Method for predicting remaining amount of hydrogen tank, device for predicting remaining amount of hydrogen tank, and power generation system

Abstract

The method for predicting the remaining amount of a hydrogen tank according to the present disclosure is a method for predicting the remaining amount of a hydrogen tank used in a fuel cell device including at least one fuel cell unit, the method is provided with a step for predicting, on the basis of the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank used in a first period across a plurality of days, a period in which the amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen tank is equal to or less than a first threshold value, and a step for notifying a display device of the period. When the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank used in a second period across a plurality of days in the first period is equal to or less than a second threshold value, the period is predicted on the basis of the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank used in a period other than the second period in the first period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method for predicting the remaining amount of hydrogen tanks, a device for predicting the remaining amount of hydrogen tanks, and a power generation system. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus for generating an operation plan for a hydrogen production system equipped with a hydrogen generation device. The apparatus includes a demand forecasting unit and an operation planning unit. The demand forecasting unit generates forecasted demand for various types of hydrogen with different environmental impacts during the target period of the operation plan. The operation planning unit generates an operation plan for the generation of various types of hydrogen with different environmental impacts by the hydrogen generation device based on the forecasted hydrogen demand for each type of hydrogen.

[0003] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 203520 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0005] As an example, the subject of this disclosure is to provide a method, apparatus and power generation system for predicting the remaining amount of hydrogen in a hydrogen tank, which can more accurately predict the period when the remaining amount of hydrogen in a hydrogen tank used in a fuel cell device falls below a specified amount.

[0006] Methods for solving problems

[0007] To address the aforementioned issues, one technical solution disclosed herein relates to a method for predicting the remaining amount of hydrogen in a hydrogen tank used in a fuel cell device comprising at least one fuel cell unit. This method includes steps of predicting a period in which the remaining hydrogen in the hydrogen tank falls below a first threshold based on the amount of hydrogen used in the hydrogen tank during a first period spanning multiple days, and of notifying the period to a display device. When the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank used during a second period spanning multiple days within the first period falls below a second threshold, the method predicts the period based on the amount of hydrogen used in the hydrogen tank during periods other than the second period within the first period.

[0008] Additionally, one technical solution of this disclosure relates to a hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction device used in a fuel cell device comprising at least one fuel cell unit, comprising a controller that predicts a period in which the hydrogen remaining quantity of the hydrogen tank falls below a first threshold based on the amount of hydrogen used in the hydrogen tank during a first period spanning multiple days, and a communicator controlled by the controller to notify a display device of the period. When the amount of hydrogen used in the hydrogen tank during a second period spanning multiple days within the first period falls below a second threshold, the controller predicts the period based on the amount of hydrogen used in the hydrogen tank during periods other than the second period within the first period.

[0009] In addition, one technical solution disclosed herein relates to a power generation system comprising a fuel cell device including at least one fuel cell unit and a remaining amount prediction device for the aforementioned hydrogen tank.

[0010] The effects of the invention

[0011] The technical solution disclosed herein relates to a method, device, and power generation system for predicting the remaining amount of hydrogen in a hydrogen tank, which has the following effect: it can predict more accurately than before the period when the remaining amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank used in a fuel cell device will fall below a specified amount. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a power generation system according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2A This is a diagram illustrating an example of a sensor used to calculate the remaining hydrogen level in a hydrogen tank.

[0014] Figure 2B This is a diagram illustrating an example of a sensor used to calculate the remaining hydrogen level in a hydrogen tank.

[0015] Figure 2C This is a diagram illustrating an example of a sensor used to calculate the remaining hydrogen level in a hydrogen tank.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction device (hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction method) in the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction device (hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction method) in the first embodiment of the first implementation.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a power generation system according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The inventors conducted an in-depth study on the prediction of periods when the hydrogen remaining amount in the hydrogen tank used in fuel cell devices falls below a predetermined threshold. As a result, they found that when data on periods in which the hydrogen usage in the hydrogen tank irregularly decreases relative to the usual hydrogen usage over multiple days is excluded from the calculation of the hydrogen usage in the hydrogen tank, the hydrogen usage can be calculated appropriately compared to when it is not done. Thus, the following technical solution of this disclosure came to mind.

[0020] That is, the first technical solution of this disclosure relates to a method for predicting the remaining amount of hydrogen in a hydrogen tank used in a fuel cell device including at least one fuel cell unit. It includes the steps of predicting a period in which the remaining amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank is below a first threshold based on the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank used in a first period spanning multiple days, and the step of notifying a display device of the period. When the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank used in a second period spanning multiple days in the first period is below a second threshold, the aforementioned period is predicted based on the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank used in periods other than the second period in the first period.

[0021] Based on the above, the hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction method of this technical solution can predict more accurately than before the period when the hydrogen remaining quantity of the hydrogen tank used in the fuel cell device falls below the first threshold.

[0022] Specifically, in calculating hydrogen consumption, data from a second period where hydrogen consumption from the hydrogen tank irregularly decreases relative to normal consumption over several days is excluded. Compared to cases without this exclusion, hydrogen consumption can be calculated more appropriately. Therefore, the hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction method of this technical solution predicts the period when the hydrogen remaining quantity in the hydrogen tank falls below a first threshold based on the amount of hydrogen used in the hydrogen tank during the first period excluding the second period. Compared to cases without such an exclusion period in the hydrogen consumption calculation, the accuracy of the prediction is improved. This allows users to replenish hydrogen in the tank or replace the used hydrogen tank with a new one as needed.

[0023] Furthermore, the hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction method of this technical solution sets the first and second periods to span multiple days, thereby making the prediction of the hydrogen remaining quantity in the hydrogen tank below the first threshold less susceptible to fluctuations in daily hydrogen consumption. For example, hydrogen consumption on specific days such as rest days is generally less than on weekdays, and by setting the first and second periods as described above, the hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction method of this technical solution mitigates the impact of daily fluctuations in hydrogen consumption during the prediction of the hydrogen remaining quantity in the hydrogen tank below the first threshold.

[0024] The second technical solution of this disclosure relates to a method for predicting the remaining amount of hydrogen in a hydrogen tank, which, based on the method for predicting the remaining amount of hydrogen in a hydrogen tank in the first technical solution, can be set as follows: when the first period is the same as the second period, no update is performed for the period when the remaining amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank is below the first threshold.

[0025] Here, "the first period is the same as the second period" means that during the entire first period, the amount of hydrogen used in the hydrogen tank decreases irregularly compared to the usual amount of hydrogen used. Therefore, the hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction method of this technical solution does not perform updates for the period when the hydrogen remaining quantity of the hydrogen tank used in the fuel cell device falls below a first threshold when the first period is the same as the second period, thereby making the prediction work for that period more efficient.

[0026] The third technical solution of this disclosure relates to a method for predicting the remaining amount of hydrogen in a hydrogen tank, which, based on the method for predicting the remaining amount of hydrogen in a hydrogen tank in the first or second technical solution, can be set as follows: the remaining amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank is predicted to be below the first threshold period based on the value obtained by dividing the difference between the remaining amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank and a first threshold by the average daily amount of hydrogen used in the first period excluding the second period.

[0027] Based on the above, the hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction method of this technical solution predicts the period when the hydrogen tank remaining quantity is below the first threshold by dividing the difference between the hydrogen tank remaining quantity and the first threshold by the average value of the amount of hydrogen used in each day of the first period excluding the second period. Compared with the case where no such exclusion period is set in the hydrogen usage calculation, the accuracy of the prediction can be improved.

[0028] The hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction method involved in the fourth technical solution of this disclosure can be set as follows, based on the hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction method of any of the first to third technical solutions: the first period is one week or more weeks, and the second period is the number of weeks less than the first period.

[0029] Based on the above, the hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction method of this technical solution sets the first period and the second period to one week or more, and the number of weeks below the first period, respectively. This makes the prediction of the hydrogen remaining quantity in the tank below the first threshold less susceptible to fluctuations in hydrogen consumption during daily activities. For example, the amount of hydrogen used during specific periods of the week (e.g., weekends) is generally less than during weekdays. However, by setting the first and second periods as described above, the hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction method of this technical solution mitigates the impact of recurring daily fluctuations in hydrogen consumption during the week when the hydrogen remaining quantity in the tank falls below the first threshold.

[0030] The fifth technical solution of this disclosure relates to a hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction device used in a fuel cell device including at least one fuel cell unit, comprising a controller that predicts a period in which the hydrogen remaining quantity of the hydrogen tank is below a first threshold based on the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank used in a first period spanning multiple days, and a communicator controlled by the controller to notify a display device of the period. When the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank used in a second period spanning multiple days within the first period is below a second threshold, the controller predicts the aforementioned period based on the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank used in periods other than the second period within the first period.

[0031] Based on the above, the hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction device of this technical solution can predict more accurately than before when the hydrogen remaining quantity of the hydrogen tank used in the fuel cell device will fall below the first threshold. Furthermore, the detailed description of the effect of the hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction device of this technical solution is the same as that of the hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction method of the first technical solution, and therefore omits further explanation.

[0032] The power generation system disclosed in the sixth technical solution of this invention includes a fuel cell device comprising at least one fuel cell unit and a hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction device as described in the fifth technical solution.

[0033] Based on the above, the power generation system of this technical solution can predict more accurately than before when the hydrogen remaining amount in the hydrogen tank used in the fuel cell device will fall below the first threshold. Furthermore, the details of the effects of the power generation system of this technical solution are the same as those of the hydrogen tank remaining amount prediction method of the first technical solution, and therefore are omitted from the description.

[0034] Hereinafter, specific examples of the above-described technical solutions of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific examples described below represent only one example of the above-described technical solutions of this disclosure. Therefore, the shapes, values, constituent elements, the arrangement of constituent elements, and connection methods shown below, unless described in the claims, do not limit the scope of the claims.

[0035] Furthermore, elements not described in the independent claims representing the highest-level concept of this disclosure are explained as optional elements. Additionally, in the accompanying drawings, descriptions of portions marked with the same symbols are sometimes omitted. For ease of understanding, the various elements are shown schematically in the drawings, and shapes and size ratios are sometimes not precise representations.

[0036] In addition, during the operation of the device, the order of the processes can be changed as needed, and known processes can be added.

[0037] (First Embodiment)

[0038] [Device Composition]

[0039] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a power generation system according to the first embodiment.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the power generation system 10 includes a fuel cell unit 15 and a remaining amount prediction device 20 for the hydrogen tank 40 used in the fuel cell unit 15.

[0041] The fuel cell device 15 includes at least one fuel cell unit that generates electricity using hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 40. Therefore, the fuel cell device 15 can have a single fuel cell unit or multiple fuel cell units. In the latter case, the power generation system 10 can be, for example, a system that supplies large amounts of electricity to an electrical system. That is, in the latter case, the power generation system 10 includes a fuel cell unit group consisting of multiple fuel cell units comprising a fuel cell stack, and the fuel cell device 15 corresponds to each group after the fuel cell unit group has been divided. The detailed structure of this power generation system 10 will be described in the second embodiment.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the remaining amount prediction device 20 of the hydrogen tank 40 includes a communicator 21 and a controller 23.

[0043] The controller 23 predicts the period during which the remaining hydrogen level in the hydrogen tank 40 will fall below a threshold SA based on the amount of hydrogen used in the hydrogen tank 40 during a multi-day period A. Furthermore, when the amount of hydrogen used in the hydrogen tank during a multi-day period B within period A falls below a threshold SB, the controller 23 predicts the period during which the remaining hydrogen level in the hydrogen tank 40 will fall below the threshold SA based on the amount of hydrogen used in the hydrogen tank during periods other than period B within period A. A specific example of the calculation method for "the period during which the remaining hydrogen level in the hydrogen tank 40 falls below the threshold SA" will be described in the first embodiment.

[0044] Here, "period A" can be a few days or more, or a more appropriate number of days, ranging from 1 week (7 days) to several months. For example, "period A" could be a number of weeks, ranging from about 2 weeks to about 1 month (4 weeks).

[0045] "Period B" can be a few days or more, or it can be any number of days from 1 week (7 days) to 1 month. For example, "Period B" can be 1 week (7 days), but it must be at least a period shorter than "Period A".

[0046] "Threshold SA" is an appropriate amount of hydrogen preset by the user. It is equivalent to a reference value that prompts the user to replenish hydrogen in hydrogen tank 40 when the remaining hydrogen in hydrogen tank 40 becomes low, and a reference value that prompts the user to replace the hydrogen tank 40 in use with a new hydrogen tank. "Threshold SA" can be set, for example, to a hydrogen amount of about 20% of the hydrogen amount in hydrogen tank 40 when it is fully charged, but it is not limited to this.

[0047] "Threshold SB" is an appropriate amount of hydrogen preset by the user, equivalent to a baseline value assuming that the amount of hydrogen used by hydrogen tank 40 during period B is irregularly small compared to the usual amount of hydrogen used. "Threshold SB" can be set, for example, to a hydrogen amount of about 10% of the amount of hydrogen in hydrogen tank 40 at full capacity, but is not limited to this.

[0048] Furthermore, the situation where "the amount of hydrogen used in the hydrogen tank during period B is irregularly low compared to the usual amount of hydrogen used" occurs due to various reasons. For example, this situation may sometimes occur due to some non-routine response from the user. Additionally, this situation may sometimes occur, for example, because the amount of hydrogen used in hydrogen tank 40 cannot be measured correctly. Furthermore, this situation may sometimes occur, for example, because the power generation system 10 cannot generate electricity normally.

[0049] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the situation described above refers to irregular and small-scale hydrogen consumption relative to normal usage, and therefore does not include situations where the power generation system 10 is periodically interrupted for multiple days during operation. For example, the situation where the power generation system 10 operates with weekly Saturdays and Sundays as interruptions is not included in the above description. In such a case, period B is set to include the interruption period and is longer than that interruption period (e.g., 1 week). For period B, a threshold SB is set to determine whether the above situation is met.

[0050] The controller 23 only needs to have control functions, and includes an arithmetic processing unit (not shown) and a storage unit for storing control programs. The arithmetic processing unit reads and executes the control programs stored in the storage unit to perform prescribed control within the controller 23. For example, a microprocessor can be used as the arithmetic processing unit. For example, a memory can be used as the storage unit. Furthermore, the controller 23 can directly control the operation of the fuel cell unit within the fuel cell device 15, including its output. Alternatively, if the fuel cell unit has a control device (not shown) that controls its own operation, the controller 23 can indirectly control the operation of the fuel cell unit within the fuel cell device 15 via that control device.

[0051] The communicator 21, controlled by the controller 23, notifies the transmitter of the display device 50 of a period when the remaining hydrogen level in the hydrogen tank 40 falls below a threshold SA. The display device 50 may be, for example, an information terminal for users receiving services powered by electricity generated by the power generation system 10, but is not limited to this.

[0052] Here, the remaining hydrogen level in the hydrogen tank 40 can be measured, for example, by a suitable sensor. Furthermore, the sensor's measurement is performed by the processing unit of the controller 23 at predetermined intervals, and the sensor's measurement data is sequentially stored in the controller 23's storage unit. This "predetermined interval" can be, for example, approximately 30 seconds, but is not limited to this.

[0053] For example, such as Figure 2A As shown, the hydrogen supply source for the fuel cell device 15 sometimes includes a liquid hydrogen tank 40A for replenishing hydrogen and a hydrogen tank 41 for storing the liquid hydrogen in the liquid hydrogen tank 40A as low-pressure hydrogen gas. In this case, the liquid hydrogen tank 40A is equivalent to the "hydrogen tank" of this disclosure, and therefore the remaining amount of hydrogen in the liquid hydrogen tank 40A can be calculated by the controller 23, for example, based on the measurement data from the liquid level sensor 42 installed in the liquid hydrogen tank 40A. Alternatively, the remaining amount of hydrogen in the liquid hydrogen tank 40A can also be calculated by the controller 23 based on the measurement data from the flow meter 43 installed on the hydrogen path for supplying hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 41 to the fuel cell device 15. Furthermore, the measurement data from the liquid level sensor 42 or the flow meter 43 can be sent to the controller 23 via a controller (not shown) installed in the fuel cell device 15, or directly to the controller 23. The controller (not shown) installed in the fuel cell device 15 corresponds to the control device 30A, etc., described later.

[0054] In addition, such as Figure 2B As shown, the hydrogen supply source for the fuel cell device 15 sometimes includes a hydrogen tank 40B for storing high-pressure hydrogen for replenishment and a hydrogen tank 41 for storing the high-pressure hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 40B as low-pressure hydrogen. In this case, the hydrogen tank 40B is equivalent to the "hydrogen tank" of this disclosure, and therefore the remaining hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 40B can be calculated by the controller 23, for example, based on the measurement data from the pressure gauge 44 installed on the hydrogen tank 40B. Alternatively, the remaining hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 40B can also be calculated by the controller 23 based on the measurement data from the flow meter 43 installed on the hydrogen path for supplying hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 41 to the fuel cell device 15. Furthermore, the measurement data from the pressure gauge 44 or the flow meter 43 can be sent to the controller 23 via a controller (not shown) installed on the fuel cell device 15, or directly to the controller 23. The controller (not shown) installed on the fuel cell device 15 corresponds to the control device 30A, etc., described later.

[0055] In addition, such as Figure 2CAs shown, a hydrogen tank 40C is sometimes provided as the hydrogen supply source for the fuel cell device 15 to store low-pressure hydrogen for replenishment. In this case, the hydrogen tank 40C is equivalent to the "hydrogen tank" of this disclosure, and the remaining amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 40C can be calculated by the controller 23, for example, based on the measurement data of the pressure gauge 44 installed on the hydrogen tank 40C. Alternatively, the remaining amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 40C can also be calculated by the controller 23 based on the measurement data of the flow meter 43 installed on the hydrogen path for supplying hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 40C to the fuel cell device 15. In addition, the measurement data of the pressure gauge 44 or the flow meter 43 can be sent to the controller 23 via a controller (not shown) installed on the fuel cell device 15, or directly to the controller 23. The controller (not shown) installed on the fuel cell device 15 corresponds to the control device 30A, etc., described later.

[0056] The structure of the hydrogen supply source for the fuel cell device 15 described above is merely illustrative and is not limited to this example. The hydrogen supply source could, for example, be configured to replace a hydrogen tank with a decreasing amount of hydrogen as needed with a new hydrogen tank.

[0057] [Work]

[0058] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction device (hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction method) in the first embodiment. The following operations can be performed, for example, by the arithmetic processing unit of the controller 23 reading the control program from the storage unit of the controller 23. However, it is not necessary to perform the following operations using the controller 23. Some of the operations can be performed by the operator. In the following example, the case where the operation is controlled by the controller 23 will be described.

[0059] First, at a predetermined timing, a setting file pre-saved in the storage unit of the controller 23 is read into the processing unit of the controller 23. The predetermined timing can be set based on at least once a week, but is not limited to this. The setting file contains, for example, user-preset periods A and B, and the type of hydrogen tank 40 (e.g., gaseous hydrogen tank, liquid hydrogen tank). Then, data such as the amount of hydrogen used in the hydrogen tank 40 during periods A and B are retrieved from the storage unit of the controller 23.

[0060] When performing the above-described work, in step S1, it is determined whether the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 40 used in the multi-day period B within the multi-day period A is below the threshold SB.

[0061] The determination in step S1 regarding whether the amount of hydrogen used in hydrogen tank 40 during period B is below the threshold SB is not limited to comparing the total hydrogen usage of hydrogen tank 40 during period B with the threshold SB. For example, the determination in step S1 could also be made by comparing the average hydrogen usage of hydrogen tank 40 during period B (e.g., the average hydrogen usage per day) with a threshold SB set relative to the average hydrogen usage of hydrogen tank 40 during period B. Alternatively, the determination in step S1 could also be made by comparing the average power output of the fuel cell unit indirectly related to the hydrogen usage of hydrogen tank 40 during period B with a threshold SB set relative to the average power output of the fuel cell unit during period B.

[0062] Here, if the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 40 used in period B within period A is below the threshold SB (if "yes" is set in step S1), in step S2, the period in which the remaining hydrogen in the hydrogen tank becomes below the threshold SA is predicted based on the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 40 used in periods other than period B within period A.

[0063] Next, in step S3, information predicting in step S2 that the remaining hydrogen level in hydrogen tank 40 will fall below the threshold SA is communicated to display device 50 via communicator 21. The period when the remaining hydrogen level in hydrogen tank 40 falls below the threshold SA can be provided to the user, for example, as date information on a calendar displayed on display device 50. Furthermore, if the period when the remaining hydrogen level in hydrogen tank 40 falls below the threshold SA is stored in the storage unit of controller 23, the stored period can be updated with new data. Then, at the next predetermined time, the work following step S1 is executed again.

[0064] On the other hand, if the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 40 used in period B during period A exceeds the threshold SB (if "No" is true in step S1), in step S4, the remaining amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank is predicted to be below the threshold SA based on the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank used in period A.

[0065] Next, in step S5, information indicating the period when the remaining hydrogen level in hydrogen tank 40 falls below the threshold SA, as predicted in step S4, is communicated to the display device 50 via communicator 21. This period when the remaining hydrogen level in hydrogen tank 40 falls below the threshold SA can be provided to the user, for example, as date information on a calendar displayed on the display device 50. Furthermore, if the period when the remaining hydrogen level in hydrogen tank 40 falls below the threshold SA is stored in the storage unit of controller 23, the stored period can be updated with new data. Then, at the next predetermined time, the work following step S1 is executed again.

[0066] According to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to predict more accurately than before the period when the hydrogen remaining amount in the hydrogen tank 40 used in the fuel cell device 15 falls below the threshold SA.

[0067] Specifically, in the calculation of hydrogen consumption, data from period B, where the hydrogen consumption of hydrogen tank 40 irregularly decreases relative to normal hydrogen consumption over several days, is excluded. Compared to cases where this is not the case, the calculation of hydrogen consumption can be performed more appropriately. Therefore, this embodiment predicts the period when the remaining hydrogen in hydrogen tank 40 falls below the threshold SA based on the amount of hydrogen used in hydrogen tank 40 during periods other than period B in period A. Compared to cases where such excluded periods are not set in the hydrogen consumption calculation, the accuracy of the prediction can be improved. As a result, users can replenish hydrogen in hydrogen tank 40 in a timely manner or replace the hydrogen tank 40 in use with a new hydrogen tank.

[0068] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, period A and period B are each set to span multiple days, thereby making the prediction of periods when the hydrogen remaining amount in hydrogen tank 40 falls below the threshold SA less susceptible to fluctuations in hydrogen consumption during daily activities. For example, the amount of hydrogen used on specific days such as rest days is generally less than on weekdays, and by setting period A and period B as described above, this embodiment mitigates the impact of daily fluctuations in hydrogen consumption in the prediction of periods when the hydrogen remaining amount in hydrogen tank 40 falls below the threshold SA.

[0069] (First embodiment)

[0070] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction device (hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction method) in the first embodiment of the first implementation. The following operations can be performed, for example, by the arithmetic processing unit of the controller 23 reading the control program from the storage unit of the controller 23. However, it is not necessary for the controller 23 to perform the following operations. Some of the operations can be performed by an operator. In the following examples, the case where the operation is controlled by the controller 23 will be described.

[0071] in addition, Figure 4 Step S1 and Figure 3 The steps are the same as in step S1, so detailed explanations are omitted.

[0072] If the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 40 used in period B within period A is below the threshold SB (if "yes" is set in step S1), in step S2A, the period in which the hydrogen remaining amount in the hydrogen tank 40 will be below the threshold SA is predicted based on the value obtained by dividing the difference between the hydrogen remaining amount in the hydrogen tank 40 and the threshold SA by the average value of the amount of hydrogen used in each period of period A other than period B.

[0073] For example, the average daily hydrogen usage q1 (hereinafter referred to as the average hydrogen usage q1) in period A, excluding period B, is calculated by the following formula (1).

[0074] q1[Nm 3 [(Standard cubic meters) / day] = (Total amount of hydrogen used in period A excluding period B) / (Number of days in period A - Number of days in period B) ・・・(1)

[0075] Furthermore, the difference Q1 between the amount of hydrogen present in the hydrogen tank 40 and the amount of hydrogen corresponding to the threshold SA can be obtained by the following equation (2), exemplified by the case calculated based on the measurement data of the pressure gauge 44.

[0076] Q1[Nm 3 ] = (current measurement data of pressure gauge 44 [MPa] - threshold SA [MPa]) × "specified coefficient"... (2)

[0077] Here, the “prescribed coefficient” is a value that is pre-set by the user and is proportional to the size (volume) of the hydrogen tank 40. It is an appropriate value used to convert the sensor’s counting data into the amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen tank 40 (standard cubic meters).

[0078] Therefore, the number of days T1 for the hydrogen remaining amount in hydrogen tank 40 to reach the threshold SA is obtained by the following equation (3).

[0079] T1 [day] = Q1 / q1 ・・・(3)

[0080] Based on the above, it is possible to predict the period when the remaining hydrogen in hydrogen tank 40 falls below the threshold SA, using the aforementioned number of days T1.

[0081] Next, in step S3A, information indicating the period when the remaining hydrogen level in hydrogen tank 40 falls below the threshold SA, as predicted in step S2A, is communicated to the display device 50 via communicator 21. This period when the remaining hydrogen level in hydrogen tank 40 falls below the threshold SA can be provided to the user, for example, as date information on a calendar displayed on the display device 50. Furthermore, if the period when the remaining hydrogen level in hydrogen tank 40 falls below the threshold SA is stored in the storage unit of controller 23, the stored period can be updated with new data. Then, at the next predetermined time, the work following step S1 is executed again.

[0082] On the other hand, if the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 40 used in period B during period A exceeds the threshold SB (if "No" is true in step S1), in step S4A, the period in which the amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen tank 40 will fall below the threshold SA is predicted based on the value obtained by dividing the difference between the amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen tank 40 and the threshold SA by the average amount of hydrogen used in period A for each day.

[0083] For example, the average daily amount of hydrogen used during period A, q2 (hereinafter referred to as the average hydrogen usage q2), is calculated by the following equation (4).

[0084] q2[Nm 3 [(Standard cubic meters) / day] = (Total hydrogen used in period A) / (Number of days in period A) ・・・(4)

[0085] Furthermore, the difference Q2 between the amount of hydrogen present in the hydrogen tank 40 and the amount of hydrogen corresponding to the threshold SA can be exemplified by the case calculated based on the measurement data of the pressure gauge 44, and is obtained by the following equation (5).

[0086] Q2[Nm 3 ] = (current measurement data of pressure gauge 44 [MPa] - threshold SA [MPa]) × "specified coefficient"... (5)

[0087] Here, the “prescribed coefficient” is a value that is pre-set by the user and is proportional to the size (volume) of the hydrogen tank 40. It is an appropriate value used to convert the sensor’s counting data into the amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen tank 40 (standard cubic meters).

[0088] Therefore, the number of days T2 that the remaining hydrogen in hydrogen tank 40 is expected to reach the threshold SA is obtained by the following equation (6).

[0089] T2 [day] = Q2 / q2・・・(6)

[0090] Based on the above, it is possible to predict the period when the remaining hydrogen in hydrogen tank 40 falls below the threshold SA, using the aforementioned number of days T2.

[0091] Next, in step S5A, information indicating the period when the remaining hydrogen level in hydrogen tank 40 falls below the threshold SA, as predicted in step S4A, is communicated to the display device 50 via communicator 21. This period when the remaining hydrogen level in hydrogen tank 40 falls below the threshold SA can be provided to the user, for example, as date information on a calendar displayed on the display device 50. Furthermore, if the period when the remaining hydrogen level in hydrogen tank 40 falls below the threshold SA is stored in the storage unit of controller 23, the stored period can be updated with new data. Then, at the next predetermined time, the work following step S1 is executed again.

[0092] According to the embodiment described above, the period when the hydrogen remaining amount of hydrogen tank 40 is below the threshold SA is predicted by dividing the difference between the hydrogen remaining amount of hydrogen tank 40 and the threshold SA by the average value of the amount of hydrogen used in each day of the period other than period B in period A. This improves the accuracy of the prediction compared to the case where no such excluded period is set in the hydrogen usage calculation.

[0093] The remaining amount prediction method, remaining amount prediction device 20 of hydrogen tank 40, and power generation system 10 of this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, except for the features described above.

[0094] (Second embodiment)

[0095] The method for predicting the remaining amount of hydrogen tank 40 in the second embodiment of the first embodiment is the same as the method for predicting the remaining amount of hydrogen tank 40 in the first embodiment, except that period A is one week or more and period B is the number of weeks less than period A.

[0096] According to the embodiment described above, by setting period A and period B to one week or more, and the number of weeks below the first period, the prediction of periods when the hydrogen remaining amount in hydrogen tank 40 falls below the threshold SA is less affected by fluctuations in hydrogen consumption during daily activities. For example, the amount of hydrogen used during specific periods of the week (e.g., weekends) is generally less than during weekdays. However, according to this embodiment, by setting period A and period B as described above, the impact of recurring daily fluctuations in hydrogen consumption during the week is mitigated in the prediction of periods when the hydrogen remaining amount in hydrogen tank 40 falls below the threshold SA.

[0097] The remaining amount prediction method, remaining amount prediction device 20 of hydrogen tank 40, and power generation system 10 of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment or the first embodiment of the first embodiment, except for the features described above.

[0098] (Modified example)

[0099] The method for predicting the remaining amount of hydrogen tank 40 in the modified example of the first embodiment is the same as the method for predicting the remaining amount of hydrogen tank 40 in the first embodiment, except that when period A and period B are the same, the update is not performed for the period when the remaining amount of hydrogen in hydrogen tank 40 is below the threshold SA.

[0100] Here, "period A is the same as period B" means that during the entire period of period A, the amount of hydrogen used in hydrogen tank 40 decreases irregularly relative to the usual amount of hydrogen used. Therefore, according to the modified example described above, when period A is the same as period B, by not updating the period when the hydrogen remaining amount in hydrogen tank 40 used in fuel cell device 15 is below the threshold SA, the prediction work for that period can be made more efficient.

[0101] The remaining amount prediction method, remaining amount prediction device 20, and power generation system 10 of this modified example can be the same as those in the first embodiment or any of the first to second embodiments of the first embodiment, except for the features described above.

[0102] (Second Implementation)

[0103] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the power generation system according to the second embodiment. Figure 5 For convenience, the first embodiment has been omitted. Figure 1 The diagram shows the hydrogen tank 40 and the display device 50 in the figure. Furthermore, the structure within the remaining amount prediction device 20 of the hydrogen tank 40 is the same as in the first embodiment, therefore detailed description is omitted.

[0104] The power generation system 10 of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, it has an equivalent to a fuel cell device 15 (refer to...). Figure 1 The power generation system 10 comprises fuel cell unit groups 15A-15E, which are divided into multiple fuel cell units; a hydrogen tank 40 remaining quantity prediction device 20; and control devices 30A-30E. In other words, the power generation system 10 has a fuel cell unit group consisting of multiple fuel cell units.

[0105] In addition, although the illustrations are omitted, these fuel cell units consist of a fuel cell stack, an orthogonal converter for converting the DC power generated by the fuel cell stack into AC power and outputting it to the power system, and a control device for controlling the operation of these devices.

[0106] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, the fuel cell units are grouped into fuel cell units a1~an belonging to group 15A, fuel cell units b1~bn belonging to group 15B, fuel cell units c1~cn belonging to group 15C, fuel cell units d1~dn belonging to group 15D, and fuel cell units e1~en belonging to group 15E. All fuel cell units belonging to a group are also referred to as "fuel cell units within the group".

[0107] However, the structure of the fuel cell unit group described above is merely illustrative and not limited to this example. For instance, a fuel cell unit group can also consist of a single group of fuel cell units. Furthermore, the number of fuel cell units within a group can also be only one.

[0108] Control devices 30A~30E are respectively set relative to fuel cell units a1~an in group 15A, fuel cell units b1~bn in group 15B, fuel cell units c1~cn in group 15C, fuel cell units d1~dn in group 15D, and fuel cell units e1~en in group 15E, and control the operation of the fuel cell units in the group respectively.

[0109] For example, the control device 30A controls the output of each of these fuel cell units a1 to an via a communication network so that the fuel cell units a1 to an belonging to group 15A can operate efficiently (e.g., optimize lifespan).

[0110] Control devices 30A-30E only need to have control functions, and include an arithmetic processing unit (not shown), a storage unit for storing control programs, and a communicator. The arithmetic processing unit reads and executes the control programs stored in the storage unit to perform prescribed control in the control devices 30A-30E. For example, a microprocessor can be used as the arithmetic processing unit. For example, a memory can be used as the storage unit.

[0111] The structure of the power generation system 10 described above is merely illustrative and is not limited to this example.

[0112] For example, instead of installing a control device in the fuel cell unit, the operation of the fuel cell units belonging to each group can be directly controlled by the control devices 30A~30E.

[0113] Additionally, the controller 23 of the hydrogen tank 40 remaining quantity prediction device 20 (see reference) Figure 1 The function may be to predict the period when the remaining hydrogen level in hydrogen tank 40 falls below the threshold SA based on the hydrogen level in hydrogen tank 40, but is not limited to this. This function may be performed by a control device other than controller 23 (e.g., control devices 30A-30E).

[0114] In addition, the remaining amount prediction device 20 of the hydrogen tank 40 can be integrated with the control devices 30A to 30E. In other words, it can be equipped with the functions of the control devices 30A to 30E to directly control the operation of each fuel cell unit in the group.

[0115] The hydrogen tank 40 remaining quantity prediction method, hydrogen tank 40 remaining quantity prediction device 20 and power generation system 10 of this embodiment, except for the features described above, can be the same as any of the first embodiment, the first to second embodiments of the first embodiment, and the variations of the first embodiment.

[0116] The first embodiment, its first and second embodiments, variations thereof, and the second embodiment can be combined with each other as long as they do not exclude each other. Based on the above description, many improvements and other embodiments of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description should be interpreted as illustrative only, provided to teach the best embodiments to those skilled in the art. Substantial changes to the details of its structure and / or function may be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0117] Industry availability

[0118] One embodiment of this disclosure provides a hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction method, a hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction device, and a power generation system capable of more accurately predicting periods when the hydrogen remaining quantity in a hydrogen tank used in a fuel cell device falls below a predetermined amount.

[0119] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0120] 10: Power Generation System

[0121] 15: Fuel Cell Device

[0122] 20: Remaining quantity prediction device

[0123] 21: Communicator

[0124] 23: Controller

[0125] 30A: Control device

[0126] 30B: Control device

[0127] 30C: Control device

[0128] 30D: Control device

[0129] 30E: Control device

[0130] 40: Hydrogen tank

[0131] 40A: Liquid hydrogen tank

[0132] 40B: Hydrogen tank

[0133] 40C: Hydrogen cylinder

[0134] 41: Hydrogen tank

[0135] 42: Liquid level sensor

[0136] 43: Flow meter

[0137] 44: Pressure gauge

[0138] 50: Display device

[0139] SA: Threshold

[0140] SB: Threshold

[0141] a1~an: Fuel cell unit

[0142] b1~bn: Fuel cell unit

[0143] c1~cn: Fuel cell unit

[0144] d1~dn: Fuel cell unit

[0145] e1~en: Fuel cell unit

Claims

1. A method for predicting the remaining amount of a hydrogen tank, used in a fuel cell device comprising at least one fuel cell unit, comprising the steps of predicting a period in which the remaining amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank falls below the first threshold based on the amount of hydrogen used in the hydrogen tank during the first period spanning multiple days, and the step of notifying the period to a display device. When the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank used in the second period, which spans multiple days within the first period, is below a second threshold, the period is predicted based on the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank used in the periods within the first period other than the second period.

2. The method for predicting the remaining amount of hydrogen in a tank according to claim 1, When the first period is the same as the second period, the period is not updated.

3. The method for predicting the remaining amount of hydrogen in a tank according to claim 1 or 2, The period is predicted based on the difference between the remaining hydrogen in the hydrogen tank and the first threshold, divided by the average daily amount of hydrogen used in the first period, excluding the second period.

4. The method for predicting the remaining amount of hydrogen in a tank according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The first period is one week or more, and the second period is the number of weeks following the first period.

5. A hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction device, used in a fuel cell device including at least one fuel cell unit, comprising a controller that predicts a period in which the remaining hydrogen quantity of the hydrogen tank falls below the first threshold based on the amount of hydrogen used in the hydrogen tank during the first period spanning multiple days, and a communicator controlled by the controller to notify a display device of the period. When the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank used in the second period, which spans multiple days within the first period, is below a second threshold, the controller predicts the period based on the amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank used in the periods within the first period other than the second period.

6. A power generation system comprising a fuel cell device including at least one fuel cell unit and a hydrogen tank remaining quantity prediction device as claimed in claim 5.

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