Hydrogen consumption system

Abstract

The invention provides a hydrogen consumption system which is not liable to generate bad conditions and can restrain generation of sound when a hydrogen tank is separated. This hydrogen consumption system is provided with: a detachable hydrogen tank; a fuel cell using the hydrogen from the hydrogen tank as a fuel; a pipe that connects the hydrogen tank and the fuel cell and through which hydrogen flows; an on-off valve provided to the piping; and a control device that, when the hydrogen tank is detached, performs control such that the on-off valve is closed, the amount of hydrogen consumed by the power generation of the fuel cell until the pressure in the piping becomes less than 1 MPa is calculated, and a required current value for the fuel cell and an upper current limit value for the fuel cell are calculated on the basis of the amount of hydrogen consumed. When the actual current value is greater than the current upper limit value, the current demand value is changed so as to be equal to or less than the current upper limit value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hydrogen consumption system. Background Art

[0002] A fuel gas consumption system and a gas leakage detection method for a fuel gas consumption system that can shorten the time until the system stops and quickly determine leakage are disclosed in Patent Document 1. Here, in order to reduce the pressure of hydrogen in the high-pressure pipe, the fuel gas for power generation is consumed or the hydrogen in the high-pressure pipe is reduced by exhausting from the downstream of the hydrogen pipe (exhaust and drain valve).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-121210

[0004] When the hydrogen tank (hydrogen storage tank) is detached from the hydrogen consumption system, if high-pressure hydrogen remains in the pipe at the connection and disconnection part between the hydrogen tank and the pipe, a sound (a sound is emitted) will be generated.

[0005] Even if the amount of hydrogen is very small, the sound emitted when there is a hydrogen pressure of several tens of MPa remaining will cause great discomfort to the user. To eliminate this situation, it is necessary to reduce the hydrogen pressure in the pipe at the connection and disconnection part to a specified value when detaching the hydrogen tank.

[0006] However, in the prior art, it is not possible to sufficiently reduce the pressure to suppress the generation of the emitted sound. On the other hand, if it is said that reducing the pressure is sufficient and hydrogen is excessively released, fuel waste and hydrogen shortage in the fuel cell will occur. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the above problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a hydrogen consumption system that is less likely to cause an abnormal condition when detaching the hydrogen tank and can suppress the generation of the emitted sound.

[0008] The present application discloses a hydrogen consumption system, comprising: a detachable hydrogen tank; a fuel cell that uses hydrogen from the hydrogen tank as fuel; a pipe that connects the hydrogen tank and the fuel cell and allows hydrogen to flow; an on-off valve provided in the pipe; and a control device. When the hydrogen tank is detached, the control device performs the following control: closes the on-off valve, calculates the amount of hydrogen consumed for power generation of the fuel cell until the pressure in the pipe becomes less than 1 MPa, calculates the current demand value and the current upper limit value of the fuel cell based on the consumed hydrogen amount, and when the actual current value is greater than the current upper limit value, changes the current demand value so as to be below the current upper limit value.

[0009] The control device may perform the following control: compares the inferred pressure at which hydrogen deficiency occurs in the fuel cell with the actual pressure in the pipe, and stops the power generation related to the fuel cell when the actual pressure is below the inferred pressure.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, when the hydrogen tank is detached, the hydrogen remaining in the pipe is controlled to reduce the pressure in the pipe, so that the power supply related to the power generation of the fuel cell can be continued, and the waste and shortage of fuel (hydrogen) can be suppressed, and the generation of noise can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 FIG. is a diagram showing the configuration of the hydrogen consumption system 10.

[0012] Figure 2 (a) thereof is a diagram showing the appearance of the hydrogen tank 11, Figure 2 and (b) thereof is a sectional view of the hydrogen tank 11.

[0013] Figure 3 FIG. is a diagram for explaining the on-off valve 15 and the connecting device 23.

[0014] Figure 4 FIG. is a diagram for explaining the control device 50.

[0015] Figure 5 FIG. is a diagram for explaining the process of the tank detachment control S10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] 1. Hydrogen Consumption System

[0017] Figure 1 FIG. schematically shows the configuration of the hydrogen consumption system 10 according to one embodiment. Such a hydrogen consumption system 10 includes a hydrogen tank 11 as a hydrogen supply source, a consumption device 20 as a hydrogen supply target, and a control device 50. The hydrogen consumption system 10 of this embodiment is a system that supplies the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank 11 to the fuel cell 21 included in the consumption device 20 for power generation. And, in this embodiment, the hydrogen tank 11 is configured to be detachable from the consumption device 20.

[0018] The following will be described in detail.

[0019] 1.1. Hydrogen Tank

[0020] The hydrogen tank 11 is a container that stores the fuel to be supplied (hydrogen in this embodiment) in a liquid state or a gas state. Figure 2 FIG. shows a diagram for explanation. Figure 2 (a) thereof is an external view, Figure 2 and (b) thereof is a sectional view along the axial direction of the tank 11. From these figures, it can be seen that in this embodiment, the hydrogen tank 11 has a lining 12, a reinforcing layer 13, a joint 14, and an on-off valve 15. The following will explain each component.

[0021] In addition, although not described, in order to further improve the aesthetics and portability, the hydrogen tank 11 may include an outer casing and a handle.

[0022] 1.1.1. Liner

[0023] The liner 12 is a hollow component that divides the internal space of the hydrogen tank 11 and is cylindrical in this embodiment. For the liner 12, the openings at both ends of the body portion 12a with a substantially constant diameter are narrowed by the dome-shaped side end portions 12b, and the joint 14 is disposed at the narrowed opening 12c.

[0024] The liner 12 may be made of a material that can hold the substance (hydrogen) stored in its internal space without leakage, and known materials can be used. Specifically, for example, it is a material made of nylon resin, polyethylene-based synthetic resin, metals such as stainless steel and aluminum. Among them, from the perspective of lightening the weight of the tank, it is preferable that the material constituting the liner is a synthetic resin.

[0025] The thickness of the liner 12 is not particularly limited, and is preferably 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm.

[0026] 1.1.2. Reinforcement layer

[0027] For the reinforcement layer 13, multiple layers of fibers are spread and the fibers are impregnated with a cured resin. The layer formed by the fibers is formed by winding a fiber bundle around the outer periphery of the liner 12 in multiple layers to a specified thickness. The thickness of the reinforcement layer 13 and the number of windings of the fiber bundle are determined according to the required strength, and thus are not particularly limited, and are about 10 mm to 30 mm.

[0028] <Fiber bundle>

[0029] The fiber bundle of the reinforcement layer 13 is, for example, made of carbon fiber, and the fiber bundle is a band in which carbon fibers are bundled and have a specified cross-sectional shape (for example, a rectangular cross-section). Although not particularly limited specifically, the cross-sectional shape can be a rectangle with a width of 6 mm to 20 mm and a thickness of about 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. The amount of carbon fibers included in the fiber bundle is also not particularly limited, and for example, it can be composed of about 36,000 carbon fibers.

[0030] <Impregnated resin>

[0031] The resin impregnated in the fibers (fiber bundles) in the reinforcing layer 13 and cured is not particularly limited as long as it can improve the strength of the fibers. For example, thermosetting resins cured by heat can be cited, specifically including epoxy resins, unsaturated polyester resins, etc. that include amine-based or acid anhydride-based curing accelerators and rubber-based reinforcing agents. In addition, resin compositions cured by mixing a curing agent with an epoxy resin as the main agent can also be cited. Accordingly, the resin composition as the mixture is automatically cured by allowing it to reach and penetrate the fiber layer during the period from mixing the main agent and the curing agent to curing.

[0032] <Protective layer>

[0033] A protective layer can be arranged on the outer periphery of the reinforcing layer as needed. When setting the protective layer, for example, it is formed by winding glass fibers and impregnating resin therein. The impregnated resin can be considered in the same way as the reinforcing layer 12. Thereby, impact resistance can be imparted to the tank 11.

[0034] The thickness of the protective layer is not particularly limited and can be about 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0035] 1.1.3. Joint

[0036] The joint 14 is a component installed at each of the two openings 12c of the liner 12, arranged at each end in the direction of the axis O of the liner 12, functions as an opening for communicating the inside and outside of the hydrogen tank 11, and is for installing the on-off valve 15. Therefore, a hole with a circular cross-section for arranging the on-off valve 15 is provided in the joint 14. An internal thread corresponding to the external thread of the on-off valve 15 is provided on the inner surface of the hole. The on-off valve 15 is fixed to the joint 14 by screwing the external thread of the on-off valve 15 into the internal thread. In addition, on the inner surface of the hole, a sealing surface as a smooth surface is provided on the tank inner side (high-pressure side) relative to the internal thread. A sealing member provided on the outer periphery of the on-off valve 15 is in contact with this sealing surface to perform airtightness (sealing) inside the hydrogen tank 11.

[0037] The components constituting the joint 14 are not particularly limited as long as they have the required strength, and stainless steel, aluminum, etc. can be cited.

[0038] 1.1.4. On-off valve

[0039] The on-off valve 15 is held in the hole of the joint 14 of the hydrogen tank 11. The on-off valve 15 is arranged at one of the two joints 14 provided at both ends in the length direction of the hydrogen tank 11. In addition, a plug 14a is arranged at the other joint 14 for sealing.

[0040] Figure 3 is Figure 2The figure including the vicinity of the on-off valve 15 in (b) shows a figure in which the connecting device 23 that connects the on-off valve 15 to the consumption device 20 described later is separated. The on-off valve 15 has a shaft portion disposed inside the hole of the joint 14, and an external thread that mates with the internal thread of the joint 14 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion, whereby the on-off valve 15 is fixed to the hole of the joint 14. In addition, a sealing member (not shown) is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the on-off valve 15, and the sealing member is configured to contact the sealing surface of the inner surface of the hole of the joint 14 to perform airtightness (sealing).

[0041] The on-off valve 15 has a valve element 16 and a connecting portion 17.

[0042] <Valve element>

[0043] The valve element 16 is a switching valve that permits and restricts the communication between the inside and outside of the hydrogen tank 11. In this embodiment, a check valve is applied as the valve element 16. Therefore, in this embodiment, the valve element 16 is biased in a manner that restricts the communication when the valve is closed, and by overcoming the bias and pressing the valve element 16, the valve element 16 is moved to permit the communication. Thus, in this embodiment, since the communication is switched by pressing and releasing the pressing of the valve element 16, a member for pressing the valve element 16 is required. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described later, the consumption device 20 includes a member (push rod 24) for pressing the valve element 16. By using the valve element 16 as a check valve and performing its opening and closing on the consumption device 20 side, it is not necessary to electrically connect the hydrogen tank 11 to be loaded and unloaded to the control device 50 for control, and the control of the control device 50 can be performed more reliably.

[0044] Thus, in this embodiment, an example in which a check valve is applied as the valve element 16 is shown, but it is not limited as long as it can permit and restrict the communication between the inside and outside of the hydrogen tank 11, and an electromagnetic valve can also be applied as the valve element. By using an electromagnetic valve, opening and closing control can be directly performed by the control device 50 without using a pressing member.

[0045] <Connecting portion>

[0046] In the on-off valve 15, a connecting portion 17 for connecting to the consumption device 20 is provided on the side connected to the consumption device 20. The connecting portion 17 is a portion where the connecting portion 25 of the connecting device 23 that can connect the connecting portion 17 to the consumption device 20 can be engaged and disengaged. Its specific form is not limited, and in this embodiment, a mechanical coupling (mechanical interface) can be cited. Among them, a mounting member such as that for connecting a photographic lens to a body in a camera can also be applied. More specifically, a C-mount can be used.

[0047] 1.1.5. Others

[0048] The allowable pressure of the hydrogen tank 11 is not particularly limited. However, from the perspective of being able to supply more hydrogen, a tank capable of storing hydrogen at an allowable pressure exceeding 20 MPa and not exceeding 70 MPa can be cited. In this embodiment, proper detachment of such a high-pressure tank can also be achieved.

[0049] In this embodiment, a plurality (for example, three) of hydrogen tanks 11 are provided, and each hydrogen tank 11 is filled with hydrogen. Here, an example of arranging three hydrogen tanks 11 is cited, and in order to distinguish them, the reference numerals 11a, 11b, and 11c are used to represent them in the drawings. These hydrogen tanks 11 can all have the same capacity, or can include tanks with different capacities.

[0050] 1.2. Consumption device

[0051] The consumption device 20 is the target of hydrogen supply from the hydrogen tank 11, and is a device that receives hydrogen and consumes it. In this embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, the consumption device 20 includes a fuel cell 21, a supply pipe 22, a connection device 23, an injector 30, and a pressure gauge 31.

[0052] 1.2.1. Fuel cell

[0053] The fuel cell 21 is a device that consumes the supplied hydrogen, receives hydrogen supply from the hydrogen tank 11, and receives air supply from an air hole (not shown) to generate electricity. The specific configuration of the fuel cell 21 is not particularly limited, and a known configuration can be used.

[0054] 1.2.2. Supply pipe

[0055] The supply pipe 22 is a pipe that forms a path for guiding hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 11 to the fuel cell 21. In this embodiment, each of the hydrogen tanks 11a, 11b, and 11c is connected to the fuel cell 21. Here, the pipes 22a, 22b, and 22c extending from each of the hydrogen tanks 11a, 11b, and 11c merge into one pipe 22d and are connected to the fuel cell 21.

[0056] 1.2.3. Connection device

[0057] The connection device 23 is disposed at the connection portion of the supply pipe 22 with the hydrogen tank 11, is connected to the connection portion 17 of the on-off valve 15 of the above-mentioned hydrogen tank 11, and operates the opening and closing of the valve element 16 (check valve) of the hydrogen tank 11. Figure 3 is Figure 2 The figure in (b) including the vicinity of the connection device 23 shows a figure of separating the on-off valve 15 from the connection device 23 of the consumption device 20. From Figure 3 it can be seen that the connection device 23 has a cylinder body 23a, a push rod 24 disposed inside the cylinder body 23a, and a connection portion 25 provided at the front end of the cylinder body 23a.

[0058] <Push rod>

[0059] The push rod 24 is a component that can press the valve element 16 provided in the opening / closing valve 15 of the hydrogen tank 11. In this embodiment, it is rod-shaped and can press the valve element 16 with its front end. Therefore, it can be seen from Figure 3 that the push rod 24 is arranged inside the cylinder 23a and is configured to be able to move in the axial direction thereof and protrude from and retract into the cylinder 23a as shown by the straight arrow in Figure 3 .

[0060] Moreover, it is configured that when the push rod 24 retracts, the supply pipe 22 is closed, and when the push rod 24 protrudes, the supply pipe 22 is in an open state. The push rod 24 also serves as an opening / closing valve on the supply pipe 22 side.

[0061] The movement of the push rod 24 in and out is controlled by the control device 50.

[0062] However, the system configuration for opening and closing the supply pipe 22 can also be formed into a structure in which the push rod 24 side is fixed and the hydrogen tank 11 / opening / closing valve 15 side is controlled to drive and press the valve element 16.

[0063] <Connection part>

[0064] The connection part 25 is provided at the end of the cylinder 23a on the side opposite to the connection part 17 equipped with the opening / closing valve 15. The connection part 25 can be engaged with and disengaged from the connection part 17 as described above. Specifically, in this embodiment, a mechanical connection (mechanical interface) can be cited, and among them, the mounting member that connects the photographing lens to the main body in a camera can be applied. More specifically, a C-mount can be used.

[0065] 1.2.4. Injector

[0066] The injector 30 is arranged in the supply pipe 22 (in this embodiment, the supply pipe 22d) between the connection device 23 and the fuel cell 21, and controls the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell 21. The specific embodiment of the injector is not particularly limited, and a flow control valve can be cited.

[0067] In addition, there is also a case where a pressure regulating valve (pressure reducing valve) is provided between the connection device 23 and the injector 30 according to the embodiment of the injector 30.

[0068] 1.2.5. Pressure gauge

[0069] The pressure gauge 31 is a pressure gauge that measures the pressure inside the flow path of the supply flow path 22 between the connection device 23 and the injector 30 (the pressure inside the pipe). In this embodiment, the specific embodiment of the pressure gauge 31 is not particularly limited, and it is configured to be able to send the obtained pressure value data to the control device 50.

[0070] 1.3. Control device

[0071] The control device 50 is a control device that gives an instruction to perform an operation to achieve the detachment condition of the hydrogen tank 11 when the hydrogen tank 11 is detached. Therefore, in this mode, the control device 50 is configured to be able to communicate with the push rod 24 of the connecting device 23, the injector 30, and the pressure gauge 31.

[0072] On the other hand, in order to open and close the supply pipe 22, in the case of a structure in which the push rod 24 side is fixed and the hydrogen tank 11 / on-off valve 15 side is controlled to drive and press the valve core 16, it is possible to communicate with the hydrogen tank 11 / on-off valve 15 side instead of communicating with the push rod 24.

[0073] As Figure 4 Schematically shown, the control device 50 is a processor, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit, central arithmetic unit) 51 that performs arithmetic operations, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 52 that functions as a working area, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 53 that functions as a recording medium, a receiving unit 54 that is an interface for receiving information into the control device 50 whether wired or wireless, and a transmitting unit 55 that is an interface for transmitting information from the control device 50 to the outside whether wired or wireless.

[0074] Therefore, the control device 50 is configured such that the pressure gauge 31 is connected to the receiving unit 54 to receive information, and the push rod 24 and the injector 30 are connected to the transmitting unit 55 to send signals for their operation to them.

[0075] On the other hand, in order to open and close the supply pipe 22, in the case of a structure in which the push rod 24 side is fixed and the hydrogen tank 11 / on-off valve 15 side is controlled to drive and press the valve core 16, a structure is adopted in which the push rod 24 is not connected to the transmitting unit 55 but is connected to the hydrogen tank 11 / on-off valve 15 side.

[0076] A program for performing arithmetic processing to achieve the detachment condition at the time of detachment of the hydrogen tank 11 and sending operation signals to each device is stored in the control device 50. In the control device 50, the CPU 51, the RAM 52, and the ROM 53 as hardware resources cooperate with the program. Specifically, the CPU 51 performs desired control by executing the computer program recorded in the ROM 53 in the RAM 52 that functions as a work area. The information obtained or generated by the CPU 51 is stored in the RAM 52. In addition, a recording medium can be additionally provided inside or outside the control device 50, and programs and various data are recorded here. Specifically, the control content will be described later.

[0077] Such a control device 50 can typically be constituted by a computer.

[0078] 2. Tank detachment control

[0079] The following describes the control executed when the hydrogen tank 11 in the hydrogen consumption system 10 is detached.

[0080] 2.1. Hydrogen supply state

[0081] Before the detachment of the hydrogen tank 11, hydrogen flows out of the hydrogen tank 11, is supplied to the fuel cell 21 through the supply pipe 22, and power generation is performed in the fuel cell 21. At this time, the hydrogen tank 11 is in a connected state with the consumption device 20, and the on-off valve 15 and the push rod 24 are open.

[0082] That is, when the hydrogen tank 11 is installed and in the hydrogen supply state, the connection portion 17 provided on the on-off valve 15 of the hydrogen tank 11 engages with the connection portion 25 provided on the connection device 23 of the consumption device 20, and the push rod 24 protrudes from the cylinder body 23a and its front end reaches the inside of the on-off valve 15 to press the valve core 16, and the on-off valve 15 and the push rod 24 are in the open state.

[0083] At this time, the pressure in the supply pipe 22 is substantially the same as the internal pressure of the hydrogen tank 11 and is in a high-pressure state.

[0084] 2.2. Process of hydrogen tank detachment

[0085] Figure 5 The figure shows the process of the tank detachment control S10 related to one mode. From Figure 5 It can be seen that the tank detachment control S10 includes processes S11 to S19. These respective processes are advanced by a program stored in the control device 50, and the operations of the respective devices are performed by instructions from the control device 50. Hereinafter, each process will be described.

[0086] 2.2.1. Detachment start

[0087] In the process S11 of detachment start, the control device 50 receives a signal that triggers the start of the hydrogen tank detachment. Thereby, the detachment control of the hydrogen tank 11 is started, and the tank detachment control S10 is performed. The signal that triggers the start of the hydrogen tank detachment is not particularly limited, and it can be a signal issued when the user operates an unillustrated detachment start switch provided, or when the content volume of the hydrogen tank 11 decreases and is lower than a specified pressure.

[0088] 2.2.2. Closing of the on-off valve

[0089] In the closing process S12 of the on-off valve, the control device 50 closes the on-off valve 15 and the push rod 24 by taking the closing signal received in the process S11 as an opportunity. Specifically, in this mode, the control device 50 closes the valve core 16 and the push rod 24 by moving the push rod 24 to release the pressing on the valve core 16.

[0090] On the other hand, in the case of a structure in which the push rod 24 side is fixed and the hydrogen tank 11 / on-off valve 15 side is controlled to move to press the valve core 16 for opening and closing the supply pipe 22, the control device 50 does not move the push rod 24 but moves the hydrogen tank 11 / on-off valve 15 side to release the pressing on the valve core 16.

[0091] In the case where a plurality of hydrogen tanks 11 are arranged, this operation is performed for all the hydrogen tanks 11.

[0092] 2.2.3. Calculation of the hydrogen amount to be consumed

[0093] In the process S13 of calculating the hydrogen amount to be consumed, the hydrogen amount to be consumed for the pressure in the supply pipe 22 to become less than 1 MPa is calculated based on the pressure in the supply pipe 22 obtained from the pressure gauge 31 and the capacity of the supply pipe 22. This calculation can be a calculation based on theoretical values, or a relational expression or a map obtained in advance through experiments can be used.

[0094] 2.2.4. Judgment of the hydrogen amount to be consumed

[0095] In the process S14 of judging the hydrogen amount to be consumed, it is judged whether the hydrogen amount calculated in the process S13 is 0 or less.

[0096] When the hydrogen amount calculated in the process S13 is greater than 0, it is "No" and the process proceeds to the process S15.

[0097] If the hydrogen amount is 0 or less, since it is considered that the pressure in the supply pipe 22 is less than 1 MPa, it is "Yes" and the disconnection control S10 of the hydrogen tank is ended. After the disconnection control ends, this situation is reported, and it is reported that the hydrogen tank 11 can be disconnected.

[0098] Here, when judging in the process S14 and it is a return from the process S19 and the fuel cell 21 has already generated electricity, the control device 50 also simultaneously stops the injector 30 and stops the power generation.

[0099] In addition, a locking mechanism (not shown) can be provided so that the hydrogen tank 11 cannot be disconnected before the disconnection control of the hydrogen tank 11 ends. In this case, the locking mechanism is released according to the end of the disconnection control.

[0100] 2.2.5. Calculation of fuel cell side conditions

[0101] In the process S15 of calculating the fuel cell side conditions, calculate the conditions that should be satisfied on the fuel cell 21 side when generating power by the fuel cell 21 in the subsequent process S16. In particular, if the hydrogen supply to the fuel cell 21 is insufficient and a hydrogen-deficient state occurs, power generation conditions for avoiding such a deficient state are imposed due to a decrease in the voltage of the fuel cell, damage to the fuel cell 21, and abnormal conditions during normal power generation.

[0102] More specifically, calculate the current required value of the fuel cell and the upper limit value of the fuel cell current. Here, the "current required value" is the value of the current required to consume the amount of hydrogen that should be consumed calculated in process S13 within a specified time. In addition, the "upper limit value of the current" is the upper limit value of the current that can ensure no hydrogen deficiency occurs.

[0103] Any value can be a calculation based on a theoretical value, or a relational expression or map obtained in advance through experiments can be used.

[0104] 2.2.6. Generate power according to conditions

[0105] In the process S16 of generating power according to conditions, the control device 50 operates the injector 30 to transport the hydrogen in the flow path of the supply pipe 22 to the fuel cell 21 to generate power and consume the hydrogen in the flow path of the supply pipe 22. The power generation at this time is performed according to the current required value calculated in the above process S15.

[0106] The hydrogen in the flow path of the supply pipe 22 is consumed through this process S16, and the pressure in the pipe decreases. The electricity obtained in process S16 is not particularly limited and can be used for power supply to electrical equipment, charging of a secondary battery (not shown), etc.

[0107] 2.2.7. Judgment of whether the upper limit value of the current is exceeded

[0108] In the process S17 of judging whether the upper limit value of the current is exceeded, judge whether the actual current value exceeds the upper limit value of the current calculated in the process S15.

[0109] The required current value calculated in the process S15 is the current value assuming an ideal state, and the actual current may be different from the current required value due to the state of the fuel cell 21 such as deterioration of the fuel cell 21 and retention of water. Even if the actual current value is different from the current required value, there is no problem as long as it does not exceed the upper limit value of the current calculated in the process S15. However, if the actual current value exceeds the upper limit value of the current, there is a concern about the problem of the above-mentioned hydrogen deficiency. In view of this, in the process S17, judge whether the actual current value exceeds the upper limit value of the current.

[0110] When the actual current value is below the current upper limit value, it is "No" and the process proceeds to S19. On the other hand, when the actual current value exceeds the current upper limit value, it is "Yes" and the process proceeds to S18.

[0111] 2.2.8. Change of current required value

[0112] In the process S18 of changing the current required value, when it is determined in the process S17 that the current upper limit value is exceeded, the current required value is changed in order to avoid this situation (the actual current value becoming below the current upper limit value). Therefore, in the process S18, the value corrected in a manner of reducing the current required value is calculated.

[0113] Then, the process returns to S16 to perform power generation based on the corrected current required value.

[0114] 2.2.9. Judgment of whether the pressure condition is satisfied

[0115] In the process S19 of judging whether the pressure condition is satisfied, it is judged whether the actual pressure in the supply pipe 22 exceeds the inferred pressure that would cause hydrogen deficiency.

[0116] The pressure at which hydrogen deficiency occurs can be calculated as an inferred value. In view of this, in the process S19, it is calculated whether the actual pressure in the supply pipe 22 exceeds the calculated inferred value. The actual pressure in the supply pipe 22 can be obtained by the pressure gauge 31.

[0117] If the actual pressure in the supply pipe 22 exceeds the inferred value, since it can be considered that hydrogen deficiency does not occur, the process returns to S13 to continue the control.

[0118] On the other hand, when the actual pressure in the supply pipe 22 is below the inferred value, since there is a concern about hydrogen deficiency, the control is stopped and ended. The ending is the same as above.

[0119] In addition, the supply pipe 22 includes a pipe for the high-pressure area and a pipe for the medium-pressure area, and it is preferable to apply the process S19 to any pipe. Thus, the effects of the present disclosure become more reliably remarkable.

[0120] 3. Effects, etc.

[0121] According to the hydrogen consumption system described above, it is possible to suppress the generation of a release sound when the hydrogen tank is detached. At this time, since the hydrogen remaining in the pipe is used for power generation, waste of hydrogen (fuel) can be suppressed. On the other hand, the generation of hydrogen deficiency in the fuel cell can also be suppressed.

[0122] In the above specific example, on the basis of stopping the hydrogen supply from the hydrogen tank, it is possible to perform a degassing process until the pressure at which there is concern about insufficient hydrogen supply to the fuel cell (less than 1 MPa), thereby suppressing the release sound when the hydrogen tank is detached. On the other hand, it is possible to avoid hydrogen deficiency in the fuel cell and continue power generation by consuming the hydrogen in the pipe through monitoring the upper limit value of the current of the fuel cell and monitoring the decrease in the hydrogen pressure in the pipe.

[0123] Description of reference numerals:

[0124] 10... Hydrogen consumption system; 11... Hydrogen tank; 15... On-off valve; 16... Valve core; 17... Connection part; 20... Consumption device; 21... Fuel cell; 22... Supply pipe; 23... Connection device; 24... Push rod (pipe-side on-off valve); 25... Connection part; 30... Injector; 31... Pressure gauge; 50... Control device.

Claims

1. A hydrogen consumption system, wherein: have: Removable hydrogen tanks; a fuel cell, using hydrogen from the hydrogen tank as fuel; Pipes connecting the hydrogen tank to the fuel cell to allow hydrogen to flow; an on-off valve provided on the pipe; and Control device, When the hydrogen tank is detached, the control device performs the following control: The on-off valve is closed, and the amount of hydrogen consumed in power generation by the fuel cell until the pressure in the pipe becomes less than 1 MPa is calculated. calculating a current requirement value of the fuel cell and a current upper limit value of the fuel cell according to the consumed hydrogen amount, When the actual current value is larger than the current upper limit value, the current request value is changed so as to be equal to or less than the current upper limit value.

2. The hydrogen consumption system according to claim 1, wherein: The control device performs control such that an estimated pressure at which hydrogen deficiency occurs in the fuel cell is compared with an actual pressure in the pipe, and power generation by the fuel cell is stopped when the actual pressure is equal to or lower than the estimated pressure.

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