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WO2012108416A1 - Système de pile à combustible alcaline - Google Patents

Système de pile à combustible alcaline Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012108416A1
WO2012108416A1 PCT/JP2012/052710 JP2012052710W WO2012108416A1 WO 2012108416 A1 WO2012108416 A1 WO 2012108416A1 JP 2012052710 W JP2012052710 W JP 2012052710W WO 2012108416 A1 WO2012108416 A1 WO 2012108416A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
humidity
fuel cell
unit
reducing agent
alkaline fuel
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/JP2012/052710
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English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
俊輔 佐多
宏隆 水畑
吉田　章人
忍 竹中
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sharp Corp
Original Assignee
Sharp Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP2011027474A external-priority patent/JP5752433B2/ja
Priority claimed from JP2011027462A external-priority patent/JP5657412B2/ja
Priority claimed from JP2011027466A external-priority patent/JP5657413B2/ja
Application filed by Sharp Corp filed Critical Sharp Corp
Publication of WO2012108416A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012108416A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/08—Fuel cells with aqueous electrolytes
    • H01M8/083—Alkaline fuel cells
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04313—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by the detection or assessment of variables; characterised by the detection or assessment of failure or abnormal function
    • H01M8/04537—Electric variables
    • H01M8/04574—Current
    • H01M8/04589—Current of fuel cell stacks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04694—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by variables to be controlled
    • H01M8/04746—Pressure; Flow
    • H01M8/04753—Pressure; Flow of fuel cell reactants
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
    • H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
    • H01M8/04694—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by variables to be controlled
    • H01M8/04828—Humidity; Water content
    • H01M8/04835—Humidity; Water content of fuel cell reactants
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an alkaline fuel cell system capable of optimally adjusting the humidity (water content) of an electrode (anode electrode and / or cathode electrode) of an alkaline fuel cell.
  • the fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) having a configuration in which an electrolyte membrane is sandwiched between an anode and a cathode as a main part of power generation.
  • MEA membrane electrode assembly
  • a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (direct fuel) Battery) phosphoric acid fuel cell, molten carbonate fuel cell, solid oxide fuel cell, alkaline fuel cell and the like.
  • An alkaline fuel cell is a fuel cell in which an anion exchange membrane is used as an electrolyte membrane, and charge carriers are hydroxide ions (OH ⁇ ) [see, for example, JP-A-11-135137 (Patent Document 1)]. .
  • charge carriers are hydroxide ions (OH ⁇ ) [see, for example, JP-A-11-135137 (Patent Document 1)].
  • electric power is taken out by the following electrochemical reaction.
  • the supplied reducing agent (fuel), for example, H 2 gas and OH ⁇ transmitted from the cathode electrode are expressed by the following formula (2):
  • the anion conduction resistance of the electrolyte membrane increases due to the electrolyte membrane being in a dry state (hereinafter also referred to as “dry-up”). Both “flooding” and “dry up” cause the output voltage of the alkaline fuel cell to decrease.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide an alkali that can stably maintain a high output voltage by optimally adjusting the humidity (water content) of an electrode (anode electrode and / or cathode electrode) of an alkaline fuel cell. To provide a fuel cell system.
  • the above equation (3) means that the humidity of the anode electrode can be controlled by adjusting the flow rate N t of the reducing agent and / or the humidity ⁇ w of the reducing agent introduced into the anode electrode.
  • the humidity of the anode electrode (the reducing agent humidity in the anode electrode) can be determined from the humidity of the reducing agent discharged from the anode electrode.
  • the flow rate of the oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode of the alkaline fuel cell (flow rate immediately before being introduced into the cathode electrode) is N t ′, and the humidity of the oxidant is ⁇ w ′ (where 0 ⁇ ⁇ w ′). If ⁇ 1), the water content of this oxidant is ⁇ w ′ ⁇ N t ′. If the amount of water consumed in the cathode electrode is N r ′, the flow rate of the oxidizing agent in the cathode electrode is approximately N t ′, and the water content is ⁇ w ′ ⁇ N t ′ ⁇ N Calculated as r '.
  • the above equation (4) means that the humidity of the cathode electrode can be controlled by adjusting the flow rate N t ′ of the oxidant and / or the humidity ⁇ w ′ of the oxidant introduced into the cathode electrode.
  • the humidity of the cathode electrode (humidity of the oxidant in the cathode electrode) can be grasped from the humidity of the oxidant discharged from the cathode electrode. It can also be seen that when the amount of current flowing between the anode and cathode increases and the amount of water N r ′ consumed in the cathode increases, the humidity of the cathode decreases.
  • the present invention has been made through various studies based on the above-described idea by the present inventors.
  • the present invention provides the following alkaline fuel cell systems [A] to [D].
  • a fuel cell unit a reducing agent supply unit for supplying a reducing agent to the anode electrode, an oxidizing agent supply unit for supplying an oxidizing agent to the cathode electrode, and a flow rate of the reducing agent supplied to the anode electrode and / or
  • at least a first adjustment unit for adjusting humidity and a change amount ⁇ i (hereinafter also simply referred to as ⁇ i) per unit time of a current value flowing between the anode and the cathode of the alkaline fuel cell are detected.
  • the first adjustment unit is connected to the first adjustment unit and the first detection unit, and the flow rate and / or humidity of the reducing agent is adjusted by the first adjustment unit based on the detection result by the first detection unit.
  • An alkaline fuel cell system comprising a first control unit for controlling the fuel cell.
  • the first detection unit calculates a change amount ⁇ V (hereinafter also simply referred to as ⁇ V) of the output voltage value of the alkaline fuel cell and a change rate ⁇ R (hereinafter simply referred to as ⁇ R) of the resistance value per unit time. Furthermore, it is preferable to detect.
  • ⁇ V change amount
  • ⁇ R change rate
  • the alkaline fuel cell system [A] adjusts the humidity of the anode electrode by, for example, the following control.
  • the first control unit causes the first adjustment unit to Control is performed to reduce the flow rate and / or increase the humidity of the reducing agent, and when ⁇ i detected by the first detector is larger than a predetermined value B i (where B i is a positive value).
  • the first control unit controls the first adjustment unit to increase the flow rate of the reducing agent and / or reduce the humidity of the reducing agent.
  • the predetermined value A i of ⁇ i is preferably in the range of ⁇ 50 to ⁇ 25 [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min], and the predetermined value B i is preferably in the range of +25 to +50 [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min]. Is within.
  • ⁇ R detected by the first detection unit is greater than the predetermined value C R is the first control unit, the first adjustment portion performs an increase in the humidity of the reduction and / or a reducing agent in the flow rate of the reducing agent To control.
  • ⁇ R is the predetermined value C R, preferably in the range of + 5 to + 20 [% / min], a predetermined value D V of ⁇ V is preferably in the range of -50 to -2 [mV / min].
  • the first control unit controls the first detection unit to detect ⁇ R, and ⁇ R is a predetermined value C R (where C R is a positive value).
  • the first adjusting unit controls to increase the flow rate of the reducing agent and / or reduce the humidity of the reducing agent.
  • the first adjustment portion performs an increase in the humidity of the reduction and / or a reducing agent in the flow rate of the reducing agent To control.
  • Predetermined value D V of ⁇ V is preferably in the range of -50 to -2 [mV / min]
  • a predetermined value C R of ⁇ R are in the range of preferably from + 5 to + 20 [% / min].
  • the alkaline fuel cell included in the alkaline fuel cell system of [A] can include an anode separator, an anode electrode, an anion conductive electrolyte membrane, a cathode electrode, and a cathode separator in this order.
  • the fuel cell unit can include two or more alkaline fuel cells that are electrically connected in series or in parallel.
  • the reducing agent supply unit may include, for example, a pipe that connects a reducing agent supply source that holds the reducing agent and an anode separator of the alkaline fuel cell.
  • the first adjustment unit can be a flow rate adjustment valve and / or a humidity controller provided in the pipe.
  • An alkaline fuel cell system capable of optimally adjusting the humidity of the cathode electrode of an alkaline fuel cell, comprising an anode fuel cell, an anion conductive electrolyte membrane, and a cathode electrode in this order.
  • a fuel cell unit Including a fuel cell unit, a reducing agent supplying unit for supplying a reducing agent to the anode electrode, an oxidizing agent supplying unit for supplying an oxidizing agent to the cathode electrode, a flow rate of the oxidizing agent supplied to the cathode electrode, and / or Alternatively, a second adjustment unit for adjusting humidity, a second detection unit for detecting at least a change amount ⁇ i per unit time of a current value flowing between the anode and the cathode of the alkaline fuel cell, and a second A second control is connected to the adjustment unit and the second detection unit, and controls the flow rate and / or humidity adjustment of the oxidant by the second adjustment unit based on the detection result of the second detection unit.
  • Alkaline fuel cell system and a part.
  • the second detection unit further detects a change amount ⁇ V per unit time of the output voltage value of the alkaline fuel cell and a change rate ⁇ R per unit time of the resistance value.
  • the alkaline fuel cell system [B] adjusts the humidity of the cathode electrode, for example, by the following control.
  • the second control unit causes the second adjustment unit to Control is performed to reduce the flow rate and / or the humidity of the oxidant, and when ⁇ i detected by the second detector is larger than a predetermined value B i (where B i is a positive value).
  • the second controller controls the second controller to increase the flow rate of the oxidant and / or increase the humidity of the oxidant.
  • the predetermined value A i of ⁇ i is preferably in the range of ⁇ 50 to ⁇ 25 [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min], and the predetermined value B i is preferably in the range of +25 to +50 [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min]. Is within.
  • ⁇ R is the predetermined value C R, preferably in the range of + 5 to + 20 [% / min]
  • a predetermined value D V of ⁇ V is preferably in the range of -50 to -2 [mV / min].
  • the alkaline fuel cell included in the alkaline fuel cell system of [B] can include an anode separator, an anode electrode, an anion conductive electrolyte membrane, a cathode electrode, and a cathode separator in this order.
  • the fuel cell unit can include two or more alkaline fuel cells that are electrically connected in series or in parallel.
  • the oxidant supply unit can include, for example, a pipe that connects an oxidant supply source that holds an oxidant and a cathode separator of an alkaline fuel cell.
  • the second adjustment unit can be a flow rate adjustment valve and / or a humidity controller provided in the pipe.
  • An alkaline fuel cell system capable of optimally adjusting the humidity of the anode electrode of an alkaline fuel cell, wherein the alkaline fuel cell comprises an anode electrode, an anion conductive electrolyte membrane, and a cathode electrode in this order.
  • the third adjusting unit for adjusting the humidity, the third detecting unit for detecting at least the relative humidity H of the reducing agent discharged from the anode electrode, and the third adjusting unit and the third detecting unit are connected to the third adjusting unit.
  • An alkaline fuel cell system comprising: a third control unit for controlling adjustment of the flow rate and / or humidity of the reducing agent by the third adjustment unit based on a detection result by the detection unit.
  • the third detection unit further detects a change amount ⁇ i per unit time of the current value flowing between the anode and cathode of the alkaline fuel cell and a change amount ⁇ V per unit time of the output voltage value. It is preferable.
  • the alkaline fuel cell system [C] adjusts the humidity of the anode electrode by the following control, for example.
  • the third control unit When the relative humidity H detected by the third detection unit is equal to or less than the predetermined value A H (where A H is a value smaller than 100% RH), the third control unit The adjustment unit performs control so as to reduce the flow rate of the reducing agent and / or increase the humidity of the reducing agent, and the relative humidity H is equal to or greater than a predetermined value B H (B H is greater than 100% RH). In such a case, the third control unit controls the third adjustment unit to increase the flow rate of the reducing agent and / or reduce the humidity of the reducing agent.
  • the relative humidity H is expressed as a percentage of the ratio of the water weight contained in the reducing agent to the maximum value of the water weight that the reducing agent placed at the temperature of the alkaline fuel cell can contain as water vapor.
  • defined and greater than 100% RH is when the weight of water contained in the reducing agent is greater than the maximum water weight that the reducing agent placed at the temperature of the alkaline fuel cell can contain as water vapor. .
  • Predetermined value A H of the relative humidity H is preferably in the range of 80-95 [% RH]
  • the predetermined value B H is preferably in the range of 105-150 [% RH].
  • the third control unit has the third adjustment unit as a reducing agent. Control is made to reduce the flow rate and / or increase the humidity of the reducing agent.
  • the third control unit is configured such that the third detection unit is ⁇ V. And when the ⁇ V is less than a predetermined value G V (where G V is a negative value), the third adjustment unit increases the flow rate of the reducing agent and / or Control is performed to reduce the humidity of the reducing agent.
  • the predetermined value C i of ⁇ i is preferably in the range of ⁇ 50 to ⁇ 25 [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min] and the predetermined value D i is Preferably, it is in the range of +25 to +50 [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min].
  • Predetermined value E H relative humidity H is preferably in the range of 80-95 [% RH].
  • the predetermined value G V of ⁇ V is preferably in the range of ⁇ 50 to ⁇ 2 [mV / min].
  • the third control unit causes the third adjustment unit to reduce the flow rate of the reducing agent and / or increase the humidity of the reducing agent. And when the ⁇ i detected by the third detection unit is larger than the predetermined value D i , the third control unit causes the third adjustment unit to increase the flow rate of the reducing agent and / or reduce the humidity of the reducing agent. Control is preferably performed.
  • the alkaline fuel cell included in the alkaline fuel cell system of [C] may include an anode separator, an anode electrode, an anion conductive electrolyte membrane, a cathode electrode, and a cathode separator in this order.
  • the reducing agent supply unit can include, for example, a pipe that connects a reducing agent supply source that holds the reducing agent and an anode separator of the alkaline fuel cell.
  • the third adjustment unit may be a flow rate adjustment valve and / or a humidity controller provided in the pipe.
  • An alkaline fuel cell system capable of optimally adjusting the humidity of the cathode electrode of an alkaline fuel cell, comprising an anode fuel cell, an anion conductive electrolyte membrane, and a cathode electrode in this order.
  • a fuel cell unit Including a fuel cell unit, a reducing agent supplying unit for supplying a reducing agent to the anode electrode, an oxidizing agent supplying unit for supplying an oxidizing agent to the cathode electrode, a flow rate of the oxidizing agent supplied to the cathode electrode, and / or Alternatively, a fourth adjustment unit for adjusting the humidity, a fourth detection unit for detecting at least the relative humidity H ′ of the oxidant discharged from the cathode electrode, and a fourth adjustment unit and a fourth detection unit are connected.
  • An alkaline fuel cell system comprising: a fourth control unit for controlling the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant by the fourth adjustment unit based on a detection result by the four detection unit.
  • the fourth detection unit further detects a change amount ⁇ i per unit time of the current value flowing between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode of the alkaline fuel cell and a change amount ⁇ V per unit time of the output voltage value. It is preferable.
  • the alkaline fuel cell system [D] adjusts the humidity of the cathode electrode, for example, by the following control.
  • the fourth control unit controls the increase in the flow rate of the oxidant and / or the increase in the humidity of the oxidant, and the relative humidity H ′ detected by the fourth detection unit is a predetermined value B H ′ (where B H ′ is a value larger than 100% RH.) In the case where it is equal to or greater than this, the fourth control unit causes the fourth adjustment unit to reduce the flow rate of the oxidant and / or reduce the humidity of the oxidant. Control.
  • the relative humidity H ′ is a percentage of the ratio of the weight of water contained in the oxidizer to the maximum value of the weight of water that the oxidizer placed at the temperature of the alkaline fuel cell can contain as water vapor.
  • the value greater than 100% RH means that the water weight contained in the oxidizer is greater than the maximum water weight that the oxidizer placed at the temperature of the alkaline fuel cell can contain as water vapor. Become.
  • Relative humidity H 'predetermined value A H of' is preferably in the range of 70-95 [% RH]
  • the predetermined value B H ' is preferably in the range of 105 to 130 [% RH].
  • the fourth adjusting unit reduces the flow rate of the oxidant and / or the oxidant. Control to reduce humidity.
  • the predetermined value C i of ⁇ i is preferably in the range of ⁇ 50 to ⁇ 25 [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min] and the predetermined value D i is Preferably, it is in the range of +25 to +50 [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min].
  • 'Predetermined value E H' of the relative humidity H is preferably in the range of 70-95 [% RH].
  • the predetermined value G V of ⁇ V is preferably in the range of ⁇ 50 to ⁇ 2 [mV / min].
  • the fourth control unit When ⁇ i detected by the fourth detection unit is smaller than the predetermined value C i , the fourth control unit causes the fourth adjustment unit to reduce the flow rate of the oxidant and / or reduce the humidity of the oxidant. And when the ⁇ i detected by the fourth detection unit is larger than the predetermined value D i , the fourth control unit causes the fourth adjustment unit to increase the flow rate of the oxidant and / or increase the humidity of the oxidant. Control is preferably performed.
  • the alkaline fuel cell included in the alkaline fuel cell system of [D] may include an anode separator, an anode electrode, an anion conductive electrolyte membrane, a cathode electrode, and a cathode separator in this order.
  • the oxidant supply unit can include, for example, a pipe that connects the oxidant supply source and the cathode separator of the alkaline fuel cell.
  • the fourth adjustment unit may be a flow rate adjustment valve and / or a humidity controller provided in the pipe.
  • the fuel cell unit can include two or more alkaline fuel cells electrically connected in series or in parallel.
  • the reducing agent used in the alkaline fuel cell systems [A] to [D] of the present invention is preferably hydrogen gas, and the oxidizing agent is preferably air.
  • ⁇ i reflecting the operating state of the alkaline fuel cell, and further ⁇ V and ⁇ R are detected and supplied to the anode electrode based on the detected ⁇ i.
  • the humidity and flow rate of the reducing agent and / or oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode the humidity (water content) of the electrode (anode electrode and / or cathode electrode) of the alkaline fuel cell is optimally adjusted. Therefore, a high output voltage can be stably maintained.
  • the relative humidity H of the reducing agent discharged from the anode electrode reflecting the operating state of the alkaline fuel cell and / or the cathode electrode.
  • the humidity (water content) of the electrode (anode electrode and / or cathode electrode) of the alkaline fuel cell can be adjusted optimally, and thus a high output voltage can be stably maintained.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an alkaline fuel cell system 100 according to this embodiment (an example of the configuration of the alkaline fuel cell system [A]). .
  • the alkaline fuel cell system 100 includes a fuel cell unit 101 including an alkaline fuel cell; a reductant supply unit 102 connected to the fuel cell unit 101 for supplying a reducing agent to the anode electrode of the alkaline fuel cell; An oxidant supply unit 103 connected to the unit 101 for supplying an oxidant to the cathode electrode of the alkaline fuel cell; a flow rate and / or humidity of the reductant connected to the reductant supply unit 102 and supplied to the anode electrode A first adjustment unit 104 for adjusting the fuel cell unit 101, and a first adjustment unit 104 for detecting at least a change amount ⁇ i per unit time of a current value flowing between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode of an alkaline fuel cell.
  • Detection unit 105 includes a first control unit 106 for controlling the flow rate and / or adjustment of the humidity of the reducing agent by.
  • the first detection unit 105 further detects a change amount ⁇ V per unit time of the output voltage value of the alkaline fuel cell and a change rate ⁇ R per unit time of the resistance value in addition to the change amount ⁇ i per unit time of the current value. It is preferable that
  • the alkaline fuel cell system 100 having the above-described configuration, ⁇ i, and further, battery characteristics such as ⁇ V and ⁇ R are detected, and the reducing agent supplied to the anode electrode of the alkaline fuel cell in real time based on the detection result.
  • the flow rate and / or humidity of the anode can be optimized, so that the humidity of the anode electrode is optimized.
  • “flooding” that impedes the supply of the reducing agent to the anode electrode and the moisture content of the electrolyte membrane are low. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or improve “dry-up” that increases the anion conduction resistance. As a result, a high output voltage can be stably maintained.
  • the fuel cell unit 101 is composed of an alkaline fuel cell.
  • the alkaline fuel cell is a fuel cell having an anion conductive electrolyte membrane (anion exchange membrane) as an electrolyte membrane, and charge carriers are hydroxide ions (OH ⁇ ).
  • the alkaline fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) having an anode electrode, an anion conductive electrolyte membrane, and a cathode electrode in this order as a power generation main part.
  • MEA membrane electrode assembly
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a preferred example of an alkaline fuel cell used in the alkaline fuel cell system of the present invention (the alkaline fuel cell system of this embodiment and other embodiments described later).
  • 1 shows a single cell structure of a battery.
  • the alkaline fuel cell 200 shown in FIG. 2 is laminated on the outer surface of the anode electrode 202 and the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) 210 having the anode electrode 202, the anion conductive electrolyte membrane 201 and the cathode electrode 203 in this order.
  • An anode separator 204 and a cathode separator 205 stacked on the outer surface of the cathode electrode 203 are provided.
  • a reducing agent channel 206 and an oxidizing agent channel 207 for introducing a reducing agent and an oxidizing agent to the anode electrode 202 and the cathode electrode 203, respectively.
  • Anion-conducting electrolyte membrane As the anion-conducting electrolyte membrane 201, as long as it can conduct OH - ions and has an electrical insulation property to prevent a short circuit between the anode electrode 202 and the cathode electrode 203, although not particularly limited, an anion conductive solid polymer electrolyte membrane can be suitably used.
  • the anion conductive solid polymer electrolyte membrane include, for example, perfluorosulfonic acid type, perfluorocarboxylic acid type, styrene vinyl benzene type, quaternary ammonium type solid polymer electrolyte membrane (anion exchange membrane). It is done.
  • a membrane obtained by impregnating polyacrylic acid with a concentrated potassium hydroxide solution or an anion conductive solid oxide electrolyte membrane can also be used as the anion conductive electrolyte membrane 201.
  • the anion conductive electrolyte membrane 201 preferably has an anion conductivity of 10 ⁇ 5 S / cm or more, and an electrolyte membrane having an anion conductivity of 10 ⁇ 3 S / cm or more, such as a perfluorosulfonic acid polymer electrolyte membrane. It is more preferable to use
  • the thickness of the anion conductive electrolyte membrane 201 is usually 5 to 300 ⁇ m, preferably 10 to 200 ⁇ m.
  • Anode electrode and cathode electrode An anode electrode 202 formed on one surface of the anion conductive electrolyte membrane 201 and a cathode electrode 203 formed on the other surface have a catalyst (an anode catalyst and a cathode catalyst, respectively) and an electrolyte. At least a catalyst layer (anode catalyst layer and cathode catalyst layer, respectively) composed of a porous layer containing (an anode electrolyte and a cathode electrolyte, respectively) is provided. These catalyst layers are laminated in contact with the surface of the anion conductive electrolyte membrane 201.
  • the anode catalyst catalyzes a reaction that generates water and electrons from the reducing agent and OH ⁇ supplied to the anode electrode 202.
  • the anode electrolyte has a function of conducting OH ⁇ conducted from the anion conductive electrolyte membrane 201 to the catalytic reaction site.
  • the cathode catalyst catalyzes a reaction for generating OH ⁇ from the oxidant and water supplied to the cathode electrode 203 and the electrons transmitted from the anode electrode 202.
  • the cathode electrolyte has a function of conducting the generated OH ⁇ to the anion conductive electrolyte membrane 201.
  • anode catalyst and the cathode catalyst conventionally known ones can be used.
  • the alloy is preferably an alloy containing at least two of platinum, iron, cobalt, and nickel.
  • the anode catalyst and the cathode catalyst may be the same or different.
  • the anode catalyst and the cathode catalyst are preferably those supported on a carrier, preferably a conductive carrier.
  • a carrier preferably a conductive carrier.
  • the conductive carrier include carbon black such as acetylene black, furnace black, channel black, and ketjen black, and conductive carbon particles such as graphite and activated carbon.
  • carbon fibers such as vapor grown carbon fiber (VGCF), carbon nanotube, carbon nanowire, and the like can be used.
  • the same electrolyte as that constituting the anion conductive solid polymer electrolyte membrane can be used.
  • the content ratio of the catalyst and the electrolyte in the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer is usually 5/1 to 1/4, preferably 3/1 to 1/3, based on weight.
  • the anode electrode 202 and the cathode electrode 203 may each include an anode gas diffusion layer and a cathode gas diffusion layer laminated on the anode and the cathode catalyst layer. These gas diffusion layers have a function of diffusing a reducing agent or an oxidant supplied to the anode electrode 202 and the cathode electrode 203 in the plane, and a function of transferring electrons to and from the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer. .
  • the anode gas diffusion layer and the cathode gas diffusion layer can be porous layers having conductivity, specifically, for example, carbon paper; carbon cloth; epoxy resin film containing carbon particles; metal or alloy It can be a foam, a sintered body, a fiber nonwoven fabric or the like.
  • the thickness of the anode gas diffusion layer and the cathode gas diffusion layer is preferably 10 ⁇ m or more in order to reduce the diffusion resistance of the reducing agent or oxidizing agent in the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction (in-plane direction). In order to reduce the diffusion resistance in the thickness direction, it is preferably 1 mm or less.
  • the thickness of the anode gas diffusion layer and the cathode gas diffusion layer is more preferably 100 to 500 ⁇ m.
  • the alkaline fuel cell is usually disposed on the anode electrode 202 of the membrane electrode assembly 210 to introduce a reducing agent into the anode electrode 202.
  • a cathode separator 205 is provided on the anode separator 204 and the cathode electrode 203 for introducing an oxidant into the cathode electrode 203.
  • Each of the anode separator 204 and the cathode separator 205 is provided with a channel (reducing agent channel 206 and oxidant channel 207, respectively) formed of a groove for circulating a reducing agent or an oxidizing agent on the surface on the membrane electrode assembly 210 side. Can be things.
  • the flow path can be composed of one or two or more grooves, and the shape is not particularly limited, and can be a line shape, a serpentine shape, or the like.
  • a reducing agent supply unit which will be described later
  • the reducing agent channel 206 By connecting a reducing agent supply unit, which will be described later, and the reducing agent channel 206, the reducing agent can be circulated through the reducing agent channel 206 and supplied to the anode 202.
  • an oxidant supply unit which will be described later, and the oxidant flow path 207, the oxidant can be circulated through the oxidant flow path 207 and supplied to the cathode electrode 203.
  • the material of the anode separator 204 and the cathode separator 205 is not particularly limited.
  • conductive materials such as carbon materials, conductive polymers, various metals, alloys such as stainless steel, and non-conductive materials such as various plastic materials. Materials.
  • a conductive material because a current collecting function can be imparted to the anode separator 204 and the cathode separator 205.
  • a current collector current collection layer
  • a current collector current collection layer
  • the anode separator 204 and the cathode separator 205 may be made of a conductive material, and a current collector may be provided separately between the outside or the membrane electrode assembly 210 and each separator.
  • a current collector may be provided separately between the outside or the membrane electrode assembly 210 and each separator.
  • H 2 gas for example, H 2 gas, hydrocarbon gas, ammonia gas, or the like can be used as the reducing agent (fuel).
  • reducing agent fuel
  • the oxidizing agent for example, O 2 gas or a gas containing O 2 such as air can be used. Of these, air is preferably used.
  • the fuel cell unit 101 (and a fuel cell unit included in an alkaline fuel cell system according to another embodiment described later) can include two or more alkaline fuel cells.
  • Two or more alkaline fuel cells may be electrically connected to each other in series, may be electrically connected in parallel, or may include an electrical connection between them.
  • a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of single cells as shown in FIG. 2 are stacked in series, or a plurality of single cells as shown in FIG. 2 are arranged on the same plane, and these are electrically connected in parallel.
  • a planar integrated battery and a fuel cell stack in which a plurality of the planar integrated batteries are stacked in series can be exemplified.
  • the reducing agent supply unit 102 is a part for supplying the reducing agent to the anode electrode of the alkaline fuel cell.
  • the reducing agent supply unit reducing agent storage tank or the like
  • the anode side more specifically, the alkaline fuel cell.
  • it may be a pipe connecting the reducing agent flow path of the anode separator.
  • the oxidant supply unit 103 is a part for supplying an oxidant to the cathode electrode of the alkaline fuel cell.
  • the oxidant supply source oxidant storage tank or the like
  • the cathode side of the alkaline fuel cell More specifically, it may be a pipe connecting the oxidant flow path of the cathode separator.
  • the material of the reducing agent supply unit 102 and the oxidizing agent supply unit 103 is not particularly limited, and may be a polymer material, a metal, an alloy, or the like.
  • the reducing agent supply unit 102 and the oxidizing agent supply unit 103 may be provided with a pump or a fan that promotes the flow of the reducing agent or the oxidizing agent, as necessary.
  • the first adjustment unit 104 is a part for adjusting the flow rate or humidity (relative humidity) of the reducing agent flowing through the reducing agent supply unit 102 (to be supplied to the anode electrode), or both, Connected to the reducing agent supply unit 102.
  • the first adjustment unit 104 may be, for example, a flow rate adjustment valve that adjusts the flow rate of the reducing agent, a humidity controller that adjusts the humidity of the reducing agent, or both, provided in the reducing agent supply unit 102. It can.
  • the flow control valve and the humidity controller may be conventionally known ones.
  • the humidity of the reducing agent can be increased or decreased by adjusting the temperature of the water bath.
  • An apparatus that comprises a porous metal (such as foam metal) containing water in the pores, and humidifies by passing a reducing agent through the pores. Also in this apparatus, the humidity of the reducing agent can be increased or decreased by adjusting the temperature of the porous metal.
  • a porous metal such as foam metal
  • the first adjustment unit 104 detects the temperature of the humidity controller (water temperature, temperature of the porous metal, etc.). It is preferable that the fuel cell unit 101 includes temperature detection means (temperature sensor) for detecting the temperature inside the alkaline fuel cell (particularly the anode electrode) while including temperature detection means (temperature sensor). In this case, the 1st control part 106 mentioned later controls so that a humidity controller may perform desired temperature adjustment based on the temperature detection result by both temperature detection means. Specifically, the humidity of the reducing agent can be increased / decreased by increasing / decreasing the temperature of the humidity controller.
  • the humidity adjustment of the reducing agent by the first adjusting unit 104 can be performed within a suitable range.
  • the first adjustment unit 104 may optionally include a detector that detects the flow rate and / or humidity (that is, inlet side humidity) of the reducing agent after adjustment (or before and after adjustment). In this case, by referring to the detection result of the detector, the flow rate and / or humidity of the reducing agent by the first adjustment unit 104 can be adjusted within a suitable range.
  • the first detection unit 105 is a part connected to the fuel cell unit 101 for detecting battery characteristics of the alkaline fuel cell.
  • the first detection unit 105 detects at least a change amount ⁇ i per unit time of a current value flowing between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode as a battery characteristic of the alkaline fuel cell.
  • ⁇ i is a parameter for determining whether or not the alkaline fuel cell is moving in a direction in which flooding or dry-up occurs. Therefore, flooding and dry-up can be prevented beforehand by detecting ⁇ i and appropriately adjusting the humidity of the reducing agent accordingly.
  • ⁇ i (i 1 ⁇ i 0 ) / (t 1 ⁇ t 0 ) [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min] (7)
  • I 0 is the current amount (mA / cm 2 ) at the measurement start time t 0 (min), and i 1 is the current amount at the measurement end time t 1 .
  • the current amounts i 0 and i 1 can be measured using a commonly used ammeter, tester, or the like.
  • an ammeter that can be directly incorporated in the circuit and can always measure the amount of current is used.
  • the first detection unit 105 uses a change amount ⁇ V per unit time of the output voltage value of the alkaline fuel cell as a parameter for determining whether flooding or dry-up has already occurred or whether such a sign is recognized. It is preferable that the rate of change ⁇ R per unit time of the resistance value is further detected. ⁇ V is an effective parameter for determining flooding, and ⁇ R is an effective parameter for determining dry-up.
  • ⁇ V (V 1 ⁇ V 0 ) / (t 1 ⁇ t 0 ) [mV / min] (8)
  • V 0 is the voltage amount (mV) at the measurement start time t 0 (min)
  • V 1 is the voltage amount at the measurement end time t 1 .
  • the voltage amounts V 0 and V 1 can be measured using a commonly used voltmeter, tester, or the like. Preferably, a voltmeter that can be directly measured in a circuit and can be measured at all times is used.
  • the resistance values R 0 and R 1 can be measured by an electrochemical impedance method (AC impedance method) or a current interruption method.
  • an electronic load device (potential galvanostat) and a frequency response analyzer (FRA) are connected to a fuel cell, and a predetermined frequency is transmitted from the transmitter built in the device to the fuel cell.
  • Outputs sine wave signal, voltage and current signal input from fuel cell is converted in the applied frequency domain to obtain electrochemical impedance, and from the contact point between the real axis in the complex plane and the obtained impedance spectrum
  • the current interruption method uses an electronic load device connected to the fuel cell, the ohmic loss becomes zero when the current is interrupted, and the operating voltage of the fuel cell changes instantaneously (voltage increase). This is a method of calculating a resistance value from a current / voltage waveform obtained when a current is interrupted to a battery.
  • the resistance measured in the present invention obtained by the electrochemical impedance method and the current interruption method described above is generally referred to as “cell resistance”, “solution resistance”, or “membrane resistance”, and the anion conduction constituting an alkaline fuel cell.
  • the cell resistance contributes particularly to the resistance of the anion conductive electrolyte membrane, and the resistance value of the anion conductive electrolyte membrane depends greatly on the dry state of the anion conductive electrolyte membrane.
  • resistances (resistances such as electrodes and separators) other than the anion conductive electrolyte membrane show a substantially constant value regardless of the dry state of the anion conductive electrolyte membrane. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the dry state of the anion conductive electrolyte membrane is grasped from the cell resistance value obtained by the electrochemical impedance method or the current interruption method.
  • the rate of change ( ⁇ R) per unit time of the cell resistance value is greater than a predetermined value C R (where C R is a positive value)
  • the resistance of the anion conductive electrolyte membrane is Also, it is evaluated that the rate of change per unit time shows a positive value (resistance increases), and it is determined that “dry-up” occurs in the anion conductive electrolyte membrane.
  • the fuel cell unit 101 (and a fuel cell unit included in an alkaline fuel cell system according to another embodiment described later) can include two or more alkaline fuel cells.
  • ⁇ i, or ⁇ i, ⁇ V, and ⁇ R values may be measured for each alkaline fuel cell, but two or more alkaline fuel cells are used as one from the viewpoint of connection relationship and controllability. It is preferable to measure ⁇ i, or ⁇ i, ⁇ V, and ⁇ R as a whole, considering one fuel cell.
  • the first control unit 106 Based on the detection result signal ( ⁇ i, or ⁇ i, ⁇ V, and ⁇ R values) output from the first detection unit 105, the first control unit 106 determines the flow rate and / or humidity of the reducing agent by the first adjustment unit 104. This is a part that controls the adjustment, and is connected to the first adjustment unit 104 and the first detection unit 105. When the 1st adjustment part 104 and the fuel cell part 101 are provided with the above-mentioned temperature detection means, these are also connected and the temperature adjustment by a humidity controller is controlled based on the detection signal from a temperature detection means.
  • the first control unit 106 sequentially receives the detection result signal output from the first detection unit 105 according to a flow described later, and receives the received ⁇ i, ⁇ V, ⁇ R values, and a predetermined value set in advance. (This point will be described in detail later). Based on the determination result, the first adjustment unit 104 is controlled so that the humidity of the anode electrode is optimized.
  • the first control unit 106 is not particularly limited, and for example, a personal computer can be used.
  • the alkaline fuel cell system of this embodiment (and alkaline fuel cell systems of other embodiments described later) can include other components other than those described above.
  • an alkaline fuel cell system usually has a reducing agent discharge part for discharging the reducing agent that has passed through the anode separator of the alkaline fuel cell to the outside, and an oxidant that has passed through the cathode separator to the outside.
  • An oxidizer discharge part is provided.
  • the reducing agent discharge part and the oxidant discharge part can be connected to the outlet side end part of the reducing agent channel of the anode separator and the oxidizing agent channel of the cathode separator, respectively.
  • a dilution part for diluting the reducing agent discharged from the fuel cell part to the extent that it can be released, or a recycling pipe for returning the reducing agent discharged from the fuel cell part to the reducing agent supply part is provided. Also good.
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of anode pole humidity control by the alkaline fuel cell system 100 of the present embodiment.
  • ⁇ i is detected by the first detection unit 105.
  • whether the detected ⁇ i value is smaller than a predetermined value A i (where A i is a negative value) and a predetermined value B i (where B i is a positive value).
  • a i where A i is a negative value
  • B i where B i is a positive value
  • control is performed to reduce the flow rate of the reducing agent and / or increase the humidity of the reducing agent (step S302).
  • control is based on the determination that the determination result “ ⁇ i ⁇ A i ” is “in the direction of causing dry-up” in the present embodiment. This is because “ ⁇ i ⁇ A i (decrease in the current value)” results in a decrease in the amount of water generated by the reaction at the anode electrode, and hence a decrease in humidity at the anode electrode, and as a result, dry-up is likely to occur.
  • control is performed to increase the flow rate of the reducing agent and / or reduce the humidity of the reducing agent (step S303).
  • control is based on the determination that the determination result “ ⁇ i> B i ” is “in the direction in which flooding occurs” in the present embodiment. This is because “ ⁇ i> B i (increase in current value)” causes an increase in the amount of water generated by the reaction at the anode electrode, and hence an increase in humidity at the anode electrode, and as a result, flooding is likely to occur.
  • the humidity control of the anode electrode in this example can be applied to prevent the occurrence of dry-up and flooding. That is, the humidity control of this example performs feedforward control based on the detection result of ⁇ i.
  • the humidity control of the anode electrode in this example is advantageous in that it can perform quick control because only the current change needs to be detected.
  • the humidity control of the anode electrode may be performed only by adjusting the flow rate of the reducing agent, may be performed only by adjusting the humidity of the reducing agent, or may be performed by adjusting both the flow rate and the humidity (described later). The same applies to other humidity control flows). Adjustment of the flow rate of the reducing agent is advantageous in that the humidity control of the anode electrode can be performed easily and quickly. On the other hand, the humidity adjustment of the reducing agent is advantageous in that the humidity control of the anode electrode can be performed with high accuracy.
  • the predetermined value A i is preferably in the range of ⁇ 50 to ⁇ 25 [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min], and more preferably in the range of ⁇ 40 to ⁇ 30 [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min].
  • the predetermined value Bi is preferably in the range of +25 to +50 [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min], and more preferably in the range of +30 to +40 [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min].
  • the flow rate of the reducing agent is increased in order to reduce the humidity of the anode electrode, it is preferable to avoid increasing the flow rate of the reducing agent in consideration of the utilization efficiency of the reducing agent.
  • the flow rate of the reducing agent in order to increase the humidity of the anode electrode, avoid reducing the flow rate of the reducing agent to an extremely low level because it may not be possible to supply the required amount of power. Is preferred.
  • the humidity of the reducing agent inlet side humidity
  • the humidity on the inlet side of the anode electrode becomes extremely low, resulting in an extreme humidity difference between the inlet side and the outlet side of the anode electrode, which in turn causes an extreme difference in the reaction amount, resulting in deterioration of the fuel cell. This is because it becomes easier.
  • the adjustment of the flow rate and / or humidity of the reducing agent within such an appropriate range is, for example, based on the detection result of the detector that detects the flow rate and / or humidity of the reducing agent after the adjustment (or before and after the adjustment) described above. Can be achieved by control based on.
  • the above matters regarding the flow rate of the reducing agent and the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the humidity also apply to other anode pole humidity control flows described later.
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing another example of the humidity control of the anode electrode by the alkaline fuel cell system 100 of the present embodiment.
  • ⁇ i is detected by the first detection unit 105.
  • the first control unit 106 determines whether or not the detected ⁇ i value is within the range of A i to B i including 0 (A i and B i have the same meaning as described above). (Step S401).
  • the first control unit 106 performs control so that the first detection unit 105 detects ⁇ R (note that ⁇ i is not within the range of A i to B i.
  • the above-mentioned anode extreme humidity control flow 1 may be carried out). Then, the first control unit 106 determines whether or not the detected ⁇ R value is equal to or less than a predetermined value C R (where C R is a positive value) (step S402). Based on the determination result, the first control unit 106 controls the first adjustment unit 104 and the like as follows.
  • [1] ⁇ R is the case is less than a predetermined value C R
  • the first control unit 106, first detector 105 is controlled to detect the [Delta] V.
  • the first controller 106 determines whether or not the detected ⁇ V value is less than a predetermined value D v (where D v is a negative value) (step S403). If the detected ⁇ V is less than the predetermined value D v , control is performed to increase the flow rate of the reducing agent and / or reduce the humidity of the reducing agent (step S404). In this embodiment, such control is determined as “ ⁇ R ⁇ C R ” and the subsequent determination result “ ⁇ V ⁇ D V ” that “the voltage value is not reduced by dry-up but by flooding”. Based on that. That is, the determination result “ ⁇ V ⁇ D V ” (decrease in voltage value) means that dry-up or flooding occurs or tends to occur, but the determination result “ ⁇ R ⁇ C R ”. Means that no dry-up (or tendency) has occurred.
  • the determination result of “ ⁇ V ⁇ D V ” is that the voltage value has increased and it is determined that dry-up or flooding (or such a tendency) has not occurred.
  • ⁇ R is larger than the predetermined value C R is controlled to perform the increase of humidity reduction and / or a reducing agent of the flow rate of the reducing agent (step S405).
  • control is based on the determination that “ ⁇ R> C R ” is determined to be “dry up (or its tendency)”.
  • the predetermined value C R is preferably in the range of +5 to +20 [% / min], and more preferably in the range of +5 to +10 [% / min].
  • the predetermined value D v is preferably in the range of ⁇ 50 to ⁇ 2 [mV / min], more preferably in the range of ⁇ 30 to ⁇ 10 [mV / min].
  • the humidity control of this example in addition to ⁇ i, ⁇ R of the alkaline fuel cell and if necessary ⁇ V are detected in this order to optimize the humidity of the anode electrode. By detecting these battery characteristics in real time, it is possible to grasp the humidity state of the anode electrode (whether dry-up or flooding has occurred), and the anode electrode humidity can be optimally controlled accordingly. .
  • the humidity control in this example performs feedback control based on the detection results of ⁇ R and ⁇ V.
  • it is determined in step S402 that “ ⁇ R ⁇ C R ” is not satisfied (that is, “ ⁇ R> C R ”) detection of ⁇ V is unnecessary, and the anode is relatively simple.
  • the pole humidity can be optimized.
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing another example of the humidity control of the anode electrode by the alkaline fuel cell system 100 of the present embodiment.
  • ⁇ i is detected by the first detector 105.
  • the first control unit 106 determines whether or not the detected ⁇ i value is within the range of A i to B i including 0 (A i and B i have the same meaning as described above). (Step S501).
  • the first control unit 106 performs control so that the first detection unit 105 detects ⁇ V (note that ⁇ i is not within the range of A i to B i.
  • the above-mentioned anode extreme humidity control flow 1 may be carried out). Then, the first controller 106 determines whether or not the detected ⁇ V value is less than a predetermined value D v (D v has the same meaning as described above) (step S502). Based on the determination result, the first control unit 106 controls the first adjustment unit 104 and the like as follows.
  • the first control unit 106 controls the first detection unit 105 to detect ⁇ R. Then, the first control unit 106 determines whether or not the detected ⁇ R value is equal to or less than a predetermined value C R (C R has the same meaning as described above) (step S503). It detected ⁇ R is the case of less than the predetermined value C R is controlled to perform a reduction of the humidity increase and / or a reducing agent of the flow rate of the reducing agent (step S504). In this embodiment, in this embodiment, the determination result of “ ⁇ V ⁇ D V ” and subsequent “ ⁇ R ⁇ C R ” is determined as “the decrease in voltage value is not caused by dry-up but by flooding”.
  • the determination result “ ⁇ V ⁇ D V ” (decrease in voltage value) means that dry-up or flooding occurs or tends to occur, but the determination result “ ⁇ R ⁇ C R ”. Means that no dry-up (or tendency) has occurred.
  • the detected ⁇ R value at step S503 is C when R is greater than controls to perform the increase of humidity reduction and / or a reducing agent of the flow rate of the reducing agent (step S505).
  • control is based on the determination that “ ⁇ R> C R ” is determined to be “dry up (or its tendency)”.
  • the humidity control of this example in addition to ⁇ i, ⁇ V of the alkaline fuel cell and if necessary ⁇ R are detected in this order to optimize the humidity of the anode electrode. By detecting these battery characteristics in real time, it is possible to grasp the humidity state of the anode electrode (whether dry-up or flooding has occurred), and the anode electrode humidity can be optimally controlled accordingly. .
  • the humidity control in this example performs feedback control based on the detection results of ⁇ R and ⁇ V.
  • ⁇ V ⁇ D V if it is determined in step S502 that “ ⁇ V ⁇ D V ” is not satisfied (that is, “ ⁇ V ⁇ D V ”), detection of ⁇ R is unnecessary, and the anode is relatively simple.
  • the pole humidity can be optimized.
  • the detection of ⁇ V is simpler than ⁇ R, and the humidity control of this example is advantageous also in this respect.
  • Anode pole humidity control flow 4) 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing another example of anode pole humidity control by the alkaline fuel cell system 100 of the present embodiment.
  • the anode pole humidity control of this example is a combination of the anode pole humidity control flow 1 and the anode pole humidity control flow 2 or 3.
  • the control flow shown in FIG. 6 is a combination of the anode extreme humidity control flow 1 and the anode extreme humidity control flow 2
  • the control flow shown in FIG. 7 is the combination of the anode extreme humidity control flow 1 and the anode extreme humidity control flow 3. It is a combination.
  • step S301 when it is determined that “A i ⁇ ⁇ i ⁇ B i ” in step S301 (S601 or S701 in this example) of the anode extreme humidity control flow 1, the anode extreme humidity control flow 2 or 3
  • the control flow is executed.
  • the first control unit 106 controls the first adjustment unit 104 and the like as follows.
  • Control flow shown in FIG. 6 (combination of anode pole humidity control flows 1 and 2) [1] If ⁇ i is smaller than A i , control is performed to reduce the flow rate of the reducing agent and / or increase the humidity of the reducing agent (step S602).
  • [2] ⁇ i when is greater than B i is controlled to perform a reduction of the humidity increase and / or a reducing agent of the flow rate of the reducing agent (step S603).
  • step S604 If ⁇ i is in the range of A i ⁇ B i, either the first control unit 106, first detector 105 is controlled so as to detect the [Delta] R, detected [Delta] R is equal to or less than C R No is determined by the first control unit 106 (step S604). Based on the determination result, the first control unit 106 controls the first adjustment unit 104 and the like as follows.
  • the first control unit 106 When ⁇ R is less than C R, the first control unit 106, first detector 105 is controlled to detect the [Delta] V. Then, the first control unit 106 determines whether or not the detected ⁇ V value is less than D v (step S605). If the detected ⁇ V is less than D v , control is performed to increase the flow rate of the reducing agent and / or reduce the humidity of the reducing agent (step S606). On the other hand, if the detected ⁇ V is greater than or equal to D V, the adjustment of the flow rate and / or humidity of the reducing agent is not required.
  • [2] ⁇ i when is greater than B i is controlled to perform a reduction of the humidity increase and / or a reducing agent of the flow rate of the reducing agent (step S703).
  • the first control unit 106 controls the first detection unit 105 to detect ⁇ V, and the detected ⁇ V value is less than D v. Is determined by the first control unit 106 (step S704). Based on the determination result, the first control unit 106 controls the first adjustment unit 104 and the like as follows.
  • the first control unit 106 controls the first detection unit 105 to detect ⁇ R. Then, the detected ⁇ R value is equal to or less than C R is determined by the first control unit 106 (step S705). Detected ⁇ R is when: C R is controlled to perform a reduction of the humidity increase and / or a reducing agent of the flow rate of the reducing agent (step S706). On the other hand, the detected ⁇ R is C when R is greater than controls to perform the increase of humidity reduction and / or a reducing agent of the flow rate of the reducing agent (step S707).
  • the humidity control in this example is a combination of two control methods, ie, feedforward control based on the detection result of ⁇ i and feedback control based on the detection result of ⁇ R or ⁇ V.
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an alkaline fuel cell system 800 according to this embodiment (an example of the configuration of the alkaline fuel cell system [B]). .
  • the alkaline fuel cell system 800 includes a fuel cell unit 801 including an alkaline fuel cell; a reducing agent supply unit 802 connected to the fuel cell unit 801 and for supplying a reducing agent to the anode electrode of the alkaline fuel cell; An oxidant supply unit 803 for supplying an oxidant to the cathode of the alkaline fuel cell; connected to the unit 801; a flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant connected to the oxidant supply unit 803 and supplied to the cathode A second adjusting unit 804 for adjusting the fuel cell unit 801 for detecting at least a change amount ⁇ i per unit time of a current value flowing between the anode and the cathode of the alkaline fuel cell.
  • 04 includes a second control unit 806 for controlling the flow rate and / or adjustment of the humidity of the oxidizing agent by.
  • the second detection unit 805 further detects a change amount ⁇ V per unit time of the output voltage value of the alkaline fuel cell and a change rate ⁇ R per unit time of the resistance value in addition to the change amount ⁇ i per unit time of the current value. It is preferable that
  • the alkaline fuel cell system 800 configured as described above, ⁇ i, and further, battery characteristics such as ⁇ V and ⁇ R are detected, and the oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode of the alkaline fuel cell in real time based on the detection result.
  • the flow rate and / or humidity of the cathode electrode can be optimized, so that the humidity of the cathode electrode is optimized.
  • the above-described “flooding” that impedes the supply of the oxidant to the cathode electrode and the moisture content of the electrolyte membrane is low. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or improve “dry-up” that increases the anion conduction resistance. As a result, a high output voltage can be stably maintained.
  • the fuel cell unit 801, the reducing agent supply unit 802, and the oxidant supply unit 803 included in the alkaline fuel cell system 800 according to the present embodiment are the fuel cell units included in the alkaline fuel cell system 100 according to the first embodiment, respectively.
  • 101, the reducing agent supply unit 102, and the oxidant supply unit 103 can be configured in the same manner, and the matters described for the fuel cell unit 101, the reducing agent supply unit 102, and the oxidant supply unit 103 are the fuel cell unit 801, the reduction agent
  • the agent supply unit 802 and the oxidant supply unit 803 are also cited.
  • the second adjustment unit 804 is a part for adjusting the flow rate or humidity (relative humidity) of the oxidant flowing through the oxidant supply unit 803 (to be supplied to the cathode electrode), or both, Connected to the oxidant supply unit 803.
  • the second adjustment unit 804 may be, for example, a flow rate adjustment valve that adjusts the flow rate of the oxidant, a humidity controller that adjusts the humidity of the oxidant, or both, provided in the oxidant supply unit 803. it can.
  • the flow control valve and the humidity controller may be conventionally known ones.
  • the humidity of the oxidant can be increased or decreased by adjusting the temperature of the water bath.
  • An apparatus that includes a porous metal (such as foam metal) containing water in the pores and humidifies the oxidant by passing through the pores. Also in this apparatus, the humidity of the oxidizing agent can be increased or decreased by adjusting the temperature of the porous metal.
  • a porous metal such as foam metal
  • the second adjustment unit 804 detects the temperature of the humidity controller (water temperature, temperature of the porous metal, etc.). It is preferable that the fuel cell unit 801 includes temperature detection means (temperature sensor) for detecting the temperature in the alkaline fuel cell (particularly the cathode electrode) while including temperature detection means (temperature sensor). In this case, the second control unit 806, which will be described later, controls the humidity controller to perform a desired temperature adjustment based on the temperature detection results of both temperature detection means. Specifically, the humidity of the oxidizer can be increased / decreased by increasing / decreasing the temperature of the humidity controller.
  • Oxidant humidity [saturated vapor pressure of water at the temperature of the second adjustment unit (humidifier)] / [saturated vapor pressure of water at the temperature of the alkaline fuel cell] (10) Defined by
  • the saturated vapor pressure of water at a certain temperature T is obtained by referring to a table in which the saturated vapor pressure of water at each temperature is recorded in the second control unit 806 or approximated by the above formula (6 ) Can be used for calculation.
  • the humidity adjustment of the oxidant by the second adjustment unit 804 can be performed within a suitable range.
  • the second adjustment unit 804 may optionally have a detector that detects the flow rate and / or humidity (that is, inlet side humidity) of the oxidant after adjustment (or before and after adjustment). In this case, by referring to the detection result of the detector, the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidizing agent by the second adjustment unit 804 can be adjusted within a suitable range.
  • the second detection unit 805 is a part for detecting cell characteristics of the alkaline fuel cell connected to the fuel cell unit 801.
  • the second detection unit 805 detects at least a change amount ⁇ i per unit time of the current value flowing between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode as the battery characteristics of the alkaline fuel cell.
  • ⁇ i is a parameter for determining whether or not the alkaline fuel cell is moving in a direction in which flooding or dry-up occurs. Therefore, flooding and dry-up can be prevented beforehand by detecting ⁇ i and appropriately adjusting the humidity of the oxidant accordingly.
  • ⁇ i is expressed by the above formula (7).
  • the second detection unit 805 uses a change amount ⁇ V per unit time of the output voltage value of the alkaline fuel cell as a parameter for determining whether flooding or dry-up has already occurred or whether such a sign is recognized. It is preferable that the rate of change ⁇ R per unit time of the resistance value is further detected.
  • ⁇ V is an effective parameter for determining flooding
  • ⁇ R is an effective parameter for determining dry-up.
  • ⁇ V and ⁇ R are expressed by the above formulas (8) and (9), respectively, and the resistance values R 0 and R 1 in the above formula (9) are the electrochemical impedance method (AC impedance method) or current. It can be measured by the blocking method.
  • the dry state of the anion conductive electrolyte membrane is grasped from the cell resistance value obtained by the electrochemical impedance method or the current interruption method. That is, in this embodiment, when the rate of change ( ⁇ R) per unit time of the cell resistance value is greater than a predetermined value C R (where C R is a positive value), the resistance of the anion conductive electrolyte membrane is Also, it is evaluated that the rate of change per unit time shows a positive value (resistance increases), and it is determined that “dry-up” occurs in the anion conductive electrolyte membrane.
  • the second control unit 806 Based on the detection result signal ( ⁇ i or ⁇ i, ⁇ V, and ⁇ R values) output from the second detection unit 805, the second control unit 806 determines the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant by the second adjustment unit 804. This is a part that controls the adjustment, and is connected to the second adjustment unit 804 and the second detection unit 805. When the 2nd adjustment part 804 and the fuel cell part 801 are provided with the above-mentioned temperature detection means, these are also connected and based on the detection signal from a temperature detection means, the temperature adjustment by a humidity controller is controlled.
  • the second control unit 806 sequentially receives the detection result signal output from the second detection unit 805 according to a flow described later, and receives the received ⁇ i, ⁇ V, ⁇ R values, and a predetermined value set in advance. (This point will be described in detail later). Based on the determination result, the second adjustment unit 804 is controlled so that the humidity of the cathode electrode is optimized.
  • the second controller 806 is not particularly limited, and for example, a personal computer can be used.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of cathode pole humidity control by the alkaline fuel cell system 800 of the present embodiment.
  • ⁇ i is detected by the second detection unit 805.
  • B i a predetermined value
  • the second control unit 806 determines whether it is larger (that is, whether it is not within the range of A i to B i including 0) (step S901). Based on the determination result, the second control unit 806 controls the second adjustment unit 804 as follows.
  • control is performed to reduce the flow rate of the oxidant and / or reduce the humidity of the oxidant (step S902).
  • control is based on the determination that the determination result “ ⁇ i ⁇ A i ” is “in the direction in which flooding occurs” in the present embodiment. This is because “ ⁇ i ⁇ A i (decrease in the current value)” results in a decrease in the amount of water consumed by the reaction at the cathode electrode, and thus an increase in the humidity of the cathode electrode, and as a result, flooding is likely to occur.
  • control is performed to increase the flow rate of the oxidant and / or increase the humidity of the oxidant (step S903).
  • Such control is based on the determination that the determination result “ ⁇ i> B i ” is “in the direction of causing dry-up” in the present embodiment. This is because “ ⁇ i> B i (increase in current value)” causes an increase in the amount of water consumed by the reaction at the cathode electrode, and hence a decrease in humidity at the cathode electrode, and as a result, dry-up is likely to occur.
  • the humidity control of the cathode electrode in this example can be applied to prevent the occurrence of dry-up and flooding. That is, the humidity control of this example performs feedforward control based on the detection result of ⁇ i. Moreover, the humidity control of the cathode electrode in this example is advantageous in that it can perform quick control because it is only necessary to detect a change in current.
  • the humidity control of the cathode electrode may be performed only by adjusting the flow rate of the oxidant, may be performed only by adjusting the humidity of the oxidant, or may be performed by adjusting both the flow rate and the humidity (described later). The same applies to other humidity control flows). Adjusting the flow rate of the oxidant is advantageous in that the humidity control of the cathode electrode can be easily and quickly performed. On the other hand, the humidity adjustment of the oxidizing agent is advantageous in that the humidity control of the cathode electrode can be performed with high accuracy.
  • the predetermined value A i is preferably in the range of ⁇ 50 to ⁇ 25 [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min], and more preferably in the range of ⁇ 40 to ⁇ 30 [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min].
  • the predetermined value Bi is preferably in the range of +25 to +50 [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min], and more preferably in the range of +30 to +40 [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min].
  • the cathode humidity control of this example if the detected ⁇ i value is within the range of A i to B i , it is determined that dry-up and flooding will not occur for at least a while, and the next ⁇ i is detected.
  • the second adjusting unit 804 may not adjust the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant until dryness or flooding occurs even when the ⁇ i value is within the range of A i to B i . Since there is a possibility, it is preferable to continue the cathode pole humidity control flow 2 or 3 described later (see cathode pole humidity control flow 4).
  • the power loss of the auxiliary equipment increases when an auxiliary equipment such as a fan is used to supply the oxidizer. It is preferable to avoid excessively increasing the flow rate of the agent.
  • an auxiliary equipment such as a fan is used to supply the oxidizer.
  • when reducing the flow rate of the oxidant in order to reduce the humidity of the cathode avoid reducing the flow rate of the oxidant to an extremely low level because the required amount of power may not be supplied. Is preferred.
  • the humidity of the oxidant is increased in order to increase the humidity of the cathode electrode, it is preferable to avoid excessively increasing the humidity of the oxidant.
  • An extremely high humidity on the cathode inlet side causes an extreme humidity difference between the cathode inlet side and the outlet side, which in turn causes an extreme difference in the reaction amount, resulting in deterioration of the fuel cell. This is because it becomes easier.
  • the adjustment of the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant within such an appropriate range is, for example, based on the detection result of the detector that detects the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant after the adjustment described above (or before and after the adjustment). Can be achieved by control based on.
  • the matters regarding the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the oxidant flow rate and humidity described above also apply to other cathode pole humidity control flows described later.
  • FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the humidity control of the cathode electrode by the alkaline fuel cell system 800 of the present embodiment.
  • ⁇ i is detected by the second detection unit 805.
  • the second control unit 806 determines whether or not the detected ⁇ i value is within the range of A i to B i including 0 (A i and B i have the same meaning as described above). (Step S1001).
  • the second control unit 806 controls the second detection unit 805 to detect ⁇ R (note that ⁇ i is not within the range of A i to B i.
  • the cathode pole humidity control flow 1 may be performed). Then, the second control unit 806 determines whether or not the detected ⁇ R value is equal to or less than a predetermined value C R (where C R is a positive value) (step S1002). Based on the determination result, the second control unit 806 controls the second adjustment unit 804 and the like as follows.
  • [1] ⁇ R is the case is less than a predetermined value C R
  • the second control unit 806, second detection unit 805 is controlled to detect the [Delta] V.
  • the second control unit 806 determines whether or not the detected ⁇ V value is less than a predetermined value D v (where D v is a negative value) (step S1003).
  • D v is a predetermined value
  • control is performed to reduce the flow rate of the oxidant and / or reduce the humidity of the oxidant (step S1004).
  • such control is determined as “ ⁇ R ⁇ C R ” and the subsequent determination result “ ⁇ V ⁇ D V ” that “the voltage value is not reduced by dry-up but by flooding”.
  • the determination result “ ⁇ V ⁇ D V ” (decrease in voltage value) means that dry-up or flooding occurs or tends to occur, but the determination result “ ⁇ R ⁇ C R ”. Means that no dry-up (or tendency) has occurred.
  • the determination result of “ ⁇ V ⁇ D V ” is that the voltage value has increased and it is determined that dry-up or flooding (or such a tendency) has not occurred.
  • ⁇ R is larger than the predetermined value C R is controlled to perform an increased humidity and / or increased oxidant flow rate of the oxidizing agent (step S1005).
  • control is based on the determination that “ ⁇ R> C R ” is determined to be “dry up (or its tendency)”.
  • the predetermined value C R is preferably in the range of +5 to +20 [% / min], and more preferably in the range of +5 to +10 [% / min].
  • the predetermined value D v is preferably in the range of ⁇ 50 to ⁇ 2 [mV / min], more preferably in the range of ⁇ 30 to ⁇ 10 [mV / min].
  • the humidity control of this example in addition to ⁇ i, ⁇ R of the alkaline fuel cell and if necessary ⁇ V are detected in this order to optimize the humidity of the cathode electrode.
  • the humidity state of the cathode electrode (whether dry-up or flooding has occurred) can be grasped, and the humidity of the cathode electrode can be optimally controlled accordingly.
  • the humidity control in this example performs feedback control based on the detection results of ⁇ R and ⁇ V.
  • step S1002 if it is determined in step S1002 that “ ⁇ R ⁇ C R ” is not satisfied (that is, “ ⁇ R> C R ”), detection of ⁇ V is unnecessary, and the cathode is relatively simple.
  • the pole humidity can be optimized.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another example of the humidity control of the cathode electrode by the alkaline fuel cell system 800 of the present embodiment.
  • ⁇ i is detected by the second detection unit 805.
  • the second control unit 806 determines whether or not the detected ⁇ i value is within the range of A i to B i including 0 (A i and B i have the same meaning as described above). (Step S1101).
  • the second control unit 806 controls the second detection unit 805 to detect ⁇ V (note that ⁇ i is not within the range of A i to B i.
  • the cathode pole humidity control flow 1 may be performed). Then, the second control unit 806 determines whether or not the detected ⁇ V value is less than a predetermined value D v (D v has the same meaning as described above) (step S1102). Based on the determination result, the second control unit 806 controls the second adjustment unit 804 and the like as follows.
  • the second control unit 806 controls the second detection unit 805 to detect ⁇ R. Then, the second control unit 806 determines whether or not the detected ⁇ R value is equal to or less than a predetermined value C R (C R has the same meaning as described above) (step S1103). It detected ⁇ R is the case of less than the predetermined value C R is controlled to perform a reduction of the humidity of the reduction and / or oxidant flow rate of the oxidizing agent (step S1104). In this embodiment, in this embodiment, the determination result of “ ⁇ V ⁇ D V ” and subsequent “ ⁇ R ⁇ C R ” is determined as “the decrease in voltage value is not caused by dry-up but by flooding”.
  • the determination result “ ⁇ V ⁇ D V ” (decrease in voltage value) means that dry-up or flooding occurs or tends to occur, but the determination result “ ⁇ R ⁇ C R ”. Means that no dry-up (or tendency) has occurred.
  • the detected ⁇ R value at step S1103 is C when R is greater than controls to perform an increased humidity and / or increased oxidant flow rate of the oxidizing agent (step S1105).
  • control is based on the determination that “ ⁇ R> C R ” is determined to be “dry up (or its tendency)”.
  • the humidity control of this example in addition to ⁇ i, ⁇ V of the alkaline fuel cell and ⁇ R as necessary are detected in this order to optimize the humidity of the cathode electrode.
  • the humidity state of the cathode electrode (whether dry-up or flooding has occurred) can be grasped, and the humidity of the cathode electrode can be optimally controlled accordingly.
  • the humidity control in this example performs feedback control based on the detection results of ⁇ R and ⁇ V.
  • step S1102 if it is determined in step S1102 that “ ⁇ V ⁇ D V ” is not satisfied (that is, “ ⁇ V ⁇ D V ”), detection of ⁇ R is unnecessary, and the cathode is relatively simple.
  • the pole humidity can be optimized.
  • the detection of ⁇ V is simpler than ⁇ R, and this embodiment is also advantageous in this respect.
  • (Cathode pole humidity control flow 4) 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing another example of the humidity control of the cathode electrode by the alkaline fuel cell system 800 of the present embodiment.
  • the cathode electrode humidity control in this example is a combination of the cathode electrode humidity control flow 1 and the cathode electrode humidity control flow 2 or 3.
  • the control flow shown in FIG. 12 is a combination of the cathode polarity humidity control flow 1 and the cathode polarity humidity control flow 2
  • the control flow shown in FIG. 13 is a combination of the cathode polarity humidity control flow 1 and the cathode polarity humidity control flow 3. It is a combination.
  • step S901 when it is determined that “A i ⁇ ⁇ i ⁇ B i ” in step S901 (S1201 or S1301 in the present embodiment) of the cathode pole humidity control flow 1, the cathode pole humidity control flow 2 Or the control flow of 3 is implemented.
  • the second control unit 806 controls the second adjustment unit 804 and the like as follows.
  • Control flow shown in FIG. 12 (combination of cathode pole humidity control flows 1 and 2) [1] If ⁇ i is smaller than A i , control is performed to reduce the flow rate of the oxidant and / or reduce the humidity of the oxidant (step S1202).
  • [2] ⁇ i when is greater than B i is controlled to perform an increased humidity and / or increased oxidant flow rate of the oxidizing agent (step S1203).
  • step S1204 If ⁇ i is in the range of A i ⁇ B i, or the second control unit 806, second detection unit 805 is controlled so as to detect the [Delta] R, detected [Delta] R is equal to or less than C R No is determined by the second control unit 806 (step S1204). Based on the determination result, the second control unit 806 controls the second adjustment unit 804 and the like as follows.
  • the second control unit 806, second detection unit 805 is controlled to detect the [Delta] V. Then, the second control unit 806 determines whether or not the detected ⁇ V value is less than D v (step S1205). If the detected ⁇ V is less than D v , control is performed to reduce the flow rate of the oxidant and / or reduce the humidity of the oxidant (step S1206). On the other hand, if the detected ⁇ V is greater than or equal to D V, the adjustment of the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidizing agent is not required.
  • control is performed to increase the flow rate of the oxidant and / or increase the humidity of the oxidant (step S1303).
  • the second control unit 806 controls the second detection unit 805 to detect ⁇ V, and the detected ⁇ V value is less than D v. It is determined by the second control unit 806 whether or not (step S1304). Based on the determination result, the second control unit 806 controls the second adjustment unit 804 and the like as follows.
  • the second control unit 806 controls the second detection unit 805 to detect ⁇ R. Then, the detected ⁇ R value is equal to or less than C R is determined by the second control unit 806 (step S1305). It detected ⁇ R is when: C R is controlled to perform a reduction of the humidity of the reduction and / or oxidant flow rate of the oxidizing agent (step S1306). On the other hand, the detected ⁇ R is C when R is greater than controls to perform an increased humidity and / or increased oxidant flow rate of the oxidizing agent (step S1307).
  • the humidity control in this example is a combination of two control methods, ie, feedforward control based on the detection result of ⁇ i and feedback control based on the detection result of ⁇ R or ⁇ V.
  • FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an alkaline fuel cell system 1400 according to the present embodiment, and a first adjusting unit 1404a for adjusting the flow rate and / or humidity of the reducing agent supplied to the anode electrode. And a configuration of an alkaline fuel cell system including a second adjusting unit 1404b for adjusting the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode.
  • An alkaline fuel cell system 1400 shown in FIG. 14 is a system that can optimally adjust the humidity of the anode and cathode of an alkaline fuel cell, and combines the first and second embodiments. It can be said that.
  • the configurations of the fuel cell unit, the reducing agent supply unit, and the oxidant supply unit included in the alkaline fuel cell system 1400 of the present embodiment can be the same as those described in the first embodiment.
  • the first and second adjustment units 1404a and 1404b can also be the same as the first adjustment unit 104 in the first embodiment and the second adjustment unit 804 in the second embodiment, respectively.
  • the detection unit 1405 further detects a change amount ⁇ V per unit time of the output voltage value of the alkaline fuel cell and a change rate ⁇ R per unit time of the resistance value in addition to ⁇ i.
  • the control unit 1406 can independently control the adjustment of the flow rate and / or humidity of the reducing agent by the first adjustment unit 1404a and the adjustment of the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant by the second adjustment unit 1404b.
  • a control unit that controls the adjustment of the flow rate and / or humidity of the reducing agent by the first adjustment unit 1404a and a control unit that controls the adjustment of the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant by the second adjustment unit 1404b are separately provided. May be.
  • the alkaline fuel cell system 1400 of this embodiment ⁇ i, and further, battery characteristics such as ⁇ V and ⁇ R are detected, and the reduction supplied to the anode electrode of the alkaline fuel cell in real time based on the detection result.
  • the flow rate and / or humidity of the agent can be optimized, and the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant supplied to the cathode can be optimized, so that the humidity of the anode and even the cathode is optimized.
  • flooding and dry-up can be prevented or improved more effectively.
  • a high output voltage can be stably maintained.
  • the alkaline fuel cell system 1400 of the present embodiment performs the above-described humidity control of the anode electrode and the humidity control of the cathode electrode independently and in parallel while the alkaline fuel cell is in operation.
  • the specific humidity control flow of the anode electrode and the humidity control flow of the cathode electrode are as described above.
  • FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an alkaline fuel cell system 1500 according to this embodiment (an example of the configuration of the alkaline fuel cell system [C]). .
  • the alkaline fuel cell system 1500 is a system capable of optimally adjusting the humidity of the anode electrode of the alkaline fuel cell, and is connected to the fuel cell unit 1501 including the alkaline fuel cell; the fuel cell unit 1501; A reducing agent supply unit 1502 for supplying a reducing agent to the anode electrode of the alkaline fuel cell; an oxidant supplying unit 1503 connected to the fuel cell unit 1501 for supplying an oxidant to the cathode electrode of the alkaline fuel cell; A third adjusting unit 1504 for adjusting the flow rate and / or humidity of the reducing agent supplied to the anode electrode, connected to the reducing agent supply unit 1502; connected to the fuel cell unit 1501, and from the anode electrode of the alkaline fuel cell A third detection unit 1505 for detecting at least the relative humidity H of the reducing agent to be discharged; and a third adjustment unit 1504 and Is connected to the third detecting unit 1505 comprises, based on the detection result by the third detecting unit 1505, the
  • the third detection unit 1505 preferably changes the amount of change ⁇ i per unit time of the current value flowing between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode of the alkaline fuel cell.
  • the change amount ⁇ V per unit time of the output voltage value is further detected.
  • the humidity (relative humidity) of the reducing agent supplied to the anode electrode is also referred to as “inlet side humidity (inlet side relative humidity)” of the reducing agent, and the humidity of the reducing agent discharged from the anode electrode (relative humidity H). ) Is also referred to as “exit side humidity (exit side relative humidity H)” of the reducing agent.
  • the outlet side relative humidity H and further cell characteristics such as ⁇ i and ⁇ V are detected, and the alkaline fuel cell of the alkaline fuel cell is detected in real time based on the detection result. Since the flow rate and / or humidity (inlet side humidity) of the reducing agent supplied to the anode electrode can be optimized, the humidity of the anode electrode is optimized, and as a result, the supply of the reducing agent to the anode electrode described above is performed. It is possible to prevent or improve “flooding” that inhibits water and “dry-up” that increases the anion conduction resistance due to excessive moisture in the electrolyte membrane. As a result, a high output voltage can be stably maintained.
  • a fuel cell unit 1501, a reducing agent supply unit 1502, an oxidant supply unit 1503, and a third adjustment unit 1504 included in the alkaline fuel cell system 1500 of the present embodiment are respectively an alkaline fuel cell system according to the first embodiment.
  • the fuel cell unit 101, the reducing agent supply unit 102, the oxidant supply unit 103, and the first adjustment unit 104 can be configured in the same manner as the fuel cell unit 101, the reducing agent supply unit 102, and the oxidant supply unit.
  • 103 and the first adjustment unit 104 are also referred to the fuel cell unit 1501, the reducing agent supply unit 1502, the oxidant supply unit 1503, and the third adjustment unit 1504.
  • the third adjustment unit 1504 may optionally include a detector that detects the flow rate and / or humidity (that is, inlet side humidity) of the reducing agent after adjustment (or before and after adjustment). In this case, by referring to the detection result of the detector, the flow rate and / or humidity of the reducing agent by the third adjustment unit 1504 can be adjusted within a suitable range.
  • the third detection unit 1505 is a part for detecting at least the relative humidity H (exit side relative humidity H) of the reducing agent discharged from the anode electrode of the alkaline fuel cell connected to the fuel cell unit 1501.
  • the outlet-side relative humidity H is a parameter for determining whether flooding or dry-up has already occurred in the alkaline fuel cell (or whether such an indication is recognized). Flooding or dry-up can be improved by detecting the outlet side relative humidity H and appropriately adjusting the flow rate and / or humidity of the reducing agent supplied to the anode electrode based on the detection result.
  • the third detection unit 1505 is connected to the outlet side end of the reducing agent channel 206 included in the anode separator 204 or to the end, and the reducing agent discharge for discharging the reducing agent to the outside. It can include a hygrometer provided in the section. As a hygrometer that detects the relative humidity H of the reducing agent, for example, a hygrometer such as “High-Precision Pressure Dew Point Probe TMS-442-5” manufactured by TASCO JAPAN Co., Ltd. can be used.
  • a hygrometer is installed in the reducing agent discharge part, and the hygrometer and the reducing agent discharge part are maintained at a temperature higher than the temperature of the alkaline fuel cell, so that water condensation does not occur, and 100% RH or more is achieved.
  • the relative humidity H can be measured.
  • the third detection unit 1505 determines, as another parameter for judging the flooding or dry-up state of the alkaline fuel cell, a change per unit time in the current value flowing between the anode and cathode of the alkaline fuel cell. It is preferable to further detect the amount ⁇ i and the change amount ⁇ V per unit time of the output voltage value.
  • ⁇ i is an effective parameter for determining whether or not the alkaline fuel cell is moving in the direction of causing flooding or dry-up.
  • ⁇ V is an effective parameter for determining flooding. Also in this embodiment, ⁇ i and ⁇ V are expressed by the above formulas (7) and (8), respectively.
  • the third controller 1506 determines the flow rate of the reducing agent by the third adjuster 1504 and It is a part that controls the adjustment of humidity, and is connected to the third adjustment unit 1504 and the third detection unit 1505.
  • the 3rd adjustment part 1504 and the fuel cell part 1501 are provided with the above-mentioned temperature detection means, these are also connected and the temperature adjustment by a humidity controller is controlled based on the detection signal from a temperature detection means.
  • the third control unit 1506 sequentially receives the detection result signal output from the third detection unit 1505 according to a flow described later, and sets the received relative humidity H, ⁇ i, and ⁇ V values in advance. The magnitude relationship with the predetermined value is determined (this point will be described in detail later). Based on the determination result, the third adjusting unit 1504 controls the adjustment of the flow rate and / or humidity of the reducing agent so that the humidity of the anode electrode is optimized.
  • the third control unit 1506 is not particularly limited, and for example, a personal computer can be used.
  • FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of humidity control of the anode electrode by the alkaline fuel cell system 1500 of the present embodiment.
  • the outlet-side relative humidity H is detected by the third detection unit 1505. Then, whether or not the detected H is equal to or less than a predetermined value A H (where A H is a value smaller than 100% RH) and a predetermined value B H (where B H is less than 100% RH). It is determined by the third control unit 1506 whether or not it is greater than or equal to (in other words, whether H is not in the range of more than A H including 100% RH and less than B H ) (Step S1). S1601). Based on the determination result, the third control unit 1506 controls the third adjustment unit 1504 as follows.
  • control is performed to reduce the flow rate of the reducing agent supplied to the anode electrode and / or increase the humidity (inlet side humidity) of the reducing agent (step) S1602).
  • Such control is based on the determination that “H ⁇ A H ” is determined as “dry up (or its tendency)” in the present embodiment. This is because “H ⁇ A H ” (the relative humidity of the discharged reducing agent is too low) means that the humidity in the anode electrode is not sufficiently high.
  • control is performed to increase the flow rate of the reducing agent supplied to the anode electrode and / or reduce the humidity of the reducing agent (inlet side humidity) (step). S1603).
  • Such control is based on the determination that “H ⁇ B H ” is determined as “flooding (or its tendency)” in this embodiment. This is because “H ⁇ B H ” (the relative humidity of the discharged reducing agent is excessively high) means that the humidity in the anode electrode is excessively high.
  • the humidity control of the anode electrode in this example can be applied to improve the occurrence (or tendency) of dry-up and flooding. That is, the humidity control of this example performs feedback control based on the detection result of the relative humidity H.
  • the humidity control of the anode electrode in this example is advantageous in that it can perform quick control because only the outlet-side relative humidity H needs to be detected.
  • the humidity control of the anode electrode may be performed only by adjusting the flow rate of the reducing agent supplied to the anode electrode, or may be performed only by adjusting the humidity of the reducing agent, or by adjusting both the flow rate and humidity. (The same applies to other humidity control flows described later.) Adjustment of the flow rate of the reducing agent is advantageous in that the humidity control of the anode electrode can be performed easily and quickly. On the other hand, the humidity adjustment of the reducing agent is advantageous in that the humidity control of the anode electrode can be performed with high accuracy.
  • the flow rate of the reducing agent is increased in order to reduce the humidity of the anode electrode, it is preferable to avoid excessively increasing the flow rate of the reducing agent in consideration of the utilization efficiency of the reducing agent.
  • the flow rate of the reducing agent in order to increase the humidity of the anode electrode, avoid reducing the flow rate of the reducing agent to an extremely low level because it may not be possible to supply the required amount of power. Is preferred.
  • the humidity of the reducing agent inlet side humidity
  • the humidity on the inlet side of the anode electrode becomes extremely low, resulting in an extreme humidity difference between the inlet side and the outlet side of the anode electrode, which in turn causes an extreme difference in the reaction amount, resulting in deterioration of the fuel cell. This is because it becomes easier.
  • the adjustment of the flow rate and / or humidity of the reducing agent within such an appropriate range is, for example, based on the detection result of the detector that detects the flow rate and / or humidity of the reducing agent after the adjustment (or before and after the adjustment) described above. Can be achieved by control based on.
  • the above matters regarding the flow rate of the reducing agent and the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the humidity also apply to other humidity control flows described later.
  • the predetermined value A H is preferably in the range of 80 to 95 [% RH], and more preferably in the range of 90 to 95 [% RH].
  • the predetermined value B H is preferably in the range of 105 to 150 [% RH], more preferably in the range of 105 to 130 [% RH].
  • FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing another example of the humidity control of the anode electrode by the alkaline fuel cell system 1500 of the present embodiment.
  • ⁇ i is detected by the third detection unit 1505.
  • the third control determines whether or not the detected ⁇ i is within a range of C i to D i including 0 (where C i is a negative value and D i is a positive value). It is determined by the unit 1506 (step S1701).
  • the third control unit 1506 controls the third detection unit 1505 to detect the outlet-side relative humidity H (note that the case where ⁇ i is not within the range of C i to D i will be described later). Then, whether or not the detected H is equal to or less than a predetermined value A H (A H has the same meaning as described above) and above a predetermined value B H (B H has the same meaning as described above).
  • the third control unit 1506 determines whether or not there is (in other words, whether H is not in the range of more than A H and less than B H ) (step S1702). Based on the determination result, the third control unit 1506 controls the third adjustment unit 1504 and the like as follows.
  • the third control unit 1506 performs control to reduce the flow rate of the reducing agent supplied to the anode electrode and / or increase the humidity of the reducing agent. (Step S1703). Such control is based on the determination that “H ⁇ A H ” is determined as “dry up (or its tendency)” in the present embodiment. This is because “H ⁇ A H ” (the relative humidity of the discharged reducing agent is too low) means that the humidity in the anode electrode is not sufficiently high.
  • the third control unit 1506 increases the flow rate of the reducing agent supplied to the anode electrode and / or reduces the humidity of the reducing agent (inlet side humidity). Control is performed so as to be performed (step S1704). Such control is based on the determination that “H ⁇ B H ” is determined as “flooding (or its tendency)” in this embodiment. This is because “H ⁇ B H ” (the relative humidity of the discharged reducing agent is excessively high) means that the humidity in the anode electrode is excessively high.
  • the predetermined value C i of ⁇ i is preferably in the range of ⁇ 50 to ⁇ 25 [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min], more preferably in the range of ⁇ 40 to ⁇ 30 [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min].
  • the predetermined value D i is preferably in the range of +25 to +50 [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min], and more preferably in the range of +30 to +40 [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min].
  • third control unit 1506 preferably controls third adjustment unit 1504 as follows. .
  • control is performed to reduce the flow rate of the reducing agent supplied to the anode electrode and / or increase the humidity of the reducing agent (step S1801).
  • Such control is based on the determination that the determination result “ ⁇ i ⁇ C i ” is “in the direction of causing dry-up” in the present embodiment. This is because “ ⁇ i ⁇ C i (decrease in the current value)” results in a decrease in the amount of water generated by the reaction at the anode electrode, and thus a decrease in humidity at the anode electrode, and as a result, dry-up is likely to occur.
  • control is performed to increase the flow rate of the reducing agent supplied to the anode electrode and / or reduce the humidity of the reducing agent (step S1802).
  • Such control is based on the determination that the determination result “ ⁇ i> D i ” is “in the direction in which flooding occurs” in the present embodiment. This is because “ ⁇ i> D i (increase in current value)” results in an increase in the amount of water generated by the reaction at the anode electrode, and hence an increase in humidity at the anode electrode, and as a result, flooding is likely to occur.
  • the humidity control of this example is a combination of two control methods, ie, feedforward control based on the detection result of ⁇ i and feedback control based on the detection result of relative humidity H.
  • FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing another example of the humidity control of the anode electrode by the alkaline fuel cell system 1500 of the present embodiment.
  • ⁇ i is detected by the third detection unit 1505.
  • the third control unit 1506 determines whether or not the detected ⁇ i is within the range of C i to D i including 0 (C i and D i have the same meaning as described above) ( Step S1901).
  • the third control unit 1506 controls the third detection unit 1505 to detect the outlet-side relative humidity H (note that ⁇ i is in the range of C i to D i .
  • the third control unit 1506 performs control so as to reduce the flow rate of the reducing agent supplied to the anode electrode and / or increase the humidity of the reducing agent. (Step S1903). Such control is based on the fact that the determination result “H ⁇ E H ” is determined to be “dry up (or its tendency)” in the present embodiment.
  • the third control unit 1506 controls the third detection unit 1505 to detect ⁇ V. Then, the third control unit 1506 determines whether or not the detected ⁇ V is less than a predetermined value G V (where G v is a negative value) (step S1904). If the detected ⁇ V is less than the predetermined value G v , control is performed to increase the flow rate of the reducing agent supplied to the anode electrode and / or reduce the humidity of the reducing agent (step S1905). In this embodiment, in this embodiment, the determination result of “H ⁇ F H ” and subsequent “ ⁇ V ⁇ G V ” is determined as “the voltage value is not reduced but caused by flooding instead of dry-up”.
  • the determination result “ ⁇ V ⁇ G V ” (decrease in voltage value) means that dry-up or flooding occurs or tends to occur, but the determination result “H ⁇ F H ”. Means that no dry-up (or tendency) has occurred.
  • step S1904 determines whether ⁇ V detected in step S1904 is equal to or greater than G V . If ⁇ V detected in step S1904 is equal to or greater than G V , it is not necessary to adjust the flow rate and / or humidity of the reducing agent.
  • the determination result “ ⁇ V ⁇ G V ” is because the voltage value is increased and it is determined that dry-up or flooding (or such a tendency) has not occurred.
  • step S1902 If H detected in step S1902 satisfies E H ⁇ H ⁇ F H , it is determined that dry-up and flooding (or a tendency thereof) have not occurred, and the next time ⁇ i is detected.
  • the adjustment of the flow rate and / or humidity of the reducing agent by the 3 adjustment unit 1504 can be omitted.
  • Predetermined value E H relative humidity H is preferably in the range of 80-95 [% RH], more preferably in the range of 90-95 [% RH].
  • the predetermined value G V of ⁇ V is preferably in the range of ⁇ 50 to ⁇ 2 [mV / min], more preferably in the range of ⁇ 30 to ⁇ 10 [mV / min].
  • control 1504 when the detected ⁇ i is not within the range of C i to D i , the third control unit 1506 is similar to the above-described anode extreme humidity control flow 2, It is preferable to control 1504 as follows.
  • control is performed to reduce the flow rate of the reducing agent supplied to the anode electrode and / or increase the humidity of the reducing agent (step S2001).
  • control is performed to increase the flow rate of the reducing agent supplied to the anode electrode and / or reduce the humidity of the reducing agent (step S2002).
  • ⁇ i, relative humidity H, and ⁇ V are detected in this order, and the humidity of the anode electrode is optimized.
  • the humidity control of the anode electrode based on the detection result of ⁇ i is effective for preventing the occurrence of dry-up and flooding
  • the humidity control of the anode electrode based on the detection result of relative humidity H and ⁇ V is the occurrence of dry-up and flooding. It is effective to improve (or the tendency).
  • the humidity control in this example is a combination of two control methods, ie, feedforward control based on the detection result of ⁇ i and feedback control based on the detection results of relative humidity H and ⁇ V.
  • feedforward control based on the detection result of ⁇ i
  • feedback control based on the detection results of relative humidity H and ⁇ V.
  • FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing another example of anode humidity control by the alkaline fuel cell system 1500 of the present embodiment.
  • ⁇ i is detected by the third detection unit 1505.
  • the third control unit 1506 determines whether or not the detected ⁇ i is within the range of C i to D i including 0 (C i and D i have the same meaning as described above) ( Step S2101).
  • the third control unit 1506 performs control so that the third detection unit 1505 detects ⁇ V (note that ⁇ i is not within the range of C i to D i.
  • the third control unit 1506 determines whether or not the detected ⁇ V is less than a predetermined value G v (G v has the same meaning as described above) (step S2102). Based on the determination result, the third control unit 1506 controls the third adjustment unit 1504 and the like as follows.
  • the third control unit 1506 controls the third detection unit 1505 to detect the outlet-side relative humidity H. Then, whether or not the detected H is equal to or less than a predetermined value E H (E H has the same meaning as described above) and above a predetermined value F H (F H has the same meaning as described above). It is determined by the third control unit 1506 whether or not there is (in other words, whether H is not in the range of more than E H and less than F H ) (step S2103).
  • the third control unit 1506 controls to reduce the flow rate of the reducing agent supplied to the anode electrode and / or increase the humidity of the reducing agent. (Step S2104). Such control is based on the determination that “H ⁇ EH” is determined as “dry up (or its tendency)” in the present invention.
  • step S803 when H detected in step S803 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value FH, the third control unit 1506 increases the flow rate of the reducing agent supplied to the anode electrode and / or reduces the humidity of the reducing agent. Control is performed (step S805).
  • the determination result of “ ⁇ V ⁇ G V ” and subsequent “H ⁇ F H ” is determined as “the decrease in voltage value is not due to dry-up but due to flooding”. Based on that. That is, the determination result “ ⁇ V ⁇ G V ” (decrease in voltage value) means that dry-up or flooding occurs or tends to occur, but the determination result “H ⁇ F H ”. Means that no dry-up (or tendency) has occurred.
  • step S2103 If H detected in step S2103 satisfies E H ⁇ H ⁇ F H , it is determined that dry-up and flooding (or a tendency thereof) have not occurred, and the next time ⁇ i is detected.
  • the adjustment of the flow rate and / or humidity of the reducing agent by the 3 adjustment unit 1504 can be omitted.
  • step S2102 If ⁇ V detected in step S2102 is greater than or equal to the predetermined value G v , it is not necessary to adjust the flow rate and / or humidity of the reducing agent.
  • the determination result “ ⁇ V ⁇ G V ” is because the voltage value is increased and it is determined that dry-up or flooding (or such a tendency) has not occurred.
  • the third control unit 1506 performs the above anode pole humidity control flow 2 and It is preferable to perform the same control as in FIG. That is, when ⁇ i is smaller than the predetermined value C i , control is performed to reduce the flow rate of the reducing agent supplied to the anode electrode and / or increase the humidity of the reducing agent (step S2201), and ⁇ i is a predetermined value. D If i is greater than controls to perform reduction of the humidity increase and / or a reducing agent of the flow rate of the reducing agent (step S2202), it is preferable.
  • ⁇ i, ⁇ V and relative humidity H are detected in this order, and the humidity of the anode electrode is optimized.
  • the humidity control of the anode electrode based on the detection result of ⁇ i is effective for preventing the occurrence of dry-up and flooding
  • the humidity control of the anode electrode based on the detection result of relative humidity H and ⁇ V is the occurrence of dry-up and flooding. It is effective to improve (or the tendency).
  • the humidity control in this example is a combination of two control methods, ie, feedforward control based on the detection result of ⁇ i and feedback control based on the detection results of relative humidity H and ⁇ V.
  • feedforward control based on the detection result of ⁇ i
  • feedback control based on the detection results of relative humidity H and ⁇ V.
  • FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an alkaline fuel cell system 2300 according to this embodiment (an example of the configuration of the alkaline fuel cell system [D]).
  • the alkaline fuel cell system 2300 is a system capable of optimally adjusting the humidity of the cathode electrode included in the alkaline fuel cell.
  • the alkaline fuel cell system 2300 is connected to the fuel cell unit 2301 including the alkaline fuel cell; the fuel cell unit 2301; A reducing agent supply unit 2302 for supplying a reducing agent to the anode electrode of the alkaline fuel cell; an oxidant supplying unit 2303 connected to the fuel cell unit 2301 and for supplying an oxidizing agent to the cathode electrode of the alkaline fuel cell; A fourth adjustment unit 2304 for adjusting the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode, connected to the oxidant supply unit 2303; connected to the fuel cell unit 2301, and from the cathode electrode of the alkaline fuel cell A fourth detection unit 2305 that detects at least the relative humidity H ′ of the discharged oxidant; and a fourth adjustment unit 2304 and A fourth control unit 2306 is connected to the fourth detection unit 2305 and controls the flow rate and / or humidity adjustment of the oxidant by the fourth adjustment unit 2304 based on the detection result by the fourth detection unit 23
  • the fourth detector 2305 preferably changes the amount of current flowing between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode of the alkaline fuel cell per unit time.
  • the change amount ⁇ V per unit time of ⁇ i and the output voltage value is further detected.
  • the humidity (relative humidity) of the oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode is also referred to as “inlet side humidity (inlet side relative humidity)” of the oxidant, and the humidity of the oxidant discharged from the cathode electrode (relative humidity H).
  • inlet side humidity (inlet side relative humidity) the humidity of the oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode
  • relative humidity H the humidity of the oxidant discharged from the cathode electrode
  • the outlet side relative humidity H ′ of the oxidant and further cell characteristics such as ⁇ i and ⁇ V are detected, and the alkaline fuel cell is real-time based on the detection result. Since the flow rate and / or humidity (inlet side humidity) of the oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode of the cathode can be optimized, the humidity of the cathode electrode is optimized, and as a result, the oxidant to the cathode electrode described above is optimized. It is possible to prevent or improve “flooding” that inhibits supply and “dry-up” that increases the anion conduction resistance due to excessive moisture in the electrolyte membrane. As a result, a high output voltage can be stably maintained.
  • the fuel cell unit 2301, the reducing agent supply unit 2302, the oxidant supply unit 2303, and the fourth adjustment unit 2304 included in the alkaline fuel cell system 2300 of the present embodiment are each an alkaline fuel cell system according to the first embodiment.
  • the fuel cell unit 101 included in 100, the reducing agent supply unit 102, the oxidant supply unit 103, and the second adjustment unit 804 included in the alkaline fuel cell system 100 according to the second embodiment may be used.
  • the fuel cell unit 101, the reducing agent supply unit 102, the oxidant supply unit 103, and the second adjustment unit 804 are the same as the fuel cell unit 2301, the reducing agent supply unit 2302, the oxidant supply unit 2303, and the fourth adjustment unit 2304. Is also cited.
  • the fourth adjustment unit 2304 may optionally include a detector that detects the flow rate and / or humidity (that is, inlet side humidity) of the oxidant after adjustment (or before and after adjustment). In this case, by referring to the detection result of the detector, the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant by the fourth adjustment unit 2304 can be adjusted within a suitable range.
  • the fourth detection unit 2305 is a part connected to the fuel cell unit 2301 for detecting at least the relative humidity H ′ (exit side relative humidity H ′) of the oxidant discharged from the cathode electrode of the alkaline fuel cell. is there.
  • the outlet-side relative humidity H ′ is a parameter for determining whether flooding or dry-up has already occurred in the alkaline fuel cell (or whether such a sign is recognized). Flooding or dry-up can be improved by detecting the outlet-side relative humidity H ′ and appropriately adjusting the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidizing agent supplied to the cathode electrode based on the detection result.
  • the fourth detection unit 2305 is connected to the outlet side end portion of the oxidant flow path 207 included in the cathode separator 205 or to the end portion, and oxidant discharge for discharging the oxidant to the outside. It can include a hygrometer provided in the section. As a hygrometer for detecting the relative humidity H ′ of the oxidant, for example, a hygrometer such as “High-Precision Pressure Dew Point Probe TMS-442-5” manufactured by TASCO Japan Co., Ltd. can be used.
  • a hygrometer is installed in the oxidant discharge part, and the hygrometer and the oxidant discharge part are maintained at a temperature higher than the temperature of the alkaline fuel cell, so that water condensation does not occur and 100% RH or more is achieved.
  • Relative humidity H ′ can be measured.
  • the fourth detection unit 2305 uses, as another parameter for determining the flooding or dry-up state of the alkaline fuel cell, a change per unit time of the current value flowing between the anode and cathode of the alkaline fuel cell. It is preferable to further detect the amount ⁇ i and the change amount ⁇ V per unit time of the output voltage value.
  • ⁇ i is an effective parameter for determining whether or not the alkaline fuel cell is in a direction in which flooding or dry-up occurs.
  • ⁇ V is an effective parameter for determining flooding.
  • ⁇ i and ⁇ V are defined by the above equations (7) and (8), respectively, similarly to ⁇ i and ⁇ V in the first embodiment.
  • the fourth control unit 2306 determines the oxidizing agent by the fourth adjustment unit 2304. This is a part that controls the adjustment of the flow rate and / or humidity, and is connected to the fourth adjustment unit 2304 and the fourth detection unit 2305.
  • the fourth adjustment unit 2304 and the fuel cell unit 2301 include the temperature detection unit as described in the first embodiment, they are also connected to each other, and the humidity controller is based on the detection signal from the temperature detection unit. Controls temperature adjustment by.
  • the fourth control unit 2306 sequentially receives the detection result signal output from the fourth detection unit 2305 in accordance with a flow described later, and sets the received relative humidity H ′, ⁇ i, ⁇ V values in advance. The magnitude relationship with the predetermined value is determined (this point will be described in detail later). Based on the determination result, the fourth adjusting unit 2304 controls the adjustment of the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant so that the humidity of the cathode electrode is optimized.
  • the fourth controller 2306 is not particularly limited, and for example, a personal computer can be used.
  • the cathode electrode humidity control flow exemplified below is preferably repeatedly performed at predetermined time intervals during the operation of the alkaline fuel cell.
  • FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of cathode pole humidity control by the alkaline fuel cell system 2300 of the present embodiment.
  • the outlet-side relative humidity H ′ is detected by the fourth detector 2305.
  • the predetermined value A H ′ (where A H ′ is a value smaller than 100% RH)
  • B H ′ (where B H ′). Is a value greater than 100% RH.)
  • the fourth control unit 2306 controls the fourth adjustment unit 2304 as follows.
  • H ′ is less than or equal to a predetermined value A H ′
  • control is performed to increase the flow rate of the oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode and / or increase the humidity (inlet side humidity) of the oxidant.
  • Such control is based on the determination that “H ′ ⁇ A H ′” is determined as “dry up (or its tendency)” in the present embodiment. This is because “H ′ ⁇ A H ′” (the relative humidity of the discharged oxidant is excessively low) means that the humidity in the cathode electrode is not sufficiently high.
  • Step S2403 control is performed to reduce the flow rate of the oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode and / or reduce the humidity of the oxidant (inlet side humidity).
  • Such control is based on the determination that “H ′ ⁇ B H ′” is determined as “flooding (or its tendency)” in this embodiment. This is because “H ′ ⁇ B H ′” (the relative humidity of the discharged oxidant is excessively high) means that the humidity in the cathode electrode is excessively high.
  • the humidity control of the cathode electrode in this example can be applied to improve the occurrence (or tendency) of dry-up and flooding.
  • the humidity control in this example performs feedback control based on the detection result of the relative humidity H ′.
  • the humidity control of the cathode electrode in this example is advantageous in that it can perform quick control because only the outlet-side relative humidity H ′ needs to be detected.
  • the humidity control of the cathode electrode may be performed only by adjusting the flow rate of the oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode, or may be performed only by adjusting the humidity of the oxidant, or by adjusting both the flow rate and humidity. (The same applies to other humidity control flows described later.) Adjusting the flow rate of the oxidant is advantageous in that the humidity control of the cathode electrode can be easily and quickly performed. On the other hand, the humidity adjustment of the oxidizing agent is advantageous in that the humidity control of the cathode electrode can be performed with high accuracy.
  • the power loss of the auxiliary equipment increases when an auxiliary equipment such as a fan is used to supply the oxidizer. It is preferable to avoid excessively increasing the flow rate of the agent.
  • an auxiliary equipment such as a fan
  • the flow rate of the oxidant in order to reduce the humidity of the cathode, avoid reducing the flow rate of the oxidant to an extremely low level because the required amount of power may not be supplied. Is preferred.
  • the humidity of the oxidant inlet side humidity
  • An extremely high humidity on the cathode inlet side causes an extreme humidity difference between the cathode inlet side and the outlet side, which in turn causes an extreme difference in the reaction amount, resulting in deterioration of the fuel cell. This is because it becomes easier.
  • the adjustment of the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant within such an appropriate range is, for example, based on the detection result of the detector that detects the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant after the adjustment (or before and after the adjustment) described above. Can be achieved by control based on.
  • the above matters regarding the flow rate of the oxidant and the lower limit value and the upper limit value of the humidity also apply to other humidity control flows described later.
  • the predetermined value A H ′ is preferably in the range of 70 to 95 [% RH], more preferably in the range of 85 to 95 [% RH].
  • the predetermined value B H ′ is preferably in the range of 105 to 130 [% RH], more preferably in the range of 105 to 115 [% RH].
  • FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing another example of the humidity control of the cathode electrode by the alkaline fuel cell system 2300 of the present embodiment.
  • ⁇ i is detected by the fourth detector 2305. Whether the detected ⁇ i is within the range of C i to D i including 0 (where C i is a negative value and D i is a positive value) is determined in the fourth control. It is determined by the unit 2306 (step S2501).
  • the fourth control unit 2306 controls the fourth detection unit 2305 to detect the outlet-side relative humidity H ′ (note that the case where ⁇ i is not within the range of C i to D i will be described later). . Then, whether or not the detected H ′ is equal to or less than a predetermined value A H ′ (A H ′ has the same meaning as described above) and a predetermined value B H ′ (B H ′ has the same meaning as described above).
  • step S2502 if the whether (in other words whether or, H 'is a H' whether or not the range of less than super B H ') is determined by the fourth control unit 2306 (step S2502). Based on the determination result, the fourth control unit 2306 controls the fourth adjustment unit 2304 and the like as follows.
  • the fourth control unit 2306 increases the flow rate of the oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode and / or increases the humidity of the oxidant. Control is performed (step S2503). Such control is based on the determination that “H ′ ⁇ A H ′” is determined as “dry up (or its tendency)” in the present embodiment. This is because “H ′ ⁇ A H ′” (the relative humidity of the discharged oxidant is excessively low) means that the humidity in the cathode electrode is not sufficiently high.
  • the fourth control unit 2306 reduces the flow rate of the oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode and / or the humidity of the oxidant (inlet side humidity). Control is performed to reduce (step S2504). Such control is based on the determination that “H ′ ⁇ B H ′” is determined as “flooding (or its tendency)” in this embodiment. This is because “H ′ ⁇ B H ′” (the relative humidity of the discharged oxidant is excessively high) means that the humidity in the cathode electrode is excessively high.
  • H ′ If the detected H ′ satisfies A H ′ ⁇ H ′ ⁇ B H ′, it is determined that dry-up and flooding (or their tendency) have not occurred, and the fourth adjustment is made until the next ⁇ i is detected. Adjustment of the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant by the unit 2304 may not be performed.
  • the predetermined value C i of ⁇ i is preferably in the range of ⁇ 50 to ⁇ 25 [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min], more preferably in the range of ⁇ 40 to ⁇ 30 [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min].
  • the predetermined value D i is preferably in the range of +25 to +50 [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min], and more preferably in the range of +30 to +40 [mA / cm 2 ⁇ min].
  • fourth control unit 2306 preferably controls fourth adjustment unit 2304 as follows. .
  • control is performed to reduce the flow rate of the oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode and / or reduce the humidity of the oxidant (step S2601).
  • Such control is based on the determination that the determination result of “ ⁇ i ⁇ C i ” is “in the direction of causing flooding” in the present embodiment. This is because “ ⁇ i ⁇ C i (decrease in the current value)” results in a decrease in the amount of water consumed by the reaction at the cathode, and thus an increase in the humidity of the cathode, and as a result, flooding is likely to occur.
  • control is performed to increase the flow rate of the oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode and / or increase the humidity of the oxidant (step S1302).
  • Such control is based on the determination that the determination result “ ⁇ i> D i ” is “in the direction of causing dry-up” in the present embodiment. This is because “ ⁇ i> D i (increased current value)” causes an increase in the amount of water consumed by the reaction at the cathode electrode, and hence a decrease in the humidity at the cathode electrode, and as a result, it tends to cause dry-up.
  • the humidity control of this example is a combination of two control methods, ie, feedforward control based on the detection result of ⁇ i and feedback control based on the detection result of relative humidity H ′.
  • FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing another example of cathode humidity control by the alkaline fuel cell system 2300 of the present embodiment.
  • ⁇ i is detected by the fourth detector 2305.
  • the fourth control unit 2306 determines whether or not the detected ⁇ i is within the range of C i to D i including 0 (C i and D i have the same meaning as above) ( Step S2701).
  • the fourth control unit 2306 controls the fourth detection unit 2305 to detect the outlet-side relative humidity H ′ (note that ⁇ i is C i to D i.
  • the fourth control unit 2306 increases the flow rate of the oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode and / or increases the humidity of the oxidant. Control is performed (step S2703). In this embodiment, such control is based on the determination that “H ′ ⁇ E H ′” is “a dry-up (or its tendency) has occurred”.
  • the fourth control unit 2306 controls the fourth detection unit 2305 to detect ⁇ V. Then, the fourth control unit 2306 determines whether or not the detected ⁇ V is less than a predetermined value G V (where G V is a negative value) (step S2704). When the detected ⁇ V is less than the predetermined value G V , control is performed to reduce the flow rate of the oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode and / or reduce the humidity of the oxidant (step S2705). In this embodiment, in this embodiment, the determination result that “H ′ ⁇ F H ′” and subsequent “ ⁇ V ⁇ G V ” is determined as “the voltage value is not reduced but caused by flooding”.
  • the determination result “ ⁇ V ⁇ G V ” (decrease in voltage value) means that dry-up or flooding occurs or tends to occur, but “H ′ ⁇ F H ”.
  • the determination result means that dry-up (or its tendency) has not occurred.
  • step S2704 determines whether ⁇ V detected in step S2704 is equal to or greater than G V . If ⁇ V detected in step S2704 is equal to or greater than G V , it is not necessary to adjust the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant.
  • the determination result “ ⁇ V ⁇ G V ” is because the voltage value is increased and it is determined that dry-up or flooding (or such a tendency) has not occurred.
  • step S2702 If H ′ detected in step S2702 satisfies E H ′ ⁇ H ′ ⁇ F H ′, it is determined that dry-up and flooding (or a tendency thereof) have not occurred, and the next ⁇ i The adjustment of the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant by the fourth adjustment unit 2304 may not be performed until the detection.
  • Relative humidity H 'predetermined value E H of' is preferably in the range of 70-95 [% RH], more preferably in the range of 85-95 [% RH].
  • the predetermined value G V of ⁇ V is preferably in the range of ⁇ 50 to ⁇ 2 [mV / min], more preferably in the range of ⁇ 30 to ⁇ 10 [mV / min].
  • the fourth control unit 2306 is similar to the cathode pole humidity control flow 2 described above. It is preferable to control 2304 as follows.
  • control is performed to reduce the flow rate of the oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode and / or reduce the humidity of the oxidant (step S2801).
  • control is performed to increase the flow rate of the oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode and / or increase the humidity of the oxidant (step S2802).
  • ⁇ i, relative humidity H ′ and ⁇ V are detected in this order, and the humidity of the cathode electrode is optimized.
  • the humidity control of the cathode electrode based on the detection result of ⁇ i is effective for preventing the occurrence of dry-up and flooding
  • the humidity control of the cathode electrode based on the detection result of relative humidity H ′ and ⁇ V is effective for the dry-up and flooding. It is effective to improve the occurrence (or its tendency).
  • the humidity control in this example is a combination of two control methods, ie, feedforward control based on the detection result of ⁇ i and feedback control based on the detection results of relative humidity H ′ and ⁇ V.
  • feedforward control based on the detection result of ⁇ i
  • feedback control based on the detection results of relative humidity H ′ and ⁇ V.
  • FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing another example of the humidity control of the cathode electrode by the alkaline fuel cell system 2300 of the present embodiment.
  • ⁇ i is detected by the fourth detector 2305.
  • the fourth control unit 2306 determines whether or not the detected ⁇ i is within the range of C i to D i including 0 (C i and D i have the same meaning as above) ( Step S2901).
  • the fourth control unit 2306 controls the fourth detection unit 2305 to detect ⁇ V (note that ⁇ i is not within the range of C i to D i.
  • the fourth control unit 2306 determines whether or not the detected ⁇ V is less than a predetermined value G V (G V has the same meaning as described above) (step S2902). Based on the determination result, the fourth control unit 2306 controls the fourth adjustment unit 2304 and the like as follows.
  • the fourth control unit 2306 controls the fourth detection unit 2305 to detect the outlet-side relative humidity H ′. Then, whether or not the detected H ′ is equal to or less than a predetermined value E H ′ (E H ′ has the same meaning as described above) and a predetermined value F H ′ (F H ′ has the same meaning as described above). there.) if the whether (in other words whether or, H 'is E H' whether or not the range of less than ultra-F H ') is determined by the fourth control unit 2306 (step S2903).
  • the fourth control unit 2306 increases the flow rate of the oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode and / or increases the humidity of the oxidant. Control is performed (step S2904). In this embodiment, such control is based on the determination that “H ′ ⁇ E H ′” is “a dry-up (or its tendency) has occurred”.
  • the fourth control unit 2306 reduces the flow rate of the oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode and / or the humidity of the oxidant. (Step S2905).
  • the determination result of “ ⁇ V ⁇ G V ” and subsequent “H ′ ⁇ F H ′” is “the decrease in the voltage value is not due to dry-up but due to flooding”. Based on being. That is, the determination result “ ⁇ V ⁇ G V ” (decrease in voltage value) means that dry-up or flooding occurs or tends to occur, but “H ′ ⁇ F H ”. The determination result means that dry-up (or its tendency) has not occurred.
  • step S2903 If H ′ detected in step S2903 satisfies E H ′ ⁇ H ′ ⁇ F H ′, it is determined that dry-up and flooding (or a tendency thereof) have not occurred, and the next ⁇ i The adjustment of the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant by the fourth adjustment unit 2304 may not be performed until the detection.
  • step S2902 If ⁇ V detected in step S2902 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value G V , it is not necessary to adjust the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant.
  • the determination result “ ⁇ V ⁇ G V ” is because the voltage value is increased and it is determined that dry-up or flooding (or such a tendency) has not occurred.
  • the fourth control unit 2306 performs the above-described cathode pole humidity control flow 2 and It is preferable to perform the same control as in FIG. That is, when ⁇ i is smaller than the predetermined value C i , control is performed to reduce the flow rate of the oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode and / or reduce the humidity of the oxidant (step S3001), and ⁇ i is a predetermined value. is larger than D i is controlled to perform an increased humidity and / or increased oxidant flow rate of the oxidizing agent (step S3002), it is preferable.
  • ⁇ i, ⁇ V and relative humidity H ′ are detected in this order, and the humidity of the cathode electrode is optimized.
  • the humidity control of the cathode electrode based on the detection result of ⁇ i is effective for preventing the occurrence of dry-up and flooding
  • the humidity control of the cathode electrode based on the detection result of relative humidity H ′ and ⁇ V is effective for the dry-up and flooding. It is effective to improve the occurrence (or its tendency).
  • the humidity control in this example is a combination of two control methods, ie, feedforward control based on the detection result of ⁇ i and feedback control based on the detection results of relative humidity H ′ and ⁇ V.
  • feedforward control based on the detection result of ⁇ i
  • feedback control based on the detection results of relative humidity H ′ and ⁇ V.
  • FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an alkaline fuel cell system 3100 according to the present embodiment, and a third adjustment unit 3104a for adjusting the flow rate and / or humidity of the reducing agent supplied to the anode electrode. And a configuration of an alkaline fuel cell system including a fourth adjusting unit 3104b for adjusting the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode.
  • An alkaline fuel cell system 3100 shown in FIG. 31 is a system that can optimally adjust the humidity of the anode and cathode of an alkaline fuel cell, and combines the fourth and fifth embodiments. It can be said that.
  • a third adjustment unit 3104a for adjusting the flow rate and / or humidity; a fourth adjustment unit 3104b connected to the oxidant supply unit 3103 and for adjusting the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode;
  • a detection unit 3105 that detects at least the relative humidity H ′ of the discharged oxidant; and is connected to the third adjustment
  • the detection unit 3105 is preferably provided between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode of the alkaline fuel cell. The change amount ⁇ i per unit time of the current value flowing through and the change amount ⁇ V per unit time of the output voltage value are further detected.
  • the battery characteristics such as the outlet-side relative humidity H of the reducing agent, the outlet-side relative humidity H ′ of the oxidizing agent, and ⁇ i and ⁇ V are detected.
  • the flow rate and / or humidity of the reducing agent supplied to the anode electrode of the alkaline fuel cell in real time inlet side humidity
  • the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant supplied to the cathode electrode inlet side humidity
  • the configurations of the fuel cell unit, the reducing agent supply unit, and the oxidant supply unit included in the alkaline fuel cell system 3100 of the present embodiment can be the same as those described in the fourth embodiment.
  • the third adjustment unit 3104a and the fourth adjustment unit 3104b can also be the same as the third adjustment unit 1504 in the fourth embodiment and the fourth adjustment unit 2304 in the fifth embodiment, respectively.
  • the detection unit 3105 includes two independent detection units, a detection unit that detects the relative humidity H of the reducing agent discharged from the anode electrode and a detection unit that detects the relative humidity H ′ of the oxidant discharged from the cathode electrode. You may be comprised from.
  • the control unit 3106 can independently control the adjustment of the flow rate and / or humidity of the reducing agent by the third adjustment unit 3104a and the adjustment of the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant by the fourth adjustment unit 3104b.
  • Two independent control units namely, a control unit that controls adjustment of the flow rate and / or humidity of the reducing agent by the third adjustment unit 3104a and a control unit that controls adjustment of the flow rate and / or humidity of the oxidant by the fourth adjustment unit 3104b. You may be comprised from the control part.
  • the alkaline fuel cell system 3100 of the present embodiment performs the above-described humidity control of the anode electrode and humidity control of the cathode electrode independently and in parallel while the alkaline fuel cell is in operation.
  • the specific humidity control flow of the anode electrode and the humidity control flow of the cathode electrode are as described above.
  • the catalyst-supported carbon particles (“TEC10E50E” manufactured by Tanaka Kikinzoku Co., Ltd.) having a Pt-supported amount of Pt / C of 50% by weight and the above-obtained electrolyte solution have a weight ratio of 2 / 0.2.
  • a catalyst paste for the anode catalyst layer was prepared by mixing and further adding ion-exchanged water and ethanol.
  • a catalyst-supporting carbon particle (“TEC10E50E” manufactured by Tanaka Kikinzoku Co., Ltd.) having a Pt support amount of 50% by weight and Pt / C and the electrolyte solution obtained above are 2 / 0.2 in weight ratio. Then, ion-exchanged water and ethanol were further added to prepare a catalyst paste for the cathode catalyst layer.
  • carbon paper (“TGP-H-060” manufactured by Toray Industries Inc., thickness of about 190 ⁇ m) is cut into a size of 23 mm in length and 23 mm in width as an anode gas diffusion layer.
  • a catalyst paste for the anode catalyst layer was applied using a screen printing plate having a window of 23 mm in length and 23 mm in width so that the amount of catalyst was 0.5 mg / cm 2, and dried at room temperature.
  • An anode electrode was produced in which an anode catalyst layer was formed on the entire surface of one side of carbon paper, which was a gas diffusion layer. The thickness of the obtained anode electrode was about 200 ⁇ m.
  • carbon paper (“TGP-H-060” manufactured by Toray Industries Inc., thickness of about 190 ⁇ m) is cut into a size of 23 mm in length ⁇ 23 mm in width as a cathode gas diffusion layer
  • the cathode paste for the cathode catalyst layer was applied using a screen printing plate having a window of 23 mm in length and 23 mm in width so that the amount of catalyst was 0.5 mg / cm 2, and dried at room temperature.
  • a cathode electrode in which a cathode catalyst layer was formed on the entire surface of one side of the carbon paper as a gas diffusion layer was produced.
  • the thickness of the obtained cathode electrode was about 200 ⁇ m.
  • a fluororesin polymer electrolyte (“Aciplex” manufactured by Asahi Kasei Co., Ltd.) cut into a size of 50 mm ⁇ 50 mm is used as the anion conductive solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and the anode electrode, the electrolyte membrane, and the cathode electrode are used as the anion conductive solid polymer electrolyte membrane.
  • the anode electrode and the cathode electrode are joined to the electrolyte membrane by thermocompression bonding at 130 ° C. and 10 kN for 2 minutes, and the membrane electrode composite Got the body.
  • the superposition was performed so that the positions of the anode electrode and the cathode electrode in the plane of the electrolyte membrane coincided and the centers of the anode electrode, the electrolyte membrane, and the cathode electrode coincided.
  • a fuel cell was produced by combining the membrane electrode assembly with a part obtained by disassembling a commercially available fuel cell (manufactured by Electrochem). Specifically, the anode electrode side current collector (end plate) / carbon anode electrode separator (gas flow plate) / polytetrafluoroethylene gasket / membrane electrode composite / polytetrafluoroethylene gasket / carbon The cathode electrode separator (gas flow plate) / cathode electrode side current collector (end plate) were laminated in this order. In addition, since the through-hole is formed in the center part of both gaskets, in the obtained laminated body, each electrode separator and the membrane electrode assembly are in contact. Finally, an alkaline fuel cell was obtained by tightening at 5 N ⁇ m using M3 bolts and nuts.
  • a stainless steel pipe as the reducing agent supply unit 102 is connected to the anode electrode separator of the fuel cell unit 101 so that the reducing agent can be supplied, and a stainless steel pipe as the oxidant supply unit 103 is connected to the cathode of the fuel cell unit 101. It connected so that an oxidizing agent could be supplied to the pole separator.
  • the stainless steel pipe as the reducing agent supply unit 102 has a flow rate adjustment valve and a humidity controller as the first adjustment unit 104.
  • the humidity controller has a water bath whose temperature can be controlled, and is a type in which humidification is performed by bubbling a reducing agent into the water in the water bath.
  • An ammeter, a voltmeter and a resistance measuring device as the first detection unit 105 are connected to the anode electrode side current collector of the fuel cell unit 101. And an ammeter connected in series with the fuel cell, and a voltmeter and a resistance meter connected in parallel with the fuel cell.
  • a personal computer as the first control unit 106 is connected to the first detection unit 105 so as to be able to receive an electrical signal from the first detection unit 105, and is connected to the first adjustment unit 104 to perform the first detection.
  • the control information can be transmitted to the first adjustment unit 104 based on information from the unit 105.
  • a temperature sensor is installed in the vicinity of the membrane electrode assembly inside the anode separator, and a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the water bath inside the humidity controller is installed in the water bath. Installed. The detection results of these temperature sensors can be transmitted to the first control unit 106.
  • the predetermined value B i was set to 30 mA / cm 2 ⁇ min.
  • the amount of current is measured by the first detection unit 105 for one minute from time T 0 to T 1 to detect a change amount ⁇ i of the current amount per unit time, and based on the determination result “ ⁇ i> B i ” (
  • the humidity of the anode electrode is reduced by increasing the flow rate of the reducing agent by a factor of two by the control by the first control unit 106 (step S303).
  • a stable output voltage could be maintained at times T 1 to T 2 .
  • the predetermined value A i was set to ⁇ 30 mA / cm 2 ⁇ min.
  • the current amount is measured by the first detection unit 105 for one minute from time T 2 to T 3 , the change amount ⁇ i per unit time of the current amount is detected, and based on the determination result “ ⁇ i ⁇ A i ” (step S301)
  • the humidity of the anode electrode is increased by reducing the flow rate of the reducing agent by half and returning it to the initial flow rate by the control by the first control unit 106 (step S302).
  • a stable output voltage could be maintained after time T 3 .
  • step S303 instead of increasing the flow rate of the reducing agent, the relative humidity of the reducing agent was adjusted to be about 95% of the initial value, and the humidity of the anode electrode was reduced to be the same as in Example 2. Humidity control of the anode electrode was performed. Further, in step S302, instead of reducing the flow rate of the reducing agent, the relative humidity of the reducing agent is increased and returned to the relative humidity at the initial stage of power generation, thereby increasing the humidity of the anode electrode. Thus, the humidity of the anode electrode was controlled. As a result of such humidity control of the anode electrode, a stable output voltage could be maintained from time T 1 to T 2 and time T 3 and thereafter. In addition, increase / decrease in relative humidity was performed by adjusting the temperature of the humidity controller of the 1st adjustment part 104. FIG.
  • a result was obtained (step S402).
  • the humidity of the anode electrode was reduced by increasing the flow rate of the reducing agent by about 2.3 times under the control of the first control unit 106 (step S404).
  • the flow of FIG. 4 was performed a plurality of times to slightly increase or decrease the flow rate, and finely adjust (optimize) the flow rate.
  • the time interval from the end of the flow to the start of the next flow was 5 minutes.
  • step S404 instead of increasing the flow rate of the reducing agent, the relative humidity of the reducing agent was adjusted to be about 95% of the initial value, and the humidity of the anode electrode was reduced to be the same as in Example 4. Humidity control of the anode electrode was performed.
  • the flow of FIG. 4 was performed a plurality of times to slightly increase / decrease the relative humidity and finely adjust (optimize) the relative humidity. .
  • the time interval from the end of the flow to the start of the next flow was 5 minutes.
  • Example 3 A power generation operation was performed in the same manner as in Example 4 except that the alkaline fuel cell system manufactured in Comparative Example 1 (without the first adjustment unit 104 and the first control unit 106) was used.
  • the amount of current was increased to 700 mA / cm 2 as in Example 4, but the flow rate and relative humidity of the reducing agent were kept constant after the start of power generation (these constants).
  • the values are the same as the initial values of Examples 4 and 5.
  • the flow rate of the reducing agent was adjusted to be about 60% of the initial value by the control by the first control unit 106, and the humidity of the anode electrode was increased (step S405).
  • the flow of FIG. 4 was performed a plurality of times to slightly increase or decrease the flow rate, and finely adjust (optimize) the flow rate.
  • the time interval from the end of the flow to the start of the next flow was 5 minutes.
  • step S405 instead of reducing the flow rate of the reducing agent, the relative humidity of the reducing agent was adjusted to be about 104% of the initial value, and the humidity of the anode electrode was increased, and the same procedure as in Example 6 was performed. Humidity control of the anode electrode was performed.
  • the flow of FIG. 4 was performed a plurality of times, and the relative humidity was finely adjusted to optimize (optimize) the relative humidity. .
  • the time interval from the end of the flow to the start of the next flow was 5 minutes.
  • a membrane electrode assembly was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, and an alkaline fuel cell was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 using this.
  • the obtained alkaline fuel cell was used as the fuel cell unit 801 to produce an alkaline fuel cell system [B] having the same configuration as that shown in FIG. Specifically, it is as follows.
  • a stainless steel pipe as the reducing agent supply unit 802 is connected to the anode electrode separator of the fuel cell unit 801 so that the reducing agent can be supplied, and a stainless steel pipe as the oxidant supply unit 803 is connected to the cathode of the fuel cell unit 801. It connected so that an oxidizing agent could be supplied to the pole separator.
  • a stainless steel pipe as the oxidant supply unit 803 has a flow rate adjustment valve and a humidity controller as the second adjustment unit 804.
  • the humidity controller has a water bath whose temperature can be controlled, and is a type in which humidification is performed by bubbling an oxidizing agent into the water in the water bath.
  • An ammeter, a voltmeter, and a resistance measuring device as the second detection unit 805 are connected to the anode electrode side current collector of the fuel cell unit 801 And an ammeter connected in series with the fuel cell, and a voltmeter and a resistance meter connected in parallel with the fuel cell.
  • a personal computer as the second control unit 806 is connected to the second detection unit 805 to be able to receive an electrical signal from the second detection unit 805, and is connected to the second adjustment unit 804 to perform the second detection.
  • the control information can be transmitted to the second adjustment unit 804 based on the information from the unit 805.
  • a temperature sensor is installed in the vicinity of the membrane electrode assembly inside the anode separator, and a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the water bath inside the humidity controller is installed in the water bath. Installed. The detection results of these temperature sensors can be transmitted to the second control unit 806.
  • the following cathode electrode humidity control was performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.
  • the predetermined value B i was set to 30 mA / cm 2 ⁇ min.
  • the amount of current is measured by the second detection unit 805 for one minute from time T 0 to T 1 to detect a change amount ⁇ i of the current amount per unit time, and based on the determination result “ ⁇ i> B i ” (
  • the humidity of the cathode electrode is increased by increasing the flow rate of the oxidant by a factor of two by the control by the second controller 806 (step S903).
  • a stable output voltage could be maintained at times T 1 to T 2 .
  • step S901 the humidity of the cathode electrode is reduced by halving the flow rate of the oxidant and returning the flow rate to the initial flow rate by the control by the second control unit 806 (step S902).
  • step S902 the humidity of the cathode electrode is reduced by halving the flow rate of the oxidant and returning the flow rate to the initial flow rate by the control by the second control unit 806 (step S902).
  • step S903 instead of increasing the flow rate of the oxidant, the relative humidity of the oxidant was adjusted to be about 105% of the initial value, and the humidity of the cathode electrode was increased, and the same procedure as in Example 9 was performed. The humidity of the cathode was controlled. Further, in Step S902, instead of reducing the flow rate of the oxidant, the relative humidity of the oxidant is reduced and returned to the relative humidity at the initial stage of power generation, thereby reducing the humidity of the cathode electrode, and is the same as in Example 9. Thus, humidity control of the cathode electrode was performed.
  • a result was obtained (step S1002).
  • the humidity of the cathode electrode was reduced by approximately halving the flow rate of the oxidant by the control by the second control unit 806 (step S1004).
  • the flow in FIG. 10 was performed a plurality of times to slightly increase / decrease the flow rate and finely adjust (optimize) the flow rate.
  • the time interval from the end of the flow to the start of the next flow was 5 minutes.
  • step S1004 instead of reducing the flow rate of the oxidant, the relative humidity of the oxidant was adjusted to be about 95% of the initial value, and the humidity of the cathode electrode was reduced to be the same as in Example 11. The humidity of the cathode was controlled.
  • the flow of FIG. 10 was performed a plurality of times, and the relative humidity was finely increased / decreased to finely adjust (optimize) the relative humidity. .
  • the time interval from the end of the flow to the start of the next flow was 5 minutes.
  • the flow rate of the oxidant is adjusted to be about 3.8 times the initial value by the control by the second control unit 806, and the humidity of the cathode electrode is increased (step S1005).
  • the flow of FIG. 10 was performed a plurality of times to slightly increase or decrease the flow rate, and finely adjust (optimize) the flow rate.
  • the time interval from the end of the flow to the start of the next flow was 5 minutes.
  • step S1005 instead of increasing the flow rate of the oxidizing agent, the relative humidity of the oxidizing agent was adjusted to be about 104% of the initial value, and the humidity of the cathode electrode was increased, and the same procedure as in Example 13 was performed. The humidity of the cathode was controlled.
  • the flow of FIG. 10 was performed a plurality of times, and the relative humidity was finely adjusted (optimized) by slightly increasing / decreasing the relative humidity. .
  • the time interval from the end of the flow to the start of the next flow was 5 minutes.
  • a membrane electrode assembly was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, and an alkaline fuel cell was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 using this.
  • the obtained alkaline fuel cell was used as the fuel cell unit 1501 to produce an alkaline fuel cell system [C] having the same configuration as in FIG. Specifically, it is as follows.
  • a stainless steel pipe as the reducing agent supply unit 1502 is connected to the anode separator of the fuel cell unit 1501 so that the reducing agent can be supplied, and a stainless steel pipe as the oxidant supply unit 1503 is connected to the cathode of the fuel cell unit 1501. It connected so that an oxidizing agent could be supplied to the pole separator.
  • a stainless steel pipe as the reducing agent supply unit 1502 has a flow rate adjustment valve and a humidity controller as the third adjustment unit 1504.
  • the humidity controller has a water bath whose temperature can be controlled, and is a type in which humidification is performed by bubbling a reducing agent into the water in the water bath.
  • a hygrometer (“High-Precision Pressure Dew Point Probe TMS-442-5” manufactured by Tasco Japan Co., Ltd.) is installed at the outlet side end of the reducing agent flow path of the anode separator, and an ammeter The voltmeter was connected to the anode electrode side current collector and the cathode electrode side current collector of the fuel cell unit 1501 (the ammeter was connected in series with the fuel cell, and the voltmeter was connected in parallel with the fuel cell). Further, a personal computer as the third control unit 1506 is connected to the third detection unit 1505 so as to be able to receive an electrical signal from the third detection unit 1505, and is connected to the third adjustment unit 1504 to perform third detection.
  • Control information can be transmitted to the third adjustment unit 1504 based on information from the unit 1505.
  • a temperature sensor is installed in the vicinity of the membrane electrode assembly inside the anode separator, and a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the water bath inside the humidity controller is installed in the water bath. Installed. The detection results of these temperature sensors can be transmitted to the third control unit 1506.
  • the predetermined values C i were set to ⁇ 30 mA / cm 2 ⁇ min, D i was set to 30 mA / cm 2 ⁇ min, A H was set to 90% RH, and B H was set to 110% RH.
  • the amount of current is measured by the third detection unit 1505 for one minute from time T 0 to T 1 to detect a change amount ⁇ i per unit time of the current amount, and based on the determination result “ ⁇ i> D i ” (In step S1701), the humidity of the anode electrode is reduced by increasing the flow rate of the reducing agent by a factor of two by the control by the third control unit 1506 (step S1802). As a result of such humidity control of the anode electrode, a stable output voltage could be maintained at times T 1 to T 2 .
  • step S1701 the flow rate of the reducing agent is reduced by half by the control by the third control unit 1506, and the humidity of the anode electrode is increased by returning to the initial flow rate of power generation (step S1801).
  • step S1801 the flow rate of the reducing agent is reduced by half by the control by the third control unit 1506, and the humidity of the anode electrode is increased by returning to the initial flow rate of power generation (step S1801).
  • step S1802 instead of increasing the flow rate of the reducing agent, the relative humidity of the reducing agent was adjusted to be about 95% of the initial value, and the humidity of the anode electrode was reduced to be the same as in Example 16. The humidity control of the anode electrode was performed. Further, in step S1801, instead of reducing the flow rate of the reducing agent, the relative humidity of the reducing agent is increased and returned to the relative humidity at the initial stage of power generation, thereby increasing the humidity of the anode electrode, as in Example 16. Thus, humidity control of the anode electrode was performed. As a result of such humidity control of the anode electrode, a stable output voltage could be maintained from time T 1 to T 2 and time T 3 and thereafter. In addition, increase / decrease in relative humidity was performed by adjusting the temperature of the humidity controller of the 3rd adjustment part 1504. FIG.
  • the humidity of the anode electrode was decreased by increasing the flow rate of the reducing agent by about twice by the control by the third control unit 1506 (step S1704).
  • the flow in FIG. 18 was performed a plurality of times to slightly increase / decrease the flow rate and finely adjust (optimize) the flow rate.
  • the time interval from the end of the flow to the start of the next flow was 5 minutes.
  • step S1704 instead of increasing the flow rate of the reducing agent, the relative humidity of the reducing agent was adjusted to about 95% of the initial value, and the humidity of the anode electrode was reduced, and the same as in Example 18 was performed. Humidity control of the anode electrode was performed. After reducing the relative humidity to be about 95% of the initial value, the flow in FIG. 18 was performed a plurality of times, and the relative humidity was slightly increased or decreased to finely adjust (optimize) the relative humidity. . The time interval from the end of the flow to the start of the next flow was 5 minutes. As a result of such humidity control of the anode electrode, the decrease in the output voltage was suppressed, and a stable output voltage could be achieved.
  • the humidity of the anode electrode was increased by reducing the flow rate of the reducing agent to about 60% under the control of the third control unit 1506 (step S1703).
  • the flow of FIG. 18 was performed a plurality of times, and the flow rate was slightly increased and decreased to finely adjust (optimize) the flow rate.
  • the time interval from the end of the flow to the start of the next flow was 5 minutes.
  • step S1703 instead of reducing the flow rate of the reducing agent, the relative humidity of the reducing agent was adjusted to be about 104% of the initial value, and the humidity of the anode electrode was increased, and the same procedure as in Example 20 was performed. Humidity control of the anode electrode was performed. After increasing the relative humidity to be about 104% of the initial value, the flow in FIG. 18 was performed a plurality of times, and the relative humidity was finely increased and decreased to finely adjust (optimize) the relative humidity. . The time interval from the end of the flow to the start of the next flow was 5 minutes. As a result of such humidity control of the anode electrode, the decrease in the output voltage was suppressed, and a stable output voltage could be achieved.
  • the humidity of the anode electrode was decreased by increasing the flow rate of the reducing agent by about 2.3 times under the control of the third control unit 1506 (step S1905).
  • the flow rate was increased about 2.3 times, the flow of FIG. 20 was performed a plurality of times, and the flow rate was slightly increased and decreased to finely adjust (optimize) the flow rate.
  • the time interval from the end of the flow to the start of the next flow was 5 minutes.
  • Step S1905 instead of increasing the flow rate of the reducing agent, the relative humidity of the reducing agent was adjusted to be about 95% of the initial value, and the humidity of the anode electrode was reduced to be the same as in Example 22.
  • the humidity control of the anode electrode was performed.
  • the flow in FIG. 20 was performed a plurality of times, and the relative humidity was finely increased and decreased to finely adjust (optimize) the relative humidity. .
  • the time interval from the end of the flow to the start of the next flow was 5 minutes.
  • the humidity of the anode electrode was increased by reducing the flow rate of the reducing agent to about 60% under the control of the third control unit 1506 (step S1903).
  • the flow of FIG. 20 was performed a plurality of times to slightly increase or decrease the flow rate and finely adjust (optimize) the flow rate.
  • the time interval from the end of the flow to the start of the next flow was 5 minutes.
  • step S1903 instead of decreasing the flow rate of the reducing agent, the relative humidity of the reducing agent was adjusted to be about 104% of the initial value, and the humidity of the anode electrode was increased, and the same procedure as in Example 24 was performed. Humidity control of the anode electrode was performed. After increasing the relative humidity to be about 104% of the initial value, the flow of FIG. 20 was performed a plurality of times, and the relative humidity was finely increased and decreased to finely adjust (optimize) the relative humidity. . The time interval from the end of the flow to the start of the next flow was 5 minutes. As a result of such humidity control of the anode electrode, the decrease in the output voltage was suppressed, and a stable output voltage could be achieved.
  • ⁇ Comparative example 14> A power generation operation was performed in the same manner as in Example 24 except that the alkaline fuel cell system manufactured in Comparative Example 9 (without the third adjustment unit 1504 and the third control unit 1506) was used. In response to a request to increase the output from the electronic device, the amount of current was reduced to 200 mA / cm 2 as in Example 24, but the flow rate and relative humidity of the reducing agent were kept constant after the start of power generation (these constants). The values are the same as the initial values of Examples 24 and 25). As a result, after time T 1 , the decrease in output voltage, which seems to be caused by dry-up, gradually becomes more noticeable over time.
  • the obtained alkaline fuel cell was used as the fuel cell unit 2301 to produce an alkaline fuel cell system [D] having the same configuration as in FIG. Specifically, it is as follows.
  • a stainless steel pipe as the reducing agent supply unit 2302 is connected to the anode separator of the fuel cell unit 2301 so that the reducing agent can be supplied, and a stainless steel pipe as the oxidant supply unit 2303 is connected to the cathode of the fuel cell unit 2301. It connected so that an oxidizing agent could be supplied to the pole separator.
  • a stainless steel pipe as the oxidant supply unit 2303 has a flow rate adjustment valve and a humidity controller as the fourth adjustment unit 2304.
  • the humidity controller has a water bath whose temperature can be controlled, and is a type in which humidification is performed by bubbling an oxidizing agent into the water in the water bath.
  • a hygrometer (“High-Precision Pressure Dew Point Probe TMS-442-5” manufactured by Tasco Japan Co., Ltd.) is installed at the outlet side end of the oxidant flow path of the cathode separator, and an ammeter The voltmeter was connected to the anode electrode side current collector and the cathode electrode side current collector of the fuel cell unit 2301 (the ammeter was connected in series with the fuel cell, and the voltmeter was connected in parallel with the fuel cell). Further, a personal computer as the fourth control unit 2306 is connected to the fourth detection unit 2305 so as to be able to receive an electrical signal from the fourth detection unit 2305, and is connected to the fourth adjustment unit 2304 to perform the fourth detection.
  • control information can be transmitted to the fourth adjustment unit 2304.
  • a temperature sensor is installed in the vicinity of the membrane electrode assembly inside the cathode electrode separator, and a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the water bath inside the humidity controller is provided in the water bath. Installed. The detection results of these temperature sensors can be transmitted to the fourth control unit 2306.
  • the predetermined values C i were set to ⁇ 30 mA / cm 2 ⁇ min, D i was set to 30 mA / cm 2 ⁇ min, A H ′ was set to 90% RH, and B H ′ was set to 110% RH.
  • the amount of current is measured by the fourth detector 2305 for one minute from time T 0 to T 1 to detect the amount of change ⁇ i per unit time of the current amount, and based on the determination result “ ⁇ i> D i ” (In step S2501), the humidity of the cathode electrode is increased by increasing the flow rate of the oxidant by a factor of two by the control by the fourth control unit 2306 (step S2602). As a result of such humidity control of the cathode electrode, a stable output voltage could be maintained at times T 1 to T 2 .
  • the predetermined values C i were set to ⁇ 30 mA / cm 2 ⁇ min, D i was set to 30 mA / cm 2 ⁇ min, A H ′ was set to 90% RH, and B H ′ was set to 110% RH.
  • the current amount is measured by the fourth detection unit 2305 for one minute from time T 2 to T 3 , the amount of change ⁇ i per unit time of the current amount is detected, and based on the determination result of “ ⁇ i ⁇ C i ” (step In step S2501), the humidity of the cathode electrode is reduced by halving the flow rate of the oxidant and returning the flow rate to the initial flow rate by the control by the fourth control unit 2306 (step S2601). As a result of such humidity control of the cathode electrode, a stable output voltage could be maintained after time T 3 .
  • step S2602 instead of increasing the flow rate of the oxidant, the relative humidity of the oxidant was adjusted to be about 105% of the initial value, and the humidity of the cathode electrode was increased, and the same procedure as in Example 27 was performed. The humidity of the cathode was controlled. Further, in step S2601, instead of decreasing the flow rate of the oxidant, the relative humidity of the oxidant is decreased and returned to the relative humidity at the initial stage of power generation, thereby increasing the humidity of the cathode electrode. Thus, humidity control of the cathode electrode was performed. As a result of such humidity control of the cathode electrode, a stable output voltage could be maintained from time T 1 to T 2 and time T 3 and thereafter. In addition, increase / decrease in relative humidity was performed by adjusting the temperature of the humidity controller of the 4th adjustment part 2304. FIG.
  • cathode electrode humidity control was performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.
  • the predetermined values C i were set to ⁇ 30 mA / cm 2 ⁇ min
  • D i was set to 30 mA / cm 2 ⁇ min
  • a H ′ was set to 90% RH
  • B H ′ was set to 110% RH.
  • 1 minute at time T 1 after the amount of current measured by the fourth detector 2305, from the detection result of the amount of change ⁇ i 10mA / cm 2 ⁇ min per unit of time current amount, "C i ⁇ ⁇ i ⁇ D i ”was obtained (step S2501).
  • the humidity of the cathode electrode was decreased by halving the flow rate of the oxidant by the control by the fourth control unit 2306 (step S2504).
  • the flow in FIG. 26 was performed a plurality of times to slightly increase / decrease the flow rate and finely adjust (optimize) the flow rate.
  • the time interval from the end of the flow to the start of the next flow was 5 minutes.
  • step S2504 instead of reducing the flow rate of the oxidant by half, the relative humidity of the oxidant was adjusted to be about 95% of the initial value, and the humidity of the cathode electrode was reduced, and the same as in Example 29.
  • the humidity of the cathode was controlled.
  • the flow of FIG. 26 was performed a plurality of times, and the relative humidity was finely increased and decreased to finely adjust (optimize) the relative humidity. .
  • the time interval from the end of the flow to the start of the next flow was 5 minutes.
  • cathode electrode humidity control was performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.
  • the predetermined values C i were set to ⁇ 30 mA / cm 2 ⁇ min
  • D i was set to 30 mA / cm 2 ⁇ min
  • a H ′ was set to 90% RH
  • B H ′ was set to 110% RH.
  • 1 minute at time T 1 after the amount of current measured by the fourth detector 2305, from the detection result of the amount of change ⁇ i 10mA / cm 2 ⁇ min per unit of time current amount, "C i ⁇ ⁇ i ⁇ D i ”was obtained (step S2501).
  • the humidity of the cathode electrode was increased by increasing the flow rate of the oxidant by about 3.8 times under the control of the fourth control unit 2306 (step S2503).
  • the flow of FIG. 26 was performed a plurality of times to slightly increase or decrease the flow rate, and finely adjust (optimize) the flow rate.
  • the time interval from the end of the flow to the start of the next flow was 5 minutes.
  • step S2503 instead of increasing the flow rate of the oxidant, the relative humidity of the oxidant was adjusted to be about 104% of the initial value, and the humidity of the cathode electrode was increased, and the same as in Example 31.
  • the humidity of the cathode was controlled.
  • the flow of FIG. 26 was performed a plurality of times to slightly increase / decrease the relative humidity and finely adjust (optimize) the relative humidity. .
  • the time interval from the end of the flow to the start of the next flow was 5 minutes.
  • the predetermined values C i are set to -30 mA / cm 2 ⁇ min, D i is set to 30 mA / cm 2 ⁇ min, E H 'is set to 90% RH, F H ' is set to 100% RH, and G V is set to -30 mV / min. did.
  • the humidity of the cathode electrode was decreased by halving the flow rate of the oxidant by the control by the fourth control unit 2306 (step S2705).
  • the flow of FIG. 28 was performed a plurality of times to slightly increase or decrease the flow rate, and finely adjust (optimize) the flow rate.
  • the time interval from the end of the flow to the start of the next flow was 5 minutes.
  • step S2705 instead of halving the flow rate of the oxidant, the relative humidity of the oxidant was adjusted to be about 95% of the initial value, and the humidity of the cathode electrode was reduced, and the same as in Example 33.
  • the humidity of the cathode was controlled.
  • the flow in FIG. 28 was performed a plurality of times, and the relative humidity was finely increased and decreased to finely adjust (optimize) the relative humidity. .
  • the time interval from the end of the flow to the start of the next flow was 5 minutes.
  • the predetermined values C i are set to -30 mA / cm 2 ⁇ min, D i is set to 30 mA / cm 2 ⁇ min, E H 'is set to 90% RH, F H ' is set to 100% RH, and G V is set to -30 mV / min. did.
  • the humidity of the cathode electrode was increased by increasing the flow rate of the oxidizing agent by about 3.8 times under the control of the fourth control unit 2306 (step S2703).
  • the flow of FIG. 28 was performed a plurality of times to slightly increase or decrease the flow rate, and finely adjust (optimize) the flow rate.
  • the time interval from the end of the flow to the start of the next flow was 5 minutes.
  • step S2703 instead of decreasing the flow rate of the oxidant, the relative humidity of the oxidant was adjusted to be about 104% of the initial value, and the humidity of the cathode electrode was increased. The humidity of the cathode was controlled. After increasing the relative humidity to be about 104% of the initial value, the flow of FIG. 28 was performed a plurality of times, and the relative humidity was finely increased and decreased to finely adjust (optimize) the relative humidity. . The time interval from the end of the flow to the start of the next flow was 5 minutes. As a result of such humidity control of the cathode electrode, the decrease in output voltage was suppressed, and a stable output voltage could be achieved.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de pile à combustible alcaline qui comprend : une unité de pile à combustible comprenant une pile à combustible munie successivement, dans cet ordre, d'une électrode d'anode, d'une membrane à électrolyte conductrice d'anions et d'une électrode de cathode ; une unité source d'agent réducteur pour fournir un agent réducteur à l'électrode d'anode ; une unité source d'agent oxydant pour fournir un agent oxydant à l'électrode de cathode ; une première unité de réglage pour régler le débit et/ou l'humidité de l'agent réducteur à fournir à l'électrode d'anode ; une première unité de détection pour détecter au moins la variation (∆i) par unité de temps du courant qui circule entre l'électrode d'anode et l'électrode de cathode ; et une première unité de commande qui est reliée à la première unité de réglage et à la première unité de détection afin de commander le réglage du débit et/ou de l'humidité de l'agent réducteur au moyen de la première unité de réglage en fonction des résultats de la détection de la première unité de détection.
PCT/JP2012/052710 2011-02-10 2012-02-07 Système de pile à combustible alcaline Ceased WO2012108416A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2011-027462 2011-02-10
JP2011027474A JP5752433B2 (ja) 2011-02-10 2011-02-10 アルカリ形燃料電池システム
JP2011027462A JP5657412B2 (ja) 2011-02-10 2011-02-10 アルカリ形燃料電池システム
JP2011027466A JP5657413B2 (ja) 2011-02-10 2011-02-10 アルカリ形燃料電池システム
JP2011-027474 2011-02-10
JP2011-027466 2011-02-10

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WO2012108416A1 true WO2012108416A1 (fr) 2012-08-16

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110301059A (zh) * 2017-02-23 2019-10-01 罗伯特·博世有限公司 燃料电池装置

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS628460A (ja) * 1985-07-03 1987-01-16 Toshiba Corp 燃料電池発電システム
JP2003178785A (ja) * 2001-12-10 2003-06-27 Toyota Motor Corp 燃料電池の制御装置
JP2004221020A (ja) * 2003-01-17 2004-08-05 Toyota Motor Corp 標準水蒸気発生装置、燃料電池用加湿器、及び燃料電池用ガス・水管理システム
JP2005100952A (ja) * 2003-09-05 2005-04-14 Denso Corp 燃料電池システム
JP2008192549A (ja) * 2007-02-07 2008-08-21 Sony Corp 電源システム
JP2009009769A (ja) * 2007-06-27 2009-01-15 Canon Inc アルカリ形燃料電池

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS628460A (ja) * 1985-07-03 1987-01-16 Toshiba Corp 燃料電池発電システム
JP2003178785A (ja) * 2001-12-10 2003-06-27 Toyota Motor Corp 燃料電池の制御装置
JP2004221020A (ja) * 2003-01-17 2004-08-05 Toyota Motor Corp 標準水蒸気発生装置、燃料電池用加湿器、及び燃料電池用ガス・水管理システム
JP2005100952A (ja) * 2003-09-05 2005-04-14 Denso Corp 燃料電池システム
JP2008192549A (ja) * 2007-02-07 2008-08-21 Sony Corp 電源システム
JP2009009769A (ja) * 2007-06-27 2009-01-15 Canon Inc アルカリ形燃料電池

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110301059A (zh) * 2017-02-23 2019-10-01 罗伯特·博世有限公司 燃料电池装置
CN110301059B (zh) * 2017-02-23 2022-11-18 罗伯特·博世有限公司 燃料电池装置

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