Fuel gas filling device

Abstract

A fuel gas filling device (14) is provided with: a filling unit (48) for filling a gas tank (50) of a moving body (16) with fuel gas; a tank information acquisition unit (140); a temperature adjustment unit (30); and a determination unit (152). A tank information acquisition unit (140) that acquires tank information relating to the amount of gas remaining in the gas tank before the filling unit starts filling the gas tank with the fuel gas; a temperature adjustment unit (30) that adjusts the gas temperature (Td) of the fuel gas filled into the gas tank so as to approach an adjustment target temperature (Tc); a determination unit (152) determines the adjustment target temperature on the basis of the tank information acquired by the tank information acquisition unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fuel gas filling device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, fuel cells have been researched and developed to help improve energy efficiency in order to ensure that more people have access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and advanced energy.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-1991 discloses a hydrogen filling system. In this system, when the distance between the vehicle and the hydrogen station is less than a specified distance, the hydrogen storage tank is cooled by a cooling medium. Summary of the Invention

[0004] When a mobile body is connected to a fuel gas filling device, fuel gas is filled into the mobile body's storage tank via the fuel gas filling device. If a large temperature difference occurs within the storage tank, a safety device may activate, stopping the fuel gas filling process. It is desirable to suppress temperature separation of the fuel gas within the storage tank during fuel gas filling.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] The present invention provides a fuel gas filling device comprising a filling unit, a tank information acquisition unit, a temperature regulation unit, and a determination unit. The filling unit is used to fill a gas storage tank of a mobile body with fuel gas. The tank information acquisition unit acquires tank information related to the remaining amount of gas in the tank before the filling unit begins filling the tank with fuel gas. The temperature regulation unit adjusts the temperature of the fuel gas being filled into the tank to be close to a target temperature. The determination unit determines the target temperature based on the tank information acquired by the tank information acquisition unit.

[0007] According to the present invention, temperature separation of fuel gas in the storage tank during fuel gas filling can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is an example diagram showing a moving body connected to a fuel gas filling device.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the temperature distribution inside an example gas storage tank.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the control ECU.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a graph mapping the example boost rate.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a graph showing the delay time and the changes in gas temperature and tank pressure over time during the temperature regulation of example fuel gas.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps involved in the fuel gas filling method. Detailed Implementation

[0014] A fuel gas filling device according to one embodiment will be described using the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This diagram illustrates a state where a mobile body 16 is connected to the fuel gas filling device 14. Fuel gas is supplied to the mobile body 16 by the fuel gas filling device 14 of this embodiment. The mobile body 16 may be, for example, a vehicle, an aircraft, a ship, a robot, etc.

[0015] The fuel gas filling device 14 includes an accumulator 20, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 22, a shut-off valve 24, a flow regulating valve 28, and a temperature regulating unit 30. The fuel gas filling device 14 also includes a gas temperature sensor 36, a communication device 38, an atmospheric temperature sensor 42, a delivery pipe 46, and a filling unit 48.

[0016] The mobile body 16 includes a gas storage tank 50, a communication ECU 52, a receiver 54, an inlet piping 56, communication equipment 58, a tank temperature sensor 64, and a tank information sensor (tank pressure sensor) 66. The fuel gas supply piping 46 of the fuel gas filling device 14 and the inlet piping 56 of the mobile body 16 form a piping 100 through which fuel gas flows from the accumulator 20 to the gas storage tank 50. The fuel gas is, for example, hydrogen or natural gas (primarily hydrocarbon gases).

[0017] The accumulator 20 of the fuel gas filling device 14 stores high-pressure fuel gas. The filling section 48 fills the fuel gas in the accumulator 20 into the gas tank 50 of the movable body 16 via piping 100. The control ECU 22 controls the temperature of the fuel gas filling from the accumulator 20 into the gas tank 50, and the filling of the fuel gas. Figure 3 The structure of the control ECU22 will be described later.

[0018] A shut-off valve 24 is located in the accumulator 20. When the control ECU 22 opens the shut-off valve 24, fuel gas is supplied from the accumulator 20 to the piping 100. When the control ECU 22 closes the shut-off valve 24, the supply of fuel gas from the accumulator 20 to the piping 100 stops. Alternatively, the shut-off valve 24 may not be located in the accumulator 20. That is, the shut-off valve 24 may be located between the accumulator 20 and the flow regulating valve 28, or it may be located in the supply piping 46.

[0019] A flow control valve 28 is installed on the delivery pipe 46. The flow control valve 28 regulates the flow rate of fuel gas supplied from the accumulator 20 and flowing in the pipe 100. The valve opening of the flow control valve 28 is adjusted by controlling the flow control valve 28 via the control ECU 22. As a result, the gas flow rate can be continuously regulated.

[0020] The temperature control unit 30 cools the fuel gas flowing in the piping 100 before it is filled into the gas storage tank 50 of the moving body 16. The temperature control unit 30 is located between the flow control valve 28 and the filling section 48, and is installed in the delivery piping 46. The temperature control unit 30 includes a refrigerator, a heat exchanger, and a cooling medium (not shown). The cooling medium, cooled by the refrigerator, exchanges heat with the fuel gas flowing in the delivery piping 46 through the heat exchanger, thereby cooling the fuel gas. Furthermore, the cooling performed by the temperature control unit 30 is not limited to cooling based on the cooling medium. For example, pre-cooled fuel gas may be mixed with the fuel gas delivered from the accumulator 20.

[0021] As will be described later, the control ECU 22 controls the temperature regulating unit 30 to adjust the gas temperature Td of the fuel gas filling the gas tank 50 to be close to the target temperature Tc. Specifically, by controlling the temperature regulating unit 30, the control ECU 22 sets the set temperature Tx of the refrigeration unit 30 to the temperature corresponding to the target temperature Tc.

[0022] A gas temperature sensor 36 is installed on the delivery pipe 46 to detect the gas temperature Td of the fuel gas being filled into the gas tank 50 of the mobile body 16. Specifically, the gas temperature sensor 36 is located between the temperature regulating unit 30 and the filling unit 48 to detect the gas temperature Td after adjustment by the temperature regulating unit 30. The gas temperature Td is acquired by the control ECU 22. An atmospheric temperature sensor 42 detects the ambient air temperature Ta outside the fuel gas filling device 14 and the mobile body 16. The air temperature Ta information is acquired by the control ECU 22.

[0023] The delivery pipe 46 extends from the accumulator 20 to the filling section 48. Fuel gas supplied from the accumulator 20 to the delivery pipe 46 flows through the delivery pipe 46. The nozzle 48a of the filling section 48 of the fuel gas filling device 14 can engage with the receiver 54 of the moving body 16. Through the engagement of the nozzle 48a with the receiver 54, the nozzle 48a and the receiver 54 are connected to each other. As a result, the delivery pipe 46 of the fuel gas filling device 14 and the inlet pipe 56 of the moving body 16 are connected.

[0024] Fuel gas flowing in the delivery pipe 46 flows into the inlet pipe 56 through the nozzle 48a and receiver 54, which are connected to each other. The inlet pipe 56 extends from the receiver 54 to the gas storage tank 50. The fuel gas flowing into the inlet pipe 56 is used to fill the gas storage tank 50. Additionally, in Figure 1 In the example shown, a check valve 62 is provided behind the receiver 54 to prevent fuel gas from flowing back from the gas storage tank 50 to the receiver 54.

[0025] The communication device 38 of the fuel gas filling device 14 and the communication device 58 of the moving body 16 communicate wirelessly using infrared or the like. The communication device 38 is integrally mounted on the nozzle 48a. When the nozzle 48a and the receiver 54 are connected to each other, wireless communication can be performed between the communication device 38 and the communication device 58. Through wireless communication, information such as the tank temperature Tt and the tank pressure Pt, which will be described later, is transmitted and received.

[0026] The gas storage tank 50 of the mobile body 16 stores fuel gas filled from the fuel gas filling device 14 via piping 100. The mobile body 16 has a fuel cell (not shown). The fuel gas supplied by the gas storage tank 50 reacts with air in the fuel cell. Through this reaction, the power source, namely electricity, of the mobile body 16 is obtained.

[0027] A temperature sensor 64 is installed in the gas storage tank 50 to detect the internal temperature Tt. The detected internal temperature Tt information is acquired via a communication ECU 52. A tank information sensor 66 is installed in the inlet piping 56 or the gas storage tank 50 to acquire tank information related to the remaining gas level in the gas storage tank 50. The detected tank information related to the remaining gas level is acquired via a communication ECU 52.

[0028] In this embodiment, the tank information sensor 66 is a tank pressure sensor used to detect the tank pressure Pt inside the gas storage tank 50. That is, the aforementioned tank information is the information about the tank pressure Pt. Therefore, the detected tank pressure Pt information is obtained through the communication ECU 52. The more fuel gas remaining in the gas storage tank 50, the higher the tank pressure Pt; the less gas remaining, the lower the tank pressure Pt. By obtaining the tank pressure Pt information, the remaining gas amount in the gas storage tank 50 can be easily detected.

[0029] The communication ECU 52 acquires the tank temperature Tt information from the tank temperature sensor 64 and the tank pressure Pt information from the tank information sensor 66. The communication ECU 52 controls the communication device 58 to send the acquired tank temperature Tt and tank pressure Pt information to the communication device 38. The control ECU 22 of the fuel gas filling device 14 controls the communication device 38 to acquire the tank temperature Tt and tank pressure Pt information received through the communication device 38.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the temperature distribution within an example gas storage tank 50. Sometimes, large temperature differences occur within the gas storage tank 50. Figure 2 In the example shown, the fuel gas within the gas storage tank 50 is separated into a low-temperature portion 50L and a high-temperature portion 50H. Due to the temperature difference within the gas storage tank 50, the temperature separation of the fuel gas within the gas storage tank 50 may become significant.

[0031] Fuel gas filling the gas storage tank 50 flows from the piping 100 into the connection 50a of the gas storage tank 50, which is connected to the piping 100, and is then ejected from the connection 50a into the gas storage tank 50. The ejection of fuel gas into the gas storage tank 50 agitates the fuel gas stored within it. This agitation eliminates temperature separation within the fuel gas in the gas storage tank 50, resulting in a more uniform temperature distribution of the fuel gas within the gas storage tank 50.

[0032] As fuel gas is filled into the gas storage tank 50, the pressure Pt and temperature Tt inside the tank rise. In particular, when the amount of gas remaining in the gas storage tank 50 is low, the temperature Tt may exceed a temperature threshold Th during the fuel gas filling process. If the temperature Tt exceeds the temperature threshold Th, a safety device (not shown) activates to stop the fuel gas filling. The temperature threshold Th is, for example, 85 degrees Celsius.

[0033] To control the temperature Tt inside the storage tank during fuel gas filling so that it does not exceed the temperature threshold Th, consider the following two control processes. The first control process reduces the rate of pressure increase Prr per unit time of the tank pressure Pt caused by fuel gas filling by minimizing the remaining gas quantity in the storage tank 50. The second control process reduces the gas temperature Td of the filled fuel gas by minimizing the remaining gas quantity in the storage tank 50.

[0034] Furthermore, the fuel gas filling device 14 is equipped with a mapping that predetermines the pressure rise rate Prr based on the gas temperature Td of the fuel gas being filled. The pressure rise rate Prr is predetermined through experiments, etc., to ensure that the temperature Tt inside the storage tank does not exceed the temperature threshold Th. As mentioned earlier, when the pressure Pt inside the storage tank increases, the temperature Tt inside the storage tank also increases.

[0035] Therefore, the mapping is set such that the lower the gas temperature Td, which affects the tank temperature Tt, the higher the pressure rise rate Prr. Additionally, the tank temperature Tt also affects the air temperature Ta; therefore, the mapping is also set such that the lower the air temperature Ta, the higher the pressure rise rate Prr. Figure 4 The details of the mapping will be described later.

[0036] In the aforementioned first control process, the less gas remains in the gas storage tank 50, the lower the pressure rise rate Prr of the pressure Pt inside the tank becomes. Consequently, the volumetric flow rate of the fuel gas ejected from the connection 50a into the gas storage tank 50 decreases. In this case, the stirring effect of the fuel gas inside the aforementioned gas storage tank 50 weakens. Therefore, a temperature difference arises within the aforementioned gas storage tank 50, and the fuel gas inside the gas storage tank 50 may separate into a low-temperature portion 50L and a high-temperature portion 50H. As the tank temperature Tt within the gas storage tank 50, if the temperature of the high-temperature portion 50H of the fuel gas is detected, it is considered that the tank temperature Tt may exceed the temperature threshold Th.

[0037] Furthermore, when filling fuel gas, the higher the pressure rise rate Prr of the tank's internal pressure Pt, the more likely the internal temperature Tt will exceed the temperature threshold Th due to the heat generated by the fuel gas. Therefore, as mentioned above, a lower pressure rise rate Prr is preferable. However, as mentioned before, the lower the pressure rise rate Prr, the weaker the stirring effect of the fuel gas. In particular, when the remaining amount of fuel gas in the storage tank 50 is small, a temperature difference is easily generated inside the storage tank 50 during the continuous filling process without stirring. Conversely, when the remaining amount of gas is large, the filling of fuel gas is completed before the internal temperature Tt rises, therefore, a temperature difference is less likely to occur inside the storage tank 50.

[0038] Furthermore, when the air temperature Ta is high, the gas storage tank 50 becomes hot. Therefore, the high temperature of the gas storage tank 50 causes a portion of the fuel gas inside to heat up, making it easier for the fuel gas inside the gas storage tank 50 to separate into a low-temperature portion 50L and a high-temperature portion 50H. That is, a temperature difference is easily generated inside the gas storage tank 50.

[0039] In the aforementioned second control process, since the gas temperature Td of the filled fuel gas changes, the pressure rise rate Prr of the pressure Pt inside the storage tank changes based on the aforementioned mapping. The gas temperature Td decreases while the pressure rise rate Prr increases, thereby increasing the volumetric flow rate of the fuel gas ejected from the connection 50a into the gas storage tank 50. In this case, the stirring effect of the fuel gas inside the aforementioned gas storage tank 50 is enhanced, thereby suppressing temperature separation of the fuel gas inside the gas storage tank 50.

[0040] Accordingly, the temperature of the high-temperature portion 50H of the detected fuel gas can be prevented from becoming the internal temperature Tt of the gas storage tank 50. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the internal temperature Tt from exceeding the temperature threshold Th. Thus, in this embodiment, especially when the remaining gas in the gas storage tank 50 is low, a second control process is used to suppress the occurrence of temperature separation of the fuel gas in the gas storage tank 50. Furthermore, the boost rate Prr set in the mapping is predetermined based on experiments, etc., to suppress the occurrence of this temperature separation.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the control ECU 22. The control ECU 22 has an arithmetic unit 120 and a storage unit 122. The arithmetic unit 120 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). That is, the arithmetic unit 120 includes a processing circuit.

[0042] The storage unit 122 includes volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or flash memory. The volatile memory is used as the processor's working memory. The non-volatile memory stores the program executed by the processor, the aforementioned mappings, and other necessary data.

[0043] The arithmetic unit 120 includes a tank information acquisition unit 140, a tank internal temperature acquisition unit 142, a gas temperature acquisition unit 148, an air temperature acquisition unit 150, a determination unit 152, a temperature control unit 154, and a filling control unit 156. The arithmetic unit 120 executes programs stored in the storage unit 122 to implement the tank information acquisition unit 140, the tank internal temperature acquisition unit 142, the gas temperature acquisition unit 148, the air temperature acquisition unit 150, the determination unit 152, the temperature control unit 154, and the filling control unit 156.

[0044] At least a portion of the tank information acquisition unit 140, tank internal temperature acquisition unit 142, gas temperature acquisition unit 148, air temperature acquisition unit 150, determination unit 152, temperature control unit 154, and filling control unit 156 may also be implemented by integrated circuits such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or electronic circuits including discrete devices.

[0045] The tank information acquisition unit 140 acquires information about the tank internal pressure Pt received from the communication device 58 of the mobile body 16 by the communication device 38 of the fuel gas filling device 14, as tank information related to the remaining gas amount in the gas storage tank 50. The tank internal temperature acquisition unit 142 acquires information about the tank internal temperature Tt received from the communication device 58 of the mobile body 16 by the communication device 38 of the fuel gas filling device 14. If the tank internal temperature Tt acquired by the tank internal temperature acquisition unit 142 exceeds the temperature threshold Th, a safety device (not shown) activates to stop the fuel gas filling.

[0046] The gas temperature acquisition unit 148 acquires the gas temperature Td of the fuel gas that is regulated by the temperature regulation unit 30 and filled into the gas storage tank 50 of the moving body 16 from the gas temperature sensor 36. The air temperature acquisition unit 150 acquires the external air temperature Ta from the atmospheric temperature sensor 42.

[0047] The determining unit 152 determines the aforementioned mapping based on the tank information, namely the tank pressure Pt, obtained by the tank information acquisition unit 140. Furthermore, multiple mappings are pre-stored in the storage unit 122 based on the remaining gas quantity in the gas storage tank 50 before fuel gas filling begins. The determining unit 152 selects one mapping based on the tank pressure Pt, which indicates the remaining gas quantity. The temperature control unit 30 establishes a correspondence between the aforementioned target temperature Tc and each mapping. The determining unit 152 determines the target temperature Tc corresponding to the selected mapping.

[0048] The temperature control unit 154 controls the temperature regulating unit 30 to adjust the gas temperature Td of the fuel gas filling the gas tank 50 to be close to the target temperature Tc. The temperature control unit 154 controls the temperature regulating unit 30 to set the set temperature Tx of the refrigerator of the temperature regulating unit 30 to the temperature corresponding to the target temperature Tc, thereby adjusting the gas temperature Td.

[0049] The filling control unit 156 controls the filling of fuel gas into the gas storage tank 50 according to the mapping selected by the determination unit 152. The filling control unit 156 delivers fuel gas from the accumulator 20 to the piping 100 by opening the shut-off valve 24. The filling control unit 156 determines the valve opening degree of the flow regulating valve 28 based on the gas temperature Td of the fuel gas and the selected mapping.

[0050] The filling control unit 156 changes the gas flow rate of the fuel gas by adjusting the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 28 to a predetermined valve opening. The fuel gas flow rate corresponding to the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 28 flows in the piping 100. In this way, fuel gas can be easily filled into the gas storage tank 50.

[0051] The filling control unit 156 controls the filling unit 48, allowing fuel gas to be filled into the gas storage tank 50 of the movable body 16 by the filling unit 48. The filling unit 48 begins filling fuel gas into the gas storage tank 50.

[0052] During the filling of fuel gas into the gas storage tank 50, the temperature Td of the fuel gas is varied by the temperature regulating unit 30 in a manner close to the target temperature Tc. Based on this variation, the rate of pressure increase Prr of the pressure Pt inside the gas storage tank 50 changes according to the gas temperature Td. The filling control unit 156 changes the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 28 according to the change in gas temperature Td. Therefore, it is easy to change the gas flow rate of the fuel gas filling the gas storage tank 50 according to the change in gas temperature Td. In this way, the filling control unit 156 changes the rate of pressure increase Prr of the pressure Pt inside the tank according to the gas temperature Td.

[0053] Figure 4 This is a diagram of the example boost rate Prr mapping 170. In mapping 170, the boost rate Prr is determined based on the air temperature Ta and the gas temperature Td of the fuel gas being filled. Figure 4 In the example shown, the temperature Ta is divided into three cases: one included in the specified range Ta1, one included in the specified range Ta2 which is higher than Ta1, and one included in the specified range Ta3 which is higher than Ta2. Temperature Ta is divided into three specified ranges, but it can also be divided into multiple specified ranges beyond these three.

[0054] Furthermore, the gas temperature Td is divided into three categories: one included in the specified range Td1, one included in the specified range Td2 which is higher than Td1, and one included in the specified range Td3 which is higher than Td2. While the gas temperature Td is divided into three specified ranges, it can also be divided into multiple specified ranges beyond these three.

[0055] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, when the air temperature Ta is within the specified range Ta1 and the gas temperature Td is within the specified range Td1, the pressure rise rate Prr is set to Prr11. When the air temperature Ta is within the specified range Ta2 or Ta3 and the gas temperature Td is within the specified range Td1, the pressure rise rate Prr is set to Prr12 or Prr13, respectively.

[0056] When the air temperature Ta is within the specified ranges Ta1, Ta2, or Ta3, and the gas temperature Td is within the specified range Td2, the pressure rise rate Prr is set to Prr21, Prr22, or Prr23, respectively. When the air temperature Ta is within the specified ranges Ta1, Ta2, or Ta3, and the gas temperature Td is within the specified range Td3, the pressure rise rate Prr is set to Prr31, Prr32, or Prr33, respectively. The lower the air temperature Ta, the higher the pressure rise rate Prr. The higher the air temperature Ta, the lower the pressure rise rate Prr. The lower the gas temperature Td, the higher the pressure rise rate Prr. The higher the gas temperature Td, the lower the pressure rise rate Prr.

[0057] As previously described, multiple mappings 170 are pre-stored in the storage unit 122 based on the remaining gas level in the gas storage tank 50 before fuel gas filling begins. In this embodiment, information about the internal pressure Pt of the gas storage tank 50 is used as tank information related to the remaining gas level in the gas storage tank 50. Therefore, as... Figure 4 As shown, based on the tank pressure Pt before the fuel gas is filled into the gas storage tank 50, a plurality of mappings 170 are pre-stored in the storage section 122.

[0058] exist Figure 4 The diagram shows two examples, mappings 170A and 170B. Mapping 170A is used when the pressure Pt inside the tank before fuel gas filling is less than a specified value Pt0. The specified value Pt0 is, for example, 15 [MPa]. Mapping 170B is used when the pressure Pt inside the tank before fuel gas filling is greater than the specified value Pt0.

[0059] Therefore, when the amount of gas remaining in the gas storage tank 50 before fuel gas filling is low, mapping 170A is used instead of mapping 170B. Furthermore, when both air temperature Ta and gas temperature Td are equal, the pressure rise rate Prr determined according to mapping 170A tends to be higher than the pressure rise rate Prr determined according to mapping 170B. That is, when the amount of gas remaining in the gas storage tank 50 before fuel gas filling is low, the pressure rise rate Prr tends to be higher.

[0060] The determining unit 152 selects one of a plurality of mappings 170 based on the tank pressure Pt inside the gas storage tank 50 before fuel gas filling. The determining unit 152 determines the adjustment target temperature Tc corresponding to the selected mapping 170.

[0061] The temperature control unit 154 calculates the set temperature Tx of the refrigerator, which is set as the temperature regulating unit 30, based on the adjustment target temperature Tc determined by the determination unit 152. The temperature control unit 154 controls the temperature regulating unit 30 to set the refrigerator's set temperature Tx to the temperature calculated based on the adjustment target temperature Tc. By setting the refrigerator's set temperature Tx, the fuel gas temperature Td can approach the adjustment target temperature Tc. Accordingly, temperature separation of the fuel gas within the gas storage tank 50 during fuel gas filling can be suppressed. Therefore, it is less likely that the temperature Tt inside the storage tank will exceed the temperature threshold Th.

[0062] As mentioned earlier, the determined target temperature Tc varies depending on the mapping 170. For example, in Figure 4 In the mappings 170A and 170B shown, the target temperature Tc corresponding to each mapping 170 is different from each other.

[0063] Here, the adjustment target temperature Tc corresponding to mapping 170B when the remaining gas quantity in the gas storage tank 50 is above a specified amount is referred to as the first target temperature T1. When the remaining gas quantity in the gas storage tank 50 is above a specified amount, the pressure Pt inside the gas storage tank 50 is above a specified value Pt0. The adjustment target temperature Tc corresponding to mapping 170A when the remaining gas quantity in the gas storage tank 50 is below a specified amount is referred to as the second target temperature T2. When the remaining gas quantity in the gas storage tank 50 is below a specified amount, the pressure Pt inside the gas storage tank 50 is below a specified value Pt0.

[0064] As mentioned earlier, when the remaining gas in the gas storage tank 50 is low, temperature separation of the fuel gas is prone to occur within the tank 50 during the filling process. This temperature separation needs to be eliminated through the stirring action of the fuel gas during filling, ensuring that the temperature Tt inside the tank does not exceed the temperature threshold Th. Therefore, a lower target temperature Tc is determined. That is, the second target temperature T2 is lower than the first target temperature T1. Accordingly, temperature separation of the fuel gas within the gas storage tank 50 can be suppressed.

[0065] At the point when the temperature regulation unit 30 begins regulating the gas temperature Td of the fuel gas, the gas temperature Td may differ from the target temperature Tc. In this case, a delay time Lt is required from the start of temperature regulation until the gas temperature Td reaches the target temperature Tc.

[0066] Before the fuel gas filling device 14 is connected to each of the movable bodies 16, the temperature regulating unit 30 sets the gas temperature Td of the fuel gas to a predetermined standby temperature. This standby temperature is preferably either a first target temperature T1 or a second target temperature T2, or an adjustable target temperature Tc. Until the fuel gas filling device 14 is connected to each of the movable bodies 16, the remaining amount of fuel gas in the gas storage tank 50 of each of the movable bodies 16 being filled is not determined. For setting the standby temperature Td of the fuel gas in the standby state when the fuel gas filling device 14 is not connected to the movable bodies 16, the first setting and the second setting shown below can be considered.

[0067] As mentioned earlier, during the process of filling the mobile body 16 with a small amount of remaining fuel gas, the fuel gas in the storage tank 50 is prone to temperature separation. Therefore, in the first setting, the gas temperature Td of the fuel gas in the standby state, i.e., the standby temperature, is set to a relatively low adjustment target temperature Tc. Figure 4 In the example shown, the standby temperature is set to the aforementioned second target temperature T2 corresponding to mapping 170A. In this state, a moving body 16 is connected to the fuel gas filling device 14.

[0068] When there is a large amount of gas remaining in the connected movable body 16, the aforementioned delay time Lt occurs. However, as mentioned earlier, when there is a large amount of gas remaining, the fuel gas in the gas storage tank 50 is less prone to temperature separation. In addition, the filling time for filling the gas storage tank 50 with fuel gas is about a few minutes, or even if it is longer, it is less than 10 minutes, which is relatively short.

[0069] Considering that many mobile units 16 are connected to the fuel gas filling device 14 to fill fuel gas before the remaining gas quantity becomes low, in most cases, the standby temperature of the fuel gas in standby mode is maintained at a relatively low adjustment target temperature Tc, i.e., the second target temperature T2, which would result in greater energy loss.

[0070] Therefore, in the second setting, the gas temperature Td of the fuel gas in standby mode, i.e., the standby temperature, is set to a relatively high adjustment target temperature Tc by the determining unit 152. Figure 4 In the example shown, the standby temperature is set by the determination unit 152 to the aforementioned first target temperature T1 corresponding to the mapping 170B. In this state, a movable body 16 is connected to the fuel gas filling device 14.

[0071] When the remaining gas in the connected moving body 16 is low, the aforementioned delay time Lt occurs. However, if this delay time Lt is within a predetermined time, temperature separation of the fuel gas in the gas storage tank 50 is unlikely to occur. Figure 5 Provide details about this point.

[0072] Figure 5 This is a graph showing the changes in delay time Lt, gas temperature Td, and tank pressure Pt over time during the temperature regulation of the example fuel gas. In the standby state where the fuel gas filling device 14 is not connected to the moving body 16, the fuel gas temperature Td, i.e., the standby temperature, is set to the first target temperature T1. Figure 5 This example illustrates a situation where the remaining gas level in the movable body 16 connected to the fuel gas filling device 14 is low during standby. After the movable body 16 is connected, the temperature Td of the fuel gas is adjusted by the temperature control unit 30 starting at time C1.

[0073] From the start of temperature regulation, i.e., time C1, the gas temperature Td begins to decrease. At time C2, after a delay Lt from time C1, the gas temperature Td reaches the second target temperature T2. Thereafter, until the fuel gas is filled into the gas storage tank 50 of the mobile body 16 at time C3, the gas temperature Td remains at the second target temperature T2. After time C3, the temperature regulation unit 30 regulates the temperature of the fuel gas, and the gas temperature Td begins to rise towards the first target temperature T1, which is the standby temperature.

[0074] exist Figure 5In the example shown, at time C1, the temperature regulating unit 30 begins to regulate the gas temperature Td of the fuel gas, and the filling unit 48 begins to fill the gas storage tank 50 of the moving body 16 with fuel gas. Accordingly, the length of the filling time for filling the gas storage tank 50 with fuel gas can be suppressed while taking into account the delay time Lt until the gas temperature Td reaches the regulating target temperature Tc.

[0075] Alternatively, the filling unit 48 can begin filling the gas storage tank 50 with fuel gas after the temperature regulating unit 30 begins adjusting the gas temperature Td. Therefore, even with a long delay time Lt, the length of the filling time for fuel gas into the gas storage tank 50 can be suppressed. Alternatively, the filling unit 48 can begin filling the gas storage tank 50 with fuel gas before the temperature regulating unit 30 begins adjusting the gas temperature Td. Therefore, even with a large capacity of the gas storage tank 50, the length of the filling time for fuel gas into the gas storage tank 50 can be suppressed.

[0076] In this embodiment, as previously described, fuel gas filling begins at time C1. As previously described, the flow rate of the fuel gas being filled is adjusted based on a mapping 170 that determines the pressure rise rate Prr according to the gas temperature Td and the air temperature Ta. Although the air temperature Ta remains essentially constant during the fuel gas filling process, which is relatively short, as previously described, the gas temperature Td continuously decreases from time C1 to time C2. As previously described, the lower the gas temperature Td based on mapping 170, the higher the pressure rise rate Prr. Therefore, the pressure rise rate Prr increases.

[0077] like Figure 5 As shown, the pressure Pt inside the gas storage tank 50 begins to rise from the pressure value Ps at the start of filling at time C1. Since the rate of pressure increase Prr, expressed as the slope of the pressure Pt, also increases, the slope of the pressure Pt at time C2 is greater than that at time C1. From time C2 to time C3, the rate of pressure increase Prr remains constant; therefore, the pressure Pt rises at this constant slope. At time C3, the pressure Pt reaches the value Pe, representing the amount of fuel gas filling the gas storage tank 50.

[0078] like Figure 5 As shown, the pressure rise rate Prr increases as the gas temperature Td decreases. Temperature separation of the fuel gas in the gas storage tank 50 begins to occur after the remaining amount of fuel gas in the gas storage tank 50 increases to a certain extent. Therefore, if the delay time Lt is within a predetermined time Ht, the aforementioned temperature separation is less likely to occur, where the predetermined time Ht refers to the time from the start of temperature regulation, i.e., time C1, until the increased pressure Pt in the storage tank reaches a predetermined pressure Ph. That is, a temperature regulation unit 30 with cooling capabilities that keeps the delay time Lt within the predetermined time Ht is sufficient.

[0079] Therefore, in the aforementioned first setting and second setting related to the standby temperature setting in standby mode, the aforementioned energy loss can be suppressed by using the second setting.

[0080] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps involved in the fuel gas filling method. These processing steps are performed, for example, by the control ECU 22 of the fuel gas filling device 14. This processing step begins whenever the filling of fuel gas into the mobile body 16 is completed. When this processing step begins, in step S1, the tank information acquisition unit 140 determines whether information about the tank pressure Pt has been acquired as tank information related to the remaining gas amount in the gas storage tank 50 of the mobile body 16.

[0081] When the fuel gas filling device 14 is connected to the moving body 16, information about the pressure Pt inside the storage tank is obtained from the communication device 38, therefore, the determination in step S1 is "yes". When the fuel gas filling device 14 is in a standby state without the moving body 16 connected, the determination in step S1 is "no". If the determination in step S1 is "yes", this process proceeds to step S21. If the determination in step S1 is "no", this process proceeds to step S2.

[0082] In step S2, the determining unit 152 determines the gas temperature Td of the fuel gas in standby mode, i.e., the standby temperature, as the first target temperature T1. In step S3, the temperature control unit 154 controls the temperature regulating unit 30 to set the set temperature Tx of the refrigerator in the temperature regulating unit 30 to the temperature corresponding to the first target temperature T1. Accordingly, the gas temperature Td is adjusted to be close to the first target temperature T1. When the processing of step S3 is completed, this processing step returns to step S1.

[0083] In step S21, the determining unit 152 selects a mapping 170 based on the tank pressure Pt information obtained in step S1. In step S22, the determining unit 152 determines the adjustment target temperature Tc as either a first target temperature T1 or a second target temperature T2 based on the mapping 170 selected in step S21.

[0084] In step S23, the temperature control unit 154 controls the temperature regulating unit 30 to set the set temperature Tx of the refrigerator in the temperature regulating unit 30 to a temperature corresponding to the target temperature Tc. Accordingly, the gas temperature Td is adjusted to be close to the target temperature Tc. In step S24, the filling control unit 156 opens the shut-off valve 24, and in step S25, the filling control unit 156 opens the flow regulating valve 28.

[0085] In step S26, the air temperature acquisition unit 150 acquires the external air temperature Ta from the atmospheric temperature sensor 42. Since the air temperature Ta remains essentially unchanged during the fuel gas filling process, the processing in step S26 only needs to be performed before fuel gas filling, but it can also be performed again during fuel gas filling. In step S27, the gas temperature acquisition unit 148 acquires the gas temperature Td of the fuel gas supplied from the accumulator 20 to the piping 100 from the gas temperature sensor 36.

[0086] In step S28, the filling control unit 156 determines the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 28 based on the air temperature Ta obtained in step S26, the gas temperature Td obtained in step S27, and the mapping 170 selected in step S21. The filling control unit 156 adjusts the valve opening of the flow regulating valve 28 to the determined valve opening. In step S29, the filling control unit 156 controls the filling unit 48, allowing fuel gas to be filled into the gas storage tank 50 of the moving body 16 by the filling unit 48. By operating the filling unit 48, the nozzle 48a of the filling unit 48 engages with the receiver 54 of the moving body 16, filling the gas storage tank 50 with fuel gas.

[0087] In step S30, the tank information acquisition unit 140 acquires information about the tank internal pressure Pt from the communication device 38. In step S31, the tank information acquisition unit 140 determines whether the tank internal pressure Pt has reached the value Pe, which indicates that the gas storage tank 50 is filled with fuel gas. If the tank internal pressure Pt reaches the value Pe, the tank information acquisition unit 140 determines that the gas storage tank 50 is filled with fuel gas. In this case, the determination is yes in step S31. If the determination is yes in step S31, this processing step ends. If the determination is no in step S31, this processing step returns to step S27.

[0088] Regarding the aforementioned publicly disclosed information, the following notes are also disclosed.

[0089] (Note 1) The fuel gas filling device (14) includes a filling section (48), a tank information acquisition section (140), a temperature regulation section (30), and a determination section (152). The filling section (48) fills fuel gas into the gas storage tank (50) of the mobile body (16). The tank information acquisition section (140) acquires tank information related to the remaining amount of gas in the tank before the filling section begins filling the tank with fuel gas. The temperature regulation section (30) adjusts the gas temperature (Td) of the fuel gas being filled into the tank to be close to a target temperature (Tc). The determination section (152) determines the target temperature based on the tank information acquired by the tank information acquisition section. With this structure, temperature separation of the fuel gas within the tank during fuel gas filling can be suppressed.

[0090] (Note 2) In the fuel gas filling device described in Appendix 1, the determining unit may determine a first target temperature (T1) as the adjustment target temperature when the tank information indicates that the remaining gas quantity is above a predetermined amount, and determine a second target temperature (T2) lower than the first target temperature as the adjustment target temperature when the tank information indicates that the remaining gas quantity is below the predetermined amount. With this structure, temperature separation of the fuel gas within the tank during fuel gas filling can be suppressed.

[0091] (Note 3) In the fuel gas filling device described in Appendix 1, the filling unit can begin filling the gas storage tank with fuel gas simultaneously with the temperature regulating unit starting to regulate the gas temperature. With this configuration, the length of the filling time for filling the gas storage tank with fuel gas can be suppressed while taking into account the delay time before the gas temperature reaches the target regulating temperature.

[0092] (Note 4) In the fuel gas filling device described in Appendix 1, the filling unit can begin filling the gas storage tank with fuel gas before the temperature regulating unit begins adjusting the gas temperature. With this configuration, even when the capacity of the gas storage tank is large, the length of the fuel gas filling time can be suppressed.

[0093] (Note 5) In the fuel gas filling device described in Appendix 1, the filling unit may begin filling the gas storage tank with fuel gas after the temperature regulating unit begins to regulate the gas temperature. With this configuration, even if the delay time before the gas temperature reaches the target temperature is long, the length of the filling time for filling the gas storage tank with fuel gas can be suppressed.

[0094] (Note 6) In any of the fuel gas filling apparatuses described in Appendices 1 to 5, a gas temperature acquisition unit (148) and a filling control unit (156) may be further provided, wherein the gas temperature acquisition unit (148) is used to acquire information about the gas temperature; and the filling control unit (156) changes the rate of increase (Prr) of the pressure inside the gas storage tank (Pt) rising per unit time due to the filling of the fuel gas into the gas storage tank, based on the gas temperature. With this structure, temperature separation of the fuel gas inside the gas storage tank during fuel gas filling can be suppressed.

[0095] (Note 7) In the fuel gas filling device described in Appendix 6, the lower the gas temperature, the higher the pressure rise rate. This structure can suppress temperature separation of the fuel gas within the storage tank during fuel gas filling.

[0096] (Note 8) In the fuel gas filling device described in Appendix 6, the filling control unit may change the pressure boost rate by altering the flow rate of the fuel gas being filled into the storage tank according to the gas temperature. With this configuration, it is easy to change the flow rate of the fuel gas being filled into the storage tank based on changes in gas temperature.

[0097] (Note 9) In the fuel gas filling device described in Appendix 8, a mapping (170) may also be provided based on the tank information. This mapping (170) predetermines the pressure rise rate based on the gas temperature. The determining unit selects the mapping based on the tank information and determines the target temperature based on the selected mapping. The filling control unit changes the gas flow rate based on the gas temperature and the mapping selected by the determining unit. With this structure, fuel gas can be easily filled into the gas storage tank.

[0098] (Postscript 10) In the fuel gas filling device described in Appendix 6, the tank information obtained by the tank information acquisition unit can represent the pressure inside the tank corresponding to the remaining gas quantity. With this structure, the remaining gas quantity inside the gas tank can be easily detected.

[0099] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various structures can be adopted without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0100] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0101] 14: Fuel gas filling device; 16: Moving body; 20: Accumulator; 22: Control ECU; 24: Shut-off valve; 28: Flow regulating valve; 30: Temperature regulating unit; 36: Gas temperature sensor; 38, 58: Communication equipment; 42: Atmospheric temperature sensor; 46: Delivery piping; 48: Filling unit; 50: Gas storage tank; 52: Communication ECU; 54: Receiver; 56: Inlet piping; 62: Check valve; 64: Tank internal temperature sensor; 66: Tank information sensor; 100: Piping; 120: Calculation unit; 122: Storage unit; 140: Tank information acquisition unit; 142: Tank internal temperature acquisition unit; 148: Gas temperature acquisition unit; 150: Air temperature acquisition unit; 152: Determination unit; 154: Temperature control unit; 156: Filling control unit; 170: Mapping.

Claims

1. A fuel gas filling device (14) characterized by comprising a filling section (48), a tank information acquisition section (140), a temperature adjustment section (30), and a determination section (152), wherein the filling section (48) is configured to fill a fuel gas into a gas tank (50) of a mobile body (16); the tank information acquisition section (140) is configured to acquire tank information about a remaining amount of gas in the gas tank before the filling section starts filling the fuel gas into the gas tank; the temperature adjustment section (30) is configured to adjust a gas temperature (Td) of the fuel gas to be filled into the gas tank to be close to an adjustment target temperature (Tc); and the determination section (152) is configured to determine the adjustment target temperature based on the tank information acquired by the tank information acquisition section.

2. The fuel gas filling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in a case where the tank information indicates that the remaining amount of gas is equal to or greater than a prescribed amount, the determination section determines a first target temperature (Tl) as the adjustment target temperature, and in a case where the tank information indicates that the remaining amount of gas is less than the prescribed amount, the determination section determines a second target temperature (T2) lower than the first target temperature as the adjustment target temperature.

3. The fuel gas filling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the filling section starts filling the fuel gas into the gas tank at the same time as the temperature adjustment section starts adjusting the gas temperature.

4. The fuel gas filling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the filling section starts filling the fuel gas into the gas tank before the temperature adjustment section starts adjusting the gas temperature.

5. The fuel gas filling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the filling section starts filling the fuel gas into the gas tank after the temperature adjustment section starts adjusting the gas temperature.

6. The fuel gas filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by further comprising a gas temperature acquisition section (148) and a filling control section (156), wherein the gas temperature acquisition section (148) is configured to acquire information of the gas temperature; and the filling control section (156) is configured to change a pressure increase rate (Prr) per unit time of a tank internal pressure (Pt) in the gas tank that increases due to the filling of the fuel gas into the gas tank, according to the gas temperature.

7. The fuel gas filling device according to claim 6, characterized in that the lower the gas temperature, the higher the pressure increase rate.

8. The fuel gas filling device according to claim 6, characterized in that the filling control section changes the pressure increase rate by changing a gas flow rate of the fuel gas to be filled into the gas tank according to the gas temperature.

9. The fuel gas filling device according to claim 8, characterized by further comprising a map (170) that determines the pressure increase rate in advance according to the gas temperature, based on the tank information. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The determination section selects the map in accordance with the tank information, and determines the adjustment target temperature in accordance with the selected map, The filling control section changes the gas flow rate in accordance with the gas temperature and the map selected by the determination section.

10. The fuel gas filling device according to claim 6, wherein The tank information acquired by the tank information acquisition section indicates the pressure in the tank corresponding to the gas residual amount.

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