Movable body with a hydrogen-consuming device

Abstract

A movable body may comprise: a hydrogen-consuming device configured to consume hydrogen; at least one hydrogen tank configured to be filled with hydrogen; a filling port configured to receive hydrogen supplied from outside the movable body; a filling line connecting the filling port and the hydrogen tank; a first supply line configured to deliver hydrogen from the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen-consuming device; a refill port configured to replenish hydrogen to a refill destination outside the movable body; and a second supply line connecting the hydrogen tank and the refill port.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority over Japanese patent application No. 2024-106588, filed on July 2, 2024. The entire contents of the priority application are hereby incorporated by reference. TECHNICAL AREA

[0002] The technology disclosed herein relates to a movable body with a hydrogen-consuming device. BACKGROUND

[0003] Japanese patent application JP 2017-137926A describes a mobile hydrogen refueling station. According to JP 2017-137926A, a hydrogen gas filling device, which uses a differential pressure filling method to deliver hydrogen gas to a hydrogen gas consumption device, is mounted on a trailer. The trailer can be towed by a vehicle.

[0004] In JP 2017 - 137 926 A, only the hydrogen gas filling device, which serves to supply hydrogen gas to the hydrogen gas consumption device, was designed to be movable. SUMMARY

[0005] Given this situation, there is a need for hydrogen refueling technologies that are small, inexpensive and simple, or at least have one of these characteristics, in order to further promote the use of hydrogen.

[0006] In one aspect of the technology disclosed herein, a movable body may comprise: a hydrogen consumption device configured to consume hydrogen; at least one hydrogen tank configured to be filled with hydrogen; a filling port configured to receive hydrogen supplied from outside the movable body; a filling line connecting the filling port and the hydrogen tank; a first supply line configured to deliver hydrogen from the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen consumption device; a refill port configured to replenish hydrogen to a refill destination outside the movable body; and a second supply line connecting the hydrogen tank and the refill port.

[0007] According to the configuration described above, the mobile body can refill hydrogen from at least one hydrogen tank, configured to supply hydrogen to the hydrogen-consuming device carried by the mobile body itself, into an external refilling point. This allows for hydrogen refilling with a smaller, more cost-effective, and simpler configuration than conventional hydrogen refueling stations or mobile hydrogen refueling stations that solely aim to deliver hydrogen to an external location. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of part of a vehicle and its surroundings. Fig. Figure 2 shows a simplified view of a piping structure leading to the cap of a hydrogen tank. Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a hydrogen refueling control process. Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a safety assurance process. Fig. Figure 5 shows a simplified view of a nozzle and nozzle holder and their surroundings. Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the effect of a configuration that preferably selects a hydrogen tank with a low internal tank pressure. Fig. Figure 7 schematically shows an embodiment comprising a vehicle with a hydrogen frame connected to its refueling port. DESCRIPTION

[0008] Representative, non-limiting examples of the present invention are now described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This detailed description is intended solely to provide a person skilled in the art with further details regarding the implementation of preferred aspects of the present teaching and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, each of the additional features and teachings disclosed below can be used separately or in combination with other features and teachings to provide improved movable bodies and methods for their use and manufacture.

[0009] Furthermore, combinations of features and steps disclosed in the following detailed description may not be necessary to carry out the present invention in its broadest sense and are instead included merely to provide representative examples of the present invention. Moreover, various features of the representative examples described above and below, as well as the various independent and dependent claims, can be combined in a manner not specifically and expressly stated to provide additional useful embodiments of the present teaching.

[0010] All features disclosed in the description and / or the claims have been disclosed independently of one another for the purposes of the original written disclosure and for the purpose of limiting the claimed subject matter, irrespective of the composition of the features in the embodiments and / or the claims. Furthermore, all ranges of values ​​or statements of groups of units are intended to disclose any possible intermediate value or unit for the purposes of the original written disclosure and for the purpose of limiting the claimed subject matter.

[0011] Some of the features characteristic of the embodiments described below are listed here. It should be noted that the respective technical elements are independent of one another and are useful alone or in combination. The combinations thereof are not limited to those described in the originally filed claims.

[0012] With reference to the drawings, one embodiment is described. Each figure is only an example, and this embodiment is not limited to what is shown. Since each figure is an example, some parts may also be omitted.

[0013] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of part of a vehicle 1 and its surroundings. The vehicle 1 corresponds to an example of a moving body. However, in this description, the moving body is not limited to a vehicle or another land-based moving body. A moving body could, for example, be a ship or an aircraft.

[0014] The vehicle 1 comprises a hydrogen consumption device 10 and at least one hydrogen tank 20 that can be filled with hydrogen. The hydrogen consumption device 10 is, for example, a fuel cell or a hydrogen engine. Therefore, the vehicle 1 equipped with the hydrogen consumption device 10 can be considered a vehicle that is powered by the fuel cell or the hydrogen engine as at least one of its propulsion sources. The hydrogen consumption device 10 can also be a hydrogen combustion device that uses hydrogen as fuel, for example, a hydrogen burner. The vehicle 1 can be configured to have several hydrogen consumption devices 10 installed in it.

[0015] The vehicle 1 includes a filling port 30 configured to receive hydrogen supplied from an external source, and a refill port 31 configured to deliver hydrogen to an external refilling location. Fig. Figure 1 shows several hydrogen tanks 20a, 20b, 20c as hydrogen tanks 20. Each of the hydrogen tanks 20 is, for example, a cylindrical high-pressure hydrogen tank, and each of the opposite ends has a cap. Hereinafter, the hydrogen tank 20, one of whose opposite ends is connected to the refill opening 31 via a pipe, is referred to as the "refill tank". The hydrogen tank 20 that the vehicle 1 includes and that is not the refill tank is referred to as the "normal tank". In the Fig. In the example shown, hydrogen tank 20a corresponds to the "normal tank" and hydrogen tanks 20b and 20c correspond to the "refill tank". Of course, the fact that there are three hydrogen tanks is just an example. The number of normal tanks and the number of refill tanks are not limited. For example, there could be no normal tanks. In this description, the movable body includes at least one refill tank.

[0016] The filling opening 30 is connected to each of the hydrogen tanks 20 via filling lines. According to Fig. In Figure 1, the filling port 30 is connected to the hydrogen tank 20a via a filling line 40a. Similarly, the filling port 30 is connected to the hydrogen tank 20b via a filling line 40b, and the filling port 30 is connected to the hydrogen tank 20c via a filling line 40c. Hydrogen gas is filled from an external hydrogen filling station (not shown), for example, via the filling port 30 and the filling lines 40a, 40b, and 40c into each of the hydrogen tanks 20a, 20b, and 20c.

[0017] In this description, each line can be partially shared and / or branched in its middle to such an extent that it can fulfill its respective functions. The sharing and / or branching of lines can be implemented, for example, by a distribution box.

[0018] Each hydrogen tank 20 is connected to a first supply line for supplying hydrogen to the hydrogen-consuming device 10. According to Fig. 1. A first supply line 50a is connected to a first cap 21a of the hydrogen tank 20a. The filling line 40a is also connected to the first cap 21a. Similarly, a first supply line 50b is connected to a first cap 21b of the hydrogen tank 20b, to which the filling line 40b is connected, and a first supply line 50c is connected to a first cap 21c of the hydrogen tank 20c, to which the filling line 40c is connected. Each of the hydrogen tanks 20a, 20b, 20c can supply hydrogen to the hydrogen-consuming device 10 via the first supply lines 50a, 50b, 50c.

[0019] The hydrogen tanks 20 corresponding to the refill tank are connected to the refill opening 31 via a second supply line. According to Fig. A second cap 22b is located on the opposite side of the first cap 21b of the hydrogen tank 20b, and the refill opening 31 is connected via a second supply line 60b. Similarly, a second cap 22c is located on the opposite side of the first cap 21c of the hydrogen tank 20c, and the refill opening 31 is connected via a second supply line 60c. In other words, hydrogen can be supplied from the refill tank to the hydrogen-consuming device 10 of the vehicle 1 via the refill opening 31, or from the vehicle 1 to the outside. A second cap 22a of the hydrogen tank 20a, corresponding to the normal tank, is not used and is closed.

[0020] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a pressure reducer 100 is connected to the refill opening 31 in vehicle 1. The pressure reducer 100 can reduce the pressure of the hydrogen supplied from the refill tank via the second supply line. The pressure reducer 100 includes, for example, a control valve (regulator) configured to reduce the pressure of a fluid and a mass flow controller configured to measure the mass flow of the fluid and control the flow rate. Furthermore, in vehicle 1, an outlet side of the pressure reducer 100 includes a hose 110 configured to supply the hydrogen, whose pressure has been reduced by the pressure reducer 100, to a refill point, and a nozzle or fitting 120 attached to one end of the hose 110. The hose 110 is flexible.

[0021] The nozzle or port 120 is connected to the refill point, which is located outside the vehicle 1. The refill point here is a hydrogen tank belonging to another movable body or device that needs to be refilled with hydrogen. In the example in Fig. The refill destination is a hydrogen tank 4 belonging to a different vehicle 3 than vehicle 1. Vehicle 3 is, for example, a vehicle equipped with a fuel cell or a hydrogen engine, and the nozzle 120 is connected to a filling port (not shown) of vehicle 3. This transfers the hydrogen filled into the refill tank of vehicle 1 into the hydrogen tank 4 of vehicle 3.

[0022] The configuration with the pressure reducer 100, the hose 110, and the nozzle 120 can be considered a hydrogen refilling module 130. In vehicle 1, the hydrogen refilling module 130 can be removed from the refilling opening 31. Because the hydrogen refilling module 130 is removable, it can, for example, be attached to the refilling opening 31 of vehicle 1 to temporarily use the vehicle 1 as a means of supplying hydrogen to the outside.

[0023] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a transfer line 70b can be connected to the second cap 22b of the hydrogen tank 20b, which is a refill tank. In this description, the supply of hydrogen from one hydrogen tank 20 to another hydrogen tank 20 in the vehicle 1 is referred to as a "transfer". The transfer line 70b connects a distributor 80, which leads to the hydrogen-consuming device 10, to the second cap 22b of the hydrogen tank 20b. The distributor 80 is also connected to the first supply lines 50a, 50b, 50c from the respective hydrogen tanks 20a, 20b, 20c. Thus, the vehicle 1 can be operated according to Figure 1. Fig. 1 For example, transfer the hydrogen located in the hydrogen tanks 20a and 20c via the first supply lines 50a, 50c, the distributor 80 and the transfer line 70b into the hydrogen tank 20b.

[0024] Although not shown in the figure, for example, the distributor 80 and the second cap 22c of the hydrogen tank 20c can also be connected by a transfer line, so that hydrogen can be transferred from another hydrogen tank 20 to the hydrogen tank 20c. Fig. In this specification, distributor 80 is simply described as a single distributor, but distributor 80 can be subdivided into multiple distributors. In other words, the distributors to which each of the first supply lines 50a, 50b, 50c is connected can be common or separate distributors. Using multiple distributors allows, for example, better control of the assignments between hydrogen tank 20 as the source for hydrogen transfer and hydrogen tank 20 as the destination for hydrogen transfer. In any case, this specification can use a configuration in which hydrogen is transferred from other hydrogen tanks 20 to at least one refueling tank in vehicle 1.

[0025] Vehicle 1 includes a control unit 2. Control unit 2 includes, for example, at least one electronic control unit (ECU) installed in vehicle 1. Control unit 2 controls vehicle 1 by executing one or more programs. Control unit 2 corresponds to an example of a control unit configured to control the refueling of hydrogen to a refueling destination through each of the hydrogen tanks 20.

[0026] Fig. Figure 2 shows a simplified example of a piping structure for the first cap 21b and the second cap 22b of the hydrogen tank 20b. The filling line 40b and the first supply line 50b are connected to the first cap 21b via a first piping structure 91. The second supply line 60b and the transfer line 70b are connected to the second cap 22b via a second piping structure 92.

[0027] According to Fig. 2 The first piping structure 91 includes a check valve 91a to prevent backflow of hydrogen in a line connecting the filling line 40b and the first cap 21b. The first piping structure 91 also includes a first shut-off valve 91b and a check valve 91c on a line connecting the first supply line 50b and the first cap 21b. The line connecting the filling line 40b to the first cap 21b and the line connecting the first supply line 50b to the first cap 21b connect at a point closer to the first cap 21b than these respective valves.

[0028] The second piping structure 92 comprises a check valve 92a on a line connecting the transfer line 70b and the second cap 22b, as well as a second shut-off valve 92b and a check valve 92c on a line connecting the second supply line 60b and the second cap 22b. The line connecting the transfer line 70b to the second cap 22b and the line connecting the second supply line 60b to the second cap 22b connect at a point closer to the second cap 22b than these respective valves.

[0029] Although not shown, it is understood that the first piping structure 91 is similarly applicable for the connection between the corresponding filling lines and the first supply lines for each of the first caps 21a and 21c of the hydrogen tanks 20a and 20c. It is also understood that at the second cap 22c of the hydrogen tank 20c, the second piping structure 92 can be used similarly for the connection to the second supply line 60c and possibly to the transfer line (or to a third supply line described below). Fig. Figure 2 is just one example. The first piping structure 91 and / or the second piping structure 92 can include various valves, such as control valves and / or pressure relief valves, as required. The first piping structure 91 and / or the second piping structure 92 can each be configured such that flow paths opposite to a flow path connected to the cap of the hydrogen tank 20 are integrated into a single flow path, for example, to partially combine the filling line and the first supply line into one line and / or to partially combine the transfer line and the second supply line into one line.

[0030] The control unit 2 opens and closes flow paths by individually controlling each shut-off valve of the first piping structure 91 and the second piping structure 92. For example, by individually controlling the first shut-off valve 91b and the second shut-off valve 92b with respect to a specific refill tank, the control unit 2 can supply hydrogen from this refill tank to the hydrogen-consuming device 10 via the first supply line, or replenish hydrogen from this refill tank to an external refill destination via the second supply line.

[0031] Fig. Figure 3 shows a flowchart of an example of a hydrogen refuelling control process carried out by control unit 2. Control unit 2 starts the hydrogen refuelling control process if a user of vehicle 1 has selected a "hydrogen refuelling mode". As a prerequisite for selecting the hydrogen refuelling mode, the user connects nozzle 120 to a desired external refuelling destination.

[0032] For example, the user presses an ignition switch on vehicle 1 to bring vehicle 1 into an ignition state and then performs a predetermined action to select the hydrogen refueling mode. Vehicle 1 has, for example, a dedicated switch for selecting the hydrogen refueling mode, and the user selects the hydrogen refueling mode by pressing this dedicated switch. Control unit 2 detects that the hydrogen refueling mode has been selected and initiates the hydrogen refueling control process. Only when control unit 2 detects that the hydrogen refueling mode has been selected can control unit 2 activate the power supply to the second shut-off valve 92b and make the second shut-off valve 92b operational (valve capable of opening).

[0033] In step S200, the control unit 2 determines the internal pressure of the refueling tank(s), i.e., the pressure in hydrogen tank 20, and selects the hydrogen tank 20 to be used for refueling to the destination based on this internal pressure. The control unit 2 selects the refueling tank whose internal pressure exceeds a predefined threshold. If multiple refueling tanks are present in the vehicle 1, the control unit 2 preferably selects a refueling tank with a lower internal pressure from among those whose internal pressures exceed the threshold.

[0034] A method for determining the internal pressure of the refueling tank is not particularly limited. For example, the control unit 2 can determine the internal tank pressure using a pressure sensor installed in each of the hydrogen tanks 20. Alternatively, in step S200, the control unit 2 can use the internal tank pressure of the refueling tank that the control unit 2 stored before step S200. The control unit 2 can also individually open the first shut-off valve 91b corresponding to the refueling tank and determine the pressure measured through this valve opening as the internal tank pressure.

[0035] There are several methods for determining a threshold value for comparison with the tank's internal pressure. The control unit 2 can retrieve the threshold value from a predetermined memory as a fixed value, predetermined based on the characteristics of the hydrogen tank 4 as the refill target. The control unit 2 can also retrieve a suitable value entered by the user as the threshold value. Alternatively, the control unit 2 can determine the internal pressure of the hydrogen tank 4 via wired or wireless communication with the vehicle 3 and use a value obtained by adding a predetermined factor to the internal pressure of the hydrogen tank 4 as the threshold value.

[0036] In step S210, control unit 2 determines whether hydrogen tank 20 was successfully selected in step S200. If hydrogen tank 20 was successfully selected, control unit 2 determines "YES" and proceeds to step S220. However, if no hydrogen tank 20 is selectable at this point, i.e., hydrogen tank 20 was not successfully selected, control unit 2 determines "NO" and proceeds to step S240. If, in step S200, all of the vehicle 1's refueling tanks have an internal tank pressure below the threshold, control unit 2 proceeds from the "NO" decision in step S210 to step S240, since no hydrogen tank 20 can be selected.

[0037] In step S220, the control unit 2 opens the second shut-off valve 92b, which corresponds to the hydrogen tank 20 selected in step S200, and begins refueling hydrogen from the selected hydrogen tank 20 to the refueling destination. This refueling of hydrogen gas is carried out by differential pressure. If, in step S220, the first shut-off valve 91b, which corresponds to the hydrogen tank 20 selected in step S200, is open, the control unit 2 closes this first shut-off valve 91b and then opens the second shut-off valve 92b, which corresponds to the hydrogen tank 20 selected in step S200. The control unit 2 can also interrupt the hydrogen supply to the hydrogen-consuming device 10 from all hydrogen tanks 20 of the vehicle 1, including the hydrogen tank 20 selected in step S200, when hydrogen refueling to the refueling destination is started in step S220.

[0038] In step S230, the control unit 2 repeatedly determines whether the hydrogen refueling using the hydrogen tank 20 selected as the refueling source in step S200 is complete. The method for this determination in step S230 is not particularly restricted. For example, in step S230, the control unit 2 can determine that the hydrogen refueling is complete, i.e., "YES," when the tank pressure of the hydrogen tank 20 selected in step S200 reaches the threshold used for the determination in step S200. Alternatively, the control unit 2 can make the determination in step S230 based on the flow rate of the hydrogen gas at the open second shut-off valve 92b. If the control unit 2 determines that the hydrogen refueling using the hydrogen tank 20 selected as the refueling source in step S200 is complete, the control unit 2 proceeds from "YES" in step S230 to step S200.The control unit 2 closes the second shut-off valve 92b, which corresponds to the hydrogen tank 20 from which the hydrogen refilling was completed.

[0039] In the next step S200, which results from step S230, the control unit 2 selects the next hydrogen tank 20 to be used for refueling the hydrogen to the refueling destination. According to this process flow, the control unit 2 can switch the refueling tanks to be used for refueling hydrogen to an external destination by, for example, selecting hydrogen tank 20b in the first step S200 after starting the hydrogen refueling control process, and then selecting hydrogen tank 20c in the second step S200, and so on.

[0040] In step S240, the control unit 2 determines that hydrogen refueling to the external destination via the refueling tank is terminated and ends the hydrogen refueling control process. If, in the first step S210, after the initiation of the hydrogen refueling control process, "NO" is determined, the control unit 2 essentially prohibits hydrogen refueling to an external destination via the refueling tank and terminates the hydrogen refueling control process. In step S240, the control unit 2 may inform the user of the termination or prohibition of hydrogen refueling to an external destination via the refueling tank. The method for this notification is not particularly restricted. The control unit 2 may provide the notification by means of an image and / or sound using a display or speaker installed in the vehicle 1.Alternatively, control unit 2 can send the notification to a pre-defined external terminal or similar device.

[0041] Fig. Figure 4 shows a flowchart of an example of a safety assurance process carried out by control unit 2. Fig. Figure 5 also shows a simplified view of the nozzle 120 and a nozzle holder 140, as well as their surroundings. The nozzle or fitting 120 is held in the nozzle holder 140 when not in use. Vehicle 1 is equipped with the nozzle holder 140. Alternatively, the nozzle holder 140 can be considered part of the hydrogen refueling module 130 installed in vehicle 1. When the nozzle 120 is to be used, the user removes it from the nozzle holder 140 and connects it to an external refueling point as described above.

[0042] A determining element 2a detects whether the nozzle 120 is held by the nozzle holder 140 or not, for example, based on a response from a sensor (not shown) integrated into the nozzle holder 140. The determining element 2a can be considered part of the control unit 2. The determining element 2a determines that the nozzle 120 is not in use during any period in which the nozzle 120 is held in the nozzle holder 140, and when the determining element 2a detects that the nozzle 120 has been removed from the nozzle holder 140, the determining element 2a determines that the nozzle 120 is in use (step S300). When the determining element 2a determines that the nozzle 120 is now in use (“YES” in step S300), the control unit 2 prevents the vehicle 1 from moving (step S310). Preventing vehicle 1 from moving means that the vehicle's speed is kept at 0.The control unit 2 maintains the prohibition on the vehicle 1 starting to move at least until the determining part 2a again determines that the nozzle 120 is not in use.

[0043] Thus, according to the present teaching, the movable body comprises: the hydrogen-consuming device 10, which is configured to consume hydrogen; at least one hydrogen tank 20, which is configured to be filled with hydrogen; the filling opening 30, which is configured to receive hydrogen supplied from outside the movable body; the filling lines connecting the filling opening 30 and the hydrogen tank(s) 20; the first supply lines, which are configured to supply hydrogen from the hydrogen tank(s) 20 to the hydrogen-consuming device 10; the refilling opening 31, which is configured to refill hydrogen to a refilling destination outside the movable body; and the second supply lines connecting the hydrogen tank(s) 20 and the refilling opening 31.

[0044] According to the configuration above, the mobile body can refuel hydrogen from the at least one hydrogen tank 20, which is configured to supply hydrogen to the hydrogen-consuming device 10 carried by the mobile body itself, to the external refueling location. In other words, by adding the second supply lines and the refueling port 31 to the mobile body, such as the vehicle 1, which includes the hydrogen-consuming device 10 and the hydrogen tank(s) 20, the mobile body can also be used as a means of refueling hydrogen to an external refueling destination. Since this technology can be applied, for example, to a fuel cell vehicle or a hydrogen-powered vehicle driven by a user, hydrogen refueling can be achieved with a smaller, more cost-effective, and simpler configuration than conventional mobile hydrogen refueling stations.

[0045] According to the description, the movable body can further include the pressure reducer 100, which is connected to the refilling port 31 and configured to reduce the pressure of the hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen tank(s) 20 via the secondary supply lines. According to the above configuration, hydrogen can be safely refilled at the refilling point by reducing the pressure of the hydrogen as needed using the pressure reducer 100. For example, the hydrogen tank 4 at the refilling point may need to be pre-cooled to avoid an anticipated temperature rise when the tank is filled with high-pressure hydrogen gas; however, by relieving the pressure of the hydrogen with the pressure reducer 100, the pressure of the hydrogen can be reduced to a level where such pre-cooling is not required.

[0046] According to the description, the movable body can further comprise the hose 110, which is configured to supply the hydrogen, reduced in pressure by the pressure reducer 100, to the refueling point, as well as the nozzle or fitting 120, which is attached to the end of the hose 110. According to the above configuration, the movable body comprises the hose 110 and the nozzle 120, so that refueling hydrogen from the hydrogen tank(s) 20 of the movable body to the refueling point can be carried out more easily.

[0047] The nozzle 120, for example, can be a standard nozzle compatible with the filling port 30. In other words, by ensuring that the nozzle 120 standard matches the standard of nozzles / noses used in existing hydrogen filling stations, etc., user-friendliness can be increased and costs reduced.

[0048] According to the specification, the movable body comprises several hydrogen tanks 20, and the movable body further comprises the control unit 2, which is configured to control the refueling of hydrogen to the refueling point from each of the several hydrogen tanks 20 (e.g., hydrogen tanks 20b, 20c). The control unit 2 is configured to preferably select the hydrogen tank 20 with the lower internal pressure from one or more of the hydrogen tanks 20 whose internal pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, and to refuel hydrogen from the selected hydrogen tank 20 to the refueling point.

[0049] If the refill tank with the higher internal pressure is selected first, the refill tank with the lower internal pressure cannot subsequently be used as a refill source for the refill destination. In contrast, if control unit 2 selects the refill tank with the lower internal pressure first in step S200, the refill tank with the higher internal pressure can subsequently be used as a refill source. This allows hydrogen at a higher pressure to be filled into hydrogen tank 4, which is the refill destination.

[0050] Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the effect achieved by the configuration in which hydrogen tank 20 is preferably selected with a lower internal tank pressure. The vertical axis of the diagram shows the internal tank pressure, where Pb is the internal tank pressure in hydrogen tank 20b before hydrogen is refilled into hydrogen tank 4, and Pc is the internal tank pressure in hydrogen tank 20c before hydrogen is refilled into hydrogen tank 4, where Pb < Pc. P4b is the internal tank pressure in hydrogen tank 4 after hydrogen tank 20b was selected prior to hydrogen tank 20c in step S200 and hydrogen was refilled from hydrogen tank 20b into hydrogen tank 4. The internal tank pressure P4b is approximately half the internal tank pressure Pb.P4bc is the internal tank pressure in hydrogen tank 4 after hydrogen tank 20c was selected after hydrogen tank 20b in step S200 and hydrogen was transferred from hydrogen tank 20c to hydrogen tank 4. In this case, approximately half the difference between Pc and P4b is added to P4b to form the internal tank pressure P4bc.

[0051] P4c is the internal pressure in hydrogen tank 4, assuming that hydrogen tank 20c was selected earlier than hydrogen tank 20b in step S200 and that hydrogen is being transferred from hydrogen tank 20c to hydrogen tank 4. The internal pressure P4c is approximately half the internal pressure Pc. Since P4c > Pb, no further hydrogen can be transferred from hydrogen tank 20b to hydrogen tank 4. Therefore, it can be said that the control unit 2, by executing the flowchart in Fig. 3 Hydrogen up to a higher pressure (e.g. to increase the pressure in Fig. 6. Difference shown between P4bc and P4c) can be poured into the refill target container.

[0052] According to the description, the movable body can further comprise a determining element 2a, which is configured to determine whether the nozzle 120 has been activated or not. The movable body can be prevented from moving if the determining element 2a detects that the nozzle 120 has been activated. According to the above configuration, the movable body can be prevented from starting to move in a situation where the nozzle 120 is connected to an external refilling target, thereby ensuring safety.

[0053] The present doctrine further reveals the following characteristics.

[0054] If the control unit 2 is to refuel hydrogen from a refueling tank to a refueling destination, the control unit 2 can receive information about the hydrogen tank 4 and a refueling port at the refueling point from the vehicle 3 or a device equipped with the hydrogen tank 4. It can then, for example, control the pressure reducer 100 and refuel hydrogen into the refueling point at a hydrogen flow rate or pressure increase rate based on the received information. Communication for obtaining such information can be either wired or wireless. The information acquired in this way includes, for example, the internal pressure of the hydrogen tank 4 and / or its tank capacity. Refueling hydrogen based on this information enables a safer hydrogen refueling process at an external destination.

[0055] For example, the control unit 2 preferably selects a standard tank as the hydrogen tank 20 to supply hydrogen to the hydrogen-consuming device 10. When the standard tank is empty, the first shut-off valve, corresponding to the refill tank, can be opened to supply hydrogen from the refill tank to the hydrogen-consuming device 10.

[0056] In the flowchart in Fig. 3. If the internal pressure of the refill tank is below the threshold and this refill tank therefore cannot be selected, the control unit 2 can transfer hydrogen from another hydrogen tank 20, which has a higher internal pressure, into the refill tank. For example, if the control unit 2 detects that the internal pressure of hydrogen tank 20b is below the threshold, the control unit 2 can open the first shut-off valve corresponding to hydrogen tank 20c and transfer hydrogen from hydrogen tank 20c to hydrogen tank 20b via the first supply line 50c, the distributor 80, and the transfer line 70b. This causes the pressure in hydrogen tank 20b to exceed the threshold, and hydrogen tank 20b can then be selected as the refill destination.

[0057] If vehicle 1 includes multiple refill tanks, the refill tanks may differ in volume. For example, in Fig. 1. The volume of hydrogen tank 20c is larger than the volume of hydrogen tank 20b. In such a case, the control unit 2 can control the hydrogen supply to the hydrogen-consuming device 10 so that the internal pressure of the hydrogen tank 20 with the larger volume becomes higher. This allows for a higher pressure in step S200 of the hydrogen refilling control process in Fig. 3. It is easier to select the smaller volume hydrogen tank 20. Even if the hydrogen consumption rate is the same between the larger and smaller volume hydrogen tanks 20, the larger tank has a slower pressure drop rate. Since the smaller tank has a faster pressure drop rate and can easily increase its pressure by transferring hydrogen from another tank 20, hydrogen can be efficiently refilled by selecting the smaller tank as the refill source for hydrogen delivery to an external destination.

[0058] Furthermore, since the priority for selecting the larger-volume hydrogen tank 20 is reduced in step S200, the larger-volume hydrogen tank 20 can be more easily used to supply hydrogen to the hydrogen-consuming device 10 in the vehicle 1. The larger-volume hydrogen tank 20 has a slower pressure drop rate during hydrogen consumption, and the tank gas temperature drops less, so the vehicle can be operated at a higher power output when using the hydrogen-consuming device 10.

[0059] As in Fig. As shown in 7, for example, instead of the one in Fig. A hydrogen frame 150 is temporarily connected to the refilling opening 31 of the vehicle 1 via the pressure reducer 100 shown in Figure 1. The hydrogen frame 150 is a frame that supports several hydrogen-filled hydrogen tanks 5 and enables the supply of hydrogen from these hydrogen tanks 5. Fig. 7. The hydrogen framework 150 can be mounted on a trolley 6 configured to move with vehicle 1, or it can be mounted in vehicle 1 itself. In a configuration that follows the example from Fig. 7 can be used, the vehicle 1 includes a third supply line for supplying hydrogen from the refill opening 31 to the hydrogen tank(s) 20. As for example by a dashed-dotted line in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a third supply line 160 can be provided, which connects the refill opening 31 and the second cap 22c of the hydrogen tank 20c. In other words, according to the example ... Fig.7. The vehicle 1 can also refill hydrogen from any of the hydrogen tanks 5 of the hydrogen framework 150, which are connected to the refilling opening 31, via the refilling opening 31 and the third supply line 160 into its own hydrogen tank(s) 20.

[0060] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these examples serve only for illustration and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims also includes various changes and modifications of the specific examples described above. The technical elements explained in this description or the drawings offer technical benefits either independently or through various combinations and are not limited to the combinations described at the time of filing the claims. Furthermore, the examples shown in this description or the drawings serve to achieve several objectives simultaneously, the fulfillment of any one of these objectives giving technical benefit to the present invention. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2024-106588

[0001] JP 2017 - 137 926 A [0003, 0004]

Claims

[1] Movable body, having: a hydrogen-consuming device (10) configured to consume hydrogen; at least one hydrogen tank (20) configured to be filled with hydrogen; a filling opening (30) configured to receive hydrogen supplied from outside the movable body; a filling line (40a, 40b, 40c) that connects the filling opening (30) and the hydrogen tank (20); a first supply line (50a, 50b, 50c) configured to supply hydrogen from the hydrogen tank (20) to the hydrogen-consuming device (10); a refill port (31) configured to refill hydrogen to a refill destination outside the moving body; and a second supply line (60b, 60c) connecting the hydrogen tank (20) and the refill opening (31). [2] Movable body according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure reducer (100) connected to the refill opening (31) and configured to reduce the pressure of the hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen tank (20) through the second supply line (60b, 60c). [3] Movable body according to claim 2, further comprising: a hose (110) configured to refill the hydrogen to the refilling destination at the pressure reduced by the pressure reducer (100); and a nozzle (120) which is attached to one end of the hose. [4] Movable body according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hydrogen tank (20) comprises several hydrogen tanks, and the movable body further comprises a control unit (2) configured to control the refueling of hydrogen to the refueling destination through each of the multiple hydrogen tanks, wherein the control unit (2) is configured to preferably select the hydrogen tank (20) with a lower internal tank pressure, which is a pressure within the hydrogen tank (20), from one or more of the hydrogen tanks (20) whose internal tank pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, and refill hydrogen from the selected hydrogen tank (20) to the refill destination. [5] Movable body according to claim 3, further comprising a determining part (2a) configured to determine whether the nozzle (120) has been put into operation or not, wherein the movable body is prevented from moving when the determining part (2a) determines that the nozzle (120) has been put into operation.

Images