (126) configured to correct the target value of the inlet temperature by adding a first correction value calculated based on a predetermined current setting to the target value of the inlet temperature, and the opening degree command value calculation unit is configured to calculate the opening degree command value based on the difference between the target value of the inlet temperature corrected by the first correction unit and the measured value of the inlet temperature.

[0114] In order to maintain a constant electrolyte outlet temperature in an electrolytic cell, the greater the load (current applied to the electrolytic cell), the lower the electrolyte inlet temperature needs to be. In this regard, in the above embodiment, the target value of the inlet temperature is corrected by adding a first correction value based on the current setting value (load setting value), so that an appropriate target value of the inlet temperature according to the load can be calculated. By calculating the opening command value of the cooling fluid supply valve based on the target value of the inlet temperature calculated in this way, more stable control of the electrolyte outlet temperature becomes possible.

[0115] [7] In some embodiments, in the configuration of [6] above, the control device includes a second correction unit (128) configured to correct the first correction value by adding a second correction value calculated based on at least one of the circulation flow rate of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line or the circulation flow rate of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line to the first correction value, and the first correction unit is configured to correct the target value of the inlet temperature by adding the first correction value corrected by the second correction unit to the target value of the inlet temperature.

[0116] In an electrolytic cell, the greater the circulation flow rate of the electrolyte in the first or second circulation line, the greater the difference between the outlet temperature and the inlet temperature of the electrolyte. In the configuration described in [7] above, the first correction value is corrected by adding a second correction value based on the circulation flow rate of the electrolyte in the first or second circulation line, so that an appropriate target value for the inlet temperature can be calculated according to the load and the circulation flow rate of the electrolyte. By calculating the opening command value of the cooling fluid supply valve based on the target value of the inlet temperature calculated in this way, more stable control of the outlet temperature becomes possible.

[0117] [8] In some embodiments, in the configuration of [7] above, the second correction unit is configured to calculate the second correction value based on at least one of the circulation flow rate of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line or the circulation flow rate of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line, and the current setting value.

[0118] The degree of temperature change of the electrolyte, which corresponds to the circulation flow rate of the electrolyte, changes depending on the load. In the configuration of [8] above, a second correction value is calculated based on the circulation flow rate of the electrolyte in the first circulation line or the second circulation line and the current setting value (load setting value), so that a second correction value corresponding to the load and the circulation flow rate of the electrolyte can be calculated. By calculating the opening command value of the cooling fluid supply valve based on the target value of the inlet temperature calculated using this second correction value, more stable control of the outlet temperature becomes possible.

[0119] [9] An electrolytic apparatus (90) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an electrolytic cell (2) including an electrolytic cell (4) having a first chamber (10) in which a first electrode (12) is provided and a second chamber (30) in which a second electrode (32) is provided; an electrolytic device (1) including: a first circulation line (16) for circulating a first electrolyte between the first chamber and a first gas-liquid separator (14); a second circulation line for circulating a second electrolyte between the second chamber and a second gas-liquid separator (34); a first cooling unit (18) provided in the first circulation line for cooling the first electrolyte by heat exchange with a cooling fluid; a second cooling unit (38) provided in the second circulation line for cooling the second electrolyte by heat exchange with a cooling fluid; and a control device (100) according to any one of the above [1] to [8] configured to control the electrolytic device.

[0120] According to the configuration described in [9] above, the balance between the flow rate of the cooling fluid on the anode side and the cathode side or the circulation flow rate of the electrolyte is adjusted based on the temperature difference ΔT of the electrolyte on the anode side and the cathode side. This makes it possible to reduce the temperature difference ΔT of the electrolyte on the anode side and the cathode side. As a result, it becomes easier to stably maintain the temperature of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell at a predetermined value (for example, the rated temperature of the electrolytic device).

[0121]

[10] A method for controlling an electrolytic apparatus (1) according to at least one embodiment of the present invention is a method for controlling an electrolytic apparatus (1) which includes an electrolytic cell (2) having an electrolytic cell (4) having a first chamber (10) in which a first electrode (12) is provided and a second chamber (30) in which a second electrode (32) is provided; a first circulation line (16) for circulating a first electrolyte between the first chamber and a first gas-liquid separator (14); a second circulation line (36) for circulating a second electrolyte between the second chamber and a second gas-liquid separator (34); a first cooling unit (18) provided in the first circulation line for cooling the first electrolyte by heat exchange with a cooling fluid; and a second cooling unit (38) provided in the second circulation line for cooling the second electrolyte by heat exchange with a cooling fluid, comprising the steps of obtaining the temperature difference between the first electrolyte flowing through the first circulation line and the second electrolyte flowing through the second circulation line, The method comprises the step of adjusting, based on the temperature difference, the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the first cooling unit or the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the second cooling unit, or the circulating flow rate of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line or the circulating flow rate of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line.

[0122] According to the method described in

[10] above, the balance between the flow rate of the cooling fluid on the anode side and the cathode side or the circulation flow rate of the electrolyte is adjusted based on the temperature difference ΔT of the electrolyte on the anode side and the cathode side, thereby reducing the temperature difference ΔT of the electrolyte on the anode side and the cathode side. This makes it easier to stably maintain the temperature of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell at a predetermined value (for example, the rated temperature of the electrolytic device).

[0123] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and also includes modified forms of the embodiments described above, as well as forms that combine these forms as appropriate.

[0124] In this specification, expressions describing relative or absolute arrangements such as "in a certain direction," "along a certain direction," "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," "concentric," or "coaxial" shall not only describe such arrangements strictly, but also describe states of relative displacement with tolerances or angles or distances sufficient to achieve the same function. For example, expressions describing things being in an equal state such as "identical," "equal," and "homogeneous" shall not only describe states of being strictly equal, but also describe states where tolerances or differences exist to the extent that the same function is achieved. Furthermore, in this specification, expressions describing shapes such as quadrilaterals or cylindrical shapes shall not only describe geometrically precise quadrilaterals or cylindrical shapes, but also describe shapes including concave and concave parts, chamfered parts, etc., to the extent that the same effect is achieved. In addition, in this specification, expressions such as "equipment," "includes," or "possesses" a component are not exclusive expressions that exclude the existence of other components.

[0125] 1 Electrolytic device 2 Electrolytic cell 4 Electrolytic cell 6 Partition wall 8 Rectifier 10 First chamber 12 First electrode 14 First gas-liquid separator 15 First gas line 16 First circulation line 16a First inlet line 16b First outlet line 17 First electrolyte valve 18 First cooling unit 20 First circulation pump 21 First motor 30 Second chamber 32 Second electrode 34 Second gas-liquid separator 35 Second gas line 36 Second circulation line 36a Second inlet line 36b Second outlet line 37 Second electrolyte valve 38 Second cooling unit 40 Second circulation pump 41 Second motor 50 Cooling fluid supply line 51 Cooling fluid supply valve 52A First cooling fluid line 52B Second cooling fluid line 54A First cooling fluid valve 54B Second cooling fluid valve 56 Cooling fluid discharge line 60 Water supply line 70 Temperature sensor 72 Temperature sensor 74 Flow sensor 78 Flow sensor 80 Temperature sensor 82 Temperature sensor 84 Flow sensor 90 Electrolysis equipment 92 Temperature sensor 100 Control device 110 Temperature balance control unit 112 Base opening acquisition unit 114 Temperature difference acquisition unit 116 Flow balance adjustment unit 117a Converter 117b Converter 117c Converter 117d Converter 118a Adder 118b Adder 118c Adder 118d Adder 120 Electrolyte temperature control unit 122 Target inlet temperature calculation unit 123 Proportional-integral calculator 124 Opening command value calculation unit 125 Proportional-integral calculator 126 First correction unit 127 Adder unit 128 Second correction unit 130 First correction value calculation unit 132 Addition unit 134 Flow rate correction coefficient acquisition unit136 Load correction coefficient acquisition unit 138 Second correction value acquisition unit

Claims

1. A control device for controlling an electrolytic apparatus comprising: an electrolytic cell including an electrolytic cell having a first chamber in which a first electrode is provided and a second chamber in which a second electrode is provided; a first circulation line for circulating a first electrolyte between the first chamber and a first gas-liquid separator; a second circulation line for circulating a second electrolyte between the second chamber and a second gas-liquid separator; a first cooling unit provided in the first circulation line for cooling the first electrolyte by heat exchange with a cooling fluid; and a second cooling unit provided in the second circulation line for cooling the second electrolyte by heat exchange with a cooling fluid, wherein the control device comprises a temperature difference acquisition unit configured to acquire a temperature difference ΔT which is the difference (TL1 - TL2) between the temperature TL1 of the first electrolyte flowing through the first circulation line and the temperature TL2 of the second electrolyte flowing through the second circulation line. A control device for an electrolytic apparatus, comprising: a flow rate balance adjustment unit configured to adjust at least one of the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the first cooling unit or the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the second cooling unit, or at least one of the circulating flow rate of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line or the circulating flow rate of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line, based on the temperature difference ΔT.

2. The control device for an electrolytic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flow rate balance adjustment unit is configured to adjust at least one of the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the first cooling unit or the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the second cooling unit such that the larger the temperature difference ΔT, the greater the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the first cooling unit, or the greater the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the second cooling unit.

3. The control device for an electrolytic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flow rate balance adjustment unit is configured to adjust at least one of the flow rate of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line or the flow rate of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line such that the larger the temperature difference ΔT, the greater the flow rate of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line decreases, or the greater the flow rate of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line increases.

4. The electrolytic apparatus includes a cooling fluid supply line through which a cooling fluid is supplied, a first cooling fluid line branching off from the cooling fluid supply line to supply the cooling fluid to the first cooling section, and a second cooling fluid line branching off from the cooling fluid supply line to supply the cooling fluid to the second cooling section, wherein the control device includes a base opening acquisition unit configured to acquire a base value of the opening degree of a first cooling fluid valve provided in the first cooling fluid line and a second cooling fluid valve provided in the second cooling fluid line, or a base value of the opening degree of a first electrolyte valve provided in the first circulation line and a second electrolyte valve provided in the second circulation line, based on the temperature of the cooling fluid flowing through the cooling fluid supply line. The control device for an electrolytic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow rate balance adjustment unit is configured to obtain a target opening degree for the first cooling fluid valve, the second cooling fluid valve, the first electrolyte valve, or the second electrolyte valve by correcting the base value of the opening degree of the first cooling fluid valve, the second cooling fluid valve, the first electrolyte valve, or the second electrolyte valve based on the temperature difference ΔT.

5. The electrolytic apparatus includes a cooling fluid supply line for which a cooling fluid is supplied; a first cooling fluid line branching off from the cooling fluid supply line for supplying the cooling fluid to the first cooling section; a second cooling fluid line branching off from the cooling fluid supply line for supplying the cooling fluid to the second cooling section; a cooling fluid supply valve provided in the cooling fluid supply line; and the control device includes a target inlet temperature calculation unit configured to obtain a target value for the inlet temperature, which is the temperature of the electrolyte at the outlet of the electrolytic cell, based on the difference between a target value and a measured value of the outlet temperature, which is the temperature of the electrolyte at the outlet of the electrolytic cell; and an opening command value calculation unit configured to calculate an opening command value for the cooling fluid supply valve based on the difference between the target value and a measured value of the inlet temperature; the control device for an electrolytic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. A control device for an electrolytic apparatus according to claim 5, comprising a first correction unit configured to correct the target value of the inlet temperature by adding a first correction value calculated based on a predetermined current setting value to the target value of the inlet temperature, wherein the opening degree command value calculation unit is configured to calculate the opening degree command value based on the difference between the target value of the inlet temperature corrected by the first correction unit and the measured value of the inlet temperature.

7. A control device for an electrolytic apparatus according to claim 6, comprising a second correction unit configured to correct the first correction value by adding a second correction value calculated based on at least one of the circulation flow rate of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line or the circulation flow rate of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line to the first correction value, wherein the first correction unit is configured to correct the target value of the inlet temperature by adding the first correction value corrected by the second correction unit to the target value of the inlet temperature.

8. The control device for an electrolytic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second correction unit is configured to calculate the second correction value based on at least one of the circulation flow rate of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line or the circulation flow rate of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line, and the current setting value.

9. An electrolytic apparatus comprising: an electrolytic cell including an electrolytic cell having a first chamber in which a first electrode is provided and a second chamber in which a second electrode is provided; a first circulation line for circulating a first electrolyte between the first chamber and a first gas-liquid separator; a second circulation line for circulating a second electrolyte between the second chamber and a second gas-liquid separator; a first cooling unit provided in the first circulation line for cooling the first electrolyte by heat exchange with a cooling fluid; a second cooling unit provided in the second circulation line for cooling the second electrolyte by heat exchange with a cooling fluid; and a control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 configured to control the electrolytic apparatus.

10. A method for controlling an electrolytic apparatus comprising: an electrolytic cell including an electrolytic cell having a first chamber in which a first electrode is provided and a second chamber in which a second electrode is provided; a first circulation line for circulating a first electrolyte between the first chamber and a first gas-liquid separator; a second circulation line for circulating a second electrolyte between the second chamber and a second gas-liquid separator; a first cooling unit provided in the first circulation line for cooling the first electrolyte by heat exchange with a cooling fluid; and a second cooling unit provided in the second circulation line for cooling the second electrolyte by heat exchange with a cooling fluid, the method comprising: acquiring a temperature difference between the first electrolyte flowing through the first circulation line and the second electrolyte flowing through the second circulation line; and adjusting, based on the temperature difference, at least one of the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the first cooling unit or the flow rate of the cooling fluid supplied to the second cooling unit, or at least one of the circulating flow rate of the first electrolyte in the first circulation line or the circulating flow rate of the second electrolyte in the second circulation line.

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