Fuel cell system and method of its control

FIELD: power engineering.

SUBSTANCE: fuel cell system (100) comprises fuel cell (1) to generate power by electrochemical reaction between oxidiser gas fed to oxidiser electrode (34) and fuel gas fed to fuel electrode (67). Fuel gas feed system (HS) feeds fuel gas to fuel electrode (67). Controller (40) serves to control the fuel gas feed system (HS) in feed of fuel gas to fuel electrode (67). Note here that said controller changes the pressure when fuel electrode inlet is closed. Note also that said controller (40) varies fuel gas pressure nearby fuel electrode on the basis of pressure variation first profile for control over pressure at first pressure difference (DP1).

EFFECT: higher homogeneity of fuel gas and decreased stresses applied to fuel cell.

21 cl, 22 dwg

The technical field

The present invention relates to a fuel cell system.

The level of technology

Commonly used system of a fuel cell provided with a fuel cell in which fuel gas (e.g. hydrogen) is fed to the fuel electrode and the gas-oxidizer (such as air) is supplied to the oxidant electrode, thereby causing an electrochemical reaction of these gases thereby effecting the generation of energy.

As for the fuel system of the specified type, the nitrogen contained in the air, penetrates the side of the fuel electrode, the fuel electrode has a portion having a high concentration of nitrogen, which is a part having a low concentration of hydrogen. Called in this way, the heterogeneity of the gas is a cause of deterioration of elements included in the fuel cell. In the document JP 2007-517369 describes how to change the gas pressure of the fuel electrode and the oxidant electrode to blow the water fuel cell and accumulated directionspanel gas.

Technical problem

However, as described in JP 2007-517369, the pressure change with a relatively large pulse pressure necessary to blow liquid water and directionspanel gas. Thus, a large voltage to outpopulate on the electrolyte membrane, included in the fuel cell, thus causing the deterioration of durability of the fuel element.

The present invention was made in view of the above problems. The present invention is to eliminate nonuniformity of the reactive gas with the elimination of deterioration of durability of the fuel element.

In addition, another objective of the present invention is to eliminate the stresses caused in the fuel element or components of the supply fuel gas to eliminate the deterioration of the fuel element.

Solution

System of a fuel cell according to one aspect of the present invention provides a fuel cell to generate energy, through the electrochemical reaction between gas-oxidant supplied to the oxidant electrode and the fuel gas supplied to the fuel electrode; a supply system of the fuel gas for supplying the fuel gas to the fuel electrode, and a controller to control the flow of fuel gas, to supply the fuel gas to the fuel electrode, and the controller is made with possibility of change of pressure, when the output side of the fuel electrode is closed, the controller periodically changes the pressure of the fuel gas from the fuel electrode on the basis of the first what about the profile of pressure changes to effect the change of pressure at the first scale pressure.

Method for controlling fuel cell system according to this aspect of the present invention includes the steps that generate energy through the implementation of the electrochemical reaction between gas-oxidant supplied to the oxidant electrode and the fuel gas supplied to the fuel electrode; serves the fuel gas to the fuel electrode and control the operation of supplying the fuel gas so as to supply fuel gas to the fuel electrode, and perform the change of pressure when the outlet side of the fuel electrode is closed, and the operation control periodically changes the pressure of the fuel gas to the fuel electrode based on the first profile of change of pressure to implement changes in pressure at the first scale pressure.

System of a fuel cell according to this aspect of the present invention provides a fuel cell to generate energy, through the electrochemical reaction between gas-oxidant supplied to the oxidant electrode and the fuel gas supplied to the fuel electrode; means for feeding fuel gas to the fuel electrode, and means for controlling the means for supplying, to supply fuel gas to the fuel electrode, and the management tool is made with possibility of change of pressure when the outlet article the Rhone fuel electrode is closed, this management tool periodically changes the pressure of the fuel gas from the fuel electrode based on the first profile of change of pressure to implement changes in pressure at the first scale pressure.

The predominant effects of the invention

According to the present invention periodically changing the pressure of the fuel gas to the fuel electrode based on the first profile of the pressure change, which is operated by the pressure change at the first scale pressure, can shake the gas side of the fuel electrode. When the gas side of the fuel electrode can be made uniform.

In addition, according to the present invention, the amount of supply of the fuel gas in the implementation period of one regulatory profile increases, so that it is possible to eliminate an increase in the number of cases of growth-the pressure drop over the period. The voltage supplied to the fuel element or components of the supply fuel gas, can be removed, so that it is possible to eliminate the deterioration of the fuel element.

Brief description of drawings

Figure 1(a) is a block diagram schematically showing the system structure of a fuel cell according to the first variant of implementation; Figure 1(b) block diagram schematically showing another structure of the fuel cell system according to the first variant the NTU implementation.

Figure 2(a) is an explanatory image showing the state of the hydrogen side of the fuel electrode in a fuel cell, showing the flow lines of hydrogen in the gas flow channel side of the fuel electrode; Figure 2(b) - distribution of hydrogen concentration in the gas flow channel side of the fuel electrode; and figure 2(C) - distribution of the concentration of hydrogen at the reaction surface side of the fuel electrode.

Figure 3(a) is an explanatory image schematically showing a fuel cell in the assumption of the eight points of the current measurement; and Figure 3(b) - temporary crossings of the current distribution in the individual measurement points.

4 is a view in section schematically showing the structure of the fuel element.

5 is an explanatory image showing leakage of nitrogen in relation to the difference of partial pressure of nitrogen between the oxidizer electrode and the fuel electrode.

6 is an explanatory image showing the relationship between ambient humidity and leakage of nitrogen, respectively ambient temperature.

Fig.7(a) full image, schematically showing the state of mixing of hydrogen with directionspanel gas; and Fig.7(b) - definition of time to stop the supply of hydrogen (valve closing).

Fig(a) is an explanatory image showing the state of discharging the liquid water; Fig(b) - definition of time to stop the supply of hydrogen (valve closing); Fig(C) is another example of determining the time to stop the supply of hydrogen (valve closing); and Fig(d) is another example of determining the time to stop the supply of hydrogen (valve closing).

Figure 9 is an explanatory image showing the current distribution on the surface of generating power.

Figure 10 is a flowchart showing operating procedures of the method for controlling fuel cell system according to the second variant implementation.

11 is an explanatory image showing the reference profiles of the first control method.

Fig - explanatory image showing the reference profiles of the second control method.

Fig - explanatory image showing the reference profiles of the third control method.

Fig - explanatory image showing the increase in the pressure drop in the fuel electrode.

Fig - explanatory image of the first time save TP1.

Fig - explaining the image a second time to save TR2.

Fig - explanatory image showing the load on each of the first savings time TP1 and the second time save TR2.

Fig - explanatory image showing the load on each of the first is about the time saving TP1 and the second time save TR2.

Fig - explanatory image showing the upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2 on the load current.

Fig(a) full image schematically showing the capacity of the Rs side of the fuel electrode in the fuel elements and the capacity of the Rt accommodating part; and Fig(b) shows that the new hydrogen flowed into the unit fuel cells in the amount of approximately 1/4 of the capacity of the fuel system.

Fig - explanatory image of the upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2 and

Fig - full image falling velocity pressure.

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

The first variant embodiment of the invention

Figure 1(a) is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of the system 100 of a fuel cell according to the first variant implementation of the present invention. System 100 of the fuel cell is installed, for example, on the vehicle, which is a movable object, and the vehicle is driven by using electric power supplied from the system 100 of the fuel element.

System 100 of the fuel element, in the main, unit 1 is equipped with a fuel cell that includes a lot Packed fuel elements. Each of the fuel elements is s, included in the unit 1 fuel elements are formed so that the structure of the fuel element is located between a pair of separators, and the structure of the fuel element has such a structure that the fuel electrode 67 (see figure 4) and the electrode 34 of the oxidant (see figure 4) alternate solid polymer electrolyte membrane.

In block 1 of the fuel elements, a pair of inner flow channels corresponding to each of the fuel gas and gas-oxidant formed so as to extend in the direction of packaging of the fuel element. One of the pair of inner flow channels (pipes)corresponding to the fuel gas; as for feeding the internal flow passage of the first internal flow passage, the fuel gas is fed to each reaction surface side of the fuel electrode 67 through the channels of the gas stream side of the fuel electrode 67 (flow channels of the element) of the individual fuel elements with regard to exhaust internal flow channel as a second internal flow passage, the gas (hereinafter referred to as "exhaust gas of the fuel electrode produced from each gas flow channel side of the fuel electrode 67 individual fuel cells, flows into the exhaust of the internal flow passage. Similarly, one of the pair of inner flow channels, with testwuide gas-oxidizer; as for feeding the internal flow passage of the first internal flow passage, the gas-oxidizer is fed to each reaction surface side electrode 34 of the oxidant channels the flow of gas side electrode 34 of the oxidant (flow channels of the element) of the individual fuel elements with regard to exhaust internal flow channel as a second internal flow passage, the gas (hereinafter referred to as "exhaust gas of the oxidant electrode produced from each feed stream gas side electrode 34 oxidant individual fuel cells, flows into the exhaust of the internal flow passage. Unit 1 fuel cell according to the first variant implementation of the designed countercurrent method, in which fuel gas and gas-oxidizer flow in opposite directions.

In each of the individual elements of the unit 1 fuel cells electrochemically reacting a fuel gas and gas-oxidant, which accordingly serves on the fuel electrode 67 and the electrode 34 oxidant, generating electrical energy.

According to the first variant of implementation, the explanation is given for the case of using hydrogen as fuel gas and air as the gas-oxidant. In addition, in this description, the terms "fuel element", "fuel electrode" is the oxidant electrode" are used not only to denote a single fuel cell or the fuel electrode or the oxidant electrode, but also used for the simultaneous designation of each of the fuel cell unit 1 fuel cell or the fuel electrode or the oxidant electrode.

System 100 of the fuel element further includes a hydrogen system for supplying hydrogen to the unit 1 fuel cell and an air system for supplying air into the unit 1 fuel elements.

In the hydrogen system hydrogen as the fuel gas stored in the fuel tank 10 (for example, a hydrogen tank high pressure) and is supplied from the fuel tank 10 in the unit 1 fuel cell flow channel of hydrogen supply (inlet flow channel of the fuel electrode) L1. More specifically, the flow channel L1 supply of hydrogen has a first end portion attached to the fuel tank 10, and a second end portion attached to the input side of the internal flow passage of the fuel gas supply unit 1 of the fuel elements. In the flow channel L1 of hydrogen supply valve drain tank (not shown in figure 1) is located downstream from the fuel tank 10. Translation drain valve from the tank to the open state allows the hydrogen gas to the high pressure of the fuel tank 10 is mechanically reduce the pressure to the target pressure using the pressure reducing valve (not shown in figure 1), located downstream from the fuel b is 10 ka. This hydrogen gas low pressure further reduces the pressure by a valve 11 adjusting the pressure of the hydrogen, which is located further downstream from the pressure reducing valve, and then served in the unit 1 fuel elements. The pressure of hydrogen supplied to the unit 1 fuel elements, i.e. the pressure of the hydrogen in the fuel electrode 67 may be adjusted by controlling the degree of opening of the valve 11 adjusting the pressure of the hydrogen. According to the first variant implementation of the fuel tank 10, a flow channel L1 of hydrogen supply and the gate 11 adjusting the pressure of the hydrogen, which is located in the flow channel L1 of hydrogen supply, constitute a system HS supply of hydrogen (the HS system supplying the fuel gas to supply hydrogen to the fuel electrode 67 of the block 1 of the fuel elements.

According to the first variant implementation of the unit 1 fuel cell has such a structure that the output side of the exhaust of the internal flow passage of the fuel gas is mostly closed, thereby limiting the production of waste gas of the fuel electrode of the unit 1 fuel elements, i.e. the unit 1 fuel elements included in the system 100 of the fuel cell, which is organized as a so-called closed system. Here a closed system does not mean simply a closed state. For the edition of Topley the aqueous electrode 67 impurities, such as an inactive gas (nitrogen and the like) and liquid water, is located here, as an exception, exhaust system, able to open the output side of the exhaust of the internal flow passage of the fuel gas. More specifically, the flow channel of exhaust gas of the fuel electrode (discharge flow channel) L2 is connected to the downstream side of the exhaust of the internal flow passage of the fuel gas. A flow channel L2 of the exhaust gas of the fuel electrode has a second end portion attached to the flow channel L6 exhaust gas of the oxidant electrode.

In the flow channel L2 of the exhaust gas of the fuel electrode is accommodating portion (accommodating device 12 having a given capacity Rs (see Fig) in the form of space, and given the capacity of the Rs, for example, equivalent, exactly or approximately, 80% of the tank side of the fuel electrode 67 for all fuel elements included in the unit 1 fuel elements. Accommodating part 12 functions as a buffer for the primary storage of the impurities contained in the exhaust gas of the fuel electrode, the incoming side of the fuel electrode 67. Figure 1 is a flow channel L3 release of water having an open first end portion attached to the lower part of the accommodating part 12 in the vertical direction, and the valve 13 release of water provided in proton the m channel L3 release the water. Impurities (mainly liquid water)contained in the exhaust gas of the fuel electrode, which is included in the host part 12, are stored in the lower part of the accommodating part 12. Adjustment of status open-closed valve 13 release of water can release stored thus impurities. In addition, in the flow channel L2 of the exhaust gas of the fuel electrode is the purge valve (flap) 14 downstream from the accommodating part 12. The exhaust gas of the fuel electrode included in the host part 12, more specifically, the gas containing the impurities (mainly inactive gas, such as nitrogen and unreacted hydrogen, can be produced by adjusting the state of the open-closed purge valve 14.

A flow channel of exhaust gas of the fuel electrode (discharge flow channel) L2 accommodating portion (accommodating device 12 and the purge valve (flap) 14 form a limiter 70.

Meanwhile, it is necessary to direct the air as a gas-oxidizer air system. For example, the air is compressed, when the atmosphere is taken with the aid of the compressor 20, the feeding air into the unit 1 fuel cells using flow passage L5 air supply. The flow-through channel L5 air supply has a first end portion attached to the compressor 20, and a second end portion attached to the input side as you cross the interior of the flow channel of the gas-oxidizer unit 1 fuel elements. In addition, a flow channel L5 air supply has a humidifier 21 for humidifying the air supplied to the unit 1 fuel elements.

In the unit 1 fuel cell flow channel L6 exhaust gas of the oxidant electrode connected to the output side internal flow channel of the gas-oxidant. When this exhaust gas of the oxidant electrode from electrode 34 oxidant in block 1 of the fuel elements is released to the outside through the flow channel L6 exhaust gas of the oxidant electrode. Flow passage L6 exhaust gas of the oxidant electrode has a humidifier 21, removing the water formed during generation (this removed water is used to humidify the supplied air). In addition, in the flow channel L6 exhaust gas of the oxidant electrode is the gate 22 adjusting the pressure of air downstream from the humidifier 21. Adjusting the degree of opening of the valve 22 to adjust the air pressure to regulate the pressure of the air supplied to the unit 1 fuel elements, i.e. the pressure of the air electrode 34 oxidant. According to the first variant of implementation, the compressor 20, a flow channel L5 air supply and the valve 22 to adjust the air pressure, which is located in the flow channel L6 exhaust gas of the oxidant electrode, form the supply system OS gas-oxidizer feed ozdoba to the electrode 34 of the oxidizer unit 1 fuel elements.

In addition, the device 30 selection output power control output power (e.g., current)taken from the unit 1 fuel elements, is attached to the unit 1 fuel elements. Through the device 30 selection output power of the energy generated in the unit 1 fuel cell is supplied, for example, an electric motor (motor)driving the vehicle (not shown in figure 1), the secondary battery and the various accessories required for complete operation of the unit 1 fuel elements. In addition, the energy generated by the device 30 selection of power output is also fed to the secondary battery (not shown in figure 1). This secondary battery is provided to compensate for lack of energy supplied from unit 1 fuel elements, in such cases as starting the system 100 of the fuel cell or during the transition characteristics of the system 100 of the fuel element.

The controller (control unit) 40 is operating, administrative handling system 100 of the fuel cell. Working according to the control program, the controller 40 regulates the working conditions of the system 100 of the fuel cell. The microcomputer, which includes the following major components such as Central processing unit (CPU), ROM, RAM and input/output (I/O-interface)can be used in quality is as controller 40. According to the control program stored in the ROM, the controller 40 performs various calculations. Then, at various actuators (not shown in Fig.1), the controller 40 displays the results of such calculations in the form of control signals. Thus, the controller 40 controls the various elements, such as valve 11 adjustment pressure hydrogen valve 13 release water, the purge valve 14, the compressor 20, the valve 22 to adjust the air pressure and the device 30 selection of output power, thereby performing the function of generating unit 1 fuel elements.

For condition determination system 100 of a fuel cell sensor signals from various sensors and the like are included in the controller 40. According to the first variant implementation of the various sensors include a sensor 41 hydrogen pressure sensor 42 and air pressure sensor 43, the temperature of the block. The sensor 41 pressure hydrogen detects the pressure of hydrogen supplied to the unit 1 fuel cell sensor 42 air pressure detects the pressure of the air supplied to the unit 1 fuel elements, and the sensor 43, the temperature of the block determines the temperature of the unit 1 fuel elements.

According to the first variant of implementation, the controller 40 controls the system 100 of the fuel elements in the following way. First, the controller 40 supplies air and hydrogen in the unit 1 fuel ele is having thereby fulfilling the generation with the help of block 1 of the fuel elements. Pressure (working pressure) of each of the air and hydrogen, which are served in the unit 1 fuel elements is preset to the preset standard value, which is constant regardless of the workload, or on different values, which are changed accordingly workload. Then, the controller 40 supplies air and hydrogen at a given operating pressure, thereby performing the generating unit 1 fuel elements. As one characteristic of the first variant implementation, when the supply of hydrogen to the fuel electrode 67 unit 1 fuel cell controller 40 periodically changes the pressure of the hydrogen in the fuel electrode 67 unit 1 fuel cell based on the first profile of change of pressure to perform pressure change at the first scale pressure (pressure drop) and a second profile of change of pressure to perform changes of pressure in the second scale pressure (pressure drop)which is greater than the first magnitude of pressure. More specifically, the controller 40 repeatedly executes the main control profiles, i.e. the set of first profiles of change of pressure with subsequent second profile of pressure changes. When performing a change of the pressure controller 40 stops the supply of water is kind of in the unit 1 fuel elements and provided that the pressure of hydrogen in the fuel electrode 67 of the block 1 of the fuel elements is reduced by a specified peak-to-peak pressure (the first peak-to-peak pressure or the second peak-to-peak pressure), the controller 40 re-starts the supply of hydrogen in the unit 1 fuel elements, thereby allowing the pressure of the hydrogen in the fuel electrode 67 of the block 1 of the fuel elements to return to the operating pressure. The opening and closing of the valve 11 adjusting the pressure of the hydrogen perform a stop or re-start the supply of hydrogen in the unit 1 fuel elements. Watching the value determined by the sensor 41 hydrogen pressure, it is possible to continuously monitor the pressure drop of the hydrogen, which is equivalent to the magnitude of the pressure.

In addition, figure 1(b) is a block diagram schematically showing another structure of the system 100 of a fuel cell according to the first variant implementation of the present invention. This structure eliminates the valve 13 release water, leaving only the purge valve 14. With the above structure adjustment conditions open-closed purge valve 14 can release the gas contained in the exhaust gas of the fuel electrode, i.e., the gas containing the impurities (mainly inactive gas, such as nitrogen, and liquid water) and unreacted hydrogen.

The following is the concept of the system 100 fuel e is amenta, receiving the specified structure and method of control.

Due to the superior fuel economy and reduce drive power various devices for operation of the unit fuel cell, the system 100 of the fuel cell at low stoichiometric ratio (otherwise known as "low ratio of excess supply of reactive gas) and low flow rate reduces the flow rate of reactive gas (hydrogen or air), the current flowing in the gas channel (flow channel element) in each of the fuel cell unit 1 of the fuel elements. When this impurity, it is unnecessary for the reaction of generation, such as liquid water or nerealiausi gas (mainly nitrogen) is likely to accumulate in the flow channel of the gas, which may hinder the distribution of reactive gas necessary to generate. In this case, the output capacity of the unit 1 fuel cell is reduced, and the production is blocked, in addition, the catalyst required for the reaction may deteriorate.

For example, should take into account the condition of the unit 1 fuel elements to perform generation using the following operations: the air supply to the electrode 34 of the oxidizer unit 1 fuel elements; the limitation of emissions of exhaust gas of the fuel electrode of the unit 1 fuel cell; and a constant supply of hydrogen is Alceste, equivalent to the hydrogen consumed in the fuel electrode 67. In the individual fuel element nitrogen in the air is subjected to transverse leakage in a flow channel of the gas side of the fuel electrode 67 of the channel flow gas side electrode 34 of the oxidant through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane included in the fuel cell. Meanwhile, in a flow channel of the gas side of the fuel electrode 67 is flowing hydrogen equivalent of the hydrogen consumed by the reaction generation by convection currents. However, since the output side internal flow channel release fuel gas is closed, flowing thus nitrogen stalkivaetsja towards lower downstream (output side) of the channel of the gas flow by convection hydrogen. The nitrogen of the fuel electrode 67 is not consumed by the reaction generation. Therefore, the leakage of nitrogen from electrode 34 oxidant continuously increases the nitrogen content in the fuel electrode 67 up until its partial pressure on the side of the electrode 34 oxidant equal to the partial pressure side of the fuel electrode 67.

Figure 2(a)-2(C) are explanatory image showing the state of the hydrogen side of the fuel electrode 67 in the fuel element. Figure 2(a) shows the line current of hydrogen in the flow channel of the gas side of the fuel is about electrode 67. Here the x-axis indicates the distance (in the direction of the channel of the gas flow channel of the gas flow, and the left side of the abscissa axis corresponds to the input side of the gas flow channel, and the right side of the abscissa axis corresponds to the output side of the channel flow. Meanwhile, the ordinate axis indicates the height of the gas flow channel, and the lower side of the ordinate axis corresponds to the reaction surface. In addition, figure 2(b) shows the distribution of hydrogen concentration in the gas flow channel side of the fuel electrode 67. Like figure 2(a), the abscissa indicates the distance (in the direction of the channel of the gas flow channel of the gas flow, while the ordinate axis indicates the height of the gas flow channel. Figure 2(b) area A1 indicates the range of hydrogen concentration from 93% to 100%, the area A2 indicates the range of hydrogen concentration from 83% to 93%, and the region A3 indicates the range of hydrogen concentration from 73% to 83%. Furthermore, the area A4 indicates the range of hydrogen concentration from 63% to 73%, the area A5 indicates the range of hydrogen concentration from 53% to 63%, the area A6 indicates the range of hydrogen concentration from 43% to 53%, and the area A7 indicates the range of hydrogen concentration from 33% to 43%. In addition, figure 2(C) shows the distribution of the concentration of hydrogen at the reaction surface side of the fuel electrode 67. Here the x-axis indicates the measure length of the gas flow channel, the left side of the abscissa axis corresponds to the input-side channel of the gas flow, while the right side of the abscissa axis corresponds to the output side of the channel flow. Meanwhile, the y-axis indicates the concentration of hydrogen.

As mentioned above, the flow from the transverse leakage of nitrogen and the flow of hydrogen allow the fuel electrode 67 to have the part where the nitrogen concentration is high, i.e. the part where the concentration of hydrogen is low. More specifically, in the fuel element of the lower stream side (output side) of the channel of the gas flow tends to further reduce the hydrogen concentration. In addition, the continuous generation of this condition further reduces the concentration of hydrogen in the part where the concentration of hydrogen is low.

3 is an explanatory image schematically showing a fuel cell. As shown in figure 3(a), along the flow of the reacting gas of eight points of the current measurement from #1 to #8, respectively, are assumed to be on the surface of the power generation of the fuel cell. Figure 3(b) shows temporal transitions of the current distribution in the individual measurement points from #1 to #8. More specifically, as indicated by the dashed line arrow, the transition of the current distribution in each of the measurement points from #1 to #8 is offset from the dash-dotted line is for the dashed line and solid line. That is, at the initial stage of generation of the hydrogen concentration in the gas flow channel is essentially homogeneous, therefore, as shown in phantom line, the current value at the measurement points from #1 to #8, essentially equal to each other. However, the continuous implementation of generation reduces the concentration of hydrogen at the outlet side of the gas flow channel, thus, as shown by the dashed line or a solid line, the magnitude of the current on the output side of the flow channel of the gas falling, and the current density occurs on the input side of the channel of the gas flow. In such cases, it is difficult to continue stable generation, and the generation can be ultimately blocked. In addition, since the above local current drop is difficult to determine, as it may be in this case, the output power from the unit fuel cells are constantly selected unnoticed with the fall of the current.

Figure 4 is a view in section schematically showing the structure of a fuel cell. Structure 150 of the fuel cell included in the fuel cell has such a structure that the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 2 is located between the fuel electrode 67 and the electrode 34 of the oxidizer, where the two electrodes (reactive electrodes) are paired. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane 2 includes, for example, an ion-conductive macromolecular membrane, such as fluoropolymer ion-exchange membrane, and functions as an ion-conductive electrolyte membrane by saturating water. The electrode 34 of the oxidizer includes a catalytic layer 3 platinum-based carrying the catalyst, such as platinum, and a gas diffusion layer 4 comprising a porous body, such as carbon fiber. The electrode 67 includes a catalytic layer 6 on the basis of a platinum-carrying catalyst, such as platinum, and a gas diffusion layer 7, which includes a porous body, such as carbon fiber. In addition, the separators (not shown in figure 4)separating structure 150 of the fuel element from both sides, respectively, have gas flow channels 5, 8 for supplying reactive gases (hydrogen and air) to the individual responsive to the electrodes.

When continuing the generation, oxygen simultaneously with the nitrogen flows from the side electrode 34 of the oxidant to the side of the fuel electrode 67, so that the oxygen moves to the side of the fuel electrode 67. In addition, the water formed during the reaction generation, is present on the side of the electrode 34 oxidant. In addition, the gas diffusion layer 4 or the separator (not shown in Fig.), that is, the items included in the gas flow channel in the fuel element or elements for holding the catalyst, mainly about what atom, include carbon. Thus the following reactions promoterwise in the field (area In figure 4), where hydrogen is served poorly:

Equation 1

Side of the fuel electrode 67: O₂+4H⁺+4E^-→2H₂About

The side of the electrode 34 oxidant: C+2H₂O→CO₂+4H⁺+4E^-

According to Equation 1, the carbon in the structure of the fuel cell reacts with water forming on the side of the electrode 34 oxidant, resulting in the generated carbon dioxide-side electrode 34 of the oxidant. This means that the structure in a fuel cell is destroyed. Carbon is included in each element forming the channel of the gas flow, the structure carrying the catalyst, causing the reaction, the structure of the gas diffusion layer 4 and the structure of the separator into carbon dioxide, which leads to the deterioration of the fuel element.

In addition, the following processes are also visible on the fuel electrode 67. The phenomenon of reverse diffusion driven by the water of reaction generation from side electrode 34 of the oxidizer in solid polymer electrolyte membrane 2, or condensed water in the hydrogen, which moisturize and serves as can be in this case, remains in the gas flow channel. When liquid water in the form of water droplets present in the gas flow channel, there is a significant problem. One is to in the event that when liquid water is widely distributed in the form of membranes, covering the channel of the gas flow from the side of the gas diffusion layer 7, the liquid water prevents the flow of hydrogen to the reaction surface, thus forming a part with a low concentration of hydrogen. This can lead to the deterioration of the fuel element like the above occasion-side electrode 34 of the oxidizer.

The inconvenience caused by liquid water in the channel of the gas flow, usually recognized, and method of manufacturing liquid water. However, without liquid water fuel cell deteriorates. That is, the deterioration of the fuel element (catalyst) is caused by the lack of hydrogen in the fuel electrode 67 and it is therefore important to eliminate the occurrence of such part to the lack of hydrogen (for example, parts with a volume concentration of about 5% or less). The reason for reducing the hydrogen concentration in the gas side of the fuel electrode 67 is that the nitrogen contained in a gas-side electrode 34 of the oxidizing agent penetrates the side of the fuel electrode 67. Therefore, it is necessary to get the proper value of the permeability of nitrogen. So first the value of the permeability of nitrogen (the amount of leakage of nitrogen through the solid macromolecular membrane) per unit time with respect to each of the physical quantities (partial pressure of nitrogen is, temperature and humidity) check by means of experiments or simulations, the results of which are shown in figure 5 and 6.

5 is an explanatory image showing leakage of nitrogen in relation to the difference of partial pressure of nitrogen between the electrode 34 of the oxidizer and the fuel electrode 67. 6 is an explanatory image showing the relationship between ambient humidity and leakage of nitrogen, respectively, ambient temperature, where, as shown by the dotted line arrow, the magnitude of the leakage of nitrogen relative humidity increases with the increase of ambient temperature, i.e. Temp, Temp, Temp and Temp. As shown in figure 5, the amount of nitrogen, penetrating from the side electrode 34 of the oxidant side of the fuel electrode 67 (leakage of nitrogen), the more the difference in the partial pressure of nitrogen. In addition, as shown in Fig.6, the amount of nitrogen, penetrating from the side electrode 34 of the oxidant side of the fuel electrode 67 (leakage of nitrogen), the more humidity and temperature in the fuel electrode 67.

As explained above, in the fuel element nitrogen is released into the fuel electrode 67, prevents the flow of supplied hydrogen and then remains so that stalkivaetsja in the direction of n is the same stream (the output side). Then, according to this first variant implementation, cause current to flow in forced convection to mix the hydrogen with nitrogen, eliminating the occurrence of the fault, and the hydrogen concentration is locally low.

Figure 3 is a full image, schematically showing the state of shaking hydrogen areagirls gas (mainly nitrogen). As a way of performing mixing by means of a current of forced convection, for example, the hydrogen pressure side of the fuel electrode 67 unit 1 fuel cells make less than the supply pressure of the hydrogen, thereby causing a predetermined pressure difference between the internal volume of the unit 1 fuel cell and its external environment. Then a momentary relief from the specified differential pressure can instantly provide greater feed rate (flow rate) of the hydrogen, the current in the unit 1 fuel elements. In this case, as shown in Fig.7(a), it becomes possible mixing between hydrogen and nitrogen. When there is turbulent flow, the effect of mixing more, although this effect depends on the size of the channel of the gas flow in a fuel cell. In addition, even in the case of laminar flow, because nitrogen is pushed into the accommodating part 12 located downstream from unit 1 fuel ele the clients in the hydrogen system, gas in a fuel cell is replaced by hydrogen. In addition, because the pressure drops across the gas flow channel, the hydrogen can be distributed over the entire channel region of the gas flow as long as the pressure in the fuel electrode 67 becomes equal to the supply pressure.

To obtain a constant difference of pressure can also be fed hydrogen in the unit 1 fuel cell during power generation, instantly causing a great pressure. However, for greater ease of obtaining the pressure difference, as shown in Fig.7(b), the supply of hydrogen is stopped by a valve 11 adjusting the pressure of hydrogen (close valve) at time T1, continuing the generating unit 1 fuel elements. Then set the time interval to obtain the preset differential pressure (peak-to-peak pressure) Δ1 to provide a pressure difference. After receiving the specified differential pressure Δ1 (time T2), the hydrogen is served by a valve 11 adjusting the hydrogen pressure (valve opening). This large injection quantity (flow rate) instantly called, which can perform the mixing. In addition, the repetition of the above profiles of change of pressure (the first profile of pressure changes) period causes the closing operation of the valve at time T3, and the operation of opening the valve in mo the UNT time T4. While hydrogen can be fed pulsed manner. The pressure difference Δ1 is, for example, in the range from 5 kPa to 8 kPa. Due to the characteristics of the unit 1 fuel elements, characteristics of the stirring gas and such, experiments and modeling can set the optimum value of the pressure difference Δ1. The pressure difference Δ1 required for mixing gas set smaller than the pressure difference necessary for the further discussion of the issue of liquid water.

Above the agitation gas can eliminate the appearance part to the lack of hydrogen. However, in the case of continuous generation for a long time produced water or condensed water accumulates, thus blocking the gas flow channel side of the fuel electrode 67 in the fuel element. Then, according to this first variant implementation, the hydrogen flowing in the fuel electrode 67, produces liquid water, which blocks the gas flow channel of the fuel element.

Fig is an explanatory image showing the state of liquid water. As a way to execute a release of liquid water by feeding hydrogen, for example, the hydrogen pressure side of the fuel electrode 67 unit 1 fuel cells make less than the supply pressure of the hydrogen, thereby to cause the I given pressure difference between the inner space of the unit 1 fuel cell and its external environment. Then a momentary relief from the specified differential pressure can instantly provide greater feed rate (flow rate) of the fuel gas that flows into the unit 1 fuel elements. In this case, as shown in Fig(a), liquid water can be produced from a feed gas flow.

The pressure difference required for the production of liquid water must be greater than the pressure difference required for the above stirring gas. Meanwhile, the frequency required for the production of liquid water is lower than the frequency required for stirring gas. Then, as shown in Fig(b), multiple profiles of pressure change for agitating gas is performed at time Tm, the supply of hydrogen is stopped by a valve 11 adjusting the pressure of hydrogen (closing the valve). Then set the time interval to obtain the preset differential pressure (peak-to-peak pressure) Δ2, thereby providing a pressure difference. After receiving the pressure difference Δ2 (time Tn) hydrogen is served by a valve 11 adjusting the pressure of hydrogen (opening the valve). This instantly leads to a large flow rate, therefore, may be liquid water. The above profile of pressure changes (second profile of pressure changes) periodically repeat like the first profile changes Yes the population, required for stirring gas. However, compared with the first profile of the pressure change required for stirring gas, a second profile of the pressure change required for the release of liquid water has a lower frequency performance. The pressure difference Δ2 is, for example, from 20 kPa to 30 kPa. Due to the characteristics of the unit 1 fuel elements, the characteristics of the liquid water and the like, experiments and modeling can set the optimum value of the pressure difference Δ2. The pressure difference Δ2 necessary for the production of liquid water, set larger than the pressure difference Δ1 required for the above stirring gas.

In addition, as shown in Fig(s), perform multiple profiles of pressure change required for stirring gas, and then, at time Tm, the supply of hydrogen is stopped by a valve 11 adjusting the pressure of hydrogen (closing the valve). Then set the time interval to obtain the preset differential pressure (peak-to-peak pressure) Δ1, thereby providing a pressure difference. After receiving the pressure difference Δ1 (time Tn) the degree of opening of the valve 11 adjusting the pressure of hydrogen is doing more than at time Tm, thereby feeding the hydrogen (opening the valve). When the gas is supplied at a pressure higher than the t at time Tm, thereby causing a given pressure difference (peak-to-peak pressure) Δ2 (time). Then, at time Tr, the supply of hydrogen is stopped by a valve 11 adjusting the pressure of hydrogen (closing the valve). Then set the time interval to obtain the preset differential pressure (peak-to-peak pressure) Δ2, thereby providing a pressure difference. After receiving the pressure difference Δ2 (time Tq) hydrogen is served by a valve 11 adjusting the pressure of hydrogen (opening the valve). At this time, preferably, if the hydrogen is fed with the same degree of opening, as at time Tm. Then, at time Tr, the pressure returns to the same pressure as at time Tm. After a time Tr perform the same profile of pressure changes, as to the point in time Tm. Even in the case of the above operations high speed stream instantly called, so there may be liquid water.

In addition, as shown in Fig(d), perform multiple profiles of pressure change required for stirring gas, and then, at time Tm, the supply of hydrogen is stopped by a valve 11 adjusting the pressure of hydrogen (closing the valve). Then set the time interval to obtain a differential pressure greater than a preset difference Yes the lines (peak-to-peak pressure) Δ1. When it turns out the pressure difference greater than the pressure difference Δ1 (time Tn), the degree of opening of the valve 11 adjusting the pressure of hydrogen is doing more than at time Tm, thereby feeding the hydrogen (opening the valve). When the gas is supplied at a pressure higher than the pressure at time Tm, thereby causing a given pressure difference (peak-to-peak pressure) Δ2 (time). Then, at time Tr, the supply of hydrogen is stopped by a valve 11 adjusting the pressure of hydrogen (closing the valve). Then set the time interval to obtain the preset differential pressure (peak-to-peak pressure) Δ3, thereby providing a pressure difference. Here, preferably, if the lower limit pressure when receiving the pressure difference Δ3 set at the lower limit pressure when receiving the pressure difference Δ1. Then, after receiving the pressure difference Δ3 (time Tq) hydrogen is served by a valve 11 adjusting the pressure of hydrogen (opening the valve). At this time, preferably, if the hydrogen is fed with the same degree of opening, as at time Tm. Then, at time Tr, the pressure returns to the same pressure as at time Tm. After a time Tr perform the same profile of pressure changes, as to the point in time Tm. Even to the GDS perform the described operations, high speed flow instantly invoked, thereby fulfilling the release of liquid water.

As described above, according to the first variant of implementation, the controller 40 controls the supply system of the fuel gas HS (10, 11, L1), thereby feeding the hydrogen to the fuel electrode 67 of the block 1 of the fuel elements, and based on the first profile of pressure changes, which performs the measurement of the pressure with the first scale pressure Δ1, and a second profile of pressure changes, which performs the measurement of pressure with a second magnitude of pressure Δ2, the controller 40 periodically changes the pressure of the hydrogen in the fuel electrode 67 of the block 1 of the fuel elements.

When the above described structure, the first profile of change of pressure with a small peak-to-peak pressure, is used in addition to the second profile of pressure changes, allowing the stirring gas side of the fuel electrode 67 without the application of large voltages to the individual fuel element block 1 of the fuel elements. When the gas side of the fuel electrode 67 can be made uniform. Thereby, the deterioration of the unit 1 fuel elements attributed to the partial reduction of the concentration of hydrogen can be prevented. In addition, providing a second profile of pressure changes can produce liquid water and the like, which may not be the issue is established by using the first profile of pressure changes. This can be prevented deterioration of the unit 1 fuel elements attributed to liquid water.

In addition, the system 100 of a fuel cell of the first variant implementation uses a closed system, which is limited to the exhaust gas of the fuel electrode produced from the side of the fuel electrode 67 of the block 1 of the fuel elements. When the above-described structure, impurities are likely to reduce the concentration of hydrogen in the gas flow channel side of the fuel electrode 67. However, performing the above-described control can make the gas side of the fuel electrode 67 uniform.

In addition, according to the first variant of implementation, the controller 40 performs a second profile of pressure changes after you perform many of the first profile of pressure changes. When the above described structure, the frequency of application of large voltages to the individual item block 1 of the fuel elements can be reduced when combined perform stirring gas and liquid water on the side of the fuel electrode 67. In addition, since the frequency of execution of the first profile changes of pressure, which provides the agitation gas is high, the agitation gas can be effectively performed even when the generating is performed continuously. In this case, as shown in Fig.9, even when the generation realizes what I continuously the amount of current in the surface energy generation is essentially the same, and thus can be prevented the drop in the value of the current on the output side of the channel of the gas flow and concentration of a current on the input side of the channel flow.

In addition, according to the first variant of implementation, the controller 40 stops the supply of hydrogen in the unit 1 fuel cell in a state where the generating unit 1 fuel elements is performed by feeding hydrogen at a given operating pressure, in addition, in a state where the hydrogen pressure of the fuel electrode 67 is reduced using the specified peak-to-peak pressure (Δ1, Δ2), the controller 40 re-starts the supply of hydrogen, thereby changing the pressure of the hydrogen in the fuel electrode 67. When the above described structure, the gate 11 adjusting the pressure of hydrogen can easily perform a pressure change, so that may be implemented in a simple control system.

In addition, the system 100 of a fuel cell of the first variant implementation is the channel L2 of the duct, the exhaust gas of the fuel electrode holding part 12 and the purge valve 14. In this case, the containing portion 12 functions as a place (capacity Rs: is described below on Fig) for storing the exhaust gas of the fuel electrode side of the fuel electrode 67, i.e. nitrogen or liquid water is. Thus, although the system 100 of a fuel cell is essentially a closed character, opening the purge valve 14 may also need to release impurities (such as nitrogen, which is relatively increases) to the outside. That is, the leakage of nitrogen is called to remove the difference in the partial pressure of nitrogen. However, when the concentration of hydrogen is necessary to preserve the value is greater than or equal to the specified value on the side of the fuel electrode 67, the flow value corresponding to the magnitude of the leakage may be vented to the outside air. The flow in this case is quite small, and, thus, unlikely to occur impact on the change in pressure required for stirring gas to the fuel electrode 67, and, in addition, dilution of the exhaust gas electrode 34 oxidant can be easily controlled. However, the total pressure side of the fuel electrode 67 can be increased, so that it may be generating, even when the partial pressure of the nitrogen comes to equilibrium. In this case, it may be adopted by a simple closed system.

In addition, when you stop the supply of hydrogen, the rate at which the pressure is reduced to hydrogen at the fuel electrode 67 is determined by the capacity of the flow channel in the unit 1 fuel elements. When a rapid pressure decrease Nigel is positive because of the requirements associated with the control system 100 of the fuel cell, the capacitance change of the flow channel L1 of hydrogen supply to the unit 1 fuel cells or tanks containing part 12 of the flow channel L2 of the exhaust gas of the fuel electrode can adjust the timing of change of pressure.

The second option of carrying out the invention

The following describes the system 100 of a fuel cell according to the second variant of implementation of the present invention. The system 100 of a fuel cell according to the second variant of implementation differs from the system 100 of a fuel cell according to the first variant of realization of the fact that the amount of hydrogen supplied to the fuel electrode 67 unit 1 fuel elements corresponding to the pressure change using the profile of pressure changes, set a variable image accordingly the operating state of the system 100 of the fuel cell. In addition, the structure of the system 100 of a fuel cell according to the second variant implementation is the same as the structure of the system according to the first variant implementation, so that repeated explanations are omitted, and differences are mainly described below.

Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the control method of the system 100 of a fuel cell according to the second variant implementation of this izopet the tion, more specifically, showing the operating procedures of the method of supplying hydrogen to the fuel electrode 67. The controller 40 executes the processes shown in this flowchart.

First, at step 1 (S1), the controller determines the operating conditions of the unit 1 fuel elements. Working conditions determined in this step 1, include the workload of the unit 1 fuel cell, the operating temperature of the unit 1 fuel elements and the working pressure of the unit 1 fuel cells (operating pressure of the electrode 34 oxidant). As the vehicle required power is determined by the speed of the vehicle or the acceleration at the initial stage, the required power devices and the like, can be used to calculate the workload of the unit 1 fuel elements. In addition, the working temperature of the unit 1 fuel cells can be determined using a sensor 43 temperature. With regard to the working pressure of the unit 1 fuel cells, a specific default value, regardless of the specified working load set in advance, or adjustable values respectively workload are determined in advance. Therefore, can be defined operating pressure of the unit 1 fuel cell on the basis of these values.

In stage 2 (S2), the controller 40 determines any changes to the working conditions set is installed at this point in time, with respect to working conditions found earlier. When this determination is positive, that is, when operating conditions are changed, the program proceeds to step 3 (S3). Meanwhile, when the determination in step 2 is negative, that is, when the operating conditions have not changed, the program skips the process of step 3, thereby proceeding to step 4 (S4).

In step 3, the controller 40 sets the profile of pressure changes on the basis of operating conditions. As described according to the first variant of implementation, the controller 40 executes the set of first profiles of pressure change required for stirring gas, and then performs a second profile of the pressure change required for the production of liquid water. Repeating the first and second profiles of pressure changes in a single set, the controller 40 performs the supply of hydrogen. Thus, when submitting, including the pressure change, the amount of hydrogen supplied to the fuel electrode 67 respectively to the pressure change, changing a pulsed manner, thus making re-load to the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 2, which act as voltage. Then, in the place where the transverse leakage from the electrode 34 oxidant is small, preferably, when the amount of hydrogen supplied to the fuel electrode 67, the corresponding vishey is related to the pressure change, becomes small, thereby reducing the load attached to the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 2. Meanwhile, in the place where the transverse leakage is large, it is preferable to definitely complete the change of pressure, pulsed by changing the amount of hydrogen supplied to the fuel electrode 67 respectively to the pressure change, thereby shaking of gas and liquid water.

Usually, the less the workload of the unit 1 fuel elements, the lower operating temperature of the unit 1 fuel elements and the lower operating pressure of the unit 1 fuel elements (more specifically, the operating pressure of the electrode 34 oxidant), the smaller the magnitude of the transverse leakage of nitrogen. When operating conditions are changed accordingly to any of the above cases, the amount of hydrogen supplied to the fuel electrode 67, respectively change in the pressure decreases. On the contrary, the more the workload of the unit 1 fuel cell, the higher the operating temperature of the unit 1 fuel cells, and the higher working pressure of the unit 1 fuel elements (more specifically, the operating pressure of the electrode 34 oxidant); the greater the amount of cross-leak of nitrogen. When operating conditions are changed accordingly to any of the above cases, increases the amount of hydrogen supplied to the top of the positive electrode 67 respectively to the pressure change.

To install a small amount of hydrogen supplied to the fuel electrode 67 respectively to the pressure change, the basic control profiles should be modified as follows.

As the first control method, as shown in figure 11, the closing time T of the valve 11 adjusting the pressure of hydrogen is set greater than the closing time of the valve basic control profile. In other words, the basic control profile should be modified so that the runtime changes of pressure do more.

As the second control method, as shown in Fig, differential pressure (peak-to-peak pressure) Δ11, Δ21 profile control pressure set smaller than the pressure difference (peak-to-peak pressure) Δ1, Δ2 profile of the pressure control basic control profile.

As the third control method, as shown in Fig, the frequency of execution of the second profile of pressure changes (necessary for the production of liquid water) relative to the first profile of pressure changes (required for stirring gas) is reduced compared to the frequency of execution of the second profile changes the base pressure control profile.

In contrast, in the case of establishing a large number of hydrogen supplied to the fuel electrode 67, respectively, from which teniu pressure, each of the methods of control from the first to the third it should be adjusted in the opposite direction.

Accordingly, the changed operating conditions, the controller 40 modifies the basic control profile on the basis of any means of control from the first to the third or combinations thereof. Then, the controller 40 sets the modified thus control profile as the current control profile.

In step 4, the controller 40 performs the supply of hydrogen on the basis of the control profile, which is set at the moment.

In step 5 (S5), the controller 40 determines ended if the operation of the system 100 of the fuel cell. More specifically, the controller 40 determines whether the switch-off signal input from the ignition switch. When this determination is positive in step 5, that is, when the system 100 of the fuel cell should be complete, current control ends. Meanwhile, when the determination is negative in step 5, that is, when the system 100 of the fuel cell should not be complete, the program returns to the process in step 1.

As described above, according to the second variant of implementation, with regard to system 100 of the fuel cell, the amount of hydrogen supplied to the fuel electrode 67 respectively to the pressure change, ustanavlivaut small on the basis of the operating condition of the system 100 of the fuel cell. When the above described structure, although the agitation gas and liquid water in the fuel electrode 67 are performed, you can reduce repetitive stress on individual fuel cell unit 1 fuel elements.

The third variant embodiment of the invention

The following describes the system 100 of a fuel cell according to the third variant of implementation of the present invention. The structure of the system 100 of a fuel cell according to the third variant of implementation similar to the structure according to the first and second variants of implementation, therefore, repeated explanations are omitted, and differences are mainly described below.

The controller 40 controls the system 100 of the fuel element as follows. The controller 40 supplies air and hydrogen in the unit 1 fuel elements, thereby performing the generating with the help of block 1 of the fuel elements. In this case, the controller 40 supplies air and hydrogen so that the pressure of each air and hydrogen, which are served in the unit 1 fuel cell becomes the specified working pressure. This operating pressure is set, for example, as a certain standard value regardless of the power generated by the unit 1 fuel cell, or set as a value variable according to the power generated by the unit 1 fuel elements.

Coz the ACLs third variant implementation, as for the air supply to the electrode 34 of the oxidant, the controller 40 performs control pressure respectively specified operating pressure. Meanwhile, with regard to the supply of hydrogen to the fuel electrode 67, the controller 40 controls the flow-stopping hydrogen respectively control profiles to perform growth-the pressure drop in the range between the upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2. Then, the controller 40 repeats, respectively, the test profile shown in Fig, the supply of hydrogen to the fuel electrode 67, periodically changing the pressure of the hydrogen in the fuel electrode 67 of the block 1 of the fuel elements.

More specifically, when the pressure of hydrogen in the fuel electrode 67 reaches the upper limit pressure P1 and the hydrogen concentration required to perform the generating, is supported on the fuel electrode 67, the controller 40 adjusts the valve 11 adjusting the pressure of hydrogen on the minimum degree of opening, stopping the supply of hydrogen in the unit 1 fuel elements. Because of the unit 1 fuel elements through the device 30 selection of output power, the controller 40 continues to take the load current corresponding to the load required by the system 100 of the fuel cell, the hydrogen consumed by the reaction generation, reducing the pressure of water is kind of on the fuel electrode 67.

Then, when the pressure of hydrogen in the fuel electrode 67 is reduced to the lower limit pressure P2, the controller 40 adjusts the valve 11 adjusting the pressure of hydrogen on the maximum degree of opening, re-starting the flow of hydrogen in the unit 1 fuel elements. The pressure of hydrogen in the fuel electrode 67 is increased. Then, when the hydrogen pressure reaches (returns to) the upper limit pressure P1, the controller 40 adjusts the valve 11 adjusting the pressure of hydrogen on the minimum degree of opening, again stopping the supply of hydrogen. By repeating the sequence of processes in a control profile of one cycle, the controller 40 supplies the hydrogen to the fuel electrode 67 unit 1 fuel cell, periodically changing the pressure of hydrogen.

The upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2 respectively set on the basis of, for example, the specified working pressure. It is possible to continuously control the pressure of hydrogen in the fuel electrode 67 unit 1 fuel elements, referring to the values determined by the sensor 41 pressure of hydrogen. In addition, to increase the pressure preferably, when the pressure of hydrogen on the side upstream from the valve 11 adjusting the pressure of hydrogen is set high enough in advance to increase SC is the rate of growth pressure as possible. For example, the period of increasing pressure from the lower limit pressure P2 to the upper limit pressure P1 set in the range from 0.1 seconds to about 0.5 seconds. Meanwhile, the time interval from the upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2 is in the range from 1 sec to about 10 sec, but the specified time depends on the upper limit pressure P1, the lower limit pressure P2 and the amount of current taken from the unit 1 fuel elements, i.e. the rate of consumption of hydrogen.

When controlling the supply of hydrogen, which includes the specified periodic increase the pressure drop, as one of the signs of the third variant implementation, the first time to save TP1 and the second time to save TR2 to maintain pressure in the fuel electrode 67, respectively, with an upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2 can be installed in the control profile. The controller 40 can arbitrarily set the first time of saving TP1 and the second time to save TR2 in the range from zero to a predetermined value.

As shown in Fig, first save TP1 represents the time for holding the pressure in the fuel electrode 67 at the upper limit pressure P1 before performing the first process of reducing the pressure on the fuel electrode 67 of the upper limit of the pressure is 1 to the lower limit pressure P2. More specifically, in a state where the pressure in the fuel electrode 67 has decreased to the lower limit pressure, the controller 40 controls the degree of opening Ot the valve 11 adjusting the pressure of hydrogen on the maximum degree of opening O1, re-starting the pressure in the unit 1 fuel cells, increasing, thus, the pressure in the fuel electrode 67. In a state where the pressure in the fuel electrode 67 reaches the upper limit pressure P1, the controller 40 decreases the degree of opening Ot the valve 11 adjusting the pressure of the hydrogen from the maximum degree of opening O1 to a predetermined degree of opening, thereby maintaining the pressure in the fuel electrode 67 at the upper limit pressure P1. Then, in a state where the first time save TP1 elapses from the point in time at which the pressure in the fuel electrode 67 reaches the upper limit pressure, the controller 40 controls the degree of opening Ot the valve 11 adjusting the pressure of hydrogen on the minimum degree of opening O2, thereby stopping the supply of hydrogen in the unit 1 fuel electrodes.

In contrast to the above, as shown in Fig, the second time to save TR2 is a time to keep the pressure on the fuel electrode 67 at the lower limit pressure P2 before performing the second process of increasing the pressure of hydrogen on the topl the main electrode 67 of the lower limit pressure P2 to the upper limit pressure P1. More specifically, in a state where the pressure in the fuel electrode 67 reaches the upper limit pressure P1, the controller 40 controls the degree of opening Ot the valve 11 adjusting the pressure of hydrogen on the minimum degree of opening O2, stopping the pressure in the unit 1 fuel elements. In a state where the pressure in the fuel electrode 67 is reduced to the lower limit pressure P2, the controller 40 increases the degree of opening Ot the valve 11 adjusting the pressure of the hydrogen from the minimum degree of opening of the O2 to a predetermined degree of opening, thereby maintaining the pressure in the fuel electrode 67 at the lower limit pressure P2. Then, in a state where the second retention TR2 has elapsed from the point in time at which the pressure in the fuel electrode 67 reaches the lower limit pressure, the controller 40 controls the degree of opening Ot the valve 11 adjusting the pressure of hydrogen on the maximum degree of opening O1, thereby re-starting the flow of hydrogen in the unit 1 fuel electrodes, increasing the pressure on the fuel electrode 67.

Fig is an explanatory image showing the load corresponding to each of the first savings time TP1 and the second time save TR2. For example, in the case of low load (for example, the state of selection of the load current is approximately 1/3 of the current project on the power) as a work area of the system 100 of the fuel cell, each of the first savings time TP1 and the second time save TR2 set to zero. Then, in the case of intermediate load (for example, the state of selection of the load current from more than approximately 1/3 to less than approximately 2/3 of the design of the load current) first save TP1 set to zero, while the second time to save TR2 increases with increasing load from zero as the starting point. In addition, in the case of a high load (for example, the state of selection of the load current is greater than or approximately equal to 2/3 of the design of the load current) first save TP1 increase with increasing load from zero as the starting point, whereas the second time to save TR2 establish permanent. Thus, the controller 40 may determine the first time save TP1 and the second time to save TR2, respectively, the load status. In other words, according to the load, the controller 40 can choose whether to keep the pressure on the fuel electrode 67 at the upper limit pressure P1 or at the lower limit pressure P2.

As described above, according to the third variant of implementation, as shown in Fig, when the required load is high (the load current is large), the controller 40 increases the amount of hydrogen supply to run one control profile compared with when the required load is low (load current is small). In such areas of work as high load, the feed rate of hydrogen is likely to be large. Therefore, to ensure the supply of hydrogen can be increased the number of performances of the growth pressure drop corresponding one of the control profile. However, according to the third variant of implementation of the feed rate of hydrogen during the execution of one of the control profile is increased, thus increasing the number of performances of the growth pressure drop per unit of time can be prevented. In this case, the voltage applied to the unit 1 fuel elements or associated with hydrogen components can be removed, so it can be prevented the deterioration of the system 100 of the fuel element.

In addition, according to the third variant of implementation, as shown in Fig, first save TP1 to keep the pressure on the fuel electrode 67 at the upper limit pressure P1 to perform a first process and a second time to save TR2 to keep the pressure on the fuel electrode 67 at the lower limit pressure P2 to perform the second process can be installed in the control profile. Thus the higher the required load, the longer the controller 40 sets the first time save TR1 or the second retention TR2. When the load demand is high, the value of consumption of hydrogen is increased,thereby increasing the rate of fall of pressure in the first process. However, according to the third variant of implementation, more than the required load, the longer set the first time of saving TR1 or the second retention TR2. During this period from the point in time at which the pressure in the fuel electrode 67 reaches the upper limit pressure P1, to a point in time at which the pressure in the fuel electrode 67 is returned from the lower limit pressure P2 to the upper limit pressure P1 may be set longer. That is, setting long the first time save TP1 and the second time save TR2 may extend the period of performance of one control profile, thus preventing the increase in the number of performances of the growth pressure drop per unit of time. The voltage supplied to the unit 1 fuel elements or associated with hydrogen components may be removed, thereby preventing the deterioration of the system 100 of the fuel element.

In particular, preferably, when the higher the required load, the longer the controller 40 sets the first time save TP1. When the load demand increases, it is difficult to provide a partial pressure of hydrogen in the fuel electrode 67. Therefore, the establishment of long time preservation TP1 to the upper limit pressure P1 may cause the effect that partial Yes the separation of hydrogen can easily be ensured even when the required load is high.

In addition, according to the third variant of implementation, the higher the required load is in the range of the required loads from low load to an intermediate load, the longer set the second time save TR2 (bottom Fig). From a low load to an intermediate load, liquid water probably remains in the fuel electrode 67. Establishing long the second time save TR2 to the lower limit pressure P2 may improve the accuracy of the process of liquid water. In addition, preferably, when the higher the required load is in the range of the required loads from an intermediate load to high load, the longer the controller 40 sets the first time save TP1 (upper part on Fig). When the load demand increases, providing partial pressure of hydrogen in the fuel electrode 67 is difficult. Therefore, the establishment of long time preservation TP1 to the upper limit pressure P1 may cause the effect that the partial pressure of hydrogen can easily be ensured even when the required load is high.

In addition, as shown in Fig, the partial pressure of hydrogen can be achieved as follows: the higher the concentration of impurities, such as oncentrate nitrogen, on the fuel electrode 67 (namely, immediately after starting the system 100 of the fuel cell), the longer set the first time of saving TP1 to save the upper limit pressure P1. In this case, the longer the time before restarting the system 100 of the fuel cell after stopping, the higher the concentration of the inactive gas in the fuel electrode 67. So the first time save TP1 to save the upper limit pressure P1 can be made variable by measuring the period of the stop of the system 100 of the fuel cell or by measuring the concentration of nitrogen in the fuel electrode 67 at startup of the system 100 of the fuel element.

In addition, in the system 100 of the fuel cell, which uses idle (or low speed), which at low load and the like temporarily stops the generation of the unit 1 fuel cells and allows movement through the power of the secondary battery, the nitrogen concentration in the fuel electrode 67 is high even immediately after returning from idle (or small stroke). Then, also in this case, the first time to save TP1 can be set long.

The fourth variant embodiment of the invention

The following describes the system 100 of a fuel cell according to the fourth variant of implementation of the present invention. The structure of the system is 100 volumes of the fuel cell according to the fourth variant implementation is similar to the structure according to the options exercise from the first to the third, therefore, repeated explanations will be omitted. According to the fourth variant implementation describes how to set the upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2.

The first installation method

With regard to the first method of installation, the upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2 can be set accordingly to the current load. On the basis of the vehicle speed, intensity, giving acceleration driver and information about the secondary battery controller 40 determines the target power generation unit 1 fuel elements in a desired load for the system 100 of the fuel cell. Based on the target power generation controller 40 calculates the load current, which is the amount of current taken from block 1 of the fuel elements.

Fig is an explanatory image showing the upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2 on the load current Ct. Working pressure Psa for supplying reactive gas required for selection of the load current from Ct unit 1 fuel cell, can be determined by experiments or simulation due to the characteristics of the system 100 of the fuel cell, such as the unit 1 fuel cells, hydrogen system, air system and the like. Cr Fig denotes current project load the Cr (as on Fig(b)).

To supply air to the electrode 34 of the oxidizer operating pressure Psa set as the target operating pressure.

In contrast, for supplying hydrogen to the fuel electrode 67, the upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2 respectively set based on the operating pressure of the Psa. The upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2 set so that the greater the load current Cr, the greater the pressure difference between the upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2, that is, the greater the magnitude of the pressure change in the operation of the gas supply.

When the above described structure, the higher the required load, the greater may be increased injection quantity of hydrogen in the run of one of the control profile. This can be prevented increase in the number of performances of the growth-rejoicing pressure per unit of time. This can be prevented deterioration of the system 100 of the fuel element.

The second installation method

As the second installation method, the upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2 can be installed due to security generating unit 1 fuel elements. In the case of low load, i.e. when the load current is small, the pressure difference between the upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2 is set is that it was relatively small, for example, approximately 50 kPa. In this case, the average concentration of hydrogen in the individual fuel cell is approximately 40%. In contrast, in case of high load, i.e. when the load current is large, the supply pressure on each side of the electrode 34 oxidant and sides of the fuel electrode 67 should, in General, increase as the increase of gas pressure can increase the efficiency of generation. In addition, the pressure difference between the upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2 set at approximately 100 kPa. In this case, the unit 1 fuel cell operates at an average hydrogen concentration of approximately 75% in individual fuel element.

According to the fourth variant implementation, which performs periodic increase the pressure drop, the atmosphere in the unit 1 fuel elements (fuel electrode 67) is in a state where the hydrogen concentration is low at the time of the lower limit pressure P2, while the hydrogen concentration is high at the time of the upper limit pressure P1. That is, the pressure increase from the lower limit pressure P2 to the upper limit pressure P1 enters a high concentration of hydrogen in the fuel electrode 67, thereby pushing a low concentration of hydrogen from unit 1 top the active elements in the containing portion 12. In addition, a gas with a high concentration of hydrogen mixed gas in the fuel electrode 67.

Fig(a) and 20(b) are explanatory image schematically showing the capacity of the Rs side of the fuel electrode 67 and the capacity of the Rt accommodating part 12 in block 1 of the fuel elements. For example, in the case where the upper limit pressure P1 is set to 200 kPa (absolute pressure), and the lower limit pressure P2 is set to 150 kPa (absolute pressure), the pressure ratios P1/P2 between the upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2 is approximately 1,33. In this case, as shown in Fig(a), the pressure increasing from the lower limit pressure P1 to the upper limit pressure P2, makes possible the inflow of additional hydrogen to about 1/4 capacity (more specifically, the capacity of the unit 1 fuel cells and tanks containing part 12) fuel system (=hydrogen system), i.e. up to 50% of the unit 1 fuel cell (hereinafter, this state is expressed as the ratio of exchange of hydrogen of 0.5 (see Fig(b)).

In case of low load, the rate of consumption of hydrogen is low, so that the ratio of exchange of the hydrogen of the order of the specified degree can perform generating unit 1 fuel elements. In this area, for example, hydrogen concentration average time exhaust gas ogorodnicheskogo is approximately 40%. In contrast, in the case of high load pressure ratios P1/P2 (for example, 2 or more), in which the entire fuel electrode 67 of the block 1 of the fuel elements is replaced by hydrogen, is preferred, i.e. the ratio of exchange of hydrogen is preferably approximately 1. Although the concentration of the produced hydrogen is preferably maintained low, the concentration of hydrogen greater or equal to a specified value, is necessary for stable execution generation (for example, approximately 75% or more, if necessary), since the rate of consumption of hydrogen is high.

In the above cases, to adjust the concentration of the hydrogen purge valve 14 opens the channel L2 of the duct, the exhaust gas of the fuel electrode. While this small amount of gas (the flow rate) can be continuously or periodically discharged from the purge valve 14, which prevents the flow of hydrogen corresponding to a periodic increase the pressure drop. As the gas (flow rate), produced from the purge valve 14 is small, the gas is diluted with the exhaust side of the cathode (the exhaust gas) and then safely released from the system. Opening the purge valve 14 is performed to release impurities (nitrogen or steam) from the fuel electr is Yes 67, however, hydrogen is mixed in the fuel electrode 67. Therefore, it is preferable to efficiently produce impurities by preventing the release of hydrogen.

Then, according to the fourth variant implementation, when the supply of the hydrogen purge valve 14 is set to the open state corresponding to the process of increasing the pressure of hydrogen from the lower limit pressure P2 to the upper limit pressure P1 (the second process), opening the purge valve 14 (purging). More specifically, the controller 40 continuously monitors the pressure in the fuel electrode 67 unit 1 fuel elements and then sets the purge valve 14 in the open state, respectively, the time at which the continuously controlled pressure reaches the lower limit pressure P2; in addition, the controller 40 sets the purge valve 14 in the closed state, respectively, the time at which the continuously controlled pressure reaches the upper limit pressure P1 (basic control profile). When this gas with a low concentration of hydrogen is pushed into the accommodating part 12 of block 1 of the fuel elements, and then the gas with a low concentration of hydrogen is discharged from the accommodating part 12 by means of a bleed valve 14 before the gas with a high hydrogen concentration reaches the purge vent is La 14. This can be effectively produced many impurities.

However, managing the opening-closing of the purge valve 14 is not limited to this base profile. Provided that the purge valve 14 is set to the open state, including at least the process of increasing pressure from the lower limit pressure P2 to the upper limit pressure P1 (the second process), the control of opening and closing the purge valve 14 is sufficient. Therefore, the time the blowdown valve 14 in the closed state can also be changed at a moment in time that is later than the point in time (hereinafter referred to as "basic time of closing"), at which the hydrogen pressure reaches the upper limit pressure P1. For example, given the rate of diffusion, the boundary between the high hydrogen concentration and a low concentration of hydrogen can be defined as a continuous surface in a short time. Then, with regard to unit 1 fuel elements and the housing part 12 during the operation of hydrogen supply, how much time is required boundary surface (which is called hydrogen front) to achieve and what position reaches the boundary surface, determine in advance through experiments or simulations. Then, while the boundary surface reaches cont the adjustment valve 14, time blowdown valve 14 in the closed state may be delayed longer than the basic time of closing.

In addition, there is no need to perform insufflating processing for each execution of the control profile, more specifically, for each process of increasing the pressure (the second process). For example, in the condition where the concentration of hydrogen in the fuel electrode 67 reaches a value less or equal to a detection threshold, the purge valve 14 may be opened according to further increase the pressure.

In addition, since liquid water is also considered as a factor for violations of the reaction generation, liquid water can also be produced. However, compared with the presence of an inactive gas, the time at which liquid water has an impact is the longer. Therefore, it is preferable to perform processing with the release of liquid water once for a set of periodic operations growth-the pressure drop or set time intervals instead of each periodic growth pressure drop. Enough that liquid water will be removed from the inside of the unit 1 fuel elements. Therefore, the release of liquid water from the unit 1 fuel elements in the host part 12 should be taken into account. In this case, as you need HC is the increase in the flow rate, the pressure difference between the upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2 is preferably approximately 100 kPa.

In addition, from the viewpoint of the upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2, the following additional methods may be installed in addition to the previously described method of changing the upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2, respectively, the required load.

First, as the first additional method, the upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2 can be set accordingly permissible pressure difference between the electrode 34 of the oxidizer and the fuel electrode 67 in the fuel element.

In addition, as a second method, in the system 100 of the fuel cell to perform the blowing process for the production of an inactive gas, accumulated in the fuel electrode 67, the upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2 may be limited so as to ensure a minimum pressure for reliable purging.

In addition, as a third additional method, the upper limit pressure P1 sets the more, the higher the nitrogen concentration (impurity concentration) in the fuel electrode 67, and the lower limit pressure P2 set to a small value in the state is then expected the number of remaining liquid water and the amount of liquid water generation in the fuel oxidizer 67 will be great. This large pressure difference is provided when it is determined that liquid water does remain, thereby enabling to reliably perform the release of liquid water.

In addition, as a fourth method, in the region where the amount of liquid water remaining in the unit 1 fuel elements, it is assumed large, as shown in Fig, the upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2 is set to allow the pressure ratios (P1/P2) between the upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2 to be temporarily large (P1w/P2w). The magnitude of the pressure Δ2 (=P1w-P2w)necessary for the production of liquid water in the fuel electrode 67 is, for example, more than or equal to 100 kPa, and the scope of the pressure Δ2 (=P1-P2) for issuance of the inactive gas in the fuel electrode 67 is, for example, greater than or equal to 50 kPa. As stated above, since the two peak-to-peak pressure are different from each other, the upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2 set as described above due to the release of liquid water.

When the upper limit pressure P1 set high, that is, P1w, as set out in the third and fourth methods, the rate of pressure reduction of the upper limit pressure P1 and lower limit pressure P2 decreases, since the rate of consumption of hydrogen is small in the region of low load. In this case, since it takes time before the pressure reaches the lower limit pressure, as can be in this case, the second process pressure increases from the lower limit pressure P2 to the upper limit pressure P1 cannot temporarily be performed.

Then, as shown in Fig, when the upper limit pressure P1 set high (for example, pressure P1w) in the condition of low load, it is assumed that the controller 40 temporarily increases the current drawn from the unit 1 fuel cell, thereby increasing the rate of pressure drop. For example, when the current is not increased, the time required to reduce the pressure of the upper limit pressure P1w to the lower limit pressure P2, is the time Tm2. Meanwhile, the increase in current allows the time required to reduce the pressure of the upper limit pressure P1w to the lower limit pressure P2 to be the time Tm3 (=Tm1), which is shorter than the time Tm2. This can be prevented by preventing influence on the growth control-drop the pressure to release inactive gas or preventing influence on the growth control-pressure drop for the subsequent release of water.

In addition, when the state of generation may become unstable because of a temporary increase in the current drawn from the nl is ka 1 fuel cell which occurs in an area where the voltage of the unit 1 fuel cell is reduced, or when the charge level of the secondary battery to save the selected current is high, can be used another way to increase the rate of fall of pressure instead of increasing the selected current.

As another method of increasing the rate of fall of pressure, for example, should increase the flow rate of the exhaust gas of the fuel electrode produced from the purge valve 14. In addition, the rate of pressure drop can be increased by increasing the capacity of the fuel electrode 67. As a way of increasing the capacity of the fuel electrode 67, the reference level of liquid water in the fuel electrode 67 is reduced, thereby releasing the liquid water in the fuel electrode 67.

Additionally, as a way of determining the number of remaining liquid water in the fuel electrode 67 may be considered a method of determining by the accumulation of the load current based on the characteristic that the value of generating liquid water essentially proportional to the current load. In addition, the number of remaining liquid water can be determined by time, current elapsed from the time of the execution of a release of liquid water earlier. In addition, by measuring the voltage of the fuel elem the NTA, it is possible to determine, on the basis of the voltage of the fuel cell, which is abnormally decreased, the number of remaining liquid water is great. In addition, when determining the amount of remaining liquid water temperature of cooling water for cooling the unit 1 fuel cells can be used to adjust the amount of the remaining liquid water. The reason for this is that even when the load current is the same, the lower the cooling water temperature, the more the quantity of liquid water. Similarly, the number of pulsations of pressure or the amount of air cathode can also adjust the number of remaining liquid water.

The fifth variant embodiment of the invention

The following describes the system 100 of a fuel cell according to the fifth variant of implementation of the present invention. According to the third variant of implementation described conventional workflow execution generate, respectively, a load current in the unit 1 fuel elements. Meanwhile, according to the fifth variant implementation describes the process when starting and stopping the system 100 of the fuel cell. The structure of the system 100 of a fuel cell according to the fifth variant implementation is similar to the structure according to the options exercise from the first to the fourth, therefore repeated explanation is omitted and opisyvayut is, mainly, the differences.

The startup process

It describes the process of starting the system 100 of the fuel cell. When you stop the system 100 of the fuel cell unit 1 fuel cell remains in the state as it is instead of immediately starting gas with a low concentration of hydrogen fills the fuel electrode 67. In case of start of system 100 in the specified state gas with a low concentration of hydrogen should release from the fuel electrode 67 of the block 1 of the fuel elements. Therefore, a gas with a high concentration of hydrogen must instantly apply from the fuel tank 10 at a given initial upper limit pressure, thereby increasing the gas pressure at the fuel electrode 67. In this case, the purge valve 14 is also set to the open state. This can be accelerated passage of the hydrogen front, which is a boundary surface between the gas with a low concentration of hydrogen gas with a high concentration of hydrogen, and the hydrogen front can also set off through the fuel electrode 67.

Then, until the time at which the hydrogen front reaches the purge valve 14, the valve 11 adjusting the pressure of the hydrogen gas and the purge valve 14 is set in the closed state, thereby performing the generating and RA is Hogue hydrogen, thereby reducing the pressure of hydrogen in the fuel electrode 67. Then, when the hydrogen pressure reaches a predetermined lower limit pressure, the hydrogen pressure is again increased to the specified initial upper limit pressure. Then repeat the procedure described growth-drop the pressure until the hydrogen concentration of the fuel electrode 67 unit 1 fuel cell reaches a predetermined average hydrogen concentration.

Additionally, the actual vehicle, as it may be in this case, starts to move during the period when the above initial process. In this case, you can use the output power of the secondary battery installed.

The process stops

Now will be described the process of stopping the system 100 of the fuel cell. As the initial stage after the stop of the system 100 of the fuel element assumes a low-temperature environment. In this case, when liquid water is present in the unit 1 fuel element, the valve 11 adjustment pressure hydrogen valve 13 release water, the purge valve 14 and the like, when the system 100 of the fuel cell are cooled and are unable to start the system 100 of the fuel cell. Therefore, it is necessary to perform the process of removing liquid water stopping systems is 100 fuel cell. First, the air must be submitted to the electrode 34 oxidant, performing generation in the condition of low load. On the side of the fuel electrode 67 operations growth-the pressure drop necessary to perform according to the control profile, as in the third embodiment. In this case, for example, when the upper limit pressure P1 200 kPa (absolute pressure) and the lower limit pressure P2 of 101.3 kPa, of sufficient magnitude must be set in advance for the release of liquid water from the fuel electrode 67. In addition, the number of retry operations growth-the pressure drop sufficient for release of liquid water should be found in advance by experiments or simulations. Based on the thus obtained values necessary to repeat the operation, growth pressure drop. This generation ends.

Then, when the valve 13 release water that is installed in the open state, execute a release of liquid water from the unit 1 fuel elements in the containing portion 12. Then use the energy, which was obtained immediately before the release operation, to perform a heating device such as a heater and the like after the operation is released, thereby heating the purge valve 14 and valve 13 release water, drying the released liquid water.

According to the fifth variant implementation in the system 100 of the fuel is of elementa process stop provides zaposlenosti at the start, in addition, even the process at the start can release impurities is more preferable than hydrogen.

The whole content of the priority application JP 2008-298191 (21 November 2008) and JP 2008-302465 (from 27 November 2008) included here by reference for exceptions translation errors or missing parts.

As described above, the content of the present invention was described based on variants of its implementation. However, the specialist in the art should be obvious that the present invention is not limited to the described variants of the implementation and its various possible modifications and improvements.

Industrial applicability

According to the present invention, based on the first profile of change of pressure to perform pressure change at the first magnitude of pressure, the pressure of the fuel gas at the fuel electrode is changed periodically, thereby allowing you to mix the gas side of the fuel electrode. When the gas side of the fuel electrode can be uniform.

1. System of a fuel cell, comprising:
fuel element for generating energy, through the electrochemical reaction between gas-oxidant supplied to the oxidant electrode and the fuel gas supplied to the fuel electrode;
the supply system of the fuel gas for supplying the fuel gas to Topley is hydrated electrode, moreover, the supply system of the fuel gas includes an input flow channel of the fuel electrode through which a fuel gas is fed to the fuel electrode;
a flow channel of exhaust gas of the fuel electrode to release the exhaust gas of the fuel electrode to the atmosphere; a flow channel of exhaust gas of the fuel electrode is made in such a way that the exhaust gas of the fuel electrode is not returned to the input flow channel of the fuel electrode; and
a controller to control the supply of fuel gas, to supply the fuel gas to the fuel electrode, and the controller is made with possibility of change of pressure, the controller periodically changes the pressure of the fuel gas from the fuel electrode based on the first profile of change of pressure to implement changes in pressure at the first scale pressure.

2. The system according to claim 1, additionally containing a limiter to restrict the release of exhaust gas of the fuel electrode produced from the fuel electrode, and the limiter includes:
a flow channel of exhaust gas of the fuel electrode to release the exhaust gas of the fuel electrode of the fuel electrode,
the host device located in a flow channel of exhaust gas of the fuel electrode and is within the space of a predetermined capacity, and
the valve located on the side downstream from the host device in the flow channel of exhaust gas of the fuel electrode and made with the possibility of locking of the flow channel of exhaust gas of the fuel electrode.

3. The system according to claim 1, in which the controller performs a second profile of pressure changes after you perform many of the first profile of pressure changes.

4. The system according to claim 1, in which in a state where the power generation of the fuel cell is performed by supplying the fuel gas from the supply system of the fuel gas at a given operating pressure, the controller stops the supply of the fuel gas in the fuel cell, and in a state where the pressure of the fuel gas at the fuel electrode is reduced by a specified peak-to-peak pressure, the controller re-starts the supply of fuel gas in the fuel cell, thereby changing the pressure of the fuel gas to the fuel electrode.

5. The system according to claim 1, in which less than the operating temperature of the fuel cell, the smaller the controller sets the feed rate of the fuel gas supplied to the fuel electrode, due to pressure changes.

6. The system according to claim 1, additionally containing gas supply of the oxidizer gas supply oxidant to the oxidant electrode and the lower operating pressure gas-oxidant in which electrode oxidant, the smaller the controller sets the feed rate of the fuel gas supplied to the fuel electrode, due to pressure changes.

7. The system according to claim 5 or 6, in which, when the controller sets a lower feed rate of the fuel gas supplied to the fuel electrode, due to a change in pressure, the controller sets a longer period of execution of the pressure change.

8. The system according to claim 5 or 6, in which, when the controller sets a lower feed rate of the fuel gas supplied to the fuel electrode, due to a change in pressure, the controller sets a smaller scale pressure.

9. The system according to claim 5 or 6, in which, when the controller sets a lower feed rate of the fuel gas supplied to the fuel electrode, due to a change in pressure, the controller reduces the frequency of execution of the second profile changes in pressure relative to the first profile of pressure changes.

10. The system according to claim 1, additionally containing device selection output power to select the output power from the fuel cell, and the controller controls the device selection output power of selection of the output power of the fuel cell that the power output matches the required load required for system of a fuel cell, and the controller controls the et supply and stop of the fuel gas using the supply system of the fuel gas based on the predetermined control profile, feeding fuel gas so as to periodically change the pressure on the fuel electrode, with the specified control profile includes:
the first process of reducing the pressure of the fuel electrode of the upper limit pressure to the lower limit of the pressure and
the second process of the return pressure of the fuel electrode from the lower limit pressure to the upper limit of the pressure and
when the required load is high, the controller increases the feed rate of the fuel gas in the same period of execution of a given control profile compared with when the required load is low.

11. The system of claim 10, in which the first retention to keep the pressure of the fuel electrode on the upper limit pressure to perform the first process or the second time save to keep the pressure of the fuel electrode on the lower limit pressure to perform the second process can be set in a predetermined control profile, and the higher the required load, the longer the controller sets the first time you save or second time saved.

12. The system of claim 10, in which the first retention to keep the pressure of the fuel electrode on the upper limit pressure to perform the first process can be installed in the specified control prof is Le, and the higher the required load, the longer the controller sets the first time saving.

13. The system according to claim 11, in which the higher the required load is in the region from a low load to an intermediate load, the longer the controller sets a second time to save.

14. The system according to claim 11, in which the higher the required load is in the area from an intermediate load to high load, the longer the controller sets the first time saving.

15. The system of claim 10, in which the first retention to keep the pressure of the fuel electrode on the upper limit pressure to perform the first process can be set in a predetermined control profile, and the higher the concentration of impurities in the fuel electrode, the longer the controller sets the first time saving.

16. The system of claim 10, in which the higher the concentration of impurities in the fuel electrode, the more the controller sets an upper limit pressure.

17. System according to clause 16, in which, when the required load is low, the controller sets the greater the rate of decrease of pressure in the first process.

18. The system of claim 10, in which the greater the amount of liquid water in the fuel electrode, the smaller the controller sets the lower limit pressure.

19. System of a fuel cell, comprising:br/> fuel element for generating energy, through the electrochemical reaction between gas-oxidant supplied to the oxidant electrode and the fuel gas supplied to the fuel electrode;
the supply system of the fuel gas for supplying the fuel gas to the fuel electrode; and
a controller to control the supply of fuel gas, to supply the fuel gas to the fuel electrode, and the controller is made with possibility of change of pressure, the controller periodically changes the pressure of the fuel gas to the fuel electrode based on the first profile of change of pressure to perform pressure change at the first scale pressure and based on the second profile changes of pressure to perform changes of pressure at the second magnitude of pressure which is greater than the first magnitude of pressure.

20. The method of controlling the fuel cell system, in which:
generate energy through the implementation of the electrochemical reaction between gas-oxidant supplied to the oxidant electrode and the fuel gas supplied to the fuel electrode;
serves the fuel gas to the fuel electrode through the inlet flow channel of the fuel electrode;
release the exhaust gas of the fuel electrode to the atmosphere via a flow channel of exhaust gas fuel electric is an ode; when this flow channel of exhaust gas of the fuel electrode is performed so that the exhaust gas of the fuel electrode is not returned to the input flow channel of the fuel electrode; and
control the operation of supplying the fuel gas so as to supply fuel gas to the fuel electrode, and perform a pressure change, and the management operation periodically changes the pressure of the fuel gas to the fuel electrode based on the first profile of change of pressure to implement changes in pressure at the first scale pressure.

21. System of a fuel cell, comprising:
fuel element for generating energy, through the electrochemical reaction between gas-oxidant supplied to the oxidant electrode and the fuel gas supplied to the fuel electrode;
means for feeding fuel gas to the fuel electrode through the inlet flow channel of the fuel electrode;
means for releasing the exhaust gas of the fuel electrode to the atmosphere via a flow channel of exhaust gas of the fuel electrode; a flow channel of exhaust gas of the fuel electrode is made in such a way that the exhaust gas of the fuel electrode is not returned to the input flow channel of the fuel electrode; and
means for controlling the means for supplying, to podawa the ü fuel gas to the fuel electrode, moreover, the management tool is made with possibility of change of pressure, and the management tool periodically changes the pressure of the fuel gas from the fuel electrode based on the first profile of change of pressure to implement changes in pressure at the first scale pressure.