Hydrogen consumption system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hydrogen consumption system, in which a plurality of hydrogen tanks are mounted, the hydrogen tanks can be used more easily and differentially. The hydrogen consumption system includes a plurality of detachable hydrogen tanks, a fuel cell that consumes hydrogen by being supplied with hydrogen from the hydrogen tanks, a supply pipe that connects the hydrogen tanks and the fuel cell and through which hydrogen flows, and a control device, the hydrogen tanks having an on-off valve at a connection portion with the supply pipe, and the supply pipe having a push rod at a connection portion with the hydrogen tanks. The control device determines that a hydrogen tank that supplies hydrogen and a hydrogen tank that does not supply hydrogen are separated from the plurality of hydrogen tanks, and moves the push rod toward the on-off valve to form a connection position at which the valve is opened and hydrogen can be supplied to the supply pipe, and moves the push rod toward the on-off valve to form a connection position at which the valve is opened and hydrogen can be supplied to the supply pipe. The push rod is moved to form a standby position in which air tightness is maintained in a state in which the on-off valve is connected to the supply pipe, although the on-off valve is in a closed state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system that consumes hydrogen as a supplied fuel. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that in a hydrogen storage unit, a plurality of hydrogen tanks are installed on a manifold, and hydrogen is filled into the plurality of tanks via the manifold and supplied from the plurality of tanks via the manifold.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-157522

[0004] In a system in which a plurality of tanks are simultaneously connected, when there are a tank that supplies hydrogen and a tank that does not supply hydrogen, it has been impossible to distinguish and use, such as supplying hydrogen through an arbitrary tank, in the past. Therefore, hydrogen sometimes flows into a tank that does not supply hydrogen. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In the present disclosure, in view of the above problems, it is possible to more easily distinguish and use hydrogen tanks in a hydrogen consumption system in which a plurality of hydrogen tanks are installed.

[0006] The present application discloses a hydrogen consumption system including a plurality of detachable hydrogen tanks, a fuel cell that is supplied with hydrogen from the hydrogen tanks and consumes hydrogen, a supply pipe that connects the hydrogen tanks and the fuel cell to allow hydrogen to flow, and a control device. The hydrogen tank has an opening / closing valve at a connection portion with the supply pipe, the supply pipe has a push rod at a connection portion with the hydrogen tank, and the control device determines a hydrogen tank that supplies hydrogen and a hydrogen tank that does not supply hydrogen from among the plurality of hydrogen tanks. For the hydrogen tank that supplies hydrogen, the push rod is moved toward the opening / closing valve to a connection position where the valve is opened and hydrogen can be supplied to the supply pipe. For the hydrogen tank that does not supply hydrogen, the push rod is moved to a standby position where, although in a closed valve state, airtightness is maintained in a state where the opening / closing valve is connected to the supply pipe.

[0007] The control device may obtain the hydrogen remaining amount of the plurality of hydrogen tanks through a sensor, and when making the determination for distinction, control is performed such that only the hydrogen tank with the least hydrogen remaining amount becomes the connection position and other hydrogen tanks become the standby position.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, in a hydrogen consumption system in which a plurality of hydrogen tanks are installed, even if there is a hydrogen tank that is supplying hydrogen, the hydrogen tank that is not supplying hydrogen, being in communication with the supply pipe under a high pressure state and closed by a valve, will not have hydrogen flowing in from the hydrogen tank that is being used, and it is possible to distinguish and use the hydrogen tanks. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the structure of the hydrogen consumption system 10.

[0010] Figure 2 It is an external view showing the structure of the hydrogen tank 11.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the hydrogen tank 11.

[0012] Figure 4 It is a diagram for explaining the opening / closing valve 15 and the connecting device 23.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a diagram for explaining the control device 50.

[0014] Figure 6 It is a diagram for explaining the connection of the opening / closing valve 15 and the connecting device 23.

[0015] Figure 7 It is a diagram for explaining the process of the hydrogen supply control S10.

[0016] Figure 8 It is a diagram for explaining the connection position.

[0017] Figure 9 It is a diagram for explaining the standby position. Detailed implementation mode

[0018] 1. Hydrogen consumption system

[0019] Figure 1 The structure of the hydrogen consumption system 10 related to one mode is schematically shown. Such a hydrogen consumption system 10 has a hydrogen tank 11 as a hydrogen supply source, a hydrogen consumption device 20 as the supply target of the hydrogen, and a control device 50. The hydrogen consumption system 10 of this mode is a system that supplies the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank 11 to the fuel cell 21 included in the hydrogen consumption device 20 for power generation. And, in this mode, the hydrogen tank 11 is configured to be detachable from the hydrogen consumption device 20.

[0020] The following will be described in detail.

[0021] 1.1. Hydrogen tank

[0022] The hydrogen tank 11 is a container that stores the fuel to be supplied (hydrogen in this mode) in a liquid state or a gas state. Figure 2 , Figure 3 A diagram for explanation is shown. Figure 2 It is an external view, Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view along the axis O of the tank 11. From these diagrams, it can be seen that in this mode, the hydrogen tank 11 has a lining 12, a reinforcing layer 13, a joint 14, and an opening / closing valve 15. The following will explain each structure.

[0023] 1.1.1. Lining

[0024] The liner 12 is a hollow member 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 trunk 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.

[0025] The liner 12 may be made of a material that can hold the articles (such as hydrogen) stored in its internal space without leakage, and known materials can be used. Specifically, for example, it is made of nylon resin, polyethylene-based synthetic resin, or metals such as stainless steel and aluminum. Among them, from the viewpoint of lightening the weight of the tank, it is preferable that the material constituting the liner is a synthetic resin.

[0026] The thickness of the liner 12 is not particularly limited, and is preferably 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm.

[0027] 1.1.2. Reinforcement layer

[0028] For the reinforcement layer 13, multiple layers of fibers are laminated and the resin that has been cured is impregnated in the fibers. The layer formed by the fibers is formed by winding the fiber bundles around the outer periphery of the liner 12 to a specified thickness over multiple layers. The thickness of the reinforcement layer 13 and the number of windings of the fiber bundles are determined according to the required strength and are not particularly limited, but are about 10 mm to 30 mm.

[0029] <Fiber bundle>

[0030] The fiber bundles of the reinforcement layer 13 use, for example, carbon fibers, and the fiber bundles are in the form of a band in which the carbon fibers are bundled and have a specified cross-sectional shape (such as a rectangular cross-section). Although not specifically limited, 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 bundles is also not particularly limited, and for example, it can be composed of about 36,000 carbon fibers.

[0031] <Impregnated resin>

[0032] The resin impregnated in the fibers (fiber bundles) and cured in the reinforcement layer 13 may be any material that can improve the strength of the fibers and is not particularly limited. For this, for example, thermosetting resins that are cured by heat can be cited. Specifically, there are amine-based or acid anhydride-based curing accelerators, and epoxy resins and unsaturated polyester resins including rubber-based reinforcing agents. In addition, a resin composition that is mainly composed of an epoxy resin and is cured by mixing a curing agent can also be cited. Accordingly, the resin composition as the mixture reaches and penetrates the fiber layer during the period from mixing the main agent and the curing agent to curing, and thus curing is automatically performed.

[0033] <Protective layer>

[0034] The protective layer can be arranged on the outer periphery of the reinforcing layer as needed. When the protective layer is provided, for example, it is formed by winding glass fibers and impregnating them with resin. The impregnated resin can be considered in the same way as the reinforcing layer 12. Thus, impact resistance can be imparted to the hydrogen tank 11.

[0035] The thickness of the protective layer is not particularly limited and can be about 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0036] 1.1.3. Joint

[0037] The joint 14 is a component installed at each of the two openings 12c of the liner 12, and is arranged at each of the two ends in the direction of the axis O of the liner 12. It functions as an opening for connecting the inside and outside of the hydrogen tank 11, and an opening and closing valve 15 is installed on one of them. Therefore, a hole with a circular cross-section for arranging the opening and closing valve 15 is provided in the joint 14. The inner surface of the hole has an internal thread corresponding to the external thread of the opening and closing valve 15. The opening and closing valve 15 is fixed to the joint 14 by combining the external thread of the opening and closing valve 15 with the internal thread. In addition, on the inner surface of the hole, a sealing surface as a smooth surface is provided on the side closer to the inside of the tank (high-pressure side) than the internal thread. The sealing member provided on the outer periphery of the opening and closing valve 15 contacts this sealing surface to perform airtightness (sealing) of the inside of the hydrogen tank 11.

[0038] The components constituting the joint 14 only need to have the required strength and are not particularly limited. Examples include stainless steel and aluminum.

[0039] 1.1.4. Opening and closing valve

[0040] The opening and closing valve 15 is held in the hole of the joint 14 so as to pass through the inside and outside of the hydrogen tank 11. The opening and closing valve 15 is arranged on one of the two joints 14 provided at both ends in the length direction of the hydrogen tank 11. Among them, a bolt 14a is arranged on the other joint 14 for sealing.

[0041] Figure 4 It includes Figure 3 The figure near the opening and closing valve 15 in shows the state where the opening and closing valve 15 is separated from the connecting device 23 of the gas consumption device 20 described later. The opening and closing valve 15 has a shaft portion arranged inside the hole of the joint 14. The external thread combined with the internal thread of the joint 14 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion. Thus, the opening and closing valve 15 is fixed to the hole of the joint 14. In addition, a sealing member (not shown) is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the opening and closing valve 15, and this sealing member is arranged to contact the sealing surface of the inner surface of the hole of the joint 14 to perform airtightness (sealing).

[0042] A hole 15a communicating with the valve core 16 is provided in the opening and closing valve 15, and the opening and closing valve 15 is operated by inserting a push rod 43 therein.

[0043] The on-off valve 15 has a valve element 16 and a connecting portion 17.

[0044] <Valve element>

[0045] The valve element 16 is a valve that permits and restricts the communication between the inside and outside of the hydrogen tank 11. In this embodiment, the valve element 16 is biased to restrict the communication when the valve is closed, and by pressing the valve element 16 against the biasing force, the valve element 16 moves and the communication is permitted. Thus, in this embodiment, since the communication is switched by pressing and releasing the valve element 16, a mechanism for pressing the valve element 16 is required. Therefore, as will be described later, the hydrogen consumption device 20 is provided with a mechanism (push rod 24) for pressing the valve element 16. By opening and closing the valve element 16 on the hydrogen consumption device 20 side, it is not necessary to electrically connect the detachable hydrogen tank 11 to the control device 50 for control, and the control based on the control device 50 can be performed more reliably.

[0046] <Connecting portion>

[0047] In the on-off valve 15, on the side connected to the hydrogen consumption device 20, there is a connecting portion 17 connected to the hydrogen consumption device 20. The connecting portion 17 is a portion where the connecting portion 17 of the connection device 23 that can connect to the hydrogen consumption device 20 is 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 used to connect a photographing lens to a main body in a camera can also be applied, and more specifically, a C-mount can be used.

[0048] 1.1.5. Others

[0049] The allowable pressure of the hydrogen tank 11 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoints of maintaining portability by making it small and being able to supply more hydrogen, a tank for storing hydrogen with an allowable pressure of more than 20 MPa and 70 MPa or less can be cited.

[0050] In this embodiment, a plurality (for example, three) of hydrogen tanks 11 are provided, and hydrogen is filled into each hydrogen tank 11. Here, an example of arranging three hydrogen tanks 11 is given, 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.

[0051] 1.2. Hydrogen consumption device

[0052] The hydrogen consumption device 20 is the supply destination of the hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 11, and is a device that receives and consumes the hydrogen. In this embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, the hydrogen consumption device 20 includes a fuel cell 21, a supply pipe 22, a connection device 23, an injector 30, and a pressure gauge 31.

[0053] 1.2.1. Fuel cell

[0054] The fuel cell 21 is a device that consumes the supplied hydrogen. It receives the supply of hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 11 and the supply of air from an air hole (not shown) to generate electricity. The specific structure of the fuel cell 21 is not particularly limited, and a known structure can be used.

[0055] 1.2.2. Supply pipe

[0056] The supply pipe 22 is a path that guides hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 11 to the fuel cell 21 and is composed of a pipe. 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.

[0057] 1.2.3. Connecting device

[0058] The connecting 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 provided in the on-off valve 15 of the hydrogen tank 11, and operates the opening and closing of the valve element 16 of the hydrogen tank 11. As can be seen from Figure 4 it can be seen that the connecting device 23 has a cylindrical body 23a, and has a push rod 24 disposed inside the cylindrical body 23a and a connection portion 25 provided at the front end of the cylindrical body 23a.

[0059] <Push rod>

[0060] The push rod 24 is a component that enters the hole 15a of the on-off valve 15 of the hydrogen tank 11 and can press the valve element 16 provided therein. In this embodiment, it is rod-shaped and can press the valve element 16 with its front end. Therefore, as can be seen from Figure 4 it can be seen that the push rod 24 is disposed inside the cylindrical body 23a and, as shown by the straight arrow in Figure 4 is configured to be able to move in the axial direction thereof to protrude and retract with respect to the cylindrical body 23a.

[0061] <Connection portion>

[0062] The connection portion 25 is provided at the end of the cylindrical body 23a on the side opposite to the connection portion 17 equipped with the on-off valve 15. The connection portion 25 can be engaged with and disengaged from the connection portion 17 as described above. Specifically, in this embodiment, a mechanical coupling (mechanical interface) can be cited, and among them, the mounting member that connects the photographing lens to the main body in a camera can also be applied. More specifically, a C-mount can be used. That is, after docking the connection portion 17 with the connection portion 25 and then rotating it around the axis, the two are connected.

[0063] 1.2.4. Injector

[0064] 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 to control the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell 21. The specific type of the injector is not particularly limited, and a flow control valve can be cited.

[0065] 1.2.5. Pressure gauge

[0066] The pressure gauge 31 measures the pressure in the flow path of the supply pipe 22 (the pressure in the pipe) corresponding to the internal pressure of each hydrogen tank 11 between the connection device 23 and the injector 30. In this embodiment, the specific type 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.

[0067] 1.3. Control device

[0068] The control device 50 is a device that determines whether the push rod 24 should be in the standby position and the connection position described later and controls the position of the push rod 24. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control device 50 is configured to be able to communicate with the push rod 24 of the connection device 23, the injector 30, and the pressure gauge 31.

[0069] As Figure 5 Schematically shown, the control device 50 is a processor, including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51 that performs 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 serves as an interface to receive information into the control device 50 whether wired or wirelessly, and a transmitting unit 55 that serves as an interface to transmit information from the control device 50 to the outside whether wired or wirelessly.

[0070] Therefore, the control device 50 is configured to connect the pressure gauge 31 to the receiving unit 54 to receive information and connect the push rod 24 and the injector 30 to the transmitting unit 55 to send signals for their operation to them.

[0071] A program for performing arithmetic processing of hydrogen supply control described later and sending operation signals to each device is stored in the control device 50. In the control device 50, the CPU 51, RAM 52, and ROM 53 as hardware resources cooperate with the program. Specifically, the CPU 51 performs the desired control by executing the computer program recorded in the ROM 53 in the RAM 52 that functions as a working area. The information obtained or generated by the CPU 51 is stored in the RAM 52. In addition, a recording medium can be additionally equipped inside or outside the control device 50 to record the program and various data. The control content will be specifically described later.

[0072] Such a control device 50 can typically be constituted by a computer.

[0073] 2. Hydrogen supply control

[0074] The following describes the control executed when supplying hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 11 to the fuel cell 21 in the hydrogen consumption system 10.

[0075] Here, as a prerequisite, before power generation starts, a plurality of hydrogen tanks 11 are installed in the hydrogen consumption system 10. The installation of the hydrogen tank 11 into the hydrogen consumption system 10 can be performed, for example, as follows. That is, as Figure 4 shown, starting from the state where the hydrogen tank 11 is detached from the hydrogen consumption device 20, the connecting portion 17 of the hydrogen tank 11 is docked with the connecting portion 25 of the connecting device 23 of the hydrogen consumption device 20 and rotated around the axis. Thus, as Figure 6 shown, the hydrogen tank 11 is connected to the hydrogen consumption device 20. However, at this moment, the push rod 24 is in a state of not being in the cylinder body 23a and has not entered the hole 15a of the on-off valve 15. Since the valve core 16 is not pressed, the on-off valve 15 is closed. In addition, in this state, the on-off valve 15 is not yet communicated with the supply pipe 22.

[0076] Figure 7 shows the flow of the hydrogen supply control S10 related to one example. From Figure 7 it can be seen that the hydrogen supply control S10 includes processes S11 to S18. The following describes each process.

[0077] 2.1. Instruction to start power generation

[0078] In the process S11 of the instruction to start power generation, the control device 50 receives a signal that triggers the start of power generation. Thereby, the control for power generation performed by the hydrogen consumption system 10 is started, and the hydrogen supply control S10 is performed. The signal that triggers the start of power generation is not particularly limited and can be an unillustrated power generation start switch set by the user's operation or a signal based on a program according to a predetermined time or timing.

[0079] 2.2. Acquisition of hydrogen tank remaining amount

[0080] In the process S12 of the acquisition of the hydrogen tank remaining amount, the remaining amounts of all the installed hydrogen tanks 11 are acquired. Specifically, the control device 50 performs control as follows.

[0081] Starting from the state shown above Figure 6 the push rod 24 is protruded from the cylinder body 23a, as Figure 8As shown, the control is to press the valve core 16 by pushing the push rod 24 into the hole 15a of the on-off valve 15. Here, when the valve core 16 is pressed, the on-off valve 15 is opened, and the supply pipe 22 is in a state of being internally connected to the hydrogen tank 11 (such a position of the push rod 24 is referred to as the "connection position"). Thus, each pressure gauge 31 provided for each hydrogen tank 11 detects the pressure corresponding to the hydrogen remaining amount in the hydrogen tank 11, and the control device 50 obtains and calculates it, thereby obtaining the hydrogen remaining amount in each hydrogen tank 11.

[0082] 2.3. Determination of the usage order

[0083] In the process S13 of determining the usage order, the control device 50 determines the usage order of the plurality of hydrogen tanks 11 based on the hydrogen remaining amount in the hydrogen tanks 11 obtained in the process S12. The set order is not particularly limited. For example, it can be the order from less hydrogen remaining amount to more.

[0084] In this embodiment, an example of determining the usage order based on the hydrogen remaining amount is described, but it is not limited thereto. It can also be determined according to the installation order, position, etc. in the hydrogen consumption system 10.

[0085] 2.4. Changing hydrogen tanks other than the used hydrogen tank to the standby position

[0086] In the process S14 of changing hydrogen tanks other than the used hydrogen tank to the standby position, based on the usage order determined in the process S13, hydrogen tanks other than the first used hydrogen tank 11 are changed to the standby position.

[0087] Here, the standby position is a state where the valve core 16 is closed and the on-off valve 15 and the supply pipe 22 are hermetically connected in a high-pressure state. Specifically, the control device 50 closes the valve core 16 by moving the push rod 24 to release the pressing of the valve core 16. However, as Figure 9 shown, the push rod 24 protrudes from the cylinder 23a and remains in a state of staying inside the hole 15a of the on-off valve 15. Thus, the communication state is maintained between the on-off valve 15 and the connecting device 23 (however, due to the valve being closed, the communication with the inside of the tank is cut off) and the airtightness in the high-pressure state of the supply pipe 22.

[0088] 2.5. Start of power generation

[0089] In the process S15 of starting power generation, hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen tank 11 determined to be used in the process S13, and power generation is started.

[0090] Specifically, the control device 50 operates the injector 30 to deliver hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 11 determined to be in use to the fuel cell 21 for power generation. The communication between the hydrogen tank 11 that becomes the standby position in process S14 and the supply pipe 22 is maintained under high pressure, but since the valve element 16 closes the valve, there is no supply or inflow of hydrogen.

[0091] 2.6. Obtaining the Pressure of the Tank in Use

[0092] In process S16 of obtaining the pressure of the hydrogen tank in use, the pressure of the hydrogen tank 11 being used is obtained. Thereby, the hydrogen remaining amount in the hydrogen tank 16 being used is monitored. This is performed by the pressure gauge 31 for the hydrogen tank 11 being used to detect the pressure corresponding to the hydrogen remaining amount in the hydrogen tank 11 and the control device 50 obtaining this pressure. The control device 50 calculates the hydrogen remaining amount in the hydrogen tank 11 being used based on the obtained pressure.

[0093] 2.7. Determination of Continuing to Use the Hydrogen Tank in Use

[0094] In process S17 of determining whether to continue using the hydrogen tank in use, the control device 50 determines whether to continue using the hydrogen tank 11 based on the hydrogen remaining amount in the hydrogen tank 11 being used obtained in process S16. The determination criterion is not particularly limited, and a threshold corresponding to the requirement can be set.

[0095] When it is determined in this process S17 that the currently used hydrogen tank 11 can continue to be used, it is regarded as "Yes" and the process returns to process S16.

[0096] When it is determined in this process S17 that the currently used hydrogen tank 11 cannot continue to be used, it is regarded as "No" and the process proceeds to process S18.

[0097] 2.8. Control for Changing the Hydrogen Tank in Use

[0098] In process S18 of controlling the change of the hydrogen tank in use, it accepts the situation that the currently used hydrogen tank 11 is regarded as unable to continue to be used in process S17, and changes the used hydrogen tank 11.

[0099] This change changes the used hydrogen tank 11 from the connection position to the standby position, and changes the hydrogen tank 11 that will be used next according to the order determined in process S13 from the standby position to the connection position. Thereby, hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell 21 by the new hydrogen tank 11 in use.

[0100] After the used hydrogen tank 11 is changed, process S16 is performed for the changed hydrogen tank 11, and the above processing is repeated.

[0101] 2.9. Others

[0102] The hydrogen supply control S10 ends, for example, due to the stop of power generation or the like. After the end, the push rod 24 is housed in the cylinder body 23a and returns to Figure 6 the state, so that the hydrogen tank 11 can be detached from the connecting device 23.

[0103] 3. Effects, etc.

[0104] According to the hydrogen consumption system described above, in a hydrogen consumption system equipped with multiple hydrogen tanks, even if there is a hydrogen tank that is supplying hydrogen, by connecting the hydrogen tank that is not supplying hydrogen in a high-pressure state to the supply pipe and closing the valve, and inserting the push rod into the on-off valve, hydrogen from the hydrogen tank that is being used will not flow in, and the hydrogen tanks can be used separately.

[0105] In addition, when one hydrogen tank is in the connected position and all other hydrogen tanks are in the standby position, they can be used one by one in sequence among the multiple hydrogen tanks, and the replacement of the hydrogen tank 11 with less remaining hydrogen can also be carried out one by one. In addition, since the hydrogen tanks can be used one by one at this time, for example, even if hydrogen leakage occurs, a large amount of leakage from multiple hydrogen tanks can be suppressed, and the leakage can be minimized.

[0106] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0107] 10... Hydrogen consumption system; 11... Hydrogen tank; 15... On-off valve; 16... Valve core; 17... Connecting part; 20... Hydrogen consumption device; 21... Fuel cell; 22... Supply pipe; 23... Connecting device; 24... Push rod; 25... Connecting part; 30... Injector; 31... Pressure gauge; 50... Control device.

Claims

1. A hydrogen consumption system comprising a plurality of detachable hydrogen tanks, a fuel cell that consumes hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen tanks, a supply pipe that connects the hydrogen tanks and the fuel cell to flow hydrogen, and a control device, wherein: The hydrogen tank has an on-off valve at a connection portion with the supply pipe. The supply pipe is provided with a push rod at a connection portion with the hydrogen tank. The control device performs determination to distinguish between a hydrogen tank that supplies hydrogen and a hydrogen tank that does not supply hydrogen from among the plurality of hydrogen tanks. For the hydrogen tank that supplies the hydrogen, the push rod is moved toward the on-off valve to open the valve and form a connection position that enables hydrogen to be supplied to the supply pipe. For the hydrogen tank that does not supply the hydrogen, the push rod is moved to a standby position in which the airtightness is maintained in a state where the on-off valve and the supply pipe are connected although the valve is closed.

2. The hydrogen consumption system according to claim 1, wherein: The control device obtains the remaining hydrogen levels of the plurality of hydrogen tanks through a sensor, and when making the distinction, controls only the hydrogen tank with the smallest remaining hydrogen level to be in a connection position, and controls the other hydrogen tanks to be in a standby position.

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