JP2010272310A - Fuel cell device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel cell device which can determine clogging of a filter. <P>SOLUTION: The fuel cell device has a case 1, the filter 2 for cleaning arranged on an inlet 11 of the case 1 and having air permeability, an air conveying source 3 arranged on a storage chamber 10 of the case 1 and leading out air from an outlet 12 by absorbing the air while making the air pass through the filter 2, a fuel cell system 4 arranged on the storage chamber 10 of the case 1, and a control section 100 for controlling the fuel cell system 4. The control section 100 executes clogging determination treatment for determining clogging of the filter 2 on the basis of physical quantity about internal temperature of the storage chamber 10, and physical quantity about outside air temperature. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell device.

  In the fuel cell system, outside air is taken in to ventilate the interior of the storage chamber (Patent Document 1). When the outside air is taken into the system as described above, if dust or the like is mixed with the outside air and introduced into the storage chamber, there is a risk that a component failure inside the storage chamber or the power generation efficiency of the stack may be significantly reduced. is there. For this reason, it is preferable that outside air is introduce | transduced into a storage chamber through a filter. When the fuel cell system having the filter is operated for a long time as described above, the filter is clogged and the function of the filter is lowered. Therefore, the filter must be appropriately maintained.

  As for the filter maintenance time, a general method is to notify the user of the filter maintenance after a certain period of time has elapsed due to the accumulation of the system operation time. However, since the degree of contamination of outside air and the amount of outside air that has passed through the filter cannot be accurately grasped, the filter may be clogged before the filter is maintained, and the function of the fuel cell system may be impaired. Further, as shown in Patent Document 2, there is a method in which a wind speed sensor for determining the wind speed of outside air is provided in the accommodation chamber, but there is a problem that a special sensor such as a wind speed sensor must be newly provided.

JP 2006-128138 A JP 2005-106323 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a fuel cell device capable of determining clogging of a filter based on a physical quantity related to the internal temperature of the storage chamber and a physical quantity related to the outside air temperature. Let it be an issue.

  The fuel cell device according to the present invention includes: (i) a housing chamber, a case having an introduction port that communicates the housing chamber and outside air, and a lead-out port that communicates the housing chamber and outside air; and (ii) introduction of the case A purifying filter provided at the mouth and having air permeability; and (iii) an air conveyance source that is disposed in the housing chamber of the case and sucks outside air through the filter and flows into the housing chamber and is led out from the outlet port; (Iv) a fuel cell system disposed in the housing chamber of the case; and (v) a control unit that controls the fuel cell system; (vi) the control unit includes a physical quantity related to the internal temperature of the housing chamber; Based on the physical quantity related to the outside temperature of the outside air in the storage chamber, a clogging determination process for determining clogging of the filter is executed based on the internal temperature of the storage chamber and the outside air temperature.

  The filter is provided at the inlet of the case, and purifies the air flowing into the storage chamber from the inlet.

  The air conveyance source is disposed in the housing chamber of the case, and air outside the housing chamber is sucked through the filter and flows into the housing chamber, and is further led out to the outside from the outlet. Examples of the air conveyance source include a blower, a pump, and a fan. The housing chamber of the case is heated by heat radiation from the heat source of the fuel cell system. When the air conveyance source is activated, the outside air passes through the filter at the introduction port and is conveyed to the accommodation chamber, passes through the inside of the accommodation chamber of the case while cooling, and is led out from the outlet port. For this reason, the internal temperature of the storage chamber is basically affected by heat radiation from the heat source of the fuel cell system to the storage chamber, the flow rate of the outside air flowing into the storage chamber, and the temperature of the outside air flowing into the storage chamber. Therefore, if the amount of heat released per unit time from the heat source of the fuel cell system is almost constant, there is a correlation between the physical quantity related to the internal temperature of the storage chamber and the physical quantity related to the outside air temperature of the external air in the storage chamber. That's right.

  Here, the physical quantity related to the internal temperature of the accommodation room is basically (a) the amount of heat released from the heat source of the fuel cell system arranged in the accommodation room to the accommodation room per unit time, and (b) the filter in the accommodation room. And (c) the temperature of the outside air flowing into the accommodation chamber through the filter. Therefore, if the amount of heat released from the heat source of the fuel cell system arranged in the storage chamber to the storage chamber per unit time is known, the physical quantity related to the internal temperature of the storage chamber and the physical quantity related to the outside air temperature can be obtained in the storage chamber. The flow rate of outside air per unit time flowing through the filter is obtained.

  Here, the flow rate of outside air per unit time flowing into the storage chamber via the filter is basically affected by the output of the air conveyance source and the clogging of the filter. Therefore, if the output of the air conveyance source is known, the degree of clogging of the filter can be determined by obtaining the internal temperature and the external air temperature of the storage chamber.

  According to the present invention, the physical quantity related to the internal temperature of the storage room means a physical quantity that directly or indirectly affects the internal temperature of the storage room, and the internal temperature of the storage room itself or the internal temperature of the storage room. The output of the air carrier that indirectly affects In systems that aim to control the internal temperature almost constant, if the filter is clogged, the output of the air conveyance source is increased and the flow rate per unit time of outside air introduced from the inlet to the containment chamber Increase. On the other hand, when the filter is clogged, the output of the air conveyance source is decreased, and the flow rate per unit time of the outside air introduced from the inlet to the storage chamber is decreased. Therefore, the internal temperature of the storage chamber can be replaced by the output of the air conveyance source. The physical quantity related to the outside air temperature means a physical quantity that directly or indirectly affects the outside air temperature, and includes the outside air temperature outside the storage chamber itself.

  According to the fuel cell device of the present invention, the clogging of the filter can be determined based on the physical quantity related to the internal temperature of the storage chamber and the physical quantity related to the outside air temperature, and the life of the filter can be determined. According to a general fuel cell device, an internal temperature sensor for determining the internal temperature of the storage chamber and an external air temperature sensor for determining the external air temperature are provided for controlling the power generation operation of the fuel cell system. If such a temperature sensor is used, it is not necessary to provide a special sensor such as a wind speed sensor in the accommodation chamber.

It is a figure which concerns on Example 1 and shows the internal structure of a fuel cell apparatus. 6 is a graph according to an example showing a correlation between an outside air temperature and an internal temperature according to Example 1; 5 is a flowchart executed by the control unit according to the first embodiment. It is a graph which concerns on Example 2, shows the correlation with the outside temperature and internal temperature when a power generation output is W2, when a power generation output is W2, and when a power generation output is W3. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of a fuel cell device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of a fuel cell device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of a fuel cell device according to Example 5. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of a fuel cell device according to Example 6. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of a fuel cell device according to Example 7. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of a fuel cell device according to Example 8. FIG. 19A is a graph according to an example showing a correlation between the outside air temperature and the output of the air conveyance source when the internal temperature is T1, and (b) is the outside air when the internal temperature is T1. It is a graph which concerns on an example which shows the correlation of temperature and the output of an air conveyance source, (c) is a graph which concerns on an example which shows the correlation between the outside temperature when an internal temperature is T1, and the output of an air conveyance source. is there. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of a fuel cell device according to Example 10. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of a fuel cell device according to Example 11.

  It is preferable that an internal temperature sensor for detecting the internal temperature of the housing chamber of the case is provided. In this case, the internal temperature sensor is disposed in the flow path through which the indoor air flow led out from the inlet to the outlet through the storage chamber, and the temperature of the air that has received the heat released from the heat source in the fuel cell system. It is preferable to detect. You may provide a 2nd case in the storage chamber of a case. In this case, the heat source may be accommodated in the accommodation chamber of the second case, and the temperature of the accommodation chamber of the second case may be the internal temperature. In this case, the internal temperature can be increased.

  When the internal temperature of the storage chamber is high, the difference between the internal temperature of the storage chamber and the outside air temperature increases, so that the determination accuracy can be easily improved. Therefore, when the difference between the internal temperature of the storage chamber and the outside air temperature increases, that is, when the fuel cell system is in a power generation operation, and / or stop processing for stopping the power generation operation of the fuel cell system is executed. The control unit can execute the clogging determination process.

  Examples of the heat source in the fuel cell system include a fuel cell and an electric device. The electric device is exemplified by an inverter. Further, when a reformer for reforming the fuel material into the anode fluid is provided, the reformer can also be a heat source. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit execute the filter clogging determination process during the power generation operation in which these heat sources are operating in the storage chamber. Furthermore, the filter clogging determination process can be executed even when the stop process for stopping the power generation operation of the fuel cell system is being executed. The reason for this is that there is residual heat from the heat source, so that the internal temperature of the storage chamber becomes high, and the difference between the internal temperature of the storage chamber and the outside air temperature increases. Here, the stop process for stopping the power generation operation of the fuel cell system generally stops the power generation operation of the fuel cell by stopping the supply of the cathode fluid and the anode fluid to the fuel cell. Post-processing such as supplying cooling air to the reformer to cool the remaining heat of the reformer.

  An outside air temperature sensor for determining the outside air temperature outside the case is provided, and the outside air temperature sensor is preferably arranged upstream of the filter. The outside air temperature sensor is preferably provided outside the case, but it may be located on the inlet side upstream of the filter even in the case housing chamber.

  In the filter clogging determination process, it is preferable that the air conveyance source operates at a predetermined output value (the number of rotations per unit time) or more. If the output of the air conveyance source is less than a predetermined output value, outside air with a flow rate less than the determined amount enters the storage chamber side and then the internal temperature sensor side from the outlet, and there is a possibility that the determination accuracy of the determination process may be lowered. Because there is.

  Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to FIGS. The fuel cell device according to this example is a fuel cell having a polymer type solid electrolyte and has a case 1. The case 1 has a box shape and has at least a ceiling wall 1u, a bottom wall 1d, a first side wall 1c, and a second side wall 1e. The case 1 includes a storage chamber 10, an introduction port 11 that communicates the storage chamber 10 and the outside air, and a lead-out port 12 that communicates the storage chamber 10 and the outside air. The outlet 12 is formed in the upper part of the first side wall 1c. The introduction port 11 is formed in the lower part of the second side wall 1e and functions as a ventilation port for ventilating the storage chamber 10. Thus, an upward air flow that can receive heat from the heat source is formed by flowing from the lower part to the upper part of the storage chamber 10. Note that the ventilation port formed by the outlet 12 is advantageous in the event of a gas leak.

  An air purifying filter 2 having air permeability is provided at the inlet 11 of the case 1. Dust and the like contained in the outside air are removed by the filter 2. An air conveyance source 3 is disposed in the housing chamber 10 of the case 1. The air conveyance source 3 functions as a ventilation fan that promotes ventilation, and is provided so as to face the filter 2. The air conveyance source 3 sucks outside air in the direction of the arrow X1 so as to pass through the filter 2, and further flows the sucked air into the housing chamber 10 to be led out from the outlet 12 to the outside 19 in the direction of the arrow X2.

  The fuel cell system 4 disposed in the housing chamber 10 of the case 1 includes a stack 40 formed by a plurality of fuel cells, a reformer 42, and an inverter 44 functioning as an electric device as main components. The stack 40, the reformer 42, and the inverter 44 can function as a heat source that releases heat to the storage chamber 10 during a power generation operation. The stack 40 is disposed on the upper part of the storage chamber 10. The inverter 44 is disposed on the lower side of the stack 40. The reformer 42 is disposed on the side of the stack 40 and the inverter 44. The reformer 42 includes a combustion section having a combustion burner for heating the reformer, an evaporation section for steaming the reforming water, and a reforming section for reforming the fuel material using the steam formed by the evaporation section. And have.

  When the fuel cell system 4 performs a power generation operation, the air conveyance source 3 operates. Then, outside air is sucked in the direction of the arrow X 1, passes through the filter 2 of the inlet 11, is transported to the storage chamber 10, and passes through the interior of the storage chamber 10 of the case 1. In this case, the sucked air rises while cooling heat sources such as the inverter 44, the stack 40, and the reformer 42, that is, receiving heat radiation from the heat sources such as the inverter 44, the stack 40, and the reformer 42. While being heated, it flows through the storage chamber 10 toward the outlet 12. The heated air is led out from the outlet 12 in the direction of the arrow X2 and discharged to the outside 19 of the case 1.

  Here, the air sucked into the storage chamber 10 is supplied as a cathode gas to the cathode of the fuel cell of the stack 40 by a cathode gas pump (not shown) and used for a power generation reaction. In addition, the air sucked into the storage chamber 10 is supplied to a combustion burner of the reformer 42 by a pump (not shown) to burn the combustion raw material and heat the reformer 42. The heated reformer 42 reforms the fuel raw material supplied from a fuel raw material passage (not shown) to generate anode gas. The produced anode gas is supplied to the anode of the fuel cell in the stack 40 through an anode gas passage (not shown) and used for a power generation reaction.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an internal temperature sensor 5 that determines the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 is provided. An internal temperature sensor 5 is provided in the flow path of the indoor airflow that flows through the storage chamber 10 from the inlet 11 toward the outlet 12. Specifically, the internal temperature sensor 5 is provided in the upper part of the interior of the storage chamber 10 so as to face the outlet 12 through which the indoor air flow is led out to the outside air. The air heated by receiving heat released from heat sources such as the stack 40, the inverter 44, the reformer 42, and the like, which are components constituting the fuel cell system 4, is supplied from the outlet 12 to the outside of the case 1 in the direction of the arrow X2. When led to 19, the internal temperature sensor 5 detects the temperature of the air flowing upstream from the outlet 12 (immediately before the outlet 12). For this reason, the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 detected by the internal temperature sensor 5 is higher than the outside air temperature.

  Here, as long as the air conveyance source 3 is operating, the heated air in the accommodation chamber 10 is led out to the outside 19 from the outlet 12, so that the outside air from the outside 19 enters the accommodation chamber 10 through the outlet 12. Is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the outside air entering the storage chamber 10 from the outlet 12 from affecting the temperature detection accuracy of the internal temperature sensor 5. For this reason, the determination accuracy of the clogging determination process is ensured. In this sense, in the clogging determination process of the filter 2, it is preferable that the air conveyance source 3 operates at a predetermined output value (the number of rotations per unit time) or more. If the output of the air conveyance source 3 is less than a predetermined output value, the outside air enters the internal temperature sensor 5 side from the outlet 12, so that the determination accuracy of the determination process may be reduced. Note that the predetermined output value may be set in advance as a fixed value, or may be set by a user or a maintenance person from the setting device 105 such as a remote controller in accordance with the installation location of the case 1 or the like.

  In the fuel cell system 4, the air heated by receiving heat released from a heat source that radiates heat, such as the stack 40, the inverter 44, the reformer 42, the pump (not shown), and the air carrier 3, 12 is derived. For this reason, the internal temperature sensor 5 can take into account the heat released from the heat source of the fuel cell system 4. An outside air temperature sensor 6 for determining the outside air temperature of the outside air outside the case 1 is provided. The outside air temperature sensor 6 is disposed on the outer surface side of the case 1 so as to be located upstream of the filter 2.

  Now, when the fuel cell system 4 is in a power generation operation, a certain correlation exists between the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 and the outside air temperature. If the outside air temperature is low, such as in winter, the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 tends to be low accordingly. If the outside air temperature is high, such as in summer, the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 tends to become high accordingly. Furthermore, when the fuel cell system 4 is in a power generation operation, the internal temperature of the accommodation chamber 10 is raised by heat radiation from the heat source. Furthermore, when the clogging of the filter 2 is not progressing, the flow rate of the air that passes through the filter 2 and enters the storage chamber 10 is ensured, the heat accumulation in the storage chamber 10 is suppressed, and the internal temperature is increased. The degree tends to be suppressed. On the other hand, when the filter 2 is clogged, the flow rate of the air that passes through the filter 2 and enters the storage chamber 10 tends to decrease. The temperature tends to rise.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a correlation that exists between the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 and the outside air temperature. In this case, the characteristic line K1 is a linear function, but may be a quadratic function. In FIG. 2, the horizontal axis indicates the outside air temperature, and the vertical axis indicates the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10. A map showing the characteristics shown in FIG. 2 is stored in a predetermined area of the memory of the control unit 100. In FIG. 2, in the area KA below the characteristic line K <b> 1 indicating the threshold value, the clogging of the filter 2 does not proceed, the air permeability of the filter 2 is ensured, and the per unit time passing through the filter 2 is per unit time. The air flow rate is secured. Therefore, in the region KA, even if the outside air temperature rises, the heat accumulation in the storage chamber 10 is suppressed, and the increase in the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 is suppressed. Thus, if it is area | region KA, there is little clogging of the filter 2 and it is not necessary to maintain the filter 2. FIG.

  On the other hand, in the region KB above the characteristic line K1 indicating the threshold value, the filter 2 is clogged, and the air permeability of the filter 2 is reduced. In the region KB, the flow rate of air per unit time passing through the filter 2 is reduced, and the rate at which the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 rises with respect to the rise in the outside air temperature is high. Is easily induced. As described above, in the region KB, the temperature increase of the internal chamber 10 is promoted compared to the temperature increase of the outside air. If it is such area | region KB, clogging of the filter 2 is advancing and it is preferable to maintain the filter 2 rapidly.

  Therefore, the control unit 100 detects the internal temperature and the outside air temperature of the storage chamber 10 when executing the clogging determination process of the filter 2. If the relationship between the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 and the outside air temperature is the region KB, the clogging of the filter 2 has progressed, and the control unit 100 confirms that the maintenance time of the filter 2 is near to the user's remote control or management. A notification signal to notify the control device of the center is output. If the relationship between the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 and the outside air temperature is the region KA, the filter 2 is not clogged so much, and the filter 2 is in the normal range. It is not necessary to maintain.

  Further explanation will be added. The internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 basically includes (a) the amount of heat released from the heat source in the fuel cell system 4 disposed in the storage chamber 10 to the storage chamber 10 per unit time, and (b) the filter in the storage chamber 10. 2 and (c) the temperature of the outside air flowing into the storage chamber 10 via the filter 2. Therefore, if the amount of heat released from the heat source of the fuel cell system 4 disposed in the storage chamber 10 to the storage chamber 10 per unit time is known, specifically, if the power generation output of the fuel cell system 4 is known, If the internal temperature and the outside air temperature of the storage chamber 10 are obtained, the flow rate of the outside air per unit time flowing into the storage chamber 10 via the filter 2 is estimated.

  Here, the flow rate of outside air per unit time flowing into the storage chamber 10 via the filter 2 is basically the output of the air carrier 3 and the air passage rate of the filter 2 (corresponding to clogging of the filter 2). And affected. Therefore, if the output of the air conveyance source 3 is known, the air passage rate of the filter 2, that is, the degree of progress of clogging of the filter 2 is indirectly determined by obtaining the internal temperature and the outside air temperature of the storage chamber 10. Presumed. Note that, according to the present embodiment, when the clogging determination process of the filter 2 is being performed, in order to increase the determination accuracy, it is preferable to maintain the power generation output of the stack 40 at a substantially constant value or a constant region. . It is preferable to maintain the output of the air conveyance source 3 at a substantially constant value or a constant region.

  According to a general fuel cell device, an internal temperature sensor 5 for determining the internal temperature of the housing chamber 10 of the case 1 and an external temperature sensor 6 for determining the external temperature are conventionally used for controlling the power generation operation of the fuel cell system 4. Equipped from. As described above, when the clogging of the filter 2 is determined, the internal temperature sensor 5 and the outside air temperature sensor 6 which are conventionally provided can be effectively used. For this reason, the advantage which does not need to provide special sensors, such as a wind speed sensor, in the storage chamber 10 is acquired.

  By the way, when the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 is high, the difference between the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 and the outside air temperature increases. For this reason, compared with the case where the internal temperature is low and there is substantially no difference between the internal temperature and the outside air temperature, it is easy to improve the determination accuracy in the clogging determination process for determining clogging of the filter 2. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit 100 performs the clogging determination process for the filter 2 when the fuel cell system 4 is in a power generation operation. In order to further improve the determination accuracy in the clogging determination process of the filter 2, it is preferable to maintain the output of the air conveyance source 3 at a constant value or a constant region. Therefore, the control unit 100 can continuously perform the power generation operation (rated operation) of the fuel cell system 4 when executing the clogging determination process of the filter 2. This is because large fluctuations in the heat dissipation amount from the heat source of the fuel cell system 4 and the output of the air carrier source 3 are suppressed. The rated operation means that the system can be operated continuously with the power generation output at the upper limit guaranteed by the manufacturer, and is described in catalogs, nameplates, and the like.

  Examples of the heat source in the fuel cell system 4 disposed in the storage chamber 10 include a stack 40, a reformer 42, and an inverter 44. Furthermore, although not shown, mechanical elements such as an air conveyance source 3 and a pump are illustrated. Therefore, when these heat sources are operating, heat radiation from the heat sources such as the stack 40, the reformer 42, and the inverter 44 is expected, and the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 rises. For this reason, as described above, it is preferable that the control unit 100 execute the clogging determination process of the filter 2 during the power generation operation of the fuel cell system 4. In particular, it is preferable that the control unit 100 execute the clogging determination process of the filter 2 in a state where the power generation output of the stack 40 is maintained in a constant or constant region. The reason is that large fluctuations in the heat release from the stack 40, the reformer 42, and the inverter 44 can be suppressed, and the determination accuracy in the clogging determination process can be improved.

  According to the present embodiment, the clogging determination process may be executed even when the fuel cell system 4 is executing the stop process for stopping the power generation operation. In this case, the supply of the anode gas and the cathode gas to the stack 40 is stopped, and the power generation operation of the stack 40 and the reforming operation of the reformer 42 are stopped, but the high-temperature reformer 42 is cooled. Therefore, cooling air is supplied to the reformer 42. Even in this case, the residual heat of the heat sources such as the stack 40, the reformer 42, the inverter 44, and the like exists in the storage chamber 10. For this reason, the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 of the case 1 is increased, the difference between the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 and the outside air temperature is increased, and clogging determination accuracy is ensured. When it is determined that maintenance of the filter 2 is necessary when the stop process is being executed, the power generation operation itself of the fuel cell system 4 is stopped, so the air carrier 3 is stopped and the filter 2 is quickly moved. There is an advantage that maintenance is possible.

  During the system start-up operation, the temperature of the heat source such as the stack 40, the reformer 42, the inverter 44, etc. is low, so that heat is not radiated in the storage chamber 10 and the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 and the outside air temperature are reduced. The difference is small. In this case, there is a tendency that it is difficult to increase the determination accuracy in the clogging determination process for determining the filter 2 clogging. However, in some cases, the clogging determination process may be executed during the startup operation of the system.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a control law executed by the control unit 100. The flowchart is not limited to this. First, the control unit 100 reads information such as the elapsed time that has elapsed since the previous maintenance of the filter 2 (step S102). The control unit 100 determines whether or not the time for performing the clogging determination process for the filter 2 has arrived (step S104). This is because it is preferable to perform the clogging determination process for the filter 2 after a certain time has elapsed since the previous filter maintenance. If the time for performing the clogging determination process for the filter 2 has arrived, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the fuel cell system 4 is generating power (step S106). Even when the time for performing the clogging determination process has arrived, if the system 4 is not generating power (NO in step S106), it is difficult to obtain high determination accuracy, so the control unit 100 clogs the filter 2. Return to the main routine without starting the determination process.

  When the time for performing the clogging determination process for the filter 2 has arrived and the condition that the fuel cell system 4 is in the power generation operation is satisfied (YES in step S106), the control unit 100 determines that the filter 2 A signal for starting the clogging determination process is output (step S108). As a result, the control unit 100 outputs a signal for making the power generation output of the stack 40 constant or maintaining it in a constant region, and also for making the output (the number of revolutions per unit time) of the air carrier source 23 constant or keeping it in a constant region. Is output.

  Further, the control unit 100 waits for a predetermined time until the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 is stabilized (step S110). Further, the outside temperature sensor 6 detects the outside temperature, and the inside temperature sensor 5 detects the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 (step S112). The control unit 100 refers to the map shown in FIG. 2 based on the internal temperature and the outside air temperature (step S114). Furthermore, based on this map, the control unit 100 determines the degree of progress of clogging of the filter 2 (step S116). If the filter 2 is normal, the process returns to the main routine. When the degree of progress of clogging of the filter 2 requires maintenance, the control unit 100 determines that maintenance of the filter 2 is necessary.

  After waiting (step S116), the control unit 100 repeats the clogging determination process for the filter 2 up to a predetermined number of times (M times) (step S120). If the total number of times determined to require maintenance in the clogging determination process is a predetermined number of times (M times) continuously (YES in step S120), the control unit 100 determines that maintenance of the filter 2 is required ( Step S122). And the control part 100 alert | reports the determination to a user's remote control or the control apparatus of a management center (step S124). Thereby, the maintenance of the filter 2 is executed.

  Furthermore, the system 4 may be operated for power generation until maintenance is performed. For this reason, the control unit 100 determines the degree of clogging of the filter 2 in a plurality of stages (large, medium, and small). For power generation operation thereafter, the control unit 100 executes correction processing. In the correction process, if the clogging of the filter 2 is small (step S130), the control unit 100 sets the addition value α1 (step S132), and sets the rotation number N per unit time instructed to the air conveyance source 3. On the other hand, a value obtained by adding α1 is set as a set value (step S134). If the filter 2 is clogged (step S140), correction processing is executed for the subsequent power generation operation. In the correction process, the control unit 100 sets the addition value α2 (step S142), and sets a value obtained by adding α2 to the rotation speed N per unit time instructed to the air conveyance source 3 (step S142). S144). If the clogging of the filter 2 is large (step S150), an addition value α3 is set (step S152), and a value obtained by adding α3 to the rotation speed N per unit time instructed to the air conveyance source 3 Is set as a set value (step S154). By adding and correcting in this way, even when the filter 2 is clogged, the progress of clogging of the filter 2 is taken into consideration, and the output of the air conveyance source 3 (the number of rotations per unit time). ) Is added and increased. Therefore, even when the filter 2 is clogged, the control unit 100 can ensure the flow rate of air per unit time that passes through the filter 2 and flows into the storage chamber 10. The power generation operation of the battery system 4 can be executed satisfactorily, and a desired power generation output can be ensured. When the maintenance of the filter 2 is executed, the above addition is canceled.

  If it is determined that the maintenance of the filter 2 is necessary, but the determination is not continued, the determination may be affected by noise, so the control unit 100 indicates that the maintenance of the filter 2 is necessary. Return to the main routine without making a decision (NO in step S128). In addition, although the control part 100 is implementing the correction process, it is not restricted to this and does not need to implement a correction process.

  FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and the same operation and effect as the first embodiment, and is a fuel cell having a polymer type solid electrolyte. According to the present embodiment, when the power generation output of the stack 40 is W1, the power generation output of the stack 40 is W2 (W2> W1), and the power generation output of the stack 40 is W3 (W3> W2), FIG. Use the map shown. The control unit 100 executes the first clogging determination process of the filter 2 with the power generation output of the stack 40 set to W1, and then performs the first clogging determination process of the filter 2 with the power generation output of the stack 40 set to W2. The second clogging determination process is executed, and then the third clogging determination process of the filter 2 is executed with the power generation output of the stack 40 set to W3. Or you may perform in order of W3, W2, W1. In a plurality of clogging determination processes in which the power generation output of the stack 40 is changed, the clogging of the filter 2 is progressing when the relationship between the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 and the outside air temperature is the region KB. Therefore, the control unit 100 outputs a notification signal that notifies the user's remote control or the control device of the management center that the maintenance time of the filter 2 is almost over. In this way, the clogging determination process is executed in a state where the power generation output of the stack 40 is changed in a plurality of stages, that is, in a state where the heat radiation amount of the heat source in the storage chamber 10 is changed in a plurality of stages. Can contribute to the improvement.

  Note that the higher the power generation output of the stack 40, the higher the amount of heat released from the heat sources such as the stack 40, the reformer 42, and the inverter 44. The determination accuracy in the clogging determination process can be increased. For this reason, if different determination results are obtained when the power generation output of the stack 40 is different, the control unit 100 has a higher power generation output of the stack 40 than the determination result when the power generation output of the stack 40 is low. It is also possible to give priority to the determination result in the case. However, it is not limited to this.

  FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and the same operation and effect as the first embodiment, and is a fuel cell having a polymer type solid electrolyte. As shown in FIG. 5, a passage forming member 18 is provided in the storage chamber 10 so as to face the introduction port 11. The passage forming member 18 has a first ventilation port 18f and a second ventilation port 18s. The air conveyance source 3 includes a first air conveyance source 3f formed by a ventilation fan arranged at the first ventilation port 18f, and a second air conveyance source 3s formed by a blower arranged at the second ventilation port 18s. Have When the fuel cell system 4 performs a power generation operation, the first air conveyance source 3 f and the second air conveyance source 3 s are operated, so that outside air is sucked into the accommodation chamber 10 through the filter 2. The air sucked in the direction of the arrow X3 by the operation of the first air conveyance source 3f flows through the storage chamber 10, receives heat from a heat source such as the inverter 44, the stack 40, the reformer 42, etc. 12 to the outside 19.

  Further, the air sucked in the direction of the arrow X4 by the operation of the second air conveyance source 3s passes through the inside of the housing 3h of the second air conveyance source 3s from the suction port 3i of the housing 3h of the second air conveyance source 3s, The air is supplied to the reformer 42 from the discharge port 3p of the housing 3h of the second air conveyance source 3s through the piping, and becomes combustion air for burning the combustion fuel by the combustion burner of the reformer 42. Exhaust gas such as combustion air is exhausted from the exhaust port 17 of the case 1 to the outside 19 together with the combustion exhaust gas via a pipe. The exhaust port 17 is separated from the outlet 12.

  Also in this embodiment, if the control unit 100 obtains the internal temperature and the outside air temperature of the storage chamber 10 in the clogging determination process, the degree of clogging of the filter 2 is indirectly determined. In the clogging determination process, in order to improve the determination accuracy, a large fluctuation in the power generation output of the stack 40 is suppressed, and a large fluctuation in the output of the air conveyance source 3, that is, the rotation speed per unit time is suppressed. Is preferred.

  Unless the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 is excessively high, if the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 is high, the difference between the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 and the outside air temperature increases, so the determination accuracy of clogging of the filter 2 It can be said that it is easy to raise. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit 100 performs the clogging determination process for the filter 2 when the fuel cell system 4 is in a power generation operation. In particular, when the fuel cell system 4 is instructed to perform a power generation operation with a constant power generation output, that is, the air transportation sources 3f and 3s are instructed to operate the air transportation sources 3f and 3s with a predetermined output. The control unit 100 preferably executes a clogging determination process for the filter 2. When the clogging determination process is being executed in this way, it is preferable to fix the output of the air conveyance sources 3f and 3s. This is because fluctuations in the outside air suction flow rate per unit time based on the operation of the air conveyance sources 3f and 3s are suppressed, and as a result, the determination accuracy in the clogging determination process is improved.

  Examples of the heat source that raises the temperature of the storage chamber 10 include a stack 40, an inverter 44, a reformer 42 that reforms the fuel material into anode gas, and mechanical elements such as a pump. Therefore, as described above, it is preferable that the control unit 100 execute the clogging determination process during the power generation operation in which these heat sources are operating.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the control unit 100 execute the clogging determination process even when the fuel cell system 4 is executing a stop process for stopping the power generation operation. The reason for this is that the residual heat of the heat source described above exists in the storage chamber 10, so that the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 becomes high, and the difference between the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 and the outside air temperature increases. In this case, although the power generation operation of the stack 40 is stopped and the operation of the second air conveyance source 3s is stopped, the first air conveyance source 3f is activated. As a result, a flow path of the indoor air flow that flows through the introduction port 11, the storage chamber 10, and the discharge port 12 is formed so that the internal temperature sensor 5 can detect the temperature of the air including the heat released by the heat source of the storage chamber 10. To do.

  FIG. 6 shows a fourth embodiment. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and the same operation and effect as the first embodiment, and is a fuel cell having a polymer type solid electrolyte. As shown in FIG. 6, an air conveyance source 3 e formed of a blower is provided in the storage chamber 10. The air conveyance source 3 e forms a flow path of the indoor air flow that flows through the inlet 11, the storage chamber 10, and the outlet 12. The internal temperature sensor 5 detects the internal temperature of the housing chamber 10, and is arranged upstream of the suction port 3i of the housing 3h of the air transport source 3e so as to face the suction port 3i of the housing 3h of the air transport source 3e. Has been.

  When the air blower incorporated in the air conveyance source 3e is activated, the outside air outside the case 19 is sucked into the storage chamber 10 so as to pass through the filter 2, and comes into contact with the stack 40, the inverter 44, and the reformer 42. While receiving heat from these, the air is sucked into the suction port 3i of the housing 3h of the air conveyance source 3e, and is supplied from the discharge port 3p of the housing 3h of the air conveyance source 3e to the reformer 42 via the pipe 3mo. Here, the air sucked into the housing 3h of the air conveyance source 3e from the suction port 3i includes the heat released from the heat source such as the stack 40 and the inverter 44 to the accommodation chamber 10, and the temperature is raised. Therefore, the internal temperature sensor 5 can satisfactorily detect the temperature of the air heated by the heat released from the heat source such as the stack 40 and the inverter 44 to the accommodation chamber 10.

  The air supplied to the reformer 42 is supplied to the combustion burner of the reformer 42, burns the combustion raw material, heats the reformer 42, and then is led out to the outside 19 from the outlet 12. The heated reformer 42 reforms the fuel raw material supplied from a fuel raw material passage (not shown) to generate anode gas. The anode gas is supplied to the anode of the stack 40 via a pipe of an anode gas passage (not shown) and used for a power generation reaction. The air sucked into the storage chamber 10 is supplied as a cathode gas to the cathode of the stack 40 of the fuel cell by a cathode gas pump (not shown), and the cathode off-gas that has undergone a power generation reaction is sent to the outside 19 via a pipe (not shown). Released.

  In the present embodiment, the air derived from the air conveyance source 3e is supplied to the combustion part of the reformer 42 via the pipe 3mo, and the combustion exhaust gas from the combustion part is exhausted from the outlet 12 via the pipe. The outlet 12 also serves as a combustion exhaust outlet for exhausting the combustion exhaust gas from the combustion section.

  FIG. 7 shows a fifth embodiment. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and the same function and effect as the first embodiment. The fuel cell device according to this example is a fuel cell having a solid oxide electrolyte having a power generation operation temperature of 400 ° C. or higher and 500 ° C. or higher, and has a case 1. The storage chamber 10 of the case 1 is divided into an upper storage chamber 10u and a lower storage chamber 10d by a partition wall 10x. The case 1 has an introduction port 11 that communicates the lower storage chamber 10d with the outside air and an outlet 12 that communicates the lower storage chamber 10d with the outside air. As shown in FIG. 7, an air purifying filter 2 having air permeability is provided at the introduction port 11 of the case 1. An air conveyance source 3 is disposed in the housing chamber 10 of the case 1. The air conveyance source 3 is formed by a ventilation fan, and is provided so as to face the filter 2. The air conveyance source 3 sucks outside air in the direction of the arrow X1 so as to pass through the filter 2, and further flows the sucked air into the housing chamber 10 to be led out from the outlet 12 to the outside 19 in the direction of the arrow X2.

  The fuel cell system 4 disposed in the housing chamber 10 of the case 1 includes a stack 40 formed of a plurality of fuel cells, a reformer 42, and an inverter 44 that functions as an electric device. The reformer 42 includes an evaporation unit that converts the reforming water into steam, and a reforming unit that reforms the fuel material using the water vapor formed in the evaporation unit. The stack 40, the reformer 42, and the inverter 44 function as a heat source. The upper storage chamber 10u is provided with heat sources such as a stack 40 and a reformer 42 having a high power generation operation temperature, and the temperature is higher than that of the lower storage chamber 10d. Although the lower storage chamber 10d is provided with a relatively low-temperature heat source such as the inverter 44, the lower storage chamber 10d is lower in temperature than the upper storage chamber 10d because no high-temperature heat sources such as the stack 40 and the reformer 42 are provided. For this reason, the protection of the components of the lower storage chamber 10d is enhanced.

  In the power generation operation of the fuel cell system 4, the air carrier source 3 operates. Then, outside air is sucked in the direction of the arrow X1, passes through the filter 2 of the introduction port 11, is transported to the lower storage chamber 10d, and passes through the lower storage chamber 10d. In this case, the sucked air flows toward the outlet 12 while receiving heat from the inverter 44. Further, the air is led out in the direction of the arrow X2 from the outlet 12 of the lower storage chamber 10d and discharged to the outside 19.

  Here, the air sucked into the lower housing chamber 10d is supplied as a cathode gas to the cathode of the fuel cell stack 40 by a cathode gas pump (not shown). The air sucked into the lower housing chamber 10d is supplied to the combustion burner of the reformer 42 by a pump (not shown), burns the combustion raw material, and heats the reformer 42. The heated reformer 42 reforms the fuel raw material supplied from a fuel raw material passage (not shown) to generate anode gas. The anode gas is supplied to the anode of the stack 40 through an anode gas passage (not shown) and used for a power generation reaction.

  As shown in FIG. 7, an internal temperature sensor 5 for determining the internal temperature of the lower storage chamber 10d is provided. Therefore, a partition wall 10 x is formed between the stack 40 and the reformer 42 and the internal temperature sensor 5. Therefore, even when the stack 40 and the reformer 42 are covered with the heat insulating walls, the thermal effects from the stack 40 and the reformer 42 that are high in temperature (for example, 500 ° C. or more) during the power generation operation can be minimized. Since the internal temperature sensor 5 can detect the temperature while avoiding it, it can contribute to improving the determination accuracy in the clogging determination process. If the stack and the reformer 42 are covered with a heat insulating wall having high heat insulating properties, the partition wall 10x can be simplified or eliminated.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the internal temperature sensor 5 is provided in the flow path of the indoor airflow that flows through the storage chamber 10 from the inlet 11 toward the outlet 12. Specifically, the internal temperature sensor 5 is provided in the upper part of the storage chamber 10 so as to face the outlet 12 through which the indoor airflow flowing through the storage chamber 10 is led out to the outside air. An outside air temperature sensor 6 for determining the outside air temperature is provided. The outside air temperature sensor 6 is disposed on the outer surface side of the case 1 so as to be located upstream of the filter 2 so as to detect the temperature of outside air entering the filter 2.

  Also in the present embodiment, the control unit 100 obtains the internal temperature and the outside air temperature of the storage chamber 10 in the clogging determination process, and indirectly determines the degree of clogging of the filter 2. In the clogging determination process, in order to improve the determination accuracy, it is preferable to set the generated power of the stack 40 and the output of the air conveyance source 3 to a fixed value or a fixed region.

  According to this embodiment, a map in which characteristics are mapped according to the power generation output of the stack 40 is stored in the memory area of the control unit 100. Also in the present embodiment, when the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 is high, the difference between the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 and the outside air temperature increases, so that it is easy to improve the determination accuracy in the clogging determination process. Therefore, when the fuel cell system 4 is in a power generation operation and / or when the fuel cell system 4 is executing a stop process for stopping the power generation operation, the control unit 100 performs a clogging determination process. Is preferred.

  Examples of the heat source of the fuel cell system 4 disposed in the storage chamber 10 include a stack 40, a reformer 42, an inverter 44, a pump and a valve (not shown) as can be understood from FIG. Although the inverter 44 is disposed in the lower storage chamber 10d in which the sensor 5 is disposed, the reformer 42 and the stack 40 that are at a high temperature are not disposed. Therefore, when the inverter 44 as a heat source is operating, that is, during the power generation operation of the fuel cell system 4, it is preferable that the control unit 100 execute the clogging determination process. Even when the fuel cell system 4 is executing a stop process for stopping the power generation operation, the control unit 100 preferably executes the clogging determination process. In this case, since the residual heat of the inverter 44 and the like exists in the storage chamber 10, the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 of the case 1 is increased, and the difference between the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 and the outside air temperature increases. .

  FIG. 8 shows a sixth embodiment. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and the same operation and effect as the fifth embodiment, and is a fuel cell having a solid oxide solid electrolyte. As shown in FIG. 8, the introduction port 11 is provided with a passage forming member. The passage forming member 18 has a first ventilation port 18f and a second ventilation port 18s. The air conveyance source 3 includes a first air conveyance source 3f formed by a ventilation fan arranged at the first ventilation port 18f and a second air conveyance source formed by a blower arranged at the second ventilation port 18s. 3 s. When the fuel cell system 4 performs a power generation operation, the first air conveyance source 3 f and the second air conveyance source 3 s are operated, so that the outside air outside the outside 19 is sucked into the accommodation chamber 10 through the filter 2.

  The air sucked in the direction of the arrow X3 by the operation of the first air conveyance source 3f flows through the lower housing chamber 10d and is led out to the outside 19 from the outlet 12. The air sucked in the direction of the arrow X4 by the operation of the second air conveyance source 3s passes through the inside of the second air conveyance source 3s from the suction port 3i of the second air conveyance source 3s, and is discharged from the second air conveyance source 3s. It is supplied from the outlet 3p to the reformer 42 and the stack 40 by piping such as piping 40po. The air supplied to the reformer 42 becomes combustion air for burning the combustion fuel.

  Also in this embodiment, if the control unit 100 obtains the internal temperature and the outside air temperature of the storage chamber 10 in the clogging determination process, the degree of clogging of the filter 2 is indirectly determined. In the clogging determination process, in order to improve the determination accuracy, it is preferable to set the output of the air conveyance source 3, that is, the rotation speed per unit time, to a fixed value or a fixed region.

  When the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 is high, the difference between the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 and the outside air temperature increases, so it can be said that the determination accuracy of clogging of the filter 2 can be easily improved. Therefore, when the fuel cell system 4 is in a power generation operation and / or when the fuel cell system 4 is executing a stop process for stopping the power generation operation, the control unit 100 performs a clogging determination process for the filter 2. It is preferable to carry out. Furthermore, it is also preferable when the fuel cell system 4 is executing a stop process for stopping the power generation operation. This is because the residual heat of the inverter 44 exists in the lower storage chamber 10d, so that the internal temperature of the lower storage chamber 10d increases, and the difference between the internal temperature of the lower storage chamber 10s and the outside air temperature increases.

  FIG. 9 shows a seventh embodiment. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and the same operation and effect as each embodiment, and is a fuel cell having a solid oxide solid electrolyte. As shown in FIG. 9, the partition 40x partitions the stack 40 and the reformer 42, which have a high temperature of 300 ° C. or higher and 400 ° C. or higher during power generation operation, and protects the components in the lower storage chamber 10d from heat. Has been.

  In the lower storage chamber 10d of the storage chamber 10, an air conveyance source 3e formed by a blower (the only component for forcibly forming an indoor air flow in the lower storage chamber 10d) is disposed. The internal temperature sensor 5 for determining the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 is disposed in an air passage in the housing 3h of the air conveyance source 3e. Here, when the air blowing unit built in the air conveyance source 3 e is activated, the outside air is sucked through the filter 2. Further, the air in the lower storage chamber 10d is sucked into the air passage inside the air conveyance source 3e from the suction port 3i of the housing 3h of the air conveyance source 3e, and is routed from the discharge port 3p of the housing 3h of the air conveyance source 3e through the pipe 42xp. And supplied to the reformer 42 of the upper storage chamber 10u. Accordingly, the air heated by the heat released from the heat source such as the inverter 44 in the lower housing chamber 10d passes through the air passage in the housing 3h of the air conveyance source 3e, and is therefore detected by the internal temperature sensor 5 in the housing 3h. Temperature is detected. That is, since the internal temperature sensor 5 is disposed in the flow path of the indoor airflow through which the air heated by heat released from the heat source such as the inverter 44 accommodated in the lower storage chamber 10d flows, the internal temperature The internal temperature detected by the sensor 5 can be increased, which can contribute to increasing the determination accuracy.

  Thus, as can be understood from FIG. 9, the internal temperature sensor 5 is covered with the housing 3h and detects the temperature of the air heated by heat radiation from the heat source such as the inverter 44 in the lower housing chamber 10d. However, it does not detect the temperature of the air heated by heat radiation from the heat source that becomes high temperature such as the reformer 42 or the stack 40 of the upper housing chamber 10u. Thus, the protection of the internal temperature sensor 5 is enhanced.

  The air supplied to the reformer 42 is supplied to the combustion burner of the reforming section, burns the combustion raw material, heats the reformer 42, and is discharged from the outlet 12 to the outside 19 as exhaust gas. The heated reformer 42 reforms the fuel raw material supplied from a fuel raw material passage (not shown) to generate anode gas. The produced anode gas is supplied to the anode of the stack 40 through a pipe of an anode gas passage (not shown) and used for a power generation reaction. The air flowing into the upper storage chamber 10u is supplied as a cathode gas to the cathode of the stack 40 by a cathode gas pump (not shown).

  FIG. 10 shows an eighth embodiment. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and the same operation and effect as each embodiment, and is a fuel cell having a solid oxide solid electrolyte. As shown in FIG. 10, the reformer 42 and the stack 40 that are maintained at a high temperature during the power generation operation are partitioned by a partition wall 10x and disposed in the upper storage chamber 10u. For this reason, the temperature of the lower storage chamber 10d is not easily raised, and there is a possibility that there is a limit in improving the determination accuracy of the clogging determination process of the filter 2. This is because, as described above, the determination accuracy in the clogging determination process can be improved as compared with the case where the internal temperature is high, which is lower.

  According to the present embodiment, the inverter 44 and the control unit 100 arranged in the lower housing chamber 10d function as a heat source, and as a sub case arranged in the case 1 as shown in FIG. It is accommodated in a functioning second case 440. Here, the second case 440 receives the heat from the second introduction port 441 through which the air that has passed through the filter 2 flows, and the inverter 44 and the control unit 100, and the second induction from which the heated air is derived. The outlet 442 has a second storage chamber 443 that allows the second introduction port 441 and the second outlet 442 to communicate with each other and stores the inverter 44 and the control unit 100. When the air conveyance source 3 is activated, air also flows into the second storage chamber 443.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the internal temperature sensor 5 is disposed in the second storage chamber 443 so as to face the second outlet port 442. For this reason, compared with the case where the second case 440 is not provided, the internal temperature that can be detected by the internal temperature sensor 5 is shifted to the high temperature side. Therefore, in the clogging determination process of the filter 2, it is advantageous to improve the determination accuracy when determining the clogging of the filter 2 from the correlation between the internal temperature and the outside air temperature.

  FIG. 11 shows a ninth embodiment. This embodiment basically has the same configuration and the same function and effect as the above-described embodiments. According to each embodiment described above, the internal temperature itself of the storage chamber 10 is adopted as a physical quantity related to the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10. However, according to the present embodiment, the output of the air conveyance source 3 is adopted, and the clogging determination process of the filter 2 is executed based on the relationship between the output of the air conveyance source 3 and the outside air temperature. In the clogging determination process, the control unit 100 controls the output of the air conveyance source 3 so that the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 is a constant temperature. Here, if the output of the air conveyance source 3 is high, the flow rate per unit time of the outside air introduced from the outlet 12 of the case 1 into the storage chamber 10 increases, and the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 of the case 1 decreases. Tend. If the output of the air conveyance source 3 is low, the flow rate per unit time of outside air introduced from the outlet 12 of the case 1 into the storage chamber 10 decreases, and the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 tends to increase. For this reason, the high output of the air conveyance source 3 corresponds to the high internal temperature of the storage chamber 10. A low output of the air conveyance source 3 corresponds to a low internal temperature of the storage chamber 10. In order to keep the internal temperature constant, when the filter is clogged, the output of the air conveyance source 3 is increased to try to take in a large amount of outside air. Corresponds to high internal temperature.

  FIG. 11 shows the air conveyance source 3 in performing the clogging determination process of the filter 2 under the condition that the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 is maintained at a constant temperature (for example, a constant temperature within a range of 45 to 75 ° C.). An example of the correlation existing between the output (the number of revolutions per unit time) and the outside air temperature is shown. The horizontal axis in FIG. 11 represents the outside air temperature, and the vertical axis represents the output of the air carrier source 3 (the number of rotations per unit time). The characteristics shown in FIG. 11 are mapped and stored in the memory area of the control unit 100. Specifically, when the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 is T1, the map shown in FIG. When the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 is T2 (T2> T1), the map shown in FIG. 11B is used. When the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 is T3 (T3> T2), the map shown in FIG. 11C is used.

  In FIGS. 11A to 11C, the filter 2 is not clogged in the region KA0 below the characteristic lines K10a, K10b, and K10c indicating the threshold values, and the air permeability of the filter 2 is improved. The air flow rate per unit time passing through the filter 2 is ensured. Therefore, even if the outside air temperature rises, the accumulation of heat in the storage chamber 10 is suppressed, and the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 tends to be low. Therefore, in the region KA0, the air permeability of the filter 2 is ensured, so even if the outside air temperature of the case 1 rises, fresh outside air passes through the filter 2 in a good amount and flows into the storage chamber 10. In addition, the heat accumulation in the storage chamber 10 is efficiently suppressed. Therefore, even if the outside air temperature rises, the rise in the internal temperature of the storage chamber 10 is suppressed. Thus, if it is area | region KA0, there is little clogging of the filter 2 and it is not necessary to maintain the filter 2. FIG. In FIGS. 11A to 11C, the output values on the vertical axis indicated by the characteristic lines K10a, K10b, and K10c are different.

  In contrast, in the region KB0 above the characteristic lines K10a, K10b, and K10c indicating the threshold values, the filter 2 is clogged, and the air permeability of the filter 2 is reduced. Therefore, the flow rate of air per unit time passing through the filter 2 is reduced, and when the outside air temperature rises, the internal temperature of the accommodation chamber 10 is likely to rise, and the heat accumulation in the accommodation chamber 10 is likely to be induced. Accordingly, since fresh outside air hardly passes through the filter 2 in the region KB0, the accumulation of heat in the accommodation chamber 10 is promoted, and the temperature rise in the accommodation chamber 10 is promoted compared with the temperature rise in the outside air. In such a region KA0, the filter 2 is clogged, and it is preferable to maintain the filter 2.

  For this reason, the control unit 100 determines the output (the number of rotations per unit time) of the air conveyance source 3 and the outside air temperature in the clogging determination process of the filter 2. When the relationship between the output of the air conveyance source 3 and the outside air temperature is the region KB0, the filter 2 is clogged, and the control unit 100 confirms that the maintenance time of the filter 2 is almost over. Alternatively, a notification signal that notifies the control device of the management center is output. When the relationship between the output of the air conveyance source 3 and the outside air temperature is the region KA0, the filter 2 is not clogged so much, and the filter 2 need not be maintained unless there is a particular problem. . When the clogging determination process is being performed, it is preferable to maintain the power generation output of the stack 40 at a substantially constant value.

  FIG. 12 shows a tenth embodiment. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and the same operation and effect as the above-described embodiments, and is applied to a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system. The storage chamber 10 is partitioned into a lower storage chamber 10d and an upper storage chamber 10u by a partition wall 10x. The upper accommodation chamber 10u accommodates a heat insulating wall 40xa that surrounds the stack 40 and the reformer 42 in an adiabatic manner. When the air conveyance source 3kc formed by the ventilation blower is activated, the outside air is sucked into the lower accommodation chamber 10d from the introduction port 11, and the air discharged from the air conveyance source 3kc enters the upper accommodation chamber 10u to be insulated. The wall 40xa is led out to the outside 19 from the outlet 12 while cooling. When the air conveyance source 3ka is activated, the air in the lower storage chamber 10d is supplied to the cathode of the stack 40. When the air conveyance source 3kb is activated, the air in the lower storage chamber 10d is supplied to the combustion part of the reformer 42 and used for combustion in the combustion part.

  FIG. 13 shows an eleventh embodiment. The present embodiment basically has the same configuration and the same operation and effect as the above-described embodiments, and is applied to a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system. In this case, no partition wall is provided.

  (Others) The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and examples described above and shown in the drawings, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within a range not departing from the gist.

  The present invention is used in, for example, fuel cell systems for electric devices, electronic devices, stationary devices, and vehicles.

  1 is a case, 10 is a storage chamber, 11 is an inlet, 12 is an outlet, 19 is an external, 2 is a filter, 3 is an air carrier source, 4 is a fuel cell system, 40 is a stack, 42 is a reformer, 44 Denotes an inverter, 5 denotes an internal temperature sensor, 6 denotes an outside air temperature sensor, and 100 denotes a control unit 100.

Claims (3)

A case having a storage chamber, an inlet for communicating the storage chamber and the outside air, and a lead-out port for communicating the storage chamber and the outside air;
A purifying filter provided at the introduction port of the case and having air permeability;
An air conveyance source that is disposed in the housing chamber of the case and sucks outside air through the filter and flows to the housing chamber and is led out from the outlet;
A fuel cell system disposed in the housing chamber of the case;
A control unit for controlling the fuel cell system,
The said control part is a fuel cell apparatus which performs the clogging determination process which determines clogging of the said filter based on the physical quantity regarding the internal temperature of the said storage chamber, and the physical quantity regarding the external temperature of the external air of the said storage chamber.   2. The internal temperature sensor for determining an internal temperature of the housing chamber of the case according to claim 1, wherein the internal temperature sensor is an indoor air that is led out from the outlet through the housing chamber through the housing chamber. A fuel cell device that is disposed in a flow path through which a flow flows and detects the temperature of air that has received heat released from a heat source in the fuel cell system.   3. The clogging determination according to claim 1, wherein when the fuel cell system is performing a power generation operation and / or when a stop process for stopping the power generation operation of the fuel cell system is being performed, the control unit determines the clogging. A fuel cell device that executes processing.

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