Hydrogen filling method, hydrogen filling apparatus, program, recording medium

Abstract

This enables efficient hydrogen refueling, even for large-capacity hydrogen tanks. [Solution] A hydrogen filling method for a hydrogen tank, comprising: an information acquisition execution process that attempts to acquire the type of receptacle when it is possible to connect a nozzle and a receptacle; a type acquisition feasibility determination process that determines whether or not the type of receptacle was acquired; and a low flow rate or less filling determination process that determines that hydrogen filling will be carried out at a low flow rate or less if it is determined in the type acquisition feasibility determination process that the type of receptacle could not be acquired.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to hydrogen filling. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a hydrogen filling apparatus that transmits information of a vehicle to be filled with hydrogen (e.g., hydrogen tank capacity) to a control device via infrared communication, and the control device defines hydrogen filling control (protocol). It is described therein that, in hydrogen filling, the pressure increase rate is determined based on the tank capacity, initial pressure, and outside air temperature. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-2515 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] When a heavy-duty vehicle is a fuel cell vehicle, a sufficient cruising distance cannot be ensured within the hydrogen gas filling capacity of up to 30 kg specified by conventional standards. Further, since the filling amount per filling increases in order to increase the hydrogen gas filling capacity, the filling time tends to be longer. For filling in a shorter time, not only filling at the conventional filling speed but also faster (so-called large-flow-rate) filling is required. As described above, conventional hydrogen filling is controlled based on hydrogen tanks with a capacity of up to 30 kg. When the conventional control is applied to a hydrogen tank having a capacity larger than 30 kg (e.g., a hydrogen tank mounted on a heavy-duty vehicle), the filling may take a long time, or the hydrogen supply may be stopped when 30 kg of hydrogen has been filled.

[0005] In view of the above problem, an object of the present disclosure is to enable efficient hydrogen filling even when targeting a large-capacity hydrogen tank. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a result of diligent research, the inventors discovered that, particularly when filling large-capacity hydrogen tanks with hydrogen, not only the tank's capacity but also the type of filling port has an influence, and that, based on this factor, the appropriate pressure increase rate is inversely proportional to the tank's capacity. Here, "pressure increase rate" refers to the pressure increase per unit time in a hydrogen tank, and is expressed, for example, in "MPa / min". By filling the hydrogen tank with hydrogen at an appropriate pressure increase rate, hydrogen can be filled efficiently and correctly.

[0007] Furthermore, hydrogen refueling of the hydrogen tank is performed by connecting the nozzle at the end of the hydrogen supply pipe equipped on the hydrogen refueling device to the refueling port (receptacle) provided on the hydrogen introduction pipe located on the fuel cell vehicle. Typically, there are several types of these nozzles and receptacles, depending on the maximum permissible hydrogen pressure and maximum permissible hydrogen flow rate. Malfunctions in hydrogen refueling may occur if nozzles and receptacles of different types are connected to each other. For example, this becomes particularly noticeable when the nozzle has a higher permissible maximum hydrogen pressure and maximum hydrogen flow rate than the receptacle. In response to this, hydrogen refueling can be prohibited by applying a nozzle and receptacle structure that physically prevents connection between different types of nozzles and receptacles. However, prohibiting all combinations would increase the number of situations where refueling is prohibited, hindering efficient hydrogen refueling from the standpoint of versatility. Therefore, the inventor concluded that configuring the system to allow refueling even when different types of nozzles and receptacles are connected would greatly improve efficiency.

[0008] The present invention discloses a hydrogen filling method for a hydrogen tank, comprising: an information acquisition execution process that attempts to acquire the type of receptacle when a nozzle and a receptacle can be connected; a type acquisition feasibility determination process that determines whether or not the type of receptacle was acquired; and a low flow rate or less filling determination process that determines that the hydrogen filling will be carried out at a low flow rate or less if it is determined in the type acquisition feasibility determination process that the type of receptacle could not be acquired.

[0009] The aforementioned low flow rate can be the smallest hydrogen flow rate among several candidate flow rates. The low flow rate may also be 60 g / s.

[0010] If it is determined in the process of determining whether the type can be obtained that the type of receptacle can be obtained, the nozzle flow rate and the receptacle flow rate may be compared, and if it is determined that the nozzle flow rate is less than or equal to the receptacle flow rate, hydrogen filling may be performed at a pressure increase rate which is the pressure increase per unit time in the hydrogen tank determined by the type of receptacle and the capacity of the hydrogen tank. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this disclosure, hydrogen can be efficiently filled even when targeting large-capacity hydrogen tanks. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the hydrogen refueling device 10. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the control device 14. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the flow of the hydrogen refueling method S10. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the relationship between hydrogen tank capacity and pressure boosting rate. [Figure 5] Figure 5 illustrates one example of a map. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of whether or not a nozzle and a receptacle can be connected. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the flow of the hydrogen refueling method S20. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] 1. Hydrogen refueling equipment Referring to the drawings, we will describe a hydrogen refueling device as an example. Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of a hydrogen refueling device 10. The hydrogen refueling device 10 is installed in a so-called hydrogen station and supplies hydrogen to a hydrogen tank 2 installed in a vehicle equipped with a fuel cell (fuel cell vehicle) 1. As is well known, the fuel cell vehicle 1 is equipped with a fuel cell system within its body. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell and a hydrogen tank 2, and hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen tank 2 to the fuel cell. The fuel cell uses the hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen tank 2 as fuel gas, and generates electricity by oxidizing this fuel gas with a separately supplied oxidizing gas (air), and uses this generated electricity to rotate the motor, which is the drive source of the vehicle. Furthermore, according to this disclosure, as described above, it is possible to efficiently refuel fuel cell vehicles 1, especially large vehicles, with hydrogen tanks 2 having a capacity exceeding 30 kg.

[0014] The hydrogen refueling device 10 includes an accumulator 11 filled with hydrogen, a compressor 12 that compresses (pressures up) the hydrogen released from the accumulator 11 into the piping, a hydrogen supply pipe 13 that supplies the pressurized hydrogen from the compressor 12 to the fuel cell vehicle 1, and a control device 14 that controls the hydrogen supply. Here, the accumulator 11, compressor 12, and hydrogen supply pipe 13 can be known types and are not particularly limited. Hydrogen refueling is performed when a nozzle 13a provided at the end of the hydrogen supply pipe 13 is connected to a receptacle (refueling port) 3a provided at the end of the hydrogen introduction pipe 3 of the fuel cell vehicle 1, and the hydrogen released from the accumulator 11 by the compressor 12 is compressed and filled into the hydrogen tank 2 via the hydrogen supply pipe 13 and the hydrogen introduction pipe 3 of the fuel cell vehicle 1.

[0015] The control device 14 controls each part of the hydrogen filling device 10. As conceptually shown in FIG. 2, the control device 14 includes: a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 14a serving as a processor; a RAM (Random Access Memory) 14b functioning as a work area; a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 14c functioning as a recording medium; a receiving unit 14d which is an interface that allows information to be input to the control device 14 regardless of whether it is wired or wireless; and a transmitting unit 14e which is an interface that outputs information from the control device 14 to the outside regardless of whether it is wired or wireless. Accordingly, the control device 14 is connected to other devices via the receiving unit 14d and the transmitting unit 14e, and is configured to be capable of transmitting and receiving signals.

[0016] A control program for controlling each part of the hydrogen filling device 10 is stored in the control device 14. In the control device 14, the CPU 14a, RAM 14b, and ROM 14c serving as hardware resources cooperate with the control program. Specifically, the CPU 14a implements various functions by executing a computer program recorded in the ROM 14c on the RAM 14b that functions as a work area. Information acquired or generated by the CPU 14a is stored in the RAM 14b.

[0017] In the present embodiment, the control device 14 acquires the type of the filling port (receptacle) 3a of the fuel cell vehicle 1 and the capacity of the hydrogen tank 2 from the control device 4 of the fuel cell vehicle 1 via the receiving unit 14d. Further, the number of filling ports (receptacles) 3a may be acquired as necessary. In the present embodiment, based on the obtained information, the control device 14 executes a computer program recorded in the ROM 14c while using, for example, a database recorded in the ROM 14c, to determine the pressure increase rate during hydrogen filling, and records the determined pressure increase rate in the RAM 14b. Then, the control device 14 controls the compressor 12 via the transmitting unit 14e so that hydrogen is filled at the determined pressure increase rate, and fills the hydrogen tank 2 with hydrogen. Specific details for determining the pressure increase rate will be described later.

[0018] Furthermore, the control device 14 also controls each part of the hydrogen filling apparatus 10 by executing a recorded computer program based on information (signals) from provided sensors and devices. Examples of other sensors and devices include a hydrogen flow meter, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and a valve that controls the flow of hydrogen.

[0019] 2. Hydrogen Filling Next, hydrogen filling will be described.

[0020] 2.1. Pressure Increase Rate Control Hydrogen filling into the fuel cell vehicle 1 is performed as described above. In the present disclosure, when filling hydrogen, the pressure increase rate is calculated, and control is performed based on the calculation result. Therefore, a method for determining the pressure increase rate will be described here. Further, hydrogen filling can be controlled by creating a computer program having each step corresponding to each process of this method, storing the program in ROM 14c functioning as a recording medium of the control device 14, and executing the program. A hydrogen filling method according to one example will be described below. As described above, by forming a computer program based on this method and recording the program in ROM 14c of the control device 14, the program functions as one component of the hydrogen filling apparatus 10.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows the flow of a hydrogen filling method S10 according to one embodiment. As can be seen from FIG. 3, the hydrogen filling method S10 includes an information acquisition step S11, a pressure increase rate determination step S12, and a hydrogen filling step S13. Each step will be described below.

[0022] 2.1a. Information Acquisition Step In the information acquisition step S11, the type of a hydrogen filling port (receptacle) 3a and the capacity of a hydrogen tank 2 in the fuel cell vehicle 1 to be filled with hydrogen are acquired from the fuel cell vehicle 1. The number of filling ports 3a may be acquired as necessary.

[0023] The information may be acquired automatically, manually, or may have been recorded in advance as a database in the control device 14. In the case of automatic acquisition, for example, information such as the type of receptacle 3a, the number of receptacles 3a, and the capacity of the hydrogen tank 2, which are wirelessly transmitted from the control device 4 mounted on the fuel cell vehicle 1, can be received by the receiving unit 14d provided in the control device 14 of the hydrogen refueling device 10. In the case of manual acquisition, for example, a person can input information such as the type of filling port (receptacle) 3a, the number of filling ports 3a, and the capacity of the hydrogen tank 2 by having a receiving unit 14d provided in the control device 14 of the hydrogen filling device 10 receive this information.

[0024] 2.1b. Determining the voltage boost ratio In the process of determining the pressure boosting rate S12, the pressure boosting rate at the time of hydrogen refueling is determined based on the information obtained in the information acquisition process S11. In this disclosure, the pressure boosting rate is basically determined by an inverse relationship with the capacity of the hydrogen tank 2. That is, when the pressure boosting rate is R (MPa / min) and the capacity of the hydrogen tank 2 is M (kg), R=K(1 / M) It is calculated by [method]. Here, K is a coefficient determined by the type of filling port 3a (and, if necessary, the number of filling ports 3a), and should be determined in advance through experiments or other means. When determining this coefficient K, the temperature inside the hydrogen tank and the ambient temperature may be taken into consideration. When considering temperature, it may be based on experimentally measured values ​​or on existing maps (for example, SAE J2601 (North American standard) or JPEC-S 0003 (Japanese standard)).

[0025] Figure 4 shows a graph illustrating the relationship between hydrogen tank capacity (kg) and pressure increase rate (MPa / min) for one example. In this way, the pressure increase rate is determined from the capacity of hydrogen tank 2 by applying a pre-determined inverse proportional relationship for each type of filling port 3a (and, if necessary, the number of filling ports 3a).

[0026] Although the voltage boost rate can be obtained by calculation each time as described above, it is also possible to divide the area into predetermined conditions or ranges, pre-calculate the voltage boost rate for each area (using the same method as described above), and record it in a list (mapped) in ROM 14c or similar. Then, based on the information obtained in the information acquisition process S11, the map of the area that matches the conditions can be retrieved from ROM 14c to obtain the voltage boost rate.

[0027] For example, as shown in Figure 5, the hydrogen tank capacity is divided into predetermined ranges (e.g., 10kg or more but less than 20kg, 20kg or more but less than 30kg, 30kg or more but less than 40kg, 40kg or more but less than 50kg, 50kg or more but less than 60kg, etc.), and for each range (division), it is further divided by the type and number of filling ports, and the pressure boost rate is calculated and displayed in a list (mapped). Based on the information obtained in the information acquisition process S11, the pressure boost rate obtained from the map that matches the conditions is retrieved. This map can be stored, for example, in the ROM 14c of the control device 14.

[0028] Similarly, the pressure boost rate can be calculated and displayed in a table (mapped) by dividing it by the type of filling port (and the number of ports if necessary), and further divided by the hydrogen tank capacity. Based on the information obtained in the information acquisition process S11, the pressure boost rate obtained from the map that matches the conditions can then be retrieved.

[0029] 2.1c. Hydrogen refueling In the hydrogen filling process S13, hydrogen is filled at the pressure boost rate determined in the pressure boost rate determination process S12. Based on the determined pressure boost rate information, the control device 14 controls the compressor 12 via the transmission unit 14e to adjust the hydrogen supply pressure and fill the hydrogen at an appropriate pressure boost rate.

[0030] 2.1d. Effects of voltage boosting rate control, etc. As described above, the hydrogen refueling device 10 and the hydrogen refueling method S10, with their respective pressure boosting rates, enable efficient hydrogen refueling, even for hydrogen tanks with particularly large capacities. In other words, even for hydrogen tanks with capacities exceeding 30 kg (for example, hydrogen tanks mounted on large vehicles), it is possible to reduce the load on the hydrogen tank while shortening the hydrogen refueling time.

[0031] Furthermore, although the above description has given an example of calculating the pressure boost rate using a control device 14 provided in the hydrogen refueling device 10, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the pressure boost rate may also be calculated using a control device (engine control unit, ECU, etc.) 4 provided in the fuel cell vehicle 1. In this case, for example, in order to improve safety, the pressure boost rate obtained by the hydrogen refueling device and the pressure boost rate obtained by the fuel cell vehicle may be compared, and refueling may be permitted if the difference between the two values ​​falls within a certain range, and refueling may be prohibited if it does not, or the system may be configured to perform refueling using the smaller of the two pressure boost rates.

[0032] 2.2. Control based on the relationship between the nozzle and the receptacle Hydrogen tank 2 is filled with hydrogen by connecting the nozzle 13a at the end of the hydrogen supply pipe 13, which is equipped in the hydrogen filling device 10, to the filling port (receptacle) 3a provided in the hydrogen introduction pipe 3 located in the fuel cell vehicle 1, as described above. Typically, there are multiple types of nozzles 13a and receptacles 3a, depending on the maximum allowable hydrogen pressure and maximum allowable hydrogen flow rate. Even if different types of nozzles 13a and receptacles 3a are connected, hydrogen filling is still possible, but in some cases, this may result in reduced filling efficiency or malfunctions. For example, this tends to be particularly noticeable when the nozzle 13a has a higher maximum allowable hydrogen pressure or maximum allowable hydrogen flow rate than the receptacle 3a.

[0033] In contrast, when filling with hydrogen, the combination of nozzle 13a and receptacle 3a may be configured so that different types cannot be physically connected. "Physically unable to connect" means that at least one of the structures of nozzle 13a and receptacle 3a is designed in a way that prevents them from connecting. For example, the receptacle 3a may be provided with a protrusion that obstructs the connection of nozzle 13a. However, the configuration is not limited to this. However, if it were impossible to connect any combination of nozzle 13a and receptacle 3a that do not match in type, the number of situations where filling would be prohibited would increase, hindering efficient filling from the standpoint of versatility. Therefore, in this disclosure, the combination of nozzle 13a and receptacle 3a is configured to be physically connected in at least some different types, and the hydrogen filling is controlled by the control device 14. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0034] 2.2.1. Types of nozzles and receptacles As described above, nozzles 13a and receptacles 3a come in multiple types depending on the maximum allowable hydrogen pressure and maximum allowable hydrogen flow rate. Here, "nozzle pressure" refers to the maximum hydrogen pressure that the nozzle can handle, and "nozzle flow rate" refers to the maximum hydrogen flow rate that the nozzle can handle. Similarly, "receptacle pressure" refers to the maximum hydrogen pressure that the receptacle can handle, and "receptacle flow rate" refers to the maximum hydrogen flow rate that the receptacle can handle.

[0035] The number of types of nozzles 13a and receptacles 3a is not particularly limited, but here we will explain using the following example where each of the nozzles 13a and receptacles 3a has the following types. Note that the relationship between pressure levels is pressure A < pressure B < pressure C < pressure D, and the relationship between flow rates is small flow rate < medium flow rate < large flow rate. • Nozzle 1 (N1): Nozzle pressure is pressure A, nozzle flow rate is low flow rate. • Nozzle 2 (N2): Nozzle pressure is pressure B, nozzle flow rate is low flow rate. • Nozzle 3 (N3): Nozzle pressure is pressure C, nozzle flow rate is low flow rate. • Nozzle 4 (N4): Nozzle pressure is pressure C, nozzle flow rate is high flow rate. • Nozzle 5 (N5): Nozzle pressure is pressure D, nozzle flow rate is low flow rate. • Nozzle 6 (N6): Nozzle pressure is pressure D, nozzle flow rate is medium flow rate. • Nozzle 7 (N7): Nozzle pressure is pressure D, nozzle flow rate is high flow rate. • Receptacle 1 (R1): Receptacle pressure is pressure A, receptacle flow rate is low flow rate • Receptacle 2 (R2): Receptacle pressure is pressure B, receptacle flow rate is low flow rate • Receptacle 3 (R3): Receptacle pressure is pressure C, receptacle flow rate is low flow rate. • Receptacle 4 (R4): Receptacle pressure is pressure C, receptacle flow rate is high flow rate • Receptacle 5 (R5): Receptacle pressure is pressure D, receptacle flow rate is low flow rate • Receptacle 6 (R6): Receptacle pressure is pressure D, receptacle flow rate is medium flow rate. • Receptacle 7 (R7): Receptacle pressure is pressure D, receptacle flow rate is high flow rate

[0036] Here, the specific values ​​for nozzle pressure, receptacle pressure, nozzle flow rate, and receptacle flow rate are not particularly limited, but for example, pressure A is 11 MPa, pressure B is 25 MPa, pressure C is 35 MPa, and pressure D is 70 MPa. On the other hand, the low flow rate is 60 g / s, the medium flow rate is 90 g / s, and the high flow rate is 120 g / s.

[0037] 2.2.2. Examples of connection feasibility For hydrogen refueling to be possible, the nozzle 13a and the receptacle 3a must be physically connectable. Figure 6 shows the connectivity in this example. In Figure 6, connectable combinations are indicated by "〇" or "◎", and incompatible combinations are indicated by "×". In this example, the basic principle is that connections are physically possible only when the nozzle pressure is less than or equal to the receptacle pressure and the nozzle flow rate is less than or equal to the receptacle flow rate, and connections are not possible with any other combinations. However, as an exception in this example, as shown by "◎" in Figure 6, connections are possible for combinations where both the nozzle pressure of nozzle 13a and the receptacle pressure of receptacle 3a are pressure D, specifically for combinations where the receptacle flow rate is low and the nozzle flow rate is medium or high, and for combinations where the receptacle flow rate is medium and the nozzle flow rate is high. By expanding the range of combinations that can be connected with high pressure in this way, it is possible to improve versatility by increasing the opportunities for hydrogen refueling, particularly in hydrogen tanks with a capacity exceeding 30 kg (for example, hydrogen tanks installed in large vehicles), and to improve the efficiency of refueling.

[0038] 2.2.3. Hydrogen refueling control As described above, if the nozzle 13a and the receptacle 3a are a compatible combination, connecting them enables hydrogen refueling. However, if the combination falls under an exception, as indicated by "◎" in Figure 6, or if the control device 14 of the hydrogen refueling device 10 cannot recognize the type of receptacle 3a provided on the fuel cell vehicle 1, unconditionally supplying hydrogen to a receptacle 3a with a smaller receptacle flow rate based on the nozzle flow rate of the nozzle 13a increases the likelihood of malfunctions. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control device 14 is used to perform the following control during hydrogen refueling for combinations in which the nozzle 13a and the receptacle 3a can be physically connected. Figure 7 shows the flow of method S20.

[0039] Hydrogen refueling of the fuel cell vehicle 1 in the control method S20 is carried out as described below. This method also allows for the control of hydrogen refueling by creating a computer program with steps corresponding to each process, saving it in the ROM 14c which functions as a recording medium of the control device 14, and executing it. Below, a hydrogen refueling method S20 according to one example will be described, and as described above, a computer program based on this will be recorded in the ROM 14c of the control device 14 and will function as one component of the hydrogen refueling device 10.

[0040] As can be seen in Figure 7, the hydrogen filling method S20 includes an information acquisition and execution process S21, a determination process for determining whether the type can be acquired S22, a filling decision process for low flow rate or less S23, a comparison process between nozzle flow rate and receptacle flow rate S24, a filling decision process for receptacle flow rate or less S25, a filling decision process for nozzle flow rate or less S26, and a hydrogen filling process S27. Each process will be explained below.

[0041] 2.2.3a. Information Acquisition Execution Process S21 In the information acquisition process S21, an attempt is made to obtain at least the type of receptacle 3a in the fuel cell vehicle 1 that is about to be refueled with hydrogen.

[0042] Information acquisition can be performed, for example, by having the receiving unit 14d of the control device 14 of the hydrogen refueling device 10 receive information about the type of receptacle 3a that is wirelessly transmitted from the control device 4 mounted on the fuel cell vehicle 1.

[0043] 2.2.3b. Determination process for determining whether a type can be obtained S22 In the process of determining whether the type can be obtained (S22), it is determined whether the type information of the receptacle 3a was obtained in the information acquisition execution process (S21). When the type of receptacle 3a is obtained, Yes is selected, and the process moves to S24, which is a comparison process between the nozzle flow rate and the receptacle flow rate. On the other hand, if the type of receptacle 3a cannot be obtained, No is selected and the process moves to the small flow rate or less filling determination process S23. Here, there are no particular limitations on the reasons why the type of receptacle 3a cannot be obtained, but examples include cases where the fuel cell vehicle 1 does not have a control device 4 installed in the first place and therefore cannot output information, or cases where the control device 4 is installed but cannot output information due to a malfunction or other reason.

[0044] 2.2.3c. Small flow rate or less filling decision process S23 If the type of receptacle 3a cannot be determined in the type acquisition determination process S22 and "No" is selected, the process proceeds to the low-flow rate or less filling determination process S23, where it is determined that hydrogen filling will be performed at a low flow rate or less. Subsequently, the process proceeds to the hydrogen filling process S27, where hydrogen filling is performed based on this decision. According to this process, the type of receptacle 3a cannot be determined, and although the nozzle 13a and receptacle 3a can be connected, the relationship regarding the flow rate is unknown. In such cases, hydrogen filling based on the nozzle flow rate is prohibited. By performing hydrogen filling at a small flow rate, malfunctions can be prevented.

[0045] 2.2.3d. Comparison process between nozzle flow rate and receptacle flow rate S24 In the determination process S22 for determining whether the type can be obtained, if the type of receptacle 3a can be obtained and "Yes" is selected, the process proceeds to the comparison process S24 between the nozzle flow rate and the receptacle flow rate, where the nozzle flow rate and the receptacle flow rate are compared. In this process, based on the information obtained in the determination process S22 for determining whether the type can be acquired, if the nozzle flow rate is greater than the receptacle flow rate, Yes is selected and the process proceeds to the filling determination process S25, which determines whether the nozzle flow rate is less than or equal to the receptacle flow rate. On the other hand, based on the information obtained in the determination process S22 for whether the type can be acquired, if the nozzle flow rate is less than or equal to the receptacle flow rate, No is selected and the process proceeds to the nozzle flow rate or less filling determination process S26.

[0046] 2.2.3e. Receptacle flow rate or less filling determination process S25 In the comparison process S24 between the nozzle flow rate and the receptacle flow rate, if the nozzle flow rate is greater than the receptacle flow rate, "Yes" is selected, and the process proceeds to the determination process S25 to determine whether to fill the system to a rate less than or equal to the receptacle flow rate, where it is determined that hydrogen will be filled to a rate less than or equal to the receptacle flow rate. Subsequently, the process proceeds to the hydrogen filling process S27, where hydrogen is filled based on this decision. According to this process, if the nozzle flow rate is greater than the receptacle flow rate, hydrogen filling using the nozzle flow rate is prohibited. Then, hydrogen filling is performed at a flow rate that does not exceed the receptacle flow rate, which prevents malfunctions even in types of connections where the receptacle flow rate is smaller than the nozzle flow rate.

[0047] 2.2.3f. Nozzle flow rate - filling determination process S26 In the comparison process S24 between the nozzle flow rate and the receptacle flow rate, if the nozzle flow rate is less than or equal to the receptacle flow rate, "No" is selected, and the process proceeds to the nozzle flow rate or less filling decision process S26, where it is decided that hydrogen filling will be carried out at or below the nozzle flow rate. Subsequently, the process proceeds to the hydrogen filling process S27, where hydrogen filling is carried out based on this decision. According to this process, since the nozzle flow rate is less than or equal to the receptacle flow rate, hydrogen filling is performed in accordance with the nozzle flow rate, thus preventing malfunctions from occurring.

[0048] 2.2.3g. Hydrogen filling process S27 In the hydrogen filling process S27, hydrogen is filled at a flow rate determined in the low flow rate or less filling determination process S23, the receptacle flow rate or less filling determination process S25, and the nozzle flow rate or less filling determination process S26. Based on the determined flow rate information, the control device 14 controls the compressor 12 via the transmission unit 14e to adjust the hydrogen supply pressure and fill the hydrogen at an appropriate flow rate. Furthermore, the pressure boosting rate during hydrogen refueling may be determined using method S10 described above, and hydrogen refueling may proceed at that pressure boosting rate. This allows for even more efficient hydrogen refueling. However, the pressure boosting rate is not limited to this.

[0049] 2.2.4. Effects of control based on the relationship between the nozzle and the receptacle, etc. According to the hydrogen filling control using the hydrogen filling device 10 and hydrogen filling method S20 described above, hydrogen filling can be performed while allowing at least some combinations of nozzles 13a and receptacles 3a of different types. This increases the opportunities for hydrogen filling and enables efficient filling from the standpoint of versatility. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 10. Hydrogen refueling equipment 11 Accumulator 12 Compressor 13 Hydrogen supply pipe 13a Nozzle 14 Control device S10 Hydrogen refueling method S20 Hydrogen Refueling Method

Claims

1. A method for filling a hydrogen tank with hydrogen, When the nozzle and receptacle can be connected, An information acquisition process that attempts to obtain the type of the aforementioned receptacle, A process for determining whether or not the type of the receptacle was obtained, If it is determined in the aforementioned determination process for determining whether the type can be obtained that the type of the receptacle could not be obtained, a determination process for determining whether hydrogen will be filled at a low flow rate or less is performed, A hydrogen refueling method comprising the following features.

2. The aforementioned small flow rate is The smallest hydrogen flow rate among multiple flow rate candidates, The hydrogen filling method according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned small flow rate is 60 g / s. The hydrogen filling method according to claim 1.

4. If it is determined in the process of determining whether the type can be obtained that the type of receptacle can be obtained, the nozzle flow rate and the receptacle flow rate are compared, and if it is determined that the nozzle flow rate is less than or equal to the receptacle flow rate, hydrogen is filled using a pressure increase rate which is the pressure increase per unit time in the hydrogen tank determined by the type of receptacle and the capacity of the hydrogen tank. A hydrogen filling method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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