Power generation unit

Abstract

The present invention reduces noise emitted from a power generation unit by using heat emitted from the power generation unit. A power generation unit (1) comprising a fuel cell module (31) and auxiliary machines (32, 33, 35) in a container (11) comprises: a thermoelectric power generation unit (23) that generates electric power from heat emitted from the power generation unit (1); and a noise reduction unit (20) that is operated by the electric power generated by the thermoelectric power generation unit (23) and reduces noise emitted from the power generation unit (1).

Description

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[0012] ,

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[0016]

Document Name

[0002]

Title of the Invention

[0003]

Technical Field

[0004]

.001

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a power generation unit including a fuel cell module.

[0006]

Background Art

[0007]

.002

[0008] A power generation unit that includes a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC: Solid Oxide Fuel Cell) and generates electricity by electrochemically reacting a fuel gas and an oxidant gas is known.

[0009]

〇003

[0010] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a fuel cell system (power generation unit) including a power generation module including a fuel cell stack. In such a fuel cell system, in association with the fuel cell stack, for example, a raw fuel gas supply device that supplies a raw fuel gas that is a raw material of an anode gas to the fuel cell stack, a reforming water supply device that supplies reforming water necessary for reforming the raw fuel gas into an anode gas to the fuel cell stack, an air supply device that supplies air as a cathode gas to the fuel cell stack, an exhaust heat recovery device that recovers exhaust heat generated in the fuel cell stack, a control device that controls the entire system, and auxiliary equipment such as an inverter that converts the DC power output from the fuel cell stack into AC power and supplies it are provided.

[0011]

Prior Art Documents

[0012]

Patent Documents

[0013]

〇004

[0014]

Patent Document 1

[0015]

Summary of the Invention

[0016] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0017]

〇 0 0 5

[0018] However, the operating noise of the auxiliary equipment is relatively loud, and there is a risk of significant noise being generated around the power generation unit.

[0019]

〇 0 0 6

[0020] This disclosure is made in view of the above-mentioned problems and aims to reduce noise emitted from the power generation unit.

[0021] [Means for solving the problem]

[0022]

〇 0 0 7

[0023] To solve the above problems, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a power generation unit is provided which includes a fuel cell module and auxiliary equipment in a housing, comprising a thermoelectric power generation unit that generates electricity from heat emitted from the power generation unit, and a noise reduction unit that operates using the electricity generated by the thermoelectric power generation unit and reduces noise emitted from the power generation unit.

[0024] [Effects of the Invention]

[0025]

〇 0 0 8

[0026] As explained above, according to this disclosure, it is possible to reduce noise emitted from the power generation unit by utilizing the heat emitted from the power generation unit.

[0027] [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0028]

〇 0 0 9

[0029] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a fuel cell system provided in a power generation unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing an example of a power generation unit according to the same embodiment.

[0031] [Figure 3] A side view of the power generation unit according to the same embodiment. [Figure 4] A schematic explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of the power generation unit according to the same embodiment. [Figure 5] An explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the thermoelectric power generation section of the power generation unit according to the same embodiment. [Figure 6] An explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the noise reduction section of the power generation unit according to the same embodiment. [Figure 7] An explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the noise reduction section of the power generation unit according to the same embodiment. [Figure 8] An explanatory diagram showing another modified example of the noise reduction section of the power generation unit according to the same embodiment.

[0032] [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a modified example of the power generation unit according to the same embodiment. [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0033] [ 0 0 1 0 ]

[0034] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The specific dimensions, materials, numerical values, etc., shown in the following embodiments are merely illustrative to facilitate understanding of the invention and do not limit this disclosure unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanations.

[0035] [ 0 0 1 1 ]

[0036] First, we will describe an example of the configuration of a fuel cell system provided in a power generation unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] [ 0 0 1 2 ]

[0038] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing one example configuration of a fuel cell system 30. The fuel cell system 30 includes a fuel cell module 31 containing solid oxide fuel cell cells. The fuel cell module 31 has a fuel cell stack in a stacked structure, for example, in which multiple fuel cell cells are stacked. Note that the fuel cell module 31 is not limited to one in which the fuel cell cells are configured in a stacked structure; for example, it may have a structure in which multiple cylindrical fuel cell cells are bundled together. Furthermore, the fuel cell module 31 may be composed of fuel cells of a type other than solid oxide fuel cells.

[0039] [ 0 0 1 3 ]

[0040] The fuel cell stack has an anode 81 and a cathode 82. Hydrogen H is supplied to the anode 81 as fuel gas. Hydrogen H is supplied into the fuel cell system 30 via a supply line 85. The flow rate of incoming hydrogen H is controlled by an electromagnetic control valve 86. Before flowing into the anode 81 of the fuel cell stack, the hydrogen H is heated by a preheating unit 87.

[0041] [ 0 0 1 4 ]

[0042] Air is supplied to cathode 82 as cathode gas. Cathode gas is supplied into the fuel cell system 30 via supply line 88. Cathode gas is pumped by compressor 32. Cathode gas is heated by preheating unit 90 before flowing into cathode 82 of the fuel cell stack.

[0043] [ 0 0 1 5 ]

[0044] The fuel cell system 30 includes a recirculation circuit 91. The recirculation circuit 91 recirculates the anode exhaust gas 83 containing hydrogen and water flowing out from the fuel cell stack, and mixes at least a part of the anode exhaust gas 83 with hydrogen H. The fuel cell system 30 includes a compressor 33. The compressor 33 pumps the anode exhaust gas 83 through the recirculation circuit 91. Further, the fuel cell system 30 includes a water separation unit 34. The water separation unit 34 is disposed in the recirculation circuit 91. The water separation unit 34 separates water from the anode exhaust gas 83. The water separation unit 34 is disposed between the anode exhaust gas outlet 94 of the fuel cell stack and the portion where a part of the anode exhaust gas 83 is mixed with hydrogen H. The water separated by the water separation unit 34 is discharged from the fuel cell system 30 through the discharge line 95.

[0045]

[0016]

[0046] Further, the fuel cell system 30 includes a bypass passage 96 for supplying cathode gas. The bypass passage 96 supplies at least a part of the cathode gas 〇 to the water separation unit 34 for temperature adjustment. The bypass passage 96 branches from the supply line 88 downstream of the compressor 32. The bypass passage 96 has an electromagnetic control valve 97. The electromagnetic control valve 97 controls the flow rate of the cathode gas supplied to the water separation unit 34.

[0047]

[0017]

[0048] During the operation of the fuel cell system 30, the anode exhaust gas 83 is first supplied to the preheating unit 87. At this time, the preheating unit 87 transfers thermal energy from the anode exhaust gas 83 to hydrogen H, raising the temperature of the hydrogen H before it flows into the anode 81. Then, the anode exhaust gas 83 is supplied to the water separation unit 34. The water separation unit 34 cools the anode exhaust gas 83 until water is condensed and removed from the anode exhaust gas 83. The condensed water is discharged via the discharge line 95, and the remaining hydrogen 99 is supplied to the mixing portion with hydrogen H.

[0049]

[0018]

[0050] The preheating unit 90 that heats the cathode gas 〇 is supplied with thermal energy via the cathode exhaust gas 98. The remaining thermal energy of the cathode exhaust gas 98 is utilized for any purpose via the heat exchanger 92.

[0051]

[0019]

[0052] Subsequently, referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the overall configuration of the power generation unit 1 will be described.

[0053] FIGS. 2 to 4 are explanatory diagrams showing a configuration example of a power generation unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the power generation unit 1, and FIG. 3 shows a side view of the power generation unit 1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the power generation unit 1, representing the inside of the container 11 as viewed from the direction of the arrow X in FIG. 3.

[0054]

[0020]

[0055] The power generation unit 1 has a housing 11 that houses the fuel cell system 3. The housing 11 is a case made of, for example, a metal or resin partition. The housing 11 has legs 15 on its bottom surface on which the housing 11 is placed. In the illustrated example, three legs 15 are provided, but the number and shape of the legs 15 are not particularly limited. The housing 11 has an exhaust duct 13 on its top surface. An exhaust pipe (not shown) is connected to the exhaust duct 13, and exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell system 3 is discharged to the outside via the exhaust duct 13 and the exhaust pipe.

[0056] [ 0 0 2 1 ]

[0057] On one side of the housing 11, there is an operation panel 17, a microphone 19, and a speaker 21. The operation panel 17 is operated by the user (operator or manager of the power generation unit 1, inspection and maintenance worker, etc.) when checking and setting the operating status of the fuel cell system 30, or during inspection. The operation area 5 shown in Figures 2 and 4 indicates the area that the user enters when operating the operation panel 17.

[0058] [ 0 0 2 2 ]

[0059] Microphone 19 and speaker 21 are components of the noise reduction unit 2〇 described later. Microphone 19 captures sound and outputs the waveform signal to a noise cancellation circuit (not shown). Speaker 21 operates according to the drive signal input from the noise cancellation circuit and outputs a control sound that reduces noise. The installation positions of microphone 19 and speaker 21 are not particularly limited and may be either inside or outside the housing 11. However, it is desirable that microphone 19 be installed in a position where noise can be efficiently captured, and that speaker 21 be installed in a position where noise can be efficiently reduced by the control sound output from speaker 21.

[0060] [ 0 0 2 3 ]

[0061] For example, if the control panel 17 is located below the user's head, it is preferable to have the microphone 19 and speaker 21 located above the control panel 17. Conversely, if the control panel 17 is located above the user's head, it is preferable to have the microphone 19 and speaker 21 located below the control panel 17. Such a configuration can more efficiently reduce the noise audible to the user.

[0062] [ 0 0 2 4 ]

[0063] In this embodiment, the noise reduction unit 20 has a configuration that reduces noise in a specific area outside the housing 11. Specifically, in order to reduce the noise heard by a user who enters the operation area 5 and operates the operation panel 17, a microphone 19 and a speaker 21 are provided on the outer surface 11a of the partition wall that constitutes the exterior of the housing 11 and on which the operation panel 17 is installed. In this case, a small number of microphones 19 and speakers 21 can reduce the noise heard by a user inside the operation area 5, which is the specific area.

[0064] [ 0 0 2 5 ]

[0065] As shown in Figure 4, the housing 11 contains a fuel cell module 31, compressors 32 and 33, a water separation unit 34, and an inverter 35. Note that in Figure 4, the other components of the fuel cell system 3〇 shown in Figure 1 are not shown.

[0066] [ 0 0 2 6 ]

[0067] In the example shown in Figure 1, the fuel cell system 30 includes, as auxiliary equipment, compressors 32 and 33, preheating units 87 and 90, a water separation unit 34, and an inverter 35. The inverter 35 converts the DC power output from the fuel cell module 31 into AC power and supplies it to the power supply destination (for example, an external load device of the power generation unit 1). In addition, the auxiliary equipment may include control equipment for controlling the fuel cell system 30, and various other devices related to the operation of the fuel cell module 31, such as a power storage device for temporarily storing the generated power. Among the auxiliary equipment, for example, the compressors 32 and 33 and the inverter 35 generate relatively large vibrations when the fuel cell system 30 is in operation (for example, during power generation, during power generation preparation, etc.).

[0068] [ 0 0 2 7 ]

[0069] Here, the power generation unit 1 is equipped with thermoelectric power generation sections 23a, 23b, and 23c (hereinafter collectively referred to as "thermoelectric power generation section 23J" unless otherwise specified) that generate electricity from the heat emitted from the power generation unit 1. The thermoelectric power generation section 23 is an element or device that converts thermal energy into electrical energy. The thermoelectric power generation section 23 utilizes the Seebeck effect, converting thermal energy into electrical energy by bringing one end of the element into contact with a high-temperature source and the other end into contact with a low-temperature source to create a potential difference.

[0070] [ 0 0 2 8 ]

[0071] Figure 5 shows an example configuration of the thermoelectric power generation unit 23. For example, the thermoelectric power generation unit 23 has a first substrate 71 on which wiring lands 73 made of copper electrodes are formed, and P-type thermoelectric elements 74 and N-type thermoelectric elements 75 are mounted alternately on the wiring lands 73. The P-type thermoelectric elements 74 and N-type thermoelectric elements 75 are connected in series by copper electrodes 76 formed on a second substrate 72 facing the first substrate 71. In Figure 5, the second substrate 72 is shown with a portion cut out. The electricity generated by thermoelectric power is extracted from the extraction electrode 77.

[0072] [ 0 0 2 9 ]

[0073] The first substrate 71 and the second substrate 72 may be flexible substrates. The flexibility of the first substrate 71 and the second substrate 72 allows the thermoelectric power generation unit 23 to be closely fitted to the cylindrical surface or pipe when it is mounted on the cylindrical surface or pipe. This improves the thermoelectric power generation efficiency.

[0074] [0 0 3 0] In this embodiment, the power generation unit 1 is equipped with three thermoelectric power generation units 23a, 23b, and 23c. One thermoelectric power generation unit 23a is provided on the outer surface of the exhaust duct 13. This thermoelectric power generation unit 23a generates electricity using the exhaust duct 13, which discharges the exhaust gas from the power generation unit 1, as a high-temperature source and the air outside the housing 11 as a low-temperature source. Since the exhaust gas from the power generation unit 1 is relatively hot, the thermoelectric power generation unit 23a operates with high power generation efficiency due to the temperature difference between the exhaust duct 13 and the outside air.

[0075] [ 0 0 3 1 ]

[0076] The other two thermoelectric power generation units 23b and 23c are located on the outside of the bottom surface of the housing 11. These thermoelectric power generation units 23b and 23c use the bottom surface of the partition wall of the housing 11 as a high-temperature source and the ground outside the housing 11 (for example, the floor or foundation of a building) as a low-temperature source to generate electricity. Since the ground surface of the power generation unit 1 tends to maintain a low temperature, the thermoelectric power generation units 23b and 23c operate with high power generation efficiency due to the temperature difference between the bottom surface of the housing 11 and the ground. Note that the installation location of the thermoelectric power generation unit 23 is not limited to the above example. For example, the partition wall of the housing 11, which contains the fuel cell system 3, tends to become relatively hot. By placing the thermoelectric power generation unit 23 on the outer surface of the partition wall of the housing 11, the thermoelectric power generation unit 23 can efficiently generate electricity due to the temperature difference between the partition wall and the surrounding air.

[0077] [ 0 0 3 2 ]

[0078] Furthermore, the thermoelectric power generation section 2 3 may be configured such that the heat emitted from the power generation unit 1 is directly transferred to the thermoelectric power generation section 2 3, or a transfer member may be placed between the power generation unit 1 and the thermoelectric power generation section 2 3, and the heat emitted from the power generation unit 1 is indirectly transferred to the thermoelectric power generation section 2 3 via the transfer member.

[0079] [ 0 0 3 3 ]

[0080] Furthermore, the power generation unit 1 according to this embodiment is powered by electricity generated by the thermoelectric power generation unit 23 and includes a noise reduction unit 20 that reduces noise emitted from the power generation unit 1. The noise reduction unit 20 reduces noise by outputting a control sound that cancels out the noise generated by the operation of auxiliary equipment, particularly the compressors 32, 33 and the inverter 35. The noise reduction unit 20 operates using electricity generated from the heat emitted from the power generation unit 1 by the thermoelectric power generation unit 23, without consuming the electricity generated by the fuel cell system 30.

[0081] [ 0 0 3 4 ]

[0082] The noise reduction unit 20 may also be configured to operate using electricity generated by the thermoelectric power generation unit 23 and a portion of the electricity generated by the fuel cell system 30.

[0083] [ 0 0 3 5 ]

[0084] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of the noise reduction unit 20 provided in the power generation unit 1. The noise reduction unit 20 includes a microphone 19, a speaker 21, and a power supply circuit 4〇. The power supply circuit 4〇 includes, for example, a converter 41, an inverter 43, and a noise cancellation circuit 45. The converter 41 is, for example, a DC / DC converter, which boosts the DC power output from the thermoelectric power generation unit 23 to a voltage suitable for the noise cancellation circuit 45 and supplies it to the noise cancellation circuit 45 and the inverter 43. The inverter 43 converts the DC power boosted by the converter 41 into AC power of a frequency suitable for the noise cancellation circuit 45 and supplies it to the noise cancellation circuit 45.

[0085] [ 0 0 3 6 ]

[0086] The noise cancellation circuit 45 detects the frequency and magnitude of the input waveform signal of sound captured by the microphone 19, and synthesizes a control sound corresponding to the output waveform signal which is in the opposite phase of the input waveform signal, and outputs it from the speaker 21. The noise cancellation circuit 45 can utilize any conventionally known noise cancellation circuit, for example, one that uses an opera amplifier. The power supply circuit 40 can all be operated using the power generated by the thermoelectric power generation unit 23.

[0087] [0 0 3 7] Next, the operation of the thermoelectric power generation section 2 3 and the noise reduction section 2 〇 of the power generation unit 1 will be explained. While the fuel cell system 3 〇 is in operation, the thermoelectric power generation section 2 3 converts the heat emitted from the power generation unit 1 into electricity and outputs it to the converter 4 1 of the power supply circuit 4 〇. The noise cancellation circuit 4 5 takes in the noise generated in conjunction with the operation of auxiliary equipment such as the compressors 3 2 and 3 3 and the inverter 3 5 of the fuel cell system 3 0 using the microphone 1 9, detects the frequency and magnitude of the input waveform signal of the noise, synthesizes a control sound corresponding to the output waveform signal which is in the opposite phase of the input waveform signal, and outputs the control sound from the speaker 2 1 toward the operation area 5.

[0088] [ 0 0 3 8 ]

[0089] As a result, noise emitted from the power generation unit 1 that is audible at least at the locations where the microphone 19 and speaker 21 are installed is canceled out, and noise audible to people in the operating area 5 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the specific area) that a user enters when operating the control panel 17 of the power generation unit 1 is reduced. The noise reduction unit 2〇 may also be configured to output control sounds toward an area wider than the operating area 5, thereby reducing noise audible to people in an area wider than the specific area around the power generation unit 1.

[0090] [ 0 0 3 9 ]

[0091] As described above, the power generation unit 1 according to this embodiment includes a fuel cell module 31 containing a fuel cell stack and auxiliary equipment within a housing 11, a thermoelectric power generation unit 23 that generates electricity from the heat emitted from the power generation unit 1, and a noise reduction unit 2〇 that operates using the electricity generated by the thermoelectric power generation unit 23 and reduces the noise emitted from the power generation unit 1. Therefore, the noise emitted from the power generation unit 1 can be reduced by utilizing the heat emitted from the power generation unit 1. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the noise emitted from the power generation unit 1 while suppressing the consumption of the electricity generated by the fuel cell module 31 by the noise reduction unit 2〇.

[0092] [ 0 0 4 0 ]

[0093] Furthermore, in the power generation unit 1 according to this embodiment, the noise reduction unit 20 reduces noise in a specific area outside the housing 11. As a result, the noise reduction unit 20 can reduce the noise emitted from the power generation unit 1 to the outside, that is, the noise emitted by the auxiliary equipment inside the housing 11 that has been reduced by the partitions of the housing 11, thereby reducing the control sound output from the speaker 21 and reducing the power consumed by the noise reduction unit 20. In addition, because the noise reduction unit 20 is configured to reduce noise in a specific area, it is possible to reduce the noise audible in a desired specific area using a small number of microphones 19 and speakers 21.

[0094] [ 0 0 4 1 ]

[0095] Furthermore, in the power generation unit 1 according to this embodiment, the noise reduction unit 20 includes a microphone 19 and a speaker 21, and outputs a control sound from the speaker 21 that is in the opposite phase to the waveform of the noise input from the microphone 19. This cancels out the noise emitted from the power generation unit 1, thereby reducing noise.

[0096] [ 0 0 4 2 ]

[0097] Furthermore, in the power generation unit 1 according to this embodiment, the microphone 19 and speaker 21 are installed on the outer surface 11a of the partition wall of the housing 11, where the operation panel 17 for operating the power generation unit 1 is located. This makes it possible to reduce noise within the operation area 5, which is a specific area where users are likely to approach the power generation unit 1.

[0098] [ 0 0 4 3 ]

[0099] Furthermore, in the power generation unit 1 according to this embodiment, the thermoelectric power generation unit 23a uses the exhaust duct 13 that discharges the exhaust gas from the power generation unit 1 as a high-temperature source and the air outside the housing 11 as a low-temperature source to generate electricity. As a result, the heat from the relatively high-temperature exhaust gas becomes the high-temperature source, and electricity can be generated efficiently from the large temperature difference.

[0100] [ 0 0 4 4 ]

[0101] Furthermore, in the power generation unit 1 according to this embodiment, the thermoelectric power generation units 23b and 23c generate electricity using the partition wall of the housing 11 as a high-temperature source and the outside of the housing 11 as a low-temperature source. As a result, the partition wall of the housing 11, which tends to become relatively hot, becomes a high-temperature source, and power can be generated efficiently from a relatively large temperature difference.

[0102] [ 0 0 4 5 ]

[0103] Furthermore, in the power generation unit 1 according to this embodiment, the thermoelectric power generation unit 23 generates electricity using the bottom surface of the housing 11 as a high-temperature source and the ground on which the housing 11 is installed as a low-temperature source. As a result, the partition wall of the housing 11, which tends to become relatively hot, becomes the high-temperature source, and the ground, which does not rise relatively easily, becomes the low-temperature source, allowing for efficient power generation from a relatively large temperature difference.

[0104] [ 0 0 4 6 ]

[0105] While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear to any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains that various modifications or variations may be conceived within the scope of the technical idea set forth in the claims, and these will naturally also be understood to fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0106] [ 0 0 4 7 ]

[0107] For example, in the above embodiment, the noise reduction unit 20 was equipped with a so-called cone-type speaker unit as the speaker 21, but instead of the speaker 21, it may be equipped with a vibration generator that vibrates the partition wall of the housing 11 as a means of outputting a control sound with the opposite phase of the noise waveform.

[0108] [ 0 0 4 8 ]

[0109] Figure 7 shows a power generation unit 1 equipped with a vibration generator 22 that vibrates the partition wall of the housing 11. The vibration generator 22 is mounted on the inner surface of the partition wall of the housing 11. The vibration generator 22 is driven by a noise cancellation circuit 45, similar to a speaker, and outputs a control sound corresponding to an output waveform signal that is the inverse phase of the input waveform signal of sound captured by the microphone 19. The microphone 19 may be installed at any position inside or outside the housing 11. In the illustrated power generation unit 1, the vibration generator 22 is installed on the partition wall of the outer surface 11a where the operation panel 17 is located and on the side partition wall of the housing 11, but it may be installed on any other partition wall. By using such a vibration generator 22, it is possible to use the enclosure 11 itself to cancel out noise generated inside the enclosure 11, thereby reducing the noise leaking to the outside.

[0110] [ 0 0 4 9 ]

[0111] Furthermore, the noise reduction unit 20 may refer to information regarding the noise emitted from the power generation unit 1 to determine whether the input noise is noise that should be removed, and may stop operating the noise reduction unit 20 if it contains abnormal noise other than noise that should be removed.

[0112] [ 0 0 5 0 ]

[0113] Figure 8 shows an example configuration of a noise reduction unit 20 equipped with an emergency stop controller 47. The emergency stop controller 47 comprises a processor, memory, and a relay switch. This relay switch is connected between the noise cancellation circuit 45 and the speaker 21. The relay switch is normally connected, and the control sound signal generated by the noise cancellation circuit 45 is transmitted to the speaker 21 via the relay switch.

[0114] [ 0 0 5 1 ]

[0115] The memory pre-stores information about noise that may be generated from the power generation unit 1 (for example, information about noise when auxiliary equipment is operating normally). The noise information may be, for example, information about the waveform pattern of noise generated when auxiliary equipment is operating (for example, frequency, wavelength, amplitude, intensity, shape, spectrum, etc.). The processor obtains information about the input waveform of the sound captured by the microphone 1 9 (for example, at least one of the frequency, wavelength, amplitude, intensity, shape, spectrum of the input waveform), refers to and compares it with the noise information stored in memory, and determines whether the sound input to the microphone 1 9 contains any abnormal noise other than the noise to be removed (for example, noise generated when there is a malfunction in the auxiliary equipment). If it is determined that the input sound contains abnormal noise, the processor controls the relay switch of the emergency stop controller 4 7 to a disconnected state and stops the output of the control sound from the speaker 2 1. This allows the user to recognize the abnormal noise without it being masked, and prevents the power generation unit 1 from being used while malfunctioning.

[0116] [ 0 0 5 2 ]

[0117] Furthermore, the noise reduction unit 20 may be configured to reduce the control sound output from speaker 21 when it determines that the input sound contains an abnormal noise, thereby allowing the user to recognize the noise containing the abnormal noise. Alternatively, the noise reduction unit 20 may be configured to reduce the noise while correcting the control sound so as not to remove the abnormal noise and outputting it from speaker 21, or to correct the control sound to emphasize the abnormal noise and output it, or to output a notification sound overlaid on the control sound to indicate that an abnormal noise is occurring. With any of these configurations, the user can be notified that there is an abnormality in the power generation unit 1.

[0118] [ 0 0 5 3 ]

[0119] The power generation unit 1 of the above embodiment may be housed in a storage room such as a container or building, and multiple power generation units 1 may be housed in a storage room to constitute a power generation system. When multiple power generation units 1 are arranged in a relatively narrow storage room, the noise generated by each power generation unit 1 may overlap directly or through reverberation, increasing the noise audible to the user in the storage room. In contrast, the power generation unit 1 of this embodiment can reduce noise in a specific area within the storage room by the noise reduction unit 20.

[0120] [ 0 0 5 4 ]

[0121] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a single power generation unit 1 was equipped with a thermoelectric power generation unit 23 and a noise reduction unit 2〇, but the technology of this disclosure is not limited to such examples. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the technology of this disclosure can also be applied to a power generation unit configured to house multiple power generation units 1a to 1f in a storage chamber 7 such as a container, distribute and supply fuel gas G_an and cathode gas G_ca, and combine and discharge exhaust gas G_ex. In this case as well, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained by installing the thermoelectric power generation unit 23 in a location where a large temperature difference occurs, and installing the microphone 19 and speaker 21 in appropriate locations depending on the area where noise reduction is to be desired. The location where the microphone 19 and speaker 21 are installed may be outside the storage chamber 7 (see, for example, Figure 9).

[0122] [ 0 0 5 5 ]

[0123] In the above embodiment, the noise reduction unit 20 is configured to reduce noise within the operation area 5, which is a specific area. However, the specific area is not limited to the operation area 5, but can be any area that users enter relatively frequently. For example, if there is an opening or distribution board in the partition wall of the housing 11 of the power generation unit 1 that is opened when performing maintenance on the inside of the power generation unit 1, the specific area may be the area that users enter when accessing such opening or distribution board. Furthermore, the specific area may be a single area outside the power generation unit 1, or it may be two or more areas.

[0124] [ 0 0 5 6 ]

[0125] Furthermore, the fuel cell system 30 illustrated in the above embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications are possible. For example, in the above embodiment, hydrogen was directly supplied as the raw material gas, but it may also be a configuration in which a raw material gas other than hydrogen is supplied and hydrogen reformed by a reformer is used. Depending on the configuration of the fuel cell system 30, the auxiliary equipment provided may also be changed.

[0126] [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] [ 0 0 5 7 ]

[0128] 1: Power generation unit

[0129] 5: Operation Area 1, Enclosure

[0130] 3. Exhaust duct

[0131] 9 Microphone ○ Noise Reduction Unit

[0132] 1 speaker

[0133] 3. Thermoelectric power generation section

[0134] Fuel cell system: 1 fuel cell module, 2 compressors

[0135] 3 Compressors

[0136] 5 Inverter

[0137] 〇 Power supply circuit

[0138] 1 Konnoeta

[0139] 3 Inverter

[0140] 5. Noise cancellation circuit

Claims

[Document Name] Scope of Claim

1. A power generation unit (1) comprising a fuel cell module (31) and auxiliary equipment (32, 33, 35) inside a housing (11), A thermoelectric power generation unit (23) that generates electricity from the heat emitted from the power generation unit (1), and a noise reduction unit (20) that operates using the electricity generated by the thermoelectric power generation unit (23) and reduces the noise emitted from the power generation unit (1), A power generation unit equipped with the following features.

2. The power generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the noise reduction unit (20) reduces noise in a specific area outside the housing (11).

3. The power generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the noise reduction unit (20) includes a microphone (19) and a speaker (21), and outputs a sound from the speaker (21) that is in the opposite phase to the phase of the waveform of the noise input from the microphone (19).

4. The power generation unit according to claim 3, wherein the microphone (19) and the speaker (21) are provided in the partition wall (11a) of the housing (11) on which the operation panel (17) for operating the power generation unit (1) is provided.

5. The power generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the noise reduction unit (20) has a vibration generator (22) that vibrates the partition wall of the housing (11).

6. The power generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric power generation unit (23) generates electricity using the exhaust duct (13) that discharges exhaust gas from the power generation unit (1) as a high-temperature source and the air outside the housing (11) as a low-temperature source. [Claim? ] The power generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric power generation unit (20) generates electricity using the partition wall of the housing (11) as a high-temperature source and the outside of the housing (11) as a low-temperature source.

8. The power generation unit according to claim 5, wherein the thermoelectric power generation unit (20) generates electricity using the bottom surface of the housing (11) as a high-temperature source and the ground on which the housing (11) is installed as a low-temperature source.

9. The power generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the noise reduction unit (20) acquires information regarding noise emitted from the power generation unit (1), and if it determines based on the information that there are abnormal noises other than the noise to be reduced, it suppresses the control to reduce the noise emitted from the power generation unit (1).

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