Device equipped with a tank

Abstract

A device equipped with a tank (30) comprises: a tank (34a, 34b) storing gas to be supplied to a gas consuming device (32); a receiving device (42) coupled to a gas supply nozzle (20) of a gas supply device (10); a filling port (36) connecting the tank to the receiving device; and a determining unit (60) configured to determine whether there is a leakage of gas from the filling port, wherein the receiving device incorporates a shut-off valve preventing backflow of gas from the filling port, and the determining unit is configured to determine whether there is a leakage of gas from the filling port based on a pressure drop in the filling port per unit of time.after the gas, cooled to a temperature below the freezing point of water, has been conveyed from the gas supply device via the receiving device and the filling passage to the tank, and the filling of the tank with the gas is complete, if (i) the temperature of the receiving device is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature at which water does not freeze, and (ii) the pressure in the filling passage, in a state in which all valves (46a, 46b, 41, 58) for opening and closing the filling passage are closed, is greater than a first pressure which is greater than atmospheric pressure.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device equipped with a tank. background

[0002] The tank of a device equipped with a tank is filled with gas by supplying it from a gas supply device. It has been proposed to check for leaks in a gas passage through which the gas supplied from the gas supply device to the tank flows before filling the tank, as disclosed, for example, in Japanese patent publications numbered JP 2014-55600A and JP 2010-266023A (hereinafter referred to as patent documents 1 and 2, respectively).

[0003] However, in patent documents 1 and 2, a leak is checked before the gas filling process. Therefore, if something goes wrong during the gas filling and a leak occurs in the gas passage, the detection of the leak is delayed, as it is not checked until the next gas filling.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 10 2016 206 070 A1 discloses a hydrogen gas refueling method for a hydrogen refueling system, which includes: a step for refueling hydrogen gas from a hydrogen filling station to a hydrogen tank under a predetermined refueling control rule; and a determination step for determining whether a measurement error parameter corresponding to a difference between a hydrogen gas filling quantity calculated using information transmitted from the vehicle and a hydrogen gas filling quantity calculated using a mass flow meter lies within a predetermined permissible range. In the refueling step, the refueling control rule is changed after the hydrogen gas refueling has begun, according to a determination result obtained in the determination step.

[0005] Furthermore, DE 11 2010 005 532 B4 discloses a fuel leakage detection system provided in a fuel supply station to detect fuel leakage when fuel is filled from a vehicle's filler neck into an on-board fuel tank via a fuel supply component, comprising: a communication component for obtaining data regarding fuel filling of the on-board fuel tank by a vehicle when the fuel supply component is connected to the filler neck; a fuel flow rate measuring component provided in a fuel supply path component upstream of the fuel supply component to measure a flow rate of the fuel flowing to the fuel supply component; a fuel outflow approval component for allowing or stopping the outflow of fuel to the fuel supply component; and a control unit for controlling the fuel outflow approval component.wherein the control unit further comprises a fuel leakage detection component to detect fuel leakage when the vehicle is being refueled, based on the fuel flow rate obtained by the fuel flow rate measuring component and on fuel refueling data obtained from the vehicle via the communication component, wherein the fuel outflow approval component stops fuel from flowing out to the fuel supply component when fuel leakage is detected by the fuel leakage detection component, wherein the fuel leakage detection system further comprises a first pressure sensor for detecting a fuel supply pressure during refueling on one side upstream of the fuel supply component, wherein the fuel refueling data includes a tank pressure obtained by a second pressure sensor,which is located in the vicinity of the inlet of the on-board fuel tank, and wherein the fuel leakage detection component assesses whether a fuel leakage has occurred if a differential pressure between a detected value of the first pressure sensor and a detected value of the second pressure sensor is less than a predetermined differential pressure threshold.

[0006] Furthermore, DE 10 2014 204 441 A1 discloses a fuel cell system and a fuel consumption system that verify the location of a refueling error at a time when a fuel gas refueling process is subject to a refueling error. Coded data indicating an infrared radiation signal related to the fuel gas refueling process and / or a drive signal exhibiting a train of binary pulses converted from the coded data are recorded in a recording unit of the vehicle.

[0007] Further relevant prior art is disclosed in publications JP 2011 - 47 491 A, JP 2011 - 94 652 A and JP 2008 - 256 552 A. Summary of the invention

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device equipped with a tank that can detect a leak in a gas passage at an early stage, which has occurred during a gas filling.

[0009] The foregoing problem is solved by a device equipped with a tank, comprising: a tank for storing gas to be supplied to a gas-consuming device; a receiving container or receiving device to be coupled to a gas supply nozzle of a gas supply device; a filling port connecting the tank to the receiving device; and a determining unit configured to determine whether there is a gas leak from the filling port, wherein the receiving device incorporates a shut-off valve configured to prevent gas flow from the tank towards the receiving device in the filling port, and the determining unit is configured to determine, based on a pressure drop in the filling port per unit of time, whether there is a gas leak from the filling port.after the supply of the gas, cooled to a temperature below the freezing point of water, from the gas supply device via the receiving device and the filling passage to the tank has ceased, when (i) the temperature of the receiving device is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature at which water does not freeze, and (ii) the pressure in the filling passage, in a state in which all valves for opening and closing the filling passage are closed, is greater than a first pressure which is greater than atmospheric pressure.

[0010] A supply port coupled to the tank, wherein the gas supplied from the tank to the gas-consuming device flows through the supply port; a communication port, of which a first end is coupled to the filling port and a second end is coupled to the supply port; a buffer tank arranged in the communication port and storing the gas supplied from the tank to the supply port; a first valve switching between communication and non-communication between the filling port and the buffer tank; and a valve control device controlling the first valve may be provided, and the valve control device may be configured to control the first valve to connect the filling port to the buffer tank, so that the gas is supplied from the buffer tank to the filling port.after the supply of the gas, cooled to a temperature below the freezing point of water, from the gas supply device via the receiving device and the filling passage to the tank is completed, when (i) the temperature of the receiving device is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature, and (ii) the pressure in the filling passage, in the state in which all valves for opening and closing the filling passage are closed, is less than or equal to the first pressure, and the first valve is controlled so that the filling passage is not connected to the buffer tank after the pressure in the filling passage becomes greater than the first pressure.

[0011] A second valve, which switches between communication and non-communication between the feed passage and the buffer tank, may be provided.

[0012] The second end of the communication port can be coupled to the feed port at a position further downstream than a pressure-adjusting valve located in the feed port.

[0013] A flow volume adjustment device may be provided, which is arranged in the communication passage between the second end of the communication passage and the buffer tank, and the second end of the communication passage may be coupled to the feed passage at a position further upstream than a pressure adjustment valve arranged in the feed passage.

[0014] An extraction port, of which a first end is coupled to the filling port and a second end is coupled to an external connection unit capable of connecting to an external gas storage tank; a valve switching between communication and non-communication between the filling port and the external connection unit; and a valve control device controlling the valve may be provided, and the valve control device may be configured to control the valve to connect the filling port to the external connection unit, so that the gas is directed from the external tank to the filling port after the gas, cooled to a temperature below the freezing point of water, has been fed from the gas supply device through the receiving device and the filling port to the tank.if (i) the temperature of the receiving device is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature and (ii) the pressure in the filling port, in the state in which all valves for opening and closing the filling port are closed, is less than or equal to the initial pressure, and the valve is controlled so that the filling port is not connected to the external connecting unit after the pressure in the filling port becomes greater than the initial pressure.

[0015] A fuel cell can be provided as the gas consumption device, and fuel gas, which corresponds to the gas stored in the tank, can be supplied to the fuel cell. Brief description of the illustrations Fig. Figure 1 is an illustrative figure of a gas filling system with a vehicle according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a leakage test in the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 3 is an illustrative figure of a gas filling system with a vehicle according to a first variation of the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 4 is an illustrative figure of a gas filling system with a vehicle according to a second embodiment; and Fig. Figure 5 is an illustrative figure of a gas filling system with a vehicle according to a third embodiment. Detailed description

[0016] The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying illustrations. First embodiment

[0017] Fig. Figure 1 is an illustrative figure of a gas filling system with a vehicle according to a first embodiment. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a gas filling system comprises a vehicle 30, which is powered by electricity generated by a fuel cell 32 that generates electricity using fuel gas, and a gas station or filling station (gas supply device) 10, which fills tanks 34a and 34b of the vehicle 30 with fuel gas. The vehicle 30 corresponds to an example of a device equipped with one tank. The same applies to the second to fourth embodiments. In addition, the first to fourth embodiments describe an example in which two tanks 34a and 34b are provided; however, one tank or three or more tanks may be provided.

[0018] First, the filling station 10 is described. The filling station 10 comprises a pressure accumulator 12, a cooler 14, a dispenser 16, a filling hose 18, a nozzle 20, a communication device 22, and a control unit 24. The pressure accumulator 12 stores hydrogen gas, which is supplied by a hydrogen curl (not shown) and whose pressure is increased to a predetermined pressure by a compressor. The cooler 14 pre-cools the hydrogen gas from the pressure accumulator 12. The dispenser 16 sends the hydrogen gas from the cooler 14 to the filling hose 18, which is connected to the dispenser 16. The dispenser 16 has a control panel 16a, which accepts user settings for a desired target filling quantity or a target filling pressure of the hydrogen gas with which the tanks 34a and 34b of the vehicle 30 are to be filled.

[0019] The nozzle 20 is attached to the end of the filling hose 18. The control unit 24 is a microcomputer with a central processing unit (CPU), a read-only memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), and a storage device. The control unit 24 is electrically connected to the cooler 14 and the communication device 22 and controls the operation of the entire filling station 10.

[0020] The following describes the vehicle 30. The vehicle 30 comprises the fuel cell 32, tanks 34a and 34b, a filling port 36, a feed port 38, a communication port 40, a receiving device 42, a communication device 44, shut-off valves 46a and 46b, a valve 48, a pressure adjusting valve 50, a valve 52, a buffer tank 54, a shut-off valve 56, a valve 58, pressure sensors 72 and 74, a temperature sensor 76, and a control unit 60. The fuel cell 32 generates electrical power from supplied oxidizer gas and hydrogen gas, which is supplied from tanks 34a and 34b via the feed port 38. Tanks 34a and 34b can be filled with high-pressure hydrogen gas.

[0021] The filling passage 36 directs the hydrogen gas supplied from the filling station 10 to the tanks 34a and 34b. The receiving device 42 is connected to the end of the filling passage 36 and, at the time of filling the tanks 34a and 34b with hydrogen gas, is connected to the nozzle 20 and is, for example, provided in the cover housing of the vehicle 30. The receiving device 42 includes a shut-off valve 41, which prevents the hydrogen gas from flowing back from the filling passage 36. An engine M corresponds to a motor for driving the vehicle 30, which is driven by electrical power supplied by the fuel cell 32 and whose power is transmitted at least to the front wheels or rear wheels of the vehicle 30.

[0022] The shut-off valves 46a and 46b allow the transfer of hydrogen gas from the receiving device 42 to the tanks 34a and 34b and prevent the transfer of hydrogen gas from the tanks 34a and 34b to the receiving device 42. The valve 48 is an electromagnetic two-way valve, and by opening and closing it, it switches between communication and non-communication between the tanks 34a and 34b and the supply passage 38. The pressure sensor 72 detects the pressure value in the filling passage 36. The pressure sensor 74 detects the pressure value in a passage between the tanks 34a and 34b and the valve 48. The pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 74 is approximately equal to the pressure values ​​in the tanks 34a and 34b. The temperature sensor 76 detects the temperature of the receiving device 42.

[0023] During the filling of tanks 34a and 34b with hydrogen gas from filling station 10, the pressure on the side of filling station 10 is greater than the pressures in tanks 34a and 34b. Therefore, the shut-off valves 46a and 46b open, connecting tanks 34a and 34b to the receiving device 42, while valve 48 closes, disconnecting tanks 34a and 34b from the supply passage 38. Accordingly, the pressure value in the filling passage 36, as indicated by pressure sensor 72, is normally approximately equal to the pressure values ​​in tanks 34a and 34b, as indicated by pressure sensor 74, both during and immediately after the filling of tanks 34a and 34b with hydrogen gas.

[0024] A first end of the communication port 40 is coupled to and connected with the filling port 36, and a second end of the communication port 40 is coupled to the supply port 38. The second end of the communication port 40 is coupled to one of the ports of the valve 52, which corresponds to an electromagnetic three-way valve arranged in the supply port 38. The remaining two ports of the valve 52 are connected to the supply port 38. Normally, when no current is applied to the valve 52, it provides a connection between the tanks 34a and 34b and the fuel cell 32. When current is applied, however, the valve 52 provides a connection between the tanks 34a and 34b and the buffer tank 54 arranged in the communication port 40.Accordingly, the hydrogen gas supplied from tanks 34a and 34b to the feed passage 38 is enabled to be stored in the buffer tank 54 by applying a current to the valve 52.

[0025] The pressure-adjusting valve 50 is located in the supply passage 38 and adjusts the pressure of the hydrogen gas supplied from tanks 34a and 34b to the supply passage 38 to a suitable pressure. For example, the pressure-adjusting valve 50 corresponds to a pressure-reducing valve, and this reduces the pressure of the high-pressure hydrogen gas supplied from tanks 34a and 34b to the supply passage 38 to a suitable pressure. The valve 52 is located in the supply passage 38 and is positioned further downstream than the pressure-adjusting valve 50. Therefore, the hydrogen gas, whose pressure has been adjusted (e.g., reduced) to a suitable pressure, is supplied to the buffer tank 54.

[0026] Valve 58 is an electromagnetic two-way valve and is located in the communication passage 40 between the buffer tank 54 and the filling passage 36. Therefore, opening and closing valve 58 switches between communication and non-communication between the buffer tank 54 and the filling passage 36. The shut-off valve 56, which prevents hydrogen gas from flowing from the filling passage 36 into the buffer tank 54, is located in the communication passage 40 between the buffer tank 54 and valve 58.

[0027] The control unit 60 is a microcomputer with a CPU, ROM, RAM, and memory, and it controls the operation of the entire vehicle 30 based on input signals. The control unit 60 is electrically connected to the communication device 44, the valves 48, 52, and 58, the pressure sensors 72 and 74, and the temperature sensor 76. Although the details will be described later, the control unit 60 checks for leaks in the filling passage 36 after the filling of tanks 34a and 34b with hydrogen gas is complete. A leak is detected by a detection unit and a valve control device, which are functionally implemented by the CPU, ROM, RAM, and memory of the control unit 60.

[0028] The control unit 24 of the filling station 10 and the control unit 60 of the vehicle 30 transmit and receive predetermined information to and from each other via the communication devices 22 and 44. The communication devices 22 and 44 can communicate wirelessly with each other via infrared communication or the like. The control unit 24 receives information such as the pressures and gas temperatures in tanks 34a and 34b from the control unit 60 of the vehicle 30 via the communication devices 22 and 44. The control unit 24 can also receive information such as the permissible filling levels of tanks 34a and 34b and the permissible pressures of tanks 34 and 34b.The control unit 24 controls each device at the filling station 10 based on information received from the vehicle 30, such as the target amount of hydrogen gas to be filled, which is received via the control panel 16a of the dispenser 16, in order to control the filling rate and amount of hydrogen gas to the vehicle 30. The communication devices 22 and 44 are accordingly located near the nozzle 20 and the receiving device 42 and can communicate with each other while the nozzle 20 and the receiving device 42 are connected.

[0029] Fig. Figure 2 is a flowchart of a leakage test for the first embodiment. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 60 determines at step S10 whether the hydrogen gas filling has started. For example, it is determined that the hydrogen gas filling has started if communication between the communication devices 22 and 44 is established or if an increase in the pressure value in the filling passage 36, as indicated by the pressure sensor 72, is detected. If the hydrogen gas filling has not yet started (step S10: No), this process is terminated. The start of the hydrogen gas filling opens the shut-off valves 46a and 46b, so that the receiving device 42 is connected to the tanks 34a and 34b.

[0030] After the hydrogen gas filling process has started (step S10: Yes), the control unit 60 moves to step S12 and determines whether the hydrogen gas filling has been completed. For example, it determines whether the hydrogen gas filling has been completed based on whether the pressure value in the filling port 36, as indicated by the pressure sensor 72, becomes constant. If the hydrogen gas filling has not yet been completed (step S12: No), the process from step S12 is repeated. If, on the other hand, the hydrogen gas filling has been completed (step S12: Yes), the shut-off valves 46a and 46b are closed because the pressure on the side of the filling station 10 and the pressures at tanks 34a and 34b become approximately equal, the receiving device 42 is not connected to tanks 34a and 34b, and the process moves to step S14.The control unit 24 of the filling station 10 determines whether the amount of hydrogen gas actually filled into tanks 34a and 34b from the start of the hydrogen gas filling process has reached the target filling amount. If the actual filling amount has reached the target filling amount, the control unit 24 closes an electromagnetic valve located at the connection point between the dispenser 16 and the filling hose 18.

[0031] Then, at step S14, the control unit 60 determines whether the pressure value in the filling port 36, as indicated by the pressure sensor 72, is greater than or equal to the pressure values ​​in tanks 34a and 34b, as indicated by the pressure sensor 74. As described above, the pressure in the filling port 36 during and immediately after hydrogen gas filling is normally approximately equal to the pressures in tanks 34a and 34b. Therefore, the following reasons are considered as the cause of the pressure in the filling port 36 being lower than the pressures in tanks 34a and 34b. The first reason is that the shut-off valve 41 in the receiving device 42 freezes and does not operate normally, causing the hydrogen gas in the filling port 36 to flow back from the receiving device 42 to the filling station 10.This means that once the filling of tanks 34a and 34b with hydrogen gas is complete, the hydrogen gas is drawn downwards from nozzle 20 at filling station 10 through filling hose 18. However, if the shut-off valve 41 in the receiving device 42 freezes and malfunctions, the hydrogen gas can be drawn downwards through the filling passage 36 to filling station 10. The reason the shut-off valve 41 freezes in the receiving device 42 is that the hydrogen gas supplied from filling station 10 is cooled by the cooler 14 to a predetermined low temperature (for example, -20 °C to -40 °C) before being supplied, in order to prevent a temperature increase in tanks 34a and 34b. A second reason is that an anomaly, such as cracks, develops in the filling passage 36, resulting in a leak.As described above, a leak may be present in the filling passage 36 if the pressure in the filling passage 36 is lower than the pressures in tanks 34a and 34b (step S14: No). Therefore, the process moves to step S16. If, on the other hand, the pressure in the filling passage 36 is greater than or equal to the pressures in tanks 34a and 34b (step S14: Yes), normal pressure conditions are considered to have been established and no leak is present in the filling passage 36. Therefore, the control unit 60 moves to step S30, determines that there is no leak in the filling passage 36, and terminates the process.

[0032] In step S16, the control unit 60 determines whether the temperature of the receiving device 42, as indicated by the temperature sensor 76, is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature at which water does not freeze. For example, it determines whether the temperature of the receiving device 42, as indicated by the temperature sensor 76, is equal to or greater than 0 °C. The reason for determining whether the temperature of the receiving device 42 is greater than the predetermined value at which water does not freeze is as follows: If the shut-off valve 41 in the receiving device 42 freezes, it will not function normally, and the hydrogen gas can flow back from the receiving device 42 to the filling station 10 through the filling passage 36.In such a case it is difficult to determine the reason for the reduced pressure in the filling passage 36, whether it is a leakage due to an anomaly, such as cracks, caused in the filling passage 36, or a freezing of the shut-off valve in the receiving device 42, which is not working normally.

[0033] If the temperature of the receiving device 42 is lower than the predetermined temperature (step S16: No), the check valve 41 in the receiving device 42 is considered to have frozen. Therefore, the process of step S16 is repeated. If, on the other hand, the temperature of the receiving device 42 is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature (step S16: Yes), the check valve 41 in the receiving device 42 is considered to have not frozen and to be operating normally. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S18. The normal operation of the check valve 41 in the receiving device 42 causes all valves (check valves 46a, 46b, and 41, and valve 58) to close and open the filling passage 36.

[0034] In step S18, the control unit 60 determines whether the pressure value indicated by the pressure sensor 72 in the filling passage 36 is greater than a first pressure that is greater than atmospheric pressure (1,013 hPa). This first pressure has a value greater than atmospheric pressure to a degree sufficient to test for a leak; it is not specifically limited and is, for example, 1,500 hPa. The condition in which the shut-off valve 41 in the receiving device 42 freezes and does not operate normally can cause the hydrogen gas in the filling passage 36 to flow back to the filling station 10, and the pressure in the filling passage 36 can thereby become less than or equal to the first pressure.Even if a leak has occurred at the filling port 36, it is difficult to detect it because the rate at which the hydrogen gas is released from the filling port 36 is low and the pressure drop per unit time is small. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S20 if the pressure in the filling port 36 is less than or equal to the initial pressure (step S18: No). Conversely, if the pressure in the filling port 36 is greater than the initial pressure (step S18: Yes), the process proceeds to step S26.

[0035] In step S20, the control unit 60 opens the valve 58 located in the communication port 40 to connect the buffer tank 54 to the filling port 36. The buffer tank 54 stores the hydrogen gas supplied from tanks 34a and 34b to the supply port 38 in advance. Therefore, by opening the valve 58 to connect the buffer tank 54 to the filling port 36, the hydrogen gas is supplied from the buffer tank 54 to the filling port 36. Hydrogen gas is temporarily stored in the buffer tank 54 by applying a current to the valve 52 when the output current of the fuel cell 32 is 0 A (amperes), for example, during deceleration or idling of the vehicle 30. Hydrogen gas is preferably stored in the buffer tank 54 at least once during a journey corresponding to the operating journey of the fuel cell 32, and more preferably several times.Alternatively, the arrival at the filling station 10 can be recorded with a global positioning system (GPS) installed in the vehicle 30, and when the vehicle 30 has arrived at the filling station 10 and the fuel cell 32 has been stopped, the hydrogen gas can be stored in the buffer tank 54 by applying a current to the valve 52.

[0036] At step S22, the control unit 60 determines whether the pressure value in the filling port 36, as indicated by the pressure sensor 72, exceeds the initial pressure. If the pressure in the filling port 36 remains less than or equal to the initial pressure (step S22: No), the valve 58 remains open, allowing hydrogen gas to continue flowing from the buffer tank 54 to the filling port 36. Conversely, if the pressure in the filling port 36 exceeds the initial pressure due to the supply of hydrogen gas from the buffer tank 54 to the filling port 36 (step S22: Yes), the control unit 60 closes the valve 58 at step S24 to disconnect the buffer tank 54 from the filling port 36. The control unit 60 then proceeds to step S26.Closing valve 58 causes all valves (the shut-off valves 46a, 46b and 41 and valve 58) to close again for opening and closing the filling passage 36.

[0037] In step S26, the control unit 60 determines whether the pressure drop in the filling passage 36, as reported by pressure sensor 72 per unit of time, is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. This predetermined value is used to determine whether a leak is occurring in the filling passage 36 and is set in advance. If the pressure drop in the filling passage 36 per unit of time is less than the predetermined value (step S26: No), it is assumed that no leak is occurring in the filling passage 36. Therefore, the control unit 60 proceeds to step S30, determines that no leak is occurring in the filling passage 36, and terminates the process.

[0038] If, on the other hand, the pressure drop in the filling port 36 is greater than or equal to the predetermined value (step S26: Yes), the pressure in the filling port 36 is considered to be reduced due to a leak in the filling port 36, since all shut-off valves 46a, 46b, and 41 and valve 58 are closed. Therefore, the control unit 60 moves to step S28, determines that there is a leak in the filling port 36, and terminates the process. At step S28, the control unit 60 can trigger an alarm to notify the driver of vehicle 30 or an operator of the filling station 10 about the occurrence of a leak in the filling port 36. For example, a warning light can be displayed on the dashboard of vehicle 30, or a horn can be sounded. Alternatively, the fuel cell 32 can be prevented from starting.

[0039] In the first embodiment, the control unit 60 determines whether a leak exists at the filling passage 36 after the filling of tanks 34a and 34b with hydrogen gas cooled to a temperature below freezing has been completed, as shown in Fig. Figure 2 illustrates this. The control unit 60 determines whether a leak is present based on the pressure drop in the filling passage 36 per unit of time when (i) the temperature of the receiving device 42 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value at which water does not freeze, and (ii) the pressure in the filling passage 36 is greater than the initial pressure in a state where all valves (the shut-off valves 46a, 46b, and 41, and the valve 58) for opening and closing the filling passage 36 are closed. This configuration makes it possible to test for a leak in the filling passage 36 in a state where the shut-off valve 41 in the receiving device 42 does not freeze and is operating normally. Therefore, it is possible to reliably determine whether a leak is present in the filling passage 36.Since a leak in the filling passage 36 is checked by the procedure described above after the filling of tanks 34a and 34b with gas has been completed, a leak that occurred at the filling passage 36 during the gas filling is detected early.

[0040] Additionally, the vehicle comprises 30 in the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows the supply passage 38, through which the hydrogen gas supplied from tanks 34a and 34b to the fuel cell 32 flows, and the communication passage 40, the first end of which is coupled to the filling passage 36 and the second end to the supply passage 38. The buffer tank 54, which stores the hydrogen gas supplied from tanks 34a and 34b to the supply passage 38, and the valve 58, which switches between communication and non-communication between the filling passage 36 and the buffer tank 54, are located in the communication passage 40.After the filling of tanks 34a and 34b with hydrogen gas is complete, the control unit 60 controls the valve 58 to connect the filling port 36 to the buffer tank 54, so that hydrogen gas is fed from the buffer tank 54 to the filling port 36 when the temperature of the receiving device 42 is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature and the pressure in the filling port 36 is less than or equal to the initial pressure, as in . Fig. Figure 2 shows that the control unit 60 then controls the valve 58 to prevent the filling port 36 from being connected to the buffer tank 54 once the pressure in the filling port 36 exceeds the initial pressure. This configuration allows the pressure in the filling port 36 to be greater than the initial pressure even if, due to the freezing of the shut-off valve 41 in the receiving device 42 and the backflow of hydrogen gas in the filling port 36 to the filling station 10, the pressure in the filling port 36 becomes less than or equal to the initial pressure. Therefore, it is possible to check for a leak in the filling port 36 even in such a case.

[0041] Since the vehicle 30 includes the communication port 40, the buffer tank 54, and the valve 58, it is also possible to check for a leak in the filling port 36 not only immediately after the filling of tanks 34a and 34b with hydrogen gas is complete, but also in other cases. For example, at a dealership, opening the valve 58 to allow hydrogen gas to flow from the buffer tank 54 to the filling port 36 makes it possible to check for a leak in the filling port 36.

[0042] Additionally, in the first embodiment, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, valve 52 is provided, which switches between communication and non-communication between the supply port 38 and the buffer tank 54. This configuration allows the hydrogen gas stored in tanks 34a and 34b to be normally directed to the fuel cell 32 and, depending on the situation, to the buffer tank 54, thereby reducing any deterioration in fuel economy.

[0043] Additionally, in the first embodiment, the communication port 40 is coupled to the supply port 38 at a position further downstream than the pressure adjustment valve 50 located in the supply port 38, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows this configuration. This configuration causes the hydrogen gas, whose pressure is adjusted to a suitable level by the pressure-adjusting valve 50, to flow into the communication port 40, thus preventing the pressure in the communication port 40 from becoming excessively high. Therefore, components with low-pressure specifications can be used for the buffer tank 54 and the shut-off valve 56. Since it is sufficient for the hydrogen gas supplied from the buffer tank 54 to the filling port 36 to have a pressure greater than the initial pressure, even if the hydrogen gas is not a high-pressure gas, the configuration can be used in which the communication port 40 is coupled to the supply port 38 at a position further downstream than the pressure-adjusting valve 50.Using a component with a high-pressure specification for the shut-off valve 56 achieves fail-safe operation in case something goes wrong with the valve 58.

[0044] Fig. Figure 3 is an illustrative figure of a gas filling system with a vehicle according to a first variation of the first embodiment. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, valve 52 can correspond to an electromagnetic two-way valve arranged in the communication passage 40. Valve 58 can correspond to an electromagnetic three-way valve, one port of which is connected to the first end of the communication passage 40 and the remaining two ports are connected to the filling passage 36.The valve 58 can connect the filling port 36, which is located further upstream than the valve 58 (the filling port 36 on the side of the receiving device 42), with the filling port 36, which is located further downstream than the valve 58 (the filling port 36 on the side of tanks 34a and 34b), in a state in which no current is applied to the valve 58, and it can connect the communication port 40 with the filling port 36, which is located further downstream than the valve 58 (the filling port 36 on the side of tanks 34a and 34b), when a current is applied to the valve 58. Second embodiment

[0045] Fig. Figure 4 is an illustrative figure of a gas filling system with a vehicle according to a second embodiment. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, in a vehicle 30a of the second embodiment, the valve 52, to which the communication port 40 is coupled, is arranged in the supply port 38 and is positioned further upstream than the pressure adjustment valve 50. A flow volume adjustment device 62 is arranged in the communication port 40 between the valve 52 and the buffer tank 54. The flow volume adjustment device 62 is, for example, an orifice or a duty cycle control valve, and this adjusts the flow volume of the hydrogen gas flowing from the supply port 38 into the buffer tank 54. Further structures are identical to those shown in Figure 4. Fig. The description of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 has therefore been omitted. Additionally, the method for testing for leakage in the second embodiment is identical to that described in Figure 1. Fig. The description of the first embodiment shown in section 2 has therefore been omitted.

[0046] In the second embodiment, the communication port 40 is connected to the supply port 38 at a position further upstream than the pressure-adjusting valve 50 located in the supply port 38. This configuration increases the pressure at the time of determining the presence or absence of a hydrogen gas leak, thereby improving the accuracy of the leak test. Since, in this case, hydrogen gas with a large flow volume can enter the buffer tank 54 and impair fuel economy, the flow-volume adjustment device 62 is preferably arranged between the connection point between the communication port 40 and the supply port 38 and the buffer tank 54. This configuration prevents hydrogen gas with a large flow volume from rapidly flowing into the buffer tank 54.Since high-pressure hydrogen gas is supplied to the communication port 40, components with high-pressure specifications are preferably used for the buffer tank 54 and the shut-off valve 56. Third embodiment

[0047] Fig. Figure 5 is an illustrative figure of a gas filling system with a vehicle according to a third embodiment. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, in a vehicle 30b of the third embodiment, the communication port 40 is not provided, nor are the buffer tank 54, the shut-off valve 56, and the valve 58 located in the communication port 40. Instead, an extraction port 64 is provided, one end of which is coupled and connected to the filling port 36, and the other end of which is coupled to an adapter 66. This adapter 66 can establish a connection with an external tank 80, which stores hydrogen gas, in order to communicate with the external tank 80. The adapter 66 corresponds to an example of an external connection unit that can establish a connection with the external tank 80. The external tank 80 is, for example, a portable tank and can, for example, correspond to a Curdle.A valve 68, corresponding to an electromagnetic two-way valve that switches between communication and non-communication between the filling passage 36 and the adapter 66, is arranged in the extraction passage 64. Further structures are identical to those in [reference missing]. Fig. The description of the first embodiment shown in 1 has therefore been omitted.

[0048] Adapter 66 is coupled to an adapter 84, which is connected to the external tank 80 via a valve 82 during the leak test. In the third embodiment, the leak test opens and closes the valve 68 of the extraction passage 64 at steps S20 and S24. Fig.2 of the first embodiment instead of opening and closing the valve 58 of the communication passage 40. Opening the valve 68 of the extraction passage 64 causes hydrogen gas to be directed from the external tank 80 coupled to the adapter 66 to the filling passage 36.

[0049] In the third embodiment, the vehicle 30b comprises the extraction passage 64, the first end of which is coupled to the filling passage 36 and the second end of which is coupled to the adapter 66, which can be connected to and communicate with the external tank 80. The valve 68, which switches between communication and non-communication between the filling passage 36 and the adapter 66, is arranged in the extraction passage 64.After the filling of tanks 34a and 34b with hydrogen gas is complete, the control unit 60 controls the valve 68 to connect the filling port 36 to the adapter 66, so that gas is fed from the external tank 80 to the filling port 36 when (i) the temperature of the receiving device 42 is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature at which water does not freeze, and (ii) the pressure in the filling port 36 is less than or equal to the first pressure that is greater than atmospheric pressure. Subsequently, once the pressure in the filling port 36 becomes greater than the first pressure, the valve 68 is controlled so that the filling port 36 is not connected to the adapter 66.This control system allows the pressure in the filling passage 36 to be higher than the initial pressure, even if the pressure in the filling passage 36 becomes less than or equal to the initial pressure, thus enabling leak detection in the filling passage 36. Additionally, it is not necessary to install a buffer tank in the vehicle 30b.

[0050] In the third embodiment, if the external tank 80 is prepared, for example, at a dealer, the leakage test for the filling passage 36 is possible by supplying hydrogen gas from the external tank 80 to the filling passage 36 by connecting the external tank 80 to the extraction passage 64 via the adapter 84 and the adapter 66.

[0051] In the third embodiment, the gas stored in the external tank 80 is not limited to hydrogen gas and can correspond to other gases, such as nitrogen gas. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the valve 68 can correspond to an electromagnetic three-way valve, like the valve 58 of the first variation of the first embodiment.

[0052] In the first to third embodiments, the temperature of the receiving device 42 is obtained with the temperature sensor 76 provided in the receiving device 42; however, the temperature of the receiving device 42 can be obtained by providing a temperature sensor on a part with a temperature correlation to the temperature of the receiving device 42.

[0053] The first to third embodiments have described fuel cells as an example of a gas-consuming device; however, the gas-consuming device can correspond to an internal combustion engine using hydrogen gas, such as a hydrogen-fired engine, or an internal combustion engine using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as fuel. In the case of these internal combustion engines, examples of gas with which a tank is filled or is filled include LPG, liquefied natural gas, and compressed natural gas, in addition to, but not limited to, hydrogen gas. A vehicle has been described as an example of a device equipped with a tank; however, the device equipped with a tank can differ from a vehicle and can be filled with a gas other than the gas described above as an example.

[0054] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, but can be varied or modified within the claimed scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

[1] Device (30) equipped with a tank (34a, 34b) comprising: a tank (34a, 34b) which stores gas which is to be supplied to a gas consumption device (32); a receiving device (42) which is to be coupled to a gas supply nozzle (20) of a gas supply device (10); a filling passage (36) which connects the tank to the receiving device; and a determination unit (60) configured to determine whether there is a leakage of gas from the filling passage, wherein the receiving device incorporates a shut-off valve (41) which is configured to prevent a flow of gas from the tank towards the receiving device in the filling passage, and The determination unit is configured to determine, based on a pressure drop in the filling passage per unit time, whether there is a leakage of gas from the filling passage after the supply of gas cooled to a temperature below the freezing point of water from the gas supply device via the receiving device and the filling passage to the tank has ceased, when (i) the temperature of the receiving device is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature at which water does not freeze, and (ii) the pressure in the filling passage, in a state in which all valves (46a, 46b, 41, 58) for opening and closing the filling passage are closed, is greater than a first pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. [2] Device equipped with a tank according to claim 1, further comprising: a supply passage (38) which is coupled to the tank, wherein the gas supplied from the tank to the gas consumption device flows through the supply passage; a communication passage (40) of which a first end is coupled to the filling passage and a second end is coupled to the feed passage; a buffer tank (54) which is arranged in the communication passage and stores the gas supplied from the tank to the supply passage; a first valve (58) which switches between communication and non-communication between the filling passage and the buffer tank; and a valve control device (60) which controls the first valve, wherein The valve control device is configured to control the first valve to connect the filling port to the buffer tank, so that the gas is directed from the buffer tank to the filling port after the supply of the gas, cooled to a temperature below the freezing point of water, from the gas supply device through the receiving device and the filling port to the tank is completed, when (i) the temperature of the receiving device is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature and (ii) the pressure in the filling port, in the state in which all valves for opening and closing the filling port are closed, is less than or equal to the first pressure, and controls the first valve so that the filling port is not connected to the buffer tank after the pressure in the filling port becomes greater than the first pressure. [3] Device equipped with a tank according to claim 2, further comprising a second valve (52) which switches between communication and non-communication between the feed passage and the buffer tank. [4] Device equipped with a tank according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second end of the communication passage is coupled to the supply passage at a position further downstream than a pressure adjustment valve (50) arranged in the supply passage. [5] Device equipped with a tank according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a flow volume adjustment device (62) which is arranged in the communication passage between the second end of the communication passage and the buffer tank, wherein the second end of the communication passage is coupled to the supply passage at a position which is further upstream than a pressure adjustment valve arranged in the supply passage. [6] Device equipped with a tank according to claim 1, further comprising: an extraction passage (64) of which a first end is coupled to the filling passage and a second end is coupled to an external connection unit (66) which can establish a connection with an external tank (80) that stores gas; a valve (68) which switches between communication and non-communication between the filling port and the external connection unit; and a valve control device (60) which controls the valve, wherein The valve control device is configured to control the valve to connect the filling port to the external connection unit, so that the gas is directed from the external tank to the filling port after the gas, cooled to a temperature below the freezing point of water, has been directed from the gas supply device through the receiving device and the filling port to the tank, and the filling of the tank with the gas is complete when (i) the temperature of the receiving device is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature and (ii) the pressure in the filling port, in the state in which all valves for opening and closing the filling port are closed, is less than or equal to the first pressure, and controls the first valve so that the filling port is not connected to the external connection unit after the pressure in the filling port becomes greater than the first pressure. [7] Device equipped with a tank according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a fuel cell as the gas consumption device, wherein fuel gas corresponding to the gas stored in the tank is supplied to the fuel cell. [8] Device equipped with a tank according to claim 1, further comprising: a supply passage (38) which is coupled to the tank, wherein the gas supplied from the tank to the gas consumption device flows through the supply passage; a communication passage (40) of which a first end is coupled to the filling passage and a second end is coupled to the feed passage; a buffer tank (54) which is arranged in the communication passage and stores the gas supplied from the tank to the supply passage; a first valve (58) which switches between communication and non-communication between the filling passage and the buffer tank; and a valve control device (60) which controls the first valve, wherein the valve control device (60) is configured such that it controls the first valve to connect the filling port to the buffer tank, so that the gas is directed from the buffer tank to the filling port after a partial replacement of a high-pressure line, the tank or an on / off valve, and controls the first valve so that the filling port is not connected to the buffer tank after the pressure in the filling port becomes greater than the first pressure.

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