JP2009266698A - Fuel cell system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell system capable of suppressing deterioration of a fuel cell. <P>SOLUTION: This fuel cell system 10 mounted on a motorcycle 100 includes: a cell stack 12; a CPU 54; and sonars 88a-88e each detecting a distance to an object existing in the surroundings of the motorcycle 100. The CPU 54 obtains the volume of a garage for arranging the motorcycle 100 therein based on the detection results of the sonars 88a-88e. The CPU 54 sets a continuation time based on the obtained volume of the garage, and stops the power generation of the cell stack 12 when the set continuation time elapses. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell system, and more particularly to a fuel cell system including a fuel cell that generates power using air containing an oxidant and fuel.

In general, in a fuel cell system that supplies power to transportation equipment and electronic equipment, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a secondary battery is produced by continuing power generation of a fuel cell even after the operation of the equipment is stopped. It is known to charge. By charging the secondary battery in this way, electric power required until the fuel cell system shifts to a normal operation capable of generating power constantly after the next startup is secured.
In addition, transportation equipment and electronic equipment are often arranged in a closed space such as a garage or a bag (a space where it is difficult for air to flow between the outside) after operation is stopped.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-40931

  If the power generation of the fuel cell is continued as in the technique of Patent Document 1 after being stopped, the oxygen in the air in the closed space is reduced and eventually the fuel cell is uniformly supplied with oxygen. Disappear. Specifically, in the cathode (air electrode) of the fuel cell, sufficient oxygen may be supplied to the upstream portion of the air flow path, whereas oxygen may be insufficient in the downstream portion. As a result, the fuel cell locally generates power at a portion where oxygen is sufficiently supplied, and promotes deterioration of the fuel cell.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell system capable of suppressing deterioration of the fuel cell.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a fuel cell system according to claim 1 is a fuel cell system for supplying electric power to a device, wherein the fuel cell uses air containing oxidant and fuel for power generation, Spatial information acquisition means for acquiring spatial information regarding the size of the space in which the fuel cell system is disposed, and control means for stopping power generation of the fuel cell based on the spatial information acquired by the spatial information acquisition means Prepare.

  The fuel cell system according to claim 2 is the fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the spatial information acquisition unit acquires the volume of the space as the spatial information, and the control unit acquires the spatial information. If the volume of the space acquired by the means is less than a first threshold, power generation of the fuel cell is stopped.

  The fuel cell system according to claim 3 is the fuel cell system according to claim 2, wherein the control means is configured such that the volume of the space acquired by the space information acquiring means is less than the first threshold value and The fuel cell power generation is stopped if it is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the fuel cell system according to the second or third aspect, the spatial information acquisition unit includes a transmission unit that emits a detection signal toward the outside, and a reflection signal of the detection signal. Receiving the receiving means, and acquiring the volume of the space based on an elapsed time from when the transmitting means sends the detection signal to when the receiving means receives the reflected signal.

  The fuel cell system according to claim 5 is the fuel cell system according to claim 4, wherein the spatial information acquisition unit includes a plurality of reception units that receive the reflected signals from different directions, respectively. Each of the receiving means obtains the volume of the space based on a plurality of the elapsed times until the reflected signal is received.

  The fuel cell system according to claim 6, further comprising setting means for setting progress information until power generation of the fuel cell is stopped based on the spatial information in the fuel cell system according to claim 1, The control means stops the power generation of the fuel cell based on the progress information set by the setting means.

  The fuel cell system according to claim 7, further comprising a time measuring unit that measures time in the fuel cell system according to claim 6, wherein the setting unit is based on the spatial information as the progress information. A duration time for continuing the power generation is set, and the control means stops the power generation of the fuel cell when the time measuring means measures the lapse of the duration time set by the setting means.

  The fuel cell system according to claim 8, further comprising consumption amount detection means for detecting consumption amount of the fuel in the fuel cell system according to claim 6, wherein the setting means includes the spatial information as the progress information. The fuel consumption amount until the fuel cell power generation is stopped is set based on the control means, and the control means causes the detection result of the consumption amount detection means to reach the fuel consumption amount set by the setting means. For example, power generation of the fuel cell is stopped.

  The fuel cell system according to claim 9 further includes determination means for determining whether or not the device is in an operation stop state in the fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the control means is operated by the determination means. If it is determined that the fuel cell is in a stopped state, power generation of the fuel cell is stopped based on the spatial information.

  The fuel cell system according to claim 10 is the fuel cell system according to claim 9, wherein the determination means detects speed of movement of the transport device, and detects boarding of an occupant in the transport device. At least one of boarding detection means and instruction detection means for detecting an instruction from the instruction means for instructing to stop the operation of the transportation equipment, and the operation is stopped based on the detection result of any of the detection means It is characterized by determining whether it is in a state.

  A transportation apparatus according to an eleventh aspect includes the fuel cell system according to the first aspect.

  In the fuel cell system according to the first aspect, the spatial information regarding the size of the space to be arranged is acquired, and the power generation of the fuel cell is stopped based on the acquired spatial information. If the space where the fuel cell system is arranged is a narrow closed space (a space where air does not easily flow between the outside), the oxygen (oxidant) in the air in the closed space is maintained by continuing the power generation of the fuel cell. ) As a result, oxygen in the air used for power generation of the fuel cell is reduced, which may promote deterioration of the fuel cell. Therefore, when it is estimated that the space is arranged in a narrow space based on the spatial information, the fuel cell is surely deteriorated by stopping the power generation of the fuel cell regardless of whether the space is a closed space or not. Can be suppressed.

  In the fuel cell system according to the second aspect, the volume of the space to be arranged is acquired as spatial information. And if the acquired volume is less than a 1st threshold value, the electric power generation of a fuel cell will be stopped. If the space to be arranged is smaller than that, the first threshold value is set to a value that may promote deterioration of the fuel cell by continuing power generation when the space is a closed space. By stopping the power generation of the fuel cell based on the comparison result between the first threshold and the acquired volume, deterioration of the fuel cell can be suppressed more reliably.

  In the fuel cell system according to claim 3, if the acquired volume is less than the second threshold value which is smaller than the first threshold value, the power generation of the fuel cell is continued. The second threshold value is set to a value that is considered to be small as a space in which a device on which the fuel cell system is mounted is arranged. If the acquired volume is less than the second threshold value, there is a possibility that, for example, luggage is placed around the device equipped with the fuel cell system, and the acquired volume is significantly smaller than the actual volume of the space. Is expensive. That is, if it is less than the second threshold, the volume of the space cannot be acquired appropriately, and there is a high possibility that the deterioration of the fuel cell is accelerated. From this, if the acquired volume is less than the second threshold, it is possible to prevent power generation of the fuel cell from being erroneously stopped even though there is little risk of promoting deterioration by continuing power generation of the fuel cell. .

  In the fuel cell system according to claim 4, on the basis of the elapsed time until the receiving means receives the reflected signal of the detection signal emitted by the transmitting means, the dimensions of the space to be arranged, such as width, depth, height, etc. Easy to get. Therefore, the volume of the space to be arranged can be easily obtained.

  In the fuel cell system according to claim 5, the plurality of receiving units respectively receive reflected signals from different directions such as four sides and upward, and the space arranged based on the plurality of elapsed times for each of the plurality of receiving units. Get the volume. As a result, the accurate volume of the space to be arranged can be easily obtained.

  In the fuel cell system according to the sixth aspect, the progress information until the power generation of the fuel cell is stopped is set based on the spatial information. Then, based on the set progress information, the power generation of the fuel cell is continued for a while within a range where deterioration is not promoted, and then the power generation is stopped. Thereby, even if it is a case where it is arrange | positioned in a narrow closed space, supply of the electric power to an apparatus can be continued in the range which does not promote deterioration of a fuel cell.

  The time until oxygen decreases to such an extent that deterioration of the fuel cell is promoted by continuing power generation in the closed space varies depending on the size of the closed space. In the fuel cell system according to the seventh aspect, the duration for which the power generation of the fuel cell is continued is set based on the spatial information. And if the set duration time passes, the power generation of the fuel cell is stopped. Thereby, even if the space to be arranged is a narrow closed space, the power generation of the fuel cell can be stopped until the oxygen is reduced to such an extent that the deterioration of the fuel cell is promoted. That is, even when the fuel cell is disposed in a narrow closed space, the power generation of the fuel cell can be continued within a range where deterioration is not promoted.

  Since the fuel consumption and the oxygen consumption in a fuel cell are approximately proportional, the amount of oxygen in the air in the closed space when the power generation of the fuel cell is continued in the closed space is based on the fuel consumption. Can be estimated. In the fuel cell system according to claim 8, the amount of fuel consumed until the power generation of the fuel cell is stopped is set based on the spatial information so that oxygen is not reduced to the extent that the deterioration of the fuel cell is promoted. . When the set amount of fuel is consumed, the power generation of the fuel cell is stopped. Thereby, even if it is a case where it is arrange | positioned in a narrow closed space, the electric power generation of a fuel cell can be continued in the range which does not promote deterioration.

  If a device equipped with the fuel cell system is in operation, the device is likely to be moved, and there is a possibility that appropriate spatial information cannot be acquired. As a result, there is a possibility that power generation of the fuel cell is erroneously stopped although there is little risk of promoting the deterioration of the fuel cell. In the fuel cell system according to claim 9, the power generation of the fuel cell can be stopped based on the appropriate space information acquired when the device is in the operation stop state, and the power generation of the fuel cell is erroneously stopped. Can be prevented.

  If the device on which the fuel cell system is mounted is a transportation device, for example, as described in claim 10, it is easily operated based on the moving speed of the transportation device, the boarding of passengers, and instructions from instruction means such as a main switch. It can be determined whether or not the vehicle is stopped.

  Usually, a fuel cell system including a large-sized fuel cell with a large output is mounted on a transportation device that consumes more power than an electronic device such as a personal computer. In such a large-sized fuel cell, oxygen in the air used for power generation is reduced, so that it is easy to generate power locally and easily deteriorate. Therefore, as described in claim 11, the present invention is suitably used for transportation equipment that needs to use a large fuel cell.

  According to this invention, deterioration of the fuel cell can be suppressed.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
Referring to FIG. 1, a fuel cell system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is a direct methanol fuel cell system that directly uses methanol (aqueous methanol solution) for generation (electric power generation) of electric energy without reforming. is there. The fuel cell system 10 generates electrical energy for driving auxiliary equipment and devices on which the fuel cell system 10 is mounted.

  The fuel cell system 10 includes a cell stack 12, a fuel tank 14, and an aqueous solution tank 16. The cell stack 12 is configured by stacking a plurality of fuel cells (fuel cell) 18 that can generate electric power by an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen ions based on methanol and oxygen, with a separator interposed therebetween. Each fuel cell 18 constituting the cell stack 12 includes an electrolyte membrane 18a composed of a solid polymer membrane or the like, and an anode (fuel electrode) 18b and a cathode (air electrode) 18c facing each other across the electrolyte membrane 18a. Including. Each of the anode 18b and the cathode 18c includes a platinum catalyst layer provided on the electrolyte membrane 18a side.

  The fuel tank 14 stores a high concentration (for example, containing about 50 wt% methanol) methanol fuel (high concentration aqueous methanol solution) that serves as a fuel for the electrochemical reaction of the cell stack 12. The aqueous solution tank 16 contains a methanol aqueous solution obtained by diluting the methanol fuel from the fuel tank 14 to a concentration suitable for the electrochemical reaction of the cell stack 12 (for example, containing about 3 wt% of methanol).

  The fuel tank 14 is connected to the fuel filter 20 by a pipe P1, the fuel filter 20 is connected to a fuel pump 22 by a pipe P2, and the fuel pump 22 is connected to the aqueous solution tank 16 by a pipe P3. The methanol fuel in the fuel tank 14 is supplied to the aqueous solution tank 16 by driving the fuel pump 22.

  The aqueous solution tank 16 is connected to an aqueous solution pump 24 by a pipe P4, the aqueous solution pump 24 is connected to an aqueous solution filter 26 by a pipe P5, the aqueous solution filter 26 is connected to an inlet temperature sensor 28 by a pipe P6, and the inlet temperature sensor 28 is connected to the pipe P7. To the anode inlet I1 of the cell stack 12. By driving the aqueous solution pump 24, the aqueous methanol solution in the aqueous solution tank 16 is supplied to the cell stack 12. The inlet temperature sensor 28 detects the temperature of the aqueous methanol solution flowing into the cell stack 12.

  The anode outlet I2 of the cell stack 12 is connected to an outlet temperature sensor 30 by a pipe P8, the outlet temperature sensor 30 is connected to a radiator 32 by a pipe P9, and the radiator 32 is connected to the aqueous solution tank 16 by a pipe P10. The outlet temperature sensor 30 detects the temperature of the aqueous methanol solution flowing out from the cell stack 12. The radiator 32 is provided with a fan 32a (see FIG. 2) for cooling the radiator 32.

The pipes P9 and P10 are connected by a pipe P11, a radiator valve 34, and a pipe P12, and a flow path that bypasses the radiator 32 is configured.
The pipes P1 to P12 described above mainly serve as fuel flow paths.

  The cell stack 12 is supplied with external air containing oxygen (oxidant) sucked through the air filter 36. The air filter 36 is connected to an air chamber 38 by a pipe P13, the air chamber 38 is connected to an air pump 40 by a pipe P14, and the air pump 40 is connected to the cathode inlet I3 of the cell stack 12 by a pipe P15. Air from the outside is supplied to the cell stack 12 by driving the air pump 40.

The cathode outlet I4 of the cell stack 12 is connected to a gas-liquid separator 42 by a pipe P16, and the gas-liquid separator 42 is connected to a water tank 44 by a pipe P17. The gas-liquid separator 42 is provided with a fan 42a (see FIG. 2) for cooling the gas-liquid separator 42. The water tank 44 is provided with a pipe (exhaust pipe) P18 communicating with the outside.
The pipes P13 to P18 described above mainly serve as an oxidant flow path.

The water tank 44 is connected to a water pump 46 by a pipe P19, the water pump 46 is connected to a water filter 48 by a pipe P20, and the water filter 48 is connected to the aqueous solution tank 16 by a pipe P21. The water in the water tank 44 is supplied to the aqueous solution tank 16 by driving the water pump 46.
The pipes P19 to P21 described above serve as a water flow path.

The gas layer of the fuel tank 14 and the gas layer of the aqueous solution tank 16 are connected by a pipe P22. The gas layer of the aqueous solution tank 16 is connected to the catch tank 50 by a pipe P23, and the catch tank 50 is connected to the aqueous solution tank 16 by a pipe P24 so that the liquid inside the catch tank 50 is supplied to the aqueous solution tank 16. Further, the catch tank 50 is connected to the pipe P15 by a pipe P25.
The pipes P22 to P25 described above mainly serve as fuel processing channels.

Next, the electrical configuration of the fuel cell system 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
The fuel cell system 10 includes a controller 52. The controller 52 performs a necessary calculation and controls the operation of the fuel cell system 10, a clock circuit 56 for supplying a clock to the CPU 54, a program, data and calculation data for controlling the operation of the fuel cell system 10 For example, a memory 58 comprising an EEPROM, a voltage in an electric circuit 64 for connecting the cell stack 12 to the secondary battery 60 and the controller 62, and thus a voltage detection circuit 66 for detecting the voltage of the cell stack 12. A current detection circuit 68 for detecting the current flowing through the cell stack 12, and a voltage protection circuit 70 for protecting the electric circuit 64.

  An ON / OFF circuit 72 and a DC-DC converter 74 for opening and closing the electric circuit 64 are connected in series to the electric circuit 64. Furthermore, a power supply circuit 76 for outputting a predetermined voltage is connected to the electric circuit 64 via a relay 78. The voltage protection circuit 70 opens the ON / OFF circuit 72 when a voltage drop in the cell stack 12 is detected.

  The secondary battery 60 connected to the electric circuit 64 is charged by the electric power from the cell stack 12, and supplies electric power to the auxiliary machines, the controller 62, and the like as necessary. The secondary battery 60 can be detached from the electric circuit 64 and the fuel cell system 10, and can be removed from the fuel cell system 10 and charged by an external power source (commercial power source).

  The fuel cell system 10 includes level sensors 80a to 80c, an outside air temperature sensor 82, a humidity sensor 84, a concentration sensor 86, and sonars 88a to 88e.

  Detection signals from the inlet temperature sensor 28, the outlet temperature sensor 30, the level sensors 80a to 80c, the outside air temperature sensor 82, the humidity sensor 84, the concentration sensor 86, and the sonars 88a to 88e are input to the CPU 54.

  The level sensor 80 a is attached to the fuel tank 14, the level sensor 80 b is attached to the aqueous solution tank 16, and the level sensor 80 c is attached to the water tank 44. The level sensors 80a to 80c detect the height (liquid level) of the liquid level in the tank to which the level sensors 80a to 80c are respectively attached. The CPU 54 acquires the amount of liquid in the fuel tank 14, the aqueous solution tank 16 and the water tank 44 based on detection signals from the level sensors 80 a to 80 c.

  The outside air temperature sensor 82 detects the temperature of the outside air, the humidity sensor 84 detects the humidity of the outside air, and the concentration sensor 86 detects the methanol concentration of the outside air. Each of the sonars 88a to 88e is an active sonar including a transmitter 90a that emits an ultrasonic wave to the outside as a detection signal and a receiver 90b that receives a reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave as a reflected signal. Each of the sonars 88a to 88e detects (measures) a distance to an object such as a wall existing around based on an elapsed time from when the transmitter 90a emits an ultrasonic wave until the receiver 90b receives a reflected wave. The transmitter 90a of the sonar 88a is configured to emit ultrasonic waves having a frequency different from that of the transmitters 90a of the sonars 88b to 88e. The receiver 90b of the sonar 88a is configured to receive (detect) only the reflected ultrasonic wave from the sonar 88a. The same applies to the transmitters 90a and receivers 90b of the sonars 88b to 88e.

  Further, the CPU 54 receives the voltage detection value from the voltage detection circuit 66 and the current detection value from the current detection circuit 68. The CPU 54 calculates the output of the cell stack 12 using these.

  Further, the CPU 54 receives an input signal from the main switch 92 for starting the controller 52 and an input signal from the input unit 94. Input unit 94 includes a start button 96a for electrically connecting an external load (here, electric motor 112) and secondary battery 60, and a stop button 96b for turning off ON / OFF circuit 72. An input signal is input to the CPU 54 in accordance with the operation of the start button 96a and the stop button 96b.

  Further, the CPU 54 receives a detection signal from a storage amount detector 60 a built in the secondary battery 60. The CPU 54 calculates the storage rate of the secondary battery 60 (the ratio of the stored amount to the capacity of the secondary battery 60) using the detection signal from the stored amount detector 60a and the information related to the capacity of the secondary battery 60.

  The CPU 54 controls accessories such as the fuel pump 22, the aqueous solution pump 24, the air pump 40, the water pump 46, the fans 32 a and 42 a, and the radiator valve 34. Further, the CPU 54 controls the opening / closing operation of the ON / OFF circuit 72 and the relay 78, and the operation of the power supply circuit 76.

  The CPU 54 is connected to a controller 62 for controlling the driving of the electric motor 112 and a display unit 98 for providing various information. The controller 62 controls the connection state of the cell stack 12 and the secondary battery 60 and the electric motor 112, the supply of electric power to the electric motor 112, and the like according to instructions from the CPU 54. The display unit 98 is constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal display and notifies various types of information to the operator according to instructions from the CPU 54.

  A memory 58 serving as storage means stores (stores) a program for executing the operation shown in FIG. 5 and first to fifth tables to be described later.

  In this embodiment, the spatial information acquisition means includes the CPU 54 and the sonars 88a to 88e, the transmitter 90a of the sonars 88a to 88e corresponds to the transmission means, and the receiver 90b of the sonars 88a to 88e corresponds to the reception means. The CPU 54 also functions as a control unit, a setting unit, and a determination unit. The time measuring means includes a CPU 54 and a clock circuit 56. The instruction detection means includes a CPU 54 and detects an on / off instruction from a main switch (main key) 92 which is an instruction means.

Next, the basic operation of the fuel cell system 10 will be described.
First, when the main switch 92 is turned on, the controller 52 is activated and the relay 78 is turned on. When the relay 78 is turned on, the voltage from the secondary battery 60 is converted into a predetermined voltage by the power supply circuit 76, and the electric components of the fuel cell system 10 can be driven by the electric power from the secondary battery 60. When the start button 96a is pressed, the electric motor 112 and the secondary battery 60 are electrically connected by the controller 62, and the electric motor 112 can be driven. Thereafter, when the storage rate of the secondary battery 60 decreases to a lower limit value (for example, 40%), the ON / OFF circuit 72 is turned on, and the cell stack 12 is connected to the secondary battery 60 and the controller 62. Then, driving of auxiliary equipment such as the aqueous solution pump 24 and the air pump 40 is started, and power generation of the cell stack 12 is started. The lower limit value of the storage rate of the secondary battery 60 is set based on the electric power required for driving the auxiliary machinery and driving the electric motor 112 until the fuel cell system 10 shifts to a normal operation in which power generation can be performed constantly. ing.

Next, the power generation operation of the cell stack 12 will be described with reference to FIG.
The aqueous methanol solution in the aqueous solution tank 16 is directly supplied to the anode 18 b of each fuel cell 18 constituting the cell stack 12 through the anode inlet I 1 by driving the aqueous solution pump 24. The methanol aqueous solution in the aqueous solution tank 16 is supplied at a predetermined concentration (here, 3 wt%) by appropriately supplying methanol fuel from the fuel tank 14 to the aqueous solution tank 16 based on the detection result of concentration detection means such as an ultrasonic sensor (not shown). To be kept.

  Further, the gas (mainly carbon dioxide, vaporized methanol and water vapor) in the aqueous solution tank 16 is given to the catch tank 50 through the pipe P23. The vaporized methanol and water vapor are cooled in the catch tank 50, and the aqueous methanol solution obtained in the catch tank 50 is returned to the aqueous solution tank 16 via the pipe P24. Further, the gas (carbon dioxide, unliquefied methanol and water vapor) in the catch tank 50 is given to the pipe P15 via the pipe P25.

  The air sucked from the outside by driving the air pump 40 is supplied to the cathode 18c of each fuel cell 18 constituting the cell stack 12 through the cathode inlet I3 together with the gas from the catch tank 50.

  In the anode 18b of each fuel cell 18, methanol and water in the supplied methanol aqueous solution chemically react to generate carbon dioxide and hydrogen ions. The generated hydrogen ions flow into the cathode 18c through the electrolyte membrane 18a and electrochemically react with oxygen (oxidant) in the air supplied to the cathode 18c to generate water (water vapor) and electric energy. Is done. That is, power generation is performed in the cell stack 12. The electric power from the cell stack 12 is used for charging the secondary battery 60, driving the electric motor 112 that is an external load, and the like. The cell stack 12 rises in temperature due to heat generated by the electrochemical reaction. The output of the cell stack 12 increases as the temperature rises, and the fuel cell system 10 shifts from the temperature raising operation to the normal operation when the cell stack 12 reaches about 60 ° C.

  The carbon dioxide and the unreacted methanol aqueous solution generated at the anode 18b of each fuel cell 18 are heated with the electrochemical reaction, supplied to the radiator 32 through the anode outlet I2, cooled, and then returned to the aqueous solution tank 16. . The cooling operation of carbon dioxide and unreacted methanol by the radiator 32 is promoted by operating the fan 32a (see FIG. 2). For example, in a temperature raising operation or the like, if it is not necessary to cool the aqueous methanol solution flowing out from the anode outlet I2, the radiator valve 34 is opened so that the aqueous methanol solution is also circulated through the flow path bypassing the radiator 32.

  Most of the water vapor generated at the cathode 18c of each fuel cell 18 is liquefied to form water and discharged from the cathode outlet I4, but the saturated water vapor is discharged in a gas state. Exhaust gas containing water (water, water vapor), carbon dioxide, unreacted air, etc. discharged from the cathode outlet I4 is cooled by the gas-liquid separator 42, and a part of the water vapor is liquefied below the dew point. The operation of liquefying water vapor by the gas-liquid separator 42 is facilitated by operating the fan 42a (see FIG. 2). Exhaust gas containing water, water vapor, carbon dioxide and unreacted air from the gas-liquid separator 42 is supplied to a water tank 44, and the water is collected in the water tank 44 to remove water vapor, carbon dioxide and unreacted air. The contained exhaust is discharged to the outside through the pipe P18. The water collected in the water tank 44 is appropriately returned to the aqueous solution tank 16 by driving the water pump 46. As a result, the aqueous methanol solution in the aqueous solution tank 16 is maintained at a predetermined amount.

  Usually, the exhaust from the pipe P18 is heated with the electrochemical reaction, and thus has a higher temperature than the outside air. Specifically, for example, when the temperature of the outside air is about 25 ° C. during normal operation, the temperature of the exhaust from the pipe P18 is about 55 ° C. to 60 ° C.

  Such a power generation operation of the cell stack 12 is performed regardless of whether or not a device (here, the motorcycle 100: see FIGS. 3 and 4) on which the fuel cell system 10 is mounted is operated. Continue until the rate reaches an upper limit (eg 98%). And if the electrical storage rate of the secondary battery 60 reaches an upper limit, auxiliary machinery will be stopped and the electric power generation of the cell stack 12 will be stopped. Thus, by charging the secondary battery 60, the storage rate of the secondary battery 60 can be maintained at the lower limit (40% in this case) or more, and the fuel cell system 10 can be surely kept normal after the next power generation is started. It can be shifted to driving.

  Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, such a fuel cell system 10 is mounted on a motorcycle 100 that is an example of a transportation device. Here, front and rear, left and right, and top and bottom mean front and rear, left and right, and top and bottom, based on the state in which the driver is seated on the seat of the motorcycle 100 toward the handle 106.

Main components of the fuel cell system 10 such as the cell stack 12, various tanks, and auxiliary machines are attached to the frame of the motorcycle 100 within the cover 102.
Outside air temperature sensor 82, humidity sensor 84, concentration sensor 86, and sonars 88a to 88e are attached to motorcycle 100 so as to be exposed to the outside. Specifically, the outside air temperature sensor 82, the humidity sensor 84, and the concentration sensor 86 are attached to the left portion of the handle 106 that extends left and right from the handle support portion 104 disposed above the cover 102 (see FIG. 3). . The sonar 88a is attached to the front surface of the cover 102, the sonar 88b is attached to the upper surface of the tail unit 108 protruding rearward from the cover 102, and the sonar 88c is attached to the left side surface of the tail unit 108 (see FIG. 3). The sonar 88d is attached to the right side surface of the tail unit 108 (see FIG. 4), and the sonar 88e is attached to the upper surface of the cover 102.

  The sonar 88a has a front wall based on an elapsed time from when the transmitter 90a (see FIG. 2) emits an ultrasonic wave toward the front until the receiver 90b (see FIG. 2) receives a reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave. Detect the distance to the object. Similarly, sonar 88b detects the distance to the object behind, sonar 88c detects the distance to the object on the left, sonar 88d detects the distance to the object on the right, and sonar 88e detects to the object above. Detect the distance.

An electric motor 112 is built in a rear end portion of the swing arm 110 extending rearward from the cover 102. The controller 62 is built in the swing arm 110.
A display operation unit 114 is provided at the upper end of the handle support unit 104. The display operation unit 114 is provided integrally with the input unit 94 and display unit 98 of the fuel cell system 10 and the meter 116 (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 2, the meter 116 is connected to the CPU 54 and the controller 62, and displays various data of the electric motor 112 via the controller 62 and gives it to the CPU 54.

  Such a motorcycle 100 is often stored in the garage after the electric switch 112 is disconnected from the cell stack 12 and the secondary battery 60 by turning off the main switch 92. That is, the motorcycle 100 is often stored in the garage after the operation is stopped. If the garage storing the motorcycle 100 is configured in a box shape having a door that can be opened and closed on the front surface thereof, for example, the motorcycle 100 is a closed space in the garage (a space in which air does not easily flow between the outside). Will be placed. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the garage forms a closed space inside thereof, and “arranged in the garage” means that the garage is arranged in the closed space.

  In the motorcycle 100 disposed in the garage after the operation is stopped, if the power generation of the cell stack 12 is continued in order to charge the secondary battery 60, oxygen in the air in the garage decreases, and eventually each of the fuel cells 18 Sufficient oxygen cannot be supplied to the cathode 18c. Specifically, particularly in the cathode 18c of the fuel cell 18 on the cathode inlet I3 side, sufficient oxygen is given to the upstream portion of the air flow path, whereas sufficient oxygen is given to the downstream portion. It may not be possible. As a result, in particular, in the fuel cell 18 on the cathode inlet I3 side, the electrochemical reaction (power generation) is locally performed at a portion where the oxygen of the cathode 18c is sufficiently supplied, and the deterioration is promoted. As a result, deterioration of the cell stack 12 is promoted.

  In order to prevent this, in the fuel cell system 10, if the cell stack 12 generates power when the motorcycle 100 is stopped (when the main switch 92 is off), it is stored in the memory 58 as necessary. The duration for which the power generation of the cell stack 12 is continued is set using the first to fifth tables. And if the set continuation time passes, the power generation of the cell stack 12 is stopped.

  Next, referring to Table 1, the first to fifth tables for setting the duration time will be described.

  In the first table, the correspondence between the volume of the garage (the size of the closed space) and the duration time that does not promote the deterioration of the cell stack 12 is recorded. Since the amount of oxygen in the garage increases as the volume of the garage increases, it is possible to obtain a duration that does not promote deterioration based on the volume of the garage. The first table is obtained by generating power in each of the cell stacks 12 in a plurality of garages having different volumes, and examining a duration (described later) that does not promote deterioration of the cell stack 12.

  In the second table, a correspondence relationship between the temperature change amount of the outside air per minute (air around the motorcycle 100) and the duration time that does not promote the deterioration of the cell stack 12 is recorded. As described above, since the exhaust from the pipe P18 is hotter than the outside air, if the power generation of the cell stack 12 is continued in the garage, the temperature of the air in the garage changes (increases) beyond the natural transition range. To do. As the volume of the garage becomes smaller, the temperature rise width of the air in the garage accompanying power generation becomes larger. Therefore, the volume of the garage can be estimated based on the temperature transition, and a duration that does not promote deterioration can be obtained. The second table was obtained by generating power in each of the cell stacks 12 in a plurality of garages with different volumes and examining the correspondence between the temperature change per minute and the duration that does not promote deterioration. It is.

  In the third table, a correspondence relationship between the amount of change in ambient air humidity per minute and the duration time that does not promote deterioration of the cell stack 12 is recorded. As described above, since the exhaust gas from the pipe P18 contains water vapor, if the power generation of the cell stack 12 is continued in the garage, the humidity of the air in the garage changes (increases) beyond the natural transition range. . As the volume of the garage decreases, the amount of increase in the humidity of the air in the garage accompanying power generation increases. Therefore, based on the humidity transition, the volume of the garage can be estimated, and a duration that does not promote deterioration can be obtained. The third table was obtained by generating electricity in each of the cell stacks 12 in a plurality of garages with different volumes and examining the correspondence between the amount of change in humidity per minute and the duration that does not promote deterioration. It is.

  In the fourth table, the correspondence relationship between the amount of change in the methanol concentration of the outside air per minute and the duration that does not promote the deterioration of the cell stack 12 is recorded. Although most of the methanol moved from the anode 18b side to the cathode 18c side by the crossover is decomposed into water and carbon dioxide by the platinum catalyst layer of the cathode 18c, a small amount of methanol is discharged from the cathode outlet I4 of the cell stack 12. . Most of the methanol from the cathode outlet I4 is liquefied by the gas-liquid separator 42 and collected in the water tank 44, but a trace amount of methanol is discharged from the pipe P18 in the form of gas. Thus, since the exhaust from the pipe P18 contains a small amount of methanol, if the power generation of the cell stack 12 is continued in the garage, the methanol concentration in the air in the garage changes (increases) beyond the natural transition range. ) As the volume of the garage decreases, the increase in the methanol concentration of the air in the garage accompanying power generation increases, so it is possible to estimate the volume of the garage based on the methanol concentration transition and obtain a duration that does not promote deterioration it can. The fourth table was obtained by generating electricity in each of the cell stacks 12 in a plurality of garages with different volumes and examining the correspondence between the amount of change in methanol concentration per minute and the duration that does not promote deterioration. Is.

  The fifth table records the correspondence between the amount of change in the output of the cell stack 12 per minute and the duration time that does not promote deterioration of the cell stack 12. As described above, if power generation in the cell stack 12 is continued in the garage, oxygen in the garage decreases, so the output of the cell stack 12 changes (decreases) beyond the normal transition range. From this, the volume of the garage can be estimated based on the output transition, and a duration time that does not promote deterioration can be obtained. The fifth table is obtained by generating power in each of the cell stacks 12 in a plurality of garages with different volumes and examining the correspondence between the amount of change in output per minute and the duration that does not promote deterioration. It is.

  If the oxygen concentration of the air in the garage is about 18%, the power generation is continued in the garage and when the air is supplied with normal oxygen concentration (about 20%) in the open space. Compared with the case where the cell stack 12 is continued, the progress of deterioration of the cell stack 12 is hardly changed. From this, “the duration not to promote the deterioration of the cell stack 12” means that the oxygen concentration of the air in the garage is less than a predetermined value (for example, 18%) even if the power generation of the cell stack 12 is continued in the garage. It is set not to be.

Next, an example of the operation of the fuel cell system 10 when the operation of the motorcycle 100 is stopped will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a case where the operation of the motorcycle 100 is stopped in a state where the cell stack 12 is generating power will be described.
First, if the operation of the motorcycle 100 is stopped when the main switch 92 is turned off in step S1, the temperature detection by the outside air temperature sensor 82, the humidity detection by the humidity sensor 84, the methanol concentration detection by the concentration sensor 86, The voltage value is detected by the voltage detection circuit 66 and the current value is detected by the current detection circuit 68 (step S3). That is, if it determines with the operation stop state by CPU54 at step S1, it will progress to step S3.

  And it waits until predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) passes since the last detection (step S5). When the predetermined time has elapsed, distances are detected by the sonars 88a to 88e, and detection by the outside air temperature sensor 82, humidity sensor 84, concentration sensor 86, voltage detection circuit 66, and current detection circuit 68 is again performed ( Step S7).

  Subsequently, the volume of the garage (volume of the closed space) in which the motorcycle 100 is disposed, the temperature change amount of the outside air, the humidity change amount and the methanol concentration change amount, and the output change amount of the cell stack 12 are acquired by the CPU 54 ( Step S9). The garage volume, temperature change amount, humidity change amount, methanol concentration change amount and output change amount acquired in step S9 are stored in the memory 58 as spatial information, temperature change information, humidity change information, concentration change information and output change information. Stored.

  In step S9, the distance to the front object detected by the sonar 88a (for example, a wall in the garage), the distance to the rear object detected by the sonar 88b, and the horizontal positions of the preset sonars 88a and 88b. The first dimension is obtained by calculating the sum with the distance in the direction. Further, by calculating the sum of the distance to the left object detected by the sonar 88c, the distance to the right object detected by the sonar 88d, and the preset horizontal distances of the sonars 88c and 88d. A second dimension is obtained. Further, the third dimension is obtained by calculating the sum of the distance from the upper object (for example, the ceiling in the garage) detected by the sonar 88e and the preset distance from the sonar 88e to the ground. The And the acquired 1st, 2nd and 3rd dimension is estimated as the dimension of the width in a garage, depth, and height, and these products are calculated. Thereby, the volume of the garage is acquired (estimated).

  Further, by calculating the difference between the detection result immediately before the outside air temperature sensor 82 and the previous detection result, the temperature change amount of the outside air per predetermined time (here 1 minute) is acquired. Similarly, the humidity change amount of the outside air per minute is acquired using the detection result immediately before the humidity sensor 84 and the previous detection result, and the detection result immediately before the concentration sensor 86 and the previous one. Using the detection result, the amount of change in methanol concentration in the outside air per minute is acquired.

  Also, the difference between the output calculated using the detection result immediately before the voltage detection circuit 66 and the current detection circuit 68 and the output calculated using the detection result immediately before the voltage detection circuit 66 and the current detection circuit 68. Is obtained as the output change amount of the cell stack 12 per minute.

  In the first step S9, the detection result in the first step S7 is used as the previous detection result, and the detection result in step S3 is used as the previous detection result. In the second and subsequent steps S9, the detection result in the immediately preceding step S7 is used as the immediately preceding detection result, and the detection result in the immediately preceding step S7 is used as the immediately preceding detection result.

Subsequently, the CPU 54 determines whether or not the volume acquired in step S9 is less than the first threshold value (for example, 20 m ³ ) and equal to or more than the second threshold value (for example, 5 m ³ ). That is, it is determined whether or not the acquired volume is within a predetermined range (step S11). If the acquired volume is within the predetermined range, the CPU 54 estimates that the motorcycle 100 is arranged in a narrow garage, and acquires the duration corresponding to the volume from the first table (see Table 1). The duration obtained from the first table is stored in the memory 58 as the first duration. That is, the first duration time is set (step S13). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S15.

On the other hand, if the acquired volume is equal to or greater than the first threshold (here 20 m ³ ), it is estimated that the garage is so large that the deterioration of the cell stack 12 is not promoted, and the process proceeds to step S15 without going through step S13. . Even if the acquired volume is less than the second threshold value (here, 5 m ³ ), it is estimated that, for example, luggage is placed around the motorcycle 100 and an appropriate volume cannot be acquired, and the process proceeds to step S15. That is, if the acquired volume is outside the predetermined range, the process proceeds to step S15 without going through step S13.

  In step S15, the CPU 54 determines whether or not the temperature change amount acquired in step S9 is equal to or greater than a first threshold (for example, 1 ° C.) and less than a second threshold (for example, 4 ° C.). That is, it is determined whether or not the acquired temperature change amount is within a predetermined range. If the acquired temperature change amount is within the predetermined range, the CPU 54 estimates that the motorcycle 100 is arranged in a narrow garage, and sets the duration corresponding to the temperature change amount in the second table (see Table 1). Get from. The duration obtained from the second table is stored in the memory 58 as the second duration. That is, the second duration time is set (step S17). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S19.

  On the other hand, if the acquired temperature change amount is less than the first threshold value (here, 1 ° C.), it is estimated that the temperature change is within the range of natural temperature transition and is not arranged in the garage, and without going through step S17. Proceed to step S19. Even if the acquired temperature change amount is equal to or higher than the second threshold value (here, 4 ° C.), when the motorcycle 100 is moved from the outside of the garage to the inside of the garage, an appropriate amount of temperature change is caused by the influence of heating equipment in the garage. The process proceeds to step S19. That is, if the acquired temperature change amount is outside the predetermined range, the process proceeds to step S19 without going through step S17.

  In step S <b> 19, the CPU 54 determines whether the humidity change amount acquired in step S <b> 9 is greater than or equal to a first threshold value (for example, 3% RH) and less than a second threshold value (for example, 20% RH). That is, it is determined whether or not the acquired humidity change amount is within a predetermined range. If the acquired humidity change amount is within the predetermined range, the CPU 54 estimates that the motorcycle 100 is arranged in a narrow garage, and sets the duration corresponding to the humidity change amount in the third table (see Table 1). Get from. The duration obtained from the third table is stored in the memory 58 as the third duration. That is, the third duration time is set (step S21). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S23.

  On the other hand, if the acquired humidity change amount is less than the first threshold value (here, 3% RH), it is estimated that the humidity change amount is within the range of the natural humidity transition and is not arranged in the garage, and the process goes through step S19. Instead, the process proceeds to step S23. Even if the acquired amount of change in humidity is greater than or equal to the second threshold (20% RH in this case), when the motorcycle 100 is moved from outside the garage to the inside of the garage, an appropriate change in humidity is caused by the influence of a humidifier in the garage. It is estimated that the amount could not be acquired, and the process proceeds to step S23. That is, if the acquired humidity change amount is outside the predetermined range, the process proceeds to step S23 without going through step S21.

  In step S <b> 23, the CPU 54 determines whether or not the methanol concentration change amount acquired in step S <b> 9 is greater than or equal to the first threshold (for example, 0.5 ppm) and less than the second threshold (for example, 4 ppm). That is, it is determined whether or not the acquired methanol concentration change amount is within a predetermined range. If the obtained methanol concentration change amount is within the predetermined range, the CPU 54 estimates that the motorcycle 100 is placed in a narrow garage, and sets the duration corresponding to the methanol concentration change amount in the fourth table (Table 1). Get from). The duration obtained from the fourth table is stored in the memory 58 as the fourth duration. That is, the fourth duration time is set (step S25). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S27.

  On the other hand, if the obtained methanol concentration change amount is less than the first threshold value (here, 0.5 ppm), it is estimated that it is within the range of the natural concentration transition and is not arranged in the garage, and goes through step S25. It progresses to step S27, without. Even if the acquired amount of change in methanol concentration is equal to or greater than the second threshold (here, 4 ppm), it is estimated that an appropriate amount of change in methanol concentration could not be acquired due to the influence of methanol fuel leakage from the fuel tank 14, etc. move on. That is, if the obtained methanol concentration change amount is outside the predetermined range, the process proceeds to step S27 without going through step S25. If it is greater than or equal to the second threshold value in step S23, the fuel tank 14 or the aqueous solution tank 16 may be damaged. For example, by displaying a predetermined message or the like on the display unit 98, this is indicated to the driver of the motorcycle 100. The process etc. which alert | report to etc. are performed.

  In step S27, the CPU 54 determines whether or not the output change amount of the cell stack 12 acquired in step S9 is equal to or more than a first threshold (for example, 20 W) and less than a second threshold (for example, 160 W). That is, it is determined whether or not the acquired output change amount is within a predetermined range. If the acquired output change amount is within the predetermined range, the CPU 54 estimates that the motorcycle 100 is disposed in a narrow garage, and sets the duration corresponding to the output change amount in the fifth table (see Table 1). Get from. The duration obtained from the fifth table is stored in the memory 58 as the fifth duration. That is, the fifth duration is set. (Step S29). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S31.

  On the other hand, if the acquired output change amount is less than the first threshold value (20 W in this case), it is estimated that the output change amount is within the normal output transition range and is not arranged in the garage, and step S31 is not performed without passing through step S29. Proceed to Even if the acquired output change amount is equal to or greater than the second threshold (160 W in this case), it is estimated that an appropriate output change amount could not be acquired due to erroneous detection of the voltage detection circuit 66 or the current detection circuit 68, and the process proceeds to step S31. move on. That is, if the obtained output change amount is outside the predetermined range, the process proceeds to step S31 without going through step S29. If the threshold value is equal to or greater than the second threshold value in step S27, the voltage detection circuit 66 or the current detection circuit 68 may be out of order. For example, by displaying a predetermined message or the like on the display unit 98, this fact is indicated. Processing for notifying the driver and the like is performed.

  In step S <b> 31, the CPU 54 determines whether or not the duration time is stored in the memory 58. If any one of the first to fifth durations is stored in the memory 58, the CPU 54 determines whether or not the duration is being counted (step S33). If the duration is not being counted, the minimum duration of the durations stored in the memory 58 is selected by the CPU 54 (step S35). If the duration stored in the memory 58 is one of the first to fifth durations, it is selected.

  Subsequently, the CPU 54 starts counting (measuring) the duration time selected in step S35 based on the clock from the clock circuit 56 (step S37). If the duration time elapses in step S39, the CPU 54 stops auxiliary devices such as the aqueous solution pump 24 and the air pump 40, and stops the power generation of the cell stack 12 (step S41). Thereafter, for example, a predetermined message or the like is displayed on the display unit 98 to notify the driver or the like of the motorcycle 100 that power generation has been stopped in order to suppress deterioration of the cell stack 12 (step S43), and the process ends.

  Until the continuation time elapses in step S39, the process returns to step S5 unless the main switch 92 is turned on in step S45, and the processes in and after step S5 are repeated.

  If the duration is being counted in step S33, the process proceeds to step S39 without going through steps S35 and S37.

  Further, if the duration is not stored in the memory 58 in step S31, it is confirmed whether or not the duration is being counted (step S47). If the duration is being counted, the count is stopped and all durations stored in the memory 58 are cleared (step S49), and the process proceeds to step S45. In other words, even if the continuation time has been started before, for example, when the garage is opened and air is smoothly circulated to the outside (the space inside the garage is a closed space). If no more), the count is stopped and the set duration is cleared.

  Even if the duration time is being counted, the power generation of the cell stack 12 is stopped if the storage rate of the secondary battery 60 reaches the upper limit value (98% here). Similarly, even when the duration time is being counted, the power generation of the cell stack 12 is forcibly stopped if the stop button 96b is pressed.

  If the distance cannot be detected in one of the sonars 88a to 88e in step S9, it is estimated that the motorcycle 100 is not disposed in the garage (the garage is open to the outside), and step S13 is performed. Do not go through.

  In the second and subsequent steps S9, the case where the detection result in the immediately preceding step S7 is used as the immediately preceding detection result and the detection result in the immediately preceding step S7 is used as the immediately preceding detection result will be described. However, it is not limited to this. In the second and subsequent steps S9, various change amounts may be acquired using the first detection result (the detection result in step S3) and the detection result in the immediately preceding step S7.

  Further, the first detection of various types of information (detection in step S3) may be performed before the motorcycle 100 is stopped.

  Note that the predetermined time (standby time) in step S5 is not limited to the above-mentioned one minute, and can be set arbitrarily. When the predetermined time in step S5 is set to other than 1 minute, calculations for obtaining various changes per minute may be performed in step S9. In this case, the second to fifth tables may be prepared in which the correspondence between the amount of change per predetermined time other than one minute and the duration is recorded.

According to such a fuel cell system 10, the volume of the garage can be easily obtained using the sonars 88a to 88e each having the transmitter 90a and the receiver 90b. And if the volume of the acquired garage is a predetermined range (less than 1st threshold value and 2nd threshold value or more), the power generation of the cell stack 12 is stopped. The first threshold (here 20 m ³ ) is set to a value that may promote deterioration of the cell stack 12 by continuing power generation in the garage if it is smaller than that. By stopping the power generation of the cell stack 12 based on the comparison result between the first threshold value and the garage volume, deterioration of the cell stack 12 can be reliably suppressed. Further, the second threshold value (here, 5 m ³ ) is set to a value at which the acquired volume is considered to be small as the volume of the garage in which the motorcycle 100 is disposed, and the acquired volume is less than the second threshold value. If so, there is a high possibility that the volume of the garage cannot be acquired properly. Therefore, if the acquired volume is less than the second threshold value, the power generation of the cell stack 12 is erroneously stopped by continuing the power generation of the cell stack 12 even though there is little risk of promoting deterioration. Can be prevented.

  The accurate volume of the garage can be easily obtained using the first, second and third dimensions based on the detection results of the sonars 88a to 88e.

  Of the first to fifth durations acquired from the first to fifth tables based on the volume of the garage (volume of the closed space), the temperature change amount of the outside air, the humidity change amount and the methanol concentration change amount, and the output change amount The power generation of the cell stack 12 is continued until the minimum duration time elapses. Thus, even when the motorcycle 100 is arranged in a narrow garage, it is possible to continue the power generation of the cell stack 12 within a range in which deterioration is not promoted.

  Since the power generation of the cell stack 12 can be stopped based on the appropriate garage volume acquired when the motorcycle 100 is in the operation stop state, it is possible to prevent the power generation of the cell stack 12 from being stopped by mistake. Whether or not the motorcycle 100 is in the operation stop state can be easily determined based on whether or not the main switch 92 is turned off.

  Since a large fuel cell easily generates power locally and easily deteriorates with a decrease in oxygen in the air used for power generation, the present invention is a motorcycle that needs to be supplied with power by a large cell stack 12. 100 is preferably used.

  In the operation of FIG. 5, the case where the CPU 54 that also functions as the instruction detection unit detects that the main switch 92 that is the instruction unit is turned off is described, but the process proceeds to step S <b> 3. Not.

  For example, you may make it progress to step S3 based on the information regarding the condition of the electric motor 112 from the meter 116. Specifically, the traveling speed of the motorcycle 100 is detected based on the number of revolutions of the electric motor 112, and if it is not traveling for a certain period of time, it is determined that the operation is stopped and the process proceeds to step S3. Good. In this case, the CPU 54 also functions as a speed detection unit that detects the speed of the motorcycle 100 based on information from the meter 116.

  Further, a weighting sensor for detecting that the driver is sitting on the seat is provided as a boarding detection means, and the operation is stopped if the weighting sensor continuously detects that the driver is not sitting on the seat for a certain period of time. You may make it determine and progress to step S3. That is, if it is continuously detected that a driver (occupant) is not on the motorcycle 100 for a certain period of time, it may be determined that the operation is stopped and the process may proceed to step S3.

  In this way, the process may proceed to step S3 based on the detection result of any of the speed detection means, the boarding detection means, and the instruction detection means. In addition, if the inclination detecting means such as a gyro sensor for detecting the inclination of the motorcycle 100 continuously detects that the inclination is in the state supported by the supporting means such as a stand for a certain period of time, the operation is stopped. It may be determined that there is, and the process may proceed to step S3.

In the operation of FIG. 5, the case where the elapsed time is set as the elapsed information until the power generation of the cell stack 12 is stopped has been described, but the elapsed information is not limited to this.
Since the consumption of methanol and the consumption of oxygen in the cell stack 12 are substantially proportional, the oxygen concentration of the air in the garage when the power generation of the cell stack 12 is continued in the garage is based on the consumption of methanol. Can be estimated. As described above, in the fuel cell system 10, the methanol solution from the fuel tank 14 and the water tank 44 to the aqueous solution tank 16 is maintained in the aqueous solution tank 16 so that the aqueous methanol solution in the aqueous solution tank 16 circulated and supplied to the cell stack 12 is kept at a predetermined concentration. Fuel and water are supplied. Therefore, the consumption (supply amount) of methanol fuel from the fuel tank 14 corresponds to the consumption amount of methanol in the cell stack 12. From this, by setting the consumption amount of methanol fuel so that the oxygen concentration of the air in the garage does not become less than a predetermined value (18% in this case), and if the consumption amount of methanol fuel is consumed, power generation is stopped. However, the power generation of the cell stack 12 can be continued within a range in which deterioration is not promoted.
Methanol fuel consumption until power generation is stopped (hereinafter referred to as “consumption until stoppage”) based on garage volume, ambient temperature change, humidity change and methanol concentration change, and output change Table 6 below shows the sixth to tenth tables for setting.

  In the sixth table, the correspondence relationship between the volume of the garage and the amount of consumption until stoppage that does not promote the deterioration of the cell stack 12 is recorded. The sixth table is obtained by generating electricity in each of the cell stacks 12 in a plurality of garages with different volumes and examining the amount of methanol fuel consumed to the extent that deterioration is not promoted.

  The seventh table records the correspondence between the amount of change in the outside air temperature per minute and the amount of consumption until the stop that does not promote the deterioration of the cell stack 12. The seventh table is obtained by generating power in each of the cell stacks 12 in a plurality of garages with different volumes and examining the correspondence between the temperature change per minute and the consumption of methanol fuel that does not promote deterioration. It is what was done.

  In the eighth table, a correspondence relationship between the amount of change in humidity of the outside air per minute and the amount of consumption until stoppage that does not promote deterioration of the cell stack 12 is recorded. The eighth table is obtained by generating power in each of the cell stacks 12 in a plurality of garages with different volumes and examining the correspondence between the amount of change in humidity per minute and the consumption of methanol fuel that does not promote deterioration. It is what was done.

  In the ninth table, a correspondence relationship between the amount of change in the methanol concentration of the outside air per minute and the amount of consumption until stoppage that does not promote deterioration of the cell stack 12 is recorded. The ninth table generates electricity by each cell stack 12 in a plurality of garages with different volumes, and examines the correspondence between the change in methanol concentration per minute and the consumption of methanol fuel that does not promote deterioration. It is obtained.

  The tenth table records the correspondence between the amount of change in the output of the cell stack 12 per minute and the amount of consumption up to a stop that does not promote the deterioration of the cell stack 12. The tenth table is obtained by generating power in each of the cell stacks 12 in a plurality of garages having different volumes and examining the correspondence between the amount of change in output per minute and the consumption of methanol fuel that does not promote deterioration. It is what was done.

  When the consumption until the stop is set using such sixth to tenth tables, the “elapsed time” of steps S13, S17, S21, S25, S29 to S39, S47 and S49 in the operation of FIG. Instead of “consumption”, “continue time has elapsed?” In step S39. "Did you consume consumption?" It may be replaced with. In this case, the consumption amount of methanol fuel is detected by the CPU 54 based on the drive time and output (discharge amount) of the fuel pump 22. That is, the CPU 54 also functions as a consumption detection unit. Since the consumption amount of methanol fuel can also be detected (estimated) from the output of the cell stack 12, the consumption amount of methanol fuel may be detected based on the output of the cell stack 12 per predetermined time.

  In addition to this, information related to charging of the secondary battery 60 by the cell stack 12 and an increase amount of water (reaction product water) in the water tank 44 may be set as progress information. As information regarding charging, the storage rate of the secondary battery 60 and the amount of increase (increase in temperature) associated with charging can be set as progress information. Since the storage rate and temperature increase amount of the secondary battery 60 and the increase amount of water in the water tank 44 (the supply amount of water to the water tank 44) are both substantially proportional to the oxygen consumption amount, If the power reaches the predetermined value, the power generation of the cell stack 12 can be continued within a range in which the deterioration is not promoted even by stopping the power generation.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the width, depth, and height dimensions in the garage are acquired using the detection results of the sonars 88a to 88e has been described. However, the height dimension is a preset value. (For example, 2.3 m) may be used. In this case, the sonar 88e can be omitted.

  Moreover, although the above-mentioned embodiment demonstrated the case where sonar 88a-88e which each has the transmitter 90a and the receiver 90b was used, this invention is not limited to this. You may make it receive the reflected signal of the detection signal emitted in the several direction from the one transmission means by several receiving means.

  Further, there may be one receiving means. In this case, for example, the direction of the receiving means may be changed by the direction changing means so that the reflected signals from different directions such as four directions and above are received by one receiving means.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the distance to the object is detected using ultrasonic waves by the sonars 88a to 88e including the transmitter 90a and the receiver 90b has been described. However, the object is detected using light such as a laser. May be detected. Specifically, a laser scanner including an LED as another example of the transmitting means and a CCD as another example of the receiving means is used, and the reflected light of the laser emitted from the LED as the detection signal is reflected by the CCD as the reflected signal. You may make it receive. In addition to the laser scanner, for example, a camera that can detect the distance to an object using infrared light or the like may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the cell is based on any one of the volume of the garage (the volume of the space in which the motorcycle 100 is disposed), the temperature change amount of the outside air, the humidity change amount and the methanol concentration change amount, and the output change amount. Although the case where the power generation of the stack 12 is stopped has been described, the power generation of the cell stack 12 may be stopped based only on the acquired volume of the garage.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where an aqueous methanol solution containing methanol, which is an example of alcohol, is used as the fuel, but the fuel is not limited to this, and an aqueous ethanol solution containing ethanol, which is another example of alcohol, is used as the fuel. It may be used as The fuel is not limited to alcohol fuel, and may be ether fuel containing ether such as dimethyl ether.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the direct methanol fuel cell system has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to a reformer-mounted fuel cell system and a hydrogen fuel cell system that supplies hydrogen gas to a fuel cell as fuel.

  The fuel cell system of the present invention can be suitably used not only for motorcycles but also for any transportation equipment such as automobiles and ships. The fuel cell system of the present invention can also be suitably used for electronic devices such as personal computers (personal computers) and mobile phones. For example, when the fuel cell system of the present invention is used for a notebook (portable) personal computer, in step S1 of FIG. 5, based on the inclination of the laptop and the open / close state of the laptop detected by the gyro sensor, What is necessary is just to determine whether a personal computer is a stoppage state.

1 is a system diagram showing a main configuration of a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the fuel cell system of one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a left side view showing a motorcycle on which a fuel cell system according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted. Fig. 4 is a right side view showing the motorcycle of Fig. 3. It is a flowchart which shows an example of main operation | movement of the fuel cell system of one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Fuel Cell System 12 Cell Stack 18 Fuel Cell (Fuel Battery Cell)
22 Fuel pump 52, 62 Controller 54 CPU
56 clock circuit 58 memory 88a-88e sonar 90a transmitter 90b receiver 92 main switch 100 motorcycle

Claims (11)

A fuel cell system for supplying power to equipment,
A fuel cell that uses air containing oxidant and fuel for power generation;
Spatial information acquisition means for acquiring spatial information relating to the size of the space in which the fuel cell system is disposed, and control means for stopping power generation of the fuel cell based on the spatial information acquired by the spatial information acquisition means A fuel cell system. The spatial information acquisition means acquires the volume of the space as the spatial information,
2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stops power generation of the fuel cell if the volume of the space acquired by the spatial information acquisition unit is less than a first threshold value.   The control means stops the power generation of the fuel cell if the volume of the space acquired by the spatial information acquisition means is less than the first threshold and not less than a second threshold smaller than the first threshold. The fuel cell system according to claim 2.   The spatial information acquisition unit includes a transmission unit that emits a detection signal toward the outside, and a reception unit that receives a reflected signal of the detection signal, and the reception unit transmits the detection signal after the transmission unit transmits the detection signal. The fuel cell system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the volume of the space is acquired based on an elapsed time until a reflected signal is received.   The spatial information acquisition unit includes a plurality of the reception units that receive the reflected signals from different directions, and the spatial information is acquired based on a plurality of the elapsed times until each of the plurality of reception units receives the reflected signal. The fuel cell system according to claim 4, wherein the volume of the fuel cell is acquired. Setting means for setting progress information until power generation of the fuel cell is stopped based on the spatial information;
The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stops power generation of the fuel cell based on the progress information set by the setting unit. And further includes a time measuring means for measuring time,
The setting means sets a duration time for continuing the power generation of the fuel cell based on the spatial information as the progress information,
The fuel cell system according to claim 6, wherein the control unit stops power generation of the fuel cell when the time measuring unit measures the lapse of the duration set by the setting unit. Further comprising consumption detection means for detecting consumption of the fuel,
The setting means sets the amount of fuel consumed until power generation of the fuel cell is stopped based on the spatial information as the progress information,
The fuel cell system according to claim 6, wherein the control unit stops power generation of the fuel cell when a detection result of the consumption amount detection unit reaches a consumption amount of the fuel set by the setting unit. A determination unit for determining whether or not the device is in a shutdown state;
2. The fuel cell system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stops power generation of the fuel cell based on the spatial information when the determination unit determines that the operation is stopped. 3. The device is a transport device,
The determination means includes speed detection means for detecting a moving speed of the transport equipment, boarding detection means for detecting boarding of an occupant on the transport equipment, and instructions from an instruction means for instructing stoppage of the transport equipment. 10. The fuel cell system according to claim 9, further comprising: at least one of instruction detection means for detecting an error and determining whether or not the operation is stopped based on a detection result of any of the detection means.   A transportation device comprising the fuel cell system according to claim 1.

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