Management method and management device for managing fuel cell equipment, fuel cell system including fuel cell equipment and management device, and fuel cell equipment

Abstract

This management method is for managing fuel cell equipment (5A) provided with a plurality of fuel cell units (40). The management method includes, when the error (E) between required generated power (PREQ) and real generated power (PREAL) of the fuel cell equipment (5A) continuously deviates from a prescribed range for a prescribed period, correcting a power generation plan (XFC) representing instructed power generation (PFC) for the fuel cell equipment (5A), on the basis of an increase / decrease of the required generated power (PREQ) and the real generated power (PREAL).

Description

A management method and control device for managing fuel cell equipment, a fuel cell system including fuel cell equipment and a control device, and fuel cell equipment

[0001] This disclosure relates to a control method and control device for managing fuel cell equipment, a fuel cell system including fuel cell equipment and a control device, and fuel cell equipment.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes modifying the power generation plan of a fuel cell system to bring forward the timing of changing the number of fuel cell power generation units in accordance with the magnitude of the change in the output of the fuel cell system in the power generation plan.

[0003] International Publication No. 2024 / 122150

[0004] This disclosure provides technology suitable for adapting the power generation of fuel cell equipment to requirements.

[0005] This disclosure provides a management method for managing a fuel cell facility comprising a plurality of fuel cell units, the method comprising correcting a power generation plan representing the commanded power generation of the fuel cell facility based on an increase or decrease in the requested power generation and the actual power generation, when the error between the requested power generation and the actual power generation of the fuel cell facility deviates from a predetermined range for a predetermined period of time.

[0006] The technology described herein is suitable for adapting the power generation of fuel cell equipment to meet requirements.

[0007] Diagram of the fuel cell system configuration in Embodiment 1 Flowchart showing the management method performed by the management device Flowchart showing the management method performed by the management device Graph for explaining the calculation of the increase / decrease rate Graph for explaining the calculation of the increase / decrease rate Table for explaining the correction of the FC power generation plan based on the increase / decrease rate Graph showing the change over time of various powers related to the first specific example Table showing the change over time of various powers related to the first specific example Graph showing the change over time of various powers related to the second specific example Table showing the change over time of various powers related to the second specific example Diagram showing an example configuration in which the number of fuel cell equipment in the fuel cell system is two

[0008] The embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, "energy" is the time integral of "power". The unit of "energy" is watt-hour (Wh), etc. The unit of "power" is watt (W), etc.

[0009] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Configuration] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram of the fuel cell system 1A in Embodiment 1. The fuel cell system 1A includes a terminal 10, a management device 20, and a fuel cell equipment 5A. The fuel cell equipment 5A includes a control device 30, a plurality of fuel cell units 40, a current collector 50, and a sensor 60.

[0010] Terminal 10 is, for example, a smartphone, personal computer, tablet, mobile phone, or personal digital assistant (PDA). Terminal 10 can be operated by a user. The user may be a power consumer receiving power supply services from the fuel cell facility 5A, or a power generator providing said supply services to power consumers.

[0011] The control device 20 controls the power generation plan for the fuel cell equipment 5A (hereinafter referred to as the "FC power generation plan") X FC The management device 20 includes, for example, a server. The server may be a cloud server or an on-premises server.

[0012] The number of fuel cell units 40 in the fuel cell equipment 5A is two or more, for example, two or more and 1000 or less. In the fuel cell equipment 5A, each of the multiple fuel cell units 40 includes a fuel cell stack, auxiliary equipment, and filters, etc.

[0013] The fuel cell unit 40 can perform rated power generation and partial load power generation. Rated power generation is power generation that produces rated power. Partial load power generation is power generation that produces less power than the rated power. The fuel cell unit 40 is, for example, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), etc. The fuel supplied to the fuel cell unit 40 may be pure hydrogen gas or a gas obtained by steam reforming.

[0014] The control device 30 receives the FC power generation plan X from the management device 20 FC and controls the fuel cell equipment 5A in accordance with the FC power generation plan X FC . In the present embodiment, the control device 30 is a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). In the present embodiment, the control device 30 includes a plurality of control units not shown. The plurality of fuel cell units 40 in the fuel cell equipment 5A are grouped into a plurality of groups. Each of the plurality of control units controls the fuel cell units 40 of the group associated therewith. Typically, each of the plurality of groups includes two or more fuel cell units 40.

[0015] The plurality of fuel cell units 40 are connected to a current collecting unit 50. The power generated by the plurality of fuel cell units 40 is collected at the current collecting unit 50. For example, an electric circuit is connected to the plurality of fuel cell units 40, and the current collecting unit 50 is a part of the electric circuit. A sensor 60 measures the power at the current collecting unit 50. The sensor 60 is, for example, a logger. The measured power value measured by the sensor 60 is transmitted to the management device 20.

[0016] [1-2. Operation] FIGS. 2A and 2B are flowcharts illustrating a management method executed by the management device 20 for managing the fuel cell equipment 5A. In the present embodiment, at the "start" step of FIG. 2A, the FC power generation plan X is stored in the management device 20 FC , the requested power generation plan X REQ and the actual power generation performance data Y REAL .

[0017] The FC power generation plan X FC represents the temporal change of the commanded power generation P FC of the fuel cell equipment 5A. The commanded power generation P FC is a command value that the generated power of the fuel cell equipment 5A should follow. However, due to deterioration of the fuel cell units 40, the actual generated power (actual generated power P FC of the fuel cell equipment 5A may be smaller than the commanded power generation P REAL ). In the FC power generation plan X of the present embodiment FC , the unit period TUNIT Each commanded power generation P FC This is set. However, the unit period T UNIT Even if in the middle of the process, the required power generation plan X REQ Depending on the changes, FC power generation plan X FC The command power generation P changes. FC This could change. Specifically, FC power generation plan X FC This is a plan for three days. Unit period T UNIT The duration is 30 minutes.

[0018] Required power generation plan X REQ The required power generation P of the fuel cell equipment 5A. REQ This represents the change over time. In this embodiment, the required power generation P REQ This is the power generation that the user requests from the fuel cell equipment 5A. Specifically, the user requests the power generation plan X. REQ Enter the following into terminal 10. Terminal 10 will input the requested power generation plan X REQ The requested power generation plan X is transmitted to the management device 20. The management device 20 receives the requested power generation plan X. REQ Receive and store the data. The requested power generation plan X of this embodiment REQ So, the unit period T UNIT Required power generation P REQ This is set. In this embodiment, FC power generation plan X FC and the requested power generation plan X REQ and unit period T UNIT They are synchronized. In this embodiment, the requested power generation plan X REQ The length of the period covered is FC power generation plan X FC It is longer than the length of the period targeted. Specifically, the required power generation plan X REQ This is a plan for seven days.

[0019] Power generation performance data Y REAL P is the actual power generated by the fuel cell facility 5A. REAL This represents the change over time. Actual power generation P REAL This is the actual power generated by the fuel cell equipment 5A. In this embodiment, the actual power generated P REAL This is the actual power measurement value measured by the sensor 60 at the current collection unit 50. Specifically, the sensor 60 measures the power at the current collection unit 50 and transmits the obtained power measurement value to the management device 20. Measurement and transmission occur at a fixed cycle CCON As this is repeated, the power measurement value in the control device 20 is measured at a constant period C CON Discrete data arranged in chronological order is stored. The management device 20 calculates the average of the most recent multiple measurements from the discrete data. The obtained calculated value is the actual power generation P REAL Specifically, a constant period C CON This is 30 seconds. In the following description of this embodiment, the current actual power generation P REAL This is the most recently calculated actual power generation P REAL That is the case.

[0020] In step S11 shown in Figure 2A, the control device 20 calculates the error rate C based on the following formula 1. ERR Calculate the error rate C. ERR This is the current required power generation P REQ From current actual power generation P REAL The difference after subtracting the current required power generation P REQ It is the value obtained by dividing by [a certain factor].

[0021] In step S12, the control device 20 calculates the feedback coefficient C based on the following formula 2. FB Calculate the feedback coefficient C. FB This is the current command generation power P FC From current actual power generation P REAL The value obtained by subtracting this is the current commanded power generation P FC It is the value obtained by dividing by the feedback coefficient C. FB This is the command generation power P FC and actual power generation P REAL This value is based on the difference between the two.

[0022] In step S13, the control device 20 determines whether a predetermined timing has arrived. If the predetermined timing has arrived, the process proceeds to step S14 in Figure 2B. If the predetermined timing has not arrived, the process does not proceed to step S14 in Figure 2B.

[0023] In this embodiment, the predetermined timing is determined by the power generation plan X of the management device 20. REQ In the case of the required power generation P REQThe first event is a change in the fuel cell equipment 5A, the second event is a predetermined condition occurring in the fuel cell equipment 5A, and the required power generation plan X REQ In the previous unit period T UNIT From the next unit period T UNIT The third event transitions to, and the error rate C ERR This is the timing when one of the fourth events occurs, in which the value deviates from the predetermined range for a predetermined period of time.

[0024] The first event can occur at the same time as the third event, or at a different time. For example, the first event may occur at a different time than the third event, as follows: within a certain unit period T. UNIT At some point during this process, a new power generation plan X is sent from terminal 10 to management device 20. REQ The following is sent. Requested power generation plan X REQ Of those unit periods T UNIT The portion of the above time after the specified time is the requested power generation plan X that was stored in the management device 20 before the transmission. REQ This is changed. In this way, the first event may occur at a different time than when the third event occurs.

[0025] The predetermined situation for the second event is, for example, a situation in which an error occurs in some or all of the multiple fuel cell units 40 in the fuel cell equipment 5A. The error occurs, for example, when a fuel cell unit 40 malfunctions. Typically, power generation is stopped in the fuel cell unit 40 that has experienced the error. In this embodiment, in the fourth event, the predetermined range is greater than -1% and less than +1%, and the predetermined period is 150 seconds.

[0026] The flowchart in Figure 2A shows a constant period C CON This process is repeated. This repetition results in an error rate C ERR and feedback coefficient C FB This is updated sequentially. In the following description of this embodiment, the current error rate C ERR and feedback coefficient C FB This is the most recently calculated error rate C ERR and feedback coefficient C FBOn the other hand, the flowchart of FIG. 2B is executed on-demand according to the determination result of step S13 in the flowchart of FIG. 2A.

[0027] In step S14 shown in FIG. 2B, the management device 20 obtains the requested generated power P REQ rate of change R ID is specified. As shown in Mathematical Formula 3 below, the rate of change R ID is the ratio of the change width Δ REQ of the requested generated power P REQ1 due to increase / decrease to the requested generated power P before the increase / decrease (hereinafter referred to as "P REQ "). The change width Δ ID is the difference obtained by subtracting the requested generated power P before the increase / decrease (hereinafter referred to as "P ID ") from the requested generated power P after the increase / decrease (hereinafter referred to as "P REQ "). REQ2 REQ1

[0028] FIGS. 3 and 4 are graphs for explaining the calculation of the rate of change R ID . The graph shows the temporal change of the requested generated power P REQ in the requested power generation plan X REQ held by the management device 20. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents power. The unit of the horizontal axis is hour and minute, and the unit of the vertical axis is kW. In the examples of FIGS. 3 and 4, the 30-minute period from 2:00 to 2:30 constitutes a first unit period T UNIT , and the 30-minute period from 2:30 to 3:00 constitutes a second unit period T UNIT .[]

[0029] In the example of FIG. 3, a predetermined timing arrives at 2:30 due to the occurrence of a first event and a third event. The rate of change R ID at 2:30 is (600 kW - 200 kW) ÷ 200 kW × 100 = 200%.

[0030] In the example of FIG. 3, a predetermined timing arrives at 3:00 due to the occurrence of the first event and the third event. The rate of change R ID at 3:00 is (400 kW - 600 kW) ÷ 600 kW × 100 ≒ -33%. ​​

[0031] In the example of FIG. 4, the predetermined timing arrives when the first event occurs at 2:20. The rate of increase / decrease R at 2:20 ID is (600kW - 200kW) ÷ 200kW × 100 = 200%.

[0032] In the example of FIG. 4, the predetermined timing arrives when the third event occurs at 2:30. The rate of increase / decrease R at 2:30 ID is (600kW - 600kW) ÷ 600kW × 100 = 0%.

[0033] In the example of FIG. 4, the predetermined timing arrives when the first event and the third event occur at 3:00. The rate of increase / decrease R at 3:00 ID is (400kW - 600kW) ÷ 600kW × 100 ≒ -33%.

[0034] Returning to FIG. 2B, in step S15, the management device 20 calculates the rate of increase / decrease R ID based on which it corrects the FC power generation plan X FC . FIG. 5 is a table for explaining correction of the FC power generation plan X ID based on the rate of increase / decrease R FC . In the table shown in FIG. 5, the command generated power P FC1 is the command generated power P before correction FC . The command generated power P FC2 is the command generated power P after correction FC .

[0035] in FIG. 5 is a case where the rate of increase / decrease R ID is zero, and the current error rate C ERR is within a predetermined range. In this case, the management device 20 does not correct the portion of the unit period T to which the current time belongs in the FC power generation plan X FC (hereinafter referred to as the "current T UNIT portion"). As described above, the predetermined range is a range larger than -1% and smaller than +1%. That is, -1% < predetermined range < 1%. UNIT

[0036] in FIG. 5 is a case where the rate of increase / decrease R ID is zero, and the current error rate C ERR ​This is the case when it is outside the predetermined range. In this case, the management device 20 will set the FC power generation plan X FC Of the current T UNIT The portion, Command Power Generation P FC The current error rate C ERR The system corrects the information so that it is updated based on the following. Specifically, in this case, the management device 20 corrects the relevant part according to the following formula 4.

[0037] <c> in Figure 5 represents the rate of increase / decrease R ID This is the case when it is zero. In this case, the control device 20 will set the FC power generation plan X FC Of the current T UNIT The portion after the initial part, the required power generation P after the increase or decrease. REQ2 and the current feedback coefficient C FB Based on this, the commanded power generation P FC The following is corrected so that it is updated. Specifically, in this case, the management device 20 corrects the latter part according to the following formula 5. The feedback coefficient C included in formulas 5 and 6 in <c>, <d>, <e>, <f>, <g>, <h> and of Figure 5. FB In formula 2 for calculating the required power generation P, REQ The required power generation P REQ1 And, the command power generation P FC Command power generation P FC1 That is the case.

[0038] In Figure 5, <d> represents the rate of increase / decrease R. ID If it is less than zero or the rate of increase / decrease R ID If it is greater than zero, it will be a predetermined value R TH Smaller than, and with the current error rate C ERR This is the case when it is within a predetermined range. In this case, the management device 20 will control the FC power generation plan X FC Of the current T UNIT The portion is corrected in the same manner as in case <c> of Figure 5. The predetermined value R TH This is a positive value. In this embodiment, the predetermined value R TH The percentage is 60%.

[0039] <e> in Figure 5 represents the rate of increase / decrease R ID If it is less than zero or the rate of increase / decrease R IDIf it is greater than zero, it will be a predetermined value R TH Smaller than, and with the current error rate C ERR This is the case when it is outside the predetermined range. In this case, the management device 20 will set the FC power generation plan X FC Of the current T UNIT The portion is corrected in the same manner as in case <c> of Figure 5.

[0040] In Figure 5, <f> represents the rate of increase / decrease R. ID If it is less than zero or the rate of increase / decrease R ID If it is greater than zero, it will be a predetermined value R TH This is the case when it is smaller than X. In this case, the control device 20 controls the FC power generation plan X FC Of the current T UNIT The portion after the specified point is corrected in the same manner as in case <c> of Figure 5.

[0041] In Figure 5, <g> represents the rate of increase / decrease R. ID The predetermined value R TH That is all, and the current error rate C ERR This is the case when it is within a predetermined range. In this case, the management device 20 will control the FC power generation plan X FC Of the current T UNIT Compared to case <d> in Figure 5, the commanded power generation P FC The adjustment is made so that the value increases. Specifically, in this case, the management device 20 adjusts the value of the requested power generation P after the increase or decrease. REQ2 , current feedback coefficient C FB And based on the correction coefficient G, the commanded power generation P FC The correction is made so that it is updated. More specifically, in this case, the management device 20 corrects the part according to the following formula 6. In this embodiment, the correction coefficient G is a positive value and is a constant. Specifically, the correction coefficient G is 1%.

[0042] In Figure 5, <h> represents the rate of increase / decrease R. ID The predetermined value R TH That is all, and the current error rate C ERR This is the case when it is outside the predetermined range. In this case, the management device 20 will set the FC power generation plan X FC Of the current T UNIT Compared to the case of <e> in Figure 5, the commanded power generation P FCThe adjustment is made so that it becomes larger. Specifically, in this case, the management device 20 adjusts the FC power generation plan X FC Of the current T UNIT The portion is corrected in the same manner as in case <g> in Figure 5.

[0043] In Figure 5, represents the rate of increase / decrease R. ID The predetermined value R TH The above applies. In this case, the control device 20 will set the FC power generation plan X FC Of the current T UNIT Compared to case <f> in Figure 5, the commanded power generation P for the portion after the initial part FC The value is corrected to be larger. Specifically, in this case, the control device 20 corrects the latter part in the same manner as in the case of <g> in Figure 5.

[0044] Here, the error rate C ERR We compare the case of and the case of <e> in Figure 5, where R is outside the predetermined range. In this embodiment, R ID If is equal to 0, then FC power generation plan X is based on equation 4. FC The required power generation P is corrected. The correction based on formula 4 is calculated using the formula 4. REQ When there is no change, the error rate C ERR FC power generation plan X FC This has the advantage of being able to directly reflect the correction, thus making it easier to ensure the accuracy of the correction. On the other hand, R ID <0 or 0 <R ID <R TH In the case of <e>, FC power generation plan X based on formula 5. FC The required power generation P is corrected. The correction based on formula 5 is calculated using the formula 5. REQ In cases where there is a change, the feedback coefficient C may reflect the correction results up to that point. FB FC power generation plan X FC This allows for the correction to be reflected in the correction, which has the advantage of making it easier to ensure the stability of the correction accuracy.

[0045] Also, error rate C ERR We compare the cases of <d>, <e>, and <f> in Figure 5, where R is outside the predetermined range, with the cases of <g>, <h>, and in Figure 5. In this embodiment, the increase / decrease rate R IDWhen <d>, <e>, and <f> are relatively small, FC power generation plan X is created based on equation 5. FC Correcting this, while the rate of increase / decrease R ID When <g>, <h>, and are relatively large, FC power generation plan X is calculated based on equation 6. FC This corrects the increase / decrease rate R, as shown in Figures 6A and 7A described later. ID Actual power generation P when it is relatively small REAL Requested power generation P REQ It follows the rate of increase / decrease R ID Actual power generation P when it is relatively large REAL Requested power generation P REQ It can be made larger than that.

[0046] In the cases of <c>, <e>, and <f> in Figure 5, the commanded power generation P is determined based on Equation 5. FC Update the command power generation P based on Equation 6 in the cases of <h> and in Figure 5. FC By updating the FC power generation plan X FC Even after correcting for the error rate C, ERR It is possible that the result may not fall within the predetermined range. In this case, in the embodiment, additional updates and corrections are made based on the table shown in Figure 5. These additional updates and corrections will be described later with reference to Figures 6A to 7B.

[0047] In addition, in the embodiment, R ID ≥ R TH The required power generation P REQ FC power generation plan X triggered by the change (first event) FC In the case of additional corrections after the corrections mentioned above, Equation 7 is applied instead of Equation 4. The corrections based on Equation 7 will be described later with reference to Figures 7A and 7B.

[0048] Returning to Figure 2B, in step S16, the control device 20 sends the FC power generation plan X to the control device 30 of the fuel cell equipment 5A. FC The following is transmitted. As can be understood from the above explanation, this transmission is performed at the predetermined timing described above. The control device 30 sends the FC power generation plan X FC The fuel cell equipment 5A is controlled accordingly.

[0049] Thus, in this embodiment, the required power generation P REQ and actual power generation P REAL Error rate C ERR Calculate the error rate C. ERR When the required power generation P deviates from a predetermined range for a predetermined period of time, REQ Increase or decrease and actual power generation P REAL Based on this, the commanded power generation P of the fuel cell equipment 5A FC FC power generation plan X represents FC This corrects the value. This configuration is suitable for adapting the power generation of the fuel cell equipment 5A to the requirements of the user, etc.

[0050] Specifically, in the above configuration, the error rate C ERR The deviation from the predetermined range triggered the FC power generation plan X FC Correcting for this means the actual generated power P REAL Required power generation P REQ Suppressing deviations from the actual generated power P REAL Requested power generation P REQ This contributes to tracking with high accuracy. In the above configuration, the actual power generation P REAL Based on FC power generation plan X FC Correcting for this also involves the actual generated power P REAL Requested power generation P REQ This contributes to tracking with high accuracy. For example, actual power generation P REAL Requested power generation P REQ By tracking with high precision, the actual power generation P will meet the user's expectations. REAL It is possible to adapt it.

[0051] In reality, the required power generation P REQ When it increases, the actual power generation P is delayed in response to this increase. REAL It increases. Actual power generation P REAL The delay in the increase of P results in a shortage of actual generated power relative to the required power during the period around the timing of this increase. Here, the required power is the required generated power P. REQ It is the time integral of and the actual generated electricity is the actual generated power P. REAL This is the time integral of the power generation P. The degree of the deficit between the required power and the actual power generated is given by the required power generation P.REQ The larger the increase in P, the larger the result. In this regard, in the above configuration, the required power generation P REQ Based on the increase or decrease, FC power generation plan X FC This will be corrected according to the degree of the above deficiency in FC power generation plan X FC This makes it possible to correct this. Details of this action will be described later with reference to Figure 7A.

[0052] Figures 6A and 6B show the required power generation P for the first specific example, respectively. REQ Command power generation P FC and actual power generation P REAL These are graphs and tables showing the changes over time. In Figure 6A, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents power. The unit of the horizontal axis is hours and minutes, and the unit of the vertical axis is kW. In Figures 6A and 6B, the 30 minutes from 1:00 to 1:30 is the unit period T. UNIT It is composed of the following: Period A is the period before 1:00. Period B is the 15-minute period from 1:00 to 1:15. Period C is the 15-minute period from 1:15 to 1:30.

[0053] In the first specific example, during period A, the required power generation P REQ It is 500 kW. Command generation power P FC It is 500 kW. Actual power generation P REAL It is 450 kW.

[0054] In the first specific example, the predetermined timing arrives at 1:00 when the third event occurs. The rate of increase / decrease at 1:00 is R. ID P REQ1 = 500 kW and P REQ2 By substituting 500kW into equation 3, the calculation is (500kW - 500kW) ÷ 500kW × 100 = 0%. As can be understood from the explanation referring to <c> in Figure 5, the rate of increase / decrease R ID Since = 0%, in period B following period A, the feedback coefficient C is as shown in equation 5. FB Command power generation P updated based on FC The following applies. Specifically, the feedback coefficient C FB P FC1 = 500 kW and PREAL By substituting 450 kW into equation 2, we get (500 kW - 450 kW) ÷ 500 kW × 100 = 10%. 10% is expressed as a ratio of 0.1. P REQ2 = 500 kW and C FB By substituting = 0.1 into equation 5, the updated command power generation P can be obtained. FC This is calculated as 500 kW × (1 + 0.1) = 550 kW. With this update, the actual generated power P REAL The power output will increase from 450 kW to 495 kW.

[0055] However, the required power generation P after the increase or decrease REQ2 = 500 kW and the increased actual power generation P REAL The error rate C is calculated from 495 kW using formula 1. ERR The error rate is (500 kW - 495 kW) ÷ 500 kW × 100 = 1%. On the other hand, the specified range is greater than -1% and less than +1%. Therefore, the error rate C is ERR This is outside the specified range. Therefore, the commanded power generation P within period B FC An additional update is performed. In Figures 6A and 6B, period B before the additional update is denoted as period B'. Period B after the additional update is simply denoted as period B.

[0056] In the additional updates performed, the rate of increase / decrease R ID P REQ1 = 500 kW and P REQ2 By substituting 500kW into equation 3, the calculation is (500kW - 500kW) ÷ 500kW × 100 = 0%. As can be understood from the explanation referring to in Figure 5, the rate of increase / decrease R ID = 0% and error rate C ERR Since it is outside the specified range, the error rate C is as shown in Equation 4. ERR Command power generation P updated based on FC The following applies. Specifically, the error rate C ERR = 1% is equivalent to 0.01 when expressed as a ratio. FC1 = 550 kW and C ERR By substituting = 0.01 into equation 4, the updated command power generation P can be obtained. FCThis is calculated as 550 kW × (1 + 0.01) ≈ 555 kW. With this update, the actual generated power P REAL The power output will increase from 495 kW to 500 kW.

[0057] In the first specific example, the predetermined timing arrives at 1:15 when the first event occurs. The rate of increase / decrease at 1:15 is R. ID P REQ1 = 500 kW and P REQ2 By substituting 600kW into equation 3, the calculation is (600kW - 500kW) ÷ 500kW × 100 = 20%. Also, the required power generation P REQ2 = 500 kW and actual power generation P REAL The error rate C is calculated from 500 kW using formula 1. ERR The error rate is (500 kW - 500 kW) ÷ 500 kW × 100 = 0%. On the other hand, the specified range is greater than -1% and less than +1%. Therefore, the error rate C is ERR This is within the specified range. As can be understood from the explanation referring to <d> in Figure 5, the rate of increase / decrease R ID = 20% and error rate C ERR Since it is outside the specified range, in period C following period B, the feedback coefficient C is as shown in equation 5. FB Command power generation P updated based on FC The following applies. Specifically, the feedback coefficient C FB P FC1 = 555 kW and P REAL By substituting 500kW into equation 2, we can calculate (555kW - 500kW) ÷ 555kW × 100 ≈ 10%. 10% is expressed as a ratio of 0.1. P REQ2 = 600 kW and C FB By substituting = 0.1 into equation 5, the updated command power generation P can be obtained. FC This is calculated as 600 kW × (1 + 0.1) = 660 kW. With this update, the actual generated power P REAL The power output will increase from 500 kW to 594 kW.

[0058] However, the required power generation P after the increase or decrease REQ2 =600kW and the increased actual power generation P REALThe error rate C is calculated from = 594 kW using formula 1. ERR The error rate is (600 kW - 594 kW) ÷ 600 kW × 100 = 1%. On the other hand, the specified range is greater than -1% and less than +1%. Therefore, the error rate C is ERR This is outside the specified range. Therefore, the commanded power generation P within period C FC An additional update is performed. In Figures 6A and 6B, period C before the additional update is denoted as period C'. Period C after the additional update is simply denoted as period C.

[0059] In the additional updates performed, the rate of increase / decrease R ID P REQ1 = 600 kW and P REQ2 By substituting 600kW into equation 3, the calculation is (600kW - 600kW) ÷ 600kW × 100 = 0%. As can be understood from the explanation referring to in Figure 5, the rate of increase / decrease R ID = 0% and error rate C ERR Since it is outside the specified range, the error rate C is as shown in Equation 4. ERR Command power generation P updated based on FC The following applies. Specifically, the error rate C ERR = 1% is equivalent to 0.01 when expressed as a ratio. FC1 = 660 kW and C ERR By substituting = 0.01 into equation 4, the updated command power generation P can be obtained. FC This is calculated as 660kW × (1 + 0.01) ≈ 666kW. With this update, the actual generated power P REAL The power output will increase from 594 kW to 600 kW.

[0060] Figures 7A and 7B show the required power generation P for the second specific example, respectively. REQ Command power generation P FC and actual power generation P REAL These are graphs and tables showing the changes over time. In Figure 7A, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents power. The unit of the horizontal axis is hours and minutes, and the unit of the vertical axis is kW. In Figures 7A and 7B, the 30 minutes from 1:00 to 1:30 is the unit period T. UNITIt consists of the following: Period A is the period before 1:00. Period B is the 30-minute period from 1:00 to 1:30.

[0061] In the second specific example, during period A, the required power generation P REQ It is 500 kW. Command generation power P FC It is 550 kW. Actual power generation P REAL It is 500 kW.

[0062] In the second specific example, the predetermined timing arrives at 1:00 due to the occurrence of the first and third events. The rate of increase / decrease at 1:00 is R. ID P REQ1 = 500 kW and P REQ2 By substituting 1000kW into equation 3, we get (1000kW - 500kW) ÷ 500kW × 100 = 200%. As can be understood from the explanation referring to in Figure 5, the rate of increase / decrease R ID Since it is 200%, in period B following period A, the feedback coefficient C is as shown in equation 6. FB and the updated command power generation P based on the correction coefficient G. FC The following applies. Specifically, the feedback coefficient C FB P FC1 = 550 kW and P REAL By substituting 500kW into equation 2, we get (550kW - 500kW) ÷ 550kW × 100 ≈ 9%. 9% is expressed as a ratio of 0.09. In the second specific example, the correction factor G is 1%, which is expressed as a ratio of 0.01. P REQ2 = 1000kW, C FB By substituting = 0.09 and G = 0.01 into equation 6, the updated command power generation P can be obtained. FC This is calculated as 1000kW × (1 + 0.09 + 0.01) = 1100kW. With this update, the actual generated power P REAL The power output will increase from 500 kW to 990 kW.

[0063] However, the required power generation P after the increase or decrease REQ2 = 1000kW and the actual power generation P after the increase REAL The error rate C is calculated from 990 kW using formula 1.ERR The error rate is (1000kW - 990kW) ÷ 1000kW × 100 = 1%. On the other hand, the specified range is greater than -1% and less than +1%. Therefore, the error rate C is ERR This is outside the specified range. Therefore, the commanded power generation P within period B FC An additional update is performed. In Figures 7A and 7B, period B before the additional update is denoted as period B'. Period B after the additional update is simply denoted as period B.

[0064] In the additional updates performed, the rate of increase / decrease R ID P REQ1 = 1000kW and P REQ2 By substituting 1000kW into equation 3, the calculation is (1000kW - 1000kW) ÷ 1000kW × 100 = 0%. As can be understood from the explanation referring to equation 7 in Figure 5, the rate of increase / decrease R ID = 0% and error rate C ERR Since it is outside the specified range, the error rate C is as shown in Equation 7. ERR and the updated command power generation P based on the correction coefficient G. FC The following applies. Specifically, the error rate C ERR = 1% is expressed as a ratio of 0.01. The correction factor G is 1%, which is expressed as a ratio of 0.01. P FC1 = 1100 kW, C ERR By substituting = 0.01 and G = 0.01 into equation 7, the updated command power generation P can be obtained. FC This is calculated as 1100kW × (1 + 0.01 + 0.01) = 1122kW. With this update, the actual generated power P REAL The power output will increase from 990 kW to 1010 kW.

[0065] Around 1:00 in Figure 7A, the actual power generation P REAL This is the command generation power P FC It is rising with a delay in response to the rise in command generation power P. FC During an increase in power, this can lead to a shortage of actual power generation compared to the required power generation. However, the commanded power generation P FC After the increase, the commanded power generation P is calculated using the correction coefficient G. FC The height is raised, and the actual power generation PREAL This is also increased, resulting in an excess of actual power generation compared to the required power generation amount. Unit period T UNIT Overall, the command generation power P FC The deficit in actual power generation during the rise is the commanded power generation P FC This is offset by the excess amount of actual power generated due to the increase after the rise. This offsetting effect occurs over a unit period T. UNIT Overall, this makes it possible to obtain an actual amount of generated power that matches the required amount of generated power. In this way, the correction coefficient G is equal to the commanded generated power P FC Add the correction amount and the unit period T UNIT It acts to reduce the error between the actual amount of power generated and the required amount of power generated.

[0066] In Figure 7A, the required power generation P REQ In contrast to actual power generation P REAL A small area is indicated by dot hatching 71. Required power generation P REQ In contrast to actual power generation P REAL Areas with a large value are indicated by hatching 72. The above cancellation can be visually understood from hatching 71 and hatching 72. In this embodiment, the correction coefficient G is set for a unit period T. UNIT Unit period T for the amount of electricity required to generate electricity in UNIT The system is set so that the error in the actual amount of electricity generated is below the target value.

[0067] The fuel cell unit 40 deteriorates with use. Deterioration affects the commanded power generation P FC In contrast to actual power generation P REAL This leads to a situation where the power output is small. According to the inventors' studies, the ratio of the actual value of the power output of the fuel cell unit 40 to the command value may differ depending on whether the fuel cell unit 40 is performing rated power output or partial load power output. Specifically, when performing rated power output, the ratio tends to be smaller than when performing partial load power output. In one specific example, when performing rated power output, the ratio is less than 100%, and when performing partial load power output, the ratio is 100%. Commanded power output P FCConsidering that this is a command relating to the entire group of fuel cell units 40 in the fuel cell equipment 5A, if the fuel cell unit 40 can perform both rated power generation and partial load power generation, the requested power generation P REQ By multiplying this by a fixed degradation compensation coefficient, the commanded power generation P FC In the approximation used to calculate the required power generation P, REQ In contrast to actual power generation P REAL It is difficult to achieve the accuracy required to track it.

[0068] In this respect, in this embodiment, FC power generation plan X FC The correction is the required power generation P REQ FC power generation plan X FC Command power generation P FC The system is designed to allow the ratio to change over time. In this embodiment, the actual power generation P REAL Based on this, the commanded power generation P FC In a way that corrects for this, the actual generated power P REAL This performs feedback control. In this way, even if the fuel cell unit 40 can perform both rated power generation and partial load power generation, the required power generation P REQ In contrast to actual power generation P REAL It can track with high precision.

[0069] In the fuel cell equipment 5A, variations in power generation may occur in the multiple fuel cell units 40 due to individual differences and differences in the degree of degradation. Even in such cases, feedback control can ensure that the required power generation P REQ In contrast to actual power generation P REAL It can track with high precision.

[0070] Various modifications can be applied to the embodiments described above.

[0071] The fuel cell unit 40 may not be able to perform partial load power generation, and its generated power may be controlled to either zero or rated power.

[0072] As described above, in this embodiment, the control device 30 includes multiple control units, and the multiple fuel cell units 40 in the fuel cell equipment 5A are grouped into multiple groups. However, the control device 30 may have only one control unit, and the fuel cell units 40 may not be grouped. In this case, a single control unit of the control device 30 can control the multiple fuel cell units 40 in the fuel cell equipment 5A.

[0073] As described above, in the embodiment, the control device 20 controls the power measurement value to a constant period C CON The average of the most recent multiple measurements from the discrete data arranged in time series is calculated, and the resulting calculated value is the actual power generation P REAL It is used as follows. The average is not particularly limited and may be an arithmetic mean or a geometric mean. The number of measurements used to calculate the average is not particularly limited and may be two, three, or four or more. Also, one power measurement value may be used as the actual power generation P REAL It may be used as such.

[0074] As can be understood from the above description, in the embodiment, the error rate C ERR When the required power generation P deviates from a predetermined range for a predetermined period of time, REQ Based on the increase / decrease values, FC power generation plan X FC The adjustment is made. The increase / decrease value is the required power generation P REQ When it does not increase or decrease, it is zero, and the required power generation P REQ When it increases, it is a positive value, and the required power generation P REQ When it decreases, it is a negative value. The increase / decrease value is the increase / decrease amount Δ ID This value is based on the following. Specifically, in this embodiment, the increase / decrease value is the increase / decrease rate R ID However, the range of increase / decrease Δ ID The value based on this is the increase / decrease Δ ID It can be the value itself. In other words, the increase / decrease value is the increase / decrease range Δ ID That's fine.

[0075] The flowchart in Figure 2 can be modified as appropriate. For example, step S11 may be performed and then step S12 may be performed, or step S12 may be performed and then step S12 may be performed again.

[0076] In this embodiment, the required power generation P at a predetermined timing REQ Based on the increase or decrease (specifically based on the increase or decrease value), FC power generation plan X FC This is corrected. In this embodiment, the management device 20 adjusts the FC power generation plan X at a predetermined timing. FC This is transmitted to the fuel cell equipment 5A. In this embodiment, the predetermined timing is the timing when any of the first, second, third, and fourth events occur. However, it is not essential that all of the first, second, third, and fourth events are present as events that define the timing corresponding to the predetermined timing.

[0077] In this embodiment, the number of fuel cell equipment 5A in the fuel cell system 1A is one. However, the number of fuel cell equipment 5A in the fuel cell system 1A may be multiple. In one example of this case, the management device 20 sets the FC power generation plan X for each of the multiple fuel cell equipment 5A. FC The control device 30 of each of the multiple fuel cell facilities 5A receives the FC power generation plan X from the management device 20. FC Received and received FC power generation plan X FC The fuel cell equipment 5A is controlled accordingly. Each of the multiple fuel cell equipment 5A may operate in the same manner as the fuel cell equipment 5A described in the embodiment. The management device 20 may perform the same operations for each of the multiple fuel cell equipment 5A as for the fuel cell equipment 5A described in the embodiment. For example, fuel cell equipment 5A may be installed in each factory or area, and the management device 20 may manage these fuel cell equipment 5A. Figure 8 shows an example configuration in which the number of fuel cell equipment 5A in the fuel cell system 1A is two. The number of fuel cell equipment 5A in the fuel cell system 1A may be three or more.

[0078] As described above, in the embodiment, when the error E deviates from a predetermined range for a predetermined period of time, the required power generation P REQ Increase or decrease and actual power generation P REAL Based on this, the commanded power generation P of the fuel cell equipment 5A FC FC power generation plan X represents FC This is corrected. Specifically, the error E is equal to the error rate C. ERRThe specified range is greater than -1% and less than +1%.

[0079] However, the error E is the difference D ERR This is acceptable. Difference D ERR As shown in equation 8 below, the current required power generation P REQ From current actual power generation P REAL This is the difference after subtracting [a certain value]. In this case, the specified range can be a power range. The power range is, for example, a range greater than -4kW and less than +4kW.

[0080] Error rate C ERR and difference D ERR It is also possible to use both. For example, the required power generation P REQ When the power is equal to or greater than the reference power, the error rate C of the embodiment described above ERR And a predetermined range is adopted. Required power generation P REQ When the difference D described above is smaller than the reference power, ERR And a predetermined range is adopted. The reference power is, for example, 400 kW.

[0081] Unless otherwise inconsistent, the "error rate C" in the description of the embodiments ERR " can be reinterpreted as "error E". Also, unless otherwise inconsistent, "error rate C" in the description of the embodiment can be reinterpreted. ERR " to "Difference D ERR This can be reinterpreted as ".

[0082] (Note) This disclosure discloses the following technologies.

[0083] (Technology 1) A management method for managing a fuel cell facility comprising multiple fuel cell units, the method comprising: when the error between the requested power generation and the actual power generation of the fuel cell facility deviates from a predetermined range for a predetermined period of time, correcting the power generation plan representing the commanded power generation of the fuel cell facility based on the increase or decrease in the requested power generation and the actual power generation.

[0084] (Technology 2) The management method described in Technology 1, wherein the correction of the power generation plan is performed based on the increase or decrease value of the requested power generation, the increase or decrease value is a value based on the increase or decrease range, and the increase or decrease range is the difference between the requested power generation before the increase or decrease and the requested power generation after the increase or decrease.

[0085] (Technical 3) The management method according to Technical 2, wherein the increase / decrease value is an increase / decrease rate, and the increase / decrease rate is the ratio of the increase / decrease amount to the required power generation before the increase / decrease.

[0086] (Technology 4) The management method according to Technology 2 or 3, wherein, when the increase / decrease value is zero, the commanded power generation is updated based on the error in the correction of the power generation plan, or the commanded power generation is updated based on a feedback coefficient based on the difference between the commanded power generation and the actual power generation.

[0087] (Technical 5) The management method according to any one of Technical 2 to 4, wherein when the increase / decrease value is less than zero or the increase / decrease value is greater than zero and less than a predetermined value, the commanded power generation power is updated in the correction of the power generation plan based on a feedback coefficient based on the difference between the commanded power generation power and the actual power generation power.

[0088] (Technical 6) The management method described in Technical 5, wherein when the increase / decrease value is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the commanded power generation is updated in the correction of the power generation plan such that the commanded power generation is greater than when the increase / decrease value is less than zero or when the increase / decrease value is greater than zero and less than the predetermined value.

[0089] (Technical 7) A management method according to any one of Technical 2 to 6, wherein when the increase or decrease value is relatively small, the correction of the power generation plan is performed so that the actual power generated follows the required power generated, and when the increase or decrease value is relatively large, the correction of the power generation plan is performed so that the actual power generated is greater than the required power generated.

[0090] (Technical 8) The control method according to any one of Technical 1 to 7, wherein the increase or decrease in the required power generation is an increase or decrease at the timing when the error deviates from the predetermined range for a predetermined period of time.

[0091] (Technical 9) The control method according to any one of Technical 1 to 8, wherein the correction of the power generation plan is performed in such a way that the ratio of the commanded power generation to the requested power generation changes over time.

[0092] (Technical 10) A fuel cell system comprising: a fuel cell facility equipped with a plurality of fuel cell units, the fuel cell facility generating power according to a power generation plan representing the commanded power generation of the fuel cell facility; and a management device that, when the error between the requested power generation and the actual power generation of the fuel cell facility deviates from a predetermined range for a predetermined period of time, performs a correction of the power generation plan based on the increase or decrease in the requested power generation and the actual power generation.

[0093] (Technical 11) A management device that, when the error between the requested power generation and the actual power generation of a fuel cell facility comprising multiple fuel cell units deviates from a predetermined range for a predetermined period of time, corrects the power generation plan representing the commanded power generation of the fuel cell facility based on the increase or decrease in the requested power generation and the actual power generation.

[0094] (Technical 12) A fuel cell system comprising a plurality of fuel cell units, the system comprising: a transmitting unit that transmits information representing the actual power generated by the fuel cell system to a management device in order to cause the management device to perform a predetermined process; a receiving unit that receives a power generation plan from the management device; and a command unit that causes the fuel cell system to generate power in accordance with the commanded power generated represented by the power generation plan, wherein the predetermined process includes correcting the power generation plan based on the increase or decrease in the requested power generated and the actual power generated when the error between the requested power generated and the actual power generated by the fuel cell system continues to deviate from a predetermined range for a predetermined period of time.

[0095] The transmitting unit, receiving unit, and command unit of technology 12 are included, for example, in the control device 30 according to the above embodiment. One communication unit may also serve as the transmitting unit and the receiving unit, and the transmitting unit and the receiving unit may be different from each other.

[0096] The technology described herein is suitable for adapting the power generation of fuel cell equipment to meet requirements.

Claims

1. A management method for managing a fuel cell facility comprising multiple fuel cell units, the method comprising: when the error between the requested power generation and the actual power generation of the fuel cell facility deviates from a predetermined range for a predetermined period of time, correcting the power generation plan representing the commanded power generation of the fuel cell facility based on the increase or decrease in the requested power generation and the actual power generation.

2. The management method according to claim 1, wherein the correction of the power generation plan is performed based on the increase or decrease value of the requested power generation, the increase or decrease value is a value based on the increase or decrease range, and the increase or decrease range is the difference between the requested power generation before the increase or decrease and the requested power generation after the increase or decrease.

3. The management method according to claim 2, wherein the increase / decrease value is an increase / decrease rate, and the increase / decrease rate is the ratio of the increase / decrease amount to the required power generation before the increase / decrease.

4. The management method according to claim 2, wherein, when the increase / decrease value is zero, in the correction of the power generation plan, the commanded power generation is updated based on the error, or the commanded power generation is updated based on a feedback coefficient based on the difference between the commanded power generation and the actual power generation.

5. The management method according to claim 2, wherein when the increase / decrease value is less than zero or the increase / decrease value is greater than zero and less than a predetermined value, the commanded power generation power is updated in the correction of the power generation plan based on a feedback coefficient based on the difference between the commanded power generation power and the actual power generation power.

6. The management method according to claim 5, wherein, when the increase / decrease value is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the commanded power generation power is updated in the correction of the power generation plan such that the commanded power generation power is greater than when the increase / decrease value is less than zero or when the increase / decrease value is greater than zero and less than the predetermined value.

7. The management method according to claim 2, wherein when the increase or decrease value is relatively small, the correction of the power generation plan is performed so that the actual power generated follows the required power generated, and when the increase or decrease value is relatively large, the correction of the power generation plan is performed so that the actual power generated is greater than the required power generated.

8. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the increase or decrease in the requested power generation is an increase or decrease at the timing when the error deviates from the predetermined range for a predetermined period of time.

9. The management method according to claim 1, wherein the correction of the power generation plan is performed in such a way that the ratio of the commanded power generation to the requested power generation changes over time.

10. A fuel cell system comprising: a fuel cell facility having a plurality of fuel cell units, the fuel cell facility generating power according to a power generation plan representing the commanded power generation of the fuel cell facility; and a management device that, when the error between the requested power generation and the actual power generation of the fuel cell facility deviates from a predetermined range for a predetermined period of time, performs a correction of the power generation plan based on the increase or decrease in the requested power generation and the actual power generation.

11. A control device that, when the error between the requested power generation and the actual power generation of a fuel cell facility comprising multiple fuel cell units deviates from a predetermined range for a predetermined period of time, corrects the power generation plan representing the commanded power generation of the fuel cell facility based on the increase or decrease in the requested power generation and the actual power generation.

12. A fuel cell system comprising a plurality of fuel cell units, the system comprising: a transmitting unit that transmits information representing the actual power generated by the fuel cell system to a management device in order to cause the management device to perform a predetermined process; a receiving unit that receives a power generation plan from the management device; and a command unit that causes the fuel cell system to generate power in accordance with the commanded power generated represented by the power generation plan, wherein the predetermined process includes correcting the power generation plan based on the increase or decrease in the requested power generated and the actual power generated when the error between the requested power generated and the actual power generated by the fuel cell system deviates from a predetermined range for a predetermined period of time.

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