To accurately estimate in detail an inside state of a fuel cell and optimize the operation condition of the fuel cell based on the estimated contents.
A fuel cell 10 is virtually divided into a plurality of small regions arranged in a line along the flow of hydrogen of a fuel cell. The generation of nitrogen or liquid water in each small region is calculated based on power generation environment in the small region, and the movement of nitrogen or liquid water to the downstream small region is also calculated. The amount of nitrogen and the amount of liquid water in each small region are periodically updated reflecting the generation or the movement of them. An ECU 4 controls the operation of a purge valve 6 or a hydrogen circulation valve 8 according to the estimated distribution state of nitrogen or liquid water in the fuel cell 10.
Mamoru Takada
Hidekazu Onishi