Hydrogen occlusion / discharge system

Abstract

To provide a hydrogen occlusion / discharge system which can quickly charge transported hydrogen even if using small-capacity heating / cooling equipment.SOLUTION: A hydrogen occlusion / discharge system 1 includes: a first hydrogen occlusion alloy tank 11 which accommodates a hydrogen occlusion alloy 11a, and can discharge hydrogen to the outside from the hydrogen occlusion alloy 11a; a second hydrogen occlusion alloy tank 12 which accommodates a hydrogen occlusion alloy 12a, and can receive hydrogen between the first hydrogen occlusion alloy tank 11 and itself; a first heating / cooling device 21 which heats and cools a thermal medium for adjusting a temperature of the first hydrogen occlusion alloy tank 11; and a second heating / cooling device 22 which heats and cools a thermal medium for adjusting a temperature of the second hydrogen occlusion alloy tank 12. The first hydrogen occlusion alloy tank 11 is small in a hydrogen occlusion capacity compared with the second hydrogen occlusion alloy tank 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydrogen absorption / release system. [Background technology]

[0002] A known method for storing large amounts of hydrogen is to use hydrogen absorbing alloys (also called hydrogen storage alloys), which can be sealed inside a tank and used. The reaction of absorbing hydrogen in a hydrogen storage alloy is an exothermic reaction, while the reaction of releasing hydrogen is an endothermic reaction. Therefore, in order to promote the reaction, the tank must be cooled when storing hydrogen in the hydrogen storage alloy tank, and the tank must be heated when releasing hydrogen from the hydrogen storage alloy tank.

[0003] Patent document 1 describes a hydrogen storage system having a first tank containing a first hydrogen storage alloy and a second tank containing a second hydrogen storage alloy having properties different from those of the first hydrogen storage alloy, and heat exchange is performed between the first tank and the second tank using a refrigerant, and a hydrogen storage method including the steps of preparing a first tank containing a first hydrogen storage alloy and a second tank containing a second hydrogen storage alloy having properties different from those of the first hydrogen storage alloy, storing transported hydrogen in the first tank, and performing heat exchange between the first tank and the second tank using a refrigerant, and transferring the hydrogen stored in the first tank to the second tank. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-189511 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The hydrogen storage system described in Patent Document 1 is capable of rapidly filling the system with transported hydrogen. However, while Patent Document 1 enables rapid filling of the system with transported hydrogen, the heat exchanger used must be a heating / cooling facility with a large capacity.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen absorption / release system that enables rapid filling of transported hydrogen even when using heating / cooling equipment with small capacity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a result of extensive research aimed at solving the above problems, the inventors discovered that hydrogen storage alloy tanks having different hydrogen storage capacities could be combined, and thus completed the present invention. The aspects of the present invention are as follows.

[0008] [1] A first hydrogen storage alloy tank that contains a hydrogen storage alloy and is capable of releasing hydrogen from the hydrogen storage alloy to the outside; a second hydrogen storage alloy tank that contains a hydrogen storage alloy and is capable of transferring hydrogen between the second hydrogen storage alloy tank and the first hydrogen storage alloy tank; a first heating and cooling device for heating and cooling a heat medium for adjusting the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy tank; a second heating / cooling device for heating / cooling a heat medium for adjusting the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy tank; A hydrogen storage and release system comprising: The first hydrogen storage alloy tank has a smaller hydrogen storage capacity than the second hydrogen storage alloy tank. Hydrogen absorption and release system. [2] The hydrogen absorption / release system according to [1], wherein the first hydrogen storage alloy tank is capable of receiving hydrogen from the outside. [3] A hydrogen storage / release system as described in [1] or [2], characterized in that it comprises a third hydrogen storage alloy tank that contains a hydrogen storage alloy and is capable of releasing hydrogen to the outside, a third heating / cooling device that heats and cools a heat transfer medium that regulates the temperature of the third hydrogen storage alloy tank, and the first hydrogen storage alloy tank and the third hydrogen storage alloy tank are each capable of transferring hydrogen to and from the second hydrogen storage alloy tank, and each has a smaller hydrogen storage capacity than the second hydrogen storage alloy tank. [4] The hydrogen absorption / release system described in [3], characterized in that the first hydrogen storage alloy tank is capable of receiving hydrogen from the outside while supplying hydrogen from the third hydrogen storage alloy tank to the second hydrogen storage alloy tank. [5] The hydrogen absorption / release system described in [4], characterized in that the first heating / cooling device generates a heat medium for cooling the hydrogen storage alloy in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank, and the third heating / cooling device generates a heat medium for heating the hydrogen storage alloy in the third hydrogen storage alloy tank, and hydrogen from the outside is absorbed into the hydrogen storage alloy in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank while hydrogen released from the hydrogen storage alloy in the third hydrogen storage alloy tank is supplied to the second hydrogen storage alloy tank. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a hydrogen absorption / release system that enables rapid filling with transported hydrogen even when heating / cooling equipment with low capacity is used. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Although the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0012] An embodiment of a hydrogen absorption / release system of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as a "first embodiment") will be described with reference to FIG. The hydrogen absorption / release system 1 of the first embodiment comprises a first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 which contains a hydrogen storage alloy 11a and is capable of releasing hydrogen from the hydrogen storage alloy 11a to the outside, a second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 which contains a hydrogen storage alloy 12a and is capable of transferring hydrogen between the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11, a first heating / cooling device 21 which heats and cools a heat medium 21a which regulates the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11, and a second heating / cooling device 22 which heats and cools a heat medium 22a which regulates the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12.

[0013] In the hydrogen absorption / release system 1 of the first embodiment, the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 has a smaller hydrogen absorption capacity than the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 .

[0014] The first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 is a tank for filling with hydrogen supplied from a hydrogen supply source S outside the tank or from a second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12, or for releasing hydrogen filled in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 to a hydrogen load C outside the tank. A hydrogen storage alloy 11a is sealed in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11. Hydrogen in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 can be transferred between the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 and the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 through a hydrogen flow path L1.

[0015] The second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 is a tank for filling with hydrogen supplied from the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11, or for supplying hydrogen filled in the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 to the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11. A hydrogen storage alloy 12a is sealed in the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12. The hydrogen in the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 can be transferred between the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 and the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 through a hydrogen flow path L1.

[0016] The hydrogen storage alloys 11a and 12a may be hydrogen storage alloys having the same characteristics, or may be different types of hydrogen storage alloys having different characteristics. However, whether the hydrogen storage alloys 11a and 12a have the same characteristics or different characteristics, the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 has a smaller hydrogen storage capacity than the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12. The characteristics of the hydrogen storage alloys are represented by a PCT (Pressure Composition Temperature) diagram.

[0017] The hydrogen storage alloy 11a and the hydrogen storage alloy 12a are not particularly limited as long as they satisfy the above-mentioned conditions. Examples of the hydrogen storage alloy include an AB2 type hydrogen storage alloy based on an alloy of transition elements such as titanium, manganese, zirconium, and nickel, an AB5 type hydrogen storage alloy (LaNi 5 , ReNi 5 etc.), Ti-Fe-based hydrogen storage alloys based on Ti-Fe, which is a body-centered cubic intermetallic compound with a relatively large number of voids, V-based hydrogen storage alloys based on vanadium, Mg alloys, Pd-based hydrogen storage alloys, Ca-based hydrogen storage alloys, etc. can be used.

[0018] The first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 and the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 are connected by a hydrogen flow path L1. Through the hydrogen flow path L1, hydrogen in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 can be transferred to the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12, and hydrogen in the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 can be transferred to the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11.

[0019] 1, an on-off valve V1 is disposed in the hydrogen flow path L1. By opening the on-off valve V1, hydrogen can be transferred between the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 and the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12, and by closing the on-off valve V1, hydrogen cannot be transferred between the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 and the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12.

[0020] The first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 can release hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage alloy 11a to an external hydrogen load C through the hydrogen flow path L2 and the hydrogen flow path L4. The first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 can also receive hydrogen to be stored in the hydrogen storage alloy 11a from an external hydrogen supply source S through the hydrogen flow path L3 and the hydrogen flow path L4.

[0021] In the hydrogen absorption / release system 1 shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen flow path L4 connects the three-way valve 30 and the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11. The three-way valve 30 determines whether the hydrogen flow path L2 or the hydrogen flow path L3 is to be connected to the hydrogen flow path L4. An on-off valve V2 is disposed in the hydrogen flow path L4. By opening the on-off valve V2, hydrogen can be transferred between the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 and either the hydrogen supply source S or the hydrogen load C, whichever one of the three-way valve 30 is open.

[0022] A heat medium passage 21b extending from the first heating and cooling device 21 is connected inside the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11, and heat exchange between the first heating and cooling device 21 and the hydrogen storage alloy 11a is possible by the heat medium 21a passing through the heat medium passage 21b. The heat medium 21a is heated or cooled by the first heating and cooling device. The heat medium 21a circulates between the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 and the first heating and cooling device 21.

[0023] A heat transfer medium passage 22b extending from the second heating and cooling device 22 is connected to the inside of the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12, and heat transfer medium 22a passing through the heat transfer medium passage 22b enables heat exchange between the second heating and cooling device 22 and the hydrogen storage alloy 12a. The heat transfer medium 22a is heated or cooled by the second heating and cooling device. The heat transfer medium 22a circulates between the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 and the second heating and cooling device 22.

[0024] The heat medium 21a and the heat medium 22a may be heated or cooled by the first heating and cooling device 21 and the second heating and cooling device 22, respectively, as described above, or may be heated or cooled by heat exchange between the heat medium 21a and the heat medium 22a, or heating or cooling by the heating and cooling device may be combined with heating or cooling by heat exchange between the heat media.

[0025] An example of an operation method for storing and releasing hydrogen in the hydrogen storage / release system 1 shown in Fig. 1 will be described below. The storage and release of hydrogen in the hydrogen storage / release system 1 is controlled by a control device (not shown).

[0026] -Hydrogen absorption behavior Step 1: While the hydrogen storage alloy 11a in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 is cooled by the first heating and cooling device 21, hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen supply source S through the hydrogen flow path L3 and the hydrogen flow path L4 to the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11, causing the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 to absorb hydrogen until the internal pressure of the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 becomes equal to or greater than the absorption limit pressure of the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11.

[0027] Step 2: The hydrogen storage alloy 11a in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 is heated by the first heating and cooling device 21, and the hydrogen storage alloy 12a in the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 is cooled by the second heating and cooling device 22, and the hydrogen released from the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 through the hydrogen flow path L1 to the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 is absorbed in the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12.

[0028] Step 3: Steps 1 and 2 are repeated until the internal pressure of the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 becomes equal to or greater than the storage limit pressure of the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 .

[0029] Step 4: Repeat step 1.

[0030] In step 2, hydrogen may be supplied from the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 to the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 through the hydrogen flow path L1 by differential pressure, without cooling the hydrogen storage alloy 12a in the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 by the second heating and cooling device 22.

[0031] -Hydrogen release behavior Step 5: The hydrogen storage alloy 11a in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 is heated by the first heating / cooling device 21, and hydrogen is released from the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 to the hydrogen load C through the hydrogen flow path L2 and the hydrogen flow path L4 until the internal pressure of the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 becomes equal to or lower than the release limit pressure of the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11.

[0032] Step 6: The hydrogen storage alloy 11a in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 is cooled by the first heating and cooling device 21, and the hydrogen storage alloy 12a in the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 is heated by the second heating and cooling device 22, thereby causing the hydrogen released from the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 through the hydrogen flow path L1 to be absorbed in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11.

[0033] Step 7: Steps 5 and 6 are repeated until the internal pressure of the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 becomes equal to or lower than the release limit pressure of the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 .

[0034] Step 8: Repeat step 5.

[0035] In step 6, hydrogen may be supplied from the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 to the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 through the hydrogen flow path L1 by differential pressure, without heating the hydrogen storage alloy 12a in the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 by the second heating and cooling device 22.

[0036] Another embodiment of the hydrogen absorption / release system of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as the "second embodiment") will be described with reference to FIG. The second embodiment of the hydrogen absorption / release system 2 includes a first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 that contains a hydrogen storage alloy 11a and is capable of releasing hydrogen from the hydrogen storage alloy 11a to the outside, a second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 that contains a hydrogen storage alloy 12a and is capable of transferring hydrogen between the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 and the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11, a third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 that contains a hydrogen storage alloy 13a and is capable of releasing hydrogen from the hydrogen storage alloy 13a to the outside, a first heating / cooling device 21 that heats and cools a heat medium 21a that regulates the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11, a second heating / cooling device 22 that heats and cools a heat medium 22a that regulates the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12, and a third heating / cooling device 23 that heats and cools a heat medium 23a that regulates the temperature of the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13.

[0037] In the hydrogen absorption / release system 2 of the second embodiment, the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 and the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 are each capable of transferring hydrogen to and from the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12. Moreover, the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 and the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 each have a smaller hydrogen absorption capacity than the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12.

[0038] The hydrogen absorption / release system 2 of the second embodiment can simultaneously absorb hydrogen from the hydrogen supply source S and supply hydrogen to the hydrogen load C. Moreover, compared to the hydrogen absorption / release system 1 of the first embodiment, it can absorb and release hydrogen at a higher speed.

[0039] The first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 is a tank for filling with hydrogen supplied from an external hydrogen supply source S or the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12, or for releasing hydrogen filled in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 to a hydrogen load C outside the tank. A hydrogen storage alloy 11a is sealed in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11. Hydrogen in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 can be transferred between the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 and the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 through hydrogen flow path L1 and hydrogen flow path L11.

[0040] The third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 is a tank for filling with hydrogen supplied from an external hydrogen supply source S or the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12, or for releasing hydrogen filled in the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 to a hydrogen load C outside the tank. A hydrogen storage alloy 13a is sealed in the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13. Hydrogen in the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 can be transferred between the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 and the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 through hydrogen flow path L1 and hydrogen flow path L12.

[0041] The second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 is a tank for filling with hydrogen supplied from the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 or the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13, or for supplying hydrogen filled in the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 to the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 or the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13. A hydrogen storage alloy 12a is sealed in the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12. Hydrogen in the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 can be transferred between the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 and the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 through the hydrogen flow path L1 and the hydrogen flow path L11, and between the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 and the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 through the hydrogen flow path L1 and the hydrogen flow path L12.

[0042] The hydrogen storage alloys 11a, 12a, and 13a may be hydrogen storage alloys having the same characteristics, or may be different types of hydrogen storage alloys having different characteristics. However, whether the hydrogen storage alloys 11a, 12a, and 13a have the same characteristics or different characteristics, the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 and the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 each have a smaller hydrogen storage capacity than the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12. The characteristics of the hydrogen storage alloys are represented by a PCT (Pressure Composition Temperature) diagram.

[0043] The hydrogen storage alloys 11a, 12a, and 13a are not particularly limited as long as they satisfy the above-mentioned conditions, as in the first embodiment. As the hydrogen storage alloys, for example, those described in the first embodiment can be used.

[0044] The first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 and the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 are connected by a hydrogen flow path L1 and a hydrogen flow path L11. Through the hydrogen flow path L1 and the hydrogen flow path L11, hydrogen in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 can be transferred to the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12, and hydrogen in the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 can be transferred to the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11.

[0045] The third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 and the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 are connected by a hydrogen flow path L1 and a hydrogen flow path L12. Through the hydrogen flow path L1 and the hydrogen flow path L12, hydrogen in the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 can be transferred to the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12, and hydrogen in the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 can be transferred to the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13.

[0046] 2, the hydrogen flow path L11 and the hydrogen flow path L1, or the hydrogen flow path L12 and the hydrogen flow path L1, are connected by a hydrogen flow path switch 31. The hydrogen flow path switch 31 can select the hydrogen flow path to be connected to the hydrogen flow path L1 from among the hydrogen flow path L11 and the hydrogen flow path L12.

[0047] An on-off valve V11 is disposed midway along the hydrogen flow path L11. When the hydrogen flow path switch 31 selects the hydrogen flow path L11 as the hydrogen flow path to be connected to the hydrogen flow path L1, opening the on-off valve V11 enables hydrogen to be transferred between the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 and the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12, and closing the on-off valve V11 disables hydrogen to be transferred between the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 and the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12.

[0048] An on-off valve V12 is disposed midway along the hydrogen flow path L12. When the hydrogen flow path switch 31 selects the hydrogen flow path L12 as the hydrogen flow path to be connected to the hydrogen flow path L1, opening the on-off valve V12 enables hydrogen to be transferred between the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 and the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12, and closing the on-off valve V12 disables hydrogen to be transferred between the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 and the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12.

[0049] The first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 can release hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage alloy 11a to an external hydrogen load C through the hydrogen flow path L2 and the hydrogen flow path L41. The first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 can also receive hydrogen to be stored in the hydrogen storage alloy 11a from an external hydrogen supply source S through the hydrogen flow path L3 and the hydrogen flow path L41.

[0050] The third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 is capable of releasing hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage alloy 13a to an external hydrogen load C through the hydrogen flow path L2 and the hydrogen flow path L42. The third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 is also capable of receiving hydrogen to be stored in the hydrogen storage alloy 13a from an external hydrogen supply source S through the hydrogen flow path L3 and the hydrogen flow path L42.

[0051] In the hydrogen absorption / release system 2 shown in FIG. 2, the hydrogen flow path L41 connects the hydrogen flow path switch 41 and the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11, and the hydrogen flow path L42 connects the hydrogen flow path switch 41 and the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13. The hydrogen flow path switch 41 connects one of the hydrogen flow paths L2 and L3 to one of the hydrogen flow paths L41 and L42. An on-off valve V21 is disposed in the hydrogen flow path L41. By opening the on-off valve V21, hydrogen can be transferred between the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 and either the hydrogen supply source S or the hydrogen load C for which the hydrogen flow path switch 41 is open. An on-off valve V22 is disposed in the hydrogen flow path L42. By opening the on-off valve V22, hydrogen can be transferred between the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 and either the hydrogen supply source S or the hydrogen load C for which the hydrogen flow path switch 41 is open.

[0052] A heat medium passage 21b extending from the first heating and cooling device 21 is connected inside the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11, and heat exchange between the first heating and cooling device 21 and the hydrogen storage alloy 11a is possible by the heat medium 21a passing through the heat medium passage 21b. The heat medium 21a is heated or cooled by the first heating and cooling device. The heat medium 21a circulates between the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 and the first heating and cooling device 21.

[0053] A heat medium passage 23b extending from the third heating and cooling device 23 is connected to the inside of the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13, and heat exchange is possible between the third heating and cooling device 23 and the hydrogen storage alloy 13a by the heat medium 23a passing through the heat medium passage 23b. The heat medium 23a is heated or cooled by the third heating and cooling device. The heat medium 23a circulates between the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 and the third heating and cooling device 23.

[0054] A heat transfer medium passage 22b extending from the second heating and cooling device 22 is connected to the inside of the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12, and heat exchange is possible between the heat transfer medium 22a passing through the heat transfer medium passage 22b and the hydrogen storage alloy 12a. The heat transfer medium 22a is heated or cooled by the second heating and cooling device. The heat transfer medium 22a circulates between the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 and the second heating and cooling device 22.

[0055] The heat medium 21a, the heat medium 22a, and the heat medium 23a may be heated or cooled by the first heating and cooling device 21, the second heating and cooling device 22, and the third heating and cooling device 23, respectively, as described above, or may be heated or cooled by heat exchange between the heat medium 21a and the heat medium 22a, between the heat medium 23a and the heat medium 22a, or between the heat medium 21a and the heat medium 23a, or may be combined with heating or cooling by heat exchange between the heat media.

[0056] In addition, heat exchange may be performed between the first heating and cooling device 21 and the third heating and cooling device 23, and hydrogen from an external hydrogen supply source S may be absorbed into the hydrogen storage alloy 11a of the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11, while hydrogen released from the hydrogen storage alloy 13a of the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 may be supplied to the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12.

[0057] An example of an operation method for storing and releasing hydrogen in the hydrogen storage / release system 2 shown in Fig. 2 will be described below. The storage and release of hydrogen in the hydrogen storage / release system 2 is controlled by a control device (not shown).

[0058] -Hydrogen absorption behavior Step 1': While the hydrogen storage alloy 11a in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 is cooled by the first heating and cooling device 21, hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen supply source S through the hydrogen flow path L3 and the hydrogen flow path L41 to the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11, causing the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 to absorb hydrogen until the internal pressure of the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 becomes equal to or greater than the absorption limit pressure of the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11.

[0059] Step 2': While the hydrogen storage alloy 13a in the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 is cooled by the third heating and cooling device 23, hydrogen is supplied to the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 from the hydrogen supply source S through the hydrogen flow path L3 and the hydrogen flow path L42, and hydrogen is absorbed in the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 until the internal pressure of the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 becomes equal to or greater than the absorption limit pressure of the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13. Furthermore, the hydrogen storage alloy 11a in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 is heated by the first heating and cooling device 21, and the hydrogen storage alloy 12a in the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 is cooled by the second heating and cooling device 22, and the hydrogen released from the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 through the hydrogen flow path L11 and the hydrogen flow path L1 to the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 is absorbed in the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12. If the internal pressure of the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 is equal to or higher than the storage limit pressure of the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12, the following step 5' is carried out, and if it is below the storage limit pressure, the following step 3' is carried out.

[0060] Step 3': While the hydrogen storage alloy 11a in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 is cooled by the first heating and cooling device 21, hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen supply source S through the hydrogen flow path L3 and the hydrogen flow path L41 to the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11, causing the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 to absorb hydrogen until the internal pressure of the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 becomes equal to or greater than the absorption limit pressure of the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11. Furthermore, the third heating and cooling device 23 heats the hydrogen storage alloy 13a in the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13, and the second heating and cooling device 22 cools the hydrogen storage alloy 12a in the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12, and the hydrogen released from the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 through the hydrogen flow path L12 and the hydrogen flow path L1 to the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 is absorbed in the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12. If the internal pressure of the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 is equal to or higher than the storage limit pressure of the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12, the following step 5' is carried out, and if it is below the storage limit pressure, the following step 4' is carried out.

[0061] Step 4': With the hydrogen storage alloy 13a in the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 cooled by the third heating and cooling device 23, hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen supply source S through the hydrogen flow path L3 and the hydrogen flow path L42 to the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13, and hydrogen is absorbed in the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 until the internal pressure of the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 becomes equal to or greater than the absorption limit pressure of the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13. Furthermore, the first heating and cooling device 21 heats the hydrogen storage alloy 11a in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11, and the second heating and cooling device 22 cools the hydrogen storage alloy 12a in the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12, so that the hydrogen released from the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 through the hydrogen flow path L11 and the hydrogen flow path L1 to the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 is absorbed in the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12. If the internal pressure of the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 is equal to or higher than the storage limit pressure of the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12, the following step 5' is carried out, and if it is below the storage limit pressure, the above step 1' is carried out.

[0062] Step 5': Hydrogen absorption is stopped.

[0063] -Hydrogen release behavior Step 6': The hydrogen storage alloy 11a in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 is heated by the first heating / cooling device 21, and hydrogen is released from the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 to the hydrogen load C through the hydrogen flow path L41 and the hydrogen flow path L2 until the internal pressure of the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 becomes equal to or lower than the release limit pressure of the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11.

[0064] Step 7': The hydrogen storage alloy 13a in the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 is heated by the third heating and cooling device, and hydrogen is released from the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 to the hydrogen load C through the hydrogen flow path L42 and the hydrogen flow path L2 until the internal pressure of the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 becomes equal to or lower than the release limit pressure of the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13. Furthermore, the first heating and cooling device 21 cools the hydrogen storage alloy 11a in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11, and the second heating and cooling device 22 heats the hydrogen storage alloy 12a in the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12, so that the hydrogen released from the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 through the hydrogen flow path L1 and the hydrogen flow path L11 to the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 is absorbed in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11. If the internal pressure of the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 is equal to or lower than the release limit pressure of the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12, step 10' is carried out, and if it is above the release limit pressure, step 8' is carried out.

[0065] Step 8': The hydrogen storage alloy 11a in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 is heated by the first heating / cooling device 21, and hydrogen is released from the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 to the hydrogen load C through the hydrogen flow path L41 and the hydrogen flow path L2 until the internal pressure of the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 becomes equal to or lower than the release limit pressure of the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11. Furthermore, the third heating and cooling device 23 cools the hydrogen storage alloy 13a in the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13, and the second heating and cooling device 22 heats the hydrogen storage alloy 12a in the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12, so that the hydrogen released from the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 through the hydrogen flow path L1 and the hydrogen flow path L12 to the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 is absorbed in the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13. If the internal pressure of the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 is equal to or lower than the release limit pressure of the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12, the following step 10' is carried out, and if it is above the storage limit pressure, the following step 9' is carried out.

[0066] Step 9': The hydrogen storage alloy 13a in the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 is heated by the third heating / cooling device 23, and hydrogen is released from the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 to the hydrogen load C through the hydrogen flow path L12 and the hydrogen flow path L2 until the internal pressure of the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13 becomes equal to or lower than the release limit pressure of the third hydrogen storage alloy tank 13. Furthermore, the first heating and cooling device 21 cools the hydrogen storage alloy 11a in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11, and the second heating and cooling device 22 heats the hydrogen storage alloy 12a in the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12, so that the hydrogen released from the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 through the hydrogen flow path L1 and the hydrogen flow path L11 to the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 is absorbed in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11. If the internal pressure of the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 is equal to or lower than the release limit pressure of the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12, the following step 10' is carried out, and if it is above the storage limit pressure, the above step 6' is carried out.

[0067] Step 10': Hydrogen release is terminated.

[0068] In step 2', hydrogen may be supplied from the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 to the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 through the hydrogen flow path L11 and the hydrogen flow path L1 by differential pressure, without cooling the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 by the second heating and cooling device 22.

[0069] In step 7', hydrogen may be supplied from the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 to the first hydrogen storage alloy tank 11 through the hydrogen flow path L1 and the hydrogen flow path L11 by differential pressure, without heating the second hydrogen storage alloy tank 12 by the second heating / cooling device 22. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1,2 Hydrogen storage and release system 11 First hydrogen storage alloy tank 11a, 12a, 13a Hydrogen storage alloys 12 Second hydrogen storage alloy tank 13. Third hydrogen storage alloy tank 21 First heating and cooling device 21a,22a,23a Heat medium 21b, 22b, 23b Heat medium flow path 22 Second heating and cooling device 23 Third heating and cooling device 30 Three-way valve 31,41 Hydrogen flow switch L1, L2, L3, L4 Hydrogen flow path V1, V2 on-off valve

Claims

1. a first hydrogen storage alloy tank that contains a hydrogen storage alloy and is capable of releasing hydrogen from the hydrogen storage alloy to the outside; a second hydrogen storage alloy tank that contains a hydrogen storage alloy and is capable of transferring hydrogen between the second hydrogen storage alloy tank and the first hydrogen storage alloy tank; a first heating and cooling device for heating and cooling a heat medium for adjusting the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy tank; a second heating and cooling device for heating and cooling a heat medium for adjusting the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy tank; A hydrogen storage and release system comprising: The first hydrogen storage alloy tank has a smaller hydrogen storage capacity than the second hydrogen storage alloy tank. Hydrogen storage and release system.

2. 2. The hydrogen absorption / release system according to claim 1, wherein the first hydrogen storage alloy tank is capable of receiving hydrogen from an outside source.

3. The hydrogen storage / release system of claim 1, further comprising a third hydrogen storage alloy tank that contains a hydrogen storage alloy and is capable of releasing hydrogen to the outside, and a third heating / cooling device that heats and cools a heat transfer medium that regulates the temperature of the third hydrogen storage alloy tank, wherein the first hydrogen storage alloy tank and the third hydrogen storage alloy tank are each capable of transferring hydrogen to and from the second hydrogen storage alloy tank, and each has a smaller hydrogen storage capacity than the second hydrogen storage alloy tank.

4. The hydrogen storage / release system described in claim 3, characterized in that the first hydrogen storage alloy tank is capable of receiving hydrogen from the outside while supplying hydrogen from the third hydrogen storage alloy tank to the second hydrogen storage alloy tank.

5. The hydrogen absorption / release system of claim 4, characterized in that heat exchange is performed between the first heating / cooling device that generates a heat medium for cooling the hydrogen storage alloy in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank and the third heating / cooling device that generates a heat medium for heating the hydrogen storage alloy in the third hydrogen storage alloy tank, and hydrogen from the outside is absorbed into the hydrogen storage alloy in the first hydrogen storage alloy tank while hydrogen released from the hydrogen storage alloy in the third hydrogen storage alloy tank is supplied to the second hydrogen storage alloy tank.

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