Method of using a hydrogen utilization system

Abstract

Provided is a hydrogen utilization system including: a hydrogen cartridge containing a hydrogen storage alloy; a first device to which the hydrogen cartridge is attachable and detachable, the first device being capable of operating using the hydrogen cartridge as an energy source; and a second device to which the hydrogen cartridge is attachable and detachable, the second device being capable of operating using the hydrogen cartridge as an energy source and also being capable of operating using another energy source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to hydrogen utilization systems that utilize hydrogen as an energy source. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, efforts toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have gained attention, and research is underway to realize a hydrogen society that actively utilizes hydrogen as a clean energy candidate. In this regard, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-169225 describes a technology for storing hydrogen using hydrogen storage alloys. Summary of the Invention

[0003] By using hydrogen storage alloys, large quantities of hydrogen can be stored. Therefore, for example, in hydrogen-powered vehicles, by employing a structure that stores hydrogen in a hydrogen storage alloy, its driving range can be improved. However, it is difficult to accurately monitor the remaining hydrogen stored in the alloy, and to prevent hydrogen depletion, refueling needs to be performed at relatively early intervals. As a result, the frequency of hydrogen refueling increases, and the vehicle's usability is limited during the time required for refueling.

[0004] Therefore, it is considered to materialize the hydrogen storage alloy into a structure that can be detached from the vehicle. Such a hydrogen cartridge is particularly effective in small vehicles such as electric bicycles and mopeds, where cartridge replacement can be simple and quick. Therefore, even if the hydrogen cartridge is replaced at a relatively early time to prevent hydrogen depletion, vehicle utilization will not be significantly limited. On the other hand, if the hydrogen cartridge is replaced at a relatively early time, a relatively large amount of hydrogen remains in the replaced cartridge. As a result, refilling the cartridge with hydrogen before it is completely depleted leads to further waste.

[0005] This disclosure is not limited to hydrogen-powered vehicles, but is widely applicable in hydrogen utilization systems that use hydrogen as an energy source. This specification provides a new and useful technology for hydrogen utilization systems employing hydrogen cartridges.

[0006] The technology disclosed in this specification is embodied in a hydrogen utilization system. In a first aspect, a hydrogen utilization system is provided. This hydrogen utilization system includes: a hydrogen cartridge comprising a hydrogen storage alloy; a first device, the hydrogen cartridge being detachable from the first device, the first device being operable using the hydrogen cartridge as an energy source; and a second device, the hydrogen cartridge being detachable from the second device, the second device being operable using the hydrogen cartridge as an energy source and also operable using other energy sources.

[0007] In the above structure, a hydrogen cartridge containing a hydrogen storage alloy can be used in either the first or second device. Furthermore, at least the second device can operate not only via the hydrogen cartridge but also via other energy sources. According to this structure, the hydrogen cartridge is first used in the first device, and the cartridge can be replaced at any time. To prevent the hydrogen in the first device from being depleted, this time can be relatively early. The hydrogen cartridge used by the first device can be installed in the second device for reuse. Even if the hydrogen supply from the cartridge is unexpectedly interrupted, the second device can continue to operate via other energy sources. Therefore, in the second device, the hydrogen cartridge can continue to be used until the remaining hydrogen in the cartridge is reduced to zero.

[0008] In the first approach described above, the first device could be a mobile device, and the second device a non-mobile device. With such a structure, for example, in the case of a small vehicle powered by hydrogen, even if the hydrogen cartridge is replaced at a relatively early time to prevent hydrogen depletion, the vehicle's usability would not be significantly limited. Furthermore, the term "mobile device" here broadly refers to devices capable of movement in at least one of the following locations: on land, underground, on water, underwater, in the air, or in space, such as vehicles, ships, or aircraft.

[0009] In the first embodiment described above, the second device may also include electrical components configured to operate using direct current (DC) power. DC power is generated when hydrogen, as an energy source, is converted into electricity. Therefore, in the second device, DC power converted from hydrogen by a hydrogen power generation device or similar means can be directly utilized, reducing power loss compared to converting the DC power into alternating current (AC) power.

[0010] In the first approach described above, the other energy source could also be a conventional power system. With this structure, even in the event of an interruption in the hydrogen supply from the hydrogen cartridge, the second device can reliably receive power from a conventional power system.

[0011] In the first embodiment described above, the second device may also have a battery charging circuit. In this case, the charging circuit may be configured to charge the battery using a hydrogen cartridge and other energy sources. With such a configuration, the battery of another electrical device that can be attached to or detached from the second device can be charged using the electricity obtained from the hydrogen cartridge.

[0012] In the first embodiment described above, the second device may also include an electrical device configured to operate using the aforementioned battery as a power source. With this configuration, the electricity generated from the hydrogen cartridge can be stored in the battery, allowing the second device to operate even when the hydrogen cartridge is removed from the device.

[0013] In the first embodiment described above, the hydrogen utilization system may also include a notification device configured to notify an external party of the replacement timing of the hydrogen cartridge installed in the first device. In this case, while not particularly limited, the replacement timing of the hydrogen cartridge may be notified to the user of the first device, or it may be notified to the operator who provides the hydrogen cartridge to the user. However, in other embodiments, this notification may not be required, and the user of the first device may replace the hydrogen cartridge at any given time.

[0014] In the first method described above, the notification device may also be configured to notify an externally of the replacement timing based on the usage period of the hydrogen cartridge installed in the first device. The amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen cartridge depends approximately on the usage period of the hydrogen cartridge. Therefore, it is not necessary to measure the amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen cartridge; the replacement timing of the hydrogen cartridge can be determined based on the usage period of the hydrogen cartridge.

[0015] In the first approach described above, the notification device may also be configured to notify an external source of the replacement timing based on the remaining hydrogen level in the hydrogen cartridge installed in the first device. With this configuration, the replacement timing of the hydrogen cartridge can be accurately determined based on the amount of hydrogen remaining in the cartridge. Alternatively, the remaining hydrogen level in the hydrogen cartridge installed in the first device can be directly measured by a sensor or the like, or it can be estimated based on energy consumption in the first device. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates the structure of the hydrogen utilization system of an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The hydrogen utilization system 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The hydrogen utilization system 10 of this embodiment is a system that utilizes hydrogen as an energy source for at least one device 14, 32, 36, 38. Figure 1 As shown, the hydrogen utilization system 10 includes at least one hydrogen container 12. The hydrogen container 12 is a container for storing hydrogen and is configured to be load-dismounted relative to each of the devices 14, 32, 36, and 38. That is, hydrogen is supplied to the hydrogen utilization system 10 using the hydrogen container 12. Figure 1 As shown, the hydrogen utilization system 10 is connected to the hydrogen supply system 100 in a communicable manner via a communication network 2 such as the Internet.

[0019] The hydrogen supply system 100 is a system that supplies hydrogen to the hydrogen utilization system 10 using hydrogen cartridges 12. The hydrogen supply system 100 supplies hydrogen cartridges 12 filled with hydrogen to the hydrogen utilization system 10 and recovers used hydrogen cartridges 12 from the hydrogen utilization system 10. The recovered hydrogen cartridges 12 are refilled in the hydrogen supply system 100 and supplied to the hydrogen utilization system 10 again. That is, the hydrogen cartridges 12 are reused repeatedly between the hydrogen utilization system 10 and the hydrogen supply system 100.

[0020] While not specifically limited, the hydrogen supply system 100 can be operated by an operator, and the hydrogen utilization system 10 can be used by users who have signed contracts with that operator. In this case, the contract between the operator and the user can be a periodic contract for the periodic replacement of the hydrogen cartridge 12, or a one-time contract for the replacement of the hydrogen cartridge 12 as needed. Furthermore, the hydrogen utilization system 10 can be partially or wholly owned by the user, or it can be lent to the user by the operator.

[0021] As described above, the hydrogen container 12 is a container for storing hydrogen. The hydrogen container 12 contains a hydrogen storage alloy within its housing. The hydrogen storage alloy is a material capable of absorbing and releasing hydrogen. The hydrogen container 12 can store hydrogen in the hydrogen storage alloy and can supply hydrogen to the outside at scheduled times as needed. In this embodiment, the hydrogen container 12 is configured to be detachable from the devices 14, 32, 36, and 38 included in the hydrogen utilization system 10. The hydrogen container 12 is installed in these devices 14, 32, 36, and 38 to supply hydrogen as an energy source. Furthermore, the shape, size, etc., of the hydrogen container 12 are not particularly limited.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the hydrogen utilization system 10 includes a hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14 as one of the aforementioned devices 14, 32, 36, and 38. The hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14 includes: a drive motor 16 for driving the wheels; a cartridge port 18 for loading and unloading the hydrogen cartridge 12; and a hydrogen power generation system 20 connected to the cartridge port 18. The hydrogen power generation system 20 uses hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen cartridge 12 to generate electricity and provides the generated power to the drive motor 16 based on the pedal operation performed by the user. Thus, the user of the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14 can receive assistance from the drive motor 16 when pedaling. Alternatively, as another embodiment, the hydrogen utilization system 10 may replace the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14 or include other types of mobility devices such as scooters, ships, or aircraft, in addition to the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14.

[0023] like Figure 1As shown, the hydrogen utilization system 10 also includes a household appliance 32, a hydrogen power generation device 36, and a charging device 38. The household appliance 32, the hydrogen power generation device 36, and the charging device 38 are installed in a residential house 30. Each of the household appliance 32 and the charging device 38, together with the hydrogen power generation device 36, constitutes one of the aforementioned devices 14, 32, 36, and 38. The residential house 30 is a building intended for human habitation, such as an apartment or detached house. The residential house 30 is equipped with a container port 34 for loading and unloading the hydrogen container 12 and a hydrogen power generation device 36 connected to the container port 34. The hydrogen power generation device 36 generates electricity from the hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen container 12 and supplies the generated electricity to the household appliance 32 and the charging device 38. The hydrogen power generation device 36 may be, for example, a fuel cell system. Alternatively, as another embodiment, the hydrogen utilization system 10 may be used in a business establishment (e.g., an office, factory, hospital), instead of a residential house 30.

[0024] The household appliance 32 is electrically connected to the hydrogen power generation device 36 and is configured to operate using the electricity generated by the hydrogen power generation device 36. In addition, the household appliance 32 is also electrically connected to the general power system 62 via a distribution panel 60 and is configured to operate using electricity supplied from the general power system 62. Therefore, even if the hydrogen supply from the hydrogen cartridge 12 to the hydrogen power generation device 36 is interrupted, and the power supply from the hydrogen power generation device 36 to the household appliance 32 is interrupted, the household appliance 32 can continue to operate using the power supply from the general power system 62. As an example, the household appliance 32 can be a lighting fixture, a refrigerator, a washing machine, or an air conditioner. Generally, the household appliance 32 is a device that operates using alternating current (AC). Therefore, if the power generated by the hydrogen power generation device 36 is direct current (DC), it is advisable to install an inverter between the hydrogen power generation device 36 and the household appliance 32 to convert DC power to AC power.

[0025] However, in other embodiments, the appliance 32 can also be a device that operates using direct current (DC) power, such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). In this case, the DC power converted from hydrogen by the hydrogen power generation device 36 can be used directly, reducing power loss compared to converting the DC power to AC power.

[0026] The charging device 38 is used to charge the external battery 46. The charging device 38 includes: a charging circuit 40; a converter 42 that converts AC power to DC power; and a battery port 44 electrically connected to the charging circuit 40. The external battery 46 is configured to be removable relative to the battery port 44. The charging circuit 40 can charge the external battery 46 installed at the battery port 44 using power supplied from the hydrogen power generation device 36. Here, if the power generated by the hydrogen power generation device 36 is DC power, it is preferable that the charging circuit 40 directly provides the DC power to the external battery 46 without converting it to AC power.

[0027] Furthermore, the charging device 38 is electrically connected to the ordinary power system 62 via the distribution panel 60, enabling it to charge the external battery 46 using power supplied from the ordinary power system 62. Generally, the ordinary power system 62 supplies alternating current (AC). The AC power supplied from the ordinary power system 62 is converted to direct current (DC) power by the converter 42 in the charging device 38 before being supplied to the external battery 46. Thus, even in the event of a power outage from the hydrogen power generation device 36, the charging device 38 can still charge the external battery 46 using power supplied from the ordinary power system 62.

[0028] External battery 46 is the power source for electrical device 48. After charging, external battery 46 is removed from charging device 38 and installed in electrical device 48. External battery 46 used in electrical device 48 can be recharged by reinstalling it in battery port 44 of charging device 38. While not particularly limited, electrical device 48 can be a battery-assisted bicycle 48. Battery-assisted bicycle 48 includes: a drive motor 50 for driving the wheels; a battery port 52 for attaching and detaching external battery 46; and a control device 54. Control device 54 supplies power from external battery 46 to drive motor 50 based on pedal operation performed by the user. Thus, the user of battery-assisted bicycle 48 can receive assistance from drive motor 50 when pedaling. However, as another embodiment, hydrogen utilization system 10 can also replace battery-assisted bicycle 48 or include other types of mobile or non-mobile devices such as scooters, ships, or aircraft, in addition to battery-assisted bicycle 48.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the hydrogen utilization system 10 also includes a communication device (notification device) 56. The communication device 56 may be, for example, a mobile terminal (e.g., a smartphone) owned by a user of the hydrogen utilization system 10. The communication device 56 is communicatively connected to the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14 and the hydrogen power generation device 36, respectively. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the communication device 56 may be lent to the user from an operator.

[0030] Next, the hydrogen supply system 100 will be described. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the hydrogen supply system 100 includes a hydrogen filling device 102 and a server 104. The hydrogen filling device 102 is a device for supplying, recycling, and refilling hydrogen cartridges 12. The server 104 is configured to communicate with a communication device 56 owned by a user of the hydrogen utilization system 10. The server 104 can provide various instructions to the hydrogen filling device 102 based on the information exchanged between it and the communication device 56.

[0031] As an example, in the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14, the hydrogen power generation system 20 times the usage period of the hydrogen cartridge 12. The usage period of the hydrogen cartridge 12, as referred to here, is the elapsed time from when the hydrogen cartridge 12 is installed at the cartridge port 18. This elapsed time may include periods when the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14 is not used, or it may only include the time when the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14 is actually used. When the usage period of the hydrogen cartridge 12 reaches a predetermined time, the hydrogen power generation system 20 sends a predetermined notification to the communication device 56. Upon receiving the predetermined notification, the communication device 56 sends a predetermined delivery request to the server 104 of the hydrogen supply system 100. Upon accepting the predetermined delivery request, the server 104 instructs the hydrogen filling device 102 to deliver the hydrogen cartridge 12 to the hydrogen utilization system 10. Thus, the hydrogen cartridge 12, filled with hydrogen, is delivered from the hydrogen supply system 100 to the hydrogen utilization system 10.

[0032] The hydrogen cartridge 12 delivered to the hydrogen utilization system 10 is replaced with the hydrogen cartridge 12 installed on the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14. The hydrogen cartridge 12 removed from the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14 is replaced with the hydrogen cartridge 12 installed on the hydrogen power generation device 36. Thus, the remaining hydrogen in the hydrogen cartridge 12 is used in the hydrogen power generation device 36. On the other hand, the hydrogen cartridge 12 removed from the hydrogen power generation device 36 is sent back to the hydrogen filling device 102 of the hydrogen supply system 100 for refilling. At this time, there is also a situation where the hydrogen in the hydrogen cartridge 12 removed from the hydrogen power generation device 36 is completely depleted. However, the household appliances 32 and the charging device 38 that receive power from the hydrogen power generation device 36 can still receive power from the ordinary power system 62. Therefore, even if the hydrogen in the hydrogen cartridge 12 of the hydrogen power generation device 36 is depleted, the household appliances 32 and the charging device 38 can continue to operate.

[0033] In the above structure, the hydrogen cartridge 12 containing the hydrogen storage alloy can be used as an energy source for the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14, the home appliance 32, the hydrogen power generation device 36, and the charging device 38. Furthermore, at least the home appliance 32 and the charging device 38 can operate not only with power from the hydrogen cartridge 12 but also with power from the ordinary power system 62. With this structure, the hydrogen cartridge 12 is first used in the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14, and can be replaced at any time. To prevent the hydrogen in the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14 from running out, this time can be set relatively early. The hydrogen cartridge 12, after use by the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14, can be installed in the hydrogen power generation device 36 for reuse. Even if the hydrogen supply from the hydrogen cartridge 12 is unexpectedly interrupted, the home appliance 32 and the charging device 38 can continue to operate with power from the ordinary power system 62. Therefore, in the hydrogen power generation device 36, which is connected to the home appliance 32 and the charging device 38 respectively, the hydrogen cartridge 12 can continue to be used until the remaining hydrogen in the hydrogen cartridge 12 is reduced to zero.

[0034] In the above embodiment, the replacement timing of the hydrogen cartridge 12 installed on the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14 is determined based on the usage period of the hydrogen cartridge 12. However, the replacement timing of the hydrogen cartridge 12 can also be determined by other methods. For example, as another embodiment, the replacement timing can be determined based on the remaining hydrogen amount in the hydrogen cartridge 12 installed on the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14. In this case, the remaining hydrogen amount in the hydrogen cartridge 12 can be directly measured by a sensor or the like, or it can be estimated based on the energy consumption in the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14. With this structure, the replacement timing of the hydrogen cartridge 12 can be accurately determined based on the amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen cartridge 12.

[0035] Additionally, in the above embodiment, the hydrogen utilization system 10 includes a communication device 56 for notifying the outside of the replacement time of the hydrogen cartridge 12 installed on the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14. However, the hydrogen utilization system 10 does not necessarily need to include the communication device 56. As an example, the replacement time of the hydrogen cartridge 12 installed on the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14 can also be directly notified to the server 104 of the hydrogen supply system 100.

[0036] Here, the hydrogen-powered bicycle 14 described in this specification is an example of a first device in this technology. The combination of the hydrogen power generation device 36 with the household appliance 32, and the combination of the hydrogen power generation device 36 with the charging device 38, are examples of a second device in this technology. Thus, the second device can be implemented by two or more devices, combining a device capable of loading and unloading the hydrogen cartridge 12 and operating using the hydrogen cartridge 12 as an energy source, and a device capable of operating using other energy sources. However, in other embodiments, the second device can also be implemented by a single device. Furthermore, the combination of the hydrogen power generation device 36, the charging device 38, and the battery-powered bicycle 48 described in this specification is also an example of a second device in this technology. In this case, the battery-powered bicycle 48 is an example of an electrical device that operates using a battery as a power source. The communication device 56 described in this specification is an example of a notification device in this technology.

[0037] Furthermore, in this specification, the term "able to operate using the hydrogen cartridge 12 as an energy source" includes not only the ability to operate using electricity generated by using hydrogen within the hydrogen cartridge 12, but also the ability to operate using energy obtained by burning hydrogen within the hydrogen cartridge 12.

[0038] The above provides detailed descriptions of several specific examples, but these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention claim. The technology described in the scope of the invention claim includes various modifications and alterations to the specific examples illustrated above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings are useful individually or in combination.

Claims

1. A method of using a hydrogen utilization system, characterized by: the hydrogen utilization system including: a hydrogen cartridge containing a hydrogen storage alloy; a first device to which the hydrogen cartridge is detachably attached, the first device being capable of operating using the hydrogen cartridge as a power source; and a second device to which the hydrogen cartridge is detachably attached, the second device being capable of operating using the hydrogen cartridge as a power source and also capable of operating using another power source, the hydrogen cartridge being distributed to and returned from the hydrogen utilization system in a manner in which the hydrogen cartridge is supplied to the hydrogen utilization system after being filled by an external hydrogen supply system and is recovered by the hydrogen supply system after the hydrogen utilization system is used, the method of using including: replacing the hydrogen cartridge attached to the first device with the hydrogen cartridge distributed to the hydrogen utilization system; replacing the hydrogen cartridge attached to the second device with the hydrogen cartridge detached from the first device; and returning the hydrogen cartridge detached from the second device to the external hydrogen supply system.

2. The method of using a hydrogen utilization system according to claim 1, characterized by: the first device being a mobile device, and the second device being a non-mobile device.

3. The method of using a hydrogen utilization system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by: the second device having an electric component configured to operate using direct current power.

4. The method of using a hydrogen utilization system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by: the other power source being a general power system.

5. The method of using a hydrogen utilization system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by: the second device having a charging circuit for a battery, the charging circuit being configured to charge the battery using the hydrogen cartridge and the other power source as power sources.

6. The method of using a hydrogen utilization system according to claim 5, characterized by: the second device having an electric device configured to operate using the battery as a power source.

7. The method of using a hydrogen utilization system according to claim 2, characterized by: the hydrogen utilization system further including a notification device configured to notify an outside of a replacement timing of the hydrogen cartridge attached to the first device.

8. The method of using a hydrogen utilization system according to claim 7, characterized by: the notification device being configured to notify the outside of the replacement timing based on a period of use of the hydrogen cartridge attached to the first device.

9. The method of using a hydrogen utilization system according to claim 7, characterized by: the notification device being configured to notify the outside of the replacement timing based on a remaining hydrogen amount of the hydrogen cartridge attached to the first device.

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