JP7398664B2 - Fuel cell system and fuel cell system control method - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a fuel cell system including a fuel cell that generates electricity using hydrogen, and a method of controlling the fuel cell system.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, fuel cell systems including fuel cells that generate electricity using hydrogen have been known. With this type of device, the fuel cell cannot be started in the event of a power outage. Therefore, a technique has been proposed in which a startup process is started at a timing earlier than the time when a power outage occurs based on information such as a planned power outage (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP2016-94328A

However, in the method proposed in Patent Document 1, for example, when information about a planned power outage is obtained, appropriate control is performed depending on whether the fuel cell is in a power generation state or in a standby state at that time. The problem is that it cannot be done.

The present disclosure provides a fuel cell system and a control method for a fuel cell system that solves the above-mentioned conventional problems and can perform appropriate control depending on whether the fuel cell is in a power generation state or a standby state. The purpose is to provide

In order to achieve the above object, the present disclosure includes a fuel cell, a reception unit that receives power outage information indicating information regarding a power outage, and a control unit that controls the fuel cell, and the control unit is configured to receive the power outage information. is received, when the fuel cell is in a power generation state, the fuel cell is caused to generate power in a first power generation process, and when the fuel cell is in a standby state, the fuel cell is caused to generate power in a different manner from the first power generation process. In the second power generation process, when the control unit receives the power outage information, the control unit activates the fuel cell before a timing when a power outage is predicted to start, and generates electricity in advance. The method is characterized in that power generation by the fuel cell is continued for a predetermined power generation time .

According to the present disclosure, when information regarding a power outage is acquired, appropriate control can be performed depending on whether the fuel cell is in a power generation state or in a standby state.

A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a fuel cell system according to this embodiment A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the hydrogen generator according to the present embodiment A block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device according to the present embodiment (A) Time chart showing a first example of operation of the fuel cell system (B) Time chart showing a second example of operation of the fuel cell system (A) Time chart showing a third example of operation of the fuel cell system (B) Time chart showing a fourth example of operation of the fuel cell system (A) Time chart showing a fifth example of operation of the fuel cell system (B) Time chart showing a sixth example of operation of the fuel cell system Time chart showing a seventh example of operation of the fuel cell system Flowchart showing an example of processing of the control device according to the present embodiment Flowchart showing an example of processing of the control device according to the present embodiment

A first invention includes a fuel cell, a reception unit that receives power outage information indicating information regarding a power outage, and a control unit that controls the fuel cell, and when the control unit receives the power outage information, the control unit receives the power outage information. When the fuel cell is in a power generation state, the fuel cell is caused to generate power in a first power generation process, and when the fuel cell is in a standby state, the fuel cell is caused to generate power in a second power generation process that is different from the first power generation process. This is a fuel cell system characterized by generating electricity.
According to this, when information regarding a power outage is acquired, appropriate control can be performed depending on whether the fuel cell is in a power generation state or in a standby state.

A second invention is the fuel cell system according to the first invention, in which, in the second power generation process, the control unit, when receiving the power outage information, performs the power generation process before a timing at which a power outage is predicted to start. The present invention is characterized in that the fuel cell is activated and power generation by the fuel cell is continued for a predetermined power generation time.
According to this, when the fuel cell is in a standby state and the power outage information is received, the fuel cell is activated before the timing when the power outage is predicted to start, so that the fuel cell is not charged during the power outage. It can be used to generate electricity from batteries. Further, in order to continue power generation of the fuel cell for a predetermined power generation time, by setting the power generation time to an appropriate value, the fuel cell can be caused to generate power during a power outage. For example, the power generation time may be set to include the time from when the power outage information is received until the power is restored after a power outage occurs.

A third invention is the fuel cell system according to the first invention, wherein in the first power generation process, the control unit continues power generation of the fuel cell for a predetermined power generation time when receiving the power outage information. It is characterized by causing.
According to this, when the fuel cell is in a power generation state and the power outage information is received, the power generation time is set to an appropriate value in order to continue power generation of the fuel cell for a predetermined power generation time. This allows the fuel cell to generate electricity during a power outage. For example, the power generation time may be set to include the time from when the power outage information is received until the power is restored after a power outage occurs.

A fourth invention is a fuel cell system according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the control unit, during power generation in the first power generation process or the second power generation process, Determining whether or not to stop the power generation of the fuel cell according to the operating status of the fuel cell, and if it is determined that the power generation of the fuel cell is to be stopped, stopping the power generation of the fuel cell. It is characterized by
According to this, it is determined whether or not to stop the power generation of the fuel cell according to the operating status of the fuel cell, and when it is determined that the power generation of the fuel cell is to be stopped, the power generation of the fuel cell is determined. Therefore, power generation of the fuel cell can be stopped depending on the operating status of the fuel cell. For example, if a continuous power generation period indicating a period in which the fuel cell continuously generates power is equal to or longer than a predetermined maximum power generation period, power generation of the fuel cell is stopped, and after starting the fuel cell, the It can be used to generate electricity using fuel cells. In this case, it becomes possible to start the fuel cell before the timing when a power outage is predicted to start, so it becomes possible to cause the fuel cell to generate electricity during a power outage.

In a fifth invention, in the fuel cell system according to the fourth invention, when a continuous power generation period indicating a period during which the fuel cell continuously generates power is equal to or longer than a predetermined maximum power generation period, the control unit: The method is characterized in that it is determined to stop the power generation of the fuel cell, the power generation of the fuel cell is stopped, the fuel cell is started, and then the fuel cell is caused to generate power.
According to this, when a continuous power generation period indicating a period in which the fuel cell continuously generates power is equal to or longer than a predetermined maximum power generation period, power generation of the fuel cell is stopped and the fuel cell is started. After that, the fuel cell can be caused to generate electricity. Therefore, it is possible to start the fuel cell before the timing when a power outage is predicted to start, so it is possible to cause the fuel cell to generate electricity during a power outage.

A sixth invention is the fuel cell system according to the fourth invention, in which the control unit determines to stop power generation of the fuel cell when a power generation stop error indicating that the power generation state cannot be continued, and It is characterized by stopping battery power generation.
According to this, when a power generation stop error indicating that the power generation state cannot be continued is determined, power generation of the fuel cell is determined to be stopped, and power generation of the fuel cell is appropriately stopped in order to stop power generation of the fuel cell. can.

A seventh invention is the fuel cell system according to the sixth invention, wherein the control unit starts the fuel cell and then causes the fuel cell to generate power when the power generation stop error is canceled. shall be.
According to this, when the power generation stop error is canceled, the fuel cell is started up and then the fuel cell is started up before the timing at which a power outage is predicted to start in order to cause the fuel cell to generate electricity. becomes possible. Therefore, even if the power generation stop error occurs, it is possible to cause the fuel cell to generate power during a power outage.

An eighth invention is the fuel cell system according to the sixth invention or the seventh invention, wherein, when the power generation stop error is determined, the control unit notifies the user that the power generation stop error has been determined. Features.
According to this, when the power generation stop error is determined, the user is notified that the power generation stop error has been determined, so the user can easily recognize that the power generation stop error has been determined.

A ninth invention is the fuel cell system according to the fourth invention, wherein the control unit stops power generation of the fuel cell when a retry error indicating that a restart is required to continue the power generation state is detected. The present invention is characterized in that the fuel cell is determined to be activated, stops power generation of the fuel cell, starts the fuel cell, and then causes the fuel cell to generate power.
According to this, when a retry error indicating that a restart is required to continue the power generation state is detected, it is determined that the power generation of the fuel cell is to be stopped, the power generation of the fuel cell is stopped, and the power generation of the fuel cell is stopped. Since the fuel cell generates electricity after starting the battery, it becomes possible to start the fuel cell before the timing when a power outage is predicted to start. Therefore, even if a retry error occurs, it is possible to cause the fuel cell to generate electricity during a power outage.

A tenth invention is a fuel cell system according to any one of the first to ninth inventions, further comprising a hot water storage tank for storing hot water heated by the heat generated in the fuel cell, and the fuel cell system according to any one of the first to ninth inventions. The hot water storage tank is characterized in that when the power outage information is received, the hot water storage tank is controlled to discharge hot water stored in the hot water storage tank.
According to this, when the power outage information is received, the hot water storage tank is controlled to discharge the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank, so that the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank becomes equal to or more than a predetermined amount. It is possible to avoid stopping the fuel cell due to this. Therefore, the fuel cell can reliably generate electricity during a power outage.

An eleventh invention is the fuel cell system according to the tenth invention, wherein the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank is discharged into a bathtub, and when the control section receives the power outage information, the control section removes the stopper of the bathtub. It is characterized by notifying users of information that encourages them to do so.
According to this, when the power outage information is received, the user is notified of information urging the user to remove the stopper of the bathtub. can prevent overflow.

A twelfth invention is the fuel cell system according to any one of the first to eleventh inventions, in which the control section is configured to control the user while generating power in the first power generation process or the second power generation process. When the user performs an operation to stop power generation, the fuel cell is moved to a standby state, and when the user performs an operation other than to stop power generation, the fuel cell is moved to a power generation state.
According to this, when the user performs an operation to stop power generation during power generation in the first power generation process or the second power generation process, in order to shift the fuel cell to a standby state, the first power generation process or Even when power is being generated in the second power generation process, the user can perform an operation to stop power generation. Therefore, user convenience can be improved. In addition, since the fuel cell is shifted to the power generation state when the user performs an operation other than stopping power generation, it is possible to start the fuel cell before the timing when a power outage is predicted to start. Therefore, it becomes possible to cause the fuel cell to generate electricity during a power outage.

A thirteenth invention is a fuel cell system according to any one of the first invention to the twelfth invention, wherein the control unit, during power generation in the first power generation process or the second power generation process, The present invention is characterized in that when a power outage occurs, the fuel cell continues to generate power, and when power is restored, the fuel cell shifts to a power generation state in the first power generation process or the second power generation process.
According to this, the power generation of the fuel cell is continued when a power outage occurs, and when the power is restored, the fuel cell is transferred to the power generation state in the first power generation process or the second power generation process. The fuel cell can generate electricity during the period and after power is restored.

A fourteenth invention is the fuel cell system according to the second invention or the third invention, wherein when the control unit receives the power outage information during power generation in the first power generation process or the second power generation process. The power generation time is extended.
According to this, when the power outage information is received during power generation in the first power generation process or the second power generation process, the power generation time is extended so that the fuel cell can reliably generate power during the power outage. I can do it.

A fifteenth invention is a control method for a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell and a receiving unit that receives power outage information indicating information regarding a power outage, wherein when the power outage information is received, the fuel cell enters a power generation state. In some cases, the fuel cell is caused to generate electricity in a first power generation process, and when the fuel cell is in a standby state, the fuel cell is caused to generate electricity in a second power generation process that is different from the first power generation process. shall be.
According to this, when information regarding a power outage is acquired, appropriate control can be performed depending on whether the fuel cell is in a power generation state or in a standby state.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a fuel cell system 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell system 100 includes a control device 1, a hydrogen generation device 2, a fuel cell 3, a hot water storage tank 4, and a display device 5.
The control device 1 is communicably connected to each of the hydrogen generation device 2, the fuel cell 3, the hot water tank 4, and the display device 5.
Further, the control device 1 is communicably connected to the server device 200 via a network. The network is, for example, the Internet. Networks are not limited to the Internet. The network may be a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network).
Server device 200 transmits power outage information to control device 1 . Power outage information indicates information regarding power outage. For example, when a power outage is predicted to occur due to a typhoon or the like, the server device 200 transmits power outage information including the date and time of occurrence of the power outage to the control device 1.

Control device 1 controls the operation of fuel cell system 100. The control device 1 includes a processor 11 and a memory 12.
The memory 12 is a storage device that stores programs and data executed by the processor 11 in a non-volatile manner. The memory 12 is constituted by a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as a flash ROM (Read Only Memory), or another type of nonvolatile storage device. Further, the memory 12 may include a RAM (Random Access Memory) that constitutes a work area of the processor 11. The memory 12 stores data processed by the control device 1 and control programs executed by the processor 11.

The processor 11 may be composed of a single processor, or may be composed of a plurality of processors functioning as the processor 11. The processor 11 executes a control program to control each part of the fuel cell system 100. For example, the processor 11 outputs an instruction to execute a process corresponding to the operation received by the display device 5 to each part of the fuel cell system 100.

The hydrogen generator 2 generates hydrogen-containing gas through a reforming reaction using raw materials and steam, and supplies the generated hydrogen-containing gas to the fuel cell 3 . The hydrogen generator 2 will be explained later with reference to FIG. 2.

The fuel cell 3 is a fuel cell that generates electricity using hydrogen, and is, for example, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell. Note that the fuel cell 3 is not limited to a polymer electrolyte fuel cell. The fuel cell 3 may generate electricity using hydrogen. For example, the fuel cell 3 may be a solid oxide fuel cell or the like.

The hot water storage tank 4 recovers thermal energy generated when the fuel cell 3 generates electricity using water and stores it as high-temperature water, that is, hot water. Water may be directly supplied to the fuel cell 3 from the hot water storage tank 4 and the thermal energy may be recovered, or a heat exchanger or the like may be used to create a refrigerant path circulating between the fuel cell 3 and the heat exchanger and the hot water storage. A heat exchanger may be used to exchange heat with a water path circulating between the tank 4 and the heat exchanger.

In the hot water storage tank 4, low temperature water is taken out from below the hot water storage tank 4, the thermal energy of the fuel cell 3 is recovered with that water, and the high temperature water is returned to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 4. stores thermal energy. The user can use this stored thermal energy for hot water heating, floor heating, etc.

If the thermal energy recovered from the fuel cell 3 continues to exceed the thermal energy utilized from the hot water storage tank 4, the hot water storage tank 4 will be filled with high-temperature water. If this happens, the thermal energy generated in the fuel cell 3 cannot be recovered by the water in the hot water storage tank 4, and the temperature of the fuel cell 3 may rise, causing the fuel cell 3 to deteriorate.

When such a situation occurs, in this embodiment, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 4 is drained, for example, through a bathtub (not shown), low-temperature water is taken out from below the hot water storage tank 4, and the water is used to fuel fuel. Control is performed to recover the thermal energy of the battery 3 and return the high temperature water to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 4.

The display device 5 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 51, a touch sensor 52, and a speaker 53.
The LCD 51 is formed in a rectangular shape and displays various images. The LCD 51 broadcasts various guidance information according to instructions from the control device 1.
The touch sensor 52 is formed integrally with the display surface of the LCD 51 and receives operations from the user. The LCD 51 and the touch sensor 52 function as a so-called touch panel.
The speaker 53 outputs various sounds according to instructions from the control device 1.
In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the server device 200 transmits power outage information to the control device 1, but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The display device 5 may accept an operation from the user, and the control device 1 may receive power outage information based on the operation from the user.
In this embodiment, the display device 5 includes a touch panel, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this. It is sufficient that the display device 5 is configured to be able to accept operations from the user. For example, the display device 5 may include a plurality of keys, and may accept operations from the user on the plurality of keys.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the hydrogen generator 2 according to this embodiment.
The hydrogen generation device 2 includes a reformer 21, a raw material supply device 22, a reformed water supply device 23, a combustor 24, an air supply device 25, a flame rod 26, a reforming temperature detector 27, The first sealer 28, the first route 29, the second sealer 210, the second route 211, the third sealer 212, the third route 213, the CO remover 220, and the CO remover The device includes a temperature detector 221 and a CO remover heater 222. Electric power is supplied to the hydrogen generator 2 from a grid power supply 20 .

The reformer 21 generates hydrogen-containing gas through a reforming reaction using raw materials and steam. In this embodiment, city gas is used as the raw material. City gas refers to, for example, LNG gas that is supplied from a gas company to each home through piping. Note that the raw material may be, for example, natural gas, LP gas, etc. supplied via a pipeline, as long as it contains an organic compound containing at least carbon and hydrogen as constituent elements.

The reforming reaction of this embodiment uses steam reforming in which a raw material and steam are reacted. Any reforming reaction may be used as long as a hydrogen-containing gas is generated from the raw material and steam, such as an autothermal reaction in which air is added to the raw material and steam, or a partial oxidation reaction in which the raw material and air are reacted. But that's fine. The hydrogen-containing gas generated in the reformer 21 is supplied to the fuel cell 3 via the first path 29.

When hydrogen-containing gas is not supplied to the fuel cell 3 , hydrogen-containing gas is supplied to the combustor 24 via the second path 211 . Further, the remaining hydrogen-containing gas that is not used in the fuel cell 3 is supplied to the combustor 24 via the third path 213. Each route is provided with a first sealer 28, a second sealer 210, and a third sealer 212, and the gas supply destination can be switched by these.

The raw material supply device 22 supplies raw materials to the reformer 21 . The reformed water supply device 23 supplies reformed water to the reformer 21. The combustor 24 heats the reformer 21. The air supply device 25 is, for example, a fan that supplies combustion air to the combustor 24. Flame rod 26 detects combustion in combustor 24 .

The system power supply 20 is a power supply that is supplied from a commercial power distribution network to general households and the like.
During the startup process in which the hydrogen generation device 2 is started, the system power supply 20 is used to obtain power to drive auxiliary equipment such as the raw material supply device 22, the reformed water supply device 23, and the CO remover heater 222. Use.

The display device 5 shown in FIG. Notify users of status, power generation amount, etc.

In addition, in this embodiment, the start-up process is a process in which the hydrogen generator 2 is started to be operated so that the hydrogen generator 2 can generate hydrogen-containing gas. This corresponds to the operation of the hydrogen generator 2 until then. Starting the start-up process means starting the operation of the hydrogen generator 2, and means the same thing as start-up or start-up.

Furthermore, the fuel cell system 100 can operate the fuel cell system 100 using the generated electric power by generating power in the fuel cell 3 from the time when the hydrogen generator 2 becomes capable of generating hydrogen-containing gas. Therefore, it is possible to continue power generation in the fuel cell system 100 even without power supply from the grid power supply 20.
In the following explanation, starting the hydrogen generating device 2 and generating electricity in the fuel cell 3 from the time when the hydrogen generating device 2 is able to generate hydrogen-containing gas is simply referred to as "starting the fuel cell 3." May be stated.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device 1 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 1 includes an information reception section 111, a period determination section 112, an error determination section 113, an operation reception section 114, a power generation control section 115, a notification section 116, and a drainage control section. 117. Specifically, when the processor 11 of the control device 1 executes the control program stored in the memory 12, the information reception unit 111, the period determination unit 112, the error determination unit 113, the operation reception unit 114, and the power generation control unit 115 are activated. , a notification section 116, and a drainage control section 117.
The control device 1 corresponds to an example of a "control unit".

The information reception unit 111 receives power outage information from the server device 200. Power outage information indicates information regarding power outage. The power outage information includes information indicating the date and time of occurrence of the power outage.
The information reception unit 111 corresponds to an example of a “reception unit”.
In this embodiment, the control device 1 includes the information receiving section 111, but the information receiving section 111 may be arranged outside the control device 1. For example, an unillustrated communication unit that communicates with the server device 200 may function as the information reception unit 111.

The period determining unit 112 determines whether the power generation time TG in the specific power generation mode exceeds the threshold power generation time TGS. The power generation time TG indicates the time during which the fuel cell 3 is generating power. The threshold power generation time TGS is, for example, 24 hours. The threshold power generation time TGS corresponds to a "predetermined power generation time". The "specific power generation mode" is composed of a first power generation mode MG1 and a second power generation mode MG2. The specific power generation mode is different from the normal mode and indicates a power generation mode in preparation for the occurrence of a power outage. The normal mode includes a load following mode, a hot water supply priority mode, and a power generation stop mode.
The load following mode indicates a mode in which the power generated by the fuel cell 3 is controlled by following external load power, that is, power consumption. The hot water supply priority mode indicates a mode in which the power generated by the fuel cell 3 is used preferentially to increase the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 4 rather than external load power, that is, power consumption.
The first power generation mode MG1 corresponds to an example of a "first power generation process," and the second power generation mode MG2 corresponds to an example of a "second power generation process."

The power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to generate power in the first power generation mode MG1 if the fuel cell 3 is in the power generation state when the information reception unit 111 receives the power outage information. In the first power generation mode MG1, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to continue power generation for a threshold power generation time TGS.
Furthermore, when the information reception unit 111 receives power outage information and the fuel cell 3 is in a standby state, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to generate power in a second power generation mode MG2 that is different from the first power generation mode. let Here, "being in a standby state" indicates not being in a power generation state. In the second power generation mode MG2, the power generation control unit 115 starts up the fuel cell 3 before the timing when a power outage is predicted to start, and causes the fuel cell 3 to continue power generation for the threshold power generation time TGS.
In this embodiment, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to generate power in the first power generation mode MG1 when the fuel cell 3 is in the power generation state, and causes the fuel cell 3 to generate power in the second power generation mode MG2 when the fuel cell 3 is in the standby state. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The power generation control unit 115 may cause the fuel cell 3 to generate power in a specific power generation mode when the information reception unit 111 receives power outage information.
That is, in the specific power generation mode, if the fuel cell 3 is in the power generation state when the information reception unit 111 receives power outage information, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to continue power generation for the threshold power generation time TGS. In addition, in the specific power generation mode, if the fuel cell 3 is in a standby state when the information reception unit 111 receives power outage information, the power generation control unit 115 controls the fuel cell 3 before the timing when the power outage is predicted to start. is activated, and the power generation of the fuel cell 3 is continued for the threshold power generation time TGS.

The period determining unit 112 determines whether a continuous power generation period CGP indicating a period during which the fuel cell 3 continuously generates power is equal to or longer than a predetermined maximum power generation period CGPS. The longest power generation period CGPS is, for example, 120 hours.
The fact that the continuous power generation period CGP is longer than or equal to the longest power generation period CGPS corresponds to an example of "operating status of the fuel cell."
During power generation in the first power generation mode MG1 or the second power generation mode MG2, if the period determination unit 112 determines that the continuous power generation period CGP is equal to or longer than the maximum power generation period CGPS, the power generation control unit 115 controls the power generation of the fuel cell 3. It is determined that power generation should be stopped, the power generation of the fuel cell 3 is stopped, the fuel cell 3 is started, and then the fuel cell 3 is caused to generate power.

The error determination unit 113 determines whether a power generation stop error ER1 has been determined during power generation in the first power generation mode MG1 or the second power generation mode MG2. The power generation stop error ER1 indicates that the fuel cell 3 cannot continue the power generation state. Furthermore, the error determination unit 113 determines whether the power generation stop error ER1 has been canceled.
The confirmation of the power generation stop error ER1 corresponds to an example of the "operating status of the fuel cell."
The power generation stop error ER1 occurs, for example, when the temperature of the fuel cell 3 exceeds the upper limit, when the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 4 reaches the upper limit, or when the supply of raw materials to the reformer 21 shown in FIG. 2 is cut off. etc.
If the error determination unit 113 determines that the power generation stop error ER1 has been established during power generation in the first power generation mode MG1 or the second power generation mode MG2, the power generation control unit 115 stops the power generation of the fuel cell 3. It is determined that the power generation by the fuel cell 3 is stopped. Thereafter, when the error determination section 113 determines that the power generation stop error ER1 has been canceled, the power generation control section 115 starts up the fuel cell 3 and then causes the fuel cell 3 to generate power.

In this embodiment, when the error determination unit 113 determines that the power generation stop error ER1 has been determined, the power generation control unit 115 determines to stop the power generation of the fuel cell 3, and stops the power generation of the fuel cell 3. , embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The control device 1 determines whether or not to stop the power generation of the fuel cell 3 according to the operating status of the fuel cell 3, and when it is determined that the power generation of the fuel cell 3 is to be stopped, the power generation control unit 115: The power generation of the fuel cell 3 may be stopped. The operating status of the fuel cell 3 includes, for example, confirmation of a power generation stop error ER1, detection of a retry error ER2, and that the continuous power generation period CGP is equal to or longer than the longest power generation period CGPS.

The error determination unit 113 determines whether a retry error ER2 is detected during power generation in the first power generation mode MG1 or the second power generation mode MG2. Retry error ER2 indicates that the fuel cell 3 needs to be restarted in order to continue the power generation state.
The retry error ER2 corresponds to, for example, a case where a malfunction of the hydrogen generator 2 occurs.
Detection of retry error ER2 corresponds to an example of "operating status of the fuel cell."
When the error determination unit 113 determines that the retry error ER2 has been detected, the power generation control unit 115 determines to stop the power generation of the fuel cell 3, stops the power generation of the fuel cell 3, and starts the fuel cell 3. After that, the fuel cell 3 is caused to generate electricity.

The operation reception unit 114 determines whether the user performs an operation to stop power generation during power generation in the first power generation mode MG1 or the second power generation mode MG2. The operation to stop power generation is detected by the display device 5 shown in FIG.
When the operation reception unit 114 determines that the user has performed an operation to stop power generation, the power generation control unit 115 shifts the fuel cell 3 to a standby state. Specifically, the power generation control unit 115 stops the power generation of the fuel cell 3 and shifts the fuel cell 3 to a standby state.
The operation reception unit 114 also determines whether the user has performed an operation other than stopping power generation. Operations other than stopping power generation include, for example, an operation to execute load following mode and an operation to execute hot water priority mode. The load following mode indicates a mode in which the power generated by the fuel cell 3 is controlled by following external load power, that is, power consumption. The hot water supply priority mode indicates a mode in which the power generated by the fuel cell 3 is used preferentially to increase the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 4 rather than external load power, that is, power consumption.
When the operation reception unit 114 determines that the user has performed an operation other than stopping power generation, the power generation control unit 115 shifts the fuel cell 3 to the power generation state. Specifically, the power generation control unit 115 activates the fuel cell 3 and then causes the fuel cell 3 to generate power.

The notification unit 116 notifies the user of various information on the display device 5 by displaying it on the LCD 51.
For example, when the information reception unit 111 receives power outage information, it notifies the user of information indicating that power outage information has been received.
Further, for example, when the information reception unit 111 receives power outage information, the notification unit 116 notifies the user of information urging the user to remove the stopper of the bathtub.
Further, for example, when the error determination unit 113 determines that the power generation stop error ER1 has been determined, the notification unit 116 notifies the user that the power generation stop error ER1 has been determined.
Further, for example, when the error determination unit 113 determines that the retry error ER2 has been detected, the notification unit 116 notifies the user that the retry error ER2 has been detected.
In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the notification unit 116 notifies the user by displaying various information on the LCD 51; good.

The drainage control unit 117 controls the amount of hot water in the hot water tank 4 so as not to exceed a predetermined threshold value when the information reception unit 111 receives power outage information. The predetermined threshold value is set, for example, to a value smaller than the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 4 that causes the fuel cell 3 to stop power generation. For example, after the information reception unit 111 receives the power outage information, the drainage control unit 117 controls the hot water stored in the hot water tank 4 to be discharged into the bathtub if the amount of hot water in the hot water tank 4 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold. Controls the hot water tank 4.
In this embodiment, when the information reception unit 111 receives power outage information, the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 4 is controlled so as not to exceed a predetermined threshold value, but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The drainage control unit 117 may control the hot water tank 4 to discharge the hot water stored in the hot water tank 4 into the bathtub when the information receiving unit 111 receives power outage information.

Next, a specific example of the operation of the fuel cell system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4(A) to 7. Each of FIGS. 4A to 7 shows, in order from the top, a power generation mode MG, an operating state ST, a time axis, and a power generation mode display.
The power generation mode MG includes a first power generation mode MG1, a second power generation mode MG2, and a normal mode. The operating state ST indicates the operating state of the fuel cell 3. The operating state includes a stopped state, a standby state, a starting state, and a power generation state. The power generation mode display indicates the power generation mode displayed on the display device 5.

FIG. 4(A) is a time chart showing a first example of the operation of the fuel cell system 100. The horizontal axis of the time chart is time T. In FIG. 4A, the operation of the fuel cell system 100 when the fuel cell 3 is in a standby state when the information receiving unit 111 receives power outage information at time T11 will be described. Time T11 is, for example, 18:00.
If the fuel cell 3 is in a standby state when the information reception unit 111 receives the power outage information, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to generate power in the second power generation mode MG2. That is, the power generation control unit 115 activates the fuel cell 3 when receiving the power outage information, and causes the fuel cell 3 to continue generating power. Then, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to continue power generation for the threshold power generation time TGS.

Specifically, at time T11, the power generation control unit 115 starts up the fuel cell 3. At time T12, activation of the fuel cell 3 is completed, and the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to start generating power. Time T12 is, for example, 18:30. That is, the startup time of the fuel cell 3 is 30 minutes.
Next, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to continue power generation for a threshold power generation time TGS. That is, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to continue generating power until time T13. At time T13, the power generation control unit 115 switches the power generation mode MG from the second power generation mode MG2 to the normal mode. Thereafter, the operating state of the fuel cell 3 is controlled according to the normal mode.

Time T13 is, for example, 18:30 on the day after time T12. That is, the threshold power generation time TGS is, for example, 24 hours.
Further, from time T11 to time T13, the notification unit 116 displays on the display device 5 that the “specific power generation mode” is being executed.

In FIG. 4A, when the information reception unit 111 receives power outage information, the power generation control unit 115 activates the fuel cell 3, but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. When the information reception unit 111 receives the power outage information, the power generation control unit 115 may start the fuel cell 3 before the timing when the power outage is predicted to start. For example, the power generation control unit 115 may start the fuel cell 3 two hours before the predicted power outage date and time. The predicted power outage date and time is included in the power outage information and indicates the timing at which the power outage is predicted to start.

FIG. 4(B) is a time chart showing a second example of the operation of the fuel cell system 100. The horizontal axis of the time chart is time T. In FIG. 4B, the operation of the fuel cell system 100 when the fuel cell 3 is in the power generation state when the information receiving unit 111 receives power outage information at time T21 will be described. Time T21 is, for example, 18:00.
If the fuel cell 3 is in the power generation state when the information reception unit 111 receives the power outage information, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to generate power in the first power generation mode MG1. That is, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to continue power generation for the threshold power generation time TGS from the time when the power outage information is received.

Specifically, at time T21, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to continue power generation for the threshold power generation time TGS. That is, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to continue generating power until time T22. At time T22, the power generation control unit 115 switches the power generation mode MG from the first power generation mode MG1 to the normal mode. Thereafter, the operating state of the fuel cell 3 is controlled according to the normal mode.

Time T22 is, for example, 18:00 on the day after time T21. That is, the threshold power generation time TGS is, for example, 24 hours.
Further, from time T21 to time T22, the notification unit 116 displays on the display device 5 that the "specific power generation mode" is being executed.

As shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), when the information receiving unit 111 receives power outage information and the fuel cell 3 is in a standby state, the power generation control unit 115 3 in the second power generation mode MG2, and when the fuel cell 3 is in the power generation state, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to generate power in the first power generation mode MG1. Therefore, when information regarding a power outage is obtained, appropriate control can be performed depending on whether the fuel cell 3 is in a power generation state or in a standby state.

FIG. 5(A) is a time chart showing a third example of the operation of the fuel cell system 100. The horizontal axis of the time chart is time T. In FIG. 5A, the operation of the fuel cell system 100 when there is an operation to stop power generation during power generation in the second power generation mode MG2 will be described.
In FIG. 5A, at time T31, when the information reception unit 111 receives the power outage information, the fuel cell 3 is in the standby state, so the power generation control unit 115 sets the fuel cell 3 to the second power generation mode MG2. Generate electricity. That is, the power generation control unit 115 activates the fuel cell 3 when receiving the power outage information, and causes the fuel cell 3 to generate power.
Specifically, at time T31, the power generation control unit 115 starts up the fuel cell 3. At time T32, activation of the fuel cell 3 is completed, and the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to start generating power. Time T31 is, for example, 18:00, and time T32 is, for example, 18:30.

Then, at time T33, the operation reception unit 114 determines that an operation to stop power generation has been performed, and the power generation control unit 115 stops power generation of the fuel cell 3. Thereafter, the power generation control unit 115 sets the fuel cell 3 to the stopped state. to the standby state. Further, at time T34, the information receiving unit 111 receives power outage information. At time T35, the operation reception unit 114 determines that an operation other than stopping power generation has been performed, and the power generation control unit 115 starts up the fuel cell 3. Then, at time T36, the power generation control unit 115 completes startup of the fuel cell 3 and causes the fuel cell 3 to generate power. Next, at time T37, the period determination section 112 determines that the power generation time TG exceeds the threshold power generation time TGS, and the power generation control section 115 is switched from the second power generation mode MG2 to the normal mode.
Time T33 is, for example, 6 o'clock on the day after time T31 and time T32, time T35 is, for example, 12 o'clock, time T36 is 12:30, and time T37 is 12:30. be. That is, from time T36 when the fuel cell 3 starts generating power in the second power generation mode MG2 for the second time, the threshold power generation time TGS, here, time T37 after 24 hours, is determined based on the determination result of the period determination unit 112. , the power generation control unit 115 ends power generation in the second power generation mode MG2.

Further, in the period from time T31 to time T33 and the period from time T35 to time T37, the notification unit 116 displays on the display device 5 that the “specific power generation mode” is being executed.

As explained with reference to FIG. 5(A), when the user performs an operation to stop power generation during power generation in the second power generation mode MG2, the second power generation mode Even when power is being generated in mode MG2, the user can perform an operation to stop power generation. Therefore, user convenience can be improved. Furthermore, since the fuel cell 3 is shifted to the power generation state when the user performs an operation other than stopping power generation, it becomes possible to start the fuel cell 3 before the timing when a power outage is predicted to start. Therefore, it becomes possible to cause the fuel cell 3 to generate electricity during a power outage.

Further, when the information receiving unit 111 receives the second power outage information, the period determining unit 112 extends the power generation time TG. For example, in FIG. 5A, the period determining unit 112 determines whether the power generation time TG from time T36 when the fuel cell 3 starts generating power in the second power generation mode MG2 for the second time exceeds the threshold power generation time TGS. Determine whether That is, the period determining unit 112 determines the starting time of the power generation time TG from the time T31 when the information receiving unit 111 receives the first power outage information to the time T36 when power generation in the second power generation mode MG2 based on the second power outage information is started. By changing to , the power generation time TG is extended.
The period determining unit 112 may extend the power generation time TG when the information receiving unit 111 receives the second power outage information. For example, the threshold power generation time TGS may be increased.

In addition, in FIG. 5(A), the case where the user performs an operation to stop power generation while power is being generated in the second power generation mode MG2 is explained, but when the user performs an operation to stop power generation while power is being generated in the first power generation mode MG1. The control device 1 also causes the fuel cell 3 to perform the same operation when the above occurs.
Furthermore, in FIG. 5A, a case has been described in which the information reception unit 111 receives power outage information when the fuel cell 3 is in the standby state, but the timing at which the information reception unit 111 receives power outage information may be, for example, It is sufficient if it is T32 or later.

FIG. 5(B) is a time chart showing a fourth example of the operation of the fuel cell system 100. The horizontal axis of the time chart is time T. In FIG. 5(B), the operation of the fuel cell system 100 when the power generation stop error ER1 is determined during power generation in the first power generation mode MG1 will be described.
In FIG. 5B, at time T41, when the information reception unit 111 receives the power outage information, the fuel cell 3 is in the power generation state, so the power generation control unit 115 sets the fuel cell 3 to the first power generation mode MG1. Generate electricity. That is, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to continue generating power.
Specifically, at time T41, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to continue generating power. Time T41 is, for example, 18:00.

Then, at time T42, the error determination unit 113 determines that the power generation stop error ER1 has been determined, and the power generation control unit 115 stops the power generation of the fuel cell 3. Furthermore, at time T43, the error determination unit 113 determines that the power generation stop error ER1 has been canceled, and the period determination unit 112 determines that the power generation time TG does not exceed the threshold power generation time TGS. starts the fuel cell 3. Then, at time T44, the power generation control unit 115 completes activation of the fuel cell 3 and causes the fuel cell 3 to generate electricity. Next, at time T45, the power generation control unit 115 switches the power generation mode MG from the first power generation mode MG1 to the normal mode. Thereafter, the operating state of the fuel cell 3 is controlled according to the normal mode.
Time T42 is, for example, 6 o'clock on the day after time T41, time T43 is, for example, 12 o'clock, and time T44 is, for example, 18 o'clock. That is, from time T41 when the fuel cell 3 starts power generation in the first power generation mode MG1, power generation control is performed based on the determination result of the period determination unit 112 at the threshold power generation time TGS, here, time T45 after 24 hours have elapsed. The unit 115 ends power generation in the first power generation mode MG1.

Further, in the period from time T41 to time T42 and the period from time T43 to time T45, the notification unit 116 displays on the display device 5 that the “specific power generation mode” is being executed. Furthermore, from time T42 to time T43, the notification unit 116 displays on the display device 5 that the "power generation stop error ER1" has been determined.

As described with reference to FIG. 5(B), when the power generation stop error ER1 is confirmed, the power generation of the fuel cell 3 is stopped, so that the power generation of the fuel cell 3 can be appropriately stopped. In addition, when the power generation stop error ER1 is canceled, the fuel cell 3 is started and then the fuel cell 3 generates electricity, so it is possible to start the fuel cell 3 before the timing when a power outage is predicted to start. become. Therefore, even if the power generation stop error ER1 occurs, it is possible to cause the fuel cell 3 to generate power during a power outage. Furthermore, when the power generation stop error ER1 is determined, the user is notified that the power generation stop error ER1 has been determined, so the user can easily recognize that the power generation stop error ER1 has been determined.

Note that, in FIG. 5B, a case has been described in which the error determination unit 113 determines that the power generation stop error ER1 has been determined during power generation in the first power generation mode MG1; however, during power generation in the second power generation mode MG2, Even when the error determination unit 113 determines that the power generation stop error ER1 has been determined, the control device 1 causes the fuel cell 3 to perform the same operation.

FIG. 6(A) is a time chart showing a fifth example of the operation of the fuel cell system 100. The horizontal axis of the time chart is time T. In FIG. 6A, the operation of the fuel cell system 100 when a retry error ER2 is detected during power generation in the second power generation mode MG2 will be described.
In FIG. 6A, at time T51, when the information reception unit 111 receives the power outage information, the fuel cell 3 is in the standby state, so the power generation control unit 115 sets the fuel cell 3 to the second power generation mode MG2. Generate electricity. That is, the power generation control unit 115 activates the fuel cell 3 when receiving the power outage information, and causes the fuel cell 3 to generate power.
Specifically, at time T51, the power generation control unit 115 starts up the fuel cell 3. At time T52, activation of the fuel cell 3 is completed, and the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to start generating power. Time T51 is, for example, 18:00, and time T52 is, for example, 18:30.

Then, at time T53, the error determination section 113 determines that the retry error ER2 has been detected, and the power generation control section 115 stops the power generation of the fuel cell 3. Furthermore, at time T54, the power generation control unit 115 shifts the fuel cell 3 from the stopped state to the standby state. Next, at time T55, the error determination unit 113 determines that the retry error ER2 has been resolved, and the period determination unit 112 determines that the power generation time TG does not exceed the threshold power generation time TGS. starts the fuel cell 3. Then, at time T56, activation of the fuel cell 3 is completed, and the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to generate electricity. Next, at time T57, the power generation control unit 115 switches the power generation mode MG from the second power generation mode MG2 to the normal mode. Thereafter, the operating state of the fuel cell 3 is controlled according to the normal mode.
Time T53 is, for example, 6 o'clock on the day after time T51 and time T52, time T55 is, for example, 12 o'clock, time T56 is, for example, 12:30, and time T57 is, for example, 18:30. It's a minute. That is, from time T52 when the fuel cell 3 starts power generation in the first power generation mode MG1, power generation control is performed based on the determination result of the period determination unit 112 at the threshold power generation time TGS, here, time T57 after 24 hours have elapsed. The unit 115 ends power generation in the first power generation mode MG1.

Further, from time T51 to time T57, the notification unit 116 displays on the display device 5 that the “specific power generation mode” is being executed.

As described with reference to FIG. 6(A), when retry error ER2 is detected, power generation of fuel cell 3 is stopped, and when retry error ER2 is resolved, after starting fuel cell 3, In order to cause the fuel cell 3 to generate electricity, it becomes possible to start the fuel cell 3 before the timing when a power outage is predicted to start. Therefore, even if retry error ER2 occurs, it is possible to cause the fuel cell 3 to generate electricity during a power outage.

Note that in FIG. 6A, a case has been described in which the error determination unit 113 determines that the retry error ER2 has been detected during power generation in the second power generation mode MG2. Even when the error determination unit 113 determines that the error ER2 has been detected, the control device 1 causes the fuel cell 3 to perform the same operation.

FIG. 6(B) is a time chart showing a sixth example of the operation of the fuel cell system 100. The horizontal axis of the time chart is time T. In FIG. 6(B), the operation of the fuel cell system 100 when a power outage and power restoration occur during power generation in the first power generation mode MG1 will be described.
In FIG. 6B, at time T61, when the information reception unit 111 receives the power outage information, the fuel cell 3 is in the power generation state, so the power generation control unit 115 sets the fuel cell 3 to the first power generation mode MG1. Generate electricity. That is, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to continue generating power.
Specifically, at time T61, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to continue generating power. Time T61 is, for example, 18:00.

Then, at time T62, a power outage occurs, and the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to continue generating power. Further, at time T63, power is restored, and the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to generate power in the first power generation mode MG1. The power generation mode MG from time T62 to time T63 is described as "power outage power generation".
Then, at time T64, the power generation control unit 115 switches the power generation mode MG from the first power generation mode MG1 to the normal mode. Thereafter, the operating state of the fuel cell 3 is controlled according to the normal mode.
Time T62 is, for example, 6 o'clock on the day after time T61, time T63 is, for example, 12 o'clock, and time T64 is, for example, 18 o'clock. That is, from time T61 when the fuel cell 3 starts power generation in the first power generation mode MG1, power generation control is performed based on the determination result of the period determination unit 112 at the threshold power generation time TGS, here, time T64 after 24 hours have elapsed. The unit 115 ends power generation in the first power generation mode MG1.

“Power outage power generation” indicates the power generation mode MG during a power outage. "Power outage power generation" causes the fuel cell 3 to continue generating power during a power outage. That is, in "power outage power generation", the power generation state of the fuel cell 3 is continued during a power outage.

Further, from time T61 to time T64, the notification unit 116 displays on the display device 5 that the “specific power generation mode” is being executed. Furthermore, from time T62 to time T63, the notification unit 116 displays on the display device 5 that "a power outage is occurring."

As explained with reference to FIG. 6(B), in order to cause the fuel cell 3 to continue generating power when a power outage occurs, and to shift the fuel cell 3 to the power generation state in the first power generation mode when power is restored. , the fuel cell 3 can generate electricity during a power outage and after power is restored.

Note that in FIG. 6(B), a case has been described in which a power outage and power restoration occur during power generation in the first power generation mode MG1, but a case in which a power outage and power restoration occur during power generation in the second power generation mode MG2. Also, the control device 1 causes the fuel cell 3 to perform a similar operation.

FIG. 7 is a time chart showing a seventh example of the operation of the fuel cell system 100. The horizontal axis of the time chart is time T. In FIG. 7, the operation of the fuel cell system 100 when the information reception unit 111 receives power outage information while the fuel cell 3 is generating power in the first power generation mode MG1 will be described.
If the fuel cell 3 is in the power generation state when the information reception unit 111 receives the power outage information, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to generate power in the first power generation mode MG1. That is, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to continue power generation for the threshold power generation time TGS when receiving power outage information.

Specifically, at time T71, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to start power generation in the first power generation mode MG1. Next, at time T72, the information reception unit 111 receives the power outage information, and the power generation control unit 115 continues the power generation of the fuel cell 3 for the threshold power generation time TGS from the time when the power outage information is received. That is, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to continue generating power until time T73. At time T73, the power generation control unit 115 switches the power generation mode MG from the first power generation mode MG1 to the normal mode. Thereafter, the operating state of the fuel cell 3 is controlled according to the normal mode.

Time T71 is, for example, 18:00. Time T72 is, for example, 6 o'clock on the day after time T71, and time T73 is, for example, 6 o'clock on the day after time T72. The time from time T72 to time T73 corresponds to the threshold power generation time TGS. The power generation time TG from time T71 to time T73 is 36 hours.
That is, when the information reception unit 111 receives power outage information while the fuel cell 3 is generating power in the first power generation mode MG1, the power generation control unit 115 extends the power generation time TG. In FIG. 7, the power generation control unit 115 extends the power generation time from 24 hours to 36 hours.
Further, from time T71 to time T73, the notification unit 116 displays on the display device 5 that the “specific power generation mode” is being executed.

As described with reference to FIG. 7, when power outage information is received during power generation in the first power generation mode MG1, the power generation time TG is extended, so that the fuel cell 3 can reliably generate power during a power outage. I can do it.

Note that in FIG. 7, a case has been described in which the information receiving unit 111 receives power outage information during power generation in the first power generation mode MG1, but the information reception unit 111 receives power outage information while power generation is in the second power generation mode MG2. In this case, the control device 1 causes the fuel cell 3 to perform the same operation.

Further, in FIG. 7, when the information reception unit 111 receives power outage information, the power generation time TG is extended so that the threshold power generation time TGS power generation is continued from the time when the power outage information is received, but the embodiment of the present disclosure It is not limited to this. When the information receiving unit 111 receives power outage information, the power generation time TG may be extended.

Next, the processing of the control device 1 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. Each of FIGS. 8 and 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the control device 1 according to the present embodiment.
First, as shown in FIG. 8, in step S101, it is determined whether the information receiving unit 111 has received power outage information.
If the information receiving unit 111 determines that the information receiving unit 111 has not received the power outage information (step S101; NO), the process advances to step S103.
Then, in step S103, the control device 1 operates the fuel cell 3 in the normal operation mode. After that, the process returns to step S101.
If the information receiving unit 111 determines that the information receiving unit 111 has received power outage information (step S101; YES), the process advances to step S105.
Then, in step S105, the power generation control unit 115 determines whether the fuel cell 3 is in a power generation state.

If the power generation control unit 115 determines that the fuel cell 3 is in the power generation state (step S105; YES), the process advances to step S107.
Then, in step S107, the power generation control unit 115 determines that the fuel cell 3 generates power in the first power generation mode MG1.
Next, in step S109, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to continue generating power, and the process proceeds to step S117.
If the power generation control unit 115 determines that the fuel cell 3 is not in the power generation state (step S105; NO), the process advances to step S111.
Then, in step S111, the power generation control unit 115 determines that the fuel cell 3 generates power in the second power generation mode MG2.
Then, in step S113, the power generation control unit 115 instructs the fuel cell 3 to start up.
Next, in step S115, the power generation control unit 115 starts power generation by the fuel cell 3.

Next, in step S117, the drainage control unit 117 determines whether the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 4 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold value is set, for example, to a value smaller than the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 4 that causes the fuel cell 3 to stop power generation.
If the drainage control unit 117 determines that the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 4 is not equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (step S117; NO), the process proceeds to step S123 in FIG. 9. If the drainage control unit 117 determines that the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 4 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (step S117; YES), the process proceeds to step S119.
Next, in step S119, the notification unit 116 notifies the user of information urging the user to remove the stopper of the bathtub.
Then, in step S121, the drainage control unit 117 controls the hot water tank 4 to discharge the hot water stored in the hot water tank 4 into the bathtub.

Next, in step S123 shown in FIG. 9, the period determining unit 112 determines whether the continuous power generation period CGP is equal to or longer than a predetermined maximum power generation period CGPS. The continuous power generation period CGP indicates a period during which the fuel cell 3 continuously generates power. The longest power generation period CGPS is, for example, 120 hours.
If the period determination unit 112 determines that the continuous power generation period CGP is not longer than the longest power generation period CGPS (step S123; NO), the process advances to step S129. If the period determining unit 112 determines that the continuous power generation period CGP is equal to or longer than the longest power generation period CGPS (step S123; YES), the process proceeds to step S125.
Then, in step S125, the power generation control unit 115 stops the power generation of the fuel cell 3.

Next, in step S127, the power generation control unit 115 activates the fuel cell 3 and then causes the fuel cell 3 to start generating power.
Next, in step S129, the period determining unit 112 determines whether the power generation time TG exceeds the threshold power generation time TGS.
If the period determining unit 112 determines that the power generation time TG does not exceed the threshold power generation time TGS (step S129; NO), the process returns to step S119 in FIG. 8. If the period determination unit 112 determines that the power generation time TG exceeds the threshold power generation time TGS (step S129; YES), the process proceeds to step S131.
Then, in step S131, the power generation control unit 115 determines the operation mode of the fuel cell 3 to be the normal operation mode, and the process ends.

Note that in the present embodiment, when the period determination unit 112 determines that the continuous power generation period CGP is equal to or greater than the longest power generation period CGPS, the power generation control unit 115 stops power generation of the fuel cell 3. The format is not limited to this. When the information reception unit 111 receives the power outage information, the control device 1 may determine the timing at which the power generation control unit 115 stops the power generation of the fuel cell 3. For example, the power generation control unit 115 may determine the timing for stopping the power generation of the fuel cell 3 based on the remaining power generation period when the information reception unit 111 receives the power outage information. The remaining power generation period indicates the difference between the longest power generation period CGPS and the continuous power generation period CGP when the information reception unit 111 receives power outage information.
Specifically, for example, if the remaining power generation period is less than the threshold power generation time TGS, the continuous power generation period CGP becomes equal to or longer than the maximum power generation period CGPS during power generation in the specific power generation mode, and the power generation control unit 115 The power generation of battery 3 is stopped. Therefore, when the remaining power generation period is less than the threshold power generation time TGS, when the information reception unit 111 receives the power outage information, the power generation control unit 115 stops the power generation of the fuel cell 3 and starts the fuel cell 3. After that, the fuel cell 3 starts generating electricity. On the other hand, when the remaining power generation period is equal to or greater than the threshold power generation time TGS, the continuous power generation period CGP does not exceed the maximum power generation period CGPS during power generation in the specific power generation mode. Therefore, if the remaining power generation period is equal to or greater than the threshold power generation time TGS, and the period determination unit 112 determines that the continuous power generation period CGP is equal to or greater than the maximum power generation period CGPS, the power generation control unit 115 Stop power generation.

Further, in this embodiment, the threshold power generation time TGS is, for example, 24 hours, but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The threshold power generation time TGS is set according to the period from when the information reception unit 111 receives the power outage information until the power is restored after the power outage occurs and the power from the grid power source 20 becomes stable after the power is restored. It is preferable that For example, when the power outage information includes power outage predicted date and time information and power restoration predicted date and time information, the threshold power generation time TGS is calculated from the time when the information reception unit 111 receives the power outage information, and the power restoration predicted date and time information is determined. What is necessary is to set it to a time from the date and time until after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. The predetermined time includes an error in the predicted date and time of power restoration and a period until the power from the system power supply 20 stabilizes after power restoration.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the drainage control unit 117 determines that the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 4 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the notification unit 116 notifies the user of information urging the user to remove the bathtub stopper. Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, when the information reception unit 111 receives power outage information, the notification unit 116 may notify the user of information urging the user to remove the stopper of the bathtub.

As explained above, this embodiment provides the following effects.
That is, the fuel cell system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a fuel cell 3 and a control device 1 that controls the fuel cell 3, and the control device 1 includes an information reception unit 111 that receives power outage information indicating information regarding a power outage. When the power outage information is received, if the fuel cell 3 is in the power generation state, the fuel cell 3 is caused to generate power in the first power generation mode MG1, and if the fuel cell 3 is in the standby state, the fuel cell 3 is caused to generate power in the first power generation mode MG1. It includes a power generation control unit 115 that causes power to be generated in a second power generation mode MG2 that is different from the power generation mode MG1.
According to this, when power outage information is acquired, appropriate control can be performed depending on whether the fuel cell 3 is in a power generation state or in a standby state.

In addition, in the second power generation mode MG2, the power generation control unit 115 starts the fuel cell 3 before the timing when the power outage is predicted to start, when the power outage information is received, and starts the fuel cell 3 for a threshold power generation time. TGS and fuel cell 3 continue to generate power.
According to this, when the fuel cell 3 is in a standby state and receives power outage information, the fuel cell 3 is activated before the timing when the power outage is predicted to start, so the fuel cell 3 is activated during the power outage. 3 can be used to generate electricity. In addition, by setting the threshold power generation time TGS to an appropriate value to allow the fuel cell 3 to continue power generation, the fuel cell 3 can be caused to generate power during a power outage. For example, the threshold power generation time TGS may be set to include the time from when the power outage information is received until the power is restored after the power outage occurs.

Further, in the first power generation mode MG1, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to continue power generation for the threshold power generation time TGS when receiving power outage information.
According to this, when the fuel cell 3 is in the power generation state and power outage information is received, the threshold power generation time TGS is set to a predetermined threshold power generation time TGS, and the threshold power generation time TGS is set to an appropriate value in order to continue power generation of the fuel cell 3. By setting this, the fuel cell 3 can be caused to generate electricity during a power outage. For example, the threshold power generation time TGS may be set to include the time from when the power outage information is received until the power is restored after the power outage occurs.

Further, during power generation in the first power generation mode MG1 or the second power generation mode MG2, the control device 1 determines whether or not to stop the power generation of the fuel cell 3 according to the operating status of the fuel cell 3, and If it is determined that the power generation of the battery 3 is to be stopped, the power generation control unit 115 causes the power generation of the fuel cell 3 to be stopped.
According to this, it is determined whether or not to stop the power generation of the fuel cell 3 according to the operating status of the fuel cell 3, and when it is determined that the power generation of the fuel cell 3 is to be stopped, the power generation of the fuel cell 3 is determined. Therefore, the power generation of the fuel cell 3 can be stopped depending on the operating status of the fuel cell 3. For example, if the continuous power generation period CGP, which indicates the period during which the fuel cell 3 continuously generates power, is greater than or equal to the predetermined maximum power generation period CGPS, the power generation of the fuel cell 3 is stopped, and after the fuel cell 3 is started. , the fuel cell 3 can generate electricity. In this case, it becomes possible to start the fuel cell 3 before the timing when a power outage is predicted to start, so it becomes possible to cause the fuel cell 3 to generate electricity during a power outage.

The control device 1 also includes a period determination unit 112 that determines whether or not a continuous power generation period CGP indicating a period during which the fuel cell 3 continuously generates power is equal to or longer than a predetermined maximum power generation period CGPS. When the period determination unit 112 determines that the period CGP is equal to or greater than the maximum power generation period CGPS, the power generation control unit 115 determines to stop the power generation of the fuel cell 3, stops the power generation of the fuel cell 3, and After starting up the fuel cell 3, the fuel cell 3 is caused to generate electricity.
According to this, when the continuous power generation period CGP is equal to or longer than the longest power generation period CGPS, the power generation of the fuel cell 3 can be stopped, the fuel cell 3 can be started, and then the fuel cell 3 can be caused to generate power. Therefore, it becomes possible to start the fuel cell 3 before the timing when a power outage is predicted to start, so it becomes possible to cause the fuel cell 3 to generate electricity during a power outage.

The control device 1 also includes an error determination unit 113 that determines whether a power generation stop error ER1 indicating that the power generation state cannot be continued has been determined, and the error determination unit 113 has determined that the power generation stop error ER1 has been determined. In this case, the power generation control unit 115 determines to stop the power generation of the fuel cell 3, and stops the power generation of the fuel cell 3.
According to this, when the power generation stop error ER1 indicating that the power generation state cannot be continued is confirmed, it is determined that the power generation of the fuel cell 3 is to be stopped, and in order to stop the power generation of the fuel cell 3, the power generation of the fuel cell 3 is properly controlled. It can be stopped at

Further, the error determination unit 113 determines whether the power generation stop error ER1 has been canceled, and when the error determination unit 113 determines that the power generation stop error ER1 has been canceled, the power generation control unit 115 controls the fuel cell 3. After starting up, the fuel cell 3 is caused to generate electricity.
According to this, when the power generation stop error ER1 is canceled, the fuel cell 3 is started up and then the fuel cell 3 is started up before the timing when the power outage is predicted to start in order to have the fuel cell 3 generate electricity. becomes possible. Therefore, even if the power generation stop error ER1 occurs, it is possible to cause the fuel cell 3 to generate power during a power outage.

Furthermore, the control device 1 includes a notification unit 116 that notifies the user that the power generation stop error ER1 has been determined, when the power generation stop error ER1 has been determined.
According to this, when the power generation stop error ER1 is determined, the user is notified that the power generation stop error ER1 has been determined, so the user can easily recognize that the power generation stop error ER1 has been determined.

The control device 1 also includes an error determination unit 113 that detects a retry error ER2 indicating that a restart is required to continue the power generation state, and when the error determination unit 113 detects the retry error ER2, the power generation control is performed. The unit 115 determines to stop the power generation of the fuel cell 3, stops the power generation of the fuel cell 3, starts the fuel cell 3, and then causes the fuel cell 3 to generate power.
According to this, when the retry error ER2 is detected, it is determined to stop the power generation of the fuel cell 3, the power generation of the fuel cell 3 is stopped, the fuel cell 3 is started, and then the fuel cell 3 is caused to generate power. Therefore, it becomes possible to start the fuel cell 3 before the predicted timing when a power outage starts. Therefore, even if retry error ER2 occurs, it is possible to cause the fuel cell 3 to generate electricity during a power outage.

It also includes a hot water storage tank 4 that stores hot water heated by the heat generated by the fuel cell 3, and when the control device 1 receives power outage information, controls the hot water storage tank 4 to discharge the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 4. 4 is provided.
According to this, when power outage information is received, the hot water storage tank 4 is controlled to discharge the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 4. Therefore, the fuel cell 3 can be prevented from being stopped.

Further, the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 4 is discharged into the bathtub, and when the notification unit 116 receives power outage information, it notifies the user of information urging the user to remove the stopper of the bathtub.
According to this, when power outage information is received, the user is notified of information urging the user to remove the stopper of the bathtub, so that when hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 4 is discharged into the bathtub, hot water overflows from the bathtub. can be suppressed.

Furthermore, the control device 1 determines whether or not the user performs an operation to stop power generation during power generation in the first power generation mode MG1 or the second power generation mode MG2, and determines whether or not the user performs an operation other than power generation. When the operation reception unit 114 determines that the user has performed an operation to stop power generation, the power generation control unit 115 stops the power generation of the fuel cell 3 and puts the fuel cell 3 into a standby state. When the operation reception unit 114 determines that the user has performed an operation other than stopping power generation, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to transition to the power generation state.
According to this, when the user performs an operation to stop power generation during power generation in the first power generation mode MG1 or the second power generation mode MG2, the fuel cell 3 is transferred to the standby state in the first power generation mode MG1 or the second power generation mode MG2. Even when power is being generated in the second power generation mode MG2, the user can perform an operation to stop power generation. Therefore, user convenience can be improved. Furthermore, since the fuel cell 3 is shifted to the power generation state when the user performs an operation other than stopping power generation, it becomes possible to start the fuel cell 3 before the timing when a power outage is predicted to start. Therefore, it becomes possible to cause the fuel cell to generate electricity during a power outage.

Further, the power generation control unit 115 causes the fuel cell 3 to continue power generation when a power outage occurs during power generation in the first power generation mode MG1 or the second power generation mode MG2, and causes the fuel cell 3 to continue power generation when power is restored. The power generation state is shifted to the first power generation mode MG1 or the second power generation mode MG2.
According to this, the power generation of the fuel cell 3 is continued when a power outage occurs, and when the power is restored, the fuel cell 3 is shifted to the power generation state in the first power generation mode MG1 or the second power generation mode MG2. The fuel cell 3 can generate electricity during the period and after the power is restored.

Further, the power generation control unit 115 extends the threshold power generation time TGS when the information reception unit 111 receives power outage information during power generation in the first power generation mode MG1 or the second power generation mode MG2.
According to this, when power outage information is received during power generation in the first power generation mode MG1 or the second power generation mode MG2, the threshold power generation time TGS is extended, so that the fuel cell 3 is ensured to generate power during the power outage. be able to.

Further, the method for controlling the fuel cell system 100 according to the present embodiment is a method for controlling the fuel cell system 100, which includes a fuel cell 3 and an information reception unit 111 that receives power outage information indicating information regarding a power outage. When the information is received, when the fuel cell 3 is in the power generation state, the fuel cell 3 is caused to generate power in the first power generation mode MG1, and when the fuel cell 3 is in the standby state, the fuel cell 3 is caused to generate power in the first power generation mode MG1. Power is generated in the second power generation mode MG2, which is different from the second power generation mode MG2.
According to this, when information regarding a power outage is acquired, appropriate control can be performed depending on whether the fuel cell 3 is in a power generation state or in a standby state.

Although the present disclosure has been described above based on this embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. Since this is merely an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure, arbitrary changes and applications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

For example, in this embodiment, the control device 1 includes the information reception unit 111, but the information reception unit 111 may be arranged outside the control device 1. For example, an unillustrated communication unit that communicates with the server device 200 may function as the information reception unit 111.

Further, in the present embodiment, the information reception unit 111 receives power outage information from the server device 200, the display device 5 receives operations from the user, and the control device 1 receives power outage information based on the operations from the user. You can. For example, the control device 1 may receive power outage information based on key operations arranged on the display device 5.

Each functional unit shown in FIG. 3 shows a functional configuration, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each functional unit individually, and it is of course possible to have a configuration in which one processor executes a program to realize the functions of a plurality of functional units. Moreover, some of the functions realized by software in the above embodiments may be realized by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of the other parts of the fuel cell system 100 can also be changed arbitrarily without departing from the spirit.

Further, the processing units in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to make the processing of the control device 1 easier to understand. There are no restrictions on how the processing units are divided or the names shown in the flowcharts of Figures 8 and 9. Depending on the processing content, the processing units can be divided into more processing units, and one processing unit can be further divided into more processing units. It can also be divided to include many processes. Furthermore, the processing order in the above flowchart is not limited to the illustrated example.

Further, the method for controlling the fuel cell system 100 can be realized by causing the processor 11 included in the control device 1 to execute a control program corresponding to the method for controlling the fuel cell system 100. Moreover, this control program can also be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. As the recording medium, a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory device can be used. Specifically, portable or fixed storage media such as flexible disks, HDDs, CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVDs, Blu-ray (registered trademark) Discs, magneto-optical disks, flash memories, card-type recording media, etc. For example, a recording medium of a formula can be mentioned. Further, the recording medium may be a nonvolatile storage device such as a RAM, ROM, or HDD, which is an internal storage device included in the image processing device. Further, a control program corresponding to the control method of the fuel cell system 100 is stored in a server device or the like, and the control program is downloaded from the server device to the control device 1 to realize the control method of the fuel cell system 100. You can also do it.

As described above, in the fuel cell system and the control method for the fuel cell system according to the present disclosure, when information regarding a power outage is obtained, the fuel cell system and the control method for the fuel cell system perform appropriate control depending on whether the fuel cell is in a power generation state or a standby state. control.

100 Fuel cell system 1 Control device (control unit)
11 Processor 12 Memory 111 Information reception unit (reception unit)
112 Period determination section 113 Error determination section 114 Operation reception section 115 Power generation control section 116 Notification section 117 Drainage control section 2 Hydrogen generator 20 System power supply 21 Reformer 22 Raw material supply device 23 Reformed water supply device 24 Combustor 25 Air supply device 26 flame rod 27 reforming temperature detector 220 CO remover 3 fuel cell 4 hot water storage tank 5 display device 51 LCD
52 Touch sensor 53 Speaker 200 Server device CGP Continuous power generation period CGPS Maximum power generation period ER1 Power generation stop error ER2 Retry error MG Power generation mode MG1 1st power generation mode (1st power generation process)
MG2 2nd power generation mode (2nd power generation processing)
ST Operating status TG Power generation time TGS Threshold power generation time (predetermined power generation time)

Claims (14)

fuel cell and
a reception unit that receives power outage information indicating information regarding power outages;
A control unit that controls the fuel cell,
The control unit includes:
When receiving the power outage information,
When the fuel cell is in a power generation state, causing the fuel cell to generate power in a first power generation process,
When the fuel cell is in a standby state, causing the fuel cell to generate electricity in a second power generation process that is different from the first power generation process ,
In the second power generation process,
When the control unit receives the power outage information, the control unit activates the fuel cell before a timing when the power outage is predicted to start, and causes the fuel cell to continue power generation for a predetermined power generation time.
A fuel cell system characterized by: In the first power generation process,
When the control unit receives the power outage information, the control unit causes the fuel cell to continue generating power for a predetermined power generation time.
The fuel cell system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit determines whether or not to stop power generation of the fuel cell according to the operating status of the fuel cell during power generation in the first power generation process or the second power generation process, and determines whether to stop power generation of the fuel cell. If it is determined that the power generation of the fuel cell is to be stopped, the power generation of the fuel cell is stopped;
The fuel cell system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that: The control unit determines to stop power generation of the fuel cell when a continuous power generation period indicating a period during which the fuel cell continuously generates power is equal to or longer than a predetermined maximum power generation period, and After stopping power generation and starting the fuel cell, causing the fuel cell to generate power;
The fuel cell system according to claim 3 , characterized in that: The control unit determines to stop the power generation of the fuel cell when a power generation stop error indicating that the power generation state cannot be continued is determined, and stops the power generation of the fuel cell.
The fuel cell system according to claim 3 , characterized in that: When the power generation stop error is canceled, the control unit starts the fuel cell and then causes the fuel cell to generate power.
The fuel cell system according to claim 5 , characterized in that: When the power generation stop error is determined, the control unit notifies the user that the power generation stop error has been determined.
The fuel cell system according to claim 5 or 6 , characterized in that: When a retry error indicating that a restart is required to continue the power generation state is detected, the control unit determines to stop power generation of the fuel cell, stops power generation of the fuel cell, and restarts the fuel cell. After activating the battery, causing the fuel cell to generate electricity;
The fuel cell system according to claim 3 , characterized in that: comprising a hot water storage tank for storing hot water heated by the heat generated by the fuel cell,
The control unit, when receiving the power outage information, controls the hot water storage tank to discharge hot water stored in the hot water storage tank.
The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , characterized in that: The hot water stored in the hot water storage tank is discharged into a bathtub,
When the control unit receives the power outage information, the control unit notifies the user of information prompting the user to remove the stopper of the bathtub.
The fuel cell system according to claim 9 , characterized in that: The control unit moves the fuel cell to a standby state when a user performs an operation to stop power generation during power generation in the first power generation process or the second power generation process, and causes the fuel cell to transition to a standby state and performs an operation other than the user's operation to stop power generation. Shifting the fuel cell to a power generation state when there is a
The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , characterized in that: The control unit causes the fuel cell to continue power generation when a power outage occurs during power generation in the first power generation process or the second power generation process, and causes the fuel cell to continue power generation in the first power generation process when power is restored. processing or transition to a power generation state in the second power generation process;
The fuel cell system according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , characterized in that: The control unit extends the power generation time when receiving the power outage information during power generation in the first power generation process or the second power generation process.
The fuel cell system according to claim 1 or claim 2 , characterized in that: A method for controlling a fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell and a reception unit that receives power outage information indicating information regarding a power outage, the method comprising:
When receiving the power outage information,
When the fuel cell is in a power generation state, causing the fuel cell to generate power in a first power generation process,
When the fuel cell is in a standby state, causing the fuel cell to generate electricity in a second power generation process that is different from the first power generation process ,
In the second power generation process,
When the power outage information is received, the fuel cell is started up before the timing when the power outage is predicted to start, and the fuel cell continues power generation for a predetermined power generation time.
A method for controlling a fuel cell system, characterized in that:

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