Filling device

Abstract

The object of the present invention is to provide a filling device which does not immediately significantly reduce the required pressure after starting hydrogenation and which can reliably fill a fuel cell vehicle or the like. [SOLUTION] The filling device (100) of the present invention includes a control unit (10), and the control unit (10) has a function of increasing the required pressure from the hydrogenation device (100) to the rear facility (200) until initial pressure measurement is completed. The control unit (10) can have a function of determining whether a communication fill is established, and when the communication fill is established, setting a pressure which is higher than the internal pressure of the tank received from the vehicle side by a predetermined pressure (for example, 5 MPa) as the pressure required for the rear facility (200) in the initial filling stage.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a filling device for filling a fuel gas such as hydrogen. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, as fuel cell-equipped vehicles (fuel cell vehicles: FCV) have been developed and popularized, it has become important to increase the number of hydrogen refueling stations (see, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-166635). A hydrogen refueling station is provided with a hydrogen filling device, and the device fills hydrogen into an in-vehicle tank of a vehicle that has arrived at the hydrogen refueling station within a predetermined pressure range.

[0003] Conventionally, when a fuel cell vehicle is refueled at a hydrogen refueling station, the pressure required (required pressure) from the hydrogen filling device to the rear facility (fuel gas supply side, primary side) initially is fixed to a maximum value (for example, 80 MPa). That is, the initial required pressure is set to a pressure (maximum value) that does not require higher pressure on the rear facility side. Here, the pressure in the tank of the fuel cell vehicle cannot be the maximum pressure (for example, 80 MPa), and after the maximum value (for example, 80 MPa) is requested to the rear facility, the required pressure is immediately reduced (for example, 30 MPa). Therefore, immediately after starting refueling, the required pressure is immediately significantly reduced (for example, the pressure is reduced by 50 MPa), which can cause a problem of imposing a large load on the rear facility.

[0004] On the other hand, if communication filling is established, the pressure in the tank of the fuel cell vehicle or the like is transmitted to the hydrogen filling device side, so that the initial required pressure from the hydrogen filling device to the communicated tank pressure can also be set. However, depending on the vehicle model, at the time of communication filling, a value that will be different from the actual pressure in the tank is set to be transmitted to the hydrogen filling device side, and the accurate pressure in the tank is transmitted immediately after starting gas filling. In this type, if the initial required pressure is set to the pressure inside the tank of the fuel cell vehicle or the like, if the actual pressure in the tank is higher than the value communicated as the pressure in the tank, refueling cannot be performed.

[0005] The entire contents of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-166635 are incorporated herein by reference. SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] The present application was made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a filling device that can reliably refuel a fuel cell vehicle or the like without significantly reducing the required pressure immediately after starting refueling.

[0008] The filling device (100) of the present application includes a control unit (10) characterized by having a function of increasing a required pressure (required pressure) to a rear facility (200: fuel gas supply side: primary side) from the hydrogen filling device (100) until an initial pressure measurement is completed. Here, the initial pressure is a discharge pressure of the filling device (100) in a state where hydrogen is present in a filling hose immediately before filling, and is measured by a discharge pressure gauge (12) of the filling device (100) and corresponds to a pressure in a side tank (21: for example, a tank of a fuel cell vehicle).

[0009] In the filling device (100) of the present application, it is preferable that the control unit (10) has a function of determining whether a communication filling is established, and if the communication filling is established, setting a pressure higher than an in-tank pressure received from the vehicle side by a predetermined pressure (for example, 5 MPa) as the required pressure to the rear facility (200) in an initial filling stage. Alternatively, it is preferable that in the filling device (100) of the present application, the control unit (10) has a function of determining whether a communication filling is established, and when the communication filling is not established, setting a pressure of 30 to 60% (for example, 35 MPa) of a maximum value (for example, 80 MPa) as the required pressure to the rear facility (200) in the initial filling stage.

[0010] Further, in the filling device (100) of the present application, it is preferable that the control unit (10) has a function of increasing the required pressure to the rear facility (200) from the filling device (100) if a flow rate (mass flow rate) of a gas to be filled is less than a predetermined value (for example, 100 g / min). Further, in the present application, it is preferable that the control unit (10) has a function of setting the required pressure to the rear facility (200) to be higher than an in-tank pressure of the vehicle side by a constant pressure (for example, 10 MPa) after the initial pressure measurement is completed.

[0011] The filling method of the present application is characterized by having a step of determining whether an initial pressure measurement is completed, and a step of increasing a required pressure to a rear facility (200: fuel gas supply side: primary side) from a hydrogen filling device (100) until the initial pressure measurement is completed.

[0012] It is preferable that the filling method of the present application includes a step of determining whether communication filling is established, and if the communication filling is established, setting a pressure higher than the internal pressure of the tank received from the vehicle side by a predetermined pressure (e.g., 5 MPa) as the required pressure to the rear facility (200) in the initial filling stage. Alternatively, it is preferable that the filling method of the present application includes a step of determining whether communication filling is established, and when the communication filling is not established, setting a pressure of 30 to 60% (e.g., 35 MPa) of the maximum value (e.g., 80 MPa) as the required pressure to the rear facility (200) in the initial filling stage.

[0013] Further, in the filling method of the present application, if the flow rate (mass flow rate) of the gas to be filled is less than a predetermined value (e.g., 100 g / min), it is preferable to increase the required pressure from the filling device (100) to the rear facility (200). Further, in the filling method of the present application, after the initial pressure measurement is completed, it is preferable to set the required pressure (required pressure) to the rear facility (200) to a pressure higher than the measured internal pressure of the vehicle side tank by a constant pressure (e.g., 10 MPa).

[0014] In implementing the above-described application, in the filling device (100-1), a single fuel gas (e.g., hydrogen) supply system (primary side supply system) is branched into a plurality of filling systems (e.g., an A-side filling system 1A and a B-side filling system 1B), and a plurality of control units (e.g., an A-side control unit 10A and a B-side control unit 10B) for controlling filling in each of the plurality of filling systems can be provided, and a coordination control unit (10C) that coordinates between the control units of the filling systems (e.g., coordinates between the A-side control unit 10A and the B-side control unit 10B).

[0015] In this case, the intermediate control unit (10C) has a function of transmitting the filling start signal transmitted from the control unit (e.g., the control unit 10B on the B side) that starts the filling to the control unit (e.g., the control unit 10A on the A side) that performs the filling when the filling is started at the filling system (e.g., the filling system 1B on the B side) while the other filling system (e.g., the filling system 1A on the A side) is filling, and preferably, the control unit (e.g., the control unit 10A on the A side) that performs the filling has a function of transmitting the control signal (e.g., the control signal for reducing the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve 2A) for reducing the pressure (e.g., the pressure of the hydrogen gas flowing through the filling system 1A on the A side) of the filling system on the filling side when the filling start signal transmitted via the intermediate control unit (10C) is received. Then, preferably, the intermediate control unit (10C) has a function of transmitting the filling start signal transmitted by the control unit (e.g., the control unit 10B on the B side) that starts the operation to the fuel gas supply side (rear facility side: primary side) after a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) after the control unit (e.g., the control unit 10A on the A side) on the filling side transmits the control signal for reducing the pressure.

[0016] Preferably, the intermediate control unit (10C) has a function of transmitting the filling completion signal indicating that the filling is completed at the filling system (e.g., the filling system 1A on the A side) to the other control unit (e.g., the control unit 10B on the B side) that continues the filling when the filling is completed at the filling system (e.g., the filling system 1A on the A side) while the plurality of filling systems (e.g., the filling systems 1A, 1B on the A, B sides) are filling, and preferably, the control unit (e.g., the control unit 10B on the B side) that continues the filling has a function of transmitting the control signal (e.g., the control signal for increasing the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve 2A) for increasing the pressure (e.g., the pressure of the hydrogen gas flowing through the filling system 1B on the B side) of the filling system on the filling side when the filling completion signal indicating that the filling is completed at the other filling system (e.g., the filling system 1A on the A side) is received by the intermediate control unit (10C).

[0017] In addition, a comprehensive intermediate control unit for interconnecting (coordinating) the intermediate control units (10C) provided in each of the plurality of filling devices (100-1) can be installed. Also, three or more filling devices (100-1) can be provided.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] In the case of the present application having the above structure, the required pressure from the hydrogenation device (100) to the rear facility (200: fuel gas supply side: primary side) is increased until the initial pressure measurement is completed. Therefore, it is not necessary to fix the required pressure to the maximum value (for example, 80 MPa) as in the prior art, and the pressure is much lower than the maximum value, for example, a pressure that is only a predetermined value (for example, 5 MPa) higher than the pressure in the tank received from the vehicle side, or a pressure that is 30% to 60% of the maximum value (for example, 35 MPa). Therefore, the required value can be set to be much lower than the maximum value. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the required pressure from being significantly reduced immediately after starting hydrogenation, and it is also possible to prevent a large load from being applied to the rear facility (200).

[0020] In the present application, even if the required value is set to be much lower than the maximum value, for example, if the flow rate (mass flow rate) of the gas to be filled is less than a predetermined value (for example, 100 g / min), the required pressure is increased so that the tank in the vehicle is reliably filled with gas (such as hydrogen). Therefore, a situation in which the required pressure is too low to fill the gas is avoided.

[0021] Here, when a plurality of vehicles arrive at a hydrogenation station, in order to improve the filling efficiency, it is necessary to hydrogenate in a plurality of systems (for example, the supply system on the front side of the hydrogenation device and the supply system on the back side). In order to hydrogenate using the hydrogenation device, the discharge pressure must be maintained within a predetermined pressure range during filling. However, if hydrogenation is being performed on one side of the hydrogenation device while hydrogenation is being started on the other side, the discharge pressure on the hydrogenation side fluctuates, making it difficult to maintain the pressure within the predetermined pressure range. In the present application, when a single fuel gas (for example, hydrogen) supply system (primary side supply system) is branched into a plurality of filling systems (for example, an A-side filling system 1A and a B-side filling system 1B), and a control unit (for example, an A-side control unit 10A, a B-side control unit 10B) that controls the filling of each of the plurality of filling systems, and an intermediate control unit 10C (for example, coordination between the A-side control unit 10A and the B-side control unit 10B) that coordinates between the control units of the filling systems, the single fuel gas (for example, hydrogen) supply system is branched into a plurality of filling systems (for example, an A-side filling system 1A and a B-side filling system 1B), so that even if a hydrogen storage cylinder or a hydrogen storage tank is not provided within the filling device, the fuel gas can be filled at the required pressure according to the pressure difference with the filling target side (for example, the vehicle side tank 21). Then, a single filling device (100-1) can supply fuel gas to a plurality of filling targets. Furthermore, since the intermediate control unit (10C) that coordinates between the control units of the filling systems (for example, the A-side control unit 10A and the B-side control unit 10B) is provided, even when fuel gas is supplied to a plurality of filling targets, the discharge pressure during filling can be maintained within a predetermined pressure range (lower than the upper limit and higher than the lower limit), which allows safe filling.

[0022] Specifically, when filling is initiated in one filling system while another filling system is filling simultaneously, the pressure of the fuel gas supplied to the filling device (100-1) increases due to the initiation of filling, and there is a risk that the discharge pressure on the filling system side may exceed the upper limit during filling. On the other hand, the coordination control unit (10C) sends the start signal transmitted from the control unit on the filling side (e.g., control unit 10B on side B) to the control unit on the filling side (e.g., control unit 10A on side A), and the filling side control unit (e.g., control unit 10A on side A) transmits a control signal for reducing pressure (e.g., the hydrogen pressure flowing through filling system 1A on side A) (e.g., a control signal for reducing the opening of the flow regulating valve 2A) when it receives the filling start signal transmitted via the coordination control unit (10C). This prevents the discharge pressure on the filling system side (e.g., filling system 1A on side A) from increasing and exceeding the upper limit during filling. Here, when the signal to initiate filling is transmitted to the fuel gas supply side (primary side), the pressure on the fuel gas supply side rises. Therefore, if the timing of the signal to initiate filling to the fuel gas supply side and the timing of the control signal to reduce the pressure on the filling system side (e.g., the pressure of hydrogen flowing through filling system 1A on side A) during filling are the same, the time when the pressure on the fuel gas supply side and the discharge pressure on the filling system side increase during filling will be earlier than the time when the pressure on the filling system side decreases during filling, and the discharge pressure on the system side may exceed the upper limit. However, if the coordination control unit (10C) is functional: after a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) after the filling system side control unit (e.g., control unit 10A on side A) transmits the control signal for reducing pressure (e.g., reducing the opening of flow regulating valve 2A), the filling start signal of the control system (e.g., control unit 10B on side B) is transmitted to the fuel gas supply side (rear facility side: initial side), the time when the pressure on the filling system side (e.g., filling system 1A on side A) decreases is always earlier than the time when the pressure on the fuel supply side and the discharge pressure on the filling system side increase during filling, which will necessarily prevent the discharge pressure on the filling system side from exceeding the upper limit during filling.

[0023] Furthermore, when filling occurs in multiple filling systems, and filling is completed in one of them, the pressure on the fuel gas supply side drops sharply, and there is a risk that the discharge pressure of the continuing filling system will drop below the lower limit. However, when the coordination control unit (10C) has the function of transmitting a control signal indicating that filling has been completed at the filling system (e.g., filling system 1A on the A side) to the other filling system (e.g., control unit 10B on the B side), and the control unit of the continuing filling system (e.g., control unit 10B on the B side) has the function of transmitting a control signal for increasing the pressure of the filling system (e.g., for increasing the opening of the flow regulating valve 2B) when it receives the control signal indicating that filling has been completed at the other filling system (e.g., filling system 1A on the A side) via the coordination control unit (10C), the discharge pressure of the continuing filling system (e.g., filling system 1B on the B side) may drop below the lower limit. Attached Figure Description

[0024] [ Figure 1 [A diagram illustrating the general outline of a filling device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.]

[0025] [ Figure 2 The flowchart of the control in the first embodiment is shown.

[0026] [ Figure 3 [A diagram illustrating the general outline of a filling device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.]

[0027] [ Figure 4 [Block diagram of the filling device according to the second embodiment.]

[0028] [ Figure 5 [A feature map used to illustrate the filling pattern in the second embodiment.]

[0029] [ Figure 6 This is a feature diagram used to illustrate the inconvenience caused when simultaneously transmitting a filling request from the filling system on side B and a control signal from the pressure regulating valve on side A.

[0030] [ Figure 7 The flowchart of the control in the second embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas to be filled is hydrogen; however, the filling device according to the illustrated embodiment can also be applied to filling other gases. First, reference will be made to… Figure 1 and 2 The first embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 1The filling device, indicated by reference numeral 100, includes a hydrogen supply pipe 1, a flow meter 4, a flow regulating valve 2 (pressure regulating valve), a cooling unit 6 (gas pipe cooling unit), a stop valve 3, and a control unit 10. The upstream side of the hydrogen supply pipe 1 is connected to a hydrogen gas supply source 200 (back-end facility, primary side) through a reservoir 16, and the downstream side of the hydrogen supply pipe 1 is connected to a vehicle side tank 21 (fuel cell vehicle) of a vehicle 20 through a filling hose 8 and a filling nozzle 9. Figure 1 The flow meter 4, the flow regulating valve 2, the cooling unit 6, and the stop valve 3 are interposed in the hydrogen supply pipe 1. Hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas supply source 200 (back-end facility) flows through the hydrogen supply pipe 1 and is supplied to the vehicle side tank 21 through the flow meter 4, the flow regulating valve 2, the cooling unit 6, the stop valve 3, the filling hose 8, and the filling nozzle 9.

[0032] The control unit 10 acquires a measurement result of the flow meter 4 through a measurement signal line Li1 and transmits a control signal to the flow regulating valve 2 (pressure regulating valve) through a control signal line Lo1. The cooling unit 6, which is conventionally known, has a function of lowering the temperature of hydrogen being filled when the vehicle side tank 21 is filled with hydrogen, and is, for example, an existing heat exchanger type. When filling is ended or stopped, the control unit 10 transmits a control signal to the flow regulating valve 2 and the stop valve 3 through control signal lines Lo1 and Lo2, respectively, and closes the flow regulating valve 2 and the stop valve 3. The vehicle side tank 21 is equipped with a pressure sensor (not shown) that measures the pressure inside the vehicle side tank 21 and a temperature sensor (not shown) that measures the temperature inside the vehicle side tank 21. When communication filling is established, the pressure and temperature information in the vehicle side tank 21 is transmitted to the control unit 10 via a vehicle side control unit and a connector (not shown) and a measurement signal line Li2. When communication filling is established, the filling device 100 (control unit 10) acquires information (pressure, temperature, etc.) of the vehicle side tank 21 from the vehicle 20 side and controls each device (flow regulating valve 2, stop valve 3, flow meter 4, etc.) on the filling device 100 side or receives a measurement signal to supply hydrogen gas to the vehicle side tank 21 in an appropriate pressure range, that is, to perform hydrogen filling, in accordance with a filling protocol.

[0033] In Figure 1In the hydrogen supply pipe 1 of the filling device 100, an inlet pressure gauge 11 (an inlet pressure sensor) and a discharge pressure gauge 12 (a discharge pressure sensor) are provided. The inlet pressure gauge 11 measures the pressure on the hydrogen gas supply source 200 side (the rear facility side) in the hydrogen supply pipe 1 and transmits the measurement result to the control unit 10 via a measurement signal line Li3. The discharge pressure gauge 12 measures the pressure on the filling nozzle 9 side in the hydrogen supply pipe 1 and transmits the measurement result to the control unit 10 via a measurement signal line Li4. Further, an outlet side temperature gauge 13 (a temperature sensor) is inserted in the hydrogen supply pipe 1, which measures the temperature in the hydrogen supply pipe 1 and transmits the measurement result to the control unit 10 via a measurement signal line Li5.

[0034] In Figure 1 The control unit 10 of the filling device 100 is connected to the rear facility 200 (the hydrogen gas supply source, the primary side) via a control signal line Lo3, and the control unit 10 has a function of transmitting a control signal of a required pressure (the hydrogen gas pressure supplied from the rear facility 200 to the filling device) to the rear facility 200 via the control signal line Lo3 for a period until initial pressure measurement is completed. Here, the initial pressure is the discharge pressure of the filling device (100) in a state where hydrogen is present in the filling hose immediately before filling, and is measured with the discharge pressure gauge (12) of the filling device (100), and the pressure corresponds to the pressure of the vehicle side tank (21: for example, the tank of a fuel cell vehicle) at that time. As described above, the control unit 10 has a function of determining whether or not a communication filling system is established between the filling device 100 and the vehicle side tank 21. As described later, when the control unit 10 raises the required pressure to the rear facility 200 (the hydrogen gas supply source, the primary side), the control mode at the time when the communication filling system is established is different from the control mode at the time when the communication filling system is not established.

[0035] The control unit 10 (the filling device 100) has a function of setting a pressure higher than the pressure received from the vehicle 20 side by a predetermined pressure (for example, 5 MPa) as the required pressure for the rear facility 200 until initial pressure measurement is completed at the time when the communication filling system is established (when the control unit 10 receives the pressure and the temperature in the vehicle side tank 21). As will be described later in Figure 2 In the initial pressure measurement stage, the control unit 10 has a function of performing control for gradually raising the required pressure as necessary. In Figure 2In the example described later, the required pressure is increased in the order of "received tank pressure + 5 MPa" → "received tank pressure + 15 MPa" → "required pressure 80 MPa". The control of gradually increasing the required pressure is performed based on the hydrogen flow rate (mass flow rate). That is, during the period before the pressure measurement in the vehicle-side tank 21 is completed and the communication filling system is established, if the flow rate (mass flow rate) to be filled based on the flow measurement value from the flow meter 4 is less than a predetermined value (e.g., 100 g / min), the control unit 10 gradually increases it to the required / demanded pressure of the rear facility 200 (hydrogen supply side). Reference will be made later. Figure 2 Describe the details. Was the initial pressure measurement performed using conventional, known methods?

[0036] The control unit 10 has the function of setting a pressure of 30% to 60% of the maximum value (e.g., 80 MPa) (e.g., 35 MPa) to the pressure requested from the rear facility 200 at the initial stage of filling when the communication filling system is not established (when the control unit 10 does not receive the pressure and temperature in the vehicle-side storage tank 21). Even if the communication filling system is not established, the control unit 10 has the function of performing control to gradually increase the required pressure as needed during the initial pressure measurement process. For example, the required pressure is increased in the order of "35 MPa" → "50 MPa" → "80 MPa". When the communication filling system is established, control is performed to gradually increase the required pressure based on the hydrogen flow rate (mass flow rate). That is, during the period before the pressure measurement in the vehicle-side storage tank 21 is completed and the communication filling system is established, when the hydrogen flow rate (mass flow rate) to be filled is less than a predetermined value (e.g., 100 g / min), the control unit 10 gradually increases the pressure to the required pressure of the rear facility 200 based on the flow measurement value from the flow meter 4.

[0037] In addition, Figure 1 In this system, control unit 10 has the function of setting the required pressure to the rear facility 200 after completing the pressure measurement in the vehicle-side tank 21, whether or not a communication filling system is established. This is to ensure a smooth transition to subsequent filling control.

[0038] exist Figure 1In the first embodiment, the hydrogen filling device 100 is provided with a switch unit 14 including a filling start switch 14A operated when the hydrogen filling is started, a filling stop switch 14B operated when the hydrogen filling is ended and the filling is stopped, and an emergency stop switch 14C operated when the emergency stop is performed. The operation of each of the switches 14A to 14C in the switch unit 14 is transmitted to the control unit 10 via an input signal line Li6. Further, the hydrogen filling device 100 is provided with a display 15 having a function of acquiring a control signal transmitted from the control unit 10 via a control signal line Lo4 and displaying various parameters (the mass of the hydrogen filled in the vehicle at that time, etc.).

[0039] Next, the control in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2 In the first embodiment, the hydrogen filling device 100 is provided with a switch unit 14 including a filling start switch 14A operated when the hydrogen filling is started, a filling stop switch 14B operated when the hydrogen filling is ended and the filling is stopped, and an emergency stop switch 14C operated when the emergency stop is performed. The operation of each of the switches 14A to 14C in the switch unit 14 is transmitted to the control unit 10 via an input signal line Li6. Further, the hydrogen filling device 100 is provided with a display 15 having a function of acquiring a control signal transmitted from the control unit 10 via a control signal line Lo4 and displaying various parameters (the mass of the hydrogen filled in the vehicle at that time, etc.). Figure 2 In step S1, the initial pressure is started to be measured by the discharge pressure gauge 12. Then, the flow proceeds to step S2. In step S2, it is determined whether the vehicle communication filling is established (whether the control unit 10 receives the pressure and temperature in the tank 21 on the vehicle side). The determination is performed by the control unit 10. If the vehicle communication filling is established (YES in step S2), the flow proceeds to step S3, and if the vehicle communication filling is not established (NO in step S2), the flow proceeds to step S10.

[0040] In step S3 (when the vehicle communication filling is established), the required pressure to the rear facility 200 (the hydrogen gas pressure supplied from the rear facility 200 to the filling device 100) is set to be higher than the pressure in the tank received from the vehicle side by, for example, 5 MPa (a predetermined pressure). The setting is performed as a function of the control unit 10. Then, the flow proceeds to step S4.

[0041] In step S4, the control unit 10 determines whether the initial pressure measurement is completed when 5 seconds have passed since the required pressure is set to be the pressure higher than the tank pressure received from the vehicle side in step S3 by 5 MPa. At the same time, in step S4, it is determined whether the hydrogen flow rate (mass flow rate) is, for example, less than 100 g / min (a predetermined value). The control unit 10 acquires the measurement result of the flow meter 4 and performs the determination. When the measurement of the initial pressure is not completed yet 5 seconds have passed since the required pressure is set, and the hydrogen flow rate (mass flow rate) to be filled is less than 100 g / min (a predetermined value) (YES in step S4), the flow proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, the measurement of the initial pressure is completed within 5 seconds after the required pressure is set, or the hydrogen flow rate (mass flow rate) to be filled is not less than 100 g / min (a predetermined value) (NO in step S4), the flow proceeds to step S8.

[0042] In step S5 (when the initial pressure measurement is not completed 5 seconds after the required pressure setting, and the hydrogen mass flow to be filled is less than 100 g / min), the required pressure to the rear facility 200 is set to be higher than the pressure of the tank pressure received from the vehicle side by, for example, 15 MPa (the required pressure is increased from "tank pressure + 5 MPa" to "tank pressure + 15 MPa" at the time of step S3). The setting is performed by transmitting a control signal from the control unit 10 to the rear facility 200. Then, the flow proceeds to step S6.

[0043] In step S6, when 5 seconds have passed since the required pressure was set to be higher than the tank pressure received from the vehicle side by 15 MPa in step S5, it is determined whether the initial pressure measurement is completed. At the same time, it is determined whether the hydrogen flow (mass flow) to be filled is less than, for example, 100 g / min. When the initial pressure measurement is not completed 5 seconds after the required pressure setting, and the hydrogen flow to be filled is less than 100 g / min (YES in step S6), the flow proceeds to step S7. On the other hand, the initial pressure measurement is completed within 5 seconds after the required pressure setting, or the hydrogen flow to be filled is not less than 100 g / min (NO in step S6), the flow proceeds to step S8.

[0044] In step S7 (when the initial pressure measurement is not completed 5 seconds after the required pressure setting, and the hydrogen flow to be filled is less than 100 g / min), the required pressure to the rear facility 200 is set to, for example, the maximum value of 80 MPa. This setting can also be performed by transmitting a control signal from the control unit 10 to the rear facility 200. Then, the flow proceeds to step S8. In step S8, the initial pressure measurement is completed, and the flow proceeds to step S9. In step S9, the required pressure to the rear facility 200 is set to be higher than the measured initial pressure by, for example, 10 MPa (constant pressure). Then, the flow proceeds to step S18.

[0045] As described above, in Figure 2 step S10, the required pressure to the rear facility 200 is set to, for example, 35 MPa. Here, 35 MPa is set as an example of a pressure in the range of 30% to 60% of the maximum value (for example, 80 MPa). Then, the flow proceeds to step S11.

[0046] In step Sll, it is determined whether the measurement of the initial pressure is completed within 5 seconds after the setting of the required pressure (up to 35 MPa). At the same time, it is determined whether the hydrogen mass flow to be filled is less than, for example, 100 g / min. When the measurement of the initial pressure is not completed 5 seconds after the setting of the required pressure, and the hydrogen flow (mass flow) to be filled is less than 100 g / min (YES in step Sll), the flow proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, when the measurement of the initial pressure is completed within 5 seconds after the setting of the required pressure, or the hydrogen flow (mass flow) to be filled is not less than 100 g / min (a predetermined value) (NO in step Sll), the flow proceeds to step S15.

[0047] In the next step S12 (when the measurement of the initial pressure is not completed 5 seconds after the setting of the required pressure, and the hydrogen flow (mass flow) to be filled is less than 100 g / min), the required pressure to the facility 200 is set to, for example, 50 MPa. In step S12, the required pressure is higher than that in step S10 ("35 MPa" -> "50 MPa"). Then, the flow proceeds to step S13.

[0048] In step S13, when 5 seconds have passed since the setting of the required pressure (up to 50 MPa) in step S12, it is determined whether the measurement of the initial pressure is completed. At the same time, it is determined whether the hydrogen flow (mass flow) to be filled is less than, for example, 100 g / min. When 5 seconds have passed since the setting of the required pressure, the measurement of the initial pressure is not completed, and the hydrogen mass flow to be filled is less than 100 g / min (YES in step S13), the flow proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, when the measurement of the initial pressure is completed within 5 seconds after the setting of the required pressure, or the hydrogen mass flow to be filled is not 100 g / min (NO in step S13), the flow proceeds to step S15.

[0049] In step S14 (when 5 seconds have passed since the setting of the required pressure, the measurement of the initial pressure is not completed, and the hydrogen mass flow to be filled is less than 100 g / min), the required pressure to the facility 200 is set to, for example, the maximum value of 80 MPa. This setting is also performed by transmitting a control signal from the control unit 10 to the facility 200. Then, the flow proceeds to step S15. In steps S10 to S14, the required pressure is gradually increased as needed to ensure that the vehicle-side tank 21 is filled with hydrogen gas.

[0050] In step S15, the initial pressure measurement is completed, and the process proceeds to step S16. In step S16, the required pressure to the rear facility 200 is set to be, for example, 10 MPa higher than the measured initial pressure (constant pressure). Then, the process proceeds to step S17. In step S17, a process for estimating the capacity of the vehicle-side tank 21 is performed (e.g., determining whether the mass capacity of the vehicle-side tank 21 is in the range of 2 to 10 kg or exceeds 10 kg). This process is necessary because no communication filling is established in step S17. After performing the tank capacity estimation process, the process proceeds to step S18. In step S18, filling control is performed. The second embodiment will be referred to later. Figure 7 The flowchart is used to describe the specific control process of filling control.

[0051] exist Figure 1 and 2 In the first embodiment shown, the pressure (required pressure) requested from the control unit 10 (hydrogen refueling device 100) to the rear facility 200 (fuel gas supply side, primary side) is increased until the pressure measurement in the vehicle-side storage tank 21 is completed. When the communication filling system is established, the pressure requested from the control unit 10 (filling device 100) to the rear facility 200 is set to be, for example, 5 MPa (predetermined pressure) higher than the tank pressure received by the control unit 10 from the vehicle side at the start of filling. Subsequently, during the initial pressure measurement process, when the hydrogen flow rate (mass flow rate) to be filled is less than, for example, 100 g / min (predetermined value), the required pressure is gradually increased to, for example, "received tank internal pressure + 15 MPa" and further increased to "80 MPa". On the other hand, when the communication filling system has not yet been established, the required pressure from the control unit 10 to the rear facility 200 at the start of filling is set to, for example, 35 MPa. Subsequently, during the initial pressure measurement, when the hydrogen flow rate (mass flow rate) to be filled is less than, for example, 100 g / min, the required pressure is gradually increased to, for example, "50 MPa" and further increased to "80 MPa". This control eliminates the need to fix the required pressure to a maximum value (e.g., 80 MPa) in the prior art, and it can be set to a lower pressure, for example, 5 MPa (when a communication filling system is established) or 35 MPa (when a communication filling system is not established) higher than the tank pressure received from the vehicle side. Furthermore, if necessary, the pressure can be set to 15 MPa (when a communication filling system is established) or 50 MPa (when a communication filling system is not established) higher than the tank pressure received from the vehicle side. Therefore, the required value can be set far below the maximum value. This prevents a significant drop in the required pressure immediately after hydrogen refueling is initiated, and also prevents the application of a large load to the rear facility 200.

[0052] Then, in the first embodiment, even if the required pressure value is set to a pressure far below the maximum value of 80 MPa, if the hydrogen mass flow rate is less than, for example, 100 g / min, it is determined that the required pressure is too low and hydrogen is preferably not filled, and the required pressure is increased. Therefore, the tank inside the vehicle can be reliably filled with gases such as hydrogen. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, after completing the pressure measurement in the vehicle-side tank 21, the required pressure to the rear facility 200 is set to a pressure that is, for example, 10 MPa (constant pressure) higher than the internal pressure of the vehicle-side tank 21. Therefore, a smooth switch to subsequent filling control can be achieved.

[0053] Next, we will refer to Figures 3-7 A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 3 In this configuration, the filling device 100-1 is connected to a single hydrogen supply system (primary-side supply system) (not shown), and no cylinders or tanks for storing hydrogen are provided within the filling device 100-1. The filling device 100-1 has multiple systems (two systems in the second embodiment) (e.g. Figure 4 As shown, there is a filling system 1A on side A and a filling system 1B on side B (or branching into two filling systems), and sides A and B constitute the front and rear surfaces of the filling device 100-1. Figure 3 In the example, the front surface side of the filling device 100-1 ( Figure 3 (A) side) is side A, rear surface side ( Figure 3 (B) side) is side B.

[0054] In the filling device 100-1, when hydrogen is used as fuel to fill a vehicle (not shown), hydrogen is supplied at the required pressure, while control is performed based on the pressure difference with the operating pressure of the hydrogen tank installed on the vehicle. Figure 3 In the filling device 100-1, on both sides ( Figure 3 (A) side A and Figure 3 (B) On side B, a total of three filling nozzles are provided. Here, Figure 3 The marking "H70" indicates a filling nozzle with a pressure of 70 MPa, and the marking "H35" indicates a filling nozzle with a pressure of 35 MPa. Figure 3 The filling device includes two filling nozzles H70 for 70 MPa and one filling nozzle H35 for 35 MPa. For example, in Figure 3 (A) As shown on side A, a filling nozzle H70 for 70 MPa and a filling nozzle H35 for 35 MPa are provided. Hydrogen is supplied from the primary side (not shown) hydrogen supply system to the filling nozzle H70 via filling hose 4A1, and from the filling system 1A of the filling device 100-1 (see filling system 1A) via filling hose 4A2. Figure 4 It is supplied to the filling nozzle H35. For example, in Figure 3The B side of (B) provides only one filling nozzle H70 for 70 MPa, and hydrogen is supplied from a hydrogen supply system on the primary side (not shown) to the filling nozzle H70 through the filling system IB and the filling hose 4B of the filling device 100-1. Figure 3 The A side in (A) has an operation panel 5A, Figure 3 The B side in (B) has an operation panel 5B. Figure 3 Reference numerals 7A1, 7A2, and 7B in (A) and (B) denote nozzle hooks.

[0055] On the A side and the B side of the filling device 100-1, hydrogen can be filled with two filling nozzles at the same time. For example, using the filling nozzle H70 for 70 MPa on the A side and the filling nozzle H70 for 70 MPa on the B side, two vehicles (not shown) can be filled at the same time on the A side and the B side. Alternatively, using the filling nozzle H35 for 35 MPa on the A side and the filling nozzle H70 for 70 MPa on the B side, two vehicles can be filled at the same time. Although not clearly shown, it is configured so that the filling nozzle H70 for 70 MPa on the A side and the filling nozzle H35 for 35 MPa cannot be used at the same time, for example, the filling is stopped. In other words, it is configured so that it cannot be filled by two filling nozzles on the same side (the A side) at the same time. Therefore, the A side and the B side can be filled at the same time by a total of two systems, but the A side cannot be filled at the same time by two systems. In an actual device, if the second filling nozzle on the A side is taken off during filling on the A side, it is determined that both filling nozzles on the A side are trying to fill, and the filling is stopped. Figure 3 The A side in (A) and (B) denotes a nozzle hook.

[0056] In (A) and (B), Figure 4 In (A) and (B), the filling device 100-1 is connected to a supply system on the primary side, which is a single hydrogen supply system. Here, the supply system on the primary side is the rear facility side of the filling device 100-1, and is located on the left side in (A) and (B). In the filling device 100-1, a supply path that communicates with the supply system on the primary side branches at a branch point B1 into two filling systems, namely, the filling system 1A on the A side and the filling system IB on the B side. At the time of filling, the filling system 1A on the A side is connected to the tank (not shown: present on the right side in (A) and (B)) of the vehicle (not shown) through the filling nozzles H70 and H35. On the other hand, the filling system IB on the B side is connected to the tank (not shown: present on the right side in (A) and (B)) of the vehicle (not shown) via the filling nozzle H70 at the time of filling. Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4

[0057] ​​​The filling system 1A on the A side is further branched at the branch point B2 into two filling systems 1A-1 and 1A-2. The filling system 1A-1 is connected to the filling nozzle H70 for 70 MPa, and the filling system 1A-2 is connected to the filling nozzle H35 for 35 MPa. In the present specification, the filling system 1A, the filling system 1A-1, and the filling system 1A-2 on the upstream side (primary side) of the branch point B2 can be collectively referred to as "the filling system 1A". The filling system 1B on the B side is connected to the filling nozzle H70 for 70 MPa. The filling nozzles H70 and H35 on the A side and the B side are provided with nozzle switches SW70 and SW35 (activation switches). When filling is activated, the user "turns on" the nozzle switches SW70 and SW35. As will be clear from Figure 4 the second embodiment, there is only one primary side supply system for supplying hydrogen to the filling device 100-1, but the one primary side hydrogen supply system is branched at a single point or multiple points (for example, two branch points B1 and B2 in Figure 4 ) before reaching the filling nozzles, and communicates with multiple hydrogenated nozzles H70 or H35, thereby constituting a filling system. In the second embodiment shown in Figure 3 and 4 , three filling systems are configured. Unlike the filling device according to the related art, the gaseous fuel (hydrogen) is not supplied to the filling device from multiple gas supply sources via multiple supply systems. Unlike the conventional filling device, the filling device 100-1 according to the shown embodiment is not used to supply CNG gas to a vehicle. However, the shown embodiment can be applied to supply CNG gas.

[0058] Also in Figure 4 , the inlet pressure gauge PA1, the flow regulating valve 2A (pressure regulating valve), and the cooling unit 6 are arranged in the region between the branch point B1 and the branch point B2 of the A side filling system 1A. The shut-off valve 3A1, the discharge pressure gauge PA21, and the outlet side temperature gauge TA1 are arranged in the region between the filling nozzle H70 and the branch portion B2 in the filling system 1A-1. Further, the shut-off valve 3A2, the discharge pressure gauge PA22, and the outlet side temperature gauge TA2 are arranged in the region between the branch portion B2 of the filling system 1A-2 and the filling nozzle H35. In the B side filling system 1B, in the region between the branch point B1 and the filling nozzle H70, the inlet pressure gauge PB1, the flow regulating valve 2B, the cooling unit 6, the shut-off valve 3B, the discharge pressure gauge PB2, and the outlet side temperature gauge TB are provided.

[0059] In Figure 4In the present embodiment, the inlet pressure gauges PA1 and PB1 detect the hydrogen pressure in the filling systems 1A and 1B in the region near the supply system side (upstream side) on the primary side of the filling device 100-1, i.e., the hydrogen supply pressure. The flow regulating valves 2A and 2B have the function of increasing or decreasing the hydrogen flow through the filling systems 1A and 1B by increasing or decreasing the opening of the filling systems 1A and 1B, thereby regulating the pressure of the hydrogen. The cooling unit 6 has the function of cooling the hydrogen flowing through the filling systems 1A and 1B to reduce the temperature. Here, a conventional heat exchanger type cooling unit 6 is used, but a high-power cooling unit is preferably used because it cools the hydrogen flowing through both of the hydrogen filling systems 1A and 1B. Further, when filling is performed using the filling nozzles H70 or H35, the shut-off valves 3A1, 3A2 and 3B are opened and closed after filling is completed, thereby stopping the supply of hydrogen.

[0060] The discharge pressure gauges PA21, PA22 and PB2 detect the hydrogen pressure (discharge pressure) in the region near the filling nozzles H70 and H35 of the filling systems 1A-1, 1A-2 and 1B, respectively. The outlet side temperature gauges TA1, TA2 and TB detect the hydrogen temperature in the region near the filling nozzles H70 and H35 in the filling systems 1A-1, 1A-2 and 1B, respectively. A regulator (not shown) for reducing the hydrogen pressure of 70 MPa to 40 MPa is provided on the upstream side of the shut-off valve 3A2 in the filling system 1A-2 (branch portion B2 side). A card reader Pβ is provided on each of the operation panels on the A side and the B side. The card reader Pβ has the function of reading a special card inserted by the user of the filling device 100-1, and determines whether the user is a member or a non-member based on whether the card reader Pβ reads the special card. That is, if the card reader Pβ reads the special card, the user of the filling device 100-1 determines that he or she is a member, and if it does not read the special card, determines that he or she is a non-member.

[0061] In Figure 4In the filling device 100-1, there are an A-side control unit 10A, a B-side control unit 10B, and an intermediate control unit 10C. The A-side control unit 10A performs filling control in the A-side filling systems 1A, 1A-1, and 1A-2. The B-side control unit 10B controls the filling in the B-side filling system 1B. The coordination control unit 10C has the function of coordinating between the A-side control unit 10A in the filling system 1A and the B-side control unit 10B in the filling system 1B, and enables the A-side control unit 10A and the B-side control unit 10B to transmit information in both directions. The A-side control unit 10A is connected to components of the A-side filling system 1A via measurement signal lines, detection signal lines, and control signal lines. That is, the A-side control unit 10A is connected to the inlet pressure gauge PA1 via the measurement signal line L1, to the flow regulating valve 2A (pressure regulating valve) via the control signal line L2, to the shut-off valve 3A1 via the control signal line L3, to the discharge pressure gauge PA21 via the measurement signal line L4, to the outlet-side thermometer TA1 via the measurement signal line L5, and to the nozzle switch SW70 (start switch) via the detection signal line L6. Furthermore, the A-side control unit 10A is connected to the shut-off valve 3A2 via the control signal line L7, to the discharge pressure gauge PA22 via the measurement signal line L8, to the outlet-side thermometer TA2 via the measurement signal line L9, and to the nozzle switch SW35 (start switch) via the detection signal line L10. Each of the signal lines L1 to L10 is independently connected to the A-side control unit 10A; however, to avoid complexity, in... Figure 4 In a region where multiple signal lines are parallel, only one signal line can be displayed.

[0062] The B-side control unit 10B is connected to the components of the B-side filling system 1B via measurement signal lines, detection signal lines, and control signal lines. Specifically, the B-side control unit 10B is connected to the inlet pressure gauge PB1 via measurement signal line L11, to the flow regulating valve 2B via control signal line L12, to the shut-off valve 3B via control signal line L13, to the discharge pressure gauge PB2 via measurement signal line L14, to the outlet thermometer TB via measurement signal line L15, and to the nozzle switch SW70 (start switch) via detection signal line L16. Each of signal lines L11 to L16 is independently connected to the B-side control unit 10B; however, to avoid complexity, in areas where multiple signal lines are parallel, only one signal line can be displayed in the same manner as on the A side. The A-side control unit 10A and the coordination control unit 10C are connected to signal line L17, which is capable of transmitting information or various signals in both directions. The B-side control unit 10B and the coordination control unit 10C are also connected to signal line L18, which is capable of transmitting bidirectional information or various signals. Although in Figure 4The control unit is not shown in FIG. 1, but is also provided in the rear facility (hydrogen primary side supply system), and the primary side control unit, the A-side control unit 10A, the B-side control unit 10B, and the intermediate control unit 10C perform filling control in the filling device 100-1.

[0063] The A-side control unit 10A has a function of exchanging information and control signals with each component (pressure gauge, flow regulating valve, etc.) of the A-side filling system 1A, and responds to, for example, a pressure difference from the inside of the vehicle-side tank, thereby supplying hydrogen at an appropriate pressure. The same applies to the B-side control unit 10B. Then, the filling device 100-1 can fill hydrogen to a plurality of vehicles at the same time. Although not clearly shown, the pressure and temperature of the vehicle-side tank to be filled with hydrogen are transmitted to the filling device 100-1 side through the communication filling system at the time of filling. Here, the hydrogen pressure supplied from the primary side supply system to the filling device 100-1 is determined based on the higher required filling pressure in the A-side and the B-side. For example, when 35 MPa of hydrogen is supplied to the A-side and 70 MPa of hydrogen is supplied to the B-side, the pressure of the primary side supply system is the higher pressure of 70 MPa. In this case, on the A-side, the opening degree of the flow control valve 2A is adjusted (throttled), and thereby the pressure of the supplied hydrogen is reduced from 70 MPa to 35 MPa.

[0064] In Figure 4 the A-side control unit 10A and the B-side control unit 10B perform control for exchanging information about hydrogen filling with each other through the coordination control unit 10C. As described above, the information exchange is performed through the bidirectional signal lines L17 and L18. The control performed by the A-side and B-side control units 10A and 10B and the coordination control unit 10C when the filling systems 1A and 1B of the A-side and the B-side fill the vehicle tank with hydrogen within a predetermined pressure range will be described.

[0065] The control units 10A and 10B transmit the filling state or information thereof in the filling systems 1A and 1B to the intermediate control unit 10C. That is, the control units 10A and 10B transmit a filling start signal to the coordination control unit 10C at the time of starting filling, and a filling end signal at the time of completion of filling. The coordination control unit 10C has a function of transmitting the filling start signal and the filling end signal to the rear facility side (hydrogen supply equipment side: primary side). Then, the coordination control unit 10C has a function of sending the filling start signal transmitted by the control unit 10B to the control unit 10A of the filling system 1A that is performing filling, when filling is being performed in the filling system 1A of the A-side while filling is started in the filling system 1B of the B-side. With this function, the control units 10A and 10B can obtain the filling information of the other side. Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figure 4 to 6A side filling system 1A performs filling, while the B side filling system 1B starts filling. Here, as described above, since the A side filling system 1A-1 and the filling system 1A-2 do not fill at the same time, in the following description with reference to Figures 4 to 6 the filling systems 1A-1 and 1A-2 branched from the branch point B2 are collectively referred to as "filling system 1A".

[0066] Details will be described later with reference to Figure 5 and 6 However, in Figure 4 the A side control unit 10A has a function of transmitting a control signal (a control signal to reduce the opening degree of the flow regulating valve 2A to reduce the hydrogen pressure) to the flow regulating valve 2A to reduce the hydrogen pressure in the A side filling system 1A upon receiving the filling start signal transmitted from the control unit 10B via the coordination control unit 10C. Then, the coordination control unit 10C has a function of sending the filling start signal transmitted by the B side control unit 10B that starts filling to the control unit of the rear facility (the primary side supply system of hydrogen) (not shown) after a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) after the A side control unit 10A that performs filling transmits a control signal for pressure reduction (a control signal to the flow regulating valve 2A). Details will be described later with reference to Figure 5 and 6 The reason for the time difference of the predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) from the transmission of the control signal for reducing the hydrogen pressure on the A side to the transmission of the filling start signal on the B side to the control unit of the rear facility.

[0067] Further, in Figure 4 the intermediate control unit 10C has a function of transmitting a control signal indicating that the A side completes filling to the control unit 10B when filling is performed in the filling systems 1A and 1B on the A side and the B side and filling is completed, for example, in the filling system 1A on the A side. Then, when receiving the control signal (a control signal indicating that filling is completed on the A side) transmitted via the intermediate control unit 10C, the control unit 10B on the B side that continues filling transmits a control signal for increasing the pressure of hydrogen flowing through the flow passage of the control unit 10B on the B side to increase the pressure of hydrogen by increasing the opening degree of the flow regulating valve 2B.

[0068] Next, the control of the control units 10A and 10B and the coordination control unit 10C will be further described with reference to Figure 5 and 6 Figure 5 and Figure 6 A case where the A side and the B side perform filling of 70 MPa is described. In Figure 5 ​In FIG. 6, the horizontal axis shows elapsed time, the vertical axis shows various pressures of hydrogen to be filled or valve opening degrees, and the filling patterns of the A-side and B-side are shown by pressure-time characteristics. Specifically, these figures show the required pressure after starting filling (pressure required for filling in each filling system), the actual supply pressure (initial pressure: measured by the inlet pressure gauges PA1 and PB1 in Figure 4 ), the discharge pressure (measured by the discharge pressure gauges PA21, PA22, and PB2), and the upper limit value of the pressure, the lower limit value of the pressure, and the way in which the opening degree of the flow regulating valve (2A, 2B) changes are allowed for each of the A-side filling system 1A and the B-side filling system 1B.

[0069] In Figure 5 , first, at the stage indicated by reference numeral (1), there is a filling request for the A-side filling system 1A, and the required pressure and the supply pressure are raised in accordance with the required hydrogen pressure. Here, at the stage of reference numeral (1), the pressure in the vehicle-side tank to be filled is unknown, and control is performed until the measurement of the initial pressure in the first embodiment is completed. Figure 5 The case where communication filling is established is shown, and a pressure higher than the tank pressure received from the vehicle side by, for example, 5 MPa (predetermined pressure) is set as the required pressure. If hydrogenation is not preferably performed (when the initial measurement is not completed and the hydrogen flow is less than 100 g / min: see Figure 2 ), the required pressure is set to be higher than the pressure in the tank received from the vehicle side by, for example, 15 MPa. Further, if hydrogenation is still not performed in the preferred manner, the required pressure is set to a maximum value of, for example, 80 MPa. After the initial pressure measurement is completed, the required pressure is set to a pressure higher than the measured tank pressure by, for example, 10 MPa. In Figure 5 , at the stage of reference numeral (1), the required pressure (necessary pressure) in the A-side filling system 1A is set to, for example, 35 MPa. In Figure 5 , when the supply pressure is set to 35 MPa at the stage of reference numeral (1), the characteristic line indicating the supply pressure and the characteristic line indicating the required pressure overlap, and only the solid characteristic line indicating the required pressure is shown. In addition, when communication filling is not established in Figure 5 , the required pressure in the A-side filling system 1A is set at the stage of reference numeral (1) in accordance with the control described above with reference to Figure 2 .

[0070] At the stage indicated by symbol (2), the pressure of the vehicle-side tank is transmitted to the filling device 100-1 side by communication filling, so as to correct the required pressure (necessary pressure) of 35 MPa of the stage of symbol (1) and the supply pressure of the primary side to a pressure corresponding to the pressure difference with the vehicle-side tank pressure. The corrected pressure is far lower than the maximum value of 80 MPa. After that, when hydrogen is filled in, the supply pressure is gradually increased according to the required pressure (necessary pressure) shown by symbol (3), and the discharge pressure of the A side is also gradually increased to fill in hydrogen accordingly. At this time, the filling is controlled so that the discharge pressure becomes between the allowable pressure upper limit value and the allowable pressure lower limit value. At the stage of symbol (4), the pressure value (the opening degree of the flow rate regulating valve 2A) fluctuates, but this is a behavior related to the leakage check control, and is not related to the illustrated embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted. When the A side is filled in, the flow rate regulating valve 2A of the filling system 1A is controlled to be opened and closed, and the pressure is gradually increased. The index showing the flow rate regulating valve opening degree is omitted.

[0071] The hydrogen filling request signal is transmitted to the B side for filling in the B side, and at the stage of symbol (5), the required pressure on the B side is substantially vertically raised, and the required pressure is increased to 80 MPa. At the stage of symbol (5), the discharge pressure of the A side is high, and in the illustrated second embodiment, the supply system of the primary side is single. Therefore, at the stage of symbol (5), the required pressure is increased to the maximum value of 80 MPa. Here, when the supply pressure of the A side is raised to 80 MPa, the discharge pressure of the filling system 1A is also raised, and it is possible to exceed the pressure allowable upper limit value. Therefore, as shown by symbol (β), the opening degree of the flow rate regulating valve 2A of the A side is reduced to reduce the pressure (discharge pressure) of the filling system 1A. Even if the supply pressure is suddenly raised to 80 MPa at the stage of symbol (5), the discharge pressure of the A side does not exceed the allowable pressure upper limit. In order to perform such control, it is necessary to exchange information between the A side control unit 10A( Figure 4 ) and the B side control unit 10B( Figure 4 ), and exchange signals or information via the coordination control unit 10C( Figure 4 ).

[0072] Here, for the reason described below with reference to Figure 6 , the time required for the control to reduce the opening degree of the flow rate regulating valve 2A of the A side is longer than the time required for the control to increase the supply pressure to 80 MPa by the hydrogen filling request of the B side by time t. This is because if the control signal of the flow rate regulating valve 2A (pressure regulating valve) of the filling system 1A of the A side and the hydrogen filling request in the filling system 1B of the B side are transmitted at the same time, it will cause inconvenience. This inconvenience will be described with reference to Figure 6 . Figure 6 is the same as Figure 5Similar characteristics are shown from Figure 5 the filling start on the A side to the stage indicated by reference numeral (5). Figure 6 The characteristics are shown when the filling request signal on the B side and the control signal of the flow regulating valve 2A (pressure regulating valve) of the filling system 1A on the A side are simultaneously transmitted. Figure 5 the step indicated by reference numeral (5) in Figure 6 is indicated by reference numeral "5-1". In Figure 6 in the region shown by reference numeral 5-1, when the filling request on the B side and the control signal of the flow regulating valve 2A on the A side (control signal for reducing the opening to reduce the hydrogen pressure) are simultaneously transmitted, the supply pressure (primary side pressure) is raised as indicated by symbol (α), and the discharge pressure of the filling system 1A (A side discharge pressure) is raised as indicated by symbol γ. Here, from the transmission of the filling request signal on the B side to the time when the discharge pressure on the A side is raised, the time is shorter than from the transmission of the control signal of the flow regulating valve 2A on the A side to the time when the opening of the flow regulating valve 2A is reduced and the hydrogen pressure is reduced. Therefore, in the region 5-1 of Figure 6 due to the supply pressure rise indicated by symbol (α), the discharge pressure of the filling system 1A indicated by symbol γ exceeds the allowable upper limit of the pressure. When the discharge pressure (symbol γ) exceeds the allowable upper limit of the pressure, the A side control unit 10A determines that "an error has occurred", forcibly closes the flow regulating valve 2A of the filling system 1A, and forcibly terminates the hydrogenation on the A side using the filling system 1A.

[0073] To prevent the discharge pressure (symbol γ) from exceeding the allowable upper limit of the pressure in the region indicated by reference numeral 5-1 in Figure 6 in the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Figure 5 when there is a filling request from the B side while the filling on the A side is being performed, the timing at which the filling request is transmitted to the control unit of the rear facility (primary side supply system) via the coordination control unit 10C is delayed by a predetermined time t (for example, 3 seconds) from the timing at which the control signal for reducing the opening of the regulating valve 2A is transmitted from the control unit 10A. The delay control is performed in the region shown by reference numeral (6) in Figure 5 That is, from the timing of the control signal of the flow regulating valve 2A, the information transmission timing of the filling request on the B side is delayed by a predetermined time t (for example, 3 seconds), and after the opening of the flow regulating valve 2A is reduced, the required pressure on the B side is raised in accordance with the filling requirement on the B side, so the supply pressure is raised to 80 MPa. Here, since the opening of the flow regulating valve 2A on the A side has been reduced, even if the supply pressure is raised to 80 MPa and the hydrogen pressure has been reduced, the opening of the flow regulating valve 2A is small. Therefore, in Figure 5In the areas indicated by reference numerals (5) and (6) in the attached figures, the discharge pressure of filling system 1A does not exceed the permissible pressure limit.

[0074] Here, even if the opening of the flow regulating valve 2A decreases, the discharge pressure of the filling system 1A decreases, and the supply pressure indicated by symbol (α) increases, the predetermined time t is the necessary and sufficient time to prevent the discharge pressure of the filling system 1A from increasing, and the predetermined time t is set to, for example, "3 seconds". In other words, as Figure 6 As shown in region (5-1), a predetermined time t (e.g., 3 seconds) is necessary to prevent the discharge pressure of filling system 1A from exceeding the permissible pressure limit. In the inventors' simulations and experiments using actual devices, the time from transmitting the control signal to the flow regulating valve 2A to the narrowing of the opening of the flow regulating valve 2A is 1 to 2 seconds. Within 3 seconds after the control signal transmission, the opening of the flow regulating valve 2A must decrease in the stage before the discharge pressure on side A increases due to the increase in the primary side supply pressure (α), and the hydrogen pressure can be reduced. Although in Figure 5 Not shown in the diagram, even if the timing (α) of transmitting the hydrogen refueling request signal on side B is earlier than... Figure 5 The time shown ( Figure 5 (The area near the left end). For example, according to the reference above. Figure 2 The described control sets the required pressure on side B to a value below 80 MPa. In this case, since the discharge pressure on side A is low, there is no need for control that delays the transmission of information regarding the filling request on side B by a predetermined time t (e.g., 3 seconds) from the timing of the control signal from the flow regulating valve 2A on side A.

[0075] exist Figure 5 As shown by reference numeral (7) in the attached diagram, the opening of the flow control valve 2A has decreased, but the discharge pressure of the filling system 1A has not decreased as much. Figure 5 In the case shown, at the moment the supply pressure rises as indicated by symbol (α), the pressure in the vehicle-side reservoir (not shown) to be filled has been increased to a level such that the discharge pressure of filling system 1A, i.e., the pressure near the filling nozzle H70 of discharge system 1A-1, does not drop below the pressure in the vehicle-side reservoir. If the timing of the supply pressure rise (α) is earlier than... Figure 5 The time shown ( Figure 5 In the area on the left, the pressure on the vehicle-side tank is low, and the supply pressure is also low. It is estimated that when the opening of the flow control valve 2A narrows, the discharge pressure also decreases.

[0076] exist Figure 5As indicated by reference numeral (8) in the attached figure, filling on side A is completed. When filling of filling system 1A on side A is completed, the primary side supply pressure becomes the differential pressure (required pressure) required for filling filling system 1B on side B. Therefore, before step (8), the required pressure (necessary pressure) on side A is higher than the required pressure on side B, and the supply pressure is 80 MPa or higher, while at the moment indicated by reference numeral (8), as indicated by symbol (ε), the supply pressure gradually decreases in response to the required pressure of filling system 1B on side B. Then, the discharge pressure on side A, after filling is completed, drops to zero. Since the supply pressure is set based on the required pressure on side B after step (8), it is not necessary to reduce the opening of flow control valve 2B on side B as much as before step (8). Here, after step (8), if the opening of flow control valve 2B remains as small as before step (8) (when maintaining the so-called "throttling" state), there is a risk that the discharge pressure of filling system 1B will drop below the permissible lower limit.

[0077] To prevent the discharge pressure of filling system 1B from dropping below the permissible lower limit, control unit 10A sends a control signal indicating the completion of hydrogen refueling on side A when hydrogen refueling on side A is complete. Control unit 10C transmits the control signal indicating the completion of hydrogen refueling on side A and coordinates the transmission of the control signal indicating the completion of hydrogen refueling on side A to control unit 10B on side B. Upon receiving the control signal, control unit 10B sends a control signal to flow regulating valve 2B to increase its opening degree, thereby increasing the pressure of hydrogen flowing through filling system 1B and preventing the discharge pressure of filling system 1B from dropping below the permissible lower limit. Due to this control, such as Figure 5 As indicated by reference numeral (9) in the attached figure, after the filling on side A is completed (after reference numeral (8)), the opening of the flow regulating valve 2B on side B increases rapidly compared to step (9). This prevents the discharge pressure on side B from dropping below the permissible lower limit after step (8). Figure 5 As indicated by reference numeral (10) in the attached diagram, the supply pressure increases over time according to the pressure required by the filling system 1B, and the discharge pressure on side B also increases. Figure 5 In the hydrogen filling shown, the discharge pressure is controlled to be within the range between the upper and lower permissible pressure limits.

[0078] Next, we will mainly refer to Figure 7 To describe Figures 3 to 6 The filling control procedure in the second embodiment is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 7 The description of the implemented fill control uses the scenario where side A is being filled and side B is about to start filling as an example. Of course, it can also be applied in the opposite scenario (when side B is being filled and side A is about to start filling). Figure 7of the vehicle. In Figure 7 step S21, the filling device 100-1 determines whether or not filling is being performed on the tank of the vehicle. When filling is being performed in step S21 (YES in step S21), the flow proceeds to step S22, and when filling is not being performed (NO in step S21, loop), the flow returns to step S21. In step S22, it is determined whether or not the user of the filling device 100-1 has inserted a special card (a POS card) into the card reader Pb of the operation panel (Pb Figure 4 ), and whether or not the card reader Pb has read the POS card, that is, whether or not the card of the user is a member special card. If the POS card is read in step S22 (YES in step S22), the flow proceeds to step S23, and if the POS card is not read (NO in step S22), the flow proceeds to step S24.

[0079] In step S23, filling is permitted when the POS card is read. On the other hand, filling is not permitted in step S24. However, it is also possible to set so as to permit filling to non-members, and in this case, if the POS card is not read in step S22 (NO in step S22), information indicating "filling by a non-member" is transmitted to the rear facility (not shown), and the flow proceeds to step S23. In step S25, the user who is permitted to fill removes the filling nozzles (H70 and H35) from the nozzle hooks 7A1, 7A2, and 7B. Figure 4 Here, the nozzle activation SW is valid only when filling is permitted in step S23 and the conditions for removing the filling nozzles H70 and H35 from the nozzle hooks 7A1, 7A2, and 7B are satisfied. In step S26, a counter (not shown) is reset to zero, and the filling activation switches (SW70, SW35) of the nozzles that can be filled flash. In step S27, the user presses the activation switch of the nozzle to be used to place it in the "on" state. Figure 4

[0080] Although not shown in the flowchart of Figure 7 , after step S27, the control of the initial pressure measurement (first embodiment) described with reference to Figure 2 is performed. By performing the control of the initial pressure measurement, the supply pressure of the initial filling stage (based on the required pressure) becomes, for example, about 35 MPa (reference sign (1) in Figure 5 ). Then, the flow proceeds to step S28. In step S28, when the B-side filling is activated, it is determined whether or not the A-side (the other side, the side on which filling is not activated) is being filled. A signal indicating whether or not the control unit 10A of the A-side is performing filling control is transmitted to the control unit 10C for coordination ( Figure 4 ​The determination is made by the following steps. If step S28 is "filling the other side (side A)" (step S28 is "yes"), the process proceeds to step S29, and if "the other side (side A) is not being filled" (step S28 is "not being filled", "no"), the process proceeds to step S31.

[0081] exist Figure 7 In step S29 (when "the other side (side A) is being filled"), a control signal is transmitted to reduce the opening of the flow regulating valve 2A on the side A that is being filled. In the next step S30, 3 seconds have elapsed since the control signal for reducing the opening of the flow regulating valve 2A on side A was transmitted in step S29. Figure 5 The predetermined time t is used to transmit the filling system 1B (fill request signal) on side B. In the control of steps S29 and S30, in step S29, the coordination control unit 10C transmits the filling start information (fill request) on side B obtained from control unit 10B to control unit 10A on side A, and control unit 10A on side A transmits a control signal to reduce the opening of flow regulating valve 2A. Then, 3 seconds after control unit 10A transmits the control signal to reduce the opening of flow regulating valve 2A (step S29), the coordination control unit 10C transmits the filling start signal on side B to the control unit on the fuel gas supply side (step S30). By executing the control in steps S29 and S30, the opening of flow regulating valve 2A on side A narrows, the discharge pressure on side A decreases, and then the supply pressure rapidly increases in response to the filling request on side B (in Figure 5 and 6 In the example, the pressure is increased to 80 MPa to prevent the discharge pressure of filling system 1A from exceeding the permissible pressure limit (see [example]). Figure 5 (5) and (6) in the attached figures.

[0082] On the other hand, in step S31 (when "the other side (side A) is not being filled"), after the fill start switch on side B is opened, the coordination control unit 10C immediately sends a fill start signal for side B to the control unit on the rear facility side. However, as in step S30, the fill start signal can also be transmitted 3 seconds after the fill start switch on side B is opened. After transmitting the fill start signal for side B to the control unit on the rear facility side, hydrogenation on side B is started. In step S32, it is determined whether filling has started in the filling system 1A on side A. In step S32, the control unit 10A determines whether filling on side A has started and transmits this determination to the coordination control unit 10C. In step S32, if "filling on side A has started" (step S32 is "yes"), the process proceeds to step S33, and if "filling on side A has not started" (step S32 is "no"), the process proceeds to step S35.

[0083] In step S33 (when the A-side initiates filling), the intermediate control unit 10C, which has transmitted the control signal of the prompt "A-side initiates filling", sends a control signal to the control unit 10B of the B-side being filled, and the control unit 10B transmits a control signal for reducing (compressing) the opening of the flow rate regulating valve 2B( Figure 4 ) to lower the pressure of the hydrogen flowing through the filling system 1B. Then, the flow proceeds to step S34. In step S34, after 3 seconds (predetermined time t: Figure 5 ) from the transmission of the control signal for reducing the opening of the flow rate regulating valve 2B by the control unit 10B of the B-side in step S33, the intermediate control unit 10C sends an A-side filling request signal to the control unit of the rear facility. Then, the flow proceeds to step S36. By performing the control in steps S33 and S34, since the filling request of the A-side is transmitted to the control unit of the rear facility when 3 seconds have passed from the reduction of the opening of the flow rate regulating valve 2B on the B-side and the lowering of the pressure of the hydrogen flowing through the filling system 1B, the pressure of the hydrogen flowing through the filling system 1B is lowered when the supply pressure is increased (up to 80 MPa in the example of Figure 5 and 6 ), thereby preventing a situation in which the discharge pressure of the filling system 1B exceeds the allowable upper limit of the pressure.

[0084] In step S35 (when filling is not initiated on the A-side), it is determined whether the filling of the B-side being filled is completed. The determination is performed by the control unit 10B of the B-side, and the determination result is transmitted to the coordination control unit 10C. When the filling of the B-side is "completed" (step S35 is "Yes"), the filling control of the B-side is terminated. When the filling of the B-side is "not completed" (step S35 is "No"), the flow returns to step S32.

[0085] In step S36 of receiving the determination results of steps S30 and S34, it is determined whether the A-side is completed with filling in the state where filling is performed in both the B-side and A-side filling systems. The determination is performed by the control unit 10A of the A-side, and the determination result is transmitted to the intermediate control unit 10C. In step S36, if the A-side is "completed with filling" (step S36 is "Yes"), the flow proceeds to step S37, and if the A-side is "not completed with filling" (step S36 is "No"), the flow proceeds to step S38.

[0086] In step S37, when "filling on the A side is completed" in step S36, a control signal for increasing the opening degree of the flow regulating valve 2B is transmitted to increase the hydrogen pressure in the filling system IB being filled on the B side. That is, the coordination control unit IOC transmits the information on completion of filling on the A side acquired from the control unit 10A to the control unit 10B on the B side, and the control unit 10B receiving the information sends a control signal for increasing the opening degree of the flow regulating valve 2B. In step S37, when the filling on the A side is completed, the opening degree of the flow regulating valve 2B of the filling system IB is also increased, and the hydrogen pressure is increased, so that, as shown by reference numeral (9) in FIG. 6, a case in which the discharge pressure of the system IB drops below the allowable lower limit value is prevented. When step S37 is completed, the flow proceeds to step S35. Figure 5

[0087] Figure 7 Step S38 in FIG. 5 is a case in which "filling on the A side is not completed" in step S36. In step S38, it is determined whether filling on the B side is completed during filling. The determination is performed by the control unit 10B on the B side, and the determination result is transmitted to the coordination control unit IOC. When the determination result in step S38 is "filling is completed" (YES in step S38), the filling control on the B side is terminated. If "filling is not completed" (NO in step S38), the flow returns to step S36.

[0088] According to the filling device 100-1 of the second embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, since the primary side supply system of a single fuel gas (e.g., hydrogen) is branched into the filling system IA on the A side and the filling system IB on the B side, and the filling system IA on the A side is branched into the filling system IA-1 and the filling system IA-2, hydrogen can be supplied at a required pressure corresponding to a pressure difference with a filling object (e.g., a vehicle-side tank) even if no gas cylinder or tank for storing hydrogen is provided within the filling device. Then, hydrogen can be supplied to a plurality of filling objects using a single filling device 100-1. Further, since the coordination control unit IOC that coordinates between the control unit 10A on the A side and the control unit 10B on the B side is provided, when hydrogen is simultaneously filled in the filling system IA on the A side and the filling system IB on the B side, the discharge pressure during filling can be maintained within a predetermined pressure range (below the upper limit and above the lower limit), and filling can be safely performed. Figures 3 to 7

[0089] ​​Specifically, when one filling system (e.g., filling system 1B on side B) starts filling while another filling system (e.g., filling system 1A on side A) is filling, the start of filling can increase the pressure of the fuel gas supplied to the filling device 100-1, and there is a risk that the discharge pressure on the filling system side may exceed the upper limit during the filling process. On the other hand, in the second embodiment shown in the figures, the coordination control unit 10C sends a control signal transmitted from side B for starting filling on side B to the control unit 10A on side A, which is currently filling. When the filling start signal from side B is received via the coordination control unit 10C, the control unit 10A on side A transmits a control signal for reducing the opening of the flow regulating valve 2A on side A, thereby reducing the pressure of hydrogen flowing through filling system 1A. Therefore, even if the supply pressure rises sharply, it can prevent the discharge pressure on side A from exceeding the upper limit during the filling process.

[0090] Here, when the signal to start filling is transmitted to the downstream facility side (fuel gas supply side: primary side), the hydrogen supply pressure immediately rises. Therefore, the timing of the signal to start filling being transmitted to the downstream facility side is the same as the timing of the control signal for reducing the opening of the flow control valve 2A on the filling system 1A side during filling. Before the opening of the flow control valve 2A is reduced, the supply pressure increases, the discharge pressure on the filling system 1A side increases during filling, and the discharge pressure on the filling system 1A side will exceed the upper limit during filling. On the other hand, in the second embodiment shown in the figure, since the coordination control unit 10C has the function of transmitting the filling start signal from the control unit 10B on the filling side 10A to the rear facility after a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed since the control unit 10A on the filling side transmits the control signal for reducing the opening of the flow regulating valve 2A, the timing of the decrease in hydrogen pressure on the filling system 1A side of the filling system 1A is earlier than the time when the supply pressure and discharge pressure on the A side increase during the filling period. This can certainly prevent the discharge pressure on the A side from exceeding the upper limit during the filling period.

[0091] Furthermore, when filling is underway in both filling system 1A on side A and filling system 1B on side B, and filling in filling system 1A on side A is complete, the supply pressure drops sharply, and there is a risk that the discharge pressure of filling system 1B on side B, which is currently being filled, will drop below the lower limit. However, in the second embodiment shown, the coordination control unit 10C transmits a control signal indicating that filling on side A is complete to the control unit 10B on side B, which is continuing to fill. Upon receiving the control signal, the control unit 10B on side B transmits a control signal to increase the opening of the flow regulating valve 2B of filling system 1B, thereby increasing the discharge pressure of filling system 1B on side B, which prevents the discharge pressure on side B from continuing to drop below the lower limit.

[0092] Supplementarily, the illustrated embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present application. For example, the illustrated embodiments refer to a case where a single hydrogen gas (fuel gas) supply system has one filling device (however, the filling system can be single or multiple). The present application is also applicable when multiple (two or three or more) filling devices are provided in a single hydrogen gas (fuel gas) supply system. In this case, a coordinated control unit according to the second embodiment can be provided in each filling device, and a comprehensive coordinated control unit that controls multiple coordinated control units can be provided.

[0093] Reference Signs

[0094] 1A A-side filling system

[0095] 1B B-side filling system

[0096] 2A, 2B flow control valve (pressure control valve)

[0097] 10 control unit

[0098] 10A A-side control unit

[0099] 10B B-side control unit

[0100] 10C, 10F coordinated control unit

[0101] 10G comprehensive coordinated control unit

[0102] 21 vehicle-side tank

[0103] 100, 100-1 filling device

[0104] 200 rear facility (fuel gas supply side)

Claims

1. A filling device comprising a control unit, wherein the control unit has the function of: increasing the required pressure from the filling device to a rear facility until an initial pressure measurement is completed. The rear facility serves as a gas supply source. The filling device includes a gas supply pipe equipped with an inlet pressure gauge and an outlet pressure gauge, and connected between the vehicle-side storage tank and the gas supply source. The inlet pressure gauge measures the pressure on the gas supply source side of the gas supply pipe, and the outlet pressure gauge measures the pressure on the filling nozzle side of the gas supply pipe. The initial pressure is the discharge pressure of the filling device in the presence of gas in the gas supply pipe just before filling, measured by the discharge pressure gauge, and corresponds to the pressure inside the vehicle-side reservoir. The control unit has the function of: determining whether to establish communication filling; and when communication filling is established, setting a pressure that is higher than the tank pressure received from the vehicle side by a predetermined pressure to the required pressure of the facility in the later stage of the initial filling phase. The control unit has the function of determining whether communication filling has been established, and when communication filling has not been established, setting the pressure to 30% to 60% of the maximum value as the required pressure from the initial filling stage to the subsequent facilities.

2. The filling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit has the function of increasing the required pressure from the filling device to the downstream facility when the flow rate of the gas to be filled is less than a predetermined value.

3. The filling device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit has the function of setting the required pressure to the rear facility to be higher than the measured internal pressure of the vehicle-side tank by a constant pressure after the initial pressure measurement is completed.

4. A filling method using the filling device according to any one of claims 1-3, the filling method comprising the steps of: determining whether an initial pressure measurement has been completed, increasing the required pressure from the filling device to the downstream facility until the initial pressure measurement is completed, The filling method further includes the step of: determining whether communication filling has been established; if communication filling is established, setting a pressure that is higher than the tank pressure received from the vehicle side by a predetermined pressure as the required pressure from the initial filling stage to the rear facilities. The filling method further includes the step of: determining whether communication filling has been established, and when communication filling has not been established, setting the pressure to 30% to 60% of the maximum value as the required pressure in the initial filling phase up to the subsequent facilities.

5. The filling method as described in claim 4, wherein, When the flow rate of the gas to be filled is less than a predetermined value, the required pressure from the filling device to the rear facility is increased.

6. The filling method as described in claim 4 or 5, wherein, After the initial pressure measurement is completed, the required pressure to the rear facility is set to a constant pressure higher than the measured pressure inside the vehicle-side tank.

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