JP7194622B2 - Fuel cell system and their centralized control system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a fuel cell system having a fuel cell that generates power through fuel cell reaction and a centralized control system for these.

2. Description of the Related Art A fuel cell system having a fuel cell that generates power through a fuel cell reaction has been put into practical use. In such a fuel cell system, generally, power is generated following the power demand within the range of the rated power output so that reverse power flow to the external system does not occur. For example, a method of purchasing electric power from an external system is adopted (see Patent Document 1, for example). In this fuel cell system, when the power demand is within the rated power output, it can be covered by the power output. Therefore, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of using the system without purchasing power from an external system.

In such a fuel cell system, if reverse power flow to the external system is possible, surplus power generation output can be sent to the external system and supplied to the power market. For this reason, there is an idea to use part of the power generated by the fuel cell system to adjust the power supply and demand balance. In recent years, the use of photovoltaic power generation as a renewable energy source has increased. In such photovoltaic power generation, the amount of power generated during the daytime and nighttime fluctuates greatly. or it is raining), the generated power fluctuates greatly. There is an idea to use a fuel cell system to suppress such large fluctuations in the power generated by photovoltaic power generation.

Although it is not limited to fluctuations in power generated by photovoltaic power generation, sudden fluctuations in power demand due to summer weather, temporary fluctuations in power demand due to large events, etc., temporary power supply due to disasters, etc. There is an idea to use the power generated by the fuel cell system for such fluctuations.

JP 2016-181510 A

However, in the past, since reverse power flow from the fuel cell system to the external system was prevented, there was no idea of using part of the power generated by the fuel cell system to adjust the power supply and demand balance. Usage was limited.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A first object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell system that can use part of the generated power to adjust power shortages in the power supply and demand balance.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a centralized control system for a fuel cell system capable of supplying a portion of the generated power to the power adjustment market for adjusting the supply and demand balance of power.

A third object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell system that can be used to adjust the surplus power in the power supply and demand balance.

A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a centralized control system for a fuel cell system capable of resolving surplus power in the power adjustment market for power supply and demand balance adjustment.

A fuel cell system of the present invention is a fuel cell system provided with a fuel cell for generating power through a fuel cell reaction and cell control means for controlling the fuel cell, in response to the first object described above. hand,
The battery control means provides a boost adjustment signal for switching from a normal power generation mode in which the fuel cell is operated in a normal power generation state to a boost adjustment power generation mode in which the power generation output of the fuel cell is operated at a low power generation output lower than the rated power generation output, and an external power generation mode. The power generation output of the fuel cell is controlled based on a power generation increase signal for increasing the power generation output of the fuel cell in order to prevent an electric power shortage due to an unbalanced power supply and demand in the system. cage,
When the power supply and demand balance of the external system is disrupted and a power shortage is predicted, the battery control means switches the operation of the fuel cell from the normal power generation mode to the power adjustment power generation mode based on the power adjustment signal, In the operation in the increase adjustment power generation mode, the power generation output of the fuel cell is controlled to be the low power generation output , and during the operation in the increase adjustment power generation mode, the electric power supply and demand balance of the external system may be disrupted and power shortage may occur. occurs, the battery control means controls the power generation output of the fuel cell based on the power generation increase signal so that the power generation output of the fuel cell becomes higher than the low power generation output. It is characterized in that it is supplied to the external system .

In such a fuel cell system, the power generation increase signal includes a rated power generation increase signal and a high power generation increase signal, and when the rated power generation increase signal is generated during operation in the increase adjustment power generation mode, is controlled so that the power generation output of the fuel cell becomes the rated power output, and when a high power generation increase signal is generated during operation in the boost adjustment power generation mode, the power generation output of the fuel cell is increased based on this high power generation increase signal. It is preferable to control to a high power output that is higher than the low power output and lower than the rated power output. Further, the increase adjustment signal includes a first increase adjustment signal and a second increase adjustment signal, and when the first increase adjustment signal is generated, the battery control means operates the fuel cell based on this first increase adjustment signal. is switched from the normal power generation mode to the first adjustment power generation mode, and the second adjustment signal is generated, the battery control means switches the operation of the fuel cell from the normal power generation mode to the second adjustment power generation mode based on the second adjustment signal. It is preferable to switch to the up regulation power generation mode.

Further, in response to the above-described second object, a centralized control system for a fuel cell system according to the present invention provides a fuel cell that generates power through a fuel cell reaction and a fuel cell control means for controlling the fuel cell. A centralized control system for a fuel cell system in which a large number of battery systems are assembled,
Raise adjustment signal generating means for generating an increase adjustment signal for switching from a normal power generation mode in which the fuel cell operates in a normal power generation state to a raise adjustment power generation mode in which the power generation output of the fuel cell is operated at a low power generation output lower than the rated power generation output. and a power generation increase signal generating means for generating a power generation increase signal for increasing the power generation output of the fuel cell in order to prevent a power shortage from occurring due to the power supply and demand balance in an external system being disrupted,
The cell control means of the multiple fuel cell systems are configured to control the power generation output of the fuel cell based on the adjustment-up signal and the power generation increase signal,
When the power supply and demand balance of the external system is disrupted and power shortage is predicted, the boost adjustment signal generating means generates the boost adjustment signal, and the cell control means of the multiple fuel cell systems generate the boost adjustment signal. The operation of the fuel cell is switched from the normal power generation mode to the increased adjustment power generation mode based on, and in the operation in the increased adjustment power generation mode, the power generation output of the fuel cell is controlled to be the low power generation output, and When the power supply and demand balance of the external system is disrupted during operation in the boost adjustment power generation mode and there is a risk of power shortage, the power generation increase signal generating means generates the power generation increase signal, and the batteries of the multiple fuel cell systems The control means controls the power generation output of the fuel cell based on the power generation increase signal so that the power generation output of the fuel cell becomes higher than the low power generation output , whereby a part of the power generation output of the fuel cell is supplied to the external system. characterized by

In such a centralized control system for fuel cell systems, a large number of fuel cell systems are composed of a first fuel cell system of a first fuel cell group corresponding to control for instantaneously increasing the power generation output of the fuel cells, and power generation of the fuel cells. and a second fuel cell system of the second fuel cell group that does not correspond to control for instantaneously increasing the output, and the fuel cell of the first fuel cell system when the power generation increase signal is generated during operation in the ramp-up adjustment power generation mode. It is preferable that the power output of the second fuel cell system is controlled so as to reach the rated power output instantaneously, and the power output of the fuel cell of the second fuel cell system is controlled so as to gradually reach the rated power output.

The second fuel cell system of the second fuel cell group includes the second fuel cell system of the short-time rise subgroup in which the power generation output of the fuel cells rises to the rated power generation output in a relatively short time, and the power generation of the fuel cells. including a second fuel cell system of the long-time rise subgroup in which the output rises to the rated power output over a relatively long period of time, and a short-time rise subgroup when a power-up signal is generated during operation in the ramp-up regulation power mode; control the power output of the fuel cell of the second fuel cell system of the second fuel cell system to reach the rated power output in a relatively short period of time, and control the power output of the fuel cell of the second fuel cell system of the long-time rise subgroup for a relatively long time. It is preferable to control so as to achieve the rated power generation output in time.

Furthermore, the multiple fuel cell systems include a first fuel cell system of the first fuel cell group that is capable of controlling the power generation output of the fuel cells to decrease to a first percentage value of the rated power generation output, and a fuel cell system that reduces the power generation output of the fuel cells to the first a second fuel cell system of the second fuel cell group responsive to control down to a second percentage value greater than the percentage value, wherein the first fuel cell system of the first fuel cell group is responsive to generation of the adjust up signal. and controlling the power output of the fuel cell of the second fuel cell group to the first percentage value of the rated power output, and the power output of the fuel cell of the second fuel cell system of the second fuel cell group to the second percentage value of the rated power output. It is preferable to control

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fuel cell system that includes a fuel cell that generates power through a fuel cell reaction and cell control means that controls the fuel cell. a system,
The battery control means controls the power generation output of the fuel cell to be lower than the rated power generation output from the normal power generation mode in which the operation is performed in a normal power generation state, in order to avoid an electric power surplus due to the collapse of the electric power supply and demand balance of the external system. The power generation output of the fuel cell is controlled based on a down adjustment signal for switching to a down adjustment power generation mode for operating with a low power generation output and lowering the power generation output of the fuel cell to the low power generation output . ,
When there is a risk of an electric power surplus due to the collapse of the power supply and demand balance in the external system, the battery control means shifts the operation of the fuel cell from the normal power generation mode to the down adjustment power generation mode based on the down adjustment signal. In the operation of the switching and adjusting down power generation mode, the power generation output of the fuel cell is controlled so as to be the low power generation output , so that part of the electric power of the external system covers the reduced electric power generated by the fuel cell system. It is characterized by

In this fuel cell system, the downward adjustment signal includes a first downward adjustment signal and a second downward adjustment signal, and when the first downward adjustment signal is generated, the cell control means controls fuel injection based on the first downward adjustment signal. When the operation of the battery is switched from the normal power generation mode to the first adjustment-down power generation mode and the second adjustment-down signal is generated, the battery control means switches the operation of the fuel cell to the normal power generation mode based on the second adjustment-down signal. to the second down regulation power generation mode.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a centralized control system for a fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell for generating power through a fuel cell reaction and a cell control means for controlling the fuel cell. A centralized control system for a fuel cell system in which a large number of fuel cell systems are assembled,
The cell control means of many fuel cell systems control the power generation output of the fuel cells from the normal power generation mode in which the fuel cells are operated in a normal power generation state in order to avoid an electric power surplus due to the collapse of the electric power supply and demand balance in the external system. The power generation output of the fuel cell is controlled based on a down adjustment signal for switching to a down adjustment power generation mode in which operation is performed with a low power generation output lower than the rated power generation output and for lowering the power generation output of the fuel cell to the low power generation output . is configured as
When the power supply and demand balance of the external system is disrupted and there is a risk of a power surplus, the cell control means of the multiple fuel cell systems shifts the operation of the fuel cells to the normal power generation mode based on the downward adjustment signal. to the downwardly adjusted power generation mode, and in operation in the downwardly adjusted power generation mode, control is performed so that the power generation output of the fuel cell is the low power generation output . It is characterized by covering the reduced power output of the fuel cell system .

According to the fuel cell system of the present invention, when the adjustment-up signal is generated, the cell control means of the fuel cell system switches the operation of the fuel cell from the normal power generation mode to the adjustment-up power generation mode based on the adjustment signal. Since the power generation output of the fuel cell is controlled to be lower than the rated power generation output in the operation in the increase adjustment power generation mode, the fuel cell is operated at the low power generation output. is allowed to increase the power generation output of the fuel cell. When the power generation increase signal is generated during the operation in the boost adjustment power generation mode, the power generation output of the fuel cell is controlled to be higher than the low power generation output, so the power generation output from the fuel cell system increases. As a result, the increased power output is relatively discharged to the external system, so that the fuel cell system can be used to avoid power shortages in the power supply and demand balance.

In addition, according to the centralized control system of the fuel cell system of the present invention, when the adjustment signal is generated, the cell control means of the multiple fuel cell systems operate the fuel cells normally based on the adjustment signal. The power generation mode is switched to the adjustment power generation mode, and in the operation in the adjustment power generation mode, the power generation output of the fuel cell is controlled to be lower than the rated power generation output. It is operated at a low power output, allowing an increase in fuel cell power output from this upregulation power mode of operation. When a power generation increase signal is generated during operation in this adjustment power generation mode, the power generation output of the fuel cells of the multiple fuel cell systems is controlled so as to reach the rated power generation output. As a result, the power output of many fuel cell systems can be provided to the power adjustment market as an external system. , multiple fuel cell systems can be used to avoid power shortages in the power supply and demand balance.

Further, according to another fuel cell system of the present invention, when the adjustment-down signal is generated, the cell control means of the fuel cell system adjusts the operation of the fuel cell from the normal power generation mode down based on the adjustment-down signal. Switching to power generation mode and down adjustment In power generation mode operation, the power generation output of the fuel cell is controlled to be lower than the rated power generation output. Electric power from the external system will relatively flow in to cover the power output, and as a result, the fuel cell system can be used to avoid electric power surplus in the power supply and demand balance.

Furthermore, according to another centralized control system for a fuel cell system of the present invention, when the adjustment-down signal is generated, the cell control means of the multiple fuel cell systems operate the fuel cells based on this adjustment-down signal. is switched from the normal power generation mode to the downward adjustment power generation mode, and the power generation output of the fuel cells of many fuel cell systems is controlled to be lower than the rated power generation output, so the power generation output of many fuel cell systems As a result, the electric power from the external system is relatively inflowed to cover this reduced power generation output. It can be used to avoid power surplus in the power supply and demand balance.

1 is a simplified diagram schematically showing a first embodiment of a centralized control system for a fuel cell system according to the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of the centralized control system of FIG. 1; 2 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of a fuel cell system that constitutes the centralized control system of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of control by a control system of the centralized control system of FIG. 2; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing fluctuations in the power output of the fuel cell system when controlled according to the flowchart of FIG. 4, FIG. b) is a diagram showing fluctuations in power generated by the second fuel cell system; FIG. 6A is a diagram showing fluctuations in the power output of the fuel cell system in another example of the control system of the centralized control system of FIG. 2, and FIG. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing fluctuations in power generated by the second fuel cell system; 4 is a flow chart showing the flow of control by a control system in a second embodiment of a centralized control system for a fuel cell system according to the present invention; FIG. 8 is a diagram showing fluctuations in the power generation output of the fuel cell system when controlled according to the flowchart of FIG. 7; FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system in a third embodiment of a centralized control system for a fuel cell system according to the present invention; FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the flow of control by the control system of the centralized control system of FIG. 9; FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing fluctuations in the power output of the fuel cell system when controlled according to the flowchart of FIG. 10, FIG. b) is a diagram showing fluctuations in power generated by the second fuel cell system; FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the flow of control by a control system in a fourth embodiment of a centralized control system for a fuel cell system according to the present invention; FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing fluctuations in power generation output of the fuel cell system when controlled according to the flowchart of FIG. 12;

Various embodiments of a fuel cell system (and a centralized control system thereof) according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following explanation, the centralized control system of the fuel cell system will be mainly explained, but it is clear that the invention of the fuel cell system alone is included in the explanation.

<First Embodiment of Centralized Control System for Fuel Cell System>
First, a first embodiment of a centralized control system for a fuel cell system will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. In FIG. 1, for example, a fuel cell management center 2 is provided on the side of a system administrator (for example, an electric power company, a gas company). is installed (see FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the fuel cell management system 4 and the customer information management system 6 are installed in the same fuel cell management center 2, but they may be installed in separate locations, or they may be integrated into one. It may be configured as a management system.

On the side of consumers of electric power (for example, customers of electric power companies and gas companies), for example, detached houses 8 and condominiums are provided, and in FIG. In the first embodiment, the fuel cell management system 4, customer information management system 6, and multiple fuel cell systems 10 constitute a centralized control system for the fuel cell system.

Referring also to FIG. 2, in this embodiment, multiple fuel cell systems 10 may be included in one of two groups, first fuel cell group 12 and second fuel cell group 14, depending on their control characteristics. configured as To explain further, the plurality of first fuel cell systems 10A of the first fuel cell group 12 correspond to control for instantaneously (for example, within 10 seconds) increasing the power generation output of the fuel cells 16 to the rated power generation output. Also, the plurality of second fuel cell systems 10B of the second fuel cell group 14 do not support control for instantaneously increasing the power generation output of the fuel cells 16 to the rated power generation output, for example within 5 to 60 minutes. This corresponds to the control to raise the power output to the rated power output immediately.

In addition, the second fuel cell system 10B of the second fuel cell group 14 further includes a second fuel cell of the short-time rise subgroup that rises to the rated power generation output in a relatively short time (for example, within 3 to 10 minutes). Divided into systems 10BA and fuel cell systems 10BB of the long ramp-up subgroup that ramp up to rated power output in a relatively long time (eg, within 15-60 minutes), many fuel cell systems 10 comprise a first fuel cell. The first fuel cell system 10A of group 12 and the second fuel cell system 10B of second fuel cell group 14 (i.e., the second fuel cell system 10BA of the short rise subgroup and the second fuel cell system of the long rise subgroup) 10BB).

Next, an example of the basic configuration of the fuel cell system 10 (10A, 10B) will be described with reference to FIG. The illustrated fuel cell system 10 (10A, 10B) comprises a fuel cell 16 for generating power and a cell control means 18 for controlling the fuel cell 16. FIG. The fuel cell 16 is composed of, for example, a solid oxide fuel cell, and includes a cell stack 20, a reformer 22, a vaporizer 24 and a combustor 26. The cell stack 20 is configured by arranging a plurality of solid oxide cells in a stacked state for generating electricity by fuel cell reaction. The cells of the cell stack 20 are composed of a solid electrolyte 28 that conducts oxygen ions, It has a fuel electrode 30 provided on one side of the solid electrolyte 28 and an oxygen electrode 32 provided on the other side of the solid electrolyte 28. As the solid electrolyte 28, for example, zirconia doped with yttria is used.

The introduction side of the fuel electrode 30 of the cell stack 20 is connected to the reformer 22 via a reformed fuel gas feed passage 34, and the reformer 22 is connected to the reformer 22 via a steam mixed gas feed passage 36. Connected to the carburetor 24 , the carburetor 24 is connected via a fuel gas supply passage 38 to a fuel gas supply source (not shown) (eg, buried pipe, storage tank, etc.). A fuel gas pump 40 for supplying the fuel gas and a desulfurizer 42 for removing sulfur components in the fuel gas are arranged in the fuel gas supply passage 38 . The vaporizer 24 is also connected to a water supply source (not shown) (for example, a water tank) through a water supply channel 44, and a water pump 46 is provided in the water supply channel 44. be. Furthermore, the introduction side of the oxygen electrode 32 of the cell stack 20 is communicated with the atmosphere through an air supply channel 48, and an air blower 50 is arranged in the air supply channel 48. As shown in FIG.

The discharge side of the anode 30 of the cell stack 20 is connected to the combustor 26 via a fuel offgas feed passage 52, and the discharge side of the cathode 32 is connected via an air offgas feed passage 54 to combustion. The combustor 26 is open to the atmosphere via a combustion gas discharge passage 56 .

In this fuel cell system 10 (10A, 10B), fuel gas from a fuel gas supply source (not shown) is supplied by a fuel gas pump 40 through a fuel gas supply passage 38 to the carburetor 24, and the supplied fuel is A sulfur component in the gas is removed by the desulfurizer 42 . Also, reforming water from a water supply source (not shown) is supplied to the vaporizer 24 through a water supply channel 44 by a water pump 46 .

In the vaporizer 24, the reforming water is vaporized into steam, and this steam is mixed with the fuel gas from the fuel gas supply passage 38, and the steam mixed fuel gas passes through the steam mixed gas supply passage 36 to the reformer 22. sent to In the reformer 22 , steam reforming of the fuel gas is performed, and the steam-reformed reformed fuel gas is fed to the fuel electrode 30 side of the cell stack 20 through the reformed fuel gas feed channel 34 .

Air is supplied to the air electrode 32 side of the cell stack 20 through an air supply passage 48 by an air blower 50, and in the cell stack 20, the fuel gas (reformed fuel gas) supplied to the fuel electrode 30 side A power output is obtained by the fuel cell reaction with the air (oxygen) supplied to the pole 32 side, and the obtained power output is consumed by the power load without reverse power flow, and the surplus power output is sent to the external system. and is consumed in the external system.

Further, the fuel off-gas from the fuel electrode 30 of the cell stack 20 is supplied to the combustor 26 through the fuel off-gas supply channel 52, and the air off-gas from the air electrode 32 is supplied to the combustor 26 through the air off-gas supply channel 54. sent to The fuel off-gas is combusted by the air off-gas in the combustor 26, and the exhaust gas is discharged to the atmosphere through the combustion gas discharge passage 56.

The fuel cell 16 (including the fuel gas pump 40, the water pump 46 and the air blower 50) of the fuel cell system 10 (10A, 10B) is operated and controlled by cell control means 18 as will be described later. The battery control means 18 is composed of, for example, a microprocessor or the like, and includes an operation control means 58, an operation mode switching means 60, an increase adjustment processing means 62, a power generation increase processing means 64, a power generation decrease processing means 65, and an increase adjustment cancellation processing means 66. contains. The operation control means 58 controls the operation of the fuel gas blower 40, the water pump 46 and the air blower 50 of the fuel cell 16 as will be described later, and the operation mode switching means 60 operates the fuel cell 16 in a normal operating state to generate power. Switching between a normal power generation mode and an increase adjustment power generation mode in which operation can be adjusted for an increase is performed, and the power generation increase processing means 64 performs an increase processing of the power generation output of the fuel cell 16 based on a power generation increase signal described later, A power generation decrease processing means 65 performs a process of decreasing the power generation output of the fuel cell 16 based on a power generation decrease signal described later, and an increase adjustment cancellation processing means 66 cancels the increase adjustment processing as described later.

The basic configuration of the fuel cell system 10 (10A, 10B) is as described above, but in the first fuel cell system 10A of the first fuel cell group 12, the power generation output of the fuel cell 16 is instantaneous (for example, 10 seconds), the fuel cell 16 (cell stack 20) is not adversely affected by this momentary rise, so that the following known improvements are adopted. may

For example, if an attempt is made to instantaneously increase the power generation output of the fuel cell 16, delays in fuel supply and vaporization of reforming water occur. etc., and for delay in vaporization of reforming water, see JP-A-2018-106954, JP-A-2018-106951 and JP-A-2018-77990. The disclosed technique can be adopted.

Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, the configuration of the fuel cell management center 2 will be described. The fuel cell management system 4 of the fuel cell management center 2 is composed of, for example, a system computer. The illustrated fuel cell management system 4 includes an input means 72 for inputting various information, an input signal processing means 74 for processing the input signal input by the input means 72, and an increase adjustment signal. An increase adjustment signal generation means 76, a power generation increase signal generation means 78 for generating a power generation increase signal, a power generation decrease signal generation means 80 for generating a power generation decrease signal, and an increase adjustment cancellation signal generation means 82 for generating an increase adjustment cancellation signal. and

When adopting such a centralized management system for a fuel cell system, for example, This centralized management system will be operated by determining the following arrangements. The balance of power supply and demand is not constant, and fluctuates depending on the season, time of day, weather, and events. In such a case, by effectively utilizing the fuel cell system 10 (10A, 10B) installed on the consumer side, it is possible to cope with fluctuations in the power supply and demand balance without adjusting the power output of large power plants. and enjoy great social benefits. On the other hand, on the consumer side, a part of the power output of the fuel cell system 10 installed at home is provided to the power adjustment market as an external system, and for this reason, the original power output ( That is, the fuel cell system 10 (10A, 10B) is operated at a power output lower than the rated power output), and when power shortage is likely to occur, the power output of the fuel cell system 10 (10A, 10B) is increased to operate at the rated power output. The power generation output can be provided to the power regulating market, thereby resolving power shortages in the power supply and demand balance.

From this point of view, in order to coordinate the interests of the system administrator and the consumer of the electric power, i.e., the installer of the fuel cell system 10, a contract with the following conditions is concluded between them. . First, for example, XX yen per hour is paid to the installer for the operation time in the increase adjustment power generation mode based on the increase adjustment signal. Secondly, for the operation time for increasing the generated power of the fuel cell system 10 based on the power generation increase signal and providing a part of the generated power to the power adjustment market, for example, △△ yen per hour is paid to the installer. . Third, for the installer who installed the first fuel cell system 10A of the first fuel cell group 12, in order to respond to the power shortage in the power supply and demand balance by instantaneously increasing the power generation output, Pay an amount that is, for example, 20% higher than the installer of the second fuel cell system 10B of the second fuel cell group 14, for example, (○○ × 1.2) yen per hour of operation in the increased adjustment power generation mode, and pay the fuel cell system Pay (△△ × 1.2) yen per hour of operation that increases the power generation output of 10.

For example, as described above, an agreement is made between the administrator side and the consumer side (installer side) for operation. The content of this agreement will be in line with the business model, and various content can be considered.

In this embodiment, the fuel cell management system 4 further includes a first integration timer 84, a second integration timer 86, a clock means 88, and a communication means 90 in addition to the configuration described above. The first accumulating timer 84 integrates the operation time during which the power generation mode is operated, and the second accumulating timer 86 increases the power generation output of the fuel cell system 10 (10A, 10B) during operation in the power adjustment mode. Accumulate the operating time for which the lifter is raised. In addition, the timer 88 measures various times, such as the time until the raise adjustment signal is generated, the time until the raise adjustment cancellation signal is generated, and the like. Further, the communication means 90 communicates various signals with communication means 92 provided in each of the large number of fuel cell systems 10 (10A, 10B). These communication means 90 and 92 may be, for example, bi-directional for exchanging various signals between them, and may use wireless communication or Internet communication. As the communication means 90, 92, unidirectional means for transmitting various signals from the fuel cell management system 4 to a large number of fuel cell systems 10 (10A, 10B) may be used.

The customer information management system 6 provided in association with the fuel cell management system 4 comprises, for example, a system computer. A database 98 is provided. The data processing means 91 processes various data signals sent from the fuel cell management system 4 (for example, the accumulated time information of the first accumulation timer 84, the accumulated time information of the second accumulation timer 86, etc.) as required. Further, the fee calculation means 94 calculates the amount to be paid to the installer based on the accumulated time information of the first and second timers 84 and 86, and the calculation by the fee calculation means 94 is performed, for example, once a month. After this fee calculation is performed, the accumulated times of the first and second accumulation timers 84 and 86 are reset.

In addition, the customer information database 96 stores various information about customers, such as customer management number, address, telephone number, contract type (the installed fuel cell system 10 belongs to the first fuel cell group 12 or the second fuel cell group 12). Whether the type belongs to the battery group 14) and the like are registered. Furthermore, in the customer charge information database 98, each customer's charge information, that is, charge information calculated based on the accumulated times of the first and second accumulation timers 84 and 86, is registered in association with the customer information.

Next, a centralized control system for the fuel cell system will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. FIG. 2 and 4, a large number of fuel cell systems 10 (10A, 10B) are operated in normal power generation mode (step S1). 10B) is operated in an operating state with good power generation efficiency, for example, in a rated power generation state.

When a large fluctuation in power demand is predicted during operation in the normal power generation mode, an input operation for increasing adjustment is performed by the input means 72 of the fuel cell management system 4 on the side of the fuel cell management center 2 . When such an input operation is performed, the process proceeds from step S2 to step S3, the input signal processing means 74 processes the input signal from the input means 72 as required, and the raising adjustment signal generating means 76 raises the signal based on this input signal. Generate the adjustment signal. This raise adjustment signal may be generated at a set time in combination with the timer 88, for example.

Thus, this adjustment signal is sent from the fuel cell management system 4 to a number of fuel cell systems 10 (the fuel cell system 10A of the first fuel cell group 12 and the fuel cell system 10A of the second fuel cell group 14) through the communication means 90 and 92. 2 fuel cell systems 10B), and multiple fuel cell systems 10 (10A, 10B) are switched from the normal power generation mode to the ramp-up power generation mode of operation.

In this embodiment, when the increase adjustment signal is sent, in each fuel cell system 10 (10A, 10B), the operation mode switching means 60 switches from the normal power generation mode to the increase adjustment power generation mode based on the increase adjustment signal. , the increase adjustment processing means 62 sets the power generation output of each fuel cell system 10 (10A, 10B) to a low power output (for example, about 50% of the rated power generation output). controls the fuel gas pump 40, the water pump 46, and the air blower 50 so that the power output is a low power output, for example, 50% of the rated power output (step S4).

For example, at time T11, when the fuel cell management system 4 generates an increase adjustment signal, the power output of the plurality of first fuel cell systems 10A of the first fuel cell group 12 is, for example, shown in FIG. , the power generation output gradually decreases to a low power output (about 50% of the rated power generation output), and the power output of the plurality of fuel cell systems 10B of the second fuel cell group 14 also decreases, for example, as shown in FIG. It gradually decreases to the power output (about 50% of the rated power output).

If there is a risk of an electric power shortage due to an imbalance in the supply and demand of electric power during operation in the boost adjustment power generation mode, the input means 72 of the fuel cell management system 4 is used to increase power generation on the fuel cell management center 2 side. input operation. When the power generation increase input operation is performed in this way, the process proceeds from step S5 to step S6, the input signal processing means 74 processes the input signal from the input means 72 as required, and based on this input signal, the power generation increase signal generating means 78 generates a power generation rise signal. It should be noted that this power generation increase signal may also be generated at a set time in combination with the timer 88, for example.

When the power generation increase signal is generated in this manner, the power generation increase signal is sent from the fuel cell management system 4 to the many fuel cell systems 10 (the fuel cell systems of the first fuel cell group 12) via the communication means 90 and 92. 10A and the second fuel cell system 10B) of the second fuel cell group 14). Thus, in each fuel cell system 10 (10A, 10B), based on this power generation increase signal, the power generation increase processing means 62 controls that the power generation output of each fuel cell system 10 (10A, 10B) reaches the rated power generation output (100%). The operation control means 58 controls the fuel gas pump 40, the water pump 46 and the air blower 50 so that the power output becomes the rated power output (step S6).

For example, at time T12, when the power generation increase signal is generated by the fuel cell management system 4, the power generation output of the plurality of first fuel cell systems 10A of the first fuel cell group 12 is, for example, shown in FIG. , and the power output of the plurality of fuel cell systems 10B of the second fuel cell group 14 gradually increases to the rated power output, for example, as shown in FIG. 5(b). Increase to power generation output. The second fuel cell system 10BA in the short-time rise subgroup of the second fuel cell group 14 rises to the rated power generation output within, for example, 3 to 10 minutes (for example, within 5 minutes), and the second fuel cell system 10BA in the long-time rise subgroup The two fuel cell system 10BB rises to the rated power output within 5 to 60 minutes (for example, within 30 minutes).

If there is a risk of power surplus during operation in the rated power output state due to the power generation increase signal, the input means 72 of the fuel cell management system 4 is used to input power generation decrease on the fuel cell management center 2 side. When the power generation decrease input operation is performed in this way, the process proceeds from step S7 to step S8, the input signal processing means 74 processes the input signal from the input means 72 as required, and the power generation decrease signal generating means is based on this input signal. 80 generates a power generation drop signal. This power generation drop signal may also be generated at a set time in combination with the timer 88, for example.

When the power generation decrease signal is generated in this manner, the power generation decrease signal is sent from the fuel cell management system 4 to the multiple fuel cell systems 10 (10A, 10B) via the communication means 90, 92, and the respective fuel cell systems 10 (10A, 10B) In the fuel cell system 10 (10A, 10B), based on this power generation drop signal, the power generation drop processing means 65 controls the power generation output of each fuel cell system 10 (10A, 10B) to be low (approximately 50% of the rated power generation output). ), whereby the operation control means 58 controls the fuel gas pump 40, the water pump 46 and the air blower 50 so that the power output is low (step S8).

For example, at time T14, when the power generation drop signal is generated by the fuel cell management system 4, the first and second fuel cell systems 10A, 10B (10BA, 10BB) of the first and second fuel cell groups 12, 14 The generated power output gradually decreases to a low generated output (about 50% of the rated generated output) as shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), for example.

After that, when canceling the operation in the increase adjustment power generation mode, an input operation for canceling the increase adjustment is performed by the input means 72 of the fuel cell management system 4 on the fuel cell management center 2 side. When the input operation for canceling the raising/raising is performed in this manner, the process proceeds from step S9 to step S10, the input signal processing means 74 processes the input signal from the input means 72 as required, and based on this input signal, a raising adjustment cancellation signal is generated. The generating means 82 generates an increase adjustment cancellation signal, and the operation in the increase adjustment power generation mode ends. Note that this raise adjustment cancellation signal may also be generated at a set time in combination with the timer 88, for example.

When the adjustment-up cancellation signal is generated in this way, the adjustment-up cancellation signal is sent from the fuel cell management system 4 to the multiple fuel cell systems 10 (10A, 10B) through the communication means 90, 92. be. Thus, in each fuel cell system 10 (10A, 10B), the increase adjustment cancellation processing means 65 adjusts the power generation output of each fuel cell system 10 (10A, 10B) to the rated power generation output based on this increase adjustment cancellation signal. With this setting, the operation control means 58 controls the fuel gas pump 40, the water pump 46 and the air blower 50 so that the power generation output becomes the rated power generation output, and the fuel cell system 10 (10A, 10B) normally operates The operation returns to the power generation mode, and the process returns from step S11 to step S2.

For example, at time T15, when the fuel cell management system 4 generates an increase adjustment cancellation signal, the power output of the plurality of first fuel cell systems 10A of the first fuel cell group 12 is, for example, as shown in FIG. As shown, the power output of the fuel cell systems 10B of the second fuel cell group 14 also gradually increases to the rated power output as shown in FIG. 5B. do. The 12 first fuel cell systems 10A of the first fuel cell group may be configured to instantaneously increase to the rated power generation output. ), it is desirable to increase gradually as in the embodiment.

Note that if the increase adjustment signal is generated again during operation in the increase adjustment power generation mode, the process returns from step S9 to step S2, and the above-described steps S2 to S9 are repeatedly executed.

In the centralized control system for the fuel cell system of the first embodiment, a large number of fuel cell systems 10 are connected to the first fuel cell system 10A of the first fuel cell group 12 (the type that instantly increases to the rated power generation output). The second fuel cell system 10B of the second fuel cell group 14 (which does not instantaneously increase to the rated power generation output) is provided. It may consist of only the first fuel cell system 10A of the fuel cell group 12, or may consist of only the second fuel cell system 10B of the second fuel cell group 14, for example.

Also, a large number of fuel cell systems 10 may be configured from the following groups. In other words, although not shown, the first fuel cell group is configured so that the first low generated output is reduced to a first percentage value (for example, about 40%) of the rated generated power in the operation in the adjustment power generation mode. Then, in the operation of the second power generation battery group in the increase adjustment power generation mode, the second low power generation output is reduced to a second percentage value (a value larger than the first percentage value, for example, about 70%) of the rated power generation output. You may make it comprise from the thing of

In this case, the power output of the first fuel cell system of the first fuel cell group fluctuates, for example, as shown in FIG. It fluctuates as shown in FIG. 6(b). For example, at time T21, when the fuel cell management system 4 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) generates an adjustment signal to increase, the power output of the plurality of first fuel cell systems in the first fuel cell group changes to that shown in FIG. As shown in (a), the power output gradually decreases to the first low power output (about 40% of the rated power output), and the power output of the plurality of fuel cell systems in the second fuel cell group is As shown, it gradually decreases to the second low power output (about 70% of the rated power output).

When the power generation increase signal is generated by the fuel cell management system 4 at time T22, for example, during the operation in the increase adjustment power generation mode, the power generation output of the plurality of first fuel cell systems of the first fuel cell group is increased. instantly rises to the rated power generation output as shown in FIG. rise to output.

Further, when a power generation decrease signal is generated by the fuel cell management system 4 at time T23, for example, during operation in the rated power generation output state by this power generation increase signal, the power generation output of the first fuel cell system of the first fuel cell group gradually decreases to the first low power output (first percentage value of the rated power output) as shown in FIG. 6(a), and the power output of the second fuel cell system of the second fuel cell group is As shown in FIG. 6(b), it gradually decreases to the second low power output (second percentage value of the rated power output).

After that, at time T24, for example, when the fuel cell management system 4 generates an increase adjustment cancellation signal, the power output of the first fuel cell system of the first fuel cell group is stopped as shown in FIG. 6(a). The power output of the second fuel cell system of the second fuel cell group gradually returns to the rated power output as shown in FIG. 6(b).

In this embodiment, the first fuel cell group is composed only of a fuel cell system that instantaneously increases to the rated power generation output. Alternatively, as in the above-described embodiment, the fuel cell system may be composed of a fuel cell system that instantaneously increases to the rated power generation output and a system that does not instantaneously increase to the rated power generation output. .

<Second Embodiment of Centralized Control System for Fuel Cell System>
In this second embodiment, the multiple fuel cell systems consist of the first fuel cell system 10A (see FIG. 2) of the first fuel cell group 12 in the first embodiment, but the second fuel cell group 14 may be configured from the second fuel cell system 10B (see FIG. 2). Further, in this embodiment, the power output of the first fuel cell system is configured to rise to the rated power output and a high power output smaller than the rated power output. In relation to this, although not shown, the power generation increase signal generation means of the fuel cell management system includes a rated power generation increase signal for increasing the rated power generation output and a high power generation of, for example, about 70% of the rated power generation output. It is configured to generate a high power output boost signal that ramps up the output. Other configurations in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment described above. The configuration of the control system of the centralized control system of the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, so it will be described with reference to FIG.

In such a centralized control system of the second embodiment, many fuel cell systems 10A are controlled as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, for example. In FIGS. 7 and 8, during operation in the normal power generation mode (step S21), for example, at time T31, when the increase adjustment signal generation means 76 of the fuel cell management system 4 generates an increase adjustment signal, the process proceeds from step S22 to step S23. , the operation of the fuel cell system 10 (10A) is switched from the normal power generation mode to the adjustment power generation mode, and the power output of each fuel cell system 10 is gradually reduced to a low power output (for example, about 40% of the rated power output). decrease (step S24).

When the power generation increase signal generating means 78 of the fuel cell management system 4 generates the rated power generation increase signal at time T32, for example, during operation in the increase adjustment power generation mode, the process proceeds from step S25 to step S27 via step S26. , the power generation output of each fuel cell system 10 (10A) instantaneously rises to the rated power generation output.

In this way, when the power generation decrease signal generating means 80 generates the power generation decrease signal at time T33, for example, during operation in the rated power generation output state by the rated power generation increase signal, the process proceeds from step S28 to step S29, and each fuel cell system 10 (10A ) gradually decreases to 40% of the rated power output.

During such an operating state, when the power generation increase signal generating means 78 of the fuel cell management system 4 generates a high power generation increase signal at time T34, for example, the process returns from step S30 to step S25, and further steps 26 and S31 are performed. Proceeding to S32, the power output of each fuel cell system 10 (10A) instantly increases to 70% of the rated power output.

Thereafter, when the power generation reduction signal generation means 80 generates the power generation reduction signal again at time T35, the process proceeds from step S28 to step S29, and the power generation output of each fuel cell system 10 (10A) is reduced to 40% of the rated power generation output. decrease significantly.

After that, when the adjustment-up cancellation signal generating means 82 of the fuel cell management system 4 generates an adjustment-up cancellation signal at, for example, time T38, the process proceeds from step S30 to step S33, and the fuel cell system 10 ( 10A), the operation in the normal power generation mode is resumed (step S34), and the process returns to step S22.

In this second embodiment, the power generation increase signal generation means 78 of the fuel cell management system 4 generates the rated power generation increase signal and the high power generation increase signal. By causing the power generation increase signal generating means 78 to generate the rated power generation increase signal, each fuel cell system 10 (10A) is increased to the rated power generation output, thereby supplying a large amount of generated power to the external system. In addition, when there is a risk of a large power shortage in the supply and demand balance of power, the power generation increase signal generation means 78 generates a high power generation increase signal so that each fuel cell system 10 (10A) can operate at a high level. It is possible to increase the power generation output (for example, about 70% of the rated power generation output) and supply a certain amount of generated power to the external system. By adjusting with the power generation rise signal (rated power generation rise signal, high power generation rise signal) on the 4 side, it is possible to avoid a power shortage in the power supply and demand balance.

In the second embodiment, the power generation increase signal generating means 78 generates two types of power generation increase signals, the rated power generation increase signal and the high power generation increase signal. Means 76 generates two types of raising adjustment signal (an raising adjustment signal that lowers to about 40% of the rated power generation output) and a second raising adjustment signal (that lowers to about 70% of the rated power generation output). Even if it constitutes, the effect similar to the above-mentioned can be achieved.

In this case, when the increase adjustment signal generation means 76 generates the first increase adjustment signal, the fuel cell system 10 is switched from the normal power generation mode to the first increase adjustment power generation mode based on the first increase adjustment signal. When the power output is operated at a first low power output (for example, a power output of 40% of the rated power output) and a power generation increase signal is generated during operation in the first adjustment power generation mode, the fuel cell system 10 is operated. The power output becomes the rated power output, and a large amount of generated power can be supplied to the external system.

Further, when the increase adjustment signal generating means 76 generates the second increase adjustment signal, the fuel cell system 10 is switched from the normal power generation mode to the second increase adjustment power generation mode based on the second increase adjustment signal, and the power generation is performed. The output is operated at a second low power output (for example, a power output of 70% of the rated power output, which is lower than the rated power output and higher than the first low power output), and this second increase adjustment When the power generation increase signal is generated during operation in the power generation mode, the power generation output of the fuel cell system 10 becomes the rated power generation output, and a certain amount of generated power can be supplied to the external system.

In this way, by adjusting the power generation output of many fuel cell systems 10 with the increase adjustment signals (first increase adjustment signal, second increase adjustment signal signal) of the fuel cell management system 4 side, the fuel cell system 10 It is possible to adjust the power to be supplied from the external system to the external system in two stages, and to avoid the power shortage in the power supply and demand balance in the same manner as described above.

For example, in the first and second embodiments, an increase adjustment cancellation signal is generated by performing an increase adjustment cancellation operation to end the operation in the increase adjustment power generation mode. For example, after a set time has elapsed from the start of operation in the increase adjustment power generation mode, or after a predetermined time has elapsed, an increase adjustment cancellation signal is automatically generated, and based on this increase adjustment cancellation signal, the operation of the fuel cell system 10 is changed from the increase adjustment power generation mode. You may make it switch to normal electric power generation mode.

<Third Embodiment of Centralized Control System for Fuel Cell System>
In the above-described first and second embodiments, the power shortage in the power demand balance is resolved by using a large number of fuel cell systems 10. can be solved by using a large number of fuel cell systems 10. In the following embodiments, members that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

9 to 11, in the third embodiment, lowering adjustment signal generating means 102 is provided in place of the raising adjustment signal generating means in the first embodiment, and raising adjustment signal generating means 102 is provided in the first embodiment. The adjustment cancellation signal generation means 104 is provided in place of the adjustment cancellation signal generation means, the power generation increase signal generation means and the power generation decrease signal generation means in the first embodiment are omitted, and in addition, the second Either one of the 1 and the second integration timer is omitted.

The adjustment-down signal generating means 102 generates an adjustment-down signal for switching the operation of the fuel cell system 10 (10C, 10D) from the normal power generation mode to the adjustment-down power generation mode. A down regulation cancellation signal is generated for returning the battery system 10 from the down regulation power generation mode to the normal power generation mode of operation. Furthermore, the integration timer 106 (first or second integration timer) integrates the operation time in the downward adjustment power generation mode.

Also, multiple fuel cell systems 10 in this third embodiment are configured to be included in a first fuel cell group 12C and a second fuel cell group 14C. To explain further, the plurality of first fuel cell systems 10C of the first fuel cell group 12C will decrease the power output from the rated power output to the first low power output (e.g., about 40% of the rated power output) during operation in the downward adjustment power generation mode. ), and the power generation output of the plurality of second fuel cell systems 10D of the second fuel cell group 12D decreases from the rated power generation output to a second low power generation output (below the rated power generation output) during operation in the downward adjustment power generation mode. is lower than the first low power output and lowers to about 70% of the rated power output). Other configurations in this third embodiment are substantially the same as those in the above-described first embodiment.

Next, the control of the centralized control system for the fuel cell system of the third embodiment will be described. These fuel cell systems 10 (10C, 10D) are operated in the normal power generation mode (step S41), and in this operating state , the fuel cell system 10 (10C, 10D) is operated in an operating state with good power generation efficiency, for example, in a rated power generation state.

When there is a risk of an electric power surplus due to an imbalance in the supply and demand of electric power during operation in the normal power generation mode, the input means 72 of the fuel cell management system 4C is used to perform a downward adjustment input operation on the side of the fuel cell management center 2C. When such an input operation is performed, the process proceeds from step S42 to step S43, where the adjustment-down signal generating means 102 generates an adjustment-down signal. The fuel cell system 10 (the first fuel cell system 10C of the first fuel cell group 12C and the second fuel cell system 10D of the second fuel cell group 14C) are fed to the multiple fuel cell systems 10 (10C, 10D), Operation is switched from the normal power generation mode to the down adjustment power generation mode.

In this embodiment, when this adjustment-down signal is sent, the operating state of each fuel cell system 10 (10C, 10D) is switched from the normal power generation mode to the adjustment-down power generation mode based on this adjustment-down signal, In the first fuel cell system 10C of the first fuel cell group 12C, the power generation output is controlled to decrease to a first low power output (for example, about 40% of the rated power generation output), and the second fuel cell group 12D The second fuel cell system 10D is controlled such that its power generation output is lowered to a second low power generation output (for example, about 70% of the rated power generation output).

For example, at time T41, when the fuel cell management system 4C generates a downward adjustment signal, the power output of the plurality of first fuel cell systems 10C of the first fuel cell group 12C is, for example, shown in FIG. , and the power output of the plurality of fuel cell systems 10D of the second fuel cell group 14C is also shown in FIG. , the power generation output is instantaneously lowered to a second low power output (for example, about 70% of the rated power generation output) (step S44).

In this embodiment, the power output of the first fuel cell system 10C of the first fuel cell group 12C is reduced to the first low power output except for the second fuel cell of the second fuel cell group 14C. As with system 10D, the power output may be reduced to the first low power output instantaneously. Also, the power output of the second fuel cell system 10D of the second fuel cell group 14C is instantaneously reduced to the second low power output. You may make it reduce to a 2nd low electric power generation output gradually.

In order to cancel the operation in the downward adjustment power generation mode, an input operation for canceling the downward adjustment is performed through the input means 72 of the fuel cell management system 4C on the side of the fuel cell management center 2C. When the downward adjustment cancellation input operation is performed in this way, the process proceeds from step S45 to step S46, the downward adjustment cancellation signal generation means 104 generates the downward adjustment cancellation signal, and the operation in the downward adjustment power generation mode ends. When this adjustment-up cancellation signal is generated, this adjustment-up cancellation signal is sent from the fuel cell management system 4C to a number of fuel cell systems 10 (first and second fuel cell systems 10C, 10D) via communication means 90, 92. ). Thus, in each fuel cell system 10 (10A, 10B), based on this downward adjustment cancellation signal, the power generation output of each fuel cell system 10 (10C, 10D) increases to return to the rated power generation output, and the normal power generation mode is resumed. Operation is resumed (step S47), and then the process returns to step S42.

For example, at time T42, when the fuel cell management system 4C generates a downward adjustment cancellation signal, the power output of the plurality of first fuel cell systems 10D of the first fuel cell group 12C is, for example, as shown in FIG. 11(a). As shown in FIG. 11B, the power output of the fuel cell systems 10D of the second fuel cell group 14C gradually increases to the rated power output, and the power output of the fuel cell systems 10D of the second fuel cell group 14C gradually increases to the rated power output as shown in FIG. do.

In this third embodiment, when there is a risk of a power surplus occurring in the power supply-demand balance, the fuel cell management system 4C generates a downward adjustment signal to reduce the first fuel cell system 10C of the first fuel cell group 12C. power output drops to a first low power output (for example, about 40% of the rated power output), and the power output of the second fuel cell system 14C of the second fuel cell group 14C drops to a second low power output (rated power output (for example, about 70%), and as a result, a large amount of power is received from the external system. By adjusting with the downward adjustment signal, power surplus in the power supply and demand balance can be avoided.

In the centralized control system for multiple fuel cell systems of the third embodiment, the multiple fuel cell systems 10 (10C, 10D) are configured so as not to instantaneously rise to the rated power generation output. For example, the battery system 10 may be constructed in a form that instantaneously rises to the rated power generation output, or the first and second fuel cell systems 10C and 10D of the first and second fuel cell groups 12C and 14C may be It may be configured to have a configuration in which the output is instantaneously increased to the rated output and a configuration in which the output is not instantaneously increased to the rated output.

Further, in the third embodiment described above, there are two types of fuel cell systems 10, that is, the first fuel cell system 10C of the first fuel cell group 12C and the second fuel cell system of the second fuel cell group 14C. 10D is adopted, but instead of such a configuration, only the first fuel cell system 10C of the first fuel cell group 12C is adopted, or only the second fuel cell system 10D of the second fuel cell group 14C is adopted. may be adopted.

<Fourth Embodiment of Centralized Control System for Fuel Cell System>
In this fourth embodiment, the multiple fuel cell systems are the first fuel cell system 10C (see FIG. 9) of the first fuel cell group 12C (or the second fuel cell system of the second fuel cell group 14C) in the third embodiment. battery system 10D (see FIG. 2)). In this embodiment, the power output of the fuel cell system 10 (first fuel cell system 10C) is a first low power output (for example, about 40% of the rated power output) and a second low power output (rated power output). (For example, about 70% of the output, which is lower than the rated power output and higher than the first low power output). In relation to this, although not shown, the adjustment-down signal generating means of the fuel cell management system generates a first adjustment signal to lower the power output of the fuel cell system 10 (10C) to the first low power output. and a second lowering adjustment signal for lowering the generated power output to a second lower generated power output. Other configurations of the fourth embodiment are similar to those of the above-described third embodiment. Since the configuration of the control system of the centralized control system of the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as that of the third embodiment, it will be described with reference to FIG.

In such a centralized control system of the fourth embodiment, many fuel cell systems 10 (10C) are controlled as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, for example. 12 and 13, during operation in the normal power generation mode (step S51), for example, at time T51, when the lowering adjustment signal generating means 102 of the fuel cell management system 4C generates, for example, the first lowering adjustment signal, steps from step S52 to step Proceeding to step S54 via S53, the operation of the fuel cell system 10 (10C) is switched from the normal power generation mode to the downward adjustment power generation mode, in this case, the first downward adjustment power generation mode, and the power generation output of each fuel cell system 10 is reduced to the first level. The power generation output is instantaneously reduced to a low power output (for example, about 40% of the rated power generation output) (step S54).

Then, during the operation in the first adjustment-down adjustment power generation mode, when the adjustment-down cancellation signal generating means 104 of the fuel cell management system 4C generates the adjustment-down cancellation signal at time T52, the process proceeds from step S55 to step S56. After the operation of the fuel cell system 10 (10C) in the first downward adjustment power generation mode is completed based on this downward adjustment cancellation signal, the operation in the normal power generation mode is resumed, and the fuel cell system 10 (10C) operates at the rated power generation output. The vehicle is operated (step S57), and the process returns to step S52.

Further, during operation in the normal power generation mode, when the adjustment-down signal generating means 102 of the fuel cell management system 4C generates, for example, the second adjustment signal at time T53, the process proceeds from step S52 through step S53 and step S58 to step S59. , the operation of the fuel cell system 10 (10C) is switched from the normal power generation mode to the downward adjustment power generation mode, in this case, the second downward adjustment power generation mode, and the power output of each fuel cell system 10 is switched to the second low power output (for example, , about 70% of the rated power output) (step S54). Thereafter, for example, at time T54, when the adjustment-down cancellation signal generating means 104 of the fuel cell management system 4C generates the adjustment-down cancellation signal, steps S55 to S57 are performed in the same manner as described above, and the operation returns to the normal power generation mode. .

In the fourth embodiment, the adjustment-down signal generating means 102 of the fuel cell management system 4C generates the first and second adjustment-down signals. By causing the adjustment signal generating means 102 to generate the first lowering adjustment signal, each fuel cell system 10 (10A) is lowered to the first low power output (for example, about 40% of the rated power output). Each household in which the fuel cell system 10 (10C) is installed receives a large amount of power from the external system, and when there is a risk of a large power surplus in the power supply and demand balance, the downward adjustment signal generation means 78 is turned off. By generating the second lowering adjustment signal, each fuel cell system 10 (10C) drops to a second low power output (for example, about 70% of the rated power output). A certain amount of power is received, and thus the power output of many fuel cell systems 10 (10C) is adjusted by the downward adjustment signals (first and second downward adjustment signals) on the side of the fuel cell management system 4C. This makes it possible to avoid power surplus in the power supply and demand balance.

In the fourth embodiment, the downward adjustment signal generating means 102 generates two types of downward adjustment signals , the first and second downward adjustment signals . Means 102 may generate one type of down adjustment signal. Further, in this embodiment, the power generation output of the fuel cell system 10 (10C) is instantaneously lowered to the first and second low power generation outputs when switching to the first and second down adjustment power generation modes. You may make it reduce to 1st and 2nd low electric power generation output gradually.

Furthermore, for example, in the above-described third and fourth embodiments, a downward adjustment cancellation operation is performed to terminate the operation of the downward adjustment power generation mode (the first and second downward adjustment power generation modes), and the downward adjustment cancellation signal is issued. However, instead of such a configuration, for example, after a set time has elapsed from the start of operation in the downward adjustment power generation mode, or after a predetermined time has elapsed, a downward adjustment cancellation signal is automatically generated, and this downward adjustment cancellation signal is generated. Based on this, the operation of the fuel cell system 10 may be lowered to switch from the adjusted power generation mode to the normal power generation mode.

Although the embodiments of the fuel cell system and their centralized control system according to the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. is possible.

For example, in the first and second embodiments, in normal power generation mode operation, the fuel cell system is operated at the rated power generation output, and in this operating state, the fuel cell system is switched to the adjustment power generation mode. It is also possible to switch to the up regulation power generation mode when the power generation output is low. Also in the third and fourth embodiments, the fuel cell system is operated at the rated power generation output in the normal power generation mode operation, and is switched to the downward adjustment power generation mode in this operating state. It is also possible to switch to the down regulation power generation mode when the power generation output is low.

2 fuel cell management center 4, 4C fuel cell management system 6 customer information management system 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D fuel cell system 12, 12C first fuel cell group 14, 14C second fuel cell group 16 fuel cell 18 battery control means 76 increase adjustment signal generation means 78 power generation increase signal generation means 80 power generation decrease signal generation means 82 increase adjustment cancellation signal generation means 102 decrease adjustment signal generation means 104 decrease adjustment cancellation signal generation means

Claims (10)

A fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell that generates power through a fuel cell reaction and cell control means for controlling the fuel cell,
The battery control means provides a boost adjustment signal for switching from a normal power generation mode in which the fuel cell is operated in a normal power generation state to a boost adjustment power generation mode in which the power generation output of the fuel cell is operated at a low power generation output lower than the rated power generation output, and an external power generation mode. The power generation output of the fuel cell is controlled based on a power generation increase signal for increasing the power generation output of the fuel cell in order to prevent an electric power shortage due to an unbalanced power supply and demand in the system. cage,
When the power supply and demand balance of the external system is disrupted and a power shortage is predicted, the battery control means switches the operation of the fuel cell from the normal power generation mode to the power adjustment power generation mode based on the power adjustment signal, In the operation in the increase adjustment power generation mode, the power generation output of the fuel cell is controlled to be the low power generation output , and during the operation in the increase adjustment power generation mode, the electric power supply and demand balance of the external system may be disrupted and power shortage may occur. occurs, the battery control means controls the power generation output of the fuel cell based on the power generation increase signal so that the power generation output of the fuel cell becomes higher than the low power generation output. A fuel cell system supplied to the external system. The power generation increase signal includes a rated power generation increase signal and a high power generation increase signal. When the rated power generation increase signal is generated during operation in the increase adjustment power generation mode, the fuel is supplied based on the rated power generation increase signal. When the power generation output of the battery is controlled to be the rated power generation output, and the high power generation increase signal is generated during operation in the boost adjustment power generation mode, the fuel cell generates power based on the high power generation increase signal. 2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the output is controlled to be a high power output higher than the low power output and lower than the rated power output. The raise adjustment signal includes a first raise adjustment signal and a second raise adjustment signal, and when the first raise adjustment signal is generated, the battery control means, based on the first raise adjustment signal, controls the The operation of the fuel cell is switched from the normal power generation mode to the first adjusted power generation mode, and in the operation in the first adjusted power generation mode, the power output of the fuel cell becomes a first low power output lower than the rated power output. When the second increase adjustment signal is generated, the battery control means shifts the operation of the fuel cell from the normal power generation mode to the second increase adjustment power generation mode based on the second increase adjustment signal. , and in the operation in the second adjustment power generation mode, the power generation output of the fuel cell is controlled to be a second low power generation output that is lower than the rated power generation output and higher than the first low power generation output, and When the power generation increase signal is generated during the operation in the first increase adjustment power generation mode and the second increase adjustment power generation mode, control is performed based on the power generation increase signal so that the power generation output of the fuel cell becomes the rated power generation output. 2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein: A centralized control system for a fuel cell system in which a large number of fuel cells for generating electric power by fuel cell reaction and fuel cell systems provided with cell control means for controlling the fuel cells are assembled,
Raise adjustment signal generating means for generating an increase adjustment signal for switching from a normal power generation mode in which the fuel cell operates in a normal power generation state to a raise adjustment power generation mode in which the power generation output of the fuel cell is operated at a low power generation output lower than the rated power generation output. and a power generation increase signal generating means for generating a power generation increase signal for increasing the power generation output of the fuel cell in order to prevent a power shortage from occurring due to the power supply and demand balance in an external system being disrupted,
The cell control means of the multiple fuel cell systems are configured to control the power generation output of the fuel cell based on the adjustment-up signal and the power generation increase signal,
When the power supply and demand balance of the external system is disrupted and power shortage is predicted, the boost adjustment signal generating means generates the boost adjustment signal, and the cell control means of the multiple fuel cell systems generate the boost adjustment signal. The operation of the fuel cell is switched from the normal power generation mode to the increased adjustment power generation mode based on, and in the operation in the increased adjustment power generation mode, the power generation output of the fuel cell is controlled to be the low power generation output, and When the power supply and demand balance of the external system is disrupted during operation in the boost adjustment power generation mode and there is a risk of power shortage, the power generation increase signal generating means generates the power generation increase signal, and the batteries of the multiple fuel cell systems The control means controls the power generation output of the fuel cell based on the power generation increase signal so that the power generation output of the fuel cell becomes higher than the low power generation output , whereby a part of the power generation output of the fuel cell is supplied to the external system. A centralized control system for a fuel cell system, characterized by: The plurality of fuel cell systems are the first fuel cell system of the first fuel cell group, which corresponds to control for instantaneously increasing the power generation output of the fuel cells, and the first fuel cell system, which corresponds to control for instantaneously increasing the power generation output of the fuel cells. and a second fuel cell system of a second fuel cell group that does not operate, when the power generation increase signal is generated during operation in the adjustment power generation mode, the first fuel cell system of the first fuel cell group The battery control means controls the power generation output of the fuel cell based on the power generation increase signal so that the power generation output of the fuel cell instantaneously reaches the rated power generation output, and the power generation output of the second fuel cell system of the second fuel cell group. 5. The centralized control system for a fuel cell system according to claim 4, wherein the battery control means controls the power generation output of the fuel cell based on the power generation increase signal so that the power generation output of the fuel cell gradually reaches the rated power generation output. The second fuel cell system of the second fuel cell group includes the second fuel cell system of the short-time rise subgroup in which the power output of the fuel cells rises to the rated power output in a relatively short time; including the second fuel cell system of the long rise sub-group in which the power output of the fuel cell rises to the rated power output in a relatively long time, and the power rise signal is generated during operation in the boost adjustment power generation mode. When generated, the cell control means of the second fuel cell system of the short time rise subgroup causes the power generation output of the fuel cell to reach the rated power generation output in a relatively short time based on the power generation rise signal. Also, the battery control means of the second fuel cell system in the long-time rise subgroup controls the power generation output of the fuel cell to exceed the rated power generation output for a relatively long time based on the power generation rise signal. 6. The centralized control system for a fuel cell system according to claim 5, wherein the control is performed so that The plurality of fuel cell systems include a first fuel cell system of a first fuel cell group, which is controlled to reduce the power output of the fuel cells to a first percentage value of the rated power output, and a first fuel cell system that reduces the power output of the fuel cells. and a second fuel cell system of a second fuel cell group responsive to control down to a second percentage value greater than the first percentage value, wherein the first fuel cell system is responsive to the generation of the up adjustment signal. The cell control means of the first fuel cell system of the group controls the power generation output of the fuel cell to become the first percentage value of the rated power generation output based on the increase adjustment signal, and the second The cell control means of the second fuel cell system of the fuel cell group controls the power generation output of the fuel cell based on the increase adjustment signal so that the power generation output of the fuel cell becomes the second percentage value of the rated power generation output. 5. The centralized control system for the fuel cell system according to claim 4. A fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell that generates power through a fuel cell reaction and cell control means for controlling the fuel cell,
The battery control means controls the power generation output of the fuel cell to be lower than the rated power generation output from the normal power generation mode in which the operation is performed in a normal power generation state, in order to avoid an electric power surplus due to the collapse of the electric power supply and demand balance of the external system. The power generation output of the fuel cell is controlled based on a down adjustment signal for switching to a down adjustment power generation mode for operating with a low power generation output and lowering the power generation output of the fuel cell to the low power generation output . ,
When there is a risk of an electric power surplus due to the collapse of the power supply and demand balance in the external system, the battery control means shifts the operation of the fuel cell from the normal power generation mode to the down adjustment power generation mode based on the down adjustment signal. In the operation of the switching and adjusting down power generation mode, the power generation output of the fuel cell is controlled so as to be the low power generation output , so that part of the electric power of the external system covers the reduced electric power generated by the fuel cell system. A fuel cell system characterized by: The downward adjustment signal includes a first downward adjustment signal and a second downward adjustment signal, and when the first downward adjustment signal is generated, the battery control means, based on the first downward adjustment signal, controls the The operation of the fuel cell is switched from the normal power generation mode to the first downwardly adjusted power generation mode, and in the operation in the first downwardly adjusted power generation mode, the power output of the fuel cell becomes a first low power output lower than the rated power output. When the second adjustment-down signal is generated, the battery control means changes the operation of the fuel cell from the normal power generation mode to the second adjustment-down power generation mode based on the second adjustment-down signal. and in the operation in the second down adjustment power generation mode, the power generation output of the fuel cell is controlled to be a second low power generation output that is lower than the rated power generation output and higher than the first low power generation output. 9. The fuel cell system according to claim 8, characterized by: A centralized control system for a fuel cell system in which a large number of fuel cells for generating electric power by fuel cell reaction and fuel cell systems provided with cell control means for controlling the fuel cells are assembled,
The cell control means of many fuel cell systems control the power generation output of the fuel cells from the normal power generation mode in which the fuel cells are operated in a normal power generation state in order to avoid an electric power surplus due to the collapse of the electric power supply and demand balance in the external system. The power generation output of the fuel cell is controlled based on a down adjustment signal for switching to a down adjustment power generation mode in which operation is performed with a low power generation output lower than the rated power generation output and for lowering the power generation output of the fuel cell to the low power generation output . is configured as
When the power supply and demand balance of the external system is disrupted and there is a risk of a power surplus, the cell control means of the multiple fuel cell systems shifts the operation of the fuel cells to the normal power generation mode based on the downward adjustment signal. to the downwardly adjusted power generation mode, and in operation in the downwardly adjusted power generation mode, control is performed so that the power generation output of the fuel cell is the low power generation output . A centralized control system for a fuel cell system, characterized in that it covers a reduced power output of the fuel cell system.

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