Mobile mechanical systems and their application methods

Abstract

The provided system enables the continuous and efficient operation of mobile machinery moving within a work area. The system includes: multiple hydrogen tanks; mobile machinery, comprising a drive source using hydrogen stored in each hydrogen tank; and a hydrogen supply device located within the work area to supply hydrogen to the hydrogen tanks. Each hydrogen tank can be installed on or removed from the mobile machinery. The hydrogen supply device can supply hydrogen to both hydrogen tanks removed from the mobile machinery and hydrogen tanks installed on the mobile machinery. The hydrogen supply device includes a cooling unit that cools the hydrogen tanks to which hydrogen has been supplied.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mobile machine system and a method for operating a mobile machine. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, the demand for hydrogen has increased in consideration of the environment, and hydrogen is considered as a fuel for power generation or automobiles and the like. In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-213728 (Patent Literature 1), an engineering machine using a fuel cell that uses hydrogen gas as a driving source is described. Specifically, the engineering machine has a container that houses a hydrogen-absorbing alloy for the fuel cell and functions as a counterweight. Hydrogen gas is supplied from the container to the fuel cell, and thus the engineering machine operates.

[0003] However, engineering machines require more power than, for example, a passenger car, and thus hydrogen gas sometimes needs to be frequently replenished to the container. In addition, engineering machines that cannot travel on public roads cannot sometimes move to a hydrogen refueling station or the like provided outside a work area to replenish hydrogen gas. These can hinder the engineering machine from continuously and efficiently performing work.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT LITERATURE Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-213728 SUMMARY

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a mobile machine system that enables a mobile machine to continuously and efficiently operate.

[0006] The mobile machine system includes a plurality of hydrogen tanks each capable of storing hydrogen gas, a mobile machine that includes a driving source that uses hydrogen gas stored in each of the hydrogen tanks and moves within a prescribed work area, and a hydrogen supply device that is provided within the work area and supplies hydrogen gas to each of the hydrogen tanks. Each of the plurality of hydrogen tanks is capable of being attached to or detached from the mobile machine. The hydrogen supply device is capable of supplying hydrogen gas to each of the hydrogen tanks that is detached from the mobile machine and to each of the hydrogen tanks that is attached to the mobile machine. The hydrogen supply device includes a cooling section that cools each of the hydrogen tanks to which hydrogen gas is supplied. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a flow diagram that shows a mobile machine system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 is a flow diagram that shows a mobile machine system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] is a flow diagram that shows a mobile machine system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.Figure 3 is a view showing a hydrogen tank mounted to Figure 1 and Figure 2 are cross-sectional views showing an example of the above-mentioned hydrogen tank of the mobile machine system shown in

[0010] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a hydrogen storage module contained in the above-mentioned hydrogen tank. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Before describing the specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the outline of the present disclosure is explained.

[0012] The mobile machine system of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of hydrogen tanks each capable of storing hydrogen; a mobile machine including a drive source using the hydrogen stored in each of the above-mentioned hydrogen tanks, which moves within a prescribed work area; and a hydrogen supply device provided within the above-mentioned work area, which supplies hydrogen to each of the above-mentioned hydrogen tanks. Each of the above-mentioned plurality of hydrogen tanks can be mounted to or detached from the above-mentioned mobile machine. The above-mentioned hydrogen supply device can supply hydrogen to both the hydrogen tank detached from the above-mentioned mobile machine and the hydrogen tank mounted to the above-mentioned mobile machine. The above-mentioned hydrogen supply device includes a cooling section that cools the above-mentioned hydrogen tank to which the above-mentioned hydrogen is supplied.

[0013] The above-mentioned drive source of the above-mentioned mobile machine uses the hydrogen stored in the above-mentioned hydrogen tank, and thus, the load on the earth environment can be reduced. The above-mentioned hydrogen supply device of the above-mentioned mobile machine system can supply hydrogen to both the hydrogen tank detached from the above-mentioned mobile machine and the hydrogen tank mounted to the above-mentioned mobile machine, and thus, the above-mentioned mobile machine can be continuously and efficiently operated. The above-mentioned cooling section of the above-mentioned hydrogen supply device cools the above-mentioned hydrogen tank to which the hydrogen is supplied, and thus, the hydrogen can be efficiently supplied to the above-mentioned hydrogen tank. In this way, the hydrogen tank mounted to the above-mentioned mobile machine and in which the hydrogen has been consumed and the hydrogen tank filled with hydrogen by the above-mentioned hydrogen supply device can be replaced at a desired timing, and thus, the ease of continuously and efficiently operating the above-mentioned mobile machine can be improved.

[0014] It is desirable that the above-mentioned cooling section includes a pipe through which cooling water is supplied to the above-mentioned hydrogen tank. The above-mentioned pipe can easily cool the above-mentioned hydrogen tank.

[0015] It is desirable that the above-mentioned cooling section further includes: a cooling water tank that contains cooling water; and a cooling water pump that supplies the above-mentioned cooling water contained in the above-mentioned cooling water tank to the above-mentioned hydrogen tank through the above-mentioned pipe. In this way, the above-mentioned hydrogen tank can be supplied with cooling water using a simple device.

[0016] The hydrogen supply device can further include a pressure reducing section that reduces the pressure of the hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen tank. The pressure reducing section reduces the pressure of the hydrogen, and thus the hydrogen tank can be supplied with hydrogen with higher efficiency.

[0017] The hydrogen supply device can further include a flow rate adjusting section that adjusts the flow rate of the hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen tank. The flow rate adjusting section can increase the efficiency of the hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen tank.

[0018] The hydrogen supply device can further include a compression section that compresses the hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen tank. The compression section can supply the hydrogen tank with hydrogen with higher efficiency.

[0019] Specifically, it is desirable that the compression section include a compressor that operates to compress the hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen tank, a return path that is configured to allow a portion of the hydrogen compressed by the compressor to return to an upstream of the compressor, a pressure adjusting valve that is disposed in the return path, and a pressure adjuster that opens the pressure adjusting valve when the pressure of the hydrogen compressed by the compressor reaches a set value or more, so that the hydrogen can flow through the return path. In this way, the hydrogen tank can be supplied with hydrogen at an adjusted pressure with high efficiency.

[0020] The hydrogen supply device can include a hydrogen container that contains hydrogen. The hydrogen container can make the hydrogen supply device a simple device.

[0021] The hydrogen supply device can further include a plurality of hydrogen containers that each contain hydrogen, and a selection section that selects a hydrogen container from among the plurality of hydrogen containers to supply the hydrogen tank with hydrogen. In this way, the hydrogen tank can be supplied with sufficient hydrogen.

[0022] Further, a method for operating a mobile machine that moves within a prescribed work area is provided. The method includes the steps of preparing a plurality of hydrogen tanks that each store hydrogen and the mobile machine that includes a drive source that uses the hydrogen stored in each of the hydrogen tanks, disposing a hydrogen supply device that supplies the hydrogen tanks with hydrogen within the work area, attaching a first hydrogen tank selected from among the plurality of hydrogen tanks to the mobile machine and operating the mobile machine, detaching the first hydrogen tank from the mobile machine after the hydrogen in the first hydrogen tank is consumed by the operation of the mobile machine, attaching a second hydrogen tank selected from among the plurality of hydrogen tanks to the mobile machine after the first hydrogen tank is detached, and supplying the first hydrogen tank detached from the mobile machine with hydrogen using the hydrogen supply device.

[0023] According to the above-described method, the first hydrogen tank is removed from the mobile machinery that has moved within the designated work area and consumed the hydrogen in the first hydrogen tank, and a second hydrogen tank filled with hydrogen is installed on the mobile machinery, enabling the mobile machinery to operate continuously. Furthermore, the hydrogen supply equipment supplies hydrogen to the first hydrogen tank removed from the mobile machinery, allowing the first hydrogen tank to be recycled. Additionally, since the hydrogen supply equipment is located within the work area, the mobile machinery does not need to travel long distances to replenish hydrogen, thus improving the continuity and efficiency of operation.

[0024] The above-described method may further include the step of supplying hydrogen to a third hydrogen tank selected from the plurality of hydrogen tanks and installed on the mobile machinery using the aforementioned hydrogen supply equipment. By supplying hydrogen to the third hydrogen tank, which is expected to be subsequently installed on the mobile machinery, the mobile machinery can be replenished with hydrogen more reliably, thereby enabling the mobile machinery to operate more easily and continuously.

[0025] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the figures.

[0026] Figure 1 This refers to the mobile system according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 This refers to the mobile machinery system according to the second embodiment. The mobile machinery system is a system comprising mobile machinery 20 that moves within a defined work area and units for operating the mobile machinery 20. In addition to the mobile machinery 20, it also includes multiple hydrogen tanks 10 for storing hydrogen and a hydrogen supply device. The hydrogen supply device according to the first embodiment is... Figure 1 The hydrogen supply device 30A shown is the hydrogen supply device involved in the second embodiment described above. Figure 2 The hydrogen supply device 30B is shown. The mobile machinery 20 has a drive source (not shown) that uses the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank 10. The hydrogen supply device 30 is installed in the work area and supplies hydrogen to the hydrogen tanks 10. The hydrogen tanks 10 are detachable from the mobile machinery 20. The hydrogen supply device 30 is capable of supplying hydrogen to the hydrogen tanks 10 that have been removed from the mobile machinery 20 and to the hydrogen tanks 10 that have been installed on the mobile machinery 20.

[0027] The aforementioned work areas can be defined in various ways. Examples of work areas include construction sites, disaster recovery sites, the interior of facilities, lakeshores and riverbanks including lakes and rivers, and offshore structures including surrounding sea areas. Examples of facilities include factories, schools, hospitals, amusement parks, airports, and ports. The aforementioned work areas are not limited to the ground and may also include the airspace above the ground, such as territorial airspace.

[0028] The aforementioned mobile machinery 20 can be powered by any hydrogen-powered source, including fuel cells, internal combustion engines that burn hydrogen, and other sources. The mobile machinery 20 can be any mobile machinery operating within the aforementioned work area, including construction machinery, transportation machinery, and special-purpose machinery. Examples of construction machinery include excavators, cranes, and dump trucks. Examples of transportation machinery include forklifts, trucks, buses, ships, and aircraft. Special-purpose machinery refers to machinery with one or more special functions, such as the ability to tow aircraft. The mobile machinery can also be any type of machinery, including manned machinery, remotely operated machinery, and unmanned machinery (autonomous machinery).

[0029] Ideally, each of the aforementioned hydrogen tanks 10 includes a hydrogen-absorbing alloy capable of absorbing and releasing hydrogen. Because the hydrogen tank 10 includes this hydrogen-absorbing alloy, it is compact and capable of storing a sufficient amount of hydrogen. The shape and size of the hydrogen tank 10 can be freely determined according to the specifications of the mobile machinery 20. Ideally, the hydrogen tank 10 is designed to match the shape of the tank mounting section within the mobile machinery 20 used for loading and unloading the hydrogen tank 10.

[0030] Figure 3 This refers to an example of the hydrogen tank 10 containing the aforementioned hydrogen-absorbing alloy. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The hydrogen tank 10 shown above includes multiple hydrogen storage modules 12 and a shell 11 that houses the multiple hydrogen storage modules 12.

[0031] like Figure 4 As shown, each of the above-mentioned hydrogen storage modules 12 includes a heat pipe 121, multiple hydrogen storage sections 122, and a heat transfer medium pipe 123.

[0032] The aforementioned heat pipe 121 includes a cylindrical pipe body 121a and a plurality of heat sinks 121b. The pipe body 121a is a generally cylindrical component. The plurality of heat sinks 121b are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the pipe body 121a. Each heat sink 121b is an annular component that protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the pipe body 121a in the diametrical direction. The pipe body 121a functions as a cartridge that allows insertion and removal of the heat transfer medium pipe 123 relative to the pipe body 121a.

[0033] The aforementioned plurality of hydrogen storage sections 122 are filled between adjacent heat sinks 121b. Each hydrogen storage section 122 comprises a plurality of hydrogen-absorbing alloys 122b and a resin 122a holding the plurality of hydrogen-absorbing alloys 122b. The plurality of hydrogen storage sections 122 are integrally formed to cover the outer peripheral surface of the tube body 121a. Therefore, each of the aforementioned heat sinks 121b is in Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the longitudinal section shown, the coating layer, which separates the plurality of hydrogen storage sections 122, is arranged in a manner that allows for separation. The coating layer, consisting of the plurality of hydrogen storage sections 122, is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the tube body 121a and to the surfaces of the plurality of heat sinks 121b that face each other in the axial direction of the tube body 121a. In this way, the heat pipe 121 and the hydrogen storage sections 122 are formed as a single unit, making them difficult to separate.

[0034] The aforementioned heat transfer medium 123 allows the heat transfer medium to flow within it. Each of the plurality of hydrogen storage units 122 can exchange heat with the heat transfer medium within the heat transfer medium 123 through the plurality of heat sinks 121b of the heat pipe 121 and the pipe body 121a. Ideally, the aforementioned hydrogen storage module 12 further includes... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The heat-conducting plate 13 is shown. The heat-conducting plate 13 is located between the tube body 121a and the heat medium tube 123, promoting heat conduction between the two.

[0035] The aforementioned heat transfer medium pipe 123 has a double-layer pipe structure comprising an inner pipe 1231 and an outer pipe 1232. The inner pipe 1231 is cylindrical with open ends at both ends. The outer pipe 1232 has one end (in...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 The left end (middle) is the open end, and the other end (in) Figure 3 and Figure 4 The outer tube 1232 (with the right end in the middle) is a cylindrical tube with a closed end sealed by an end wall. The inner tube 1231 is disposed inside the outer tube 1232 in the diametrical direction. The heat medium tube 123 allows the heat medium to be supplied into the inner tube 1231 and discharged through the gap between the outer tube 1232 and the inner tube 1231. Thus, the inner tube 1231 and the outer tube 1232 define the flow path of the heat medium.

[0036] Specifically, the side of the opening at both ends of the inner tube 1231 that is the same as the opening end of the outer tube 1232 (in) Figure 3 and Figure 4The first opening (on the left side) functions as a heat medium inlet 1233, and the opening at the open end of the outer tube 1232 functions as a heat medium outlet 1234. The heat medium flows into the inner tube 1231 through the heat medium inlet 1233, and within the inner tube 1231, flows towards the second opening on the opposite side of the heat medium inlet 1233 in the openings at both ends of the inner tube 1231, that is, on the same side as the closed end of the outer tube 1232 (in...). Figure 3 and Figure 3 The opening is located on the right side (in the middle). The heat medium then flows from the second opening of the inner tube 1231 into the interior of the outer tube 1232 and flows in the reverse direction, exiting from the heat medium outlet 1234. As described above, the heat medium exchanges heat with the hydrogen storage section 122 via the heat-conducting pipe 121 during the period from its inflow into the heat medium pipe 123 to its discharge. Each hydrogen storage module 12 promotes hydrogen absorption in the hydrogen storage section 122 by allowing a cooling heat medium to flow within it, as described above. Conversely, each hydrogen storage module 12 promotes hydrogen release from the hydrogen storage section 122 by allowing a heating heat medium to flow within it.

[0037] The aforementioned shell 11 includes a shell body 110, a first retaining member 111, a second retaining member 112, and a third retaining member 113. The shell body 110 accommodates the plurality of hydrogen storage modules 12. The first retaining member 111 extends in a direction parallel to the diameter direction of the hydrogen storage module 12, and retains the end of the inner tube 1231 that forms the heat medium inlet 1233 (in...). Figure 3 (The middle is the left end). The second retaining member 112 extends in a direction parallel to the diameter direction of the module and retains the end of the outer tube 1232 that forms the heat medium outlet 1234 (in Figure 3 (The middle is the left end). The third retaining member 113 extends in a direction parallel to the diameter direction of the module and retains the end of the outer tube 1232 that is sealed by the end wall (in Figure 3 (The middle part is the right end). The plurality of hydrogen storage modules 12 are arranged side by side along the diameter direction of the modules within the shell body 110 and are held by the first retaining member 111, the second retaining member 112 and the third retaining member 113.

[0038] The first retaining member 111 and the second retaining member 112, located within the shell body 110, also function as partition walls forming the flow path of the heat medium. Specifically, the first retaining member 111 has an inflow path defining surface (in... Figure 3The middle is the left side) and the first outflow path delineation surface facing the opposite side (in Figure 1 The plate-shaped inlet path (right side) defines a heat medium inflow path 114 for allowing the heat medium to flow into the heat medium inlet 1233 of the inner tube 1231, together with a portion of the inner surface of the shell 11. The second retaining member 112 has a second outflow path defining surface (in the middle). Figure 2 The plate-shaped structure, consisting of the left side (center) and the side facing opposite to it, defines a heat medium outflow path 115, which, together with a portion of the inner surface of the shell 11 and the first outflow path defining surface of the first retaining member 111, defines a heat medium outflow path 115 for discharging the heat medium flowing from the heat medium outlet 1234 of the outer tube 1232 to the outside of the shell 11. The shell body 110 has a heat medium supply port 116 for supplying the heat medium to the heat medium inflow path 114 and a heat medium discharge port 117 for discharging the heat medium from the heat medium outflow path 115.

[0039] The aforementioned shell body 110 also has a gas inlet 118 for allowing hydrogen supplied to the shell 11 to flow into the interior of the shell body 110, and a gas outlet 119 for allowing the hydrogen used to flow out from the interior of the shell body 110.

[0040] The aforementioned hydrogen supply equipment, namely hydrogen supply equipment 30A and 30B, is both installed within the aforementioned work area. There exists a situation where the mobile machinery 20 operating within the aforementioned work area is unable to operate outside of the work area. This type of mobile machinery cannot travel to, for example, a hydrogen refueling station located outside the aforementioned work area to receive hydrogen replenishment. Since the aforementioned hydrogen supply equipment 30A and 30B are both installed within the aforementioned work area, the necessity for the mobile machinery 20 to move outside the aforementioned work area is reduced, thus improving the efficiency of the mobile machinery operating within the aforementioned work area.

[0041] The aforementioned hydrogen supply equipment can be simple. Specifically, ideally, it should be equipment that is easy to install and easy to remove. In situations where the work area is, for example, a construction site or disaster recovery site, the hydrogen supply equipment may need to be removed after the scheduled operation period ends. As long as the hydrogen supply equipment is simple, it can be easily installed at the start of the operation period and easily removed after it ends.

[0042] The hydrogen supply apparatus can supply hydrogen to the hydrogen tanks 10 that are detached from the mobile machine 20 as well as to the hydrogen tanks 10 that are attached to the mobile machine 20. Thus, it is not necessary to supply hydrogen directly to the mobile machine 20 from the hydrogen supply apparatus. During the direct supply of hydrogen to the mobile machine 20, the mobile machine 20 can not be able to operate. After the hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 10 is consumed, the hydrogen tank 10 is detached from the mobile machine 20, and a hydrogen tank 10 filled with hydrogen by the hydrogen supply apparatus 30A or 30B is attached to the mobile machine 20. Thus, it is possible to easily replenish hydrogen to the mobile machine 20. That is, by replacing the hydrogen tank 10 attached to the mobile machine 20, it is possible to efficiently restart the operation of the mobile machine 20 in a short time. In addition, the hydrogen supply apparatus 30A or 30B can efficiently use the mobile machine system by recycling the hydrogen tank 10 detached from the mobile machine 20.

[0043] The hydrogen supply apparatus 30A or 30B includes a cooling tower 31 that functions as a cooling unit that cools the hydrogen tank 10 to which hydrogen is supplied. The cooling tower 31 includes a cooling water tank 311, a pipe 312, and a cooling water pump 313. The cooling water tank 311 stores cooling water that is a cooling medium for cooling the hydrogen tank 10. The pipe 312 forms a supply path for supplying the cooling water in the cooling water tank 311 to the hydrogen tank 10 that is a cooling target and a return path for returning the cooling water that has cooled the hydrogen tank 10 to the cooling water tank 311. The cooling water pump 313 is provided in a portion of the pipe 312 that forms the supply path and operates to supply the cooling water in the cooling water tank 311 to the hydrogen tank 10 through the pipe 312.

[0044] The cooling tower 31 that functions as the cooling unit in the first and second embodiments supplies the cooling water (cooling medium) to the hydrogen tank 10 during the supply of hydrogen to the hydrogen tank 10. The cooling water that flows through the hydrogen tank 10 suppresses the generation of heat in the hydrogen storage portion 122 of the hydrogen tank 10. Thus, it is possible to efficiently fill the hydrogen tank 10 with hydrogen.

[0045] In the case where there is a water source such as a sea, a lake, or a river in or near the work area, the cooling unit exemplified by the cooling tower 31 can also include the water source. In this case, the cooling unit can be a cooling unit that utilizes latent heat of water used as cooling water. This can reduce the electric power consumed for cooling the cooling water, so that the hydrogen supply apparatus 30A or the hydrogen supply apparatus 30B can be operated at a reduced cost. In the case where the drive source of the mobile machine 20 includes a fuel cell, it is desirable that the electric power consumption of the mobile machine 20 be equal to or less than the rated output of the fuel cell. Specifically, examples of the upper limit of the electric power consumption are 20% of the rated output, desirably 15%, and more desirably 10%. The lower limit of the electric power consumption is not limited, and is, for example, 5% of the rated output.

[0046] The hydrogen supply apparatuses 30A, 30B each include a hydrogen gas supply unit. Specifically, the hydrogen gas supply unit is a hydrogen gas generator 32 that generates hydrogen gas to be supplied in the hydrogen supply apparatus 30A shown in FIG. 1, and is at least one hydrogen container 33 that stores hydrogen gas to be supplied in the hydrogen supply apparatus 30B shown in FIG. 2. Figure 2 Figure 1 The hydrogen supply apparatus 30B includes the at least one hydrogen container 33, and thus can be easily configured as a simple apparatus, so that the hydrogen supply apparatus 30B can be easily installed and removed.

[0047] It is desirable that the hydrogen supply apparatus 30B include a plurality of hydrogen containers 33 and a selection unit 34 that selects a hydrogen container 33 for supplying hydrogen gas to the hydrogen gas tank 10 from among the plurality of hydrogen containers 33. It is more desirable that the hydrogen supply apparatus 30B supply hydrogen gas to the hydrogen gas tank 10 using a first hydrogen container 33 selected by the selection unit 34 from among the plurality of hydrogen containers 33, and supply hydrogen gas to the hydrogen gas tank 10 using another hydrogen container 33 selected by the selection unit 34 after the amount of hydrogen gas in the one hydrogen container 33 decreases. This can sufficiently ensure hydrogen gas supplied to the mobile machine 20, and can improve the continuity and efficiency of the operation of the mobile machine 20.

[0048] ​In the hydrogen supply apparatus 30A described above, the hydrogen tank 10 is connected to the hydrogen generator 32 via the hydrogen supply pipe PI, and in the hydrogen supply apparatus 30B, the hydrogen tank 10 is connected to one of the plurality of hydrogen containers 33 via the hydrogen supply pipe PI and one of the plurality of container pipes P2. The hydrogen supply pipe PI has an upstream end connected to the hydrogen supply portion and a downstream end on the opposite side of the upstream end, and the downstream end is connected to the gas flow inlet 118 of the hydrogen tank 10, whereby the hydrogen tank 10 can be filled with hydrogen from the hydrogen supply portion.

[0049] Figure 2 The selection portion 34 illustrated includes the plurality of container pipes P2, a selection valve 341, and a pressure indicating regulator 342. The selection valve 341 has a plurality of inlet ports and an outlet port, the plurality of inlet ports are respectively connected to the plurality of hydrogen containers 33 via the plurality of container pipes P2, and the outlet port is connected to the upstream end of the hydrogen supply pipe PI. The pressure indicating regulator 342 detects the pressure in the plurality of container pipes P2, respectively, and based on the detected pressure, generates an instruction signal that specifies the hydrogen container 33 to be used, and inputs the instruction signal to the selection valve 341. The selection valve 341 connects only the container pipe P2 of the plurality of container pipes P2 that corresponds to the hydrogen container 33 specified by the instruction signal input from the selection valve 341 to the hydrogen supply pipe PI, and blocks the connection of the other container pipes P2 to the hydrogen supply pipe PI.

[0050] It is desirable that the hydrogen supply apparatus 30A, 30B each further includes a pressure reducing portion 35 that reduces the pressure of the hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen tank 10. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The pressure reducing portion 35 illustrated each includes a pressure valve 351 and a pressure indicating regulator 352. The pressure valve 351 is disposed midway through the hydrogen supply pipe PI and has a variable opening degree. The pressure indicating regulator 352 detects the pressure of the hydrogen on the upstream side of the pressure valve 351 and adjusts the opening degree of the pressure valve 351 so that the detected pressure approaches a predetermined set pressure.

[0051] The hydrogen supply apparatus 30A, 30B each includes the pressure reducing portion 35, whereby the hydrogen tank 10 does not need to have pressure resistance performance capable of withstanding the maximum pressure of the hydrogen supply portion, so that the hydrogen tank 10 can be manufactured at a reduced cost. In other words, the pressure reducing portion 35 enables the hydrogen supply apparatus 30A, 30B each to stably and efficiently supply hydrogen to a hydrogen tank 10 having low pressure resistance.

[0052] Ideally, the aforementioned hydrogen supply devices 30A and 30B each further include a flow adjustment unit 36, which adjusts the flow rate of hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen tank 10. Specifically, the flow adjustment unit 36 ​​includes a flow valve 361 and a flow indicator regulator 362. The flow valve 361 is positioned midway along the hydrogen supply pipe P1, specifically... Figure 1 and Figure 1 In the example shown, the flow indicator regulator 362 is located downstream of the pressure valve 351 and has a variable opening. The flow indicator regulator 362 detects the flow rate of hydrogen upstream of the flow valve 361 and adjusts the opening of the flow valve 361 to bring the detected flow rate close to a pre-defined set flow rate. The hydrogen supply devices 30A and 30B each include the flow adjustment unit 36, thereby enabling the hydrogen to be supplied to the hydrogen tank 10 with improved efficiency. For example, the amount or time (filling speed) of hydrogen filling the hydrogen tank 10 can be adjusted based on the operating status of the mobile machinery 20, the number of hydrogen tanks 10 that have not yet been installed on the mobile machinery 20 after being filled with hydrogen, the capacity of the hydrogen tank 10 and the remaining amount of hydrogen therein, and other factors.

[0053] Figure 1 The hydrogen supply device 30A shown above has a compression unit 37, which compresses the hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen tank 10. In this way, hydrogen can be supplied to the hydrogen tank 10 with higher efficiency.

[0054] Specifically, the aforementioned compression section 37 includes a compressor 371, a return path 372, a pressure regulating valve 373, and a pressure regulator. Figure 1 In the illustrated hydrogen supply device 30A, the pressure indicating regulator 352 also functions as the pressure regulator. The compressor 371 is positioned midway through the hydrogen supply pipe P1, specifically upstream of the pressure reducing section 35, and operates by compressing the hydrogen. The return path 372 is configured such that a portion of the hydrogen compressed by the compressor 371 can return upstream of the compressor 371. The pressure regulating valve 373 is positioned in the return path 372 and has a variable opening. The pressure regulator (in...) Figure 2 The pressure indicator regulator 352 detects the pressure of the hydrogen compressed by the compressor 371, and when the detected pressure reaches or exceeds a predetermined set value, it opens the pressure regulating valve 373 to allow a portion of the hydrogen to flow back through the return path 372.

[0055] The compressor 371 compresses and pressurizes the hydrogen discharged from the hydrogen supply unit. Even if the hydrogen discharged from the hydrogen supply unit is at low pressure, the compressed hydrogen can be efficiently supplied to the hydrogen tank 10. On the other hand, in order to prevent the hydrogen tank 10 from being overloaded due to excessive pressurization of the hydrogen by the compressor 371, the pressure indicator regulator 352, which is the pressure regulator, opens the pressure regulating valve 373 when the pressure of the hydrogen compressed by the compressor 371 reaches or exceeds a set value. This causes a portion of the hydrogen in the hydrogen supply pipe P1 to flow back to the upstream side of the compressor 371, thereby adjusting the hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen tank 10 at a pressure close to the specified pressure.

[0056] Ideally, the aforementioned compression section 37 also includes a pressure adjustment mechanism. ​ The example shown also includes a bypass path 374 and a bypass valve 375. The bypass path 374 is configured such that the downstream portion of the pressure regulating valve 373 in the return path 372 is interconnected with the upstream portion of the compressor 371 in the hydrogen supply pipe P1. The bypass valve 375 is positioned midway through the bypass path 374 to switch the bypass path 374 between an open and closed state. Ideally, the bypass valve 375 is operated as follows: when the pressure of the hydrogen discharged from the hydrogen supply unit is above a desired value, the bypass valve 375 is opened, allowing the hydrogen to be supplied to the hydrogen tank 10 through the bypass path 374; conversely, when the pressure of the hydrogen discharged from the hydrogen supply unit decreases, the bypass valve 375 is closed, allowing the hydrogen to be pressurized through the compressor 371. This reduces the operation of the compressor 371, thereby lowering the operating cost of the hydrogen supply equipment 30A.

[0057] Alternatively, the aforementioned hydrogen supply equipment can simultaneously supply hydrogen to multiple hydrogen tanks 10. Specifically, ideally, the hydrogen supply equipment includes multiple hydrogen supply pipes P1 and multiple pipelines 312. This allows the hydrogen supply equipment to simultaneously supply hydrogen to multiple hydrogen tanks 10, thereby enabling multiple mobile machines 20 to operate continuously and efficiently.

[0058] As described above, the mobile machine 20 that moves within a prescribed work area can be efficiently operated using a more desirable use method. The use method includes: a preparation step of preparing the plurality of hydrogen tanks 10 and the mobile machine 20, the mobile machine 20 including a drive source that uses hydrogen stored in each of the hydrogen tanks 10; a setting step of setting a hydrogen supply device (for example, the hydrogen supply device 30A or the hydrogen supply device 30B) that supplies hydrogen to the hydrogen tanks 10 in the work area; an operation step of operating the mobile machine 20 to which a first hydrogen tank 10 selected from the plurality of hydrogen tanks 10 is attached; a detachment step of detaching the first hydrogen tank 10 from the mobile machine 20 after hydrogen in the first hydrogen tank 10 is consumed by operation of the mobile machine 20; an attachment step of attaching a second hydrogen tank 10 selected from the plurality of hydrogen tanks 10 to the mobile machine 20; and a supply step of supplying hydrogen to the first hydrogen tank 10 detached from the mobile machine 20 using the hydrogen supply device.

[0059] It is desirable that the number of the plurality of hydrogen tanks 10 prepared in the preparation step be more than twice the number of the mobile machines 20 prepared in the preparation step. In the case where a plurality of types of mobile machines and a plurality of types of hydrogen tanks corresponding to the plurality of types are prepared, it is desirable that, for each of the types, the number of hydrogen tanks prepared be more than twice the number of mobile machines.

[0060] In the setting step, a single hydrogen supply device can be set in the work area, or a plurality of hydrogen supply devices can be set according to the number of the mobile machines 20 prepared.

[0061] It is desirable that the operation step include a step of previously filling the first hydrogen tank 10 with hydrogen and a step of attaching the first hydrogen tank 10 filled with hydrogen to the mobile machine 20. In the case where a plurality of mobile machines 20 are operated, it is desirable that the number of hydrogen tanks filled with hydrogen be the same as the number of the mobile machines 20 operated. In the hydrogen tank 10, hydrogen can be filled to a maximum amount of hydrogen that can be filled, that is, a maximum filling amount, or hydrogen can be filled to an amount less than the maximum filling amount (for example, 50% of the maximum filling amount). The hydrogen necessary for the mobile machine 20 to start operation is previously filled in the hydrogen tank 10, so that the mobile machine 20 can be efficiently operated.

[0062] It is desirable that the above-described operation step includes a step of supplying hydrogen to the hydrogen tank 10, such as the second hydrogen tank 10, which is not mounted to the mobile machine 20, using the hydrogen supply device during operation of the mobile machine 20. This allows the hydrogen tank 10 mounted to the mobile machine 20 to be efficiently replaced. That is, the mobile machine 20 can be efficiently replenished with hydrogen, and thus the efficiency of the continuous operation of the mobile machine 20 is improved.

[0063] In the above-described removal step, the first hydrogen tank 10 is removed from the mobile machine 20 after the hydrogen in the first hydrogen tank 10 is consumed, and thus it is desirable that the mobile machine system further includes a tank residual amount reporter that reports the residual amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 10 mounted to the mobile machine 20. The tank residual amount reporter can be a reporter that visually reports, such as a display, or a reporter that audibly reports, such as a voice notifier. The display can display the residual amount of hydrogen, or can display the estimated operation time or operation distance based on the residual amount of hydrogen. The specific structure of the display is not limited. The display is, for example, a well-known display, an analog display, or a digital display, or the like. The tank residual amount reporter allows the driver of the mobile machine 20 to estimate the timing at which the mounted hydrogen tank 10 will be replaced. The tank residual amount reporter can also be provided in any of a mobile machine operated by a rider, an operation device for remotely operating a mobile machine, a control room that manages the operation status of an autonomously operating mobile machine (for example, an unmanned machine).

[0064] In the above-described installation step, after the hydrogen in the first hydrogen tank 10 is consumed by the operation of the mobile machine 20, the second hydrogen tank 10 filled with hydrogen is installed in place of the first hydrogen tank 10 removed from the mobile machine 20. This allows the replacement of the used first hydrogen tank 10 with the second hydrogen tank 10 filled with hydrogen, and thus allows the mobile machine 20 to continuously operate.

[0065] In the above-described supply step, the first hydrogen tank 10 removed from the mobile machine 20 in the above-described removal step is supplied with hydrogen using the hydrogen supply device (for example, any one of the hydrogen supply devices 30A, 30B). The first hydrogen tank 10 can be supplied with hydrogen during the operation of the mobile machine 20 in which the second hydrogen tank 10 is installed.

[0066] It is desirable that the above-described use method further includes a step of supplying hydrogen gas to a third hydrogen tank 10 selected from the above-described plurality of hydrogen tanks 10 and mounted to the above-described mobile machine 20 using the hydrogen supply device. For example, in a case where the number of hydrogen tanks 10 is prepared to be more than twice the number of the above-described mobile machines 20, the remaining hydrogen tanks other than the above-described first and second hydrogen tanks 10, i.e., the above-described third hydrogen tanks 10, can be filled with hydrogen gas during operation of the above-described mobile machine 20 mounted with the above-described first hydrogen tank 10 or during operation of the above-described mobile machine 20 mounted with the above-described second hydrogen tank 10. This can improve the reliability of continuous operation of the above-described mobile machine 20.

[0067] The time for filling the hydrogen gas to the hydrogen tank 10 detached from the above-described mobile machine 20 and the remaining hydrogen tanks 10 does not necessarily have to be during operation of the above-described mobile machine 20, and the hydrogen gas can be filled to the hydrogen tank 10 detached from the above-described mobile machine 20 and the remaining hydrogen tanks 10 during a period from the end of the above-described operation to the start of operation on the next day, for example. Alternatively, the hydrogen gas can be filled during both the operation period of the above-described mobile machine 20 and the operation stop period of the above-described mobile machine 20. That is, the hydrogen tank 10 not mounted to the above-described mobile machine 20 can be filled with hydrogen gas at any time.

[0068] It is desirable that the above-described use method further includes a step of supplying hydrogen gas to a third hydrogen tank 10 selected from the above-described plurality of hydrogen tanks 10 and mounted to the above-described mobile machine 20 using the hydrogen supply device. For example, in a case where the number of hydrogen tanks 10 is prepared to be more than twice the number of the above-described mobile machines 20, the remaining hydrogen tanks other than the above-described first and second hydrogen tanks 10, i. ​ The above-described hydrogen supply device 30B including the above-described hydrogen container 33 illustrated in the drawing further includes a remaining amount monitoring section that monitors the remaining amount of hydrogen gas in the above-described hydrogen container 33. The above-described remaining amount monitoring section makes it possible to easily determine the timing of replenishing the hydrogen container with hydrogen gas (i.e., the timing of replacing the hydrogen container or the timing of switching the hydrogen container 33 used among the plurality of hydrogen containers 33 by the above-described selection section 34). The above-described remaining amount monitoring section can include a reporter that reports the above-described replenishment timing to an operator, and can have a function of automatically ordering the replenishment (addition) of the above-described hydrogen container 33.

[0069] The above-described remaining amount monitoring section can also acquire information provided by the above-described tank-internal remaining amount reporter through a proper communication unit, and monitor the remaining amount of hydrogen gas in the above-described hydrogen container 33 and the remaining amount of hydrogen gas in the above-described hydrogen tank 10 mounted to the above-described mobile machine 20. In this way, it is possible to more accurately determine the above-described replacement timing or the above-described switching timing. The above-described gas remaining amount monitoring section can further monitor the hydrogen gas consumption rate per unit time of the hydrogen tank 10 mounted to the above-described hydrogen container 33 and each of the hydrogen tanks 10 mounted to the above-described mobile machine 20, to predict the above-described replacement timing or the above-described switching timing.

[0070] The remaining amount monitoring section can also predict the amount of hydrogen consumed based on the operation plan of all mobile machines 20. In this way, the replacement timing or the switching timing can be determined more accurately. The operation plan includes at least one of a plan until the end of the current operation and a plan for a future operation (for example, the next day).

[0071] In the mobile machine system and the use method described above, the hydrogen supply device (for example, the hydrogen supply device 30A or the hydrogen supply device 30B) is provided in a prescribed work area in which the mobile machine 20 operates. This can reduce the necessity of moving the mobile machine 20 outside the work area in order to supplement hydrogen to the mobile machine 20, and can supply hydrogen to a mobile machine that is prohibited from operating outside the work area. In addition, the hydrogen tank 10 filled with hydrogen by the hydrogen supply device is attached to the mobile machine 20 instead of the used hydrogen tank 10, that is, the hydrogen tank 10 is replaced. Thus, it is possible to easily supplement hydrogen to the mobile machine 20. In this way, the mobile machine 20 can continue to operate efficiently.

[0072] The embodiments described above do not limit the structure of the present application. It is possible to omit, replace, or add constituent elements of each part of the embodiments based on the description of the present specification and technical common sense, and all of these should be interpreted as belonging to the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A mobile mechanical system, characterized in that... include: Multiple hydrogen tanks, each capable of storing hydrogen; Mobile machinery, comprising a drive source using hydrogen stored in each of the aforementioned hydrogen tanks, moves within a designated work area; as well as Hydrogen supply equipment is installed within the work area to supply hydrogen to each of the hydrogen tanks, wherein... Each of the hydrogen tanks can be installed on or removed from the mobile machinery. The hydrogen supply equipment is capable of supplying hydrogen to both the hydrogen tanks removed from the mobile machinery and the hydrogen tanks installed on the mobile machinery. The hydrogen supply equipment includes a cooling unit that cools the hydrogen tank to which the hydrogen has been supplied.

2. The mobile mechanical system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling section includes pipes through which cooling water is supplied to the hydrogen tank.

3. The mobile mechanical system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cooling unit further includes: Cooling water tank, which holds cooling water, and A cooling water pump supplies the cooling water contained in the cooling water tank to the hydrogen tank through the pipeline.

4. The mobile mechanical system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen supply equipment also includes a pressure reducing unit that reduces the pressure of the hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen tank.

5. The mobile mechanical system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen supply equipment also includes a flow adjustment unit that adjusts the flow rate of hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen tank.

6. The mobile mechanical system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen supply equipment also includes a compression unit that compresses the hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen tank.

7. The mobile mechanical system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The compression section includes: The compressor operates by compressing the hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen tank; The return path is configured to allow a portion of the hydrogen compressed by the compressor to return to the upstream of the compressor; A pressure regulating valve is configured in the return path; as well as The pressure regulator opens the pressure regulating valve when the pressure of the hydrogen compressed by the compressor reaches or exceeds a set value, allowing the hydrogen to flow through the return path.

8. The mobile mechanical system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The hydrogen supply equipment also includes hydrogen containers for holding hydrogen gas.

9. The mobile mechanical system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The hydrogen supply equipment also includes: Multiple hydrogen containers, each containing hydrogen gas; and The selection unit selects from the plurality of hydrogen compartments a hydrogen compartment for supplying hydrogen to the hydrogen tank.

10. A method for using mobile machinery, for using mobile machinery that moves within a designated work area, characterized in that... Includes the following steps: Prepare multiple hydrogen tanks and the mobile machinery, each of the multiple hydrogen tanks being capable of storing hydrogen, and the mobile machinery including a drive source that uses the hydrogen stored in each of the hydrogen tanks; A hydrogen supply device for supplying hydrogen to the hydrogen tank is installed in the work area; The mobile machinery equipped with the first hydrogen tank selected from the plurality of hydrogen tanks is operated; After the hydrogen in the first hydrogen tank is consumed by the operation of the mobile machinery, the first hydrogen tank is unloaded from the mobile machinery; After the first hydrogen tank is unloaded from the mobile machinery, a second hydrogen tank selected from the plurality of hydrogen tanks is installed onto the mobile machinery; as well as Hydrogen is supplied to the first hydrogen tank that is unloaded from the mobile machinery using the hydrogen supply equipment.

11. The method of using the mobile machinery according to claim 10, characterized in that, It also includes the step of supplying hydrogen to a third hydrogen tank to be installed on the mobile machinery using the hydrogen supply equipment, the third hydrogen tank being included in the plurality of hydrogen tanks and different from the first and second hydrogen tanks.

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