Hydrogen-consuming system

Abstract

The present application provides a hydrogen-consuming system that is difficult to generate an adverse condition and can suppress generation of a release sound at detachment of a hydrogen tank. The hydrogen-consuming system includes: a detachable hydrogen tank; a fuel cell that uses hydrogen from the hydrogen tank as fuel; a pipe that links the hydrogen tank and the fuel cell and supplies hydrogen to flow; an on-off valve provided in the pipe; and a control device that, at detachment of the hydrogen tank, controls the on-off valve to be closed, calculates a consumed hydrogen amount involved in power generation of the fuel cell until a pressure in the pipe becomes less than 1 MPa, calculates a current demand value of the fuel cell and an upper limit value of a current of the fuel cell based on the consumed hydrogen amount, and changes the current demand value to be below the upper limit value of the current in a case where an actual current value is greater than the upper limit value of the current.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to hydrogen consumption systems. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a fuel gas consumption system capable of shortening the time until the system stops and rapidly determining leakage, as well as a method for detecting gas leaks in the fuel gas consumption system. Here, in order to depressurize the hydrogen in the high-pressure piping, the high-pressure piping is depressurized by consuming fuel gas involved in power generation or by venting from the downstream of the hydrogen piping (exhaust / drain valve).

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

[0004] When disconnecting the hydrogen tank (hydrogen storage tank) from the hydrogen consumption system, if high-pressure hydrogen remains in the piping at the connection point between the hydrogen tank and the piping, a sound will be produced (a sound will be emitted).

[0005] Even a trace amount of hydrogen, with residual hydrogen pressure of tens of MPa, can cause significant discomfort to users with its release sound. To eliminate this, the hydrogen pressure in the piping of the disassembly / removal section must be reduced to the specified value when disconnecting the hydrogen tank.

[0006] However, current technology cannot sufficiently reduce pressure to suppress the generation of sound. On the other hand, if pressure reduction is sufficient but excessive hydrogen is released, it will result in fuel waste and insufficient hydrogen in the fuel cell. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a hydrogen consumption system that minimizes adverse conditions during the removal of the hydrogen tank and suppresses the generation of noise.

[0008] This application discloses a hydrogen consumption system comprising: a detachable hydrogen tank; a fuel cell that uses hydrogen from the hydrogen tank as fuel; a piping that connects the hydrogen tank to the fuel cell for hydrogen flow; an on / off valve disposed on the piping; and a control device that, when the hydrogen tank is disconnected, performs the following control: closes the on / off valve, calculates the amount of hydrogen consumed by the fuel cell for power generation until the pressure in the piping becomes less than 1 MPa, calculates the current requirement value and the upper limit value of the fuel cell based on the amount of hydrogen consumed, and changes the current requirement value to be below the upper limit value if the actual current value is greater than the upper limit value.

[0009] The control device can perform the following control: compare the inferred pressure of hydrogen deficiency in the fuel cell with the actual pressure in the piping, and stop the power generation involved in the fuel cell when the actual pressure is below the inferred pressure.

[0010] According to this disclosure, since the pressure in the piping is reduced by controlling the hydrogen remaining in the piping when the hydrogen tank is disconnected, the power supply involved in the power generation of the fuel cell can continue and the noise can be suppressed while suppressing the waste and shortage of fuel (hydrogen). Attached Figure Description

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

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

[0013] Figure 3 This is a diagram used to illustrate the on / off valve 15 and the connecting device 23.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the control device 50.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the process of tank disconnection control S10. Detailed Implementation

[0016] 1. Hydrogen consumption system

[0017] Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates the configuration of a hydrogen consumption system 10 according to one embodiment. This hydrogen consumption system 10 includes a hydrogen tank 11 as a hydrogen supply source, a consumption device 20 as the target of the hydrogen supply, and a control device 50. The hydrogen consumption system 10 of this embodiment supplies hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank 11 to a fuel cell 21 included in the consumption device 20 to generate electricity. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the hydrogen tank 11 is configured to be load-unloadable relative to the consumption device 20.

[0018] The following is a detailed explanation.

[0019] 1.1. Hydrogen tank

[0020] Hydrogen tank 11 is a container for storing fuel (hydrogen in this method) to be supplied in liquid or gaseous state. Figure 2 The diagram shown is for illustration. Figure 2 (a) is the exterior view. Figure 2 (b) is a cross-sectional view along the axis of tank 11. As can be seen from these figures, in this embodiment, hydrogen tank 11 has a liner 12, a reinforcing layer 13, a connector 14, and an on / off valve 15. The components are described below.

[0021] In addition, although the description is omitted, in order to improve aesthetics and portability, the hydrogen tank 11 may have an outer casing and a handle.

[0022] 1.1.1. Lining

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

[0024] The lining 12 can be made of any material capable of preventing leakage of the substance (hydrogen) contained within its internal space, and any known material can be used. Specifically, materials such as nylon resin, polyethylene-based synthetic resin, stainless steel, aluminum, and other metals are acceptable. From the viewpoint of making the can lightweight, synthetic resin is preferred as the material constituting the lining.

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

[0026] 1.1.2. Reinforcing Layer

[0027] The reinforcing layer 13 consists of multiple layers of laminated fibers, and these fibers are impregnated with cured resin. The fiber layer is formed by spreading multiple layers of wound fiber bundles around the outer periphery of the lining 12 to a specified thickness. The thickness of the reinforcing layer 13 and the number of fiber bundles wound are determined according to the required strength and are therefore not particularly limited, ranging from about 10 mm to 30 mm.

[0028] <fiber bundle>

[0029] The fiber bundle of the reinforcing layer 13 is, for example, made of carbon fiber. The fiber bundle is a strip of carbon fiber bundled together and having a specified cross-sectional shape (e.g., rectangular cross-section). Although not particularly limited, examples include a rectangular cross-section with a width of about 6 mm to 20 mm and a thickness of about 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. The amount of carbon fiber included in the fiber bundle is also not particularly limited; for example, it can be composed of about 36,000 carbon fibers.

[0030] <Impregnated resin>

[0031] The resin impregnated and cured in the reinforcing layer 13 is not particularly limited to any resin that can thereby increase the strength of the fibers. Examples of such resins include heat-curing resins, specifically epoxy resins and unsaturated polyester resins that include amine-based or anhydride-based curing accelerators and rubber-based reinforcing agents. In addition, resin compositions that are cured by mixing epoxy resin as the main component and a curing agent can also be used. Accordingly, the resin composition, as a mixture, reaches and permeates the fiber layer during the period from mixing the main component and the curing agent until curing, and is thus automatically cured.

[0032] <Protective Layer>

[0033] A protective layer can be provided around the outer periphery of the reinforcing layer as needed. This protective layer can be formed, for example, by winding glass fiber and impregnating it with resin. The impregnating resin can be considered in the same way as the reinforcing layer 12. This allows the tank 11 to be given impact resistance.

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

[0035] 1.1.3. Connector

[0036] The connector 14 is a component installed in each of the two openings 12c of the liner 12, positioned at each end of the liner 12 along the axis O. It functions as an opening connecting the inside and outside of the hydrogen tank 11 and allows the on / off valve 15 to be installed. Therefore, the connector 14 has a circularly shaped hole for mounting the on / off valve 15. The inner surface of the hole has an internal thread corresponding to the external thread of the on / off valve 15. The on / off valve 15 is fixed to the connector 14 by combining the external thread of the on / off valve 15 with this internal thread. Furthermore, the inner surface of the hole has a smooth sealing surface closer to the tank interior (high-pressure side) than the internal thread. A sealing member located on the outer periphery of the on / off valve 15 contacts this sealing surface to achieve an airtight seal inside the hydrogen tank 11.

[0037] The components constituting the joint 14 are not particularly limited as long as they have the required strength; examples include stainless steel and aluminum.

[0038] 1.1.4. On / off valve

[0039] The on / off valve 15 is held in the orifice of the connector 14 of the hydrogen tank 11. The on / off valve 15 is disposed on one of the two connectors 14 located at both ends along the length of the hydrogen tank 11. In addition, a plug 14a is disposed on the other connector 14 for sealing.

[0040] Figure 3 yes Figure 2The figure in (b) showing the vicinity of the on / off valve 15 illustrates the separation of the on / off valve 15 from the connection device 23 of the consumption device 20 described later. The on / off valve 15 has a shaft portion disposed inside the hole of the connector 14, and an external thread on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion that mates with the internal thread of the connector 14, thereby securing the on / off valve 15 to the hole of the connector 14. Additionally, a sealing member (not shown) is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the on / off valve 15, which is configured to contact the sealing surface of the inner surface of the hole of the connector 14 to achieve an airtight seal.

[0041] The on / off valve 15 has a valve core 16 and a connecting part 17.

[0042] <Valve Core>

[0043] Valve core 16 is a switching valve that allows and restricts communication between the inside and outside of hydrogen tank 11. In this embodiment, a check valve is used as valve core 16. Therefore, in this embodiment, when valve core 16 is closed, force is applied to restrict the communication; by overcoming the applied force and pressing valve core 16, the valve core 16 moves, and the communication is allowed. Thus, in this embodiment, since the communication is switched by pressing and releasing valve core 16, a component for pressing valve core 16 is required. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described later, the consumption device 20 includes a component (push rod 24) for pressing valve core 16. By using valve core 16 as a check valve for opening and closing on the consumption device 20 side, it is not necessary to electrically connect the hydrogen tank 11 to be loaded / unloaded to the control device 50 for control, thus enabling more reliable control of the control device 50.

[0044] Thus, this embodiment illustrates an example of using a check valve as valve core 16, but it is not limited to any method that allows and restricts communication between the inside and outside of the hydrogen tank 11; a solenoid valve can also be used as valve core. By using a solenoid valve, opening and closing can be directly controlled by the control device 50 without using a pressing component.

[0045] <Connecting Part>

[0046] The on / off valve 15 has a connecting portion 17 on the side connected to the consumption device 20. The connecting portion 17 is a part that enables engagement and disengagement between the connecting portion 17 and the connecting portion 25 of the connecting device 23 of the consumption device 20. Its specific form is not limited. In this embodiment, a mechanical connection (mechanical interface) can be used. It can also be applied to a mounting component that connects the shooting lens to the main body in a camera. More specifically, a C-mount can be used.

[0047] 1.1.5. Other

[0048] The permissible pressure of hydrogen tank 11 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of being able to supply more hydrogen, tanks capable of storing hydrogen at permissible pressures exceeding 20 MPa but below 70 MPa can be cited. In this method, appropriate tank disconnection can also be performed for tanks with such high pressures.

[0049] In this configuration, multiple hydrogen tanks 11 (e.g., three) are provided, each filled with hydrogen. An example of three hydrogen tanks 11 is given here, and they are designated 11a, 11b, and 11c for distinction. These hydrogen tanks 11 can all be of the same capacity, or they can include tanks of different capacities.

[0050] 1.2. Consumption Device

[0051] Consumption device 20 is the target of hydrogen supply from hydrogen tank 11; it is a device that receives hydrogen and consumes it. In this mode, as... Figure 1 As 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] Fuel cell 21 is a device that consumes supplied hydrogen, receiving hydrogen from hydrogen tank 11 and air from an air vent (not shown) to generate electricity. The specific configuration of fuel cell 21 is not particularly limited, and known configurations can be used.

[0054] 1.2.2. Supply Piping

[0055] Supply piping 22 is a piping that forms a path guiding hydrogen from hydrogen tank 11 to fuel cell 21. In this configuration, each of hydrogen tanks 11a, 11b, and 11c is connected to fuel cell 21. Here, piping 22a, 22b, and 22c extending from each of hydrogen tanks 11a, 11b, and 11c merges into a single piping 22d, which is then connected to fuel cell 21.

[0056] 1.2.3. Connecting Device

[0057] The connecting device 23 is disposed in the connection part of the supply piping 22 with the hydrogen tank 11, connected to the connection part 17 of the opening and closing valve 15 of the hydrogen tank 11, and operates the opening and closing of the valve core 16 (check valve) of the hydrogen tank 11. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The diagram in (b) showing the vicinity of the connecting device 23 illustrates the separation of the on / off valve 15 from the connecting device 23 of the consumption device 20. Figure 3 It can be seen that the connecting device 23 has a cylindrical body 23a, a push rod 24 disposed on the inner side of the cylindrical body 23a, and a connecting part 25 disposed at the front end of the cylindrical body 23a.

[0058] <Put>

[0059] The push rod 24 is a component capable of pressing the valve core 16 of the on / off valve 15 of the hydrogen tank 11. In this embodiment, it is rod-shaped, and its front end can be used to press the valve core 16. Therefore, from Figure 3 It can be seen that the push rod 24 is positioned inside the cylinder 23a, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown by the straight arrow, it is configured to move along its axial direction to appear and disappear relative to the cylinder 23a.

[0060] Moreover, the system is configured such that the supply pipe 22 is closed when the push rod 24 is concealed and the supply pipe 22 is open when the push rod 24 is protruding, with the push rod 24 also serving as an on / off valve on the supply pipe 22 side.

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

[0062] However, the system configuration for opening and closing the supply piping 22 can also be configured such that the push rod 24 side is fixed and the control drive hydrogen tank 11 / opening and closing valve 15 side presses the valve core 16.

[0063] <Connecting Part>

[0064] The connecting portion 25 is located at the end of the cylinder 23a opposite to the connecting portion 17 equipped on the on / off valve 15. The connecting portion 25 can engage and disengage with the connecting portion 17 as described above. Specifically, in this embodiment, a mechanical connection (mechanical interface) can be used, which can be applied to a mounting member in a camera to connect the shooting lens to the main body; more specifically, a C-mount member can be used.

[0065] 1.2.4. Injector

[0066] Injector 30 is configured in the supply pipe 22 (in this embodiment, supply pipe 22d) between the connecting device 23 and the fuel cell 21 to control the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell 21. The specific type of injector is not particularly limited, and a flow regulating valve can be used as an example.

[0067] In addition, there are cases where a pressure regulating valve (pressure reducing valve) is installed between the connecting device 23 and the injector 30 according to the manner of the injector 30.

[0068] 1.2.5. Pressure gauge

[0069] Pressure gauge 31 is a pressure gauge that measures the pressure (pressure in the piping) within the supply flow path 22 between the connecting device 23 and the injector 30. In this embodiment, the specific configuration of pressure gauge 31 is not particularly limited, but it is configured to transmit 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 performs calculations to achieve the conditions for the detachment of the hydrogen tank 11 during the detachment process. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control device 50 is configured 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 supply the opening and closing of the piping 22, in the case of a structure in which the push rod 24 side is fixed and the control drive hydrogen tank 11 / opening and closing valve 15 side is used to press the valve core 16, it is possible to communicate with the hydrogen tank 11 / opening and closing valve 15 side instead of the push rod 24 side.

[0073] like Figure 4 As illustrated schematically, the control device 50 is a processor, which includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51 for performing calculations, RAM (Random Access Memory) 52 which functions as a working area, ROM (Read-Only Memory) 53 which functions as a recording medium, an interface, namely a receiving unit 54, for receiving information to the control device 50 via wired or wireless means, and an interface, namely a transmitting unit 55, for transmitting information from the control device 50 to the outside via wired or wireless means.

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

[0075] On the other hand, in order to supply the opening and closing of the piping 22, in the case of a structure in which the push rod 24 side is fixed and the control drive hydrogen tank 11 / opening and closing valve 15 side is used to press the valve core 16, the push rod 24 is not connected to the sending part 55 but is connected to the hydrogen tank 11 / opening and closing valve 15 side.

[0076] The control device 50 stores a program that performs calculations to achieve the conditions for detachment when the hydrogen tank 11 is disconnected, and sends operation signals to each device. In the control device 50, the CPU 51, RAM 52, and ROM 53, as hardware resources, work in conjunction with the program. Specifically, the CPU 51 executes the computer program recorded in the ROM 53 through the RAM 52, which functions as the operating area, to perform the desired control. Information acquired or generated by the CPU 51 is stored in the RAM 52. In addition, a recording medium may be installed inside or outside the control device 50, where programs and various data are recorded. The control content will be explained in detail later.

[0077] Such a control device 50 can typically be constructed using a computer.

[0078] 2. Tank disconnection control

[0079] The following describes the control measures performed when the hydrogen tank 11 in the hydrogen consumption system 10 is disconnected.

[0080] 2.1. Hydrogen Supply Status

[0081] Before the hydrogen tank 11 is disconnected, hydrogen flows out of the hydrogen tank 11 and is supplied to the fuel cell 21 through the supply pipe 22 to generate electricity in the fuel cell 21. At this time, the hydrogen tank 11 is connected to 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 connecting part 17 of the hydrogen tank 11 located in the opening and closing valve 15 engages with the connecting part 25 of the consumption device 20 located in the connecting device 23, and the push rod 24 protrudes from the cylinder 23a and its front end reaches the inside of the opening and closing valve 15 to press the valve core 16, and the opening and closing valve 15 and the push rod 24 are in the open state.

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

[0084] 2.2. Hydrogen tank detachment process

[0085] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the process of tank disconnection control S10 in one method. From Figure 5 As can be seen, the tank disconnection control S10 includes processes S11 to S19. These processes are driven by a program stored in the control device 50, and the operation of each device is performed by instructions from the control device 50. The processes will be described below.

[0086] 2.2.1. Detachment from Start

[0087] During the disconnection initiation process S11, the control device 50 receives a signal that serves as a trigger for the hydrogen tank disconnection. This initiates the disconnection control of the hydrogen tank 11, proceeding to tank disconnection control S10. The signal triggering the hydrogen tank disconnection initiation is not particularly limited; it can be issued when the user operates a disconnection initiation switch (not shown), or when the contents of the hydrogen tank 11 decrease to below a specified pressure.

[0088] 2.2.2. Closing the opening and closing valve

[0089] During the closing process S12 of the on / off valve, the control device 50 closes the on / off valve 15 and the push rod 24 based on the closing signal received in process S11. Specifically, in this method, the control device 50 closes the valve core 16 and the push rod 24 by moving the push rod 24 to release the pressure on the valve core 16.

[0090] On the other hand, in the case where the push rod 24 side is fixed and the hydrogen tank 11 / opening / closing valve 15 side is controlled to press the valve core 16 in order to open and close the supply pipe 22, the control device 50 does not move the push rod 24 but moves the hydrogen tank 11 / opening / closing valve 15 side to release the pressure on the valve core 16.

[0091] If there are multiple hydrogen tanks 11, this operation is performed on all of the hydrogen tanks 11.

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

[0093] In the process S13 of calculating the amount of hydrogen to be consumed, the amount of hydrogen that should be consumed to make the pressure in the supply pipe 22 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 based on theoretical values ​​or can use pre-obtained relationships or mappings obtained through experiments.

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

[0095] In process S14, which determines the amount of hydrogen that should be consumed, it is determined whether the amount of hydrogen calculated in process S13 is less than or equal to 0.

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

[0097] If the hydrogen quantity is below 0, then since the pressure in the supply piping 22 is considered to be less than 1 MPa, the condition is "yes," and the hydrogen tank disconnection control S10 is terminated. After the disconnection control is completed, the situation is reported, indicating that the hydrogen tank 11 can be disconnected.

[0098] Here, during the determination in process S14, when returning from process S19 and the fuel cell 21 has already generated electricity, the control device 50 also simultaneously stops the injector 30, thus stopping the power generation.

[0099] In addition, a locking mechanism (not shown) can be provided to prevent the hydrogen tank 11 from detaching before the detachment control ends. In this case, the locking mechanism is released when the detachment control ends.

[0100] 2.2.5. Calculation of fuel cell side conditions

[0101] In the process S15 of calculating the fuel cell side conditions, the conditions that should be met on the fuel cell 21 side when generating electricity through the fuel cell 21 in the subsequent process S16 are calculated. In particular, if the hydrogen supply to the fuel cell 21 is insufficient and a hydrogen-deficient state is formed, the power generation conditions to avoid this deficiency state are given due to factors such as the decrease in fuel cell voltage, damage to the fuel cell 21, and adverse conditions in normal power generation.

[0102] More specifically, the required current value and the upper limit current value of the fuel cell are calculated. Here, the "required current value" is the current required to consume the amount of hydrogen that should be consumed as calculated by process S13 within a specified time. Additionally, the "upper limit current value" is the upper limit of the current that ensures no hydrogen depletion occurs.

[0103] Any value can be calculated based on theoretical values, or it can use relationships or mappings obtained through prior experimentation.

[0104] 2.2.6. Generating electricity according to conditions

[0105] In process S16, which generates electricity according to conditions, the control device 50 activates the injector 30 to deliver hydrogen in the flow path of the supply pipe 22 to the fuel cell 21 to generate electricity and consume the hydrogen in the flow path of the supply pipe 22. The power generation at this time is based on the current requirement value calculated in process S15 above.

[0106] The hydrogen supplied to piping 22 is consumed and the pressure in the piping is reduced through process S16. The electricity obtained in process S16 is not particularly limited and can be used for power supply to electrical equipment, charging of secondary batteries (not shown), etc.

[0107] 2.2.7. Determination of whether the current exceeds the upper limit

[0108] In the process S17 of determining whether the current limit value is exceeded, it is determined whether the actual current value exceeds the current limit value calculated in process S15.

[0109] The required current value calculated in process S15 is an ideal current value. However, due to factors such as fuel cell 21 deterioration and water retention, the actual current may differ from the required value. Even if the actual current value differs from the required value, there is no problem as long as it does not exceed the upper limit calculated in process S15. However, if the actual current value exceeds the upper limit, there is a concern that the aforementioned hydrogen deficiency problem may occur. Therefore, process S17 determines whether the actual current value exceeds the upper limit.

[0110] If the actual current value is below the upper limit of the current, the operation is "No" and proceeds to process S19. On the other hand, if the actual current value exceeds the upper limit of the current, the operation is "Yes" and proceeds to process S18.

[0111] 2.2.8. Changes in Current Requirement Value

[0112] In the process S18 of changing the current requirement value, if it is determined in process S17 that the current limit value is exceeded, the current requirement value is changed to avoid this situation (the actual current value becomes below the current limit value). Therefore, in process S18, a value corrected by reducing the current requirement value is calculated.

[0113] Then, return to process S16 to generate electricity based on the corrected current requirement value.

[0114] 2.2.9. Determination of whether pressure conditions are met

[0115] In the process S19 of determining whether the pressure condition is met, it is determined whether the actual pressure in the supply piping 22 exceeds the inferred pressure that would result in hydrogen deficiency.

[0116] The pressure that produces hydrogen deficiency can be calculated as an inferred value. Therefore, in process S19, it is calculated whether the actual pressure in the supply piping 22 exceeds the calculated inferred value. The actual pressure in the supply piping 22 can be obtained using pressure gauge 31.

[0117] If the actual pressure in the supply piping 22 exceeds the predicted value, then since no hydrogen deficiency is assumed, the process returns to process S13 in order to continue control.

[0118] On the other hand, if the actual pressure within the supply piping 22 is below the estimated value, control is stopped and the process terminated due to concerns about hydrogen deficiency. The termination process is the same as described above.

[0119] Furthermore, the supply piping 22 includes piping for high-pressure areas and piping for medium-pressure areas, and process S19 is preferably applied to all piping. Therefore, the effects of this disclosure become more reliable and significant.

[0120] 3. Effects, etc.

[0121] The hydrogen consumption system described above can suppress the generation of noise when the hydrogen tank is disconnected. At this time, since the hydrogen remaining in the piping is used for power generation, hydrogen (fuel) waste can be suppressed. Furthermore, it can also suppress the generation of hydrogen shortages within the fuel cell.

[0122] In the specific example described above, after stopping the hydrogen supply from the hydrogen tank, degassing can be performed until the pressure (less than 1 MPa) is low enough to prevent insufficient hydrogen supply to the fuel cell, thus suppressing any noise emitted when the hydrogen tank is disconnected. On the other hand, by monitoring the upper limit of the fuel cell current and monitoring the decrease in hydrogen pressure in the piping, hydrogen shortage in the fuel cell can be avoided, and hydrogen in the piping can be consumed to continue generating electricity.

[0123] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

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

Claims

1. A hydrogen consumption system, wherein, have: Removable hydrogen tank; The fuel cell uses hydrogen from the hydrogen tank as fuel; Piping connects the hydrogen tank to the fuel cell to supply hydrogen flow; An on / off valve is provided on the piping; and Control device, During the detachment of the hydrogen tank, the control device performs the following control: After closing the on / off valve, calculate the amount of hydrogen consumed by the fuel cell to generate electricity until the pressure in the piping becomes less than 1 MPa. The required current value and the upper limit of the current of the fuel cell are calculated based on the amount of hydrogen consumed. If the actual current value is greater than the upper limit of the current, the current requirement value is changed to be below the upper limit of the current.

2. The hydrogen consumption system according to claim 1, wherein, The control device performs the following control: compares the inferred pressure of hydrogen deficiency in the fuel cell with the actual pressure in the piping, and stops the power generation involved in the fuel cell when the actual pressure is below the inferred pressure.

Images