ELECTROLYSIS APPARATUS OPERATION SYSTEM

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-139093, filed on Aug. 20, 2024, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an electrolysis apparatus operation system. An electrolysis system is known that produces hydrogen by electrolyzing water using electrical energy generated by a solar cell.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure provides an electrolysis apparatus operation system that includes an electrolysis apparatus, a control unit, a target state-of-health value input unit, and a control parameter calculating unit. The electrolysis apparatus has a plurality of electrolytic stacks in which a plurality of electrolytic cells that produce hydrogen by electrolyzing water are stacked. The control unit controls a controlled subject based on a control parameter that affects state-of-health of the controlled subject. The target state-of-health value input unit allows a system user to input a target state-of-health value that is a target value for state-of-health. The control parameter calculating unit calculates a control parameter of the controlled subject based on the target state-of-health value. The controlled subject is the electrolysis apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electrolysis apparatus operation system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electrolysis apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a target state-of-health value, and a cumulative hydrogen production amount or a cumulative operation time of the electrolysis apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a target state-of-health distribution value, and the cumulative hydrogen production amount or the cumulative operation time of the electrolysis apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of priority setting values for four characteristics of the electrolysis apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an electrolysis apparatus management system;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a control parameter calculating unit;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of state-of-health maps showing a relationship between state-of-health of the electrolysis apparatus and control parameters;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of state-of-health maps showing a relationship between the state-of-health of the electrolysis apparatus and control parameters;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of electrolysis efficiency maps showing a relationship between electrolysis efficiency of the electrolysis apparatus and control parameters;

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of electrolysis efficiency maps showing a relationship between electrolysis efficiency of the electrolysis apparatus and control parameters;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of power consumption fluctuation characteristic maps showing a relationship between a power consumption fluctuation characteristic of the electrolysis apparatus and control parameters;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of power consumption fluctuation characteristics maps showing a relationship between a power consumption fluctuation characteristic of the electrolysis apparatus and control parameters;

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of maximum hydrogen production amount maps showing a relationship between a maximum hydrogen production amount of the electrolysis apparatus and control parameters;

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of maximum hydrogen production amount maps showing a relationship between a maximum hydrogen production amount of the electrolysis apparatus and control parameters;

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of variable hydrogen production amount range maps showing a relationship between a variable hydrogen production amount range of the electrolysis apparatus and control parameters;

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of variable hydrogen production amount range maps showing a relationship between a variable hydrogen production amount range of the electrolysis apparatus and control parameters;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an electrolysis apparatus reuse operation process at start of operation of the electrolysis apparatus;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the electrolysis apparatus reuse operation process during operation of the electrolysis apparatus;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an electrolysis apparatus reuse operation process at start of reuse of the electrolysis apparatus;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control trigger generation process performed by a control trigger generating unit;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an actual value calculation process performed by an actual state-of-health value calculating unit;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a target value change amount calculation process performed by a target value change amount calculating unit; and

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control parameter calculation process performed by a control parameter calculating unit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

JP 6897250 B2 describes an electrolysis system that produces hydrogen by electrolyzing water using electrical energy generated by a solar cell. In the electrolysis system in JP 6897250 B2, among a plurality of electrolysis apparatuses, an electrolysis apparatus having a low resistance value is determined to be less deteriorated and is given a higher usage priority, whereas an electrolysis apparatus having a high resistance value is determined to be more deteriorated and is given a lower usage priority. In addition, in the electrolysis system in JP 6897250 B2, use of an electrolysis apparatus having a resistance value exceeding a threshold is stopped, and an alarm is generated to allow a user to identify the deteriorated electrolysis apparatus.

However, in the above-described conventional technology, frequency of use of the electrolysis apparatus having a high resistance value is merely reduced, and progression of deterioration of the electrolysis apparatus cannot be controlled. In addition, in the above-described conventional technology, the needs of electrolysis apparatus users and electrolysis apparatus manufacturers regarding the progression of deterioration of the electrolysis apparatus are not reflected in the control of the electrolysis apparatus. Implementation of the electrolysis apparatus by the electrolysis apparatus user and reuse of the electrolysis apparatus by the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer are difficult to actualize.

A manner in which the electrolysis apparatus is operated differs depending on the purpose of hydrogen production, and the electrolysis apparatus user is unable to ascertain a usable period and a producible hydrogen amount of the electrolysis apparatus. Therefore, the electrolysis apparatus user has difficulty formulating a business plan in which the electrolysis apparatus is used and cannot easily move forward with implementation of the electrolysis apparatuses.

In addition, in cases in which the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer reuses the electrolysis apparatus and internal devices of the electrolysis apparatus as well, the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer is unable to ascertain, in advance, timings and quantities of reusable electrolysis apparatuses and internal devices that become available. Therefore, the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer is unable to formulate a business plan for reusing the electrolysis apparatuses, and cannot move forward with the reuse of electrolysis apparatuses and internal devices.

It is thus desired to provide an electrolysis apparatus operation system capable of controlling state-of-health of an electrolysis apparatus in response to needs of system users.

One exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electrolysis apparatus operation system that includes an electrolysis apparatus, a control unit, a target state-of-health value input unit, and a control parameter calculating unit. The electrolysis apparatus has a plurality of electrolytic stacks in which a plurality of electrolytic cells that produce hydrogen by electrolyzing water are stacked. The control unit controls a controlled subject based on a control parameter that affects state-of-health of the controlled subject. The target state-of-health value input unit allows a system user to input a target state-of-health value that is a target value for state-of-health. The control parameter calculating unit calculates a control parameter of the controlled subject based on the target state-of-health value. The controlled subject is the electrolysis apparatus.

As a result, control of the electrolysis apparatus is performed based on the control parameter reflecting the wishes of the system user. The state-of-health of the electrolysis apparatus can be brought closer to a target value desired by the system user.

An embodiment of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described. As shown in FIG. 1, an electrolysis apparatus operation system according to the present embodiment includes an electrolysis apparatus 100, an electrolysis apparatus management system 200, an electrolysis apparatus database 300, and a target value reset recommending unit 400. In FIG. 1, the electrolysis apparatus 100 and the electrolysis apparatus management system 200 are shown as separate configurations but can be regarded as a single, integrated apparatus.

System users who use the electrolysis apparatus operation system include an electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 and an electrolysis apparatus user 600.

The electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 is a person, an organization, or an external system that manufactures and sells the electrolysis apparatus 100 and the electrolysis apparatus management system 200, and also reuses the electrolysis apparatus 100 after use. The reuse of the electrolysis apparatus 100 includes reuse and recycling. In reuse, reusable electrolytic cells 110a and electrolytic stacks 110b are removed from the used electrolysis apparatus 100 and regenerated for use in the electrolysis apparatus 100. In recycling, non-reusable but recyclable raw materials are recovered from the used electrolysis apparatus 100 and reused as raw materials.

The electrolysis apparatus user 600 is a person, an organization, or an external system that uses the electrolysis apparatus 100 to produce hydrogen. The electrolysis apparatus user 600 sells or uses for itself the hydrogen produced by the electrolysis apparatus 100, or sells or uses for itself a substance produced by reacting the hydrogen with another substance.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electrolysis apparatus operation system according to the present embodiment includes input units 501 to 504 used by the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 and input units 601 and 602 used by the electrolysis apparatus user 600.

The input units used by the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 include an initial electrolysis apparatus information input unit 501, a target state-of-health distribution value input unit 502, an operation start instruction input unit 503, and a reuse execution instruction input unit 504. The input units used by the electrolysis apparatus user 600 include a target state-of-health value input unit 601 and a characteristics priority input unit 602.

The target state-of-health distribution value input unit 502 is used by the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 to set and input a target state-of-health distribution value. The target state-of-health distribution value inputted to the target state-of-health distribution value input unit 502 is sent to the electrolysis apparatus management system 200 and the electrolysis apparatus database 300. The target state-of-health distribution value will be described hereafter.

The initial electrolysis apparatus information input unit 501 is used by the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 to input initial electrolysis apparatus information. The initial electrolysis apparatus information inputted to the initial electrolysis apparatus information input unit 501 is sent to the electrolysis apparatus database 300. The initial electrolysis apparatus information is initial electrolysis apparatus-related information before operation of the electrolysis apparatus 100 is started. The electrolysis apparatus-related information will be described hereafter.

The initial electrolysis apparatus information is electrolysis apparatus-related information before hydrogen production by the electrolysis apparatus 100 is started. The initial electrolysis apparatus information includes state-of-health of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cell 110a, and the electrolytic stack 110b, a cumulative hydrogen production amount, a cumulative operation time, maintenance information, serial numbers, and the like. The initial electrolysis apparatus information of an unused electrolysis apparatus 100 is information related to the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cell 110a, and the electrolytic stack 110b after being manufactured by the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 and before the start of use. The initial electrolysis apparatus information in a case in which a reuse process (regeneration process) of the electrolysis apparatus 100 is performed is information related to the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cell 110a, and the electrolytic stack 110b after the reuse process is performed and before hydrogen production is started.

The operation start instruction input unit 503 is used by the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 to input an operation start instruction. The operation start instruction inputted to the operation start instruction input unit 503 is sent to the electrolysis apparatus management system 200 and the electrolysis apparatus database 300.

The operation start instruction is an instruction to start operation of the electrolysis apparatus 100 including after the reuse process. With the operation start instruction as a trigger, a series of electrolysis apparatus reuse operation processes including state-of-health management of the electrolysis apparatus 100 by the electrolysis apparatus management system 200 is started. The electrolysis apparatus reuse operation processes include a setting process for a target state-of-health value of the electrolysis apparatus 100, a setting process for target state-of-health distribution values of the electrolytic cell 110a and the electrolytic stack 110b, a control process for the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cell 110a, and the electrolytic stack 110b based on control parameters, and a reuse process for the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cell 110a, and the electrolytic stack 110b.

The reuse execution instruction input unit 504 is used by the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 to input a reuse execution instruction for the electrolysis apparatus 100. The reuse execution instruction inputted to the reuse execution instruction input unit 504 is sent to the electrolysis apparatus database 300.

The target state-of-health value input unit 601 is used by the electrolysis apparatus user 600 to set and input the target state-of-health value. The target state-of-health value inputted to the target state-of-health value input unit 601 is sent to the electrolysis apparatus database 300 and the electrolysis apparatus management system 200. The target state-of-health value will be described hereafter.

The characteristics priority input unit 602 is used by the electrolysis apparatus user 600 to input characteristics priority values of the electrolysis apparatus 100. The characteristics priority values inputted to the characteristics priority input unit 602 are sent to the electrolysis apparatus database 300 and the electrolysis apparatus management system 200. The characteristics priority values will be described hereafter.

Next, the electrolysis apparatus 100 will be described. The electrolysis apparatus 100 is a hydrogen production apparatus that produces hydrogen by electrolyzing water using power supplied from an external power supply. The electrolysis apparatus 100 includes an unused apparatus that has not been used for hydrogen production after being manufactured by the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500, and a reused apparatus (regenerated apparatus) that has been reused by the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 from a used electrolysis apparatus 100 that has been used for hydrogen production after being manufactured by the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500. After hydrogen production by the electrolysis apparatus user 600 is completed, the electrolysis apparatus 100 can undergo the reuse process by the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 based on the electrolysis apparatus-related information.

An arbitrary power supply can be used as the external power supply. For example, a power generator that uses natural energy, such as a solar cell, or a commercial power supply can be used. In cases in which the commercial power supply is used as the external power supply, the electrolysis apparatus 100 can be used to absorb power fluctuations of the commercial power supply.

The electrolysis apparatus user 600 may produce hydrogen using a single electrolysis apparatus 100 or a hydrogen production plant including a plurality of electrolysis apparatuses 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electrolysis apparatus 100 includes an electrolysis unit 110 and an electrolysis auxiliary unit 120. The electrolysis unit 110 is configured by a device that produces hydrogen and oxygen through a water electrolysis reaction.

The electrolysis unit 110 is provided with the electrolytic stack 110b in which a plurality of electrolytic cells 110a are stacked. The electrolysis unit 110 is provided with a plurality of electrolytic stacks 110b. The electrolytic cell 110a has an electrolyte and a pair of electrodes disposed such as to sandwich the electrolyte. For example, a solid oxide electrolytic cell (SOEC) can be used as the electrolytic cell 110a. The SOEC produces hydrogen from water (steam) supplied to a negative electrode.

The electrolysis auxiliary unit 120 is configured to include devices other than that of the electrolysis unit 110, among constituent devices of the electrolysis apparatus 100. As auxiliary devices 121 to 125 required to operate the electrolysis unit 110, the electrolysis auxiliary unit 120 is provided with temperature adjusting units 121 to 124 for adjusting temperatures of temperature adjustment subjects, and a rectifier 125 that supplies power, voltage, and current required by the electrolysis unit 110 to perform the water electrolysis reaction.

The temperature adjusting units 121 to 124 include an electrolytic cell temperature adjusting unit 121 that adjusts the temperature of the electrolytic cell 110a, an electrolytic stack temperature adjusting unit 122 that adjusts the temperature of the electrolytic stack 110b, a steam temperature adjusting unit 123 that adjusts the temperature of steam supplied to the electrolysis unit 110, and an air temperature adjusting unit 124 that adjusts the temperature of air supplied to the electrolysis unit 110. The air temperature adjusting unit 124 is not necessarily required when the SOEC is used as the electrolytic cell, but is used when an electrolytic cell of a type to which air is supplied is used.

The electrolysis auxiliary unit 120 includes an auxiliary control unit 126 that controls the auxiliary devices 121 to 125. The auxiliary control unit 126 outputs control commands to the electrolytic cell temperature adjusting unit 121, the electrolytic stack temperature adjusting unit 122, the steam temperature adjusting unit 123, the air temperature adjusting unit 124, and the rectifier 125, and controls operation of these auxiliary devices 121 to 125.

The auxiliary control unit 126 controls the operation of the auxiliary devices 121 to 125 based on control parameters set by the electrolysis apparatus management system 200. The auxiliary control unit 126 functions as a control unit that controls hydrogen production by the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cell 110a, and the electrolytic stack 110b to be controlled.

The auxiliary control unit 126 can control the state-of-health, electrolysis efficiency, a power consumption fluctuation characteristic, a maximum hydrogen production amount, and a variable hydrogen production amount range of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cell 110a, and the electrolytic stack 110b to be controlled based on the control parameters. The state-of-health, the electrolysis efficiency, the power consumption fluctuation characteristic, the maximum hydrogen production amount, and the variable hydrogen production amount range of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cell 110a, and the electrolytic stack 110b are aspects of performance related to hydrogen production of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cell 110a, and the electrolytic stack 110b.

The control parameters are used to control the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cell 110a, and the electrolytic stack 110b to be controlled. The control parameters include, as a control item, at least any of a voltage, a current, a voltage change rate, a current change rate, a power change rate, a temperature, and a temperature change rate of each of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cell 110a, and the electrolytic stack 110b. The control parameters can be set for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells 110a. The control parameters can be set for each of the plurality of electrolytic stacks 110b.

The control items included in the control parameters are influencing factors that affect the state-of-health, the electrolysis efficiency, the power consumption fluctuation characteristic, the maximum hydrogen production amount, and the variable hydrogen production amount range of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cell 110a, and the electrolytic stack 110b. Through use of these influencing factors as the control parameters for the electrolysis apparatus 100, the state-of-health of the electrolysis apparatus 100, a state-of-health distribution of the electrolytic cells 110a, and a state-of-health distribution of the electrolytic stacks 110b can be controlled.

The electrolysis apparatus management system 200 calculates the control parameters based on the state-of-health of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the state-of-health distribution of the electrolytic cells 110a, the state-of-health distribution of the electrolytic stacks 110b, and the characteristics priority values in the electrolysis apparatus 100. The state-of-health and the state-of-health distributions include target values and actual values. The electrolysis apparatus management system 200 will be described in detail hereafter.

Here, the state-of-health of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the state-of-health distribution of the electrolytic cells 110a, the state-of-health distribution of the electrolytic stacks 110b, and the characteristics priority values of the electrolysis apparatus 100 will be described.

The state-of-health of the electrolysis apparatus 100 is a proportion of the electrolysis efficiency at a current time relative to the electrolysis efficiency in an initial state. The electrolysis efficiency [kWh/Nm3] is an amount of power required to produce hydrogen per unit volume, and can be calculated by dividing an inputted power amount [kWh] by a hydrogen production amount [Nm3]. The state-of-health of the electrolysis apparatus 100 can be said to be the performance of the electrolysis apparatus 100 with respect to hydrogen production.

The state-of-health of the electrolysis apparatus 100 has an inverse relationship with the deterioration of the electrolysis apparatus 100. The deterioration of the electrolysis apparatus 100 increases as the state-of-health of the electrolysis apparatus 100 decreases. A percentage of state-of-health is calculated by subtracting a percentage of deterioration from 100%.

The state-of-health is also calculated for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells 110a included in the electrolysis apparatus 100. Because the electrolysis apparatus 100 includes a large quantity of electrolytic cells 110a to be controlled, to facilitate processing, the state-of-health distribution of the plurality of electrolytic cells 110a included in the electrolysis apparatus 100 is used instead of the state-of-health of each individual electrolytic cell 110a.

The state-of-health is also calculated for each of the plurality of electrolytic stacks 110b included in the electrolysis apparatus 100. The state-of-health distribution of the plurality of electrolytic stacks 110b included in the electrolysis apparatus 100 is used in a manner similar to the electrolytic cells 110a, for the electrolytic stacks 110b as well.

The state-of-health distribution of the electrolytic cells 110a indicates occurrence frequency (frequency) of the state-of-health of each electrolytic cell 110a as a distribution. The state-of-health distribution of the electrolytic stacks 110b indicates occurrence frequency (frequency) of the state-of-health of each electrolytic stack 110b as a distribution.

In the state-of-health distribution, percentile values (such as a 10th percentile value, a 25th percentile value, a 50th percentile value, a 75th percentile value, and a 90th percentile value) or an interquartile range can be used. For example, the 10th percentile value is a state-of-health value corresponding to a 10% position from a minimum value, when the overall state-of-health distribution is considered to span 100%. The interquartile range is a difference between the state-of-health value corresponding to a 25% position from the minimum value and the state-of-health value corresponding to a 75% position from the minimum value, when the overall state-of-health distribution is considered to span 100%, and is an index of a degree of dispersion of the state-of-health distribution.

Here, instead of the state-of-health distribution, a state-of-health range having a predetermined width may be used for the plurality of electrolytic cells 110a and the plurality of electrolytic stacks 110b. The state-of-health range of the plurality of electrolytic cells 110a is a range prescribed by a maximum value and a minimum value of the state-of-health of the plurality of electrolytic cells 110a. The state-of-health range of the plurality of electrolytic stacks 110b is a range prescribed by a maximum value and a minimum value of the state-of-health of the plurality of electrolytic stacks 110b.

As the electrolysis apparatus 100 produces hydrogen, deterioration progresses and state-of-health decreases. The state-of-health of the electrolysis apparatus 100 decreases as the cumulative hydrogen production amount of the electrolysis apparatus 100 increases. In addition, the state-of-health of the electrolysis apparatus 100 decreases as the cumulative operation time of the electrolysis apparatus 100 elapses.

A degree of decrease in state-of-health differs depending on the manner in which the electrolysis apparatus 100 is used. For example, the degree of decrease in state-of-health of the electrolysis apparatus 100 tends to increase as the hydrogen production amount per unit time increases. The degree of decrease in state-of-health of the electrolysis apparatus 100 tends to decrease as the hydrogen production amount per unit time decreases. In addition, the degree of decrease in state-of-health of the electrolysis apparatus 100 tends to increase as the power consumption fluctuation amount per unit time increases. The degree of decrease in state-of-health of the electrolysis apparatus 100 tends to decrease as the power consumption fluctuation amount per unit time decreases.

The plurality of electrolytic cells 110a included in the electrolysis apparatus 100 have differing degrees of decrease in heath for each electrolysis cell 110a. In a similar manner, the plurality of electrolytic stacks 110b included in the electrolysis apparatus 100 have differing degrees of decrease in heath for each electrolysis stack 110b.

In the electrolysis apparatus operation system according to the present embodiment, a target state-of-health value for the electrolysis apparatus 100, a target state-of-health distribution value for the electrolytic cells 110a, and a target state-of-health distribution value for the electrolytic stacks 110b can be set. The target state-of-health value and the target state-of-health distribution values are target control values for the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cells 110a, and the electrolytic stacks 110b. The electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cells 110a, and the electrolytic stacks 110b are controlled such that actual values of the state-of-health and the state-of-health distributions become closer to the target values. In the electrolysis apparatus operation system, the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cells 110a, and the electrolytic stacks 110b are controlled based on control parameters calculated based on the target state-of-health value and the target state-of-health distribution values.

In the case in which the state-of-health range is used for the plurality of electrolytic cells 110a and the plurality of electrolytic stacks 110b, a target state-of-health range value may be set instead of the target state-of-health distribution value. The electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 may set the maximum value and the minimum value of the state-of-health range as the target state-of-health range value.

Next, setting of the target state-of-health value of the electrolysis apparatus 100 by the electrolysis apparatus user 600 will be described.

The purpose for which the electrolysis apparatus user 600 produces hydrogen using the electrolysis apparatus 100 differs for each electrolysis apparatus user 600. For example, the electrolysis apparatus user 600 may sell the hydrogen as is, use hydrogen as is in-house, react the hydrogen with another substance and sell the resultant product, or react the hydrogen with another substance and using the resultant product in-house. Meanwhile, should the electrolysis apparatus user 600 be unable to ascertain a usable period or a producible hydrogen amount of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolysis apparatus user 600 is unable to formulate a business plan in which the electrolysis apparatus 100 is used and cannot easily move forward with implementation of the electrolysis apparatus 100.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the electrolysis apparatus user 600 can set a desired target state-of-health value for the electrolysis apparatus 100. The electrolysis apparatus user 600 can set the target state-of-health value based on the cumulative hydrogen production amount. The electrolysis apparatus user 600 can also set the target state-of-health value based on the cumulative operation time. The state-of-health of the electrolysis apparatus 100 decreases due to hydrogen production. Therefore, the target state-of-health value is set as the degree of decrease in state-of-health based on the increase in cumulative hydrogen production amount. The target state-of-health value is set as the degree of decrease in state-of-health based on the elapse of cumulative operation time.

The electrolysis apparatus user 600 can arbitrarily set the target state-of-health value of the electrolysis apparatus 100 based on the manner of operation for each electrolysis apparatus user 600. The electrolysis apparatus user 600 can input the desired target state-of-health value through the target state-of-health value input unit 601. The target state-of-health value inputted to the target state-of-health value input unit 601 is sent to the electrolysis apparatus management system 200 and the electrolysis apparatus database 300

The electrolysis apparatus 100 is controlled based on the target state-of-health value. The electrolysis apparatus 100 is controlled such that the state-of-health when the cumulative hydrogen production amount reaches a predetermined amount or the cumulative operation time reaches a predetermined time is the target state-of-health value. As a result, the electrolysis apparatus user 600 can ascertain the producible hydrogen amount and the usable period of the electrolysis apparatus 100.

FIG. 3 shows an example of setting of the target state-of-health value by the electrolysis apparatus user 600. An upper portion of FIG. 3 shows an example of the setting of the target state-of-health value based on the cumulative hydrogen production amount. A lower portion of FIG. 3 shows an example of the setting the target state-of-health value based on the cumulative operation time.

The target state-of-health value indicated by a solid line in the upper portion of FIG. 3 is an example in which the target state-of-health value is set such that the degree of decrease in state-of-health is constant in response to the increase in the cumulative hydrogen production amount. The target state-of-health value indicated by a single-dot chain line in the upper portion of FIG. 3 is an example in which the target state-of-health value is set such that the degree of decrease in state-of-health changes partway in response to the increase in the cumulative hydrogen production amount. The target state-of-health value is set such that the degree of decrease in state-of-health is gradual until the cumulative hydrogen production amount reaches a predetermined amount, and then subsequently increases.

The target state-of-health value indicated by a solid line in the lower portion of FIG. 3 is an example in which the target state-of-health value is set such that the degree of decrease in state-of-health is constant in response to the increase in the cumulative operation time. The target state-of-health value indicated by a single-dot chain line in the lower portion of FIG. 3 is an example in which the target state-of-health value is set such that the degree of decrease in state-of-health changes partway in response to the increase in the cumulative operation time. The target state-of-health value is set such that the degree of decrease in state-of-health is large until the cumulative operation time reaches a predetermined amount, and then subsequently becomes gradual.

Next, setting of the target state-of-health distribution values of the electrolytic cells 110a and the electrolytic stacks 110b by the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 will be described.

Should the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 be unable to ascertain the timings and the quantities of reusable electrolysis apparatuses 100, electrolytic cells 110a, and electrolytic stacks 110b that become available, the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 is unable to formulate a business plan for reusing the electrolysis apparatuses 100, and cannot move forward with reuse.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 can set a desired target state-of-health distribution value for the electrolytic cells 110a and a desired target state-of-health distribution value for the electrolytic stacks 110b. The electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 can set the target state-of-health distribution values based on the cumulative hydrogen production amount. The electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 can also set the target state-of-health distribution values based on the cumulative operation time.

The electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 can input the desired target state-of-health distribution value through the target state-of-health distribution value input unit 502. The target state-of-health distribution value inputted to the target state-of-health distribution value input unit 502 is sent to the electrolysis apparatus management system 200 and the electrolysis apparatus database 300. In a case in which the target state-of-health range value is used instead of the target state-of-health distribution value, the target state-of-health distribution value input unit 502 functions as a target state-of-health range value input unit.

The electrolysis cells 110a and the electrolytic stacks 110b are controlled based on the target state-of-health distribution values. The electrolysis cells 110a and the electrolytic stacks 110b are controlled such that the state-of-health distribution when the cumulative hydrogen production amount reaches a predetermined amount or the cumulative operation time reaches a predetermined time is the target state-of-health distribution value. As a result, the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 can ascertain the timings and the quantities of the reusable electrolysis apparatuses 100, the electrolytic cells 110a, and the electrolytic stacks 110b that become available.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the target state-of-health distribution values set by the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500. An upper portion of FIG. 4 shows an example of the target state-of-health distribution values set based on the cumulative hydrogen production amount. A lower portion of FIG. 4 shows an example of the target state-of-health distribution values set based on the cumulative operation time. FIG. 4 shows the target state-of-health distribution values of the plurality of electrolytic cells 110a included in the electrolysis apparatus 100.

As shown in the upper portion of FIG. 4, the target state-of-health distribution value based on the cumulative hydrogen production amount can be set in stages for each cumulative hydrogen production amount of a predetermined amount. In the example shown in the upper portion of FIG. 4, the target state-of-health distribution value for the cumulative hydrogen production amount ranging from 0 to a [Nm³], the target state-of-health distribution value for the cumulative hydrogen production amount ranging from a +1 to b [Nm³], and the target state-of-health distribution value for the cumulative hydrogen production amount ranging from b+1 to c [Nm³] are set.

As shown in the lower portion of FIG. 4, the target state-of-health distribution value based on the cumulative operation time can be set in stages for each cumulative operation time of a predetermined length. In the example shown in the lower portion of FIG. 4, the target state-of-health distribution value for the cumulative operation time ranging from 0 to A [h], the target state-of-health distribution value for the cumulative operation time ranging from A+1 to B [h], and the target state-of-health distribution value for the cumulative operation time ranging from B+1 to C [h] are set.

The target state-of-health distribution values shown in FIG. 4 indicate that a range of state-of-health widens as the cumulative hydrogen production amount increases or the cumulative operation time passes, and variations in state-of-health increase. In addition, the target state-of-health distribution values shown in FIG. 4 indicate a wider range of state-of-health on the higher side and a narrower range of state-of-health on the lower side as the cumulative hydrogen production amount increases or the cumulative operation time elapses. This is attributed to the control parameters of the electrolytic cells 110a having high state-of-health and the control parameters of the electrolytic cells 110a having low state-of-health being changed in the control of the electrolytic cells 110a.

Next, setting of the characteristics priority values in the electrolysis apparatus 100 by the electrolysis apparatus user 600 will be described.

According to the present embodiment, the electrolysis apparatus user 600 can set priority values for a plurality of characteristics of the electrolysis apparatus 100 when using the electrolysis apparatus 100. The plurality of characteristics of the electrolysis apparatus 100 include at least any of four characteristics: the electrolysis efficiency [kWh/Nm³], a maximum hydrogen production amount [Nm³/h], a power consumption fluctuation characteristic [KW/s], and a variable hydrogen production amount range [%]. Each of the plurality of characteristics of the electrolysis apparatus 100 can be said to be an aspect of performance of the electrolysis apparatus 100 related to hydrogen production.

The characteristics priority values in the electrolysis apparatus 100 can be set, for example, as a percentage of each characteristic relative to the whole, and a sum of the priority values of the characteristics may be 100%. The electrolysis apparatus user 600 can input desired characteristic priority values into the characteristics priority input unit 602. The characteristics priority values inputted to the characteristics priority input unit 602 are sent to the electrolysis apparatus management system 200 and the electrolysis apparatus database 300.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the setting of the characteristics priority values in the electrolysis apparatus 100. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the priority values of the electrolysis efficiency and the maximum hydrogen production amount are set to be higher than the priority values of the power consumption fluctuation characteristic and the variable hydrogen production amount range. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the priority values of the electrolysis efficiency and the maximum hydrogen production amount are each set to 40%, and the priority values of the power consumption fluctuation characteristic and the variable hydrogen production amount range are each set to 10%.

The electrolysis apparatus user 600 can set the priority value for each characteristic of the electrolysis apparatus 100 depending on the purpose of use of the electrolysis apparatus 100.

For example, in a case in which the electrolysis apparatus user 600 uses the electrolysis apparatus 100 mainly for the purpose of hydrogen production, the electrolysis efficiency and the maximum hydrogen production amount may be given high priority. In this case, for example, the priority value of the electrolysis efficiency can be set to 20%, the priority value of the maximum hydrogen production amount can be set to 80%, and the priority values of the power consumption fluctuation characteristic and the variable hydrogen production amount range can be set to 0%.

Alternatively, in a case in which the electrolysis apparatus user 600 uses the electrolysis apparatus 100 mainly for the purpose of absorbing power fluctuations in the commercial power supply, the power consumption fluctuation characteristic and the variable hydrogen production amount range may be given high priority. In this case, for example, the priority values of the electrolysis efficiency and the maximum hydrogen production amount can be set to 0%, the priority value of the power consumption fluctuation characteristic can be set to 80%, and the priority value of the variable hydrogen production amount range can be set to 20%.

The electrolysis apparatus 100 is controlled based on the characteristic priority values set by the electrolysis apparatus user 600. As a result, hydrogen production by the electrolysis apparatus 100 that takes into consideration the characteristics of the electrolysis apparatus 100 other than the target state-of-health value can be performed.

The electrolysis apparatus user 600 is not necessarily required to set the characteristics priority values in the electrolysis apparatus 100. Initial values of the priority values of a plurality of characteristics may be set to equal proportions in advance, in case the electrolysis apparatus user 600 has no desired characteristics priority values or is unable to set the characteristics priority values. Alternatively, the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 may set the initial values of the characteristics priority values in the electrolysis apparatus 100 based on a plan for reuse of the electrolysis apparatus 100 or the like.

Returning to FIG. 1, the electrolysis apparatus database 300 will be described. The electrolysis apparatus database 300 is a database for recording electrolysis apparatus-related information related to the electrolysis apparatus 100. The electrolysis apparatus-related information includes initial electrolysis apparatus information before the start of hydrogen production by the electrolysis apparatus 100, and electrolysis apparatus operation information after the start of hydrogen production by the electrolysis apparatus 100. The initial electrolysis apparatus information is input by the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500. The electrolysis apparatus operation information is input from the electrolysis apparatus 100 at predetermined intervals.

The electrolysis apparatus-related information includes the target state-of-health value of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the target state-of-health distribution value of the electrolytic cells 110a, the target state-of-health distribution value of the electrolytic stacks 110b, and the characteristics priority setting values of the electrolysis apparatus 100. In addition, the electrolysis apparatus-related information includes the inputted power amounts of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cells 110a, and the electrolytic stacks 110b, the hydrogen production amounts of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cells 110a, and the electrolytic stacks 110b, the control parameters of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the cumulative operation times of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cells 110a, and the electrolytic stacks 110b, the cumulative hydrogen production amounts of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cells 110a, and the electrolytic stacks 110b, maintenance information for the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cells 110a, and the electrolytic stacks 110b, and serial numbers of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cells 110a, and the electrolytic stacks 110b. The serial numbers of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cells 110a, and the electrolytic stacks 110b are identification information for identifying the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cells 110a, and the electrolytic stacks 110b.

In a storage area of the electrolysis apparatus database 300, a dedicated folder is created for each serial number of the electrolysis apparatus 100. A plurality of storage areas such as “At Implementation,” “First Reuse,” “Second Reuse,” and the like are created inside the folder for the electrolysis apparatus 100. In the plurality of storage areas inside the folder, the electrolysis apparatus-related information of the electrolysis apparatus 100 having the same serial number is recorded.

The “At Implementation” memory area stores therein the electrolysis apparatus-related information at initial operation after manufacture by the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500. The “First Reuse” memory area stores therein the electrolysis apparatus-related information when the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 performs a first reuse process on the electrolysis apparatus 100. The “Second Reuse” memory area stores therein the electrolysis apparatus-related information when the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 performs a second reuse process on the electrolysis apparatus 100.

The target value reset recommending unit 400 is a calculating unit that issues a recommendation notification for resetting the target state-of-health value of the electrolysis apparatus 100 and resetting the target state-of-health distribution values of the electrolytic cells 110a and the electrolytic stacks 110b.

Next, the target value reset recommending unit 400 will be described. The target value reset recommending unit 400 calculates a recommended reset value for the target state-of-health value when a difference occurs between the target state-of-health value and the actual state-of-health value of the electrolysis apparatus 100, and calculates a recommended reset value for the target state-of-health distribution value when a difference occurs between the target state-of-health distribution value and the actual state-of-health distribution value of the electrolytic cells 110a and the electrolytic stacks 110b. When the recommended reset value is calculated, the target value reset recommending unit 400 issues a notification to the electrolysis apparatus user 600 and the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 that resetting of the target value is recommended.

In addition to calculating the recommended reset value, the target value reset recommending unit 400 generates a predictive model that predicts future state-of-health and state-of-health distribution based on the actual state-of-health values and actual state-of-health distribution values up to the current time. The target value reset recommending unit 400 then notifies the electrolysis apparatus user 600 and the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 of predicted values for future state-of-health and state-of-health distribution calculated using the generated predictive model, together with the reset recommendation notification.

As the predictive model for state-of-health and state-of-health distribution, for example, an approximation model can be used. Depending on a prediction error rate and an error pattern, other models such as an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model, a moving average model, an MA model, an exponential smoothing model, an AR model, an ARMA model, a Winters model, and a multiple regression model may be used as the predictive model.

Next, the electrolysis apparatus management system 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. The electrolysis apparatus management system 200 manages the state-of-health of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the state-of-health distribution of the electrolytic cells 110a, and the state-of-health distribution of the electrolytic stacks 110b.

As shown in FIG. 6, the electrolysis apparatus management system 200 includes a control trigger generation unit 210, an actual state-of-health value calculation unit 220, and a control parameter calculation unit 230. The control trigger generation unit 210 generates a control trigger that triggers the control parameter calculation unit 230 to calculate the control parameters. The actual state-of-health value calculation unit 220 calculates the actual values of the state-of-health and the state-of-health distribution. The control parameter calculation unit 230 calculates the control parameters of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cell 110a, and the electrolytic stack 110b.

The control trigger generation unit 210 receives the electrolysis apparatus operation information from the electrolysis apparatus 100. The electrolysis apparatus operation information is information related to the electrolysis apparatus 100 during hydrogen production. The electrolysis apparatus operation information includes the hydrogen production amount after the start of operation, the inputted power amount after the start of operation, the serial numbers, and the like of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cells 110a, and the electrolytic stacks 110b. The electrolysis apparatus 100 periodically outputs the electrolysis apparatus operation information after the start of operation.

The control trigger generation unit 210 receives the operation start instruction from the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 through the operation start instruction input unit 503, and receives the target state-of-health distribution value from the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 through the target state-of-health distribution value input unit 502.

The control trigger generation unit 210 receives the target state-of-health value set by the electrolysis apparatus user 600 from the target state-of-health value input unit 601, and receives the characteristics priority setting value set by the electrolysis apparatus user 600 from the characteristics priority input unit 602. The control trigger generation unit 210 receives the reset recommendation notification from the target value reset recommending unit 400.

The control trigger generation unit 210 sends the control trigger to the control parameter calculation unit 230 and thereby instructs the control parameter calculation unit 230 to perform a control parameter calculation process.

The control parameter calculation unit 230 calculates the control parameters at the start of operation of the electrolysis apparatus 100 and, subsequently, at control intervals set in advance. The control interval can be an interval at which the cumulative hydrogen production amount reaches a predetermined amount or an interval at which the cumulative operation time reaches a predetermined time. The hydrogen production amount prescribing the control interval is referred to as a control interval hydrogen production amount, and the operation time prescribing the control interval is referred to as a control interval operation time.

In addition, the control parameter calculation unit 230 calculates the control parameters when any of the target state-of-health value, the target state-of-health distribution value, and the characteristics priority values is newly set. Furthermore, the control parameter calculation unit 230 also calculates the control parameters when the target value reset recommending unit 400 issues the reset recommendation notification.

Therefore, a condition under which the control trigger generation unit 210 generates the control trigger is met by any of the following:

• • (1) input of the operation start instruction from the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 is detected;
  • (2) input of a new target state-of-health value from the electrolysis apparatus user 600 is detected;
  • (3) input of a new target state-of-health distribution value from the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 is detected;
  • (4) input of new characteristics priority values from the electrolysis apparatus user 600 is detected;
  • (5) the reset recommendation notification for the target state-of-health value from the target value reset recommending unit 400 is detected;
  • (6) the reset recommendation notification for the target state-of-health distribution value from the target value reset recommending unit 400 is detected;
  • (7) the cumulative hydrogen production amount of the electrolysis apparatus 100 has reached the control interval hydrogen production amount; and
  • (8) the cumulative operation time of the electrolysis apparatus 100 has reached the control interval operation time.

The actual state-of-health value calculation unit 220 calculates the actual state-of-health value of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the actual state-of-health distribution value of the electrolytic cells 110a included in the electrolysis apparatus 100, and the actual state-of-health distribution value of the electrolytic stacks 110b. The electrolysis apparatus operation information is inputted to the actual state-of-health value calculation unit 220 from the electrolysis apparatus 100.

The actual state-of-health value calculation unit 220 calculates the electrolysis efficiency of the electrolysis apparatus 100 using the inputted power amount and the hydrogen production amount included in the electrolysis apparatus operation information. The electrolysis efficiency can be calculated as follows: electrolysis efficiency=inputted power amount/hydrogen production amount. Then, the actual state-of-health value calculation unit 220 calculates the actual state-of-health value of the electrolysis apparatus 100 using the electrolysis efficiency at the time of calculation of the actual value and the electrolysis efficiency at the start of operation. The actual state-of-health value can be calculated as follows: actual state-of-health value=(electrolysis efficiency at start of operation/electrolysis efficiency at time of calculation of actual value)×100. The electrolysis efficiency at the start of operation can also be referred to as the electrolysis efficiency at the start of hydrogen production.

In a similar manner, the actual state-of-health value calculation unit 220 calculates the actual state-of-health value of each electrolytic cell 110a and each electrolytic stack 110b. The actual state-of-health distribution value of the plurality of electrolytic cells 110a is calculated from the actual state-of-health values of the electrolytic cells 110a. The actual state-of-health distribution value of the plurality of electrolytic stacks 110b is calculated from the actual state-of-health values of the electrolytic stacks 110b.

The actual state-of-health value calculation unit 220 sends the calculated actual state-of-health value and actual state-of-health distribution values to the control parameter calculation unit 230 and the electrolysis apparatus database 300.

When the control trigger from the control trigger generation unit 210 is detected, the control parameter calculating unit 203 calculates the control parameters of the electrolysis apparatus 100 and sends the control parameters to the auxiliary control unit 126 of the electrolysis apparatus 100.

The control parameter calculation unit 230 receives the control trigger from the control trigger generation unit 210, and receives the actual state-of-health value and the actual state-of-health distribution values from the actual state-of-health value calculation unit 220. The control parameter calculation unit 230 receives the target state-of-health distribution value from the target state-of-health distribution value input unit 502, the target state-of-health value from the target state-of-health value input unit 601, the characteristics priority value settings from the characteristics priority input unit 602, and the reset recommendation notification from the target value reset recommending unit 400.

As shown in FIG. 7, the control parameter calculation unit 230 includes a target value change amount calculating unit 231, a control parameter calculating unit 232, and an influencing factor database 233. The influencing factor database 233 stores therein influencing factor maps 233a to 233e. The influencing factor maps 233a to 233e show the influence of the control items of the control parameters on a state-of-health deterioration amount of the electrolysis apparatus 100 and the like. The influencing factor maps 233a to 233e will be described hereafter.

When the control trigger from the control trigger generation unit 210 is detected, the target value change amount calculating unit 231 calculates a target value change amount required to improve the state-of-health of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cells 110a, and the electrolytic stacks 110b. The target value change amount is used when the control parameter calculating unit 232 calculates the control parameters.

The target value change amount calculating unit 231 receives the control trigger from the control trigger generation unit 210, the target state-of-health value from the target state-of-health value input unit 601, the target state-of-health distribution values from the target state-of-health distribution value input unit 502, and the actual state-of-health value and the actual state-of-health distribution values from the actual state-of-health value calculation unit 220.

The target value change amount calculating unit 231 calculates the target value change amount of the target state-of-health value of the electrolysis apparatus 100 based on the target value and the actual value of the state-of-health of the electrolysis apparatus 100. The target value change amount calculating unit 231 calculates the target value change amount of the target state-of-health distribution value of the electrolytic cells 110a based on the target value and the actual value of the state-of-health distribution of the electrolytic cells 110a. The target value change amount calculating unit 231 calculates the target value change amount of the target state-of-health distribution value of the electrolytic stacks 110b based on the target value and the actual value of the state-of-health distribution of the electrolytic stacks 110b.

The target value change amount is used to bring the target value of the state-of-health of the electrolysis apparatus 100 closer to the actual value, and is used to bring the actual values of the state-of-health distribution of the electrolytic cells 110a and the electrolytic stacks 110b closer to the target values. When the actual value is lower than the target value of the state-of-health or the state-of-health distribution, the target value change amount can be calculated as a difference between the target value and the actual value. The target value change amount calculated by the target value change amount calculating unit 231 is used to calculate the control parameters in the control parameter calculating unit 232.

The control parameter calculating unit 232 calculates the control parameters of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cell 110a, and the electrolytic stack 110b, and generates data for updating predicted change values in the influencing factor maps 233a to 233e stored in the influencing factor database 233.

The control parameter calculating unit 232 receives the control trigger from the control trigger generation unit 210, the target value change amount from the target value change amount calculating unit 231, and the characteristics priority setting values from the characteristics priority input unit 602. The control parameter calculating unit 232 is capable of reading out the influencing factor maps 233a to 233e stored in the influencing factor database 233 and using the influencing factor maps 233a to 233e as influencing factor information influencing the control parameters. The influencing factor maps 233a to 233e associate the control parameters with a predicted change value for deterioration of performance regarding hydrogen production by the electrolysis apparatus 100.

With the detection of the control trigger as the trigger, the control parameter calculating unit 232 calculates the control parameters of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cell 110a, and the electrolytic stack 110b based on the target value change amount, the characteristics priority setting values, and the influencing factor maps 233a to 233e.

The control parameter calculating unit 232 calculates a voltage [V], a current [A], a voltage change rate [V/s], a current change rate [A/s], a power change rate [W/s], a temperature [° C.], and a temperature change rate [° C./s] as the control parameters for each of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cells 110a, and the electrolytic stacks 110b.

The control parameter calculating unit 232 calculates upper and lower limit values for each of the control items, that is, the voltage, the current, the voltage change rate, the current change rate, the power change rate, the temperature, and the temperature change rate. The electrolysis apparatus user 600 can adjust the control parameters between the upper and lower limit values depending on the desired hydrogen production amount and the like. As a result, decrease in ease of use of the electrolysis apparatus 100 by the electrolysis apparatus user 600 can be suppressed.

The control parameter calculating unit 232 provides a function for updating the influencing factor maps 233a to 233e. Should actual change values of the state-of-health, the electrolysis efficiency, the power consumption fluctuation characteristic, the maximum hydrogen production amount, and the variable hydrogen production amount range of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cells 110a, and the electrolytic stacks 110b after the control parameters are changed differ from the predicted change values of the influencing factor maps 233a to 233e, the control parameter calculating unit 232 corrects the predicted change values of the influencing factor maps 233a to 233e based on the actual change values. When reflecting the actual change values of the state-of-health and the like in the influencing factor maps 233a to 233e, creating a predictive model using changes in the actual values of the state-of-health and the like up to the current time, and reflecting the predictive model in the influencing factor maps 233a to 233e is desired, rather than merely making changes to a current operating point.

As the predictive model, for example, an approximation model can be used. Depending on a prediction error rate and an error pattern, other models such as the ARIMA model, the moving average model, the MA model, the exponential smoothing model, the AR model, the ARMA model, the Winters model, and the multiple regression model may be used as the predictive model.

The influencing factor maps 233a to 233e in the influencing factor database 233 include a state-of-health map 233a, an electrolysis efficiency map 233b, a power consumption fluctuation characteristic map 233c, a maximum hydrogen production amount map 233d, and a variable hydrogen production amount range map 233e shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 17. The influencing factor maps 233a to 233e are used by the control parameter calculating unit 232 to calculate the control parameters. The influencing factor maps 233a to 233e are prepared for the electrolysis apparatus 100, each individual electrolytic cell 110a, and each individual electrolytic stack 110b.

The influencing factor maps 233a to 233e show the influence of the control parameters (the voltage, the current, the voltage change rate, the current change rate, the power change rate, the temperature, and the temperature change rate) on the deterioration of performance of the electrolysis apparatus 100 in relation to hydrogen production, such as the deterioration of state-of-health. The influencing factor maps 233a to 233e show predicted change values for the deterioration of performance regarding hydrogen production of the electrolysis apparatus 100 when the electrolysis apparatus 100 is used with specific control parameters. In the influencing factor maps 233a to 233e, operating points of the control parameters are identified by positions on the map. The operating point of the control parameter is a value of the control parameter calculated by the control parameter calculating unit 232, and has a range prescribed by the upper limit value and the lower limit value.

The influencing factor maps 233a to 233e can be generated in advance by the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 before the start of operation of the electrolysis apparatus 100. In a case in which the predicted change value for deterioration of state-of-health or the like set in the influencing factor maps 233a to 233e differs from the actual change value of deterioration of state-of-health or the like, an update can be made using the predictive model generated by the control parameter calculating unit 232.

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show an example of the state-of-health map 233a. The state-of-health map 233a shows the influence of target items of the control parameters on a state-of-health deterioration amount. The state-of-health map 233a includes a first state-of-health map showing a relationship between the voltage and the state-of-health deterioration amount, a second state-of-health map showing a relationship between the current and the state-of-health deterioration amount, a third state-of-health map showing a relationship between the voltage change rate and the state-of-health deterioration amount, a fourth state-of-health map showing a relationship between the current change rate and the state-of-health deterioration amount, a fifth state-of-health map showing a relationship between the power change rate and the state-of-health deterioration amount, a sixth state-of-health map showing a relationship between a temperature usage range and the state-of-health deterioration amount, and a seventh state-of-health map showing a relationship between the temperature change rate and the state-of-health deterioration amount.

In the first state-of-health map, the operating point is prescribed by a voltage center value and a voltage usage range, and the state-of-health deterioration amount changes depending on the voltage center value and the voltage usage range. When changing the operating point, the voltage center value and the voltage usage range may be changed. Alternatively, only the voltage center value or the voltage usage range may be changed. For example, when the voltage center value is a [V] and the voltage usage range is X[V], the voltage can be changed within a range of a ±X[V]. That is, the lower limit of the voltage is a X[V], and the upper limit of the voltage is a +X[V].

In the second state-of-health map, the operating point is prescribed by a current center value and a current usage range, and the state-of-health deterioration amount changes according to the current center value and the current usage range. When changing the operating point, the current center value and the current usage range may be changed. Alternatively, only the current center value or the current usage range may be changed. For example, when the current center value is a [A] and the current usage range is X[A], the current can be changed within a range of a ±X[A]. That is, the lower limit of the current is a −X[A], and the upper limit of the current is a ±X[A].

In the third state-of-health map, the operating point is prescribed by a change start voltage and the voltage change rate, and the state-of-health deterioration amount changes depending on the change start voltage and the voltage change rate. When changing the operating point, the change start voltage and the voltage change rate may be changed. Alternatively, only the change start voltage or the voltage change rate may be changed. For example, when the change start voltage is a [V] and the voltage change rate is X[V/s], the change in voltage that is possible in t seconds is within a range of a ±X×t[V]. That is, the lower limit of the voltage change rate is a −X[V/s], and the upper limit of the voltage change rate is a +X[V/s].

In the fourth state-of-health map, the operating point is prescribed by a change start current and the current change rate, and the state-of-health deterioration amount changes depending on the change start current and the current change rate. When changing the operating point, the change start current and the current change rate may be changed. Alternatively, only the change start current or the current change rate may be changed. For example, when the change start current is a [V] and the current change rate is X[A/s], the change in current that is possible in t seconds is within a range of a ±X×t[A]. That is, the lower limit of the current change rate is a −X[A/s], and the upper limit of the current change rate is a +X[A/s].

In the fifth state-of-health map, the operating point is prescribed by a change start power and the power change rate, and the state-of-health deterioration amount changes depending on the change start power and the power change rate. When changing the operating point, the change start power and the power change rate may be changed. Alternatively, only the change start power or the power change rate may be changed. For example, when the change start power is a [W] and the power change rate is X[W/s], the change in power that is possible in t seconds is within a range of a ±X×t[W]. That is, the lower limit of the power change rate is a −X[W/s], and the upper limit of the power change rate is a +X[W/s].

In the sixth state-of-health map, the operating point is prescribed by a temperature center value and the temperature usage range, and the state-of-health deterioration amount changes depending on the temperature center value and the temperature usage range. When changing the operating point, the temperature center value and the temperature usage range may be changed. Alternatively, only the temperature center value or the temperature usage range may be changed. For example, when the temperature center value is a [° C.] and the usable temperature range is X[° C.], the temperature can be changed within a range of a ±X [° C.]. That is, the lower limit of the temperature is a −X[° C.], and the upper limit of the temperature is a +X[° C.].

In the seventh state-of-health map, the operating point is prescribed by a change start temperature and the temperature change rate, and the deterioration amount of the state-of-health changes depending on the change start temperature and the temperature change rate. When changing the operating point, the change start temperature and the temperature change rate may be changed. Alternatively, only the change start temperature or the temperature change rate may be changed. For example, when the change start temperature is a [° C.] and the temperature change rate is X[° C./s], the change in temperature that is possible in t seconds is within a range of a +X×t[° C.]. In other words, the lower limit of the temperature change rate is a −X[° C./s] and the upper limit of the temperature change rate is a +X[° C./s].

FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show an example of the electrolysis efficiency map 233b. The electrolysis efficiency map 233b shows the influence of the target items of the control parameters on electrolysis efficiency. The electrolysis efficiency map 233b includes a first electrolysis efficiency map showing a relationship between the voltage usage range and an electrolysis efficiency deterioration rate, a second electrolysis efficiency map showing a relationship between the current usage range and the electrolysis efficiency deterioration rate, a third electrolysis efficiency map showing a relationship between the voltage change rate and the electrolysis efficiency deterioration rate, a fourth electrolysis efficiency map showing a relationship between the current change rate and the electrolysis efficiency deterioration rate, a fifth electrolysis efficiency map showing a relationship between the power change rate and the electrolysis efficiency deterioration rate, a sixth electrolysis efficiency map showing a relationship between the temperature usage range and the electrolysis efficiency deterioration rate, and a seventh electrolysis efficiency map showing a relationship between the temperature change rate and the electrolysis efficiency deterioration rate. The relationships between the target items of the control parameters and the electrolysis efficiency deterioration rate in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are similar to the relationships in the state-of-health maps in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. Therefore, descriptions thereof are omitted.

FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 show an example of the power consumption fluctuation characteristic map 233c. The power consumption fluctuation characteristic map 233c shows the influence of the target items of the control parameters on the power consumption fluctuation characteristic. The power consumption fluctuation characteristic map 233c includes a first power consumption fluctuation characteristic map showing a relationship between the voltage usage range and a power consumption fluctuation characteristic deterioration rate, a second power consumption fluctuation characteristic map showing a relationship between the current usage range and the power consumption fluctuation characteristic deterioration rate, a third power consumption fluctuation characteristic map showing a relationship between the voltage change rate and the power consumption fluctuation characteristic deterioration rate, a fourth power consumption fluctuation characteristic map showing a relationship between the current change rate and the power consumption fluctuation characteristic deterioration rate, a fifth power consumption fluctuation characteristic map showing a relationship between the power change rate and the power consumption fluctuation characteristic deterioration rate, a sixth power consumption fluctuation characteristic map showing a relationship between the temperature usage range and the power consumption fluctuation characteristic deterioration rate, and a seventh power consumption fluctuation characteristic map showing a relationship between the temperature change rate and the power consumption fluctuation characteristic deterioration rate. The relationships between the target items of the control parameters and the power consumption fluctuation characteristic deterioration rate in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are similar to the relationships in the state-of-health maps in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. Therefore, descriptions thereof are omitted.

FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 show an example of the maximum hydrogen production amount map 233d. The maximum hydrogen production amount map 233d shows the influence of the target items of the control parameters on the maximum hydrogen production amount. The maximum hydrogen production amount map 233d includes a first maximum hydrogen production amount map showing a relationship between the voltage usage range and a maximum hydrogen production amount deterioration rate, a second maximum hydrogen production amount map showing a relationship between the current usage range and the maximum hydrogen production amount deterioration rate, a third maximum hydrogen production amount map showing a relationship between the voltage change rate and the maximum hydrogen production amount deterioration rate, a fourth maximum hydrogen production amount map showing a relationship between the current change rate and the maximum hydrogen production amount deterioration rate, a fifth maximum hydrogen production amount map showing a relationship between the power change rate and the maximum hydrogen production amount deterioration rate, a sixth maximum hydrogen production amount map showing a relationship between the temperature usage range and the maximum hydrogen production amount deterioration rate, and a seventh maximum hydrogen production rate map showing a relationship between the temperature change rate and the maximum hydrogen production amount deterioration rate. The relationships between the target items of the control parameters and the deterioration rate of the maximum hydrogen production amount in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are similar to the relationships in the state-of-health map in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. Therefore, descriptions thereof are omitted.

FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 show an example of the variable hydrogen production amount range map 233e. The variable hydrogen production amount range map 233e shows the influence of the target items of the control parameters on the variable hydrogen production amount range. The variable hydrogen production amount range map 233e includes a first variable hydrogen production amount range map showing a relationship between the voltage usage range and a variable hydrogen production amount range deterioration rate, a second variable hydrogen production amount range map showing a relationship between the current usage range and the variable hydrogen production amount range deterioration rate, a third variable hydrogen production amount range map showing a relationship between the voltage change rate and the variable hydrogen production amount range deterioration rate, a fourth variable hydrogen production amount range map showing a relationship between the current change rate and the variable hydrogen production amount range deterioration rate, a fifth variable hydrogen production amount range map showing a relationship between the power change rate and the variable hydrogen production amount range deterioration rate, a sixth variable hydrogen production amount range map showing a relationship between the temperature usage range and the variable hydrogen production amount range deterioration rate, and a seventh variable hydrogen production amount range map showing a relationship between the temperature change rate and the variable hydrogen production amount range deterioration rate. The relationships between the target items of the control parameters and the rate of deterioration of the variable hydrogen production amount range in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are similar to the relationships in the state-of-health map in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. Therefore, descriptions thereof are omitted.

Next, an example of an electrolysis process and reuse process that actualizes reuse of the electrolysis apparatus 100 using the electrolysis apparatus operation system according to the present embodiment will be described below. An electrolysis apparatus reuse operation process is composed of processes at the start of operation of the electrolysis apparatus 100 (S100 to S106), processes during operation of the electrolysis apparatus 100 (S200 to S209), and processes during reuse of the electrolysis apparatus 100 (S300 to S310).

First, the electrolysis process and reuse process at the start of operation of the electrolysis apparatus 100 will be described with reference to a flowchart in FIG. 18.

First, at S100, after manufacturing the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 inputs the initial electrolysis apparatus information regarding the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cells 110a, and the electrolytic stacks 110b to the initial electrolysis apparatus information input unit 501. The initial electrolysis apparatus information is sent from the initial electrolysis apparatus information input unit 501 to the electrolysis apparatus database 300 and is acquired by the electrolysis apparatus database 300.

Next, at S101, the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 inputs, to the target state-of-health distribution value input unit 502, the target state-of-health distribution values desired for the electrolytic cells 110a and the electrolytic stacks 110b, respectively, based on a plan for reuse of the electrolytic cells 110a and the electrolytic stacks 110b, or the like. The target state-of-health distribution values inputted to the target state-of-health distribution value input unit 502 are sent to the electrolysis apparatus database 300.

Next, at S102, the electrolysis apparatus user 600 inputs, to the target state-of-health value input unit 601, the target state-of-health value required for the electrolysis apparatus 100 based on a plan for use of the electrolysis apparatus 100 or the like. The target state-of-health value inputted to the target state-of-health value input unit 601 is sent to the electrolysis apparatus database 300.

Next, at S103, the electrolysis apparatus user 600 inputs, to the characteristics priority input unit 602, the characteristics priority values required for the four characteristics of the electrolysis apparatus 100. The characteristics priority values inputted to the characteristics priority input unit 602 are sent to the electrolysis apparatus database 300.

As described above, the four characteristics of the electrolysis apparatus 100 are the electrolysis efficiency, the power consumption fluctuation characteristic, the maximum hydrogen production amount, and the variable hydrogen production amount range. The characteristics priority values may be set such that sum of the characteristics priority values for the four characteristics is 100%.

Initial characteristics priority values are set to 25% equally for the four characteristics. If the electrolysis apparatus user 600 does not require prioritization among the four characteristics of the electrolysis apparatus 100 or is unable to set the priority values for the four characteristics of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the initial characteristics priority values are used. The initial characteristics priority values may be appropriately changed based on the plan for reuse of the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500, or the like.

Next, at S104, a process of waiting for the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 to input the operation start instruction for the electrolysis apparatus 100 to the operation start instruction input unit 503 is performed. This operation start instruction is not an instruction for the operating state of the electrolysis apparatus 100, such as starting the operation of the electrolysis apparatus 100 or starting the operation of the electrolysis apparatus 100 at 50% rated capacity, but is an operation start instruction for reuse of the electrolysis apparatus 100. The operation start instruction from the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 serves as a trigger to start an operation process for the reuse of the electrolysis apparatus 100, such as state-of-health management.

When a determination is made in the process at S104 that the operation start instruction from the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 is detected, the electrolysis apparatus database 300 performs a process at S105. At S105, the electrolysis apparatus database 300 generates a folder for the serial number of the subject electrolysis apparatus 100, and records the information acquired at S100 to S104, as well as a date and time at which the operation start instruction is received, in the “At Implementation” memory area. Next, at S106, the electrolysis apparatus management system 200 receives the target state-of-health distribution values from the target state-of-health distribution value input unit 502, the operation start instruction from the operation start instruction input unit 503, the target state-of-health value from the target state-of-health value input unit 601, and the characteristics priority values of the electrolysis apparatus 100 from the characteristics priority input unit 602.

Next, the electrolysis apparatus reuse operation process during operation of the electrolysis apparatus 100 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 19.

At S200, the electrolysis apparatus 100 transmits, at fixed intervals, the electrolysis apparatus operation information, the actual state-of-health value of the electrolysis apparatus 100, and the actual state-of-health distribution values of the electrolytic cells 110a and the electrolytic stacks 110b to the electrolysis apparatus database 300. According to the present embodiment, the actual state-of-health value of the electrolysis apparatus 100, and the actual state-of-health distribution values of the electrolytic cells 110a and the electrolytic stacks 110b are sent from the electrolysis apparatus management system 200 to the electrolysis apparatus database 300.

The electrolysis apparatus operation information includes the hydrogen production amount after the start of operation, the inputted power amount after the start of operation, the serial numbers, and the like of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cells 110a, and the electrolytic stacks 110b.

The electrolysis apparatus database 300 records the electrolysis apparatus operation information, the actual state-of-health value, and the actual state-of-health distribution values in an area that is currently being used inside the folder corresponding to the serial number of the subject electrolysis apparatus 100.

A transmission interval for sending the electrolysis apparatus operation information and the like from the electrolysis apparatus 100 to the electrolysis apparatus database 300 can be arbitrarily set. For example, an initial value can be set to one week. The transmission interval can be changed depending on an interval at which the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 and the electrolysis apparatus user 600 wish to check a difference between the target value and the actual value, or an interval at which the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 and the electrolysis apparatus user 600 wish to change the target value based on the difference between the target value and the actual value.

Next, at S201, the electrolysis apparatus database 300 sends the target state-of-health value, the actual state-of-health value, the target state-of-health distribution values, and the actual state-of-health distribution values to the target value reset recommending unit 400.

Next, at S202, the target value reset recommending unit 400 determines whether the actual state-of-health value is less than a sum of the target value and a recommended reset reference range, or whether the actual state-of-health distribution value is less than a sum of an interquartile range of the target value and a recommended reset reference range. An affirmative determination is made in the determination process at S202 should either condition be met.

The recommended reset reference range used in the determination process at S202 is a value set for each of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cells 110a, and the electrolytic stacks 110b. The recommended reset reference range can be an arbitrary value that is positive, zero, or negative. For example, an initial value can be zero. A numeric value of the recommended reset reference range can be changed as appropriate depending on a management range of the actual state-of-health value relative to the target state-of-health value required by the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 or performance of state-of-health management of the electrolysis apparatus 100, that is, controllability of state-of-health.

When a determination that neither condition is met is made in the determination process at S202, the process returns to S200. Meanwhile, when a determination that either of the condition is met is made in the determination process at S202, S203 is performed.

At S203, the target value reset recommending unit 400 generates a predictive model based on the actual state-of-health values and the actual state-of-health distribution values up to the current time, and further calculates predicted values of future state-of-health and state-of-health distributions using the generated predictive model. According the present embodiment, the ARIMA model capable of handling noise, trends, and cycles is used as the predictive model. As the predictive model, other models such as the moving average model, the MA model, the exponential smoothing model, a linear and nonlinear approximation model, the AR model, the ARMA model, the Winters model, and the multiple regression model may be used depending on the prediction error rate and the error pattern.

Next, at S204, the target value reset recommending unit 400 issues a reset recommendation notification for the target state-of-health distribution values of the electrolytic cells 110a and the electrolytic stacks 110b to the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500. When issuing the notification at S204, the predicted value of the future state-of-health distribution calculated at S203 may also be added, thereby facilitating setting of new target values by the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500.

Next, at S205, the target value reset recommending unit 400 issues the reset recommendation notification for the target state-of-health value of the electrolysis apparatus 100 to the electrolysis apparatus user 600. When issuing the notification at S205, the predicted value of the future state-of-health calculated at S203 may also be added, thereby facilitating setting of a new target value by the electrolysis apparatus user 600.

Next, at S206, the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 inputs, to the target state-of-health distribution value input unit 502, the new target state-of-health distribution values determined for the electrolytic cells 110a and the electrolytic stacks 110b based on the predicted state-of-health distribution values obtained from the target value reset recommending unit 400. The information inputted to the target state-of-health distribution value input unit 502 is inputted to the electrolysis apparatus database 300 and recorded in the area currently being used inside the folder corresponding to the serial number of the subject electrolysis apparatus 100.

Next, at S207, the electrolysis apparatus user 600 inputs, to the target state-of-health value input unit 601, the new target state-of-health value determined for the electrolysis apparatus 100 based on the predicted state-of-health value from the target value reset recommending unit 400. The information inputted to the target state-of-health value input unit 601 is input to the electrolysis apparatus database 300 and recorded in the area currently being used inside the folder corresponding to the serial number of the subject electrolysis apparatus 100.

Next, at S208, the electrolysis apparatus user 600 inputs, to the characteristics priority input unit 602, the new characteristics priority values determined for the four characteristics of the electrolysis apparatus 100. The information inputted to the characteristics priority input unit 602 is input to the electrolysis apparatus database 300 and recorded in the area currently being used inside the folder corresponding to the serial number of the subject electrolysis apparatus 100.

Next, at S209, the input units 501, 601, and 602 notify the electrolysis apparatus management system 200 of the target state-of-health value of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the target state-of-health distribution values of the electrolytic cells 110a and the electrolytic stacks 110b, and the characteristics priority values of the electrolysis apparatus 100.

When the reset recommendation notification from the target value reset recommending unit 400 is received, the electrolysis apparatus user 600 is not necessarily required to update both the target state-of-health value and the characteristics priority values of the electrolysis apparatus 100, and can choose to update only one or neither. As examples of a situation in which only either of the target state-of-health value and the characteristics priority values is updated, or neither is updated, a case in which the difference between the target state-of-health value and the actual state-of-health value of the electrolysis apparatus 100 is small, and a case in which an amount of change in state-of-health expected from the future operating conditions of the electrolysis apparatus 100 is small can be assumed.

In a similar manner, when the reset recommendation notification from the target value reset recommending unit 400 is received, the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 is not necessarily required to update the target state-of-health distribution values of the electrolytic cells 110a and the electrolytic stacks 110b, and can choose not to update the target state-of-health distribution values. As examples of a situation in which the target state-of-health distribution values of the electrolysis apparatus 100 are not updated, a case in which the difference between the target state-of-health distribution value and the actual state-of-health distribution value is small, and a case in which an amount of change in state-of-health distribution expected from the future operating conditions is small can be assumed.

Next, the electrolysis apparatus reuse operation process at the start of reuse of the electrolysis apparatus 100 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 20.

First, at S300, a process of waiting for the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 to input the reuse execution instruction to start reuse of the electrolysis apparatus 100 to the reuse execution instruction input unit 504 is performed.

When the determination that the reuse execution instruction from the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 has been detected is made at S300, the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 performs a process at S301 to acquire information related to the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cells 110a, and the electrolytic stacks 110b from the electrolysis apparatus database 300. The electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 reads out the electrolysis apparatus-related information from the area currently being used inside the folder corresponding to the serial number of the subject electrolysis apparatus 100 in the electrolysis apparatus database 300.

Next, at S302, the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 performs a reuse process for the electrolytic cells 110a and the electrolytic stacks 110b using the electrolysis apparatus-related information acquired at S301. In the reuse process, reusability of the electrolytic cells 110a and the electrolytic stacks 110b is determined. Subjects of the determination are classified into three types: (1) subjects that cannot be reused or recycled, (2) subjects that cannot be reused but can be recycled, and (3) subjects that can be reused and recycled.

In principle, the classification into (1), (2), or (3) may be performed based on the actual state-of-health value. For example, when A % is greater than B %, the subject can be classified as (1) should the actual state-of-health value be less than A %, (2) should the actual state-of-health value be equal to or greater than A % and less than B %, and (3) should the actual state-of-health value be equal to or greater than B %.

The subject classified as (1) is discarded. The subject classified as (2) is recycled. The subject classified as (3) is used as is or undergoes the reuse process by being removed from the electrolysis apparatus 100 and incorporated into another electrolysis apparatus 100. Because the subject determined to be (3) can also be recycled, rather than the reuse process being performed without question, a recycling process may be selected based on profitability, depending on a state of supply and demand for reuse and recycling.

Next, at S303, when the electrolytic cell 110a or the like is removed from the electrolysis apparatus 100 for disposal, recycling, or reuse at S302, the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 performs a reuse process in which the removed electrolytic cell 110a or the like is replaced with a reused item removed from another electrolysis apparatus 100 or a new item, and the electrolysis apparatus 100 is reassembled to function as the electrolysis apparatus 100. When the electrolysis apparatus 100 is assembled using a plurality of electrolytic cells 110a, the electrolytic cells 110a that are as similar in state-of-health as possible are preferably used in combination. In a similar manner, when the electrolysis apparatus 100 is assembled using a plurality of electrolytic stacks 110, the electrolytic stacks 110b that are as similar in state-of-health as possible are preferably used in combination.

The electrolysis apparatus 100 assembled at S303 does not necessarily have to be of a same scale as that before the reuse process. Quantities of the electrolytic cells 110a and the electrolytic stacks 110b may be selected based on a state of supply and demand of the electrolysis apparatus 100 at each scale, the needs of the electrolysis apparatus user 600, and the like, and the scale of the electrolysis apparatus 100 to be assembled may be changed.

Next, at S304, the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 inputs, to the initial electrolysis apparatus information input unit 501, the initial electrolysis apparatus information for the electrolysis apparatus 100 assembled at S303. The information inputted to the initial electrolysis apparatus information input unit 501 is sent to the electrolysis apparatus database 300.

Next, at S305, the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 inputs, to the target state-of-health distribution value input unit 502, the target state-of-health distribution values of the electrolytic cells 110a and the electrolytic stacks 110b for the electrolysis apparatus 100 assembled at S303. The information inputted to the target state-of-health distribution value input unit 502 is sent to the electrolysis apparatus database 300.

Next, at S306, the electrolysis apparatus user 600 inputs, to the target state-of-health value input unit 601, the target state-of-health value of the electrolysis apparatus 100 for the electrolysis apparatus 100 assembled at S303. The information inputted to the target state-of-health value input unit 601 is sent to the electrolysis apparatus database 300.

Next, at S307, the electrolysis apparatus user 600 inputs, to the characteristics priority input unit 602, the characteristics priority values of the four properties for the electrolysis apparatus 100 assembled at S303. The information inputted to the characteristics priority input unit 602 is sent to the electrolysis apparatus database 300.

Next, at S308, a process of waiting for the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 to input the operation start instruction for the electrolysis apparatus 100 to the operation start instruction input unit 503 is performed.

When the operation start instruction from the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 is detected in the process at S308, the electrolysis apparatus database 300 performs a process at S309. At S309, the electrolysis apparatus database 300 generates a folder for the serial number of the subject electrolysis apparatus 100, and records the information acquired at S304 to S307 and the date and time at which the operation start instruction is received in a predetermined storage area.

In the process at S309, the storage area to be used is changed such that, should the current recording area be “At Implementation,” the new storage area is “First Reuse,” and should the current recording area be “First Reuse,” the new storage area is “Second Reuse.”

Next, at S310, the electrolysis apparatus management system 200 receives the target state-of-health distribution values from the target state-of-health distribution value input unit 502, the operation start instruction from the operation start instruction input unit 503, the target state-of-health value from the target state-of-health value input unit 601, and the characteristics priority values of the electrolysis apparatus 100 from the characteristics priority input unit 602.

Next, processes performed by the control trigger generation unit 210, the actual state-of-health value calculation unit 220, and the control parameter calculation unit 230 of the electrolysis apparatus management system 200 will be described.

First, a control trigger generation process performed by the control trigger generation unit 210 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 21.

In the control trigger generation process, at S400, the control trigger generation unit 210 determines whether the operation start instruction from the operation start instruction input unit 503 is detected. At S401, the control trigger generation unit 210 determines whether a new target state-of-health value from the target state-of-health value input unit 601 is detected. At S402, the control trigger generation unit 210 determines whether new characteristics priority values from the characteristics priority input unit 602 are detected. At S403, the control trigger generation unit 210 determines whether new target state-of-health distribution values from the target state-of-health distribution value input unit 502 are detected. At S404, the control trigger generation unit 210 determines whether the reset recommendation notice for a new target state-of-health value from the target value reset recommending unit 400 is detected. At S405, the control trigger generation unit 210 determines whether the reset recommendation notice for new target state-of-health distribution values from the target value reset recommending unit 400 is detected. At S406, the control trigger generation unit 210 determines whether the cumulative hydrogen production amount has reached the control interval hydrogen production amount. At S407, the control trigger generation unit 210 determines whether the cumulative operation time has reached the control interval operation time.

The control interval hydrogen production amount is the hydrogen production amount prescribing the control interval at which the control parameter calculation unit 230 calculates the control parameters. The control interval operation time is the operation time prescribing the control interval at which the control parameter calculation unit 230 calculates the control parameters.

At S400, the control trigger generation unit 210 determines whether time to start operation of the electrolysis apparatus 100 after manufacture, or time to start operation of the electrolysis apparatus 100 assembled in the reuse process is reached. When the determination that the operation start instruction is detected is made in the determination process at S400, because the initial control parameter calculation is required to be performed, initial values of the control interval hydrogen production amount and the control interval operation time are set at S408.

The control interval hydrogen production amount and the control interval operation time can be set arbitrarily based on controllability of state-of-health. Because the operation of the electrolysis apparatus 100 is started at S408, for example, the control interval hydrogen production amount can be set to the hydrogen production amount when the electrolysis apparatus 100 is operated at a rated production capacity 24 hours a day for three months. In this case, the control interval hydrogen production amount [Nm³] is: rated production capacity [Nm³/h]×24 [h]×90. The control interval operation time [h] is: 24 [h]×90.

After the control interval hydrogen production amount and the control interval operation time are set at S408, at S409, the control trigger generation unit 210 outputs the control trigger to the control parameter calculation unit 230.

S401, S402, and S403 are performed when the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 or the electrolysis apparatus user 600 changes the target values or the characteristic priority values, and the control parameters are required to be updated to accommodate the changes in the target values or the characteristic priority values. Therefore, should an affirmative determination be made in any of the determination processes at S401, S402, and S403, at S409, the control trigger generation unit 210 outputs the control trigger to the control parameter calculation unit 230.

S404 and S405 are performed when the difference between the target value set by the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 or the electrolysis apparatus user 600 and the actual value becomes large, and the control parameters are required to be updated. An affirmative determination is made in the determination process at S404 or S405 when the difference between the target value set by the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 or the electrolysis apparatus user 600 and the actual value exceeds an allowable range. Therefore, the difference between the target value and the actual value is reduced by the control interval hydrogen production amount or the control interval operation time being changed and the control interval being shortened.

A control interval shortening coefficient for shortening the control interval is a numeric value that is less than 1, and can be arbitrarily set based on the controllability of state-of-health. According to the present embodiment, the control interval shortening coefficient is set to 0.8. The control interval hydrogen production amount after change is obtained by multiplying the control interval hydrogen production amount before change by 0.8. The control interval operation time after change is obtained by multiplying the control interval operation time before change by 0.8.

S406 and S407 are performed when the cumulative hydrogen production amount or the cumulative operation time reaches a control interval set in advance and the control parameters are required to be periodically updated to meet the target state-of-health value. When an affirmative determination is made in the determination process at S406 or S407, the control trigger generation unit 210 outputs the control trigger to the control parameter calculation unit 230.

Next, an actual value calculation process performed by the actual state-of-health value calculation unit 220 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 22.

First, at S420, the electrolysis efficiency of each of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cells 110a, and the electrolytic stacks 110b is calculated using the electrolysis apparatus-related information acquired from the electrolysis apparatus 100. Using the inputted power amount [kWh] inputted to the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cells 110a, and the electrolytic stacks 110b, and the hydrogen production amount [Nm³], the electrolysis efficiency can be calculated as follows: electrolysis efficiency [kWh/Nm³]=inputted power amount [kWh]/hydrogen production amount [Nm³].

The calculation of electrolysis efficiency at S420 basically uses the electrolysis apparatus-related information under the same operating environment conditions (such as a main body temperature, an environmental temperature, an electrolysis temperature, temperatures, flow rates, flow speeds of gases and liquids, and the like) during hydrogen production in rated operation. In cases in which the state in which the hydrogen production amount and the operating environment conditions are the same is infrequent or the electrolysis apparatus-related information is insufficient, values under similar environmental operating conditions may be used. The electrolysis efficiency may be corrected for the differences in the environment conditions.

Next, at S421, the actual state-of-health values of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cells 110a, and the electrolytic stacks 110b are calculated. The state-of-health is a proportion of a current electrolysis efficiency to an initial value of the electrolysis efficiency. The initial value of the electrolysis efficiency can be said to be the electrolysis efficiency at the start of operation or at the start of hydrogen production. The actual state-of-health value can be calculated as follows: actual state-of-health value [%]=(initial value of electrolysis efficiency/current electrolysis efficiency)× 100.

Next, at S422, the actual state-of-health distribution values of the electrolytic cells 110a and the electrolytic stacks 110b are calculated. The actual state-of-health distribution values can be calculated from the actual state-of-health values calculated for each electrolytic cell 110a and electrolytic stack 110b, and the number of subjects.

Next, at S423, the actual state-of-health values calculated at S421 and the actual state-of-health distribution values calculated at S422 are sent to the electrolysis apparatus database 300 and the control parameter calculation unit 230.

Next, a target value change amount calculation process performed by the target value change amount calculating unit 231 of the control parameter calculation unit 230 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 23.

First, at S430, the target value change amount calculating unit 231 performs a process of waiting until the control trigger from the control trigger generation unit 210 is detected.

When the determination that the control trigger is detected is made in the determination process at S430, at S431, the target value change amount calculating unit 231 calculates the target value change amount for the target state-of-health value of the electrolysis apparatus 100.

In the process at S431, the target value change amount for the target state-of-health value of the electrolysis apparatus 100 is set to differing values depending on when the actual state-of-health value is equal to or greater than the target state-of-health value and when the actual state-of-health value is lower than the target state-of-health value. Specifically, when the actual state-of-health value is equal to or greater than the target state-of-health value, the target value change amount is set to zero. When the actual state-of-health value is less than the target state-of-health value, the target value change amount is obtained by subtracting the actual state-of-health value from the target state-of-health value. At S431, the target value change amount calculating unit 231 sends the calculated value of the target value change amount to the control parameter calculating unit 232.

Next, at S432 to S435, the target value change amount calculating unit 231 calculates the target value change amounts of the electrolytic cells 110a and the electrolytic stacks 110b. The target value change amount is calculated for each electrolytic cell 110a and each electrolytic stack 110b.

In the processes at S432 to S435, the target value change amounts of the electrolytic cells 110a and the electrolytic stacks 110b can be calculated using percentile values and interquartile ranges of the target state-of-health distribution values and actual state-of-health distribution values.

First, at S432, the 10th percentile value, the 25th percentile value, the 50th percentile value, the 75th percentile value, the 90th percentile value, and the interquartile range of the target state-of-health distribution value are calculated.

Next, at S433, the 10th percentile value, the 25th percentile value, the 50th percentile value, the 75th percentile value, the 90th percentile value, and the interquartile range of the actual state-of-health distribution value are calculated.

Next, at S434, a percentile value difference between the target state-of-health distribution value and the actual state-of-health distribution value is calculated. Specifically, when the 10th percentile value of the target state-of-health distribution value subtracted by the 10th percentile value of the state-of-health distribution actual value is equal to or less than zero, the 10th percentile value difference is zero. When the 10th percentile value of the target state-of-health distribution value subtracted by the 10th percentile value of the actual state-of-health distribution value is greater than zero, the 10th percentile value difference is the 10th percentile value of the target state-of-health distribution value subtracted by the 10th percentile value of the actual state-of-health distribution value.

The 25th percentile value difference, the 50th percentile value difference, the 75th percentile value difference, and the 90th percentile value difference are calculated in a similar manner as the 10th percentile value difference.

Next, at S435, the target value change amount is calculated based on the interquartile range and the percentile value differences of the target state-of-health value. In the calculation of the target value change amount at S435, the plurality of percentile value differences calculated at S434 are used, and a maximum value among the plurality of percentile value differences is calculated as the target value change amount.

According to the present embodiment, the range of the percentile value differences used to calculate the target value change amount differs between a case in which the interquartile range of the actual state-of-health value is equal to or greater than the interquartile range of the target state-of-health value and a case in which the interquartile range of the actual state-of-health value falls below the interquartile range of the target state-of-health value.

According to the present embodiment, values obtained by the interquartile range of the actual state-of-health value and the interquartile range of the target state-of-health value being multiplied by a predetermined coefficient are compared, and whether the interquartile range of the actual state-of-health value has widened relative to the interquartile range of the target state-of-health value and increased in deviation is determined.

Specifically, when the interquartile range of the actual state-of-health value is greater than or equal to the interquartile range of the target state-of-health value multiplied by 1.2, the maximum value of the 10th percentile value difference, the 25th percentile value difference, and the 50th percentile value difference is set as the target value change amount. In addition, when the interquartile range of the actual state-of-health value is less than the interquartile range of the target state-of-health value multiplied by 1.2, the maximum value of the 10th percentile value difference, the 25th percentile value difference, the 50th percentile value difference, the 75th percentile value difference, and the 90th percentile value difference is set as the target value change amount.

When the interquartile range of the actual state-of-health value is greater than or equal to the interquartile range of the target state-of-health value multiplied by 1.2, a degree of dispersion of the data on the actual state-of-health value relative to the target state-of-health value is large, and the deviation of the actual value from the target value can be determined to be large. In such cases, the deviation of the actual state-of-health value from the target state-of-health value becomes excessive, particularly in high-state-of-health areas of the state-of-health distribution (such as the 75th percentile value and the 90th percentile value). It is thought that, even should the target value change amount be calculated using the 75th percentile value difference and the 90th percentile value difference, the deviation exceeds a correction range for state-of-health. Therefore, when the interquartile range of the actual state-of-health value is greater than or equal to the interquartile range of the target state-of-health value multiplied by 1.2, the 75th percentile value and 90th percentile value are excluded from the calculation of the target value change amount, and the maximum value of the 10th percentile value difference, 25th percentile value difference, and 50th percentile value difference is used as the target value change amount.

In the process at S435, the coefficient by which the interquartile range of the target state-of-health value is multiplied is set to 1.2. However, the value of this coefficient can be arbitrarily set depending on the controllability of state-of-health. In addition, according to the present embodiment, the percentile value difference used to calculate the target value change amount differs depending on the difference between the interquartile range of the target state-of-health value and the interquartile range of the actual state-of-health value. However, the percentile value difference used to calculate the target value change amount can be arbitrarily set depending on the controllability of state-of-health.

In the calculation of the target value change amount at S432 to S435, the target value change amount can be calculated for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells 110a. For example, based on the actual state-of-health values of the individual electrolytic cells 110a, the target value change amount can be calculated such that hydrogen production is preferentially performed in the electrolytic cell 110a with the highest state-of-health among the plurality of electrolytic cells 110a. In this case, progression of deterioration in state-of-health of the electrolytic cell 110a with low state-of-health can be delayed. Consequently, the degree of progression of deterioration in state-of-health in each of the plurality of electrolytic cells 110a can differ depending on the actual state-of-health value of each of the plurality of electrolytic cells 110a, and the state-of-health of the plurality of electrolytic cells 110a can be equalized as much as possible.

In a similar manner, the target value change amount can be calculated for each of the plurality of electrolytic stacks 110b. For example, based on the actual state-of-health values of the individual electrolytic stacks 110b, the target value change amount can be calculated such that hydrogen production is preferentially performed in the electrolytic stack 110b with the highest state-of-health among the plurality of electrolytic stacks 110b. In this case, the progression of deterioration in state-of-health of the electrolytic stack 110b with low state-of-health can be delayed. Consequently, the degree of progression of the deterioration in state-of-health in each of the plurality of electrolytic stacks 110b can differ depending on the actual state-of-health value of each of the plurality of electrolytic stacks 110b, and the state-of-health of the plurality of electrolytic stacks 110b can be equalized as much as possible.

Next, at S436, the target value change amount calculating unit 231 outputs the target value change amount to the control parameter calculating unit 232.

Next, the control parameter calculation process performed by the control parameter calculating unit 232 will be described with reference to a flowchart in FIG. 24.

First, at S440, the control parameter calculating unit 232 performs a process of waiting until the control trigger from the control trigger generation unit 210 is detected.

When a determination that the control trigger is detected is made in the determination process at S440, at S441, the control parameter calculating unit 232 calculates the control parameters. The control parameter calculating unit 232 calculates the control parameters of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cells 110a, and the electrolytic stacks 110b based on the target value change amount acquired from the target value change amount calculating unit 231, the characteristics priority values acquired from the characteristics priority input unit 602, and the influencing factor information in the influencing factor maps 233a to 233e in the influencing factor database 233. The control parameters for each of the plurality of electrolytic cells 110a and the control parameters for each of the plurality of electrolytic stacks 110b are calculated.

The target value change amount is calculated for each of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic stacks 110b, and the electrolytic cells 110a. An order of priority of the target value change amounts used in the calculation of the control parameters can be arbitrarily changed, taking into consideration a magnitude of each target value change amount, the controllability of state-of-health, ease of the reuse process, time and cost required for the reuse process, and profits from reuse.

According to the present embodiment, the order of priority of the target value change amounts used in the calculation of the control parameters at S441 is the target value change amount of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the target value change amounts of the electrolytic stacks 110b, and the target value change amounts of the electrolytic cells 110a. The electrolysis apparatus 100 has a high priority from a viewpoint that the target value for the electrolysis apparatus 100 set by the electrolysis apparatus user 600 take precedence over the target values for the electrolytic stacks 110b and the electrolytic cells 110a set by the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500. In addition, the electrolytic stack 110b is given a higher priority than the electrolytic cell 110a from a viewpoint of ease of control because the state-of-health of the electrolytic stack 110a is considered easier to control than the state-of-health of the electrolytic cell 110b.

In the calculation of the control parameters, a point in the influencing factor maps 233a to 233e in the influencing factor database 233 in which a predicted value for a state-of-health deterioration amount when the operating point of the current control parameter is changed matches the target value change amount can be set as a next operating point, and the control parameters can be calculated.

All that is required is at least one of the plurality of control parameters be changed. When the plurality of control parameters are changed, a point at which a sum of the state-of-health deterioration amounts when the respective control parameters are changed matches the target value change amount may be set as the next operating point.

In the calculation of the control parameters, when the next operating point is determined using the influencing factor maps 233a to 233e, following (Condition 1) and (Condition 2) are preferably taken into consideration.

(Condition 1) A displacement amount from the current operating point in the state-of-health map 233a is made as small as possible. As a result, the change amount of the control parameter can be suppressed and effect on an operable range of the electrolysis apparatus 100 can be reduced.

(Condition 2) The displacement amount when shifting from the current operating point using the electrolysis efficiency map 233b, the power consumption fluctuation characteristic map 233c, the maximum hydrogen production amount map 233d, and the variable hydrogen production amount range map 233e is made as small as possible.

According to the present embodiment, when the change amount in the control parameters is calculated, the characteristic priority values set by the electrolysis apparatus user 600 are used to correct the numeric values of the deterioration rates in the influencing factor maps 233a to 233e and calculation is subsequently performed. Specifically, the characteristic priority values set for the four characteristics of the electrolysis apparatus 100, that is, the electrolysis efficiency, the power consumption fluctuation characteristic, the maximum hydrogen production amount, and the variable hydrogen production amount range, are used as weighting values to correct the deterioration rate of each of the influencing factor maps 233a to 233e. As a result, the effect on the four characteristics of the electrolysis apparatus can be reduced.

In addition, although the point at which the sum of the state-of-health change amounts when the operating point is moved from the current operating point matches with the target value change amount in the influencing factor maps 233a to 233e is set as the next operating point, depending on the controllability of state-of-health and the magnitude of the target value change amount, the sum of the state-of-health change amount when the operating point is moved from the current operating point may be processed by being multiplied by a coefficient and increased.

In particular, when the target value change amount becomes greater than the previous target value change amount each time the target value change amount is calculated, the sum of the state-of-health change amount when the operating point is moved from the current operating point is preferably processed by being multiplied by a coefficient such as 1.2 and increased.

Next, at S442, the control parameter calculating unit 232 outputs the calculated control parameters to the electrolysis apparatus 100. The auxiliary control unit 126 of the electrolysis apparatus 100 outputs the control commands to the electrolytic cell temperature adjusting unit 121, the electrolytic stack temperature adjusting unit 122, the steam temperature adjusting unit 123, the air temperature adjusting unit 124, and the rectifier 125 based on the control parameters, and controls the operation of these auxiliary devices 121 to 125.

Next, at S443, the control parameter calculating unit 232 determines whether the actual change value resulting from the change from the previous operating point to the current operating point differs from the predicted change value of the influencing factor maps 233a to 233e, for all the influencing factor maps 233a to 233e in the influencing factor database 233.

When, as a result of the determination process at S443, a determination is made that the actual change value differs from the predicted change value, at S444, the control parameter calculating unit 232 performs a process of reflecting the actual change value in the subject influencing factor maps 233a to 233e.

When reflecting the actual change values in the influencing factor maps 233a to 233e, rather than the current operating point being merely changed, a predictive model that also uses the actual change values up to the current time is preferably generated, and the actual change value is preferably calculated using the generated predictive model and reflected in the map. As described above, for example, an approximation model can be used as the predictive model.

The order and contents of the steps included in the flowcharts of FIG. 18 to FIG. 24 are not limited to those of the configurations in FIG. 18 to FIG. 24. For example, changing the order of steps or integrating a plurality of steps into one step is within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

According to the present embodiment described above, the electrolysis apparatus user 600 sets the target state-of-health value for the electrolysis apparatus 100, and the control parameter calculating unit 232 calculates the control parameters based on the target state-of-health value. As a result, the electrolysis apparatus 100 is controlled based on the control parameters that reflect the wishes of the electrolysis apparatus user 600, and the state-of-health of the electrolysis apparatus 100 can be brought closer to the target value desired by the electrolysis apparatus user 600. Consequently, the electrolysis apparatus user 600 can ascertain the usable period and the producible hydrogen amount of the electrolysis apparatus 100. The electrolysis apparatus user 600 can formulate a business plan in which the electrolysis apparatus 100 is used, resulting in increased implementation of the electrolysis apparatus 100.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 sets the target state-of-health distribution values of the electrolytic cells 110a and the electrolytic stacks 110b, and the control parameter calculating unit 232 calculates the control parameters based on the target state-of-health distribution values. As a result, the electrolytic cell 110a and the electrolytic stack 110b are controlled based on the control parameters that reflect the wishes of the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500, and the state-of-health distributions can be brought closer to the state-of-health distributions desired by the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500. As a result, the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 can ascertain the timings and quantities of the reusable electrolytic cells 110a and electrolytic stacks 110b that become available. The electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 can formulate a business plan for reusing (reusing, recycling) the devices in the electrolysis apparatus 100 and the electrolysis apparatus 100 itself, and can proceed with the manufacture of the devices in the electrolysis apparatus 100 and the electrolysis apparatus 100 as planned. Furthermore, because waste can be reduced by reusing the devices in the electrolysis apparatus 100 and the electrolysis apparatus 100 itself, CO2 emissions during the manufacture of the electrolysis apparatus 100 can be reduced and, at the same time, increased profit over the life cycle of the electrolysis apparatus 100 can also be achieved.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, for components that exist in large quantities within the electrolysis apparatus 100, such as the electrolytic cells 110a and the electrolytic stacks 110b, rather than the state-of-health being specified for each individual component to be controlled, the state-of-health distribution is set as the target, and the state-of-health is controlled based on the target state-of-health distribution value. Consequently, control of state-of-health for controlled subjects that are present in large quantities can be facilitated.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the electrolysis apparatus user 600 sets characteristic priority values for the four characteristics (the electrolysis efficiency, the power consumption fluctuation characteristic, the maximum hydrogen production amount, and the variable hydrogen production amount range) of the electrolysis apparatus 100, and the control parameter calculating unit 232 calculates the control parameters based on the characteristics priority values. As a result, when hydrogen is produced by the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolysis apparatus 100 can be controlled taking into consideration the characteristics of the electrolysis apparatus 100 that the electrolysis apparatus user 600 wishes to prioritize other than the state-of-health. Usability of the electrolysis apparatus 100 can be improved in line with the wishes of the electrolysis apparatus user 600.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the control parameters for the controlled subject calculated by the control parameter calculating unit 232 only set upper and lower limits for each control item, that is, the voltage, the current, the voltage change rate, the current change rate, the power change rate, the temperature, and the temperature change rate. Therefore, when hydrogen is produced by the electrolysis apparatus 100, each control item can be freely adjusted between the upper and lower limit values. Decrease in usability of the electrolysis apparatus 100 for the electrolysis apparatus user 600 can be suppressed.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, when the electrolysis apparatus 100 calculates the control parameters, the influencing factor maps 233a to 233e that show the effects of the control items on the state-of-health of the controlled subject and the four characteristics of the electrolysis apparatus 100 is used. Then, every time new actual data on state-of-health is obtained during the operation of the electrolysis apparatus 100, a predictive model is created based on the actual state-of-health value, and the actual state-of-health value is reflected in the influencing factor maps 233a to 233e. As a result, high controllability can be provided by enabling handling of variations that occur between individual controlled subjects, variations that occur when using reused items, and differences in operating environment conditions.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the target value reset recommending unit 400 that issues a recommendation notification for resetting the target value to the electrolysis apparatus user 600 and the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 when the actual state-of-health value of the electrolysis apparatus 100 falls below the target value and when the actual state-of-health distribution values of the electrolytic cells 110a and the electrolytic stacks 110b fall below the target value is provided. As a result, the electrolysis apparatus user 600 and the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 can appropriately set the target values based on the actual state-of-health value and the actual state-of-health distribution values. The target value reset recommending unit 400 also generates a predictive model based on the actual state-of-health value, and notifies the electrolysis apparatus user 600 and the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 of the predictive model. As a result, the the electrolysis apparatus user 600 and the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 can more appropriately set the target values based on the predictive model.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the electrolysis apparatus-related information of the electrolysis apparatus 100 before the reuse process and the electrolysis apparatus-related information of the electrolysis apparatus 100 after the reuse process are recorded in different areas of the electrolysis apparatus database 300. As a result, the electrolysis apparatus-related information of the electrolysis apparatus 100 can be accumulated, and the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer 500 can improve accuracy when generating the influencing factor maps 233a to 233e.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made as follows without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiment presents an example of the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The above-described embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. These embodiments and variations thereof are included in the scope and spirit of the disclosure, and are included in the scope of the disclosure and its equivalents described in the claims.

For example, according to the above-described embodiment, an example in which the SOEC is used as the electrolytic cell configuring the electrolysis unit 110 is described. However, a different type of electrolytic cell may be used. Examples of different types of electrolytic cells include proton exchange membrane (PEM), alkaline water electrolysis (AWE), and anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEM).

In addition, according to the above-described embodiment, the voltage, the current, the voltage change rate, the current change rate, the power change rate, the temperature, and the temperature change rate of the electrolysis apparatus 100, the electrolytic cell 110a, and the electrolytic stack 110b are given as examples of control parameters. However, the type of control parameters can be changed depending on the configuration of the electrolysis apparatus 100. For example, should the electrolysis auxiliary unit 120 include a small number of temperature adjusting units, the number of control parameters may be reduced. Should the electrolysis auxiliary unit 120 include a large number of temperature adjusting units, the number of control parameters may be increased. When the control parameters are increased or decreased, the influencing factor maps 233a to 233e shown in FIGS. 8 to 17 may be increased or decreased based on the control parameters.

In addition, the electrolysis apparatus operation system described in the present disclosure may be implemented by a dedicated computer that is provided so as to be configured by a processor and a memory, the processor being programmed to provide one or more functions that are implemented by a computer program. Alternatively, the electrolysis apparatus operation system described in the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more dedicated computers that are provided by a processor being configured by one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. As still another alternative, the electrolysis apparatus operation system described in the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more dedicated computers. The dedicated computer may be configured by a combination of a processor that is programmed to provide one or more functions, a memory, and a processor that is configured by one or more hardware logic circuits. In addition, the computer program may be stored in a non-transitory, tangible computer-readable storage medium that can be read by a computer as instructions performed by the computer.

Characteristics of the electrolysis apparatus operation system disclosed in the present specification are as follows:

[Aspect 1]

An electrolysis apparatus operation system including: an electrolysis apparatus (100) that has a plurality of electrolytic stacks (110b) in which a plurality of electrolytic cells (110a) that produce hydrogen by electrolyzing water are stacked; a control unit (126) that controls a controlled subject based on a control parameter that affects state-of-health of the controlled subject; a target state-of-health value input unit (601) in which a system user is able to input a target state-of-health value, which is a target value for state-of-health; and a control parameter calculating unit (232) that calculates a control parameter of the controlled subject based on the target state-of-health value, in which the controlled subject is the electrolysis apparatus.

[Aspect 2]

The electrolysis apparatus operation system according to aspect 1, in which: the target state-of-health value input unit allows the system user to set the target state-of-health value based on an increase in a cumulative hydrogen production amount or elapse of a cumulative operation time of the electrolysis apparatus.

[Aspect 3]

The electrolysis apparatus operation system according to aspect 1 or 2, in which: the controlled subject includes at least either of the electrolytic cells and the electrolytic stacks; the electrolysis apparatus operation system includes a target state-of-health range value input unit (502) that allows the system user to input a target state-of-health range value which is a target value of a state-of-health range indicating a range of state-of-health of at least either of the plurality of electrolytic cells or the plurality of electrolytic stacks; and the control parameter calculating unit calculates the control parameter based on the target state-of-health range value.

[Aspect 4]

The electrolysis apparatus operation system according to aspect 3, in which: the target state-of-health range value input unit allows the system user to set the state-of-health range based on an increase in a cumulative hydrogen production amount or elapse of a cumulative operation time of the electrolysis apparatus.

[Aspect 5]

The electrolysis apparatus operation system according to claim 4, in which: the electrolysis apparatus has a plurality of characteristics including at least any of electrolysis efficiency, a power consumption fluctuation characteristic, a maximum hydrogen production amount, and a variable hydrogen production amount range; the electrolysis apparatus operation system includes characteristics priority input unit (602) that allows the system user to input a characteristics priority value which is a priority value for each of the plurality of characteristics; and the control parameter calculating unit calculates the control parameter based on the characteristics priority values.

[Aspect 6]

The electrolysis apparatus operation system according to aspect 5, further including: an electrolysis apparatus database (300) that records electrolysis apparatus-related information related to the state-of-health of the electrolysis apparatus, the electrolytic cells, and the electrolytic stacks, in which; the system user includes an electrolysis apparatus manufacturer (500) that manufactures the electrolysis apparatus and an electrolysis apparatus user (600) that produces hydrogen using the electrolysis apparatus; the electrolysis apparatus after completion of hydrogen production by the electrolysis apparatus user is able undergo a reuse process by the electrolysis apparatus manufacturer based on the electrolysis apparatus-related information; and the electrolysis apparatus database records the electrolysis apparatus-related information before the reuse process is performed and the electrolysis apparatus-related information after the reuse process is performed in differing areas.

[Aspect 7]

The electrolysis apparatus operation system according to aspect 6, in which: the electrolysis apparatus-related information includes state-of-health of the controlled subject, a cumulative hydrogen production amount of the controlled subject, a cumulative operation time of the controlled subject, and a serial number of the controlled subject.

[Aspect 8]

The electrolysis apparatus operation system according to aspect 7, in which: the electrolysis apparatus-related information includes initial electrolysis apparatus information before the electrolysis apparatus starts hydrogen production and electrolysis apparatus operation information after the electrolysis apparatus starts to hydrogen production; and the electrolysis apparatus operation system includes an actual state-of-health value calculation unit (220) that calculates an actual state-of-health value of the controlled subject based on the electrolysis apparatus operation information.

[Aspect 9]

The electrolysis apparatus operation system according to aspect 8, in which: the actual state-of-health value calculation unit calculates electrolysis efficiency of the electrolysis apparatus based on an inputted power amount to the electrolysis apparatus and a hydrogen production amount of the electrolysis apparatus that are included in the electrolysis apparatus-related information, and calculates the actual state-of-health value based on an initial value of the electrolysis efficiency and a current electrolysis efficiency.

[Aspect 10]

The electrolysis apparatus operation system according to aspect 9, in which: the control parameter calculating unit calculates the control parameter based on the actual state-of-health value.

[Aspect 11]

The electrolysis apparatus operation system according to aspect 9 or 10, further including: a target value reset recommending unit (400) that issues a reset recommendation notice regarding resetting of the target state-of-health value to the system user, in which the target value reset recommending unit issues the reset recommendation notice to the system user when the actual state-of-health value falls below the target state-of-health value.

[Aspect 12]

The electrolysis apparatus operation system according to aspect 11, in which: the target value reset recommending unit generates a predictive model that predicts future state-of-health based on the actual state-of-health value when the actual state-of-health value falls below the target state-of-health value, and notifies the system user of the predictive model.

[Aspect 13]

The electrolysis apparatus operation system according to aspect 11 or 12, further including: a control trigger generation unit (210) that generates a control trigger serving as a trigger for the calculation of the control parameter by the control parameter calculating unit, in which the control trigger generation unit generates the control trigger when at least any of the following conditions is met: an operation start instruction for the electrolysis apparatus from the system user is detected, input of a new target state-of-health value in the target state-of-health value input unit is detected, input of new characteristics priority values in the characteristics priority input unit is detected, input of a new target state-of-health range value in the target state-of-health range value input unit is detected, the reset recommendation notice from the target value reset recommending unit is detected, the cumulative hydrogen production amount of the electrolysis apparatus reaches a control interval hydrogen production amount set in advance, and a cumulative operation time of the electrolysis apparatus reaches a control interval operation time set in advance.

[Aspect 14]

The electrolysis apparatus operation system according to aspect 13, in which: the control trigger generation unit changes the control interval hydrogen production amount and the control interval operation time when the operation start instruction for the electrolysis apparatus from the system user is detected.

[Aspect 15]

The electrolysis apparatus operation system according to aspect 13 or 14, in which: the control trigger generation unit changes the control interval hydrogen production amount and the control interval operation time when the reset recommendation notification for the target state-of-health value from the target value reset recommending unit is detected or the reset recommendation notification for the target state-of-health range value from the target value reset recommending unit is detected.

[Aspect 16]

The electrolysis apparatus operation system according to any one of aspects 13 to 15, further including: a target value change amount calculating unit (231) that calculates a target value change amount for changing the target state-of-health value of the electrolysis apparatus when the control trigger generating unit generates the control trigger, in which the control parameter calculating unit calculates the control parameter based on the target value change amount, and the target value change amount calculating unit sets the target value change amount to zero when the target state-of-health value is equal to or less than the actual state-of-health value, and sets the target value change amount to a value obtained by subtracting the actual state-of-health value from the target state-of-health value when the target state-of-health value is greater than the actual state-of-health value.

[Aspect 17]

The electrolysis apparatus operation system according to aspect 16, in which: the target value change amount calculating unit calculates the target value change amount for each of the electrolysis apparatus, the electrolytic cell, and the electrolytic stack; and the control parameter calculating unit sets an order of priority for reflection in the calculation of the control parameters to the target value change amount of the electrolysis apparatus, the target value change amount of the electrolytic stack, and the target value change amount of the electrolytic cell.

[Aspect 18]

The electrolysis apparatus operation system according to any one of aspects 1 to 17, further including: an influencing factor map (233a to 233e) in which a predicted change value for deterioration of performance related to hydrogen production of the electrolysis apparatus is associated with the control parameter, in which the control parameter calculating unit calculates the control parameter using the influencing factor map.

[Aspect 19]

The electrolysis apparatus operation system according to aspect 18, in which: after calculating the control parameter using the influencing factor map, should the predicted change value differ from an actual change value for degradation of performance related to hydrogen production of the electrolysis apparatus after a value of the control parameter is changed, the control parameter calculating unit changes the predicted change value set in the influencing factor map based on the actual change value.

[Aspect 20]

The electrolysis apparatus operation system according to any one of aspects 1 to 19, in which: the control parameter includes at least any one of control items that are a voltage of the controlled subject, a current of the controlled subject, a voltage change rate of the controlled subject, a current change rate of the controlled subject, a power change rate of the controlled subject, a temperature of the controlled subject, and a temperature change rate of the controlled subject.

[Aspect 21]

The electrolysis apparatus operation system according to aspect 20, in which: the control parameter calculating unit calculates an upper limit value and a lower limit value of the control item.

[Aspect 22]

The electrolysis apparatus operation system according to aspect 1 or 2, in which: the controlled subject includes the electrolytic cell; the electrolysis apparatus operation system includes a target state-of-health distribution value input unit (502) that allows the system user to input a target state-of-health distribution value that is a target value of a state-of-health distribution that is a distribution of the state-of-health of a plurality of electrolytic cells; and the control parameter calculating unit calculates the control parameter based on the target state-of-health distribution value.

Reference numbers of the above-described constituent elements enclosed in parentheses indicate corresponding relationships with specific means described according to the embodiments.