Hydrogen storage system

Abstract

To heat hydrogen storage alloy with smaller energy consumption during release of hydrogen in a hydrogen storage system.SOLUTION: A hydrogen storage system 1 includes: an alloy tank 10 through which a heating medium exchanging heat with hydrogen storage alloy included therein passes; a heating section 30 that heats make-up water from outside to produce hot water; a first heat exchange section 41 that exchanges heat between the heating medium from the alloy tank and the make-up water before it is supplied to the heating section; a second heat exchange section 42 that exchanges heat between the hot water and the heating medium from the alloy tank; a reintroduction passage section R10 for reintroducing the heating medium heated by the second heat exchange section to the alloy tank; and a control device 50 that allows heat exchange between the heating medium from the alloy tank and the make-up water in the first heat exchange section during storage of hydrogen and allows heat exchange between the hot water and the heating medium in the second heat exchange section during release of hydrogen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydrogen storage system. [Background technology]

[0002] A known method of storing hydrogen is to use a hydrogen storage alloy. When hydrogen is absorbed into the hydrogen storage alloy, an exothermic reaction occurs, and when hydrogen is released from the hydrogen storage alloy, an endothermic reaction occurs.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a water heater that uses a hydrogen storage alloy. In this water heater, hot water is dispensed by utilizing heat that is generated when hydrogen is absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-262392 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to release hydrogen from a hydrogen storage alloy, it is necessary to heat the hydrogen storage alloy in order to suppress a temperature drop caused by an endothermic reaction and to maintain the release rate. It is desirable to heat the hydrogen storage alloy when releasing hydrogen by consuming as little energy as possible.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a hydrogen storage system that is capable of heating a hydrogen storage alloy with less energy consumption when releasing hydrogen. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a hydrogen storage system comprising an alloy tank that contains a hydrogen storage alloy capable of absorbing hydrogen and through which a heat medium that exchanges heat with the hydrogen storage alloy passes; a heating section including heating equipment that heats make-up water from an outside source to produce hot water or steam; a first heat exchange section that performs heat exchange between the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank and the make-up water before it is supplied to the heating equipment; a second heat exchange section that performs heat exchange between the hot water or the steam produced in the heating equipment and the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank; a re-introduction path section that re-introduces the heat medium heated in the second heat exchange section into the alloy tank; and a control device that allows heat exchange in the first heat exchange section between the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank and the make-up water before it is supplied to the heating equipment at the time of hydrogen absorption, in which hydrogen is absorbed into the hydrogen storage alloy, and allows heat exchange in the second heat exchange section between the hot water or the steam and the heat medium at the time of hydrogen release, in which hydrogen is released from the hydrogen storage alloy. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, the hydrogen storage alloy can be heated with less energy consumption when releasing hydrogen. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a hydrogen storage system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing a hydrogen storage system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing a hydrogen storage system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram showing a hydrogen storage system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in Fig. 1, the hydrogen storage system 1 according to the first embodiment includes an alloy tank 10, a hot water tank 20, a heating unit 30, a first heat exchange unit 41, a second heat exchange unit 42, and a control device 50. The hydrogen storage system 1 also includes a plurality of path sections (R1 to R10, R21, R23, R24) that are appropriately connected to the above-mentioned units and through which the heat medium, make-up water, and hot water described below pass, as well as valves V1 to V12 that open and close predetermined path sections among the plurality of path sections, temperature measurement units T1 to T4, T6, a pressure measurement unit PM1, and water level measurement units W1 and W2. The control device 50 mainly controls the opening and closing of the valves V1 to V12.

[0011] The alloy tank 10 is filled with a hydrogen storage alloy capable of absorbing hydrogen. Inside the alloy tank 10, hydrogen is appropriately absorbed and released from the hydrogen storage alloy. When hydrogen is absorbed into the hydrogen storage alloy, hydrogen is introduced into the alloy tank 10. When hydrogen is released from the hydrogen storage alloy, hydrogen is released to the outside of the alloy tank 10. The alloy tank 10 is configured to allow a heat medium to pass through it for heat exchange with the hydrogen storage alloy. The heat medium may be a fluid, but in this embodiment it is a liquid.

[0012] The alloy tank 10 is connected to a first inlet path R1 through which the heat medium introduced into the alloy tank 10 passes, and a first outlet path through which the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 passes. The first outlet path is included in a connection path R3 described later. The first inlet path R1 is connected to a first bypass path R2. The first bypass path R2 branches off from the first inlet path R1 and is connected to the first outlet path. The first bypass path R2 is a detour through which the heat medium passing through the first inlet path R1 reaches the first outlet path without passing through the alloy tank 10. A reintroduction path section R10, which will be described later, merges with the first introduction path section R1. The junction with the reintroduction path section R10 is located on the first introduction path section R1 upstream of the first bypass path section R2.

[0013] In this embodiment, the first introduction path section R1 extends upstream of the junction with the reintroduction path section R10, and the upstream end of the first introduction path section R1 serves as an inlet for introducing a heat medium from the outside. The heat medium introduced from the inlet of the first introduction path section R1 is a cold source for cooling the hydrogen storage alloy. The cold source in this embodiment is city water or well water. By using city water or well water as the cold source, it is possible to conserve energy in the hydrogen storage system 1 compared to the case of producing a cold source (cold water).

[0014] A first valve V1 is provided between the junction of the first introduction path section R1 with the reintroduction path section R10 and the inlet of the cold heat source. A second valve V2 is provided between the junction of the first introduction path section R1 with the first bypass path section R2 and the alloy tank 10. A third valve V3 is provided in the first bypass path section R2.

[0015] The first inlet path section R1 is provided with a first temperature measurement unit T1. The first temperature measurement unit T1 measures the temperature of the heat medium passing through the first inlet path section R1 before the branch point with the first bypass path section R2. In this embodiment, the first temperature measurement unit T1 measures the temperature of the heat medium downstream of the junction of the first inlet path section R1 and the reinlet path section R10. This allows the first temperature measurement unit T1 to measure the temperature of the heat medium (cold heat source) introduced from the inlet and the temperature of the heat medium coming from the reinlet path section R10. The alloy tank 10 is provided with a second temperature measuring unit T2 that measures the temperature of the alloy tank 10. In addition, the alloy tank 10 is provided with a pressure measuring unit PM1 that measures the pressure inside the alloy tank 10.

[0016] The first discharge path section (connection path section R3) is provided with a third temperature measurement section T3 (fifth temperature measurement section). The third temperature measurement section T3 measures the temperature of the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10. The third temperature measurement section T3 measures the temperature of the heat medium downstream of the junction with the first bypass path section R2 in the first discharge path section. In FIG. 1, the third temperature measurement section T3 is located upstream of the junction with the first external discharge path section R4 described later, but is not limited thereto.

[0017] In addition, the first discharge path section is provided with a first pump P1. The first pump P1 is located downstream of the junction with the first bypass path section R2 in the first discharge path section. The first pump P1 pumps the heat medium downstream from the alloy tank 10 and the first bypass path section R2. The first pump P1 is preferably located upstream of the junction with the first external discharge path section R4 described later.

[0018] The hot water tank 20 stores the heat medium that is heated and discharged in the alloy tank 10. The heat medium stored in the hot water tank 20 is supplied to a first heat exchange section 41 and a second heat exchange section 42, which will be described later. That is, the hot water tank 20 is provided between the alloy tank 10 and the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42. In this embodiment, the heat medium stored in the hot water tank 20 is also reintroduced into the alloy tank 10. The hot water tank 20 is provided with a sixth temperature measuring unit T6 that measures the temperature of the hot water tank 20. In addition, the hot water tank 20 is provided with a first water level measuring unit W1 that measures the water level of the heat medium in the hot water tank 20.

[0019] The hot water tank 20 is connected to the alloy tank 10 by a connection path section R3. The connection path section R3 is a path section that introduces the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 into the hot water tank 20, and includes the first discharge path section described above. A first external discharge path section R4 is connected to the middle of the connection path section R3. The first external discharge path section R4 is a path section that branches off at the middle of the connection path section R3 and is used to discharge the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 to the outside.

[0020] The first external discharge path portion R4 is provided with a fourth valve V4. The connection path portion R3 is provided with a fifth valve V5 downstream (hot water tank 20 side) of the branch point with the first external discharge path portion R4.

[0021] Further, the hot water tank 20 is connected to a second external discharge path portion R5, a second discharge path portion, and a return path portion R7. The second external discharge path portion R5 is a path portion for discharging to the outside the heat medium stored in the hot water tank 20. A sixth valve V6 is provided in the second external discharge path portion R5.

[0022] The second discharge path portion is a path portion for directing the heat medium discharged from the hot water tank 20 to the first heat exchange portion 41, the reintroduction path portion R10, and the second heat exchange portion 42. The second discharge path portion branches into a first supply path portion R6, a second bypass path portion R8, and a second supply path portion R9. The first supply path portion R6 is a path portion for supplying the heat medium discharged from the hot water tank 20 to the first heat exchange portion 41. An eighth valve V8 is provided in the first supply path portion R6. The second supply path portion R9 is a path portion for supplying the heat medium discharged from the hot water tank 20 to the second heat exchange portion 42. A tenth valve V10 is provided in the second supply path portion R9.

[0023] The second bypass path section R8 is connected to a reintroduction path section R10, which will be described later. The second bypass path section R8 is a detour for the heat medium discharged from the hot water tank 20 to reach the reintroduction path section R10 without passing through the second heat exchange section 42. A seventh valve V7 is provided in the second bypass path section R8. The return path portion R7 is a path portion for returning to the hot water tank 20 the heat medium supplied from the first supply path portion R6 to the first heat exchange portion 41 described above.

[0024] The heating unit 30 has a hot water supply facility 32 (heating facility) that heats make-up water from the outside to produce hot water. The heating unit 30 also has a water supply tank 31 that is provided upstream of the hot water supply facility 32 and stores the make-up water introduced from the outside. The make-up water stored in the water supply tank 31 is supplied to the hot water supply facility 32 as needed. The water supply tank 31 is provided with a second water level measuring unit W2 that measures the water level of the make-up water in the water supply tank 31.

[0025] A second inlet path R21 for introducing makeup water from the outside is connected to the water supply tank 31. That is, makeup water from the outside is introduced into the water supply tank 31 through the second inlet path R21. The makeup water heading toward the water supply tank 31 in the second inlet path R21 passes through a first heat exchanger 41, which will be described later. A ninth valve V9 is provided in the second inlet path R21. In FIG. 1, the ninth valve V9 is located upstream of the first heat exchanger 41, but may be located downstream of the first heat exchanger 41, for example. In addition, a fourth temperature measuring unit T4 is provided upstream of the first heat exchanger 41 in the second inlet path R21. The fourth temperature measuring unit T4 measures the temperature of the makeup water heading toward the first heat exchanger 41.

[0026] A circulation path section R23 is connected to the hot water supply equipment 32. The circulation path section R23 is a path section that passes hot water discharged from the hot water supply equipment 32 through the second heat exchange section 42 and returns it to the hot water supply equipment 32. An external supply path section R24 is connected to a portion of the circulation path section R23 that faces the second heat exchange section 42 from the hot water supply equipment 32. The external supply path section R24 is a path section for supplying hot water produced in the hot water supply equipment 32 to the outside. A second pump P2 is provided upstream (toward the hot water supply equipment 32) of the branch point of the circulation path section R23 with the external supply path section R24. The second pump P2 pumps hot water discharged from the hot water supply equipment 32 toward the second heat exchange section 42 and the outside.

[0027] An eleventh valve V11 is provided in the circulation path section R23. The eleventh valve V11 is provided downstream (toward the second heat exchange section 42) of the branch point with the external supply path section R24 in the circulation path section R23. In Fig. 1, the eleventh valve V11 is located at a portion of the circulation path section R23 that leads from the hot water supply equipment 32 to the second heat exchange section 42, but may be located at a portion of the circulation path section R23 that leads from the second heat exchange section 42 to the hot water supply equipment 32, for example. A twelfth valve V12 is provided in the external supply path section R24. By opening the twelfth valve V12, hot water produced in the hot water supply equipment 32 can be supplied to the outside. The opening and closing of the twelfth valve V12 may be controlled by the control device 50, but is not limited to this.

[0028] The first heat exchange section 41 exchanges heat between the heat medium supplied from the hot water tank 20 and make-up water introduced from the outside. The first heat exchange section 41 is a heat exchange section intended to heat the make-up water before it is supplied to the heating section 30, by the heat medium heated in the alloy tank 10 and stored in the hot water tank 20.

[0029] The second heat exchange section 42 exchanges heat between the hot water produced by the hot water supply equipment 32 and the heat medium supplied from the hot water tank 20. The second heat exchange section 42 is a heat exchange section intended to heat the heat medium that is introduced again from the hot water tank 20 to the alloy tank 10 by the hot water produced by the hot water supply equipment 32.

[0030] A reintroduction path section R10 is connected to the second heat exchange section 42. The reintroduction path section R10 is mainly a path section for reintroducing the heat medium, which is supplied from the hot water tank 20 to the second heat exchange section 42 and heated in the second heat exchange section 42, into the alloy tank 10. The reintroduction path section R10 also functions as a path section for reintroducing the heat medium discharged from the hot water tank 20 into the alloy tank 10.

[0031] The control device 50 controls the operation of the hydrogen storage system 1. The control is appropriately performed according to the absorption or release of hydrogen into or from the hydrogen storage alloy in the alloy tank 10. The control is also appropriately performed according to the measurement results of the temperature measurement units T1 to T4, T6, the pressure measurement unit PM1, and the water level measurement units W1, W2. The control by the control device 50 will be specifically described below.

[0032] The control device 50 allows heat exchange in the first heat exchanger 41 between the heat medium discharged from the hot water tank 20 and the make-up water before being supplied to the heating unit 30 during hydrogen absorption in which hydrogen is absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy in the alloy tank 10. That is, the control device 50 heats (preheats) the make-up water before being supplied to the heating unit 30 by the heat medium discharged from the hot water tank 20 in the first heat exchanger 41 during hydrogen absorption. Specifically, the control device 50 opens the eighth valve V8 when the temperature of the hot water tank 20 (heat medium) measured by the sixth temperature measuring unit T6 is higher than the temperature of the make-up water toward the first heat exchanger 41 measured by the fourth temperature measuring unit T4. This allows the heat medium discharged from the hot water tank 20 to be introduced into the first heat exchanger 41, and the make-up water is heated by the heat medium in the first heat exchanger 41. Therefore, the heat (exhaust heat) discharged from the alloy tank 10 by the heat medium during hydrogen absorption is used to produce hot water in the heating unit 30. The control device 50 closes the eighth valve V8 when the temperature of the hot water tank 20 (heat medium) measured by the sixth temperature measurement unit T6 is equal to or lower than the temperature of the make-up water flowing to the first heat exchange unit 41 measured by the fourth temperature measurement unit T4. This makes it possible to prevent the make-up water from being cooled by the heat medium in the first heat exchange unit 41.

[0033] In addition, the control device 50 prevents heat exchange between the hot water from the hot water supply equipment 32 and the heat medium from the hot water tank 20 in the second heat exchange unit 42 during hydrogen absorption. That is, the control device 50 prevents the heat medium from the hot water tank 20 from being heated by the hot water from the hot water supply equipment 32 in the second heat exchange unit 42 during hydrogen absorption. In addition, the control device 50 prevents the heat medium in the hot water tank 20 from being reintroduced into the alloy tank 10 during hydrogen absorption. Specifically, the control device 50 closes the seventh valve V7, the tenth valve V10, and the eleventh valve V11 to prevent the heat medium from being heated in the second heat exchange unit 42 and the heat medium in the hot water tank 20 from being reintroduced into the alloy tank 10. This makes it possible to prevent the hydrogen storage alloy in the alloy tank 10 from being heated by the heat medium with a high temperature during hydrogen absorption. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress a decrease in the absorption rate of hydrogen into the hydrogen storage alloy.

[0034] In addition, when the temperature of the heat medium measured by the first temperature measuring unit T1 on the upstream side of the alloy tank 10 during hydrogen absorption is equal to or lower than the temperature of the alloy tank 10 measured by the second temperature measuring unit T2, the control device 50 passes the heat medium through the alloy tank 10. Specifically, the control device 50 opens the first and second valves V1 and V2 and closes the third valve V3 to introduce city water or well water as a low-temperature heat medium into the alloy tank 10. As a result, during hydrogen absorption, the hydrogen storage alloy in the alloy tank 10 is cooled by the heat medium introduced into the alloy tank 10. Therefore, hydrogen can be efficiently absorbed into the hydrogen storage alloy. Furthermore, when the temperature of the heat medium measured by the first temperature measuring unit T1 is higher than the temperature of the alloy tank 10 measured by the second temperature measuring unit T2 during hydrogen absorption, the control device 50 passes the heat medium through the first bypass path section R2 to prevent the heat medium from being introduced into the alloy tank 10. Specifically, the control device 50 opens the first and third valves V1 and V3 and closes the second valve V2 to prevent the heat medium from being passed through the first bypass path section R2 and introduced into the alloy tank 10. This effectively prevents a decrease in the rate at which hydrogen is absorbed into the hydrogen storage alloy.

[0035] Furthermore, during hydrogen absorption, the control device 50 cools the hydrogen storage alloy by passing a heat medium that is equal to or lower than the temperature of the alloy tank 10 through the alloy tank 10 so that the pressure in the alloy tank 10 is less than a predetermined threshold (e.g., 1 MPaG) based on the pressure in the alloy tank 10 measured by the pressure measuring unit PM1. In this regard, during hydrogen absorption, the pressure in the alloy tank 10 increases together with the temperature of the alloy tank 10. Therefore, by cooling the hydrogen storage alloy, the temperature rise of the alloy tank 10 and the associated pressure rise in the alloy tank 10 can be suppressed. In order to suppress the pressure in the alloy tank 10 to be less than the predetermined threshold, the control device 50 may control the opening and closing of the first to third valves V1 to V3, as in the above-mentioned case. By keeping the pressure inside the alloy tank 10 below a predetermined threshold, the rate at which hydrogen is absorbed into the hydrogen storage alloy can be maintained at a high level.

[0036] In addition, the control device 50 allows the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 to be introduced into the hot water tank 20 during hydrogen absorption. In fact, the control device 50 allows the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 to be introduced into the hot water tank 20 when the temperature of the heat medium measured by the third temperature measurement unit T3 during hydrogen absorption is equal to or higher than the temperature of the hot water tank 20 measured by the sixth temperature measurement unit T6. Specifically, the control device 50 opens the fifth valve V5 and closes the fourth valve V4 to introduce the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 into the hot water tank 20. This allows the temperature of the hot water tank 20 to be maintained or increased by the heat medium introduced from the alloy tank 10 into the hot water tank 20. In addition, when the temperature of the heat medium measured by the third temperature measuring unit T3 during hydrogen absorption is lower than the temperature of the makeup water measured by the sixth temperature measuring unit T6, the control unit 50 prevents the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 from being introduced into the hot water tank 20. Specifically, the control unit 50 closes the fifth valve V5 and opens the fourth valve V4 to prevent the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 from being introduced into the hot water tank 20. This prevents the temperature of the hot water tank 20 from being lowered by the heat medium introduced from the alloy tank 10 into the hot water tank 20. In this case, the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 is discharged to the outside through the first external discharge path R4.

[0037] Furthermore, the control device 50 controls the introduction of the heat medium into the hot water tank 20 during hydrogen absorption so that the heat medium is not introduced into the hot water tank 20 in an amount that exceeds the capacity of the hot water tank 20. Specifically, the control device 50 closes the sixth valve V6 when the water level of the hot water tank 20 measured by the first water level measurement unit W1 is lower than the water level when the tank is full. Furthermore, the control device 50 opens the sixth valve V6 when the water level of the hot water tank 20 measured by the first water level measurement unit W1 is equivalent to the water level when the tank is full, and discharges a portion of the heat medium stored in the hot water tank 20 to the outside. This makes it possible to prevent the heat medium from being excessively introduced into the hot water tank 20.

[0038] Furthermore, the control device 50 controls the introduction of makeup water into the water supply tank 31 during hydrogen absorption so that makeup water exceeding the capacity of the water supply tank 31 is not introduced into the water supply tank 31. Specifically, when the water level of the water supply tank 31 measured by the second water level measurement unit W2 is lower than the water level when the tank is full, the control device 50 opens the ninth valve V9 so that makeup water is introduced into the water supply tank 31. When the water level of the water supply tank 31 measured by the second water level measurement unit W2 is equivalent to the water level when the tank is full, the control device 50 closes the ninth valve V9 so that makeup water is not introduced into the water supply tank 31. This makes it possible to prevent makeup water from being excessively introduced into the water supply tank 31.

[0039] Table 1 briefly shows the opening and closing control of the valves V1 to V11 performed by the control device 50 during the above-mentioned hydrogen storage.

[0040] [Table 1]

[0041] The control device 50 controls the operation of the hydrogen storage system 1 so that when hydrogen is released from the hydrogen storage alloy in the alloy tank 10, the heat medium stored in the hot water tank 20 is used to heat the alloy tank 10 (hydrogen storage alloy). Specifically, when the temperature of the hot water tank 20 (heat medium) measured by the sixth temperature measuring unit T6 is equal to or higher than the temperature of the alloy tank 10 measured by the second temperature measuring unit T2 during hydrogen release, the control device 50 opens the seventh valve V7 and closes the tenth and eleventh valves V10 and V11. This allows the heat medium stored in the hot water tank 20 to be directly introduced into the alloy tank 10. In addition, the heat medium stored in the hot water tank 20 is prevented from being introduced into the second heat exchange unit 42, that is, heat exchange between the hot water from the hot water supply equipment 32 and the heat medium from the hot water tank 20 in the second heat exchange unit 42 is prevented. This allows the alloy tank 10 to be heated only by the heat of the heat medium in the hot water tank 20 without using the heat of the hot water from the hot water supply equipment 32. Then, by heating the alloy tank 10, hydrogen can be efficiently released from the hydrogen storage alloy.

[0042] In addition, when the temperature of the hot water tank 20 (heat medium) measured by the sixth temperature measuring unit T6 is lower than the temperature of the alloy tank 10 measured by the second temperature measuring unit T2 during hydrogen release, the control device 50 closes the seventh valve V7 and opens the tenth and eleventh valves V10 and V11. This allows the heat medium stored in the hot water tank 20 to be introduced into the second heat exchange unit 42, and allows heat exchange between the hot water from the hot water supply equipment 32 and the heat medium from the hot water tank 20 in the second heat exchange unit 42. That is, the heat medium discharged from the hot water tank 20 is heated by the hot water from the hot water supply equipment 32 in the second heat exchange unit 42. In addition, the heat medium stored in the hot water tank 20 is prevented from being directly introduced into the alloy tank 10. This allows the alloy tank 10 to be heated by the heat medium from the hot water tank 20 even if the temperature of the hot water tank 20 is lower than that of the alloy tank 10.

[0043] In addition, the control device 50 prevents heat exchange between the heat medium in the first heat exchanger 41 and the make-up water before being supplied to the heating unit 30 when hydrogen is released. That is, the control device 50 prevents the make-up water before being supplied to the heating unit 30 from being heated by the heat medium discharged from the hot water tank 20 in the first heat exchanger 41 when hydrogen is released, and prevents the temperature of the heat medium returning to the hot water tank 20 from decreasing. Specifically, the control device 50 closes the eighth valve V8 to prevent the heat medium from being supplied from the hot water tank 20 to the first heat exchanger 41. This makes it possible to prevent the low-temperature heat medium from being introduced into the alloy tank 10 and cooling the hydrogen storage alloy in the alloy tank 10 when hydrogen is released. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress a decrease in the release rate of hydrogen from the hydrogen storage alloy.

[0044] In addition, the control device 50 closes the first valve V1 so as to prevent low-temperature city water or well water from being introduced into the alloy tank 10 when hydrogen is released. In addition, when hydrogen is released, if the temperature of the heat medium measured by the first temperature measuring unit T1 on the upstream side of the alloy tank 10 is equal to or higher than the temperature of the alloy tank 10 measured by the second temperature measuring unit T2, the control device 50 passes the heat medium through the alloy tank 10. Specifically, the control device 50 opens the second valve V2 and closes the third valve V3 to introduce a high-temperature heat medium into the alloy tank 10. As a result, when hydrogen is released, the hydrogen storage alloy in the alloy tank 10 is heated by the heat medium introduced into the alloy tank 10. Therefore, hydrogen can be efficiently released from the hydrogen storage alloy. Furthermore, when the temperature of the heat medium measured by the first temperature measuring unit T1 is lower than the temperature of the alloy tank 10 measured by the second temperature measuring unit T2 during hydrogen release, the control device 50 passes the heat medium through the first bypass path section R2 to prevent the heat medium from being introduced into the alloy tank 10. Specifically, the control device 50 opens the third valve V3 and closes the second valve V2 to prevent the heat medium from being passed through the first bypass path section R2 and introduced into the alloy tank 10. This makes it possible to effectively suppress a decrease in the rate at which hydrogen is released from the hydrogen storage alloy.

[0045] In addition, when releasing hydrogen, the control device 50 passes a heat medium, which is equal to or lower than the temperature of the alloy tank 10, through the alloy tank 10 so that the pressure in the alloy tank 10 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold based on the pressure in the alloy tank 10 measured by the pressure measuring unit PM1, thereby cooling the hydrogen storage alloy. Note that the above-mentioned "predetermined threshold" is the lower limit of the pressure required to supply hydrogen to the outside, and may be the minimum pressure required depending on the supply destination and use of hydrogen. In order to make the pressure in the alloy tank 10 equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold, the control device 50 controls the opening and closing of the second and third valves V2 and V3. By maintaining the pressure inside the alloy tank 10 at or above a predetermined threshold, the hydrogen released from the hydrogen storage alloy can be effectively utilized for various destinations and applications.

[0046] Moreover, when hydrogen is released, the control device 50 opens the fifth valve V5, thereby introducing the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 into the hot water tank 20. As a result, when hydrogen is released, the heat medium circulates so as to repeatedly pass through the alloy tank 10 and the hot water tank 20. Moreover, the control device 50 closes the fourth and sixth valves V4 and V6 to prevent the circulating heat medium from decreasing.

[0047] Also, during hydrogen release, as in the case of hydrogen storage, the control device 50 controls the opening and closing of the ninth valve V9 based on the water level of the water supply tank 31 measured by the second water level measuring unit W2.

[0048] Table 2 briefly shows the opening and closing control of the valves V1 to V11 performed by the control device 50 during the above-mentioned hydrogen release.

[0049] [Table 2]

[0050] As described above, in the hydrogen storage system 1 of this embodiment, during hydrogen storage, the heat (exhaust heat) discharged from the alloy tank 10 by the heat medium can be used to produce hot water in the heating section 30. In addition, during hydrogen storage, the heat medium heated in the alloy tank 10 can be stored in the hot water tank 20. When hydrogen is released, the alloy tank 10 (hydrogen storage alloy) can be heated using the heat discharged from the alloy tank 10 during hydrogen storage (the heat of the heat medium stored in the hot water tank 20 and the heat of the make-up water (hot water) preheated using the heat medium). Therefore, when hydrogen is released, the hydrogen storage alloy can be efficiently heated with less energy consumption.

[0051] Furthermore, since the hydrogen storage system 1 of this embodiment includes the hot water tank 20, the alloy tank 10 can be stably heated when hydrogen is released by utilizing the heat of the heat medium stored in the hot water tank 20. Also, the make-up water can be stably heated by utilizing the heat of the heat medium stored in the hot water tank 20.

[0052] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 2. In the following description, configurations common to those already described will be given the same reference numerals and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 2, a hydrogen storage system 1A according to the second embodiment is the same as the hydrogen storage system 1 (see FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment, except for a heating unit 30A and its surrounding structure. In the second embodiment, the heating section 30A has a steam facility 33 (heating facility) that heats make-up water from the outside to produce steam. The heating section 30A also has a water supply tank 31 similar to that of the first embodiment, and make-up water stored in the water supply tank 31 is appropriately supplied to the steam facility 33.

[0054] An external supply path section R25 is connected to the steam facility 33. The external supply path section R25 is a path section for supplying the steam produced in the steam facility 33 to the outside after passing it through the second heat exchange section 42. A thirteenth valve V13 is provided in the external supply path section R25. By opening the thirteenth valve V13, the steam produced in the steam facility 33 can be supplied to the outside. The opening and closing of the thirteenth valve V13 may be controlled by the control device 50, but is not limited to this.

[0055] The control of the operation of the hydrogen storage system 1A of the second embodiment by the control device 50 is similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0056] The hydrogen storage system 1A of the second embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0057] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 3. In the following description, configurations common to those already described will be given the same reference numerals and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 3, the hydrogen storage system 1B according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that it does not include the hot water tank 20 (see Fig. 1). Therefore, the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 is supplied to the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 without passing through the hot water tank 20. In addition, the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 is introduced back into the alloy tank 10 without passing through the hot water tank 20. The hydrogen storage system 1B according to the third embodiment also differs from the first embodiment in that a low-temperature heat medium (cold heat source) such as city water or well water is not introduced from the outside during hydrogen storage. The configuration of a hydrogen storage system 1B according to the third embodiment based on these differences will be described below.

[0059] In the third embodiment, the upstream end of the first introduction path section R1 is connected to the reintroduction path section R10, and does not have an introduction port as in the first embodiment. Therefore, only the heat transfer medium that has passed through the reintroduction path section R10 is introduced into the alloy tank 10.

[0060] In addition, the alloy tank 10 is connected to a first discharge path section through which the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 passes. However, the first discharge path section branches into a first supply path section R11, a second bypass path section R8, and a second supply path section R9. The second bypass path section R8 and the second supply path section R9 are the same as those in the first embodiment. The first supply path section R11 is a path section for supplying the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 to the first heat exchange section 41. The first supply path section R11 is provided with an eighth valve V8 similar to that in the first embodiment.

[0061] The first heat exchange section 41 is connected to the reintroduction path section R10 by the return path section R12. The return path section R12 is a path section for returning the heat medium supplied from the first supply path section R11 to the first heat exchange section 41 to the alloy tank 10 via the reintroduction path section R10. In FIG. 3, the junction of the return path section R12 with the reintroduction path section R10 is located upstream of the junction of the second bypass path section R8, but this is not limited thereto.

[0062] Moreover, the hydrogen storage system 1B of the third embodiment further includes a cooling unit 60. During hydrogen storage, the cooling unit 60 cools the heat medium passing through the reintroduction path section R10 toward the alloy tank 10. The cooling unit 60 includes a third heat exchange section 43, a cold water introduction path section R31, and a cold water discharge path section R32. The third heat exchange section 43 is located in the reintroduction path section R10 downstream of the joining point of the return path section R12 and the second bypass path section R8.

[0063] The cold water introduction path section R31 is connected to the third heat exchange section 43, and is a path section that introduces cold water for cooling the heat medium passing through the reintroduction path section R10 from the outside into the third heat exchange section 43. A fourteenth valve V14 is provided in the cold water introduction path section R31. The cold water discharge path section R32 is connected to the third heat exchange section 43. The cold water discharge path section R32 is a path section for discharging cold water introduced from the cold water inlet path section R31 to the third heat exchange section 43 to the outside. The cold water discharge path section R32 is provided with a third pump P3. The third pump P3 pumps the cold water from the third heat exchange section 43 to the outside. Therefore, when the fourteenth valve V14 is open, the third pump P3 can pass the cold water through the cold water inlet path section R31, the third heat exchange section 43, and the cold water discharge path section R32 in that order.

[0064] In the third embodiment, the control device 50 controls the operation of the hydrogen storage system 1B in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the control by the control device 50 will be specifically described.

[0065] The control device 50 allows heat exchange between the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 in the first heat exchanger 41 and the make-up water before being supplied to the heating unit 30 during hydrogen absorption. That is, the control device 50 heats (preheats) the make-up water before being supplied to the heating unit 30 by the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 in the first heat exchanger 41 during hydrogen absorption. Specifically, the control device 50 opens the eighth valve V8 when the temperature of the heat medium measured by the third temperature measuring unit T3 at the discharge side of the alloy tank 10 is equal to or higher than the temperature of the make-up water toward the first heat exchanger 41 measured by the fourth temperature measuring unit T4. This allows the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 to be introduced into the first heat exchanger 41, and the make-up water is heated by the heat medium in the first heat exchanger 41. Therefore, the heat (exhaust heat) discharged from the alloy tank 10 by the heat medium during hydrogen absorption is used to produce hot water in the heating unit 30. The control device 50 closes the eighth valve V8 when the temperature of the heat medium measured by the third temperature measurement unit T3 is lower than the temperature of the makeup water flowing to the first heat exchange unit 41 measured by the fourth temperature measurement unit T4. This makes it possible to prevent the makeup water from being cooled by the heat medium in the first heat exchange unit 41.

[0066] In addition, the control device 50 prevents heat exchange between the hot water from the hot water supply facility 32 and the heat medium from the alloy tank 10 in the second heat exchange unit 42 during hydrogen absorption. That is, the control device 50 prevents the heat medium from the alloy tank 10 from being heated by the hot water from the hot water supply facility 32 in the second heat exchange unit 42 during hydrogen absorption. Specifically, the control device 50 closes the tenth valve V10 and the eleventh valve V11 to prevent the heat medium from being heated in the second heat exchange unit 42. This makes it possible to prevent the hydrogen storage alloy from being heated by the introduction of a high-temperature heat medium into the alloy tank 10 during hydrogen absorption, and to prevent the cooling unit 60 from consuming a large amount of energy to cool the heat medium to be returned to the alloy tank 10.

[0067] In the hydrogen storage system 1B of the third embodiment, the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 needs to be returned to the alloy tank 10 during hydrogen absorption, but the tenth valve V10 is closed as described above. Therefore, the control device 50 closes the seventh valve V7 when the eighth valve V8 is opened during hydrogen absorption, and opens the seventh valve V7 when the eighth valve V8 is closed.

[0068] Furthermore, during hydrogen absorption, the control device 50 opens the fourteenth valve V14 of the cooling section 60, thereby cooling the heat medium returned to the alloy tank 10 through the reintroduction path section R10 in the third heat exchange section 43. As a result, during hydrogen absorption, the hydrogen storage alloy is cooled by the low-temperature heat medium introduced into the alloy tank 10, and hydrogen can be efficiently absorbed into the hydrogen storage alloy.

[0069] Furthermore, when the temperature of the heat medium measured by the first temperature measuring unit T1 on the upstream side of the alloy tank 10 during hydrogen absorption is equal to or lower than the temperature of the alloy tank 10 measured by the second temperature measuring unit T2, the control device 50 passes the heat medium through the alloy tank 10. Specifically, the control device 50 opens the second valve V2 and closes the third valve V3 to introduce a low-temperature heat medium into the alloy tank 10. As a result, during hydrogen absorption, the hydrogen storage alloy in the alloy tank 10 is cooled by the heat medium introduced into the alloy tank 10, and hydrogen can be efficiently absorbed into the hydrogen storage alloy. Furthermore, when the temperature of the heat medium measured by the first temperature measuring unit T1 is higher than the temperature of the alloy tank 10 measured by the second temperature measuring unit T2 during hydrogen absorption, the control device 50 passes the heat medium through the first bypass path section R2 to prevent the heat medium from being introduced into the alloy tank 10. Specifically, the control device 50 opens the third valve V3 and closes the second valve V2 to prevent the heat medium from being passed through the first bypass path section R2 and introduced into the alloy tank 10. This prevents the hydrogen storage alloy from being heated by the heat medium, and effectively suppresses a decrease in the rate at which hydrogen is absorbed into the hydrogen storage alloy.

[0070] Also, similarly to the first embodiment, the control device 50 cools the hydrogen storage alloy by passing a heat medium at a temperature equal to or lower than the temperature of the alloy tank 10 through the alloy tank 10 so that the pressure in the alloy tank 10 becomes less than a predetermined threshold value (e.g., 1 MPaG) based on the pressure in the alloy tank 10 measured by the pressure measuring unit PM1 during hydrogen storage. In order to keep the pressure in the alloy tank 10 below the predetermined threshold value, the control device 50 may control the opening and closing of the second and third valves V2 and V3.

[0071] In addition, as in the first embodiment, during hydrogen absorption, the control device 50 opens and closes the ninth valve V9 depending on the water level in the water supply tank 31 measured by the second water level measuring unit W2, thereby preventing the amount of make-up water in the water supply tank 31 from becoming excessively low or high.

[0072] Table 3 briefly shows the opening and closing control of the valves V2, V3, V7 to V11, and V14 performed by the control device 50 during the above-mentioned hydrogen storage.

[0073] [Table 3]

[0074] The control device 50 controls the operation of the hydrogen storage system 1B so that the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 is used to heat the alloy tank 10 (hydrogen storage alloy) when hydrogen is released. Specifically, the control device 50 closes the seventh valve V7 and opens the tenth and eleventh valves V10 and V11 when hydrogen is released. This allows the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 to be introduced into the second heat exchanger 42, and allows heat exchange between the hot water from the hot water supply equipment 32 and the heat medium from the alloy tank 10 in the second heat exchanger 42. That is, the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 is heated by the hot water from the hot water supply equipment 32 in the second heat exchanger 42. In addition, the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 is prevented from being directly introduced into the alloy tank 10 without being heated. This allows the alloy tank 10 to be heated by the heat medium flowing in and out of the alloy tank 10.

[0075] Furthermore, the control device 50 prevents heat exchange between the heat medium in the first heat exchanger 41 and the make-up water before being supplied to the heating device 30 when hydrogen is released. That is, the control device 50 prevents the make-up water before being supplied to the heating device 30 from being cooled by the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 in the first heat exchanger 41 when hydrogen is released. Specifically, the control device 50 closes the eighth valve V8 to prevent the heat medium from being supplied from the alloy tank 10 to the first heat exchanger 41. This prevents a drop in the temperature of the make-up water supplied to the heating device 30 when hydrogen is released, and suppresses the energy required for producing hot water in the heating device 30 from increasing.

[0076] Furthermore, the control device 50 closes the fourteenth valve V14 of the cooling section 60 when hydrogen is released. This makes it possible to prevent the heat medium returned to the alloy tank 10 through the reintroduction path section R10 from being cooled in the third heat exchange section 43 when hydrogen is released. This makes it possible to suppress or prevent the hydrogen storage alloy in the alloy tank 10 from being cooled by the low-temperature heat medium. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress a decrease in the rate at which hydrogen is released from the hydrogen storage alloy.

[0077] In addition, when hydrogen is released, if the temperature of the heat medium measured by the first temperature measuring unit T1 on the upstream side of the alloy tank 10 is equal to or higher than the temperature of the alloy tank 10 measured by the second temperature measuring unit T2, the control device 50 passes the heat medium through the alloy tank 10. Specifically, the control device 50 opens the second valve V2 and closes the third valve V3 to introduce a high-temperature heat medium into the alloy tank 10. As a result, when hydrogen is released, the hydrogen storage alloy in the alloy tank 10 is heated by the heat medium introduced into the alloy tank 10. Therefore, hydrogen can be efficiently released from the hydrogen storage alloy. Furthermore, when the temperature of the heat medium measured by the first temperature measuring unit T1 is lower than the temperature of the alloy tank 10 measured by the second temperature measuring unit T2 during hydrogen release, the control device 50 passes the heat medium through the first bypass path section R2 to prevent the heat medium from being introduced into the alloy tank 10. Specifically, the control device 50 opens the third valve V3 and closes the second valve V2 to prevent the heat medium from being passed through the first bypass path section R2 and introduced into the alloy tank 10. This makes it possible to effectively suppress a decrease in the rate at which hydrogen is released from the hydrogen storage alloy.

[0078] Also, similarly to the first embodiment, when releasing hydrogen, the control device 50 passes a heat medium having a temperature equal to or higher than the alloy tank 10 through the alloy tank 10 to heat the hydrogen storage alloy so that the pressure in the alloy tank 10 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold (pressure required to supply hydrogen to the outside) based on the pressure in the alloy tank 10 measured by the pressure measuring unit PM1. In order to make the pressure in the alloy tank 10 equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold, the control device 50 may control the opening and closing of the second and third valves V2 and V3.

[0079] Furthermore, even during hydrogen release, the control device 50 controls the opening and closing of the ninth valve V9 based on the water level of the water supply tank 31 measured by the second water level measuring unit W2.

[0080] Table 4 briefly shows the opening and closing control of the valves V2, V3, V7 to V11, and V14 performed by the control device 50 during the above-mentioned hydrogen release.

[0081] [Table 4]

[0082] The hydrogen storage system 1B of the third embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment. That is, when hydrogen is absorbed, the heat (exhaust heat) discharged from the alloy tank 10 by the heat medium can be used to produce hot water in the heating section 30. When hydrogen is released, the alloy tank 10 (hydrogen storage alloy) can be heated using the heat of the make-up water (hot water) preheated using the heat medium, that is, the heat discharged from the alloy tank 10 during hydrogen absorption. Therefore, when hydrogen is released, the hydrogen storage alloy can be efficiently heated with less energy consumption.

[0083] Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 4. In the following description, configurations common to those already described will be given the same reference numerals and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 4, the hydrogen storage system 1C according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the hydrogen storage system 1B according to the third embodiment (see Fig. 3) except for the heating unit 30A and its surrounding structure. The heating unit 30A and its surrounding structure in the fourth embodiment are the same as those in the second embodiment.

[0085] The control of the operation of the hydrogen storage system 1C of the fourth embodiment by the control device 50 is similar to that of the third embodiment. Therefore, the hydrogen storage system 1C of the fourth embodiment has the same effects as the third embodiment.

[0086] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0087] In the hydrogen storage system of the present invention, the heating section 30, 30A may not include, for example, the water supply tank 31. In this case, the second introduction path section R21 is directly connected to the heating equipment (hot water supply equipment 32, steam equipment 33). As a result, makeup water introduced from the outside is introduced into the heating equipment after passing through the first heat exchange section 41. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C Hydrogen Storage System 10 Alloy Tank 20 Hot Water Tank 30,30A heating section 32 Hot water equipment (heating equipment) 33 Steam equipment (heating equipment) 41 First heat exchange section 42 Second heat exchange section 50 Control device PM1 Pressure measurement unit R1 First introduction path R2 First bypass route R3 Connection path (first exhaust path) R10 Reintroduction pathway R11 First supply path section (first exhaust path section) T1 First temperature measurement section T2 Second temperature measuring section T3 Third temperature measurement section (fifth temperature measurement section) T4 Fourth temperature measuring section T6 Sixth temperature measurement section

Claims

1. an alloy tank containing a hydrogen storage alloy capable of absorbing hydrogen and through which a heat medium passes for exchanging heat with the hydrogen storage alloy; A heating unit including a heating device for heating make-up water from the outside to produce hot water or steam; a first heat exchange section that performs heat exchange between the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank and the make-up water before being supplied to the heating equipment; a second heat exchange section that performs heat exchange between the hot water or steam produced in the heating equipment and the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank; a reintroduction path section for reintroducing the heat medium heated in the second heat exchange section into the alloy tank; a control device which, when hydrogen is absorbed into the hydrogen storage alloy, allows heat exchange in the first heat exchange unit between the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank and the make-up water before being supplied to the heating equipment, and which, when hydrogen is released from the hydrogen storage alloy, allows heat exchange in the second heat exchange unit between the hot water or the steam and the heat medium.

2. The hydrogen storage system according to claim 1 , wherein the control device prevents heat exchange between the hot water or the steam and the heat medium in the second heat exchange section during the hydrogen storage.

3. The hydrogen storage system according to claim 1 , wherein the control device prevents heat exchange between the heat medium in the first heat exchange section and the make-up water before being supplied to the heating equipment when the hydrogen is released.

4. a third temperature measuring unit for measuring the temperature of the heat transfer medium discharged from the alloy tank; a fourth temperature measuring unit that measures the temperature of the makeup water flowing toward the first heat exchange unit; The control device includes: during the hydrogen absorption, when the temperature of the heat medium measured by the third temperature measurement unit is equal to or higher than the temperature of the make-up water measured by the fourth temperature measurement unit, the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank is allowed to be introduced into the first heat exchange unit; 2. The hydrogen storage system of claim 1, wherein, during hydrogen absorption, if the temperature of the heat medium measured by the third temperature measurement unit is lower than the temperature of the make-up water measured by the fourth temperature measurement unit, the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank is prevented from being introduced into the first heat exchange unit.

5. an introduction path through which the heat transfer medium passes to be introduced into the alloy tank; a discharge path through which the heat transfer medium discharged from the alloy tank passes; a bypass path portion branching from the introduction path portion and connected to the exhaust path portion; a first temperature measurement unit that measures a temperature of the heat medium passing through the introduction path portion before a branch point with the bypass path portion; A second temperature measuring unit that measures the temperature of the alloy tank, The control device includes: When the temperature of the heat medium measured by the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or lower than the temperature of the alloy tank measured by the second temperature measuring unit during the hydrogen absorption, the heat medium is passed through the alloy tank; 2. The hydrogen storage system of claim 1, wherein, during hydrogen absorption, if the temperature of the heat medium measured by the first temperature measuring unit is higher than the temperature of the alloy tank measured by the second temperature measuring unit, the heat medium is passed through the bypass path unit to prevent the heat medium from being introduced into the alloy tank.

6. a pressure measuring unit for measuring a pressure in the alloy tank; The hydrogen storage system of claim 5, wherein the control device cools the hydrogen storage alloy by passing the heat medium, which is at or below the temperature of the alloy tank, through the alloy tank so that the pressure in the alloy tank measured by the pressure measuring unit becomes less than a predetermined threshold during hydrogen absorption.

7. an introduction path through which the heat transfer medium passes to be introduced into the alloy tank; a discharge path through which the heat transfer medium discharged from the alloy tank passes; a bypass path portion branching from the introduction path portion and connected to the exhaust path portion; a first temperature measurement unit that measures a temperature of the heat medium passing through the introduction path portion before a branch point with the bypass path portion; A second temperature measuring unit that measures the temperature of the alloy tank, The control device includes: When the hydrogen is released, if the temperature of the heat medium measured by the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or higher than the temperature of the alloy tank measured by the second temperature measuring unit, the heat medium is passed through the alloy tank; A hydrogen storage system as described in claim 1, wherein, during the hydrogen release, if the temperature of the heat medium measured by the first temperature measuring unit is lower than the temperature of the alloy tank measured by the second temperature measuring unit, the heat medium is passed through the bypass path unit to prevent the heat medium from being introduced into the alloy tank.

8. a pressure measuring unit for measuring a pressure in the alloy tank; The hydrogen storage system of claim 7, wherein the control device heats the hydrogen storage alloy by passing the heat medium, which is at a temperature equal to or higher than the temperature of the alloy tank, through the alloy tank so that the pressure in the alloy tank measured by the pressure measuring unit becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value during the hydrogen release.

9. 2. The hydrogen storage system according to claim 1, further comprising a hot water tank provided between the alloy tank and the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section, for storing the heat medium heated in the alloy tank and discharged, and for supplying the stored heat medium to the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section.

10. The hydrogen storage system of claim 9, wherein the control device allows the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank to be introduced into the hot water tank during the hydrogen absorption, and allows the heat medium stored in the hot water tank to be directly introduced into the alloy tank during the hydrogen release.

11. a fifth temperature measuring unit that measures the temperature of the heat medium between the alloy tank and the hot water tank; A sixth temperature measuring unit that measures the temperature of the hot water tank, The control device includes: during the hydrogen absorption, when the temperature of the heat medium measured by the fifth temperature measuring unit is equal to or higher than the temperature of the hot water tank measured by the sixth temperature measuring unit, the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank is allowed to be introduced into the hot water tank; 10. The hydrogen storage system of claim 9, further comprising: a heat transfer medium supplying portion that receives the heat transfer medium from the alloy tank and ...

12. A second temperature measuring unit for measuring a temperature of the alloy tank; A sixth temperature measuring unit that measures the temperature of the hot water tank, The control device includes: When the hydrogen is released, if the temperature of the hot water tank measured by the sixth temperature measurement unit is equal to or higher than the temperature of the alloy tank measured by the second temperature measurement unit, the heat medium stored in the hot water tank is allowed to be directly introduced into the alloy tank, and the heat medium stored in the hot water tank is prevented from being introduced into the second heat exchange unit; A hydrogen storage system as described in claim 9, which prevents the heat medium stored in the hot water tank from being directly introduced into the alloy tank when the temperature of the hot water tank measured by the sixth temperature measurement unit is lower than the temperature of the alloy tank measured by the second temperature measurement unit during hydrogen release, and allows the heat medium stored in the hot water tank to be introduced into the second heat exchange unit.

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