Hydrogen storage device and vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a hydrogen storage device mounted on a vehicle and a vehicle provided with the hydrogen storage device. The hydrogen storage device configured to be provided to the vehicle and to store hydrogen has a plurality of hydrogen filling ports configured to be connected to a hydrogen filling device, a plurality of hydrogen tanks, a flow path through which hydrogen flows, a solenoid valve provided to the flow path, and a control device. The flow path has an independent first flow path and an independent second flow path. The independent first flow path and the independent second flow path are switched between being cut off and being communicated by opening and closing of the solenoid valve. The control device is configured to control the solenoid valve and to perform an operation of determining opening and closing of the solenoid valve based on a state of the hydrogen filling device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hydrogen storage device mounted on a vehicle and a vehicle provided with the hydrogen storage device. BACKGROUND

[0002] A hydrogen filling method is described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-095982, which is a hydrogen filling method in which hydrogen supplied from a dispenser is filled into a vehicle-mounted tank mounted on a vehicle, and which includes an initial pressure measurement step S1 of measuring an initial pressure value of hydrogen filled into the vehicle-mounted tank, and a volume inference step S2 of inferring a volume of the vehicle-mounted tank after the initial pressure value is measured.

[0003] In a commercial transport vehicle such as a truck or a bus, multiple hydrogen tanks are considered to be mounted in order to extend the distance of travel, but in a case where there is only one filling port for hydrogen, the length of the piping from the filling port to the tank is long, and if the inner diameter of the piping is small, the pressure loss increases and the hydrogen filling speed becomes slow. Therefore, it can be considered to provide multiple filling ports, but the side that supplies hydrogen does not necessarily correspond to the multiple filling ports, and there is a case where efficient filling cannot be performed. In addition, in a case where a pressure difference is generated between the multiple filling ports, since filling is completed at a low pressure of the tank on the side of the filling port on the side with a lower pressure, there is a case where the amount of filling at one time is not sufficient. SUMMARY

[0004] In the present disclosure, a hydrogen storage device capable of efficiently and sufficiently filling hydrogen in a vehicle provided with multiple hydrogen filling ports and multiple hydrogen tanks is provided.

[0005] The hydrogen storage device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is configured to be provided in a vehicle that uses hydrogen as a fuel, and to store hydrogen supplied from a hydrogen filling device, and includes: multiple hydrogen filling ports configured to be connected to a hydrogen filling gun of the hydrogen filling device; multiple hydrogen tanks; a flow path through which hydrogen flows from the multiple hydrogen filling ports toward the multiple hydrogen tanks; a solenoid valve provided in the flow path; and a control device. The multiple hydrogen filling ports include a first hydrogen filling port and a second hydrogen filling port, the multiple hydrogen tanks include at least one first hydrogen tank and at least one second hydrogen tank, the flow path includes a first independent flow path that connects the first hydrogen filling port and the at least one first hydrogen tank, and a second independent flow path that connects the second hydrogen filling port and the at least one second hydrogen tank, the solenoid valve switches between cutting off and connecting the first independent flow path and the second independent flow path by opening and closing, and the control device is configured to control the opening and closing of the solenoid valve and to perform an operation of determining the opening and closing of the solenoid valve based on a state of the hydrogen filling device connected to the at least one hydrogen filling port.

[0006] The hydrogen storage device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure can be configured such that the flow path includes a third flow path that connects the first independent flow path and the second independent flow path, and the solenoid valve is provided in the third flow path.

[0007] It can also be configured such that, in the hydrogen storage device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, when there is at least one hydrogen supply port among the plurality of hydrogen supply ports that does not supply hydrogen, the control device performs the control to open the electromagnetic valve.

[0008] It can also be configured such that the hydrogen storage device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure further has a pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure in the flow path, the control device is configured to acquire the pressure value from the pressure sensor, and is configured to perform the control to open the electromagnetic valve when the absolute value of the pressure difference between the independent first flow path and the independent second flow path is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0009] It can also be configured such that the vehicle according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is provided with the hydrogen storage device described above, and a fuel cell system configured to generate electricity by accepting the supply of hydrogen from the hydrogen tank of the hydrogen storage device.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to efficiently and sufficiently fill hydrogen in a vehicle provided with a plurality of hydrogen supply ports and a plurality of hydrogen tanks.

[0011] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the application will be described in the following detailed description of example embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the vehicle 1.

[0013] Figure 2 is a diagram explaining the hydrogen filling device 50.

[0014] Figure 3 is a diagram explaining the hydrogen storage device 20.

[0015] Figure 4 is a diagram explaining the control device 30.

[0016] Figure 5 is a diagram explaining the hydrogen filling control S10 according to Mode 1.

[0017] Figure 6 is a diagram explaining the hydrogen filling control S20 according to Mode 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] 1. Vehicle

[0019] An overview of the vehicle 1 loaded with the hydrogen tank 21 is schematically shown in Figure 1 . Furthermore, the hydrogen storage device 20 is explained later using other diagrams, and thus the details thereof are not described in Figure 1Only the hydrogen tank 21 in the hydrogen storage device 20 is shown. The vehicle 1 of this embodiment is a large vehicle (truck) having a chassis 2, a driver's section 3 provided at the front of the chassis 2, a vehicle cabin section 4 provided at the rear of the chassis 2, a wheel section 5 provided at the lower portion of the chassis 2, an electric motor 6 that drives the vehicle 1, and a fuel cell unit 10. Further, a truck is shown here as the large vehicle, but this is not limiting and the application can also be applied to a bus or the like. In addition, the application is not limited to a large vehicle and can also be applied to a general passenger vehicle.

[0020] The fuel cell unit 10 is configured to have the fuel cell 11, the hydrogen tank 21, an air acquisition mechanism not shown, and the hydrogen tank storage box 7. Thereby, hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen tank 21 stored in the hydrogen tank storage box 7 to the fuel cell 11 through a hydrogen supply pipe 10a, and air is supplied from the air acquisition mechanism not shown to the fuel cell 11. The fuel cell 11 generates electricity by oxidizing hydrogen using the supplied air (oxygen), and supplies electric power to the electric motor 6 through an electric wire 10b to drive the electric motor 6, whereby the vehicle 1 obtains a propulsive force.

[0021] The driving of the electric motor 6 by the fuel cell 11 using hydrogen in such a vehicle 1 is as known.

[0022] In addition, as explained later, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment is provided with a hydrogen storage device 20 that receives hydrogen supplied from a hydrogen filling device 50 provided at a hydrogen station and stores the hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 21. The hydrogen is filled in the hydrogen tank 21 by the hydrogen storage device 20.

[0023] 2. Hydrogen filling device

[0024] In Figure 2 A diagram showing an outline of the hydrogen filling device 50 that supplies hydrogen to the hydrogen storage device 20 is shown in FIG. 1.

[0025] In the hydrogen filling device 50, there are provided a pressure accumulator 51 in which hydrogen is enclosed, a compressor 52 that compresses (steps up the pressure of) hydrogen discharged from the pressure accumulator 51 to a pipe, a hydrogen supply pipe 53 that supplies the hydrogen stepped up in pressure from the compressor 52 to the hydrogen storage device 20 of the vehicle 1, and a control device 54 that controls the supply of hydrogen. The filling of hydrogen is performed by connecting a hydrogen filling gun 53a provided at the front end of the hydrogen supply pipe 53 to a hydrogen filling port 22 provided at the hydrogen storage device 20 of the vehicle 1.

[0026] There is provided one or more hydrogen filling devices 50 at a hydrogen station that supplies hydrogen. That is, there are hydrogen stations provided with one hydrogen filling device 50 and hydrogen stations provided with two or more hydrogen filling devices 50.

[0027] 3. Hydrogen storage device

[0028] As described above, the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment is provided with the hydrogen storage device 20 as a device for storing hydrogen. In Figure 3 The structure of the hydrogen storage device 20 according to one embodiment is conceptually shown in FIG. 1. The hydrogen storage device 20 is provided with a hydrogen tank 21, a hydrogen filling port 22, a dispenser 23, a solenoid valve 24, a communication device 25, and a pressure sensor 26. These components are connected by piping as described later, thereby forming a flow path for hydrogen to flow. Figure 3 As can be seen, in the present embodiment, the hydrogen storage device 20 is provided with the hydrogen tank 21, the hydrogen filling port 22, the dispenser 23, the solenoid valve 24, the communication device 25, and the pressure sensor 26. Moreover, these components are connected by piping as described later, thereby forming a flow path for hydrogen to flow. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen storage device 20 is provided with a control device 30 that controls these components (see FIG. 2). Figure 3 Figure 4

[0029] 3.1. Hydrogen Tank

[0030] The hydrogen tank 21 is a container that stores hydrogen, and supplies hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 21 to the fuel cell 11.

[0031] The specific configuration of the hydrogen tank 21 is not particularly limited, and a publicly known hydrogen tank that can be used as a hydrogen tank can be applied. Typically, the hydrogen tank is provided with a tank body T as a site that stores hydrogen, and a joint K that becomes an entrance and exit of hydrogen for the tank body T and is connected by piping.

[0032] In the present embodiment, a plurality of hydrogen tanks 21 (for example, four) are provided, and each of the hydrogen tanks 21 is filled with hydrogen. Here, an example in which four hydrogen tanks 21 are arranged is given, and the reference numerals 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d are used to distinguish between the hydrogen tanks. These hydrogen tanks 21 can all be the same capacity, or can include hydrogen tanks of different capacities. The hydrogen tanks 21a and 21b can be considered as examples of the first hydrogen tank of the present disclosure, and the hydrogen tanks 21c and 21d can be considered as examples of the second hydrogen tank of the present disclosure.

[0033] 3.2. Hydrogen Filling Port

[0034] The hydrogen filling port 22 is provided with a hydrogen supply port that is connected to the hydrogen filling device 50 by the hydrogen filling gun 53a described above, thereby allowing the hydrogen filling device 50 to communicate with the flow path of the hydrogen storage device 20 and allowing hydrogen to flow from the hydrogen filling device 50 to the hydrogen tank 21.

[0035] The specific shape of the hydrogen filling port 22 is not particularly limited, and a publicly known hydrogen filling port can be used.

[0036] In the present embodiment, a plurality of hydrogen filling ports 22 (for example, two) are provided. Here, an example in which two hydrogen filling ports 22 are provided is given, and the reference numerals 22a and 22b are used to distinguish between the hydrogen filling ports. However, this is not limiting, and three or more hydrogen filling ports can be provided. The hydrogen filling port 22a can be considered as the first hydrogen filling port of the present disclosure, and the hydrogen filling port 22b can be considered as the second hydrogen filling port of the present disclosure. ​​

[0037] 3.3. Distributor

[0038] The distributor 23 is a member that connects a plurality of flow paths to branch or combine them, and in the present embodiment, one distributor 23 is provided with respect to one hydrogen filling port 22. That is, in the present embodiment, the distributor 23a is disposed with respect to the hydrogen filling port 22a, and the distributor 23b is disposed with respect to the hydrogen filling port 22b.

[0039] The specific shape of the distributor 23 is not particularly limited, and a known distributor can be used.

[0040] 3.4. Solenoid valve

[0041] The solenoid valve 24 is an ON-OFF valve that is rapidly opened and closed by the force of an electromagnet, and is a valve that becomes only a fully open (open) or fully closed (closed) state. As the solenoid valve 24, a known solenoid valve can be used.

[0042] 3.5. Flow path

[0043] The above-described members are connected by pipes to form flow paths for hydrogen to flow. Specifically, the hydrogen filling port 22a is connected to the distributor 23a, and a pipe is connected in a manner that the flow path branches from the distributor 23a to the hydrogen tank 21a, the hydrogen tank 21b, and the solenoid valve 24. On the other hand, the hydrogen filling port 22b is connected to the distributor 23b, and a pipe is connected in a manner that the flow path branches from the distributor 23b to the hydrogen tank 21c, the hydrogen tank 21d, and the solenoid valve 24. That is, the distributor 23a and the distributor 23b are connected via the solenoid valve 24, and are configured to be communicated in the case where the solenoid valve 24 is opened, and not communicated in the case where the solenoid valve 24 is closed. Therefore, in the state where the solenoid valve 24 is closed, an independent hydrogen filling flow path of the hydrogen filling port 22a as one of the plurality of hydrogen filling ports with respect to the hydrogen tank 21a and the hydrogen tank 21b as a part of the hydrogen tanks (which can be considered as an example of an independent first flow path of the present disclosure), and an independent hydrogen filling flow path of the hydrogen filling port 22b as the other of the plurality of hydrogen filling ports with respect to the hydrogen tank 21c and the hydrogen tank 21d as the other part of the hydrogen tanks (which can be considered as an example of an independent second flow path of the present disclosure) are formed independently. Also, after the solenoid valve 24 is opened, the independent flow paths are communicated with each other to form a hydrogen filling flow path from the hydrogen filling port 22a to all of the hydrogen tanks 21, and a hydrogen filling flow path from the hydrogen filling port 22b to all of the hydrogen tanks 21. Further, the flow path that connects the distributor 23a and the distributor 23b via the solenoid valve 24 can be considered as an example of a third flow path of the present disclosure.

[0044] 3.6. Communication device

[0045] The communication device 25 is provided to each hydrogen filling port 22 and is configured to be able to exchange information with the hydrogen station and the hydrogen filling device 50. The hydrogen storage device 20 acquires information of the hydrogen station (hydrogen filling device 50) via the communication device 25.

[0046] The specific form of the communication device 25 is not particularly limited, but an infrared communication device can be cited. In the present embodiment, the communication device 25a is provided to the hydrogen filling port 22a and the communication device 25b is provided to the hydrogen filling port 22b.

[0047] 3.7. Pressure sensor

[0048] The pressure sensor 26 is provided to each distributor 23 and measures the pressure in the flow path (pressure of hydrogen) in the distributor 23. That is, the pressure in each of the independent flow paths described above is measured. The specific type of the pressure sensor is not particularly limited, and a publicly known pressure sensor can be applied.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the pressure sensor 26a is provided to the distributor 23a and the pressure sensor 26b is provided to the distributor 23b.

[0050] 3.8. Control device

[0051] The control device acquires information from the communication device 25 and the pressure sensor 26 to perform an operation, for example, to operate the electromagnetic valve 24 to perform control so as to perform hydrogen filling in a desired form. For example, the control device 30 is configured to acquire information from the communication device 25 and the pressure sensor 26 to perform an operation, for example, to operate the electromagnetic valve 24 to perform control so as to perform hydrogen filling in a desired form. Figure 4 As conceptually shown, the control device 30 is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31 which is a processor and performs an operation, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 32 which functions as a work area, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 33 which functions as a recording medium, a reception unit 34 which is an interface that receives information to the control device 30 by wired or wireless, and a transmission unit 35 which is an interface that transmits information from the control device 30 to the outside by wired or wireless.

[0052] Accordingly, the control device 30 is configured to connect the communication device 25 and the pressure sensor 26 to the reception unit 34 to receive information, and to connect the electromagnetic valve 24 to the transmission unit 35 to be able to transmit an on-off signal to the electromagnetic valve 24.

[0053] The control device 30 stores a program for processing information from the communication device 25 and the pressure sensor 26 to determine and operate the opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve 24. In the control device 30, the CPU 31, the RAM 32, and the ROM 33, which are hardware resources, cooperate with the program. Specifically, the CPU 31 executes the computer program recorded in the ROM 33 in the RAM 32 functioning as a work area, thereby operating the electromagnetic valve 24 to achieve an appropriate hydrogen filling mode. The information acquired or generated by the CPU 31 is stored in the RAM 32. In addition, a recording medium can be provided separately inside or outside the control device 30, and the program and various data can be recorded therein.

[0054] In the present mode, the control device 30 acquires information from the communication device 25 and the pressure sensor 26 via the reception section 34. Then, the control device 30 performs arithmetic processing based on the acquired data, using a database or the like recorded in the ROM 33 or other recording medium, while executing the computer program recorded in the ROM 33 or other recording medium, to determine the opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve 24 and record it in the RAM 32 or the recording medium. The details of the opening and closing determination of the electromagnetic valve 24 will be described later. The result of the opening and closing determination is transmitted from the transmission section 35 to the electromagnetic valve 24, and the electromagnetic valve 24 is opened and closed according to the instruction.

[0055] Such a control device 30 is typically constituted by a computer.

[0056] 4. Hydrogen filling control

[0057] Next, the hydrogen filling control will be described.

[0058] As described above, in the hydrogen storage device 20 of the present mode, by changing the opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve 24, the change of the hydrogen filling flow path (the disconnection and connection of the independent hydrogen flow paths to each other) of the plurality of hydrogen filling ports 22 and the plurality of hydrogen tanks 21 can be performed. The basic idea of the opening and closing of such an electromagnetic valve 24 is as follows.

[0059] In the case of opening the electromagnetic valve 24, for example, the following conditions are assumed. In addition, in the case of opening the electromagnetic valve 24, it is not limited to the following conditions.

[0060] (A1) Limitation of the number of devices of the hydrogen filling device (hydrogen station)

[0061] When there is only one hydrogen filling device at the hydrogen station even if a plurality of hydrogen filling ports are provided in the vehicle, or there is only one that can be used even if there are two or more hydrogen filling devices, hydrogen can be filled only from one hydrogen filling port, so the independent flow paths are connected to each other by opening the electromagnetic valve, so that hydrogen can be filled from one hydrogen filling port to all hydrogen tanks.

[0062] (A2) Failure of hydrogen filling device's hydrogen filling gun or hydrogen filling port

[0063] For example, when a hydrogen leak or the like occurs and hydrogen cannot be filled even if the hydrogen filling gun is inserted into each of the plurality of hydrogen filling ports due to a breakage of an O-ring in one of the plurality of hydrogen filling ports or a failure of the hydrogen filling gun of one of the plurality of hydrogen filling devices, if the state in which the electromagnetic valve is kept closed is maintained, a hydrogen tank that cannot be filled is generated. In contrast, the electromagnetic valve is opened to communicate the independent flow paths with each other, so that hydrogen can be filled from the other hydrogen filling ports to all the hydrogen tanks.

[0064] On the other hand, in the case where the electromagnetic valve 24 is closed, for example, the following condition is assumed. Further, in the case where the electromagnetic valve 24 is closed, the following condition is not limited.

[0065] The hydrogen filling gun is connected to each of the plurality of hydrogen filling ports, and hydrogen is filled to the hydrogen tanks assigned to each of the hydrogen filling ports (for example, the hydrogen tanks 21a, 21b with respect to the hydrogen filling port 22a) in each independent hydrogen flow path. Thereby, efficient hydrogen filling can be performed. As long as there are a plurality of hydrogen filling devices and hydrogen is supplied from the plurality of hydrogen filling guns to the hydrogen filling ports in the same manner, in principle, by performing such hydrogen filling, hydrogen can be filled with higher efficiency.

[0066] In addition, it can also be assumed that the opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve 24 is changed in the middle of hydrogen filling as follows.

[0067] Even the hydrogen filling devices provided in the same hydrogen station differ in hydrogen pressure for each device. For example, in the case where the hydrogen filling device 50A accumulates pressure at 70 MPa and the hydrogen filling device 50B accumulates pressure at 50 MPa, when the hydrogen filling gun 53a of the hydrogen filling device 50A is connected to the hydrogen filling port 22a and the hydrogen filling gun 53a of the hydrogen filling device 50B is connected to the hydrogen filling port 22b, if the state in which the electromagnetic valve 24 is kept closed is maintained until the end, hydrogen is filled to the hydrogen tank 21a and the hydrogen tank 21b to 70 MPa, but hydrogen can only be filled to the hydrogen tank 21c and the hydrogen tank 21d to 50 MPa.

[0068] In contrast, first, the electromagnetic valve 24 is closed to fill to 70 MPa to the hydrogen tank 21a and the hydrogen tank 21b, and hydrogen is filled to 50 MPa to the hydrogen tank 21c and the hydrogen tank 21d, and then the electromagnetic valve 24 is opened, whereby the independent hydrogen flow paths are communicated with each other, so that hydrogen can be filled from the hydrogen filling device 50A to the hydrogen tank 21c and the hydrogen tank 21d, and thereby hydrogen can be finally filled to 70 MPa to all the hydrogen tanks.

[0069] As above, from the viewpoint of whether or not filling is possible based on the condition of the hydrogen filling device-based hydrogen filling gun, etc., the filling insufficiency is made up based on the pressure condition, etc., by changing the opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve, sufficient hydrogen filling can be efficiently performed.

[0070] Hereinafter, as specific examples, Mode 1 and Mode 2 are shown. In the modes shown below, hydrogen filling control is performed by the control device 30 processing the information obtained by the communication device 25, the pressure sensor 26 as described above. For the specific execution of this method, hydrogen filling control can be performed by making a computer program having each step corresponding to each process of the method, recording in the ROM 33 of the control device 30, a recording medium and executing. Hereinafter, hydrogen filling control related to Mode Example 1, Mode Example 2 is explained, but by recording the computer program based thereon in the ROM 33 of the control device 30, a recording medium, thereby functioning as one constituent element of the hydrogen storage device 20.

[0071] 4.1. Mode Example 1

[0072] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the flow of hydrogen filling control S10 related to Mode Example 1. According to Figure 5 As can be seen, the hydrogen filling control S10 has a process S11 to a process S17. Each process is explained below.

[0073] 4.1.1. Process S11

[0074] In the process S11, the hydrogen filling device 50 hydrogen filling gun 53a is connected to the hydrogen filling port 22, and hydrogen filling is started. In addition, hydrogen filling (hydrogen supply) is continuously performed until hydrogen filling is stopped in the process S17. In addition, the electromagnetic valve 24 is closed in the initial state.

[0075] 4.1.2. Process S12

[0076] In the process S12, it is determined whether or not hydrogen can be filled through both the hydrogen filling port 22a and the hydrogen filling port 22b. In the case where hydrogen filling is possible through both, it is YES and proceeds to the process S15. In the case where filling is required through only one of the two, it is NO and proceeds to the process S13.

[0077] As a case where hydrogen filling is possible through both hydrogen filling ports 22 (YES), a case where a plurality of hydrogen filling devices 50 are used, the hydrogen filling device 50 hydrogen filling gun 53a is connected with respect to the hydrogen filling port 22a and the hydrogen filling port 22b, respectively, and hydrogen filling can be normally performed can be given.

[0078] As a case where it is necessary to perform filling through one of the hydrogen filling ports 22 (YES / NO), a case where only one hydrogen filling device 50 is available and the hydrogen filling gun 53a is connected to either the hydrogen filling port 22a or the hydrogen filling port 22b can be given. In addition, even in a case where the hydrogen filling gun 53a is connected to both the hydrogen filling port 22a and the hydrogen filling port 22b, it is NO, for example, in a case where hydrogen filling is possible only through the other hydrogen filling port due to a broken O-ring in one of the hydrogen filling ports or the like.

[0079] The control device 30 is connected to the communication device 25 as described above, so that the determination in the process S12 can be performed by acquiring information from the hydrogen station (hydrogen filling device 50) via the communication device 25.

[0080] 4.1.3. Process S13

[0081] If the determination in the process S12 is NO, the electromagnetic valve 24 is opened in the process S13. Thereby, the distributors 23a and 23b are communicated, and the independent hydrogen flow paths are communicated with each other, so that hydrogen can be filled from one hydrogen filling port 22 to all the hydrogen tanks 21.

[0082] 4.1.4. Process S14

[0083] In the process S14, it is determined whether the pressure condition 1 is satisfied in a state where the filling of hydrogen is performed with the electromagnetic valve 24 opened in the process S13. The determination of whether the pressure condition 1 is satisfied is performed on the basis of the pressure values, specifically, by acquiring the pressure data acquired by the respective pressure sensors 26a, 26b provided to the distributors 23a, 23b in the control device 30 and performing an operation.

[0084] Here, the pressure condition 1 can be given, for example, when the pressure in the distributor 23a is set to P a and the pressure in the distributor 23b is set to P b , P a and P b satisfy a threshold value indicating that a certain degree of hydrogen is filled in the hydrogen tank, and the absolute value of the difference between P a and P b is within a prescribed threshold value. Thereby, in a case where the pressure condition 1 is satisfied, a certain degree or more of hydrogen is filled in all the hydrogen tanks 21 at the same degree at this stage.

[0085] When the determination in the process S14 is YES, the process proceeds to the process S15, and when the determination in the process S14 is NO, the process S14 is repeated. During the period when the determination in the process S14 is NO as described above, the filling of hydrogen is continued.

[0086] 4.1.5. Process S15

[0087] In the process S15, when it is determined YES in the process S14 and the state where the hydrogen filling satisfies the pressure condition 1, the electromagnetic valve 24 is closed. Further, it proceeds to the process S16. In addition, when it is determined YES in the process S12, it proceeds to the process S15, and the state where the electromagnetic valve 24 is closed is maintained to proceed with the hydrogen filling.

[0088] 4.1.6. Process S16

[0089] In the process S16, it is determined whether the pressure condition 2 is satisfied in the state where the hydrogen filling is performed with the electromagnetic valve 24 closed in the process S15. The determination whether the pressure condition 2 is satisfied is performed based on the pressure values, specifically, by acquiring the pressure data acquired by the respective pressure sensors 26a, 26b provided to the dispensers 23a, 23b in the control device 30 and performing the calculation.

[0090] Here, the pressure condition 2 can be exemplified, for example, when the pressure in the dispenser 23a is set to P a and the pressure in the dispenser 23b is set to P b , P a and P b satisfy the threshold value indicating that a certain degree of hydrogen is filled to the hydrogen tank. Thus, in the case where the pressure condition 2 is satisfied, the hydrogen is filled to all the hydrogen tanks 21 at the required level in this stage. Further, in this case, P a , P b in the pressure condition 2 of the process S16 are values above P a , P b in the pressure condition 1 of the process S14.

[0091] When it is determined YES in the process S16 that the pressure condition 2 is satisfied, it proceeds to the process S17, and when it is determined that the pressure condition is not satisfied in the process S16, it is determined NO and the process S16 is repeated. During the period when the process S16 is determined NO as described above, the hydrogen filling is continuously performed.

[0092] 4.1.7. Process S17

[0093] In the process S17, the hydrogen filling is stopped, and the hydrogen filling is ended.

[0094] 4.2. Mode Example 2

[0095] Figure 6 is a view showing the flow of the hydrogen filling control S20 involved in the mode example 2. As can be seen from the view, the hydrogen filling control S20 has the processes S21 to S29. The respective processes are described below. Figure 6

[0096] ​4.2.1. Process S21

[0097] In the process S21, the hydrogen filling device 50 is connected to the hydrogen port 22 by the hydrogen filling gun 53a.

[0098] 4.2.2. Process S22

[0099] In the process S22, it is determined whether or not hydrogen can be filled through both of the hydrogen port 22a and the hydrogen port 22b. In the case where hydrogen can be filled through both, YES and the process proceeds to the process S26. In the case where filling is required through only one of the two, NO and the process proceeds to the process S23.

[0100] As the case where hydrogen can be filled through both of the hydrogen ports 22 (YES), there can be cited a case where a plurality of hydrogen filling devices 50 can be used, the hydrogen filling gun 53a of the hydrogen filling device 50 is connected to the hydrogen port 22a and the hydrogen port 22b respectively, and hydrogen filling can be normally performed.

[0101] As the case where filling is required through one hydrogen port 22 (NO), there can be cited a case where only one hydrogen filling device 50 can be used, and the hydrogen filling gun 53a is connected to only either of the hydrogen port 22a or the hydrogen port 22b. Further, even in the case where the hydrogen filling gun 53a is connected to both of the hydrogen port 22a and the hydrogen port 22b, it is NO, for example, when hydrogen filling can be performed through only the other hydrogen port due to breakage of an O-ring in one of the hydrogen ports, and the like.

[0102] As described above, the determination in the process S22 is performed by connecting the communication device 25 to the control device 30, so that information from the hydrogen station (hydrogen filling device 50) can be acquired via the communication device 25.

[0103] 4.2.3. Process S23

[0104] In the process S23, when it is NO in the process S22, the electromagnetic valve 24 is opened to start filling of hydrogen. According to this process, independent hydrogen flow paths are communicated with each other, and hydrogen is filled from one hydrogen port 22 to all of the hydrogen tanks 21. Further, filling of hydrogen is continued until the filling of hydrogen is stopped in the process S25.

[0105] 4.2.4. Process S24

[0106] In the process S24, it is determined whether or not filling of hydrogen is completed in the state where filling of hydrogen is performed with the electromagnetic valve 24 opened in the process S23. The determination of whether or not filling of hydrogen is completed is performed based on a pressure value, specifically, by acquiring pressure data acquired by the respective pressure sensors 26a, 26b provided to the distributors 23a, 23b in the control device 30 and performing calculation.

[0107] Here, the condition that the hydrogen filling is completed can be exemplified by, for example, when the pressure in the distributor 23a is set to P a and the pressure in the distributor 23b is set to P b , P a or P b exceeds a threshold value (for example, 70 MPa) indicating that hydrogen is filled to a certain degree in the hydrogen tank. Thus, in this stage, hydrogen is filled to the required level in all the hydrogen tanks 21.

[0108] When it is determined in the process S24 that the hydrogen filling is completed, Yes and the process proceeds to the process S25 in which the filling of hydrogen is stopped. When it is determined in the process S24 that the hydrogen filling is not completed, No and the process S24 is repeated. During the period when the process S24 is determined as No as described above, the hydrogen filling is continuously performed.

[0109] 4.2.5. Process S26

[0110] In the process S26, when it is Yes in the process S22, the electromagnetic valve 24 is closed (maintained closed) to start the filling of hydrogen. According to this process, hydrogen is filled from the hydrogen filling port 22 to the hydrogen tank 21 assigned to each hydrogen filling port in each independent hydrogen flow path. In addition, the filling of hydrogen is continuously performed until the filling of hydrogen is stopped in the process S25.

[0111] 4.2.6. Process S27

[0112] In the process S27, in the case where the filling of hydrogen is performed in the state where the electromagnetic valve 24 is closed in the process S26, it is determined whether the pressure is above the threshold value. Specifically, the determination is performed by acquiring the pressure data acquired by the respective pressure sensors 26a, 26b provided in the distributors 23a, 23b in the control device 30 and performing the calculation.

[0113] Here, the condition that the pressure is above the threshold value can be exemplified by, for example, when the pressure in the distributor 23a is set to P a and the pressure in the distributor 23b is set to P b , P a or P b exceeds a threshold value (for example, 68 MPa) indicating that hydrogen is filled to a certain degree in the hydrogen tank. Thus, it is determined that, in this stage, hydrogen is filled to the required level in all the hydrogen tanks 21.

[0114] When it is determined in the process S27 that the pressure is above the threshold value, Yes and the process proceeds to the process S28. When it is determined in the process S27 that the pressure is not above the threshold value, No and the process S27 is repeated. During the period when the process S27 is determined as Yes as described above, the hydrogen filling is continuously performed.

[0115] 4.2.7. Process S28

[0116] In the process S28, when the pressure is above the threshold value in the case where the filling of hydrogen is performed in the state where the electromagnetic valve 24 is closed in the process S27, it is determined that P a the absolute value of the pressure difference between P b is above the threshold value. Specifically, the determination is made by acquiring the pressure data acquired by the respective pressure sensors 26a, 26b provided to the dispensers 23a, 23b in the control device 30 and performing an operation.

[0117] Here, the condition that the absolute value of the pressure difference is above the threshold value can be exemplified by the absolute value of the difference between P a and P b being above the threshold value (for example, 1 MPa). If the absolute value of the pressure difference is above the threshold value, it means that there is a difference in the filling level of hydrogen between the hydrogen tanks at this stage.

[0118] When it is determined in the process S28 that the absolute value of the pressure difference is above the threshold value, it is YES and proceeds to the process S29. When it is determined in the process S28 that the absolute value of the pressure difference is not above the threshold value, it is NO and proceeds to the process S25, and the filling of hydrogen is stopped.

[0119] 4.2.8. Process S29

[0120] In the process S29, the electromagnetic valve 24 is opened. Thereby, the independent hydrogen flow paths are communicated, and all the hydrogen filling ports 22 (all the hydrogen filling devices 50) are communicated with all the hydrogen tanks 21, so that the pressure difference can be reduced in the case where there is a pressure difference between the plurality of hydrogen tanks 21.

[0121] After the electromagnetic valve 24 is opened in the process S29, it returns to the process S28, and the state where the electromagnetic valve 24 is opened is maintained until it becomes NO in the process S28, and hydrogen is filled.

[0122] 5. Effects, etc.

[0123] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to efficiently and sufficiently fill hydrogen according to the condition on the hydrogen filling device side in the case where there are a plurality of hydrogen filling ports and a plurality of hydrogen tanks.

[0124] The example described above is an example in which there are two hydrogen filling ports and four hydrogen tanks, but the number of hydrogen filling ports and hydrogen tanks is not particularly limited as long as there are a plurality of them. That is, it can also be a mode in which there are three or more independent hydrogen flow paths each consisting of one hydrogen filling port and a hydrogen tank allocated to the hydrogen filling port, and two or more electromagnetic valves.

[0125] Further, in the above description, two hydrogen tanks are allocated to one hydrogen addition port in the independent hydrogen flow path, but the number of hydrogen tanks allocated to one hydrogen addition port need not be equal and can be different. This can adjust the number of allocated hydrogen tanks, for example, by the capacity of the hydrogen tank.

Claims

1. A hydrogen storage device configured to be provided to a vehicle using hydrogen as a fuel and to store hydrogen supplied from a hydrogen filling device, characterized by comprising: a plurality of hydrogen filling ports configured to be connected to a hydrogen filling gun of the hydrogen filling device; a plurality of hydrogen tanks; a flow path configured to allow hydrogen to flow from the plurality of hydrogen filling ports toward the plurality of hydrogen tanks; a solenoid valve provided in the flow path; a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure in the flow path; and a control device, wherein the plurality of hydrogen filling ports include a first hydrogen filling port and a second hydrogen filling port, the plurality of hydrogen tanks include at least one first hydrogen tank and at least one second hydrogen tank, the flow path includes a first independent flow path connecting the first hydrogen filling port to the at least one first hydrogen tank and a second independent flow path connecting the second hydrogen filling port to the at least one second hydrogen tank, the first independent flow path and the second independent flow path are switched between being shut off and being connected by opening and closing of the solenoid valve, the control device is configured to control the opening and closing of the solenoid valve and to perform an operation of determining the opening and closing of the solenoid valve based on a state of the hydrogen filling device connected to the at least one hydrogen filling port, the control device is configured to: perform a control of opening the solenoid valve to perform hydrogen filling when there is at least one hydrogen filling port in the plurality of hydrogen filling ports that does not supply hydrogen, and perform a control of closing the solenoid valve to perform filling when it is possible to fill through all of the hydrogen filling ports, and the control device is further configured to acquire a pressure value from the pressure sensor and to perform a control of opening the solenoid valve when an absolute value of a pressure difference between the first independent flow path and the second independent flow path is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

2. The hydrogen storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: the flow path includes a third flow path connecting the first independent flow path and the second independent flow path, and the solenoid valve is provided in the third flow path.

3. A vehicle characterized by comprising: the hydrogen storage device according to claim 1 or 2; and a fuel cell system configured to generate electricity by accepting supply of hydrogen from the hydrogen tank of the hydrogen storage device. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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