JP5201902B2 - Fuel cell system and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell system and a control method therefor, and more particularly to a fuel cell system that directly supplies a fuel aqueous solution to a fuel cell and a control method therefor.

  In a direct methanol fuel cell system, it is desired to shorten the time from the start of startup until the amount of power generation is maximized, and as a measure for this, the temperature rise time to a predetermined temperature of the aqueous methanol solution supplied to the fuel cell is desired. It has been proposed to shorten it.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for transferring an aqueous fuel solution stored in an aqueous solution tank to another tank at the time of startup in order to shorten the temperature raising time to a predetermined temperature.

Patent Document 2 includes a first container that mainly stores low-concentration fuel for power generation, and a second container that mainly stores high-concentration fuel for power generation and temperature increase of the power generation cell. A technology for selecting a container based on the temperature of the fuel cell and switching the fuel supplied to the power generation cell is disclosed.
WO2006 / 025321 JP 2006-004868 A

  In Patent Document 1, the temperature of the temperature rise can be shortened by transferring the aqueous fuel solution in the aqueous solution tank to another tank and reducing the amount of the aqueous fuel solution circulated during the temperature raising operation. However, it is necessary to return the aqueous fuel solution transferred to another tank to the aqueous solution tank in order to perform normal operation, and the processing operation is troublesome.

  Moreover, in patent document 2, the temperature of a power generation cell can be raised in a short time. However, when the container is switched to enter the normal operation, the temperature and concentration of the aqueous fuel solution supplied to the power generation cell change completely, and the normal operation cannot be smoothly performed.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell system and a control method thereof that can smoothly shift from a temperature raising operation to a normal operation with a simple processing operation.

In order to achieve the above-described object, a fuel cell, a first housing portion and a second housing portion that hold a fuel aqueous solution to be supplied to the fuel cell, respectively, and a connection portion that communicates the first housing portion and the second housing portion. An aqueous solution holding means, a first flow path for supplying the aqueous fuel solution circulated between the fuel cell and the aqueous solution holding means, the first accommodating portion, and the first accommodating portion; A circulating means including a second flow path for circulatingly supplying the aqueous fuel solution accommodated in the second accommodating portion, a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the aqueous fuel solution, and the first flow based on the detection result of the temperature detecting means. A fuel cell system is provided that includes setting means for setting the amount of the aqueous fuel solution flowing through each of the channel and the second channel.

Also, an aqueous solution holding means including a fuel cell, and a first storage portion and a second storage portion that hold a fuel aqueous solution to be supplied to the fuel cell, respectively, and a connection portion that communicates the first storage portion and the second storage portion. A method of controlling a fuel cell system that circulates and supplies a fuel aqueous solution between the fuel cell and the aqueous solution holding means, the step of detecting the temperature of the aqueous fuel solution, and the detected temperature of the aqueous fuel solution is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. when circulation supply amount of the fuel aqueous solution of the second housing portion so that the temperature of the aqueous fuel solution is larger than the case of less than the predetermined value, including a first housing part and the fuel cell second housing portion to one loop fuel comprising the step of circulating and supplying an aqueous solution, a method of controlling a fuel cell system is provided.

  In the above-described invention, the first aqueous flow path for circulatingly supplying the aqueous fuel solution accommodated in the first accommodating portion based on the temperature detection result and the circulating aqueous fuel solution accommodated in the first accommodating portion and the second accommodating portion are circulated and supplied. The amount of the aqueous fuel solution flowing through each of the second flow paths is set. For example, at the time of the temperature raising operation where the temperature of the aqueous fuel solution is lower than a predetermined value, the amount of the aqueous fuel solution flowing through the first flow path is increased to reduce the heat capacity of the circulating aqueous fuel solution and quickly raise the temperature. On the other hand, when the temperature of the aqueous fuel solution becomes a predetermined value or more, the amount of the aqueous fuel solution flowing through the second flow path is increased to increase the heat capacity of the circulating aqueous fuel solution and stabilize the temperature of the aqueous fuel solution. According to this, since it is not necessary to return the aqueous fuel solution into the circulation means from the outside, the processing operation can be simplified. In addition, at least whether the detected temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, at least the fuel aqueous solution in the first housing portion is circulated. Therefore, the state of the fuel aqueous solution supplied to the fuel cell (for example, the temperature) is changed by changing the heat capacity of the fuel aqueous solution. And concentration) do not change greatly, and the temperature rising operation can be smoothly shifted to the normal operation.

  Preferably, the first flow path includes a supply flow path for supplying the aqueous fuel solution from the first housing portion to the fuel cell, and a first return path for returning the aqueous fuel solution from the fuel cell to the first housing portion, The two flow paths include a supply flow path and a second recirculation path for returning the aqueous fuel solution from the fuel cell to the second housing portion, and the setting means is based on the detection result of the temperature detection means. The amount of the aqueous fuel solution flowing through each of the reflux paths is set. In this case, the heat capacity of the circulating aqueous fuel solution can be easily changed only by adjusting the amount of the aqueous fuel solution flowing through each of the first return path and the second return path based on the detection result of the temperature detection means. In addition, the fuel aqueous solution is supplied from the first housing part to the fuel cell regardless of whether the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, so immediately after the heat capacity is changed (the amount of the aqueous solution flowing through the second reflux path is rapidly increased). Even if it is made to change), the change of the temperature and density | concentration of the aqueous fuel solution supplied to a fuel cell can be suppressed.

  Further preferably, the first flow path includes a first supply flow path for supplying the aqueous fuel solution from the first housing part to the fuel cell and a return path for returning the aqueous fuel solution from the fuel cell to the first storage part, The second flow path includes a second supply flow path and a reflux path for supplying the aqueous fuel solution from the second accommodating portion to the fuel cell, and the setting means is based on the detection result of the temperature detection means. And the amount of the aqueous fuel solution flowing through each of the second supply channels. In this case, it is possible to easily change the heat capacity of the circulating aqueous fuel solution simply by adjusting the amount of the aqueous fuel solution flowing through each of the first supply channel and the second supply channel based on the detection result of the temperature detection means. it can. Further, the aqueous fuel solution supplied to the fuel cell regardless of whether the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined value includes the aqueous fuel solution in the first housing portion, and immediately after the change in the heat capacity (flows through the second supply channel). Even when the amount of the aqueous solution is rapidly increased, changes in temperature and concentration of the aqueous fuel solution supplied to the fuel cell can be suppressed.

  More preferably, the circulation means includes a valve, and the setting means sets the amount of the aqueous fuel solution flowing through each of the first flow path and the second flow path by controlling the valve based on the detection result of the temperature detection means. . In this case, it is not necessary to return the aqueous fuel solution into the circulation means from the outside, and the amount of the aqueous fuel solution flowing through each of the first flow path and the second flow path can be set simply by controlling the valve.

  Preferably, the setting means selects one of the first flow path and the second flow path by controlling the valve based on the detection result of the temperature detection means. In this case, the heat capacity can be easily changed simply by selecting one of the first flow path and the second flow path based on the detection result of the temperature detection means and circulating the aqueous fuel solution. When the detected temperature is less than a predetermined value, the aqueous fuel solution in the first housing portion is circulated and supplied, and when the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, the aqueous fuel solution in the first and second housing portions is circulated and supplied.

  More preferably, a cooling means is provided in the second reflux path for cooling the aqueous fuel solution. In this case, the temperature of the aqueous fuel solution supplied to the fuel cell during normal operation can be further stabilized by cooling the aqueous fuel solution passing through the second reflux path.

  Preferably, the connection part includes a first connection part that connects the liquid layer of the first storage part and the liquid layer of the second storage part. In this case, since the liquid layer of the first container and the liquid layer of the second container are connected, the difference in concentration and temperature between the aqueous fuel solution in the first container and the aqueous fuel solution in the second container is reduced. As described above, the aqueous fuel solution diffuses between the first housing portion and the second housing portion. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress changes in the temperature and concentration of the aqueous fuel solution supplied to the fuel cell immediately after switching the heat capacity (even when the amount of the aqueous solution flowing through the second flow path is rapidly increased).

  Preferably, the connection unit further includes a second connection unit that connects the air layer of the first storage unit and the gas layer of the second storage unit. By further connecting the respective gas layers of the first storage portion and the second storage portion in this way, the diffusion of the aqueous fuel solution between the two storage portions can be promoted, and between the first storage portion and the second storage portion. The temperature and concentration of the aqueous fuel solution can be further promoted.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a fuel cell, a first accommodating portion and a second accommodating portion for holding a fuel aqueous solution to be supplied to the fuel cell, respectively, and a connecting portion that communicates the first accommodating portion and the second accommodating portion. An aqueous solution holding means, a circulating means for circulating and supplying an aqueous fuel solution between the fuel cell and the aqueous solution holding means, a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the aqueous fuel solution, and a first accommodating portion based on the detection result of the temperature detecting means circulating in any of the aqueous fuel solution is contained in either the second mode to have a circulating supply of aqueous fuel solution, including a first mode or first housing portion circularly supplying the second housing part and the fuel cell 1 loop There is provided a fuel cell system comprising setting means for setting means.

  In the present invention, either the first mode in which the aqueous fuel solution in the first accommodating portion is circulated based on the temperature detection result or the second mode in which the aqueous fuel solution in the first accommodating portion and the second accommodating portion is circulated is supplied. Is set. That is, at the time of the temperature raising operation in which the temperature of the aqueous fuel solution is less than a predetermined value, the temperature is rapidly raised by the first mode in which the heat capacity of the circulating aqueous fuel solution is small. On the other hand, when the temperature of the aqueous fuel solution becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the heat capacity of the circulating aqueous fuel solution is switched to the second mode larger than the first mode to enter the normal operation (steady operation) and stabilize the temperature of the aqueous fuel solution. According to this, since it is not necessary to return the aqueous fuel solution into the circulation means from the outside, it is only necessary to switch the mode, so that the processing operation can be simplified. In addition, in either the first mode or the second mode, at least the fuel aqueous solution in the first housing portion is circulated, so that the state (for example, temperature and concentration) of the fuel aqueous solution supplied to the fuel cell is greatly changed by switching the mode. There is no need to do so, and the temperature rising operation can be smoothly shifted to the normal operation.

  The present invention is suitably used for transportation equipment.

  According to this invention, it is possible to smoothly shift from the temperature raising operation to the normal operation with a simple processing operation.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Here, a case where the fuel cell system 100 of the present invention is mounted on a motorcycle 10 which is an example of a transportation device will be described.
First, the motorcycle 10 will be described. Left and right, front and rear, and top and bottom in the embodiment of the present invention mean left and right, front and back, and top and bottom, based on the state where the driver is seated on the seat of the motorcycle 10 toward the handle 24 thereof.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a motorcycle 10 has a body frame 12. The vehicle body frame 12 includes a head pipe 14, a front frame 16 having an I-shaped longitudinal section extending obliquely downward from the head pipe 14, a rear frame 18 connected to a rear end portion of the front frame 16 and rising obliquely upward rearward, And a seat rail 20 attached to the upper end of the rear frame 18.

  The front frame 16 has a plate-like member 16a having a width in the vertical direction, extending obliquely downward to the rear and orthogonal to the left-right direction, and formed at the upper and lower edges of the plate-like member 16a, respectively, and in the left-right direction. Flange portions 16b and 16c having a width and extending obliquely downward to the rear, and reinforcing ribs 16d projecting on both surfaces of the plate-like member 16a. The reinforcing rib 16d partitions both surfaces of the plate-like member 16a together with the flange portions 16b and 16c to form a storage space for storing components of the fuel cell system 100 described later.

  On the other hand, the rear frame 18 includes a pair of plate-like members each having a width in the front-rear direction, extending obliquely upward to the rear, and arranged on the left and right sides so as to sandwich the rear end portion of the front frame 16. In FIG. 1, the left plate member of the rear frame 18 is shown.

  A steering shaft 22 for changing the vehicle body direction is rotatably inserted into the head pipe 14. A handle support portion 26 to which a handle 24 is fixed is attached to the upper end of the steering shaft 22. A display operation unit 28 is disposed at the upper end of the handle support unit 26.

  Referring also to FIG. 3, the display operation unit 28 is a meter 28 a for measuring and displaying various data of an electric motor 44 (described later) for driving the motorcycle 10, for example, a liquid crystal display for providing various information such as a running state And the like, and an input unit 28c for inputting various instructions and various information are integrally provided. A start button 30a for connecting an external load such as the electric motor 44, a fuel cell stack (hereinafter simply referred to as a cell stack) 102, and a secondary battery 126 (described later) to the input unit 28c by switching the relay 176. A stop button 30b for instructing to stop power generation of the cell stack 102 after an operation stop instruction and a backlight 30c for lighting the stop button 30b are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of left and right front forks 32 are attached to the lower end of the steering shaft 22, and a front wheel 34 is attached to the lower end of each front fork 32 via a front axle 36. . The front wheel 34 is rotatably supported by a front axle 36 while being buffered and suspended by a front fork 32.

  On the other hand, a frame-like seat rail 20 extending in the front-rear direction is fixed to the upper end portion of the rear frame 18 by, for example, welding. A seat (not shown) is provided on the seat rail 20 so as to be freely opened and closed.

  A swing arm (rear arm) 38 is swingably supported on the lower end portion of the rear frame 18 via a pivot shaft 40. A rear end portion 38a of the swing arm 38 incorporates, for example, an axial gap type electric motor 44 that is connected to the rear wheel 42 and drives the rear wheel 42 to rotate. Further, the swing arm 38 includes a drive unit 46 that is electrically connected to the electric motor 44. The drive unit 46 includes a controller 48 for controlling the rotational drive of the electric motor 44 and a storage amount detector 50 for detecting the storage amount of the secondary battery 126. The swing arm 38 and the rear wheel 42 are buffered and suspended with respect to the rear frame 18 by a rear cushion (not shown).

  In such a motorcycle 10, components of the fuel cell system 100 are arranged along the body frame 12. The fuel cell system 100 generates electric energy for driving the electric motor 44 and auxiliary machines.

Hereinafter, the fuel cell system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
The fuel cell system 100 is a direct methanol fuel cell system that directly uses methanol (aqueous methanol solution) for generation (electric power generation) of electric energy without reforming.

  The fuel cell system 100 includes a cell stack 102. As shown in FIG. 1, the cell stack 102 is suspended from the flange portion 16 c and disposed below the front frame 16.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cell stack 102 is formed by stacking a plurality of fuel cells (fuel cell) 104 that can generate electricity by an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen ions based on methanol and oxygen. It is configured. Each fuel cell 104 constituting the cell stack 102 includes an electrolyte membrane 104a made of a solid polymer membrane or the like, and an anode (fuel electrode) 104b and a cathode (air electrode) 104c facing each other across the electrolyte membrane 104a. Including. Each of the anode 104b and the cathode 104c includes a platinum catalyst layer provided on the electrolyte membrane 104a side.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a radiator unit 108 is disposed below the front frame 16 and above the cell stack 102. The front surface of the radiator unit 108 is disposed downward, and can sufficiently receive wind during traveling.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the radiator unit 108 is a unit in which an aqueous solution radiator 108 a and a gas-liquid separation radiator 108 b are integrally provided. On the back side of the radiator unit 108, a fan 110 for cooling the radiator 108a and a fan 112 (see FIG. 3) for cooling the radiator 108b are provided. In FIG. 1, it is assumed that the radiators 108a and 108b are arranged on the left and right, and a fan 110 for cooling the left radiator 108a is shown.

  Between the pair of plate-like members of the rear frame 18, a fuel tank 114, aqueous solution tanks 116a and 116b, and a water tank 118 are arranged in this order from above.

  The fuel tank 114 is disposed on the lower side of the seat rail 20 and is attached to the rear end portion of the seat rail 20. The fuel tank 114 accommodates a methanol fuel (high concentration aqueous methanol solution) with a high concentration (for example, containing about 50 wt% of methanol) that serves as a fuel for the electrochemical reaction of the cell stack 102. A level sensor 120 is attached to the fuel tank 114 to detect the height of the liquid level of the methanol fuel in the fuel tank 114 and the liquid amount.

  The aqueous solution tanks 116 a and 116 b are juxtaposed side by side on the lower side of the fuel tank 114 and attached to the rear frame 18. The aqueous solution tank 116 a contains a methanol aqueous solution obtained by diluting the methanol fuel from the fuel tank 114 to a concentration suitable for the electrochemical reaction of the cell stack 102 (for example, containing about 3 wt% of methanol). A level sensor 122 is attached to the aqueous solution tank 116a to detect the height of the liquid level of the aqueous methanol solution in the aqueous solution tank 116a and the amount of liquid. The aqueous solution tank 116b also contains the same aqueous methanol solution. The liquid layers L1 and L2 of the aqueous solution tanks 116a and 116b are connected to each other by the first connection part 117a, and the gas layers G1 and G2 of the aqueous solution tanks 116a and 116b are connected to each other by the second connection part 117b. Yes.

  The water tank 118 is disposed on the rear side of the cell stack 102 and is attached to the rear frame 18. A level sensor 124 is attached to the water tank 118 to detect the height of the water surface in the water tank 118 and the amount of water.

  Further, a secondary battery 126 is disposed on the front side of the fuel tank 114 and on the upper side of the flange portion 16 b of the front frame 16. The secondary battery 126 stores electric power from the cell stack 102 and supplies electric power to an electric component in accordance with a command from a controller 142 (described later).

  A fuel pump 128 is disposed above the secondary battery 126 and below the seat rail 20. In addition, a catch tank 130 is disposed on the front side of the fuel tank 114 and on the diagonally upper side of the secondary battery 126.

  In a space surrounded by the front frame 16, the cell stack 102, and the radiator unit 108, an air filter 132 for removing foreign matters such as dust contained in the gas is disposed. An aqueous solution filter 134 is disposed.

  In the storage space on the left side of the front frame 16, an aqueous solution pump 136 and an air pump 138 are stored. An air chamber 140 is disposed on the left side of the air pump 138.

  In the storage space on the right side of the front frame 16, a controller 142, a rust prevention valve 144, and a water pump 146 are arranged.

  The front frame 16 is provided with a main switch 148 so as to penetrate the storage space of the front frame 16 from the right side to the left side. When the main switch 148 is turned on, an operation start instruction is given to the controller 142, and when the main switch 148 is turned off, an operation stop instruction is given to the controller 142.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel tank 114 and the fuel pump 128 are connected by a pipe P1, the fuel pump 128 and the aqueous solution tank 116a are connected by a pipe P2, and the aqueous solution tank 116a and the aqueous solution pump 136 are connected by a pipe P3. The aqueous solution pump 136 and the aqueous solution filter 134 are communicated with each other by a pipe P4, and the aqueous solution filter 134 and the cell stack 102 are communicated with each other by a pipe P5. The pipe P5 is connected to the anode inlet I1 of the cell stack 102, and an aqueous methanol solution is supplied to the cell stack 102 by driving the aqueous solution pump 136. Near the anode inlet I1 of the cell stack 102, a temperature sensor 150 for detecting the temperature of the aqueous methanol solution is provided. When the temperature sensor 150 detects the temperature of the aqueous methanol solution flowing in the cell stack 102, the temperature of the cell stack 102 can be detected.

The cell stack 102 and the aqueous solution tank 116a are connected via a pipe P6, a switching valve 151, and a pipe P7. The cell stack 102 and the aqueous solution tank 116b are connected via a pipe P6, a switching valve 151, a pipe P7a, an aqueous solution radiator 108a, and a pipe P7b. The switching valve 151 determines which of the aqueous solution tanks 116 a and 116 b communicates with the cell stack 102. The pipe P6 is connected to the anode outlet I2 of the cell stack 102.
The pipes P1 to P7, P7a and P7b described above mainly serve as fuel flow paths.

  Further, the air filter 132 and the air chamber 140 are communicated by a pipe P8, the air chamber 140 and the air pump 138 are communicated by a pipe P9, and the air pump 138 and the rust prevention valve 144 are communicated by a pipe P10 and are used for rust prevention. The valve 144 and the cell stack 102 are communicated with each other by a pipe P11. The pipe P11 is connected to the cathode inlet I3 of the cell stack 102. When the fuel cell system 100 generates power, the rust prevention valve 144 is opened, and the air pump 138 is driven in this state, whereby oxygen-containing air is sucked from the outside. The rust prevention valve 144 is closed when the fuel cell system 100 is stopped, and prevents the backflow of water vapor to the air pump 138 and prevents the air pump 138 from rusting. In the vicinity of the air filter 132, an outside air temperature sensor 152 that detects the outside air temperature is provided.

The cell stack 102 and the gas-liquid separating radiator 108b are communicated by a pipe P12. The radiator 108b and the water tank 118 are communicated by a pipe P13. The water tank 118 is provided with a pipe (exhaust pipe) P14.
The pipes P8 to P14 described above mainly serve as an oxidant flow path.

Further, the water tank 118 and the water pump 146 are communicated by a pipe P15, and the water pump 146 and the aqueous solution tank 116a are communicated by a pipe P16.
The pipes P15 and P16 described above serve as a water flow path.

  Further, a pipe P17 is connected to the branch part A of the pipe P4 so that a part of the methanol aqueous solution flowing through the pipe P4 flows. An ultrasonic sensor 154 is attached to the pipe P17. The ultrasonic sensor 154 is used to detect the methanol concentration of the aqueous methanol solution (ratio of methanol in the aqueous methanol solution) using the fact that the propagation time (propagation speed) of the ultrasonic wave changes according to the methanol concentration. The ultrasonic sensor 154 includes a transmission unit 154a and a reception unit 154b. The ultrasonic wave transmitted from the transmission unit 154a is received by the reception unit 154b, and the ultrasonic propagation time in the pipe P17 is detected. The corresponding voltage value is used as physical concentration information. The controller 142 detects the methanol concentration of the aqueous methanol solution in the pipe P17 based on the concentration information.

A detection valve 156 is connected to the pipe P17, and the detection valve 156 and the aqueous solution tank 116a communicate with each other by a pipe P18. When detecting the methanol concentration, the detection valve 156 is closed, and the flow of the aqueous methanol solution in the pipe P17 is stopped. After detecting the methanol concentration, the detection valve 156 is opened, and the methanol aqueous solution whose concentration has been detected is returned to the aqueous solution tank 116a.
The pipes P17 and P18 described above mainly serve as a concentration detection flow path.

Further, the aqueous solution tank 116a and the catch tank 130 are communicated by pipes P19 and P20, and the catch tank 130 and the air chamber 140 are communicated by a pipe P21.
The pipes P19 to P21 described above mainly serve as fuel processing flow paths.

Next, the electrical configuration of the fuel cell system 100 will be described with reference to FIG.
The controller 142 of the fuel cell system 100 performs necessary calculations to control the operation of the fuel cell system 100, a clock circuit 160 that gives a clock to the CPU 158, a program and data for controlling the operation of the fuel cell system 100 And a memory 162 made of, for example, an EEPROM for storing operation data, a voltage detection circuit 166 for detecting a voltage in the electric circuit 164 for connecting the cell stack 102 to an external load, the fuel cell 104 and the cell stack 102 Current detection circuit 168 for detecting the current flowing through the circuit, ON / OFF circuit 170 for opening and closing the electric circuit 164, a diode 172 provided in the electric circuit 164, and a power source for supplying a predetermined voltage to the electric circuit 164 Circuit 174 No.

  Detection signals from the level sensors 120, 122, and 124 and detection signals from the temperature sensor 150, the outside air temperature sensor 152, and the ultrasonic sensor 154 are input to the CPU 158 of the controller 142. The CPU 158 receives an input signal from the main switch 148 for turning on / off the power and an input signal from the start button 30a and the stop button 30b of the input unit 28c. Further, the detection signal from the charged amount detector 50 is input to the CPU 158. The CPU 158 calculates the storage rate of the secondary battery 126 (the ratio of the stored amount to the capacity of the secondary battery 126) using the detection signal from the stored amount detector 50 and the information related to the capacity of the secondary battery 126. Further, the voltage detection value from the voltage detection circuit 166 and the current detection value from the current detection circuit 168 are input to the CPU 158. The CPU 158 calculates the output of the cell stack 102 using the voltage detection value and the current detection value.

  Further, the CPU 158 controls auxiliary equipment such as the fuel pump 128, the aqueous solution pump 136, the air pump 138, the water pump 146, the fans 110 and 112, the antirust valve 144, the switching valve 151, and the detection valve 156. Further, the CPU 158 controls the display unit 28b for displaying various information and informing the driver of the motorcycle 10 of various information. Further, the CPU 158 controls turning on / off of the backlight 30c of the input unit 28c.

  A secondary battery 126 and a drive unit 46 are connected to the cell stack 102. The secondary battery 126 and the drive unit 46 are connected to an external load such as the electric motor 44 via the relay 176. The secondary battery 126 complements the output from the cell stack 102, is charged by the electric power from the cell stack 102, and supplies electric power to the electric motor 44, the drive unit 46, and auxiliary machines by the discharge.

  A meter 28 a for measuring various data of the electric motor 44 is connected to the electric motor 44, and the data measured by the meter 28 a and the state of the electric motor 44 are given to the CPU 158 via the interface circuit 178.

  In addition, a charger 200 can be connected to the interface circuit 178, and the charger 200 can be connected to an external power source (commercial power source) 202. When the external power supply 202 is connected to the interface circuit 178 via the charger 200, an external power supply connection signal is given to the CPU 158 via the interface circuit 178. The switch 200a of the charger 200 can be turned on / off by the CPU 158.

  The memory 162 stores a program for executing the operation shown in FIG. Further, the memory 162 has a table indicating a predetermined value as a threshold value of the temperature of the aqueous methanol solution, calculation data, and a correspondence relationship between ultrasonic propagation time (concentration information), liquid temperature, and fuel concentration as shown in FIG. Data etc. are stored.

  FIG. 4 shows only the correspondence relationship (curve) between the propagation time and the liquid temperature at four concentrations (0 wt%, 1.9 wt%, 2.9 wt% and 4.6 wt%). Table data corresponding to five or more curves is used so that the fuel concentration corresponding to the propagation time and the liquid temperature can be determined.

  That is, when the concentration information and the liquid temperature are obtained, the CPU 158 detects the concentration of the aqueous methanol solution with reference to the table data.

  In this embodiment, the aqueous solution holding means includes aqueous solution tanks 116a and 116b, a first connection portion 117a, and a second connection portion 117b. The aqueous solution tank 116a corresponds to the first storage unit, and the aqueous solution tank 116b corresponds to the second storage unit. The supply flow path includes pipes P3 to P5. The first return path includes pipes P6 and P7. The second reflux path includes pipes P6, P7a and P7b. The circulation means includes a supply flow path, a first return path, a second return path, and a switching valve 151. A switching valve 151 is used as the valve. The first flow path includes a supply flow path and a first return path, and the second flow path includes a supply flow path and a second return path. The cooling means includes an aqueous solution radiator 108 a and a fan 110. The temperature sensor 150 corresponds to temperature detection means. The CPU 158 corresponds to setting means.

Next, the basic operation of the fuel cell system 100 will be described.
The fuel cell system 100 starts the operation by starting the controller 142 when the main switch 148 is turned on. Then, when the start button 30 a is pressed after the controller 142 is activated, the relay 176 is switched, and an external load such as the electric motor 44 is connected to the cell stack 102 and the secondary battery 126. Further, when the storage rate of the secondary battery 126 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value, auxiliary equipment such as the aqueous solution pump 136 and the air pump 138 is driven by the electric power from the secondary battery 126, and the power generation of the cell stack 102 is started.

  The external load refers to a load that consumes electric power excluding electric power necessary for maintaining the power generation of the cell stack 102. Specifically, in this embodiment, the electric motor 44, the headlight of the motorcycle 10, and the like are listed as external loads.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the aqueous methanol solution in aqueous solution tank 116a is supplied to aqueous solution filter 134 via pipes P3 and P4 by driving aqueous solution pump 136. The methanol aqueous solution from which impurities and the like have been removed by the aqueous solution filter 134 is directly supplied to the anode 104b of each fuel cell 104 constituting the cell stack 102 via the pipe P5 and the anode inlet I1.

  Further, the gas (mainly carbon dioxide, vaporized methanol and water vapor) in the aqueous solution tank 116a is given to the catch tank 130 via the pipe P19. In the catch tank 130, the vaporized methanol and water vapor are cooled. Then, the aqueous methanol solution obtained in the catch tank 130 is returned to the aqueous solution tank 116a through the pipe P20. Further, the gas (carbon dioxide, unliquefied methanol and water vapor) in the catch tank 130 is given to the air chamber 140 through the pipe P21.

  On the other hand, air (air) sucked from the air filter 132 by driving the air pump 138 is silenced by flowing into the air chamber 140 through the pipe P8. The air supplied to the air chamber 140 and the gas from the catch tank 130 flow into the air pump 138 through the pipe P9, and further through the pipe P10, the rust prevention valve 144, the pipe P11, and the cathode inlet I3. This is supplied to the cathode 104 c of each fuel cell 104 constituting the cell stack 102.

  In the anode 104b of each fuel cell 104, methanol and water in the supplied aqueous methanol solution chemically react to generate carbon dioxide and hydrogen ions. The generated hydrogen ions flow into the cathode 104c through the electrolyte membrane 104a, and electrochemically react with oxygen in the air supplied to the cathode 104c side to generate water (water vapor) and electric energy. That is, power generation is performed in the cell stack 102. The electric power from the cell stack 102 is used for charging the secondary battery 126, driving the motorcycle 10, and the like. The cell stack 102 rises in temperature due to heat generated by the electrochemical reaction. The output of the cell stack 102 increases as the temperature rises, and the cell stack 102 can generate power constantly at about 60 ° C. In this embodiment, as will be described later, when the temperature of the cell stack 102 exceeds 60 ° C., the fuel cell system 100 shifts from the temperature raising operation to the normal operation.

  The carbon dioxide and unreacted methanol aqueous solution generated at the anode 104b of each fuel cell 104 are heated with the electrochemical reaction. The carbon dioxide and the unreacted methanol aqueous solution are returned to the aqueous solution tank 116a via the anode outlet I2 of the cell stack 102 and the pipes P6 and P7 during the temperature raising operation, while they are returned via the pipes P6 and P7a during the normal operation. After being supplied to the aqueous solution radiator 108a and cooled, it is returned to the aqueous solution tank 116b through the pipe P7b. The cooling operation of carbon dioxide and unreacted methanol by the radiator 108 a is promoted by operating the fan 110.

  On the other hand, most of the water vapor generated at the cathode 104c of each fuel cell 104 is liquefied and becomes water, and is discharged from the cathode outlet I4 of the cell stack 102, but the saturated water vapor is discharged in a gas state. A part of the water vapor discharged from the cathode outlet I4 is supplied to the radiator 108b through the pipe P12, and is cooled by the radiator 108b to be liquefied by being below the dew point. The water vapor liquefaction operation by the radiator 108b is performed by operating the fan 112. Exhaust gas from the cathode outlet I4 containing moisture (water and water vapor), carbon dioxide and unreacted air is supplied to the water tank 118 through the pipe P12, the radiator 108b and the pipe P13, and water is collected in the water tank 118. After that, it is discharged to the outside through the pipe P14.

  Further, in the cathode 104c of each fuel cell 104, the vaporized methanol from the catch tank 130 and the methanol moved to the cathode 104c due to crossover react with oxygen in the platinum catalyst layer and are decomposed into harmless moisture and carbon dioxide. . Moisture and carbon dioxide decomposed from methanol are discharged from the cathode outlet I4 and supplied to the water tank 118 via the radiator 108b. Further, the water moved to the cathode 104c of each fuel cell 104 due to the water crossover is discharged from the cathode outlet I4 and supplied to the water tank 118 via the radiator 108b. The water collected in the water tank 118 is appropriately returned to the aqueous solution tank 116a via the pipes P15 and P16 by driving the water pump 146, and used as water of the methanol aqueous solution.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, main operations in the temperature rising operation and the normal (steady) operation in the fuel cell system 100 will be described. In FIG. 5, when the temperature of the aqueous methanol solution is lower than a predetermined value, the temperature raising operation is performed, and when the temperature of the aqueous methanol solution is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, the normal operation is performed.

  When power generation of the fuel cell system 100 is started, the temperature of the aqueous methanol solution is detected by the temperature sensor 150 (step S1), and whether or not the detected temperature of the aqueous methanol solution is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (60 ° C. in this embodiment). Is determined by the CPU 158 (step S3). If the temperature of the aqueous methanol solution is lower than the predetermined value, the cell stack 102 needs to be further heated, so the CPU 158 sets the switching valve 151 on the aqueous solution tank 116a side (step S5). That is, the first mode is set in which the aqueous methanol solution from the cell stack 102 is returned to the aqueous solution tank 116a via the pipes P6 and P7, and the aqueous methanol solution in the aqueous solution tank 116a is circulated and supplied to the cell stack 102. Thereby, the heat capacity of the circulating aqueous methanol solution can be reduced, and the temperature of the cell stack 102 can be quickly raised.

  Then, by controlling the fuel pump 128, the aqueous solution pump 136, and the water pump 146 according to instructions from the CPU 158, various controls such as concentration control of methanol aqueous solution, flow rate control, and output control of the cell stack 102 are performed (step S7). Returning to step S1, power generation is continued. In order to shorten the temperature raising time during the temperature raising operation, it is effective to increase the concentration of the methanol aqueous solution, and is set to 5 wt%, for example.

  In step S3, if the temperature of the methanol aqueous solution is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, it is determined that the cell stack 102 can be normally operated (steady operation), and the CPU 158 sets the switching valve 151 to the aqueous solution tank 116b side. (Step S9). That is, the aqueous methanol solution from the cell stack 102 is returned to the aqueous solution tank 116b through the pipes P6 and P7a, the aqueous solution radiator 108a, and the pipe P7b, and the aqueous methanol solution in both the aqueous solution tanks 116a and 116b is circulated and supplied to the cell stack 102. The second mode is set. As a result, the heat capacity of the circulating aqueous methanol solution can be increased, and the temperature of the cell stack 102 during normal operation can be stabilized.

  During the temperature raising operation, the high-concentration methanol aqueous solution in the aqueous solution tank 116a diffuses into the aqueous solution tank 116b. After switching from the temperature raising operation to the normal operation, the high-concentration methanol aqueous solution is returned to the aqueous solution tank 116a. There is a possibility that the concentration of the aqueous methanol solution supplied to the cell stack 102 suddenly increases.

  Therefore, after switching the switching valve 151 in step S9, the concentration of the aqueous methanol solution is detected (step S11), and it is determined whether or not the concentration has increased by a certain value (1 wt% in this embodiment) or more within a certain time. (Step S13). When it is confirmed that the concentration rises above a certain value, the water pump 146 is driven for a certain time, and water is supplied into the aqueous solution tank 116a (step S15). This stabilizes the concentration of the aqueous methanol solution. Since a large amount of water is required to reduce the concentration of the aqueous methanol solution, it is desirable to interrupt the liquid level control of the aqueous solution tank 116a when driving the water pump 146 in step S15.

  It progresses to step S7 after the process of step S15. In step S13, if the temperature rise is less than a certain value, the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, various controls such as methanol aqueous solution concentration control, flow rate control, and cell stack 102 output control are performed, and the process returns to step S1. During normal operation, it is desirable to control the concentration of the methanol aqueous solution to be, for example, 3 wt%.

  In the concentration detection in step S11, concentration information is detected by the ultrasonic sensor 154 and the temperature of the aqueous methanol solution is detected by the temperature sensor 150. The concentration of the aqueous methanol solution is determined by referring to table data as shown in FIG. Detected.

  In the above operation example, during the temperature raising operation, the methanol aqueous solution from the cell stack 102 is returned to the aqueous solution tank 116a, so that the increase / decrease in the liquid level of the aqueous solution tank 116a is smaller than that during the normal operation. Therefore, during the temperature raising operation, the aqueous methanol solution held in the aqueous solution tank 116b hardly flows into the aqueous solution tank 116a, and power can be generated using only the aqueous methanol solution held in the aqueous solution tank 116a.

  On the other hand, during normal operation, by returning the aqueous methanol solution from the cell stack 102 to the aqueous solution tank 116b, the liquid level in the aqueous solution tank 116a decreases and the liquid level in the aqueous solution tank 116b increases. Since the aqueous liquid tanks 116a and 116b are connected to the liquid layers L1 and L2 and connected to the gas layers G1 and G2, the aqueous methanol solution in the aqueous solution tank 116b tries to make the liquid level of the aqueous solution tanks 116a and 116b uniform. Flows into the aqueous solution tank 116a. As a result, power generation can be performed using the methanol aqueous solution held in both the aqueous solution tanks 116a and 116b.

  According to the fuel cell system 100 operating in this manner, during the temperature raising operation, the temperature is rapidly raised by the first mode in which the heat capacity of the circulating methanol aqueous solution is small, while during the normal operation, the heat capacity of the circulating methanol aqueous solution is the first. The temperature of the aqueous methanol solution is stabilized by switching to the second mode larger than the first mode. According to this, since it is not necessary to return the aqueous methanol solution into the circulation means from the outside, it is only necessary to switch the mode, so that the processing operation can be simplified. Further, in any of the first mode and the second mode, at least the aqueous methanol solution in the aqueous solution tank 116a is circulated. Therefore, even when the amount of the aqueous solution flowing through the second reflux path is suddenly increased by switching the mode. ) The state (for example, temperature and concentration) of the aqueous methanol solution supplied to the cell stack 102 does not change greatly, and the temperature rising operation can be smoothly shifted to the normal operation.

  Further, the mode can be easily switched by simply switching the switching valve 151 based on the temperature detection result and setting the return destination of the aqueous methanol solution to either the aqueous solution tank 116a or the aqueous solution tank 116b. The heat capacity of the circulating aqueous methanol solution Can be changed. In any mode, since the aqueous methanol solution is supplied from the aqueous solution tank 116a to the cell stack 102, the temperature of the aqueous methanol solution supplied to the cell stack 102 immediately after switching from the first mode to the second mode The change in concentration can be suppressed.

  Furthermore, the temperature of the aqueous methanol solution supplied to the cell stack 102 during normal operation can be further stabilized by cooling the aqueous methanol solution flowing through the second reflux path connected to the aqueous solution tank 116b.

  Further, since the liquid layer L1 of the aqueous solution tank 116a and the liquid layer L2 of the aqueous solution tank 116b are connected and the gas layers G1 and G2 are connected, the methanol aqueous solution in the aqueous solution tank 116a and the methanol aqueous solution in the aqueous solution tank 116b are connected. The aqueous methanol solution diffuses between the aqueous solution tanks 116a and 116b so that the difference in concentration and temperature is reduced. Therefore, changes in the temperature and concentration of the aqueous methanol solution supplied to the cell stack 102 immediately after switching from the first mode to the second mode can be further suppressed.

FIG. 6 shows an experimental result of the fuel cell system 100 and the comparative example.
In the comparative example, the aqueous solution tanks 116a and 116b of the fuel cell system 100 are individually provided without being connected to each other. FIG. 6 shows the aqueous solution tank from the mode in which the aqueous methanol solution in the aqueous solution tank 116a is circulated and supplied. The temperature of the methanol aqueous solution when the mode is switched to the mode in which the methanol aqueous solution 116b is circulated and supplied is shown.

  Referring to FIG. 6, in fuel cell system 100, aqueous solution tanks 116a and 116b are in communication, and the temperature of the aqueous methanol solution held in aqueous solution tank 116a during the temperature raising operation gradually propagates to aqueous solution tank 116b. . Moreover, the aqueous methanol solution from the aqueous solution tank 116a is always supplied to the cell stack 102 regardless of the mode. Therefore, the temperature of the methanol aqueous solution does not decrease so much even when switching from the temperature raising operation to the normal operation. On the other hand, in the comparative example, since the aqueous solution temperature on the aqueous solution tank 116b side does not rise before switching, the temperature of the aqueous solution supplied to the cell stack 102 at the time of switching greatly decreases, and the temperature of the aqueous methanol solution in the aqueous solution tank 116b The time to reach the target temperature is delayed. This also shows that according to the fuel cell system 100, the change in the state of the methanol aqueous solution can be suppressed.

  In the fuel cell system 100 described above, the positional relationship between the aqueous solution tanks 116a and 116b is not limited to being juxtaposed in the left-right direction, and may be juxtaposed in the front-rear direction.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the aqueous solution holding means may be constituted by one aqueous solution tank 204. In this case, the partition plate 206 is arranged at the center in the aqueous solution tank 204 with gaps 208a and 208b provided vertically. A first accommodating portion 204a and a second accommodating portion 204b are provided on the left and right sides of the partition plate 206, respectively, and the upper gap 208a corresponds to a second connecting portion for connecting the gas layers G1 and G2, and the lower portion The gap 208b corresponds to a first connection portion for connecting the liquid layers L1 and L2. Other configurations are the same as those of the previous fuel cell system 100.

  In this case, the aqueous solution holding means and thus the fuel cell system can be made smaller.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the aqueous solution holding means may be constituted by one aqueous solution tank 210. A recess 212 is formed at the center of the aqueous solution tank 210, and a first storage portion 210a and a second storage portion 210b are provided on the left and right sides of the recess 212, respectively. A communication pipe 214 that allows the liquid layers L1 and L2 to communicate with each other along the recess 212 is provided. The gas layers G1 and G2 communicate with each other through a space 216 above the communication pipe 214 in the aqueous solution tank 210.

  In this case, due to the siphon effect, the liquid level of the methanol aqueous solution in the first container 210a and the level of the methanol aqueous solution in the second container 210b are equalized between the first container 210a and the second container 210b. Methanol aqueous solution moves.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the aqueous solution tank 116b may be omitted from the fuel cell system 100 shown in FIG. 2, and the aqueous solution radiator 108a may be connected to the aqueous solution tank 116a via a pipe P7b. In this case, the aqueous solution holding means includes an aqueous solution tank 116a, an aqueous solution radiator 108a, and a pipe P7b. The aqueous solution tank 116a corresponds to the first storage portion, the aqueous solution radiator 108a corresponds to the second storage portion, and the pipe P7b corresponds to the connection portion. The second return path includes pipes P6 and P7a. Other configurations are the same as those of the fuel cell system 100.

  Even in this case, the fuel cell system can be made smaller.

  The gas-liquid separating radiator 108b and the aqueous solution radiator 108a may be individually configured.

  A valve may be provided in the first connection portion 117a.

  Further, the switching valve 151 may be capable of adjusting the amount of the aqueous solution flowing. In this case, the amount of the methanol aqueous solution flowing through each of the first reflux path and the second reflux path can be set simply by controlling the switching valve 151 based on the temperature detection result of the methanol aqueous solution.

  For example, if the temperature of the methanol aqueous solution is less than a predetermined value, the methanol aqueous solution is allowed to flow only in the first reflux path, and when the temperature of the methanol aqueous solution exceeds the predetermined value, the flow rate ratio of the methanol aqueous solution in the first reflux path and the second reflux path is set. The aqueous methanol solution may be adjusted to flow through both reflux paths. Alternatively, the aqueous methanol solution may flow only through the second reflux path when the temperature of the aqueous methanol solution reaches a predetermined value or higher. In these examples, when the methanol aqueous solution flows only in the first reflux path among the first reflux path and the second reflux path, the first mode is set, and when the methanol aqueous solution flows in both the first and second reflux paths, The case where it flows only to the second return path is the second mode.

  Further, the flow rate ratio of the methanol aqueous solution in the first reflux path and the second reflux path may be gradually changed so as to increase on the second reflux path side in accordance with the temperature rise of the methanol aqueous solution. Typically, the third state flows from the first state where the aqueous methanol solution flows only to the first reflux path to the second state where it flows to both the first and second reflux paths, and further flows only to the second reflux path. To. In this case, it is possible to easily change the heat capacity of the circulating aqueous methanol solution only by adjusting the amount of the aqueous methanol solution flowing through each of the first reflux path and the second reflux path based on the temperature detection result of the aqueous methanol solution.

  In the above-described embodiment, the circulation unit is configured to include one supply channel and two reflux channels (a first reflux channel and a second reflux channel). However, the present invention is not limited to this. The circulation means may include two supply channels and one reflux channel.

  Referring to FIG. 10, for example, pipes P3a and P3b for supplying an aqueous methanol solution to cell stack 102 are provided in aqueous solution tanks 116a and 116b, respectively, and the aqueous methanol solution from cell stack 102 passes through pipe P7. Thus, it may be recirculated only to the aqueous solution tank 116a. In this example, the first supply flow path includes a pipe P3a, the second supply path includes a pipe P3b, and the return path includes a pipe P7. The first flow path includes a first supply flow path and a reflux path, and the second flow path includes a second supply flow path and a reflux path. In this case, based on the temperature detection result of the methanol aqueous solution, the heat capacity of the circulating methanol aqueous solution can be easily changed only by adjusting the amount of the methanol aqueous solution flowing through each of the pipes P3a and P3b. In addition, the methanol aqueous solution supplied to the cell stack 102 regardless of whether the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined value includes the methanol aqueous solution in the aqueous solution tank 116a. Therefore, immediately after the heat capacity is changed (the amount of aqueous solution flowing through the pipe P3b is reduced). Even if it is rapidly increased, changes in the temperature and concentration of the aqueous methanol solution supplied to the cell stack 102 can be suppressed.

  Further, the first flow path and the second flow path may not be shared and may be formed individually.

  The temperature detection of the aqueous methanol solution is not limited to the case where it is detected by the temperature sensor 150, and a temperature sensor may be provided in the vicinity of the ultrasonic sensor 154 to detect the temperature of the aqueous methanol solution in the pipe P17.

  The fuel cell system of the present invention can be suitably used not only for motorcycles but also for any transportation equipment such as automobiles and ships.

  In the above embodiment, methanol is used as the fuel, and methanol aqueous solution is used as the fuel aqueous solution. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and alcohol-based fuel such as ethanol may be used as the fuel, and alcohol-based aqueous solution such as ethanol aqueous solution may be used as the fuel aqueous solution. Good.

  The present invention can be applied to a stationary fuel cell system as long as it uses liquid fuel, and can also be applied to fuel cell systems such as personal computers, portable devices, and small electronic devices.

  Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clear that it has been used merely as an illustration and example and should not be construed as limiting, and the spirit and scope of the present invention are attached Limited only by the language of the claims.

1 is a left side view showing a motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a system diagram which shows piping of a fuel cell system. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a fuel cell system. It is a graph which shows the relationship between ultrasonic propagation time, liquid temperature, and fuel concentration. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of this invention. It is a graph which shows one experimental result. It is an illustration figure which shows the modification of aqueous solution holding means. It is an illustration figure which shows the other modification of aqueous solution holding means. It is a system diagram which shows other embodiment of this invention. It is an illustration figure which shows the other example of a circulation means.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Motorcycle 100 Fuel cell system 102 Fuel cell stack 104 Fuel cell (fuel cell)
108a Aqueous solution radiator 110, 112 Fan 116a, 116b, 204, 210 Aqueous solution tank 117a First connection portion 117b Second connection portion 142 Controller 150 Temperature sensor 151 Switching valve 154 Ultrasonic sensor 158 CPU
204a, 210a 1st accommodating part 204b, 210b 2nd accommodating part 206 Partition plate 208a, 208b Gap 214 Communication pipe 216 Space G1, G2 Air layer L1, L2 Liquid layer P1-P21, P3a, P3b, P7a, P7b Pipe

Claims (11)

Fuel cell,
An aqueous solution holding means, each of which includes a first storage portion and a second storage portion for holding a fuel aqueous solution to be supplied to the fuel cell, and a connection portion communicating the first storage portion and the second storage portion;
In order to circulate and supply the aqueous fuel solution between the fuel cell and the aqueous solution holding means, a first flow path for circulatingly supplying the aqueous fuel solution accommodated in the first accommodating portion and the first accommodating portion And a circulation means including a second flow path for circulatingly supplying the aqueous fuel solution accommodated in the second accommodating portion,
Temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the aqueous fuel solution; and setting means for setting the amount of the aqueous fuel solution flowing through each of the first flow path and the second flow path based on the detection result of the temperature detection means. , Fuel cell system. The first flow path includes a supply flow path for supplying the aqueous fuel solution from the first housing part to the fuel cell, and a first return path for returning the aqueous fuel solution from the fuel cell to the first housing part. Including
The second flow path includes a second recirculation path for returning the aqueous fuel solution from the supply flow path and the fuel cell to the second housing portion,
2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the setting means sets the amount of the aqueous fuel solution flowing through each of the first return path and the second return path based on a detection result of the temperature detection means. The first flow path includes a first supply flow path for supplying the aqueous fuel solution from the first housing portion to the fuel cell, and a return path for returning the aqueous fuel solution from the fuel cell to the first housing portion. Including
The second flow path includes a second supply flow path for supplying the aqueous fuel solution from the second housing portion to the fuel cell and the return path,
2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets the amount of the aqueous fuel solution flowing through each of the first supply channel and the second supply channel based on a detection result of the temperature detection unit. . The circulating means further comprises a valve;
The said setting means sets the quantity of the said fuel aqueous solution which flows through each of the said 1st flow path and the said 2nd flow path by controlling the said valve based on the detection result of the said temperature detection means. The fuel cell system described.   The fuel cell system according to claim 4, wherein the setting unit selects one of the first flow path and the second flow path by controlling the valve based on a detection result of the temperature detection means. .   The fuel cell system according to claim 2, further comprising cooling means provided in the second reflux path for cooling the aqueous fuel solution.   The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the connection portion includes a first connection portion that connects the liquid layer of the first storage portion and the liquid layer of the second storage portion.   The fuel cell system according to claim 7, wherein the connection unit further includes a second connection unit that connects the air layer of the first storage unit and the gas layer of the second storage unit.   Transportation equipment including the fuel cell system according to claim 1. Fuel cell,
An aqueous solution holding means, each of which includes a first storage portion and a second storage portion for holding a fuel aqueous solution to be supplied to the fuel cell, and a connection portion communicating the first storage portion and the second storage portion;
Circulating means for circulatingly supplying the aqueous fuel solution between the fuel cell and the aqueous solution holding means;
Wherein said temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the aqueous fuel solution, and the temperature detection result to the first mode or the first housing portion for supplying circulating said fuel aqueous solution to be accommodated in the first housing portion based detection means comprising a setting means for setting the circulating means and said fuel cell and the second housing part to either the second mode to have a circulating supply of the aqueous fuel solution, including one loop, the fuel cell system. An aqueous solution holding means comprising: a fuel cell; and a first storage portion and a second storage portion for holding a fuel aqueous solution to be supplied to the fuel cell, respectively, and a connection portion communicating the first storage portion and the second storage portion. A control method of a fuel cell system for circulatingly supplying the aqueous fuel solution between the fuel cell and the aqueous solution holding means,
When said step of detecting the temperature of the aqueous fuel solution, and the detected temperature of the said fuel aqueous solution is higher than the predetermined value, the second housing part the circulation supply amount of the aqueous fuel solution is lower than the temperature the predetermined value of the aqueous fuel solution to be larger than in the case of, comprising the step of circulating and supplying the aqueous fuel solution including said fuel cell and said first housing portion and said second housing portion to one loop, the control method of the fuel cell system.

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