Efficient Operation and Control of Fuel Cells

Corroborative Proof and Evaluation in Actual Homes

In the usage of hot water and electricity, the amount consumed changes according to family lifestyles and the season. The corroboration and evaluation of these changes in consumption amounts in actual homes is indispensable for development of the fuel cells as a product. We therefore installed fuel cells in the Lifestyle Value Research Laboratory (LivLa) and carried out corroborative testing and evaluation in all operation modes.

Based on the results of the corroborative tests, we prepared household energy management technology and developed such technology as the neuro-prediction algorithm ⁽¹⁾ for amounts of energy actually used in the home, and predictions for usage amounts.

Fuel Cell Operation and Shifts in Energy Application

Using algorithms such as for hot water load prediction and electricity load prediction, and the neuro-prediction algorithm, the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank and the operating status of the fuel cells is regulated for optimum efficiency, preventing any waste in the energy used.