Gas control device and gas control method

Abstract

The present invention provides a gas control device and a gas control method. When an abnormal output of an internal temperature sensor (42) is detected by an abnormality detection unit (60), a discharge control unit (58) calculates a discharge amount (limit value L of a gas flow rate F) based on an ambient temperature (Ta) measured by an ambient temperature sensor (44), and performs discharge control of fuel gas based on the calculated discharge amount. This can prevent a decrease in convenience due to a malfunction of a sensor for measuring the internal temperature of a high-pressure tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas control device and a gas control method for controlling the discharge of fuel gas discharged from a high-pressure tank to a fuel cell. Background Art

[0002] A fuel cell vehicle (also referred to simply as a vehicle) drives a motor for driving by power supplied from a battery and a fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen supplied from a high-pressure tank and oxygen in the air. The amount of power generated by the fuel cell stack is determined by the amount of hydrogen supplied. Therefore, the gas control device controls the amount of hydrogen discharged from the high-pressure tank according to the amount of power generated required by the vehicle.

[0003] When hydrogen is discharged from the high-pressure tank, the internal pressure of the high-pressure tank decreases, and the temperature of the hydrogen gas decreases (adiabatic expansion). When the temperature of the high-pressure tank decreases along with the temperature of the hydrogen gas, there is a concern that the temperature of the high-pressure tank and the parts around the tank body will become lower than the lower limit temperature of the usable temperature (guaranteed temperature). Each component deteriorates when the temperature becomes below the lower limit temperature.

[0004] Japanese Patent Authorization Gazette No. 4863651 discloses the following device: according to the temperature of hydrogen gas discharged from the high-pressure tank, a limit value of the output (power generation) of the fuel cell stack or a limit value of the discharge (consumption) of hydrogen gas is set, and the output or discharge is limited to below the limit value. According to the device of Japanese Patent Authorization Gazette No. 4863651, it is possible to prevent the hydrogen sealing function from decreasing due to the decrease in temperature.

[0005] In the device of Japanese Patent Authorization Gazette No. 4863651, it is assumed that when the temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of hydrogen gas fails, the limit value can no longer be set appropriately. As a countermeasure to this technical problem, from the perspective of fault protection, it is considered to set a limit value so that the hydrogen gas temperature will not reach the use limit value even if the temperature monitoring is not performed when the sensor fails. Summary of the invention

[0006] However, when dealing with the above-mentioned fault protection, the limit value is sometimes set lower than the necessary value. Therefore, for example, in the case of a gas control device provided in a fuel cell vehicle, a limit value may be set at a level that makes normal driving difficult. In this way, when setting the limit value from the perspective of fault protection, there is a concern that convenience may be reduced.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of such technical problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gas control device and a gas control method that prevent a decrease in convenience due to a failure of a sensor for measuring the internal temperature of a high-pressure tank.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention is a gas control device comprising a high-pressure tank, an internal temperature sensor, and a discharge control unit, wherein:

[0009] The high-pressure tank stores fuel gas used by the fuel cell;

[0010] The internal temperature sensor measures the internal temperature of the high-pressure tank;

[0011] The discharge control unit calculates a discharge amount of the fuel gas discharged from the high-pressure tank to the fuel cell based on the internal temperature measured by the internal temperature sensor, and performs discharge control of the fuel gas based on the discharge amount.

[0012] The gas control device also has an abnormality detection unit and an ambient temperature sensor, wherein:

[0013] The abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality in the output of the internal temperature sensor;

[0014] The ambient temperature sensor measures the ambient temperature outside the high-pressure tank.

[0015] When the abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality in the output of the internal temperature sensor, the discharge control unit obtains the discharge amount based on the ambient temperature measured by the ambient temperature sensor, and performs the discharge control of the fuel gas based on the obtained discharge amount.

[0016] A second aspect of the present invention is a gas control method using a high-pressure tank, an internal temperature sensor, a discharge control unit, an abnormality detection unit, and an ambient temperature sensor, wherein:

[0017] The high-pressure tank stores fuel gas used by the fuel cell;

[0018] The internal temperature sensor measures the internal temperature of the high-pressure tank;

[0019] The discharge control unit calculates a discharge amount of the fuel gas discharged from the high-pressure tank to the fuel cell based on the internal temperature measured by the internal temperature sensor, and performs discharge control of the fuel gas based on the discharge amount;

[0020] The abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality in the output of the internal temperature sensor;

[0021] The ambient temperature sensor measures the ambient temperature outside the high-pressure tank.

[0022] When the abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality in the output of the internal temperature sensor, the discharge control unit obtains the discharge amount based on the ambient temperature measured by the ambient temperature sensor, and performs the discharge control of the fuel gas based on the obtained discharge amount.

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a decrease in convenience due to a failure of a sensor for measuring the internal temperature of a high-pressure tank.

[0024] The above-mentioned objects, features and advantages will be easily understood from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a fuel cell vehicle.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the gas control device according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 3A is a diagram showing an example of the first mapping. Figure 3B This is a diagram showing an example of the second mapping.

[0028] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the flow of processing performed by the gas control device according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 5 It means different from Figure 3B Graph of the second mapping.

[0030] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the flow of processing performed by the gas control device according to the second modification.

[0031] Figure 7 It is a block diagram showing the configuration of a gas control device according to a second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the flow of processing performed by the gas control device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, the gas control device and the gas control method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and by listing preferred embodiments.

[0034] [1. First embodiment]

[0035] [1.1. Vehicle 10]

[0036] like Figure 1As shown, in the following embodiment, it is assumed that a gas control device 18 is provided in the fuel cell system 12 of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 is a fuel cell vehicle, and has a fuel cell system 12, a PCU (power control unit) 14, and a motor 16 for driving as a load. The fuel cell system 12 has a gas control device 18, and generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. The PCU 14 has a DC / DC converter and an inverter (neither of which are shown in the figure). The PCU 14 controls the output of the fuel cell system 12 and supplies it to the motor 16 according to a command signal of a driving ECU (not shown) that controls the driving system of the vehicle 10. The motor 16 generates the driving force of the vehicle 10.

[0037] [1.2. Structure of the gas control device 18]

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the gas control device 18 includes a high-pressure tank 20 , a power device 30 , a sensor group 40 , and a gas control ECU 50 .

[0039] The high-pressure tank 20 has an inner liner, a reinforcement layer, and an interface (not shown). The inner liner is formed of, for example, resin and stores hydrogen inside. The reinforcement layer is formed of, for example, CFRP and covers the outer peripheral surface of the inner liner. The interface is formed of, for example, metal (aluminum) and is provided with one or two.

[0040] The power unit 30 has a main shutoff valve 32, a pressure reducing valve 34, an injector 36 and a fuel cell stack 38. The main shutoff valve 32 is arranged on the piping between the high-pressure tank 20 and the fuel cell stack 38. The main shutoff valve 32 is opened and closed according to the control signal output from the gas control ECU 50. The pressure reducing valve 34 is arranged on the piping between the main shutoff valve 32 and the fuel cell stack 38. The pressure reducing valve 34 reduces the pressure of the hydrogen gas flowing out of the main shutoff valve 32. The injector 36 is arranged on the piping between the pressure reducing valve 34 and the fuel cell stack 38. The injector 36 adjusts the discharge amount (flow rate) of hydrogen gas to the fuel cell stack 38 according to the control signal output from the gas control ECU 50. The fuel cell stack 38 has a plurality of power generation units (not shown). The power generation unit has an electrode structure and a pair of separators that clamp the electrode structure. The electrode structure has an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, and an electrolyte between the two electrodes. In the power generation unit, hydrogen gas is supplied between one separator and the anode electrode, and air (oxygen) is supplied between the other separator and the cathode electrode.

[0041] The sensor group 40 includes an internal temperature sensor 42, an ambient temperature sensor 44, a pressure sensor 46, and a flow sensor 48. The internal temperature sensor 42 measures the internal temperature Ti of the high-pressure tank 20. The ambient temperature sensor 44 measures the ambient temperature Ta outside the high-pressure tank 20. The ambient temperature Ta can be the temperature inside the space that accommodates the high-pressure tank 20, or the temperature outside the vehicle 10 (external air temperature). The ambient temperature sensor 44 can also be installed on the outer peripheral surface of the high-pressure tank 20. The pressure sensor 46 measures the internal pressure P of the high-pressure tank 20. The internal pressure P can also be the pressure of the hydrogen gas flowing in the piping from the high-pressure tank 20 to the pressure reducing valve 34. The flow sensor 48 measures the discharge amount of hydrogen gas discharged from the high-pressure tank 20 (here, the gas flow rate F). Each sensor outputs a signal representing the measured value to the gas control ECU 50.

[0042] The gas control ECU 50 includes an input / output unit 52, a calculation unit 54, and a storage unit 56. The input / output unit 52 is composed of an A / D conversion circuit, a communication interface, a driver, and the like.

[0043] The calculation unit 54 is constituted by a processor including a CPU, for example. The calculation unit 54 realizes various functions by executing a program stored in the storage unit 56. The calculation unit 54 functions as a discharge control unit 58 and an abnormality detection unit 60.

[0044] The discharge control unit 58 performs discharge control of hydrogen in accordance with the power generation request output from the driving ECU (not shown). The discharge control is divided into normal control and flow rate limiting control. Normal control refers to a discharge control in which the limit value L of the gas flow rate F is set to the maximum value Lx and the gas flow rate F is suppressed below the limit value L. As described above, the so-called limit value L refers to the upper limit value of the gas flow rate F set to prevent the high-pressure tank 20 and its surrounding parts from deteriorating due to low temperature. In addition, the so-called maximum value Lx refers to a value determined by the design and structure of the high-pressure tank 20 and the power unit 30. That is, the so-called normal control can also be a discharge control in which the limit value L is not set. On the other hand, the so-called flow rate limiting control refers to a discharge control in which the limit value L of the gas flow rate F is set to a value less than the maximum value Lx and the gas flow rate F is suppressed below the limit value L. The discharge control unit 58 sets the limit value L according to the first map 62 or the second map 64.

[0045] The abnormality detection unit 60 detects an output abnormality of the internal temperature sensor 42. For example, the abnormality detection unit 60 determines that an output abnormality has occurred when no signal indicating the internal temperature Ti is received from the internal temperature sensor 42. Alternatively, the abnormality detection unit 60 determines that an output abnormality has occurred when the internal temperature Ti measured by the internal temperature sensor 42 is an abnormal value in comparison with the ambient temperature Ta.

[0046] The storage unit 56 is composed of a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk, and the like. In addition to storing various programs, the storage unit 56 also stores various information used in the processing of the calculation unit 54. In addition, the storage unit 56 stores control information (referred to as a first map 62) that establishes a correspondence between the internal temperature Ti and the limit value L of the gas flow rate F. In addition, the storage unit 56 stores information (referred to as a second map 64) that establishes a correspondence between the ambient temperature Ta, the internal pressure P, and the limit value L of the gas flow rate F. The first map 62 and the second map 64 are obtained in advance by actual measurement or simulation.

[0047] Figure 3A An example of the first mapping 62 is shown. The first mapping 62 establishes a correspondence between the internal temperature Ti in the temperature range above the minimum temperature Ti1 and below the limit start temperature Ti2 (Ti1≦Ti<Ti2) and the limit value L that is less than the maximum value Lx. Within this temperature range, the lower the internal temperature Ti, the smaller the corresponding limit value L. The so-called minimum temperature Ti1 refers to the lower limit value of the temperature at which the vehicle 10 can be used. In addition, the first mapping 62 establishes a correspondence between the internal temperature Ti in the temperature range above the limit start temperature Ti2 (Ti2≦Ti) and the maximum value Lx.

[0048] Figure 3B An example of the second map 64 is shown. The second map 64 is information that establishes a correspondence between the ambient temperature Ta when the amount of heat received and the amount of heat dissipated are balanced, and the limit value L, wherein the amount of heat received is the amount of heat received by the high-pressure tank 20 from the external atmosphere; and the amount of heat dissipated is the amount of heat discharged from the high-pressure tank 20 to the external atmosphere as the hydrogen is discharged from the high-pressure tank 20. The second map 64 is set for each internal pressure P.

[0049] The second map 64 establishes a correspondence relationship between the ambient temperature Ta in the temperature range of not less than the minimum temperature Ta1 and not less than the limit start temperature Ta2 (Ta1≦Ta<Ta2) and the limit value L less than the maximum value Lx. In this temperature range, the lower the ambient temperature Ta is, the smaller the corresponding limit value L becomes. The so-called minimum temperature Ta1 is the lower limit value of the temperature at which the vehicle 10 can be used. In addition, the second map 64 establishes a correspondence relationship between the ambient temperature Ta in the temperature range of not less than the limit start temperature Ta2 (Ta2≦Ta) and the maximum value Lx.

[0050] [1.3. Gas control method]

[0051] use Figure 4 The gas control method according to the first embodiment will be described. The process described below is executed at predetermined time intervals by the vehicle 10 while the fuel cell system 12 is operating.

[0052] In step S1, the discharge control unit 58 acquires the internal temperature Ti measured by the internal temperature sensor 42, the ambient temperature Ta measured by the ambient temperature sensor 44, and the internal pressure P measured by the pressure sensor 46. After step S1 is completed, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0053] In step S2, the abnormality detection unit 60 determines whether the internal temperature sensor 42 is normal. If the internal temperature sensor 42 is normal (step S2: Yes), the process proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if the internal temperature sensor 42 is not normal (step S2: No), the process proceeds to step S4.

[0054] In step S3, the discharge control unit 58 determines the limit value L according to the internal temperature Ti of the high-pressure tank 20. The discharge control unit 58 determines the limit value L corresponding to the internal temperature Ti in the first map 62. After step S3 is completed, the process proceeds to step S5.

[0055] In step S4, the discharge control unit 58 determines the limit value L based on the ambient temperature Ta and the internal pressure P. The discharge control unit 58 selects the second map 64 corresponding to the internal pressure P, and determines the limit value L corresponding to the ambient temperature Ta in the selected second map 64. After step S4 is completed, the process moves to step S5.

[0056] In step S5, the discharge control unit 58 sets the limit value L determined in step S3 or step S4 to perform discharge control. The discharge control unit 58 controls the ejector 36 in such a manner that the gas flow rate F measured by the flow sensor 48 does not exceed the limit value L. In addition, the discharge control unit 58 may not set the maximum value Lx as the limit value L when the internal temperature Ti is higher than the limit start temperature Ti2 or when the ambient temperature Ta is higher than the limit start temperature Ta2. This is because the gas flow rate F does not exceed the maximum value Lx according to the structure of the high-pressure tank 20 and the power unit 30. After step S5 is completed, the process returns to step S1.

[0057] [1.4. Modifications]

[0058] The first embodiment can be modified as follows.

[0059] [First Modification]

[0060] Can also replace Figure 3B The second mapping 64 shown in FIG. Figure 5 The second mapping 64 is shown. Figure 5The second map 64 shown is control information that establishes a correspondence relationship between the limit values ​​L of multiple stages, multiple ranges of the internal pressure P, and multiple ranges of the ambient temperature Ta. The second map 64 establishes a correspondence relationship between six pressure ranges (first pressure range to sixth pressure range), four temperature ranges (first temperature range to fourth temperature range), and four limit values ​​L (Lx, L1 to L3).

[0061] The pressure range divides the range of the internal pressure P of the high-pressure tank 20 from the upper limit to the lower limit into 6 ranges. The pressure of each range increases in the order of the first pressure range, the second pressure range, the third pressure range, the fourth pressure range, the fifth pressure range, and the sixth pressure range. The temperature range divides the range of the ambient temperature Ta into 4 ranges from the lowest temperature Ta1 to the specified temperature. The temperature of each range increases in the order of the fourth temperature range, the third temperature range, the second temperature range, and the first temperature range. When using Figure 5 In the case of the second map 64 shown, the discharge control unit 58 changes the limit value L into four stages (Lx, L1, L2, L3).

[0062] In the case of the first modification, the discharge control unit 58 Figure 4 In step S4 shown, use Figure 5 The second map 64 shown defines a temperature range including the ambient temperature Ta and a pressure range including the internal pressure P, and defines a limit value L corresponding to each range.

[0063] [Second Modification]

[0064] In the above-described embodiment, the discharge control unit 58 obtains the limit value L of the gas flow rate F based on the ambient temperature Ta and the internal pressure P when the output of the internal temperature sensor 42 is abnormal. Instead of this embodiment, the discharge control unit 58 may not use the information of the internal pressure P. That is, the discharge control unit 58 obtains the limit value L of the gas flow rate F based on the ambient temperature Ta when the output of the internal temperature sensor 42 is abnormal. Then, the discharge control unit 58 may perform the discharge control of the hydrogen gas based on the obtained limit value L of the gas flow rate F.

[0065] like Figure 6 As shown, the processing of steps S11 to S15 performed in the second modification example is the same as the processing of steps S1 to S5 performed in the first embodiment, except that the internal pressure P is not used.

[0066] [Other Modifications]

[0067] In the above embodiment, the limit value L of the gas flow rate F is obtained. The gas flow rate F is proportional to the power generation of the fuel cell stack 38. Therefore, the discharge control unit 58 may obtain the limit value of the power generation of the fuel cell stack 38 instead of obtaining the limit value L of the gas flow rate F.

[0068] In addition, the gas control device 18 may be provided in the fuel cell system 12 other than the vehicle 10. For example, the gas control device 18 may be used in the fuel cell system 12 used in a home.

[0069] [2. Second embodiment]

[0070] A plurality of high-pressure tanks 20 may be provided in the fuel cell system 12. Next, an embodiment of the gas control device 18 provided with two high-pressure tanks 20 and 120 having different hydrogen storage capacities will be described.

[0071] [2.1. Structure of the gas control device 18]

[0072] like Figure 7 As shown, the gas control device 18 of the second embodiment has Figure 1 In addition to the structures of the first embodiment shown, a high-pressure tank 120 , a main cutoff valve 132 , a pressure reducing valve 134 , an ejector 136 , an internal temperature sensor 142 , and a flow rate sensor 148 are provided.

[0073] The storage capacity of the high-pressure tank 120 is smaller than that of the high-pressure tank 20. A main shutoff valve 132, a pressure reducing valve 134, and an ejector 136 are provided between the high-pressure tank 120 and the fuel cell stack 38. The internal temperature sensor 142 measures the internal temperature ti of the high-pressure tank 120. The flow sensor 148 measures the discharge amount of hydrogen gas discharged from the high-pressure tank 120 (referred to as the gas flow rate f in this case).

[0074] The storage unit 56 stores a third map 162 corresponding to the high-pressure tank 120 similarly to the first map 62 corresponding to the high-pressure tank 20. The third map 162 establishes a correspondence between the internal temperature ti in the temperature range from the lowest temperature ti1 to less than the limit start temperature ti2 (ti1≦ti<ti2) and the limit value L less than the maximum value Lx. In addition, the third map 162 establishes a correspondence between the internal temperature ti in the temperature range from the limit start temperature ti2 to more than the limit start temperature ti2 (ti2≦ti) and the maximum value Lx.

[0075] [2.2. Gas control method]

[0076] In the second embodiment, the discharge control unit 58 performs the following control. When the internal temperature sensor 42 and the internal temperature sensor 142 have no output abnormality, the discharge control unit 58 selects the lower value of the limit value L of the gas flow rate F obtained based on the internal temperature Ti and the limit value L of the gas flow rate f obtained based on the internal temperature ti to perform discharge control. In addition, when only the internal temperature sensor 42 has an output abnormality, the discharge control unit 58 selects the lower value of the limit value L of the gas flow rate F obtained based on the ambient temperature Ta and the limit value L of the gas flow rate f obtained based on the internal temperature ti to perform discharge control.

[0077] use Figure 8 The gas control method according to the second embodiment will be described. The process described below is executed at predetermined time intervals by the vehicle 10 while the fuel cell system 12 is operating.

[0078] In step S21, the discharge control unit 58 acquires the internal temperature Ti measured by the internal temperature sensor 42, the internal temperature ti measured by the internal temperature sensor 142, the ambient temperature Ta measured by the ambient temperature sensor 44, and the internal pressure P measured by the pressure sensor 46. After step S21 is completed, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0079] In step S22, the abnormality detection unit 60 determines whether the internal temperature sensors 42 and 142 are normal. If the internal temperature sensors 42 and 142 are normal (step S22: Yes), the process proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, if at least one of the internal temperature sensors 42 and 142 is abnormal (step S22: No), the process proceeds to step S26.

[0080] In step S23, the discharge control unit 58 determines the limit value L according to the internal temperature Ti of the high-pressure tank 20. The discharge control unit 58 determines the limit value L corresponding to the internal temperature Ti in the first map 62. After step S23 is completed, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0081] In step S24, the discharge control unit 58 determines the limit value L based on the internal temperature ti of the high-pressure tank 120. The discharge control unit 58 determines the limit value L corresponding to the internal temperature ti in the third map 162. After step S24 is completed, the process proceeds to step S25.

[0082] In step S25 , the discharge control unit 58 compares the two limit values ​​L determined in steps S23 and S24 , and selects the lower limit value L. After step S25 is completed, the process proceeds to step S31 .

[0083] In step S26, the abnormality detection unit 60 determines whether the internal temperature sensor (internal temperature sensor 42 of the high-pressure tank 20 on the large-capacity side) is normal. When the internal temperature sensor 42 is normal, in other words, when the internal temperature sensor 142 is abnormal (step S26: Yes), the process moves to step S27. On the other hand, when the internal temperature sensor 42 is abnormal, in other words, when the internal temperature sensor 142 is normal (step S26: No), the process moves to step S28.

[0084] In step S27, the discharge control unit 58 determines the limit value L according to the internal temperature Ti of the high-pressure tank 20. The discharge control unit 58 determines the limit value L corresponding to the internal temperature Ti in the first map 62. After step S27 is completed, the process proceeds to step S31.

[0085] In step S28, the discharge control unit 58 determines the limit value L based on the ambient temperature Ta and the internal pressure P. The discharge control unit 58 selects the second map 64 corresponding to the internal pressure P, and determines the limit value L corresponding to the ambient temperature Ta in the selected second map 64. After step S28 is completed, the process moves to step S29.

[0086] In step S29, similarly to step S24, the discharge control unit 58 determines the limit value L based on the internal temperature ti of the high-pressure tank 120. After step S29 is completed, the process proceeds to step S30.

[0087] In step S30 , the discharge control unit 58 compares the two limit values ​​L determined in steps S28 and S29 , and selects the lower limit value L. After step S30 is completed, the process proceeds to step S31 .

[0088] In step S31, the discharge control unit 58 sets the limit value L determined in step S25, step S27 or step S30 to perform discharge control. The discharge control unit 58 controls the ejector 36 so that the gas flow rate F measured by the flow sensor 48 does not exceed the limit value L. In addition, the discharge control unit 58 controls the ejector 136 so that the gas flow rate f measured by the flow sensor 148 does not exceed the limit value L. After step S31 is completed, the process returns to step S21.

[0089] [2.3. Modifications]

[0090] The second embodiment can be modified in the same manner as the first embodiment.

[0091] [3. Technical ideas that can be obtained according to the implementation method]

[0092] The following describes technical ideas that can be grasped based on the above-mentioned embodiment and the above-mentioned modified examples.

[0093] A first aspect of the present invention is a gas control device 18 including a high-pressure tank 20, an internal temperature sensor 42, and a discharge control unit 58, wherein:

[0094] The high-pressure tank 20 stores fuel gas used by the fuel cell (fuel cell stack 38);

[0095] The internal temperature sensor 42 measures the internal temperature Ti of the high-pressure tank 20;

[0096] The discharge control unit 58 calculates the discharge amount of the fuel gas discharged from the high-pressure tank 20 to the fuel cell (the limit value L of the gas flow rate F) based on the internal temperature Ti measured by the internal temperature sensor 42, and performs discharge control of the fuel gas based on the discharge amount.

[0097] The gas control device 18 further includes an abnormality detection unit 60 and an ambient temperature sensor 44.

[0098] The abnormality detection unit 60 detects abnormality in the output of the internal temperature sensor 42;

[0099] The ambient temperature sensor 44 measures the ambient temperature Ta outside the high-pressure tank 20.

[0100] When the abnormality detection unit 60 detects an abnormality in the output of the internal temperature sensor 42 , the discharge control unit 58 obtains the discharge amount based on the ambient temperature Ta measured by the ambient temperature sensor 44 , and performs the discharge control of the fuel gas based on the obtained discharge amount.

[0101] According to the above configuration, when the internal temperature sensor 42 fails, the discharge control is performed based on the ambient temperature Ta measured by the ambient temperature sensor 44. The internal temperature Ti of the high-pressure tank 20 is affected by the ambient temperature Ta. Therefore, the discharge control based on the ambient temperature Ta reflects the discharge control based on the internal temperature Ti to some extent. For example, when the above configuration is used for the vehicle 10, the vehicle 10 can travel normally. In this way, according to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the convenience from being reduced due to the failure of the internal temperature sensor 42 that measures the internal temperature Ti of the high-pressure tank 20.

[0102] In the first mode, it may also be:

[0103] The storage unit 56 is further provided, and the storage unit 56 stores control information ( ) for establishing a correspondence between the ambient temperature Ta and the exhaust volume (limit value L of the gas flow rate F) when the amount of heat received and the amount of heat dissipated are balanced. Figure 3BThe second mapping 64), wherein the heat received is the heat received by the high-pressure tank 20 from the external atmosphere; the heat dissipated is the heat discharged from the high-pressure tank 20 to the external atmosphere along with the discharge of the fuel gas from the high-pressure tank 20,

[0104] When the abnormality detection unit 60 detects an abnormality in the output of the internal temperature sensor 42, the discharge control unit 58 calculates the discharge amount based on the ambient temperature Ta measured by the ambient temperature sensor 44 and the control information stored in the storage unit 56, and performs the discharge control of the fuel gas based on the calculated discharge amount.

[0105] In the first mode, it may also be:

[0106] The high-pressure tank 20 is further provided with a pressure sensor 46 for measuring the internal pressure P of the high-pressure tank 20.

[0107] When the abnormality detection unit 60 detects an abnormality in the output of the internal temperature sensor 42, the discharge control unit 58 calculates the discharge amount (the limit value L of the gas flow rate F) based on the ambient temperature Ta measured by the ambient temperature sensor 44 and the internal pressure P measured by the pressure sensor 46, and performs the discharge control of the fuel gas based on the discharge amount.

[0108] According to the above configuration, when the internal temperature sensor 42 fails, discharge control is performed based on the ambient temperature Ta measured by the ambient temperature sensor 44 and the internal pressure P measured by the pressure sensor 46. By using the internal pressure P in addition to the ambient temperature Ta, a more accurate discharge amount (limit value L of the gas flow rate F) can be obtained.

[0109] In the first mode, it may also be:

[0110] The storage unit 56 is further provided, and the storage unit 56 stores control information (which establishes a correspondence between the ambient temperature Ta and the discharge amount (limit value L of the gas flow rate F) when the amount of heat received and the amount of heat dissipated is balanced) for each internal pressure P. Figure 3B The second mapping 64), wherein the heat received is the heat received by the high-pressure tank 20 from the external atmosphere; the heat dissipated is the heat discharged from the high-pressure tank 20 to the external atmosphere along with the discharge of the fuel gas from the high-pressure tank 20,

[0111] When the abnormality detection unit 60 detects an abnormality in the output of the internal temperature sensor 42, the discharge control unit 58 calculates the discharge amount based on the ambient temperature Ta measured by the ambient temperature sensor 44, the internal pressure P measured by the pressure sensor 46 and the control information stored in the storage unit 56, and performs the discharge control of the fuel gas based on the calculated discharge amount.

[0112] In the first mode, it may also be:

[0113] The storage unit 56 is further provided with a storage unit 56 for storing control information (i) for establishing a correspondence between the discharge amounts (Lx, L1, L2, L3) at multiple stages, multiple ranges of the internal pressure P (1st to 6th pressure ranges), and multiple ranges of the ambient temperature Ta (1st to 4th temperature ranges). Figure 5 The second mapping 64),

[0114] When the abnormality detection unit 60 detects an abnormality in the output of the internal temperature sensor 42, the discharge control unit 58 calculates the discharge amount (the limit value L of the gas flow rate F) based on the ambient temperature Ta measured by the ambient temperature sensor 44, the internal pressure P measured by the pressure sensor 46 and the control information stored in the storage unit 56, and performs the discharge control of the fuel gas based on the calculated discharge amount.

[0115] In the first mode, it may also be:

[0116] The high-pressure tank includes a first tank body (high-pressure tank 20) ​​and a second tank body (high-pressure tank 120) having a smaller storage capacity of the fuel gas than the first tank body.

[0117] As the internal temperature sensor, there are a first internal temperature sensor (internal temperature sensor 42) for measuring the internal temperature Ti of the first tank body and a second internal temperature sensor (internal temperature sensor 142) for measuring the internal temperature Ti of the second tank body,

[0118] When the abnormality detection unit 60 does not detect abnormality in the outputs of the first internal temperature sensor and the second internal temperature sensor, the discharge control unit 58 selects the lower value of the discharge amount (limit value L of the gas flow rate F) obtained based on the internal temperature Ti measured by the first internal temperature sensor and the discharge amount (limit value L of the gas flow rate f) obtained based on the internal temperature Ti measured by the second internal temperature sensor to perform the discharge control.

[0119] When the abnormality detection unit 60 detects only an output abnormality in the first internal temperature sensor, the lower value of the discharge volume obtained based on the ambient temperature Ta measured by the ambient temperature sensor 44 and the discharge volume obtained based on the internal temperature ti measured by the second internal temperature sensor is selected to perform the discharge control.

[0120] A second aspect of the present invention is a gas control method.

[0121] The gas control method uses a high-pressure tank 20, an internal temperature sensor 42, a discharge control unit 58, an abnormality detection unit 60, and an ambient temperature sensor 44, wherein:

[0122] The high-pressure tank 20 stores the fuel gas used by the fuel cell (fuel cell stack 38);

[0123] The internal temperature sensor 42 measures the internal temperature Ti of the high-pressure tank 20;

[0124] The discharge control unit 58 obtains the discharge amount of the fuel gas discharged from the high-pressure tank 20 to the fuel cell (the limit value L of the gas flow rate F) based on the internal temperature Ti measured by the internal temperature sensor 42, and performs discharge control of the fuel gas based on the discharge amount;

[0125] The abnormality detection unit 60 detects abnormality in the output of the internal temperature sensor 42;

[0126] The ambient temperature sensor 44 measures the ambient temperature Ta outside the high-pressure tank 20.

[0127] When the abnormality detection unit 60 detects an abnormality in the output of the internal temperature sensor 42 , the discharge control unit 58 obtains the discharge amount based on the ambient temperature Ta measured by the ambient temperature sensor 44 , and performs the discharge control of the fuel gas based on the obtained discharge amount.

[0128] In the second method, it can also be:

[0129] The high-pressure tank 20 is further provided with a pressure sensor 46 for measuring the internal pressure P of the high-pressure tank 20.

[0130] When the abnormality detection unit 60 detects an abnormality in the output of the internal temperature sensor 42, the discharge control unit 58 calculates the discharge amount (the limit value L of the gas flow rate f) based on the ambient temperature Ta measured by the ambient temperature sensor 44 and the internal pressure P measured by the pressure sensor 46, and performs the discharge control of the fuel gas based on the discharge amount.

[0131] According to the second aspect, the same effects as those of the first aspect can be obtained.

[0132] In addition, the gas control device and the gas control method according to the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and it is obvious that various configurations can be adopted within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gas control device comprising a high-pressure tank, an internal temperature sensor and a discharge control unit, in, The high-pressure tank stores fuel gas used by the fuel cell; The internal temperature sensor measures the internal temperature of the high-pressure tank; The discharge control unit calculates a discharge amount of the fuel gas discharged from the high-pressure tank to the fuel cell based on the internal temperature measured by the internal temperature sensor, and performs discharge control of the fuel gas based on the discharge amount. The gas control device is characterized in that It also has an abnormality detection unit, an ambient temperature sensor, a pressure sensor and a storage unit, wherein: The abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality in the output of the internal temperature sensor; The ambient temperature sensor measures the ambient temperature outside the high-pressure tank; The pressure sensor measures the internal pressure of the high-pressure tank; The storage unit stores first information and second information, wherein the first information establishes a correspondence between the internal temperature and the discharge amount, and the second information establishes a correspondence between the ambient temperature, the internal pressure, and the discharge amount. When the abnormality detection unit does not detect an abnormality in the output of the internal temperature sensor, the discharge control unit calculates the discharge amount based on the internal temperature measured by the internal temperature sensor and the first information, and performs the discharge control of the fuel gas based on the calculated discharge amount. When the abnormality detection unit detects an output abnormality of the internal temperature sensor, the discharge control unit calculates the discharge amount based on the ambient temperature measured by the ambient temperature sensor, the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor and the second information, and performs the discharge control of the fuel gas based on the calculated discharge amount.

2. The gas control device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that A pressure sensor is also provided, which measures the internal pressure of the high-pressure tank. When the abnormality detection unit detects an output abnormality of the internal temperature sensor, the discharge control unit calculates the discharge amount based on the ambient temperature measured by the ambient temperature sensor and the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor, and performs the discharge control of the fuel gas based on the discharge amount.

3. The gas control device according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The invention also comprises a storage unit, which stores control information for establishing a correspondence between the ambient temperature and the discharge amount when the amount of heat received and the amount of heat dissipated are balanced, according to each of the internal pressures, wherein the amount of heat received is the amount of heat received by the high-pressure tank from the external atmosphere; and the amount of heat dissipated is the amount of heat discharged from the high-pressure tank to the external atmosphere along with the discharge of the fuel gas from the high-pressure tank. When the abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality in the output of the internal temperature sensor, the discharge control unit calculates the discharge amount based on the ambient temperature measured by the ambient temperature sensor, the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor, and the control information stored in the storage unit, and performs the discharge control of the fuel gas based on the calculated discharge amount.

4. The gas control device according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The device further comprises a storage unit for storing control information for establishing a correspondence between the discharge amounts at multiple stages, the multiple ranges of the internal pressure, and the multiple ranges of the ambient temperature, When the abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality in the output of the internal temperature sensor, the discharge control unit calculates the discharge amount based on the ambient temperature measured by the ambient temperature sensor, the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor, and the control information stored in the storage unit, and performs the discharge control of the fuel gas based on the calculated discharge amount.

5. The gas control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that The high-pressure tank includes a first tank body and a second tank body having a storage capacity of the fuel gas smaller than that of the first tank body. The internal temperature sensor includes a first internal temperature sensor for measuring the internal temperature of the first can body and a second internal temperature sensor for measuring the internal temperature of the second can body. When the abnormality detection unit does not detect abnormality in the outputs of the first internal temperature sensor and the second internal temperature sensor, the discharge control unit selects a lower value of the discharge amount obtained based on the internal temperature measured by the first internal temperature sensor and the discharge amount obtained based on the internal temperature measured by the second internal temperature sensor to perform the discharge control, When the abnormality detection unit detects only an output abnormality in the first internal temperature sensor, the discharge control is performed by selecting a lower value between the discharge amount calculated based on the ambient temperature measured by the ambient temperature sensor and the discharge amount calculated based on the internal temperature measured by the second internal temperature sensor.

6. A gas control device comprising a high-pressure tank, an internal temperature sensor and a discharge control unit, in, The high-pressure tank stores fuel gas used by the fuel cell; The internal temperature sensor measures the internal temperature of the high-pressure tank; The discharge control unit calculates a discharge amount of the fuel gas discharged from the high-pressure tank to the fuel cell based on the internal temperature measured by the internal temperature sensor, and performs discharge control of the fuel gas based on the discharge amount. The gas control device is characterized in that It also has an abnormality detection unit and an ambient temperature sensor, wherein: The abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality in the output of the internal temperature sensor; The ambient temperature sensor measures the ambient temperature outside the high-pressure tank. The invention also comprises a storage unit, which stores control information for establishing a correspondence between the ambient temperature and the discharge amount when the amount of heat received and the amount of heat dissipated are balanced, wherein the amount of heat received is the amount of heat received by the high-pressure tank from the external atmosphere; and the amount of heat dissipated is the amount of heat discharged from the high-pressure tank to the external atmosphere along with the discharge of the fuel gas from the high-pressure tank. When the abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality in the output of the internal temperature sensor, the discharge control unit calculates the discharge amount based on the ambient temperature measured by the ambient temperature sensor and the control information stored in the storage unit, and performs the discharge control of the fuel gas based on the calculated discharge amount.

7. The gas control device according to claim 6, It is characterized in that The high-pressure tank includes a first tank body and a second tank body having a storage capacity of the fuel gas smaller than that of the first tank body. The internal temperature sensor includes a first internal temperature sensor for measuring the internal temperature of the first can body and a second internal temperature sensor for measuring the internal temperature of the second can body. When the abnormality detection unit does not detect abnormality in the outputs of the first internal temperature sensor and the second internal temperature sensor, the discharge control unit selects a lower value of the discharge amount obtained based on the internal temperature measured by the first internal temperature sensor and the discharge amount obtained based on the internal temperature measured by the second internal temperature sensor to perform the discharge control, When the abnormality detection unit detects only an output abnormality in the first internal temperature sensor, the discharge control is performed by selecting a lower value between the discharge amount calculated based on the ambient temperature measured by the ambient temperature sensor and the discharge amount calculated based on the internal temperature measured by the second internal temperature sensor.

8. A gas control method, the gas control method using a high-pressure tank, an internal temperature sensor, a discharge control unit, an abnormality detection unit, an ambient temperature sensor, a pressure sensor and a storage unit, in, The high-pressure tank stores fuel gas used by the fuel cell; The internal temperature sensor measures the internal temperature of the high-pressure tank; The discharge control unit calculates a discharge amount of the fuel gas discharged from the high-pressure tank to the fuel cell based on the internal temperature measured by the internal temperature sensor, and performs discharge control of the fuel gas based on the discharge amount; The abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality in the output of the internal temperature sensor; The ambient temperature sensor measures the ambient temperature outside the high-pressure tank; The pressure sensor measures the internal pressure of the high-pressure tank; The storage unit stores first information and second information, wherein the first information establishes a correspondence between the internal temperature and the discharge amount, and the second information establishes a correspondence between the ambient temperature, the internal pressure, and the discharge amount. When the abnormality detection unit does not detect an abnormality in the output of the internal temperature sensor, the discharge control unit calculates the discharge amount based on the internal temperature measured by the internal temperature sensor and the first information, and performs the discharge control of the fuel gas based on the calculated discharge amount. When the abnormality detection unit detects an output abnormality of the internal temperature sensor, the discharge control unit calculates the discharge amount based on the ambient temperature measured by the ambient temperature sensor, the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor and the second information, and performs the discharge control of the fuel gas based on the calculated discharge amount.

9. The gas control method according to claim 8, It is characterized in that A pressure sensor is also used, which measures the internal pressure of the high-pressure tank. When the abnormality detection unit detects an output abnormality of the internal temperature sensor, the discharge control unit calculates the discharge amount based on the ambient temperature measured by the ambient temperature sensor and the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor, and performs the discharge control of the fuel gas based on the discharge amount.

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