Hydrogen storage system and hydrogen absorption release method

Abstract

To provide a hydrogen storage system which can supply and receive the hydrogen at all times.SOLUTION: A hydrogen storage system 1 is provided, comprising: a plurality of alloy tank 10 in each of which hydrogen-storable hydrogen storage alloy is enclosed and through which a cool heat medium and hot heat medium pass; a hydrogen storage discharge portion 20 which has a reception port 21 for receiving the hydrogen from outside and a supply port 22 supplying the hydrogen to outside, and which can switch the connection-target of each of the plurality of alloy tanks between the reception port and the supply port; a cold thermal system 30 for supplying the cool heat medium to the plurality of alloy tanks; a hot thermal system 40 for supplying the hot heat medium to the plurality of alloy tanks; a heat medium supply switching portion 50 which is provided between the plurality of alloy tanks and the cold thermal system and the hot thermal system, and which can switch between the cold thermal system and the hot thermal system to be connected to the plurality of alloy tanks; and a control device 60 controlling the operations of the hydrogen storage discharge portion and the heat medium switching portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Storing hydrogen using a hydrogen storage alloy is known as a method of storing hydrogen. When hydrogen is absorbed into a hydrogen storage alloy, an exothermic reaction occurs, and when hydrogen is released from the hydrogen storage alloy, an endothermic reaction occurs. For this reason, the hydrogen storage alloy must be cooled when it is absorbed into the alloy. On the other hand, when hydrogen is released from the hydrogen storage alloy, the hydrogen storage alloy must be heated. By sealing the hydrogen storage alloy inside an alloy tank and running a heat transfer medium (a cold or hot transfer medium) through the alloy tank to cool or heat the hydrogen storage alloy inside the alloy tank, it is possible to store or release hydrogen into the hydrogen storage alloy.

[0003] Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a hydrogen storage system (hydrogen supply facility) having two alloy tanks. In the hydrogen storage systems of Patent Documents 1 and 2, when the hydrogen storage alloy in one alloy tank absorbs hydrogen, the heat generated by one alloy tank is used to warm the other alloy tank, facilitating the release of hydrogen from the hydrogen storage alloy in the other alloy tank. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-219152 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-189511 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, it is desirable for a hydrogen storage system having a hydrogen storage alloy to be able to constantly supply hydrogen and / or constantly receive hydrogen. However, the hydrogen storage systems of Patent Documents 1 and 2 cannot constantly supply or receive hydrogen.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen storage system and a hydrogen absorption and release method that enable a constant supply and reception of hydrogen. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is a hydrogen storage system comprising: a plurality of alloy tanks, each of which contains a hydrogen storage alloy capable of absorbing hydrogen, and through which a cold / heat medium for cooling the hydrogen storage alloy and a hot / heat medium for heating the hydrogen storage alloy pass; a hydrogen absorption / release unit having an inlet for receiving hydrogen from the outside and a supply port for supplying hydrogen to the outside, and capable of switching the connection of each of the plurality of alloy tanks to at least the inlet and the supply port; a cold / heat system for supplying the cold / heat medium to the plurality of alloy tanks; a hot / heat system for supplying the hot / heat medium to the plurality of alloy tanks; a heat medium supply switching unit provided between the plurality of alloy tanks and the cold / heat system and the hot system, and capable of switching the connection of each of the plurality of alloy tanks to at least the cold / heat system and the hot system; and a control device for controlling the operation of the hydrogen absorption / release unit and the heat medium supply switching unit.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is a hydrogen absorption / release method using the hydrogen storage system, comprising the steps of: controlling the operation of the hydrogen absorption / release section by the control device to connect a predetermined alloy tank among the plurality of alloy tanks to the supply port and to connect another alloy tank among the plurality of alloy tanks to the receiving port; and controlling the operation of the heat medium supply switching section by the control device to connect the predetermined alloy tank to the hot system and to connect the other alloy tank to the cold system, thereby heating the predetermined alloy tank by the hot medium, promoting the release of the hydrogen from the predetermined alloy tank, and cooling the other alloy tank by the cold medium, promoting the introduction of the hydrogen into the other alloy tank; This is a hydrogen absorption and release method in which, when the stored amount falls below a predetermined value, the control device controls the operation of the hydrogen absorption and release unit and the heat medium supply switching unit to connect the other alloy tank to the supply port and the hot heating system, thereby entering a second state in which the multiple alloy tanks are heated by the hot heating medium and the release of the hydrogen from the multiple alloy tanks is promoted, and after the second state, the control device further controls the operation of the hydrogen absorption and release unit and the heat medium supply switching unit to connect the specified alloy tank to the receiving port and the cold heating system, thereby cooling the specified alloy tank by the cold heating medium and promoting the introduction of the hydrogen into the specified alloy tank, and the other alloy tank is heated by the hot heating medium and the release of the hydrogen from the other alloy tank is promoted.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention is a method for absorbing and releasing hydrogen using the hydrogen storage system, comprising the steps of: controlling the operation of the hydrogen absorbing and releasing unit by the control device to connect a predetermined alloy tank among the plurality of alloy tanks to the receiving port and to connect another alloy tank among the plurality of alloy tanks to the supply port; and controlling the operation of the heat medium supply switching unit by the control device to connect the predetermined alloy tank to the cold system and to connect the other alloy tank to the hot system, thereby cooling the predetermined alloy tank by the cold medium, promoting the introduction of the hydrogen into the predetermined alloy tank, and heating the other alloy tank by the hot medium, promoting the release of the hydrogen from the other alloy tank; This is a hydrogen absorption and release method in which, when the stored amount reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, the control device controls the operation of the hydrogen absorption and release unit and the heat medium supply switching unit to connect the other alloy tank to the receiving port and the cold heating system, thereby entering a second state in which the multiple alloy tanks are cooled by the hot heating medium and the introduction of the hydrogen into the multiple alloy tanks is promoted, and after the second state, the control device further controls the operation of the hydrogen absorption and release unit and the heat medium supply switching unit to connect the specified alloy tank to the supply port and the hot heating system, thereby heating the specified alloy tank by the hot heating medium and promoting the release of the hydrogen from the specified alloy tank, and the other alloy tank is cooled by the cold heating medium and promoting the introduction of the hydrogen into the other alloy tank, entering a third state. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, a hydrogen storage system can continuously supply and receive hydrogen. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a hydrogen storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen storage system 1 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of alloy tanks 10 (10A, 10B), a hydrogen absorption / release section 20, a cold system 30, a hot system 40, a heat medium supply switching section 50, and a control device 60.

[0013] Each of the alloy tanks 10 contains a hydrogen storage alloy (not shown) 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.

[0014] Each alloy tank 10 is configured to allow a cold medium and a hot medium to pass through for heat exchange with the hydrogen storage alloy. The cold medium is a heat medium that cools the hydrogen storage alloy. The hot medium is a heat medium that heats the hydrogen storage alloy. These cold medium and hot medium may be fluids, but in this embodiment, they are liquids. The alloy tank 10 is connected to a heat medium inlet path 11 through which the heat medium introduced into the alloy tank 10 flows, and a heat medium outlet path 12 through which the heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 flows.

[0015] In this embodiment, the number of alloy tanks 10 is two, but may be three or more. In the following description, the number of alloy tanks 10 is two, and one alloy tank 10A is called the first alloy tank 10A, and the other alloy tank 10B is called the second alloy tank 10B. In addition, the heat medium introduction path 11 and the heat medium discharge path 12 connected to the first alloy tank 10A are called the first heat medium introduction path 11A and the first heat medium discharge path 12A, respectively. In addition, the heat medium introduction path 11 and the heat medium discharge path 12 connected to the second alloy tank 10B are called the second heat medium introduction path 11B and the second heat medium discharge path 12B, respectively.

[0016] The hydrogen absorbing / releasing unit 20 has an inlet 21 for receiving hydrogen from the outside, and a supply port 22 for supplying hydrogen to the outside. The hydrogen absorbing / releasing unit 20 can switch the connection destination of each of the multiple alloy tanks 10 to at least the inlet 21 and the supply port 22. For example, when the alloy tank 10 is connected to the inlet 21, hydrogen can be introduced into the alloy tank 10. Also, when the alloy tank 10 is connected to the supply port 22, hydrogen can be released from the alloy tank 10. The hydrogen absorbing / releasing unit 20 of this embodiment can also be configured so that each of the multiple alloy tanks 10 is not connected to either the inlet 21 or the supply port 22.

[0017] Specifically, the hydrogen absorption and release section 20 of this embodiment has a first tank hydrogen passage 23, a second tank hydrogen passage 24, a first hydrogen receiving passage 25, a first hydrogen supply passage 26, a second hydrogen receiving passage 27, and a second hydrogen supply passage 28.

[0018] The first tank hydrogen path 23 is a path that extends from the first alloy tank 10A and through which hydrogen flows. The first tank hydrogen path 23 can be a path for introducing hydrogen into the first alloy tank 10A and a path for releasing hydrogen from the first alloy tank 10A. The first tank hydrogen path 23 is provided with a ninth valve V9. The second tank hydrogen path 24 is a path that extends from the second alloy tank 10B and through which hydrogen flows. The second tank hydrogen path 24 can be a path for introducing hydrogen into the second alloy tank 10B and a path for releasing hydrogen from the second alloy tank 10B.

[0019] The first hydrogen receiving passage 25 connects the inlet 21 and the first tank hydrogen passage 23. Specifically, the end of the first hydrogen receiving passage 25 extending from the inlet 21 is connected to the end of the first tank hydrogen passage 23. In the first hydrogen receiving passage 25, hydrogen flows from the inlet 21 toward the first tank hydrogen passage 23. An eleventh valve V11 is provided in the first hydrogen receiving passage 25. The first hydrogen supply passage 26 connects the supply port 22 and the first tank hydrogen passage 23. Specifically, the end of the first hydrogen supply passage 26 extending from the supply port 22 is connected to the end of the first tank hydrogen passage 23, similar to the first hydrogen receiving passage 25. In the first hydrogen supply passage 26, hydrogen flows from the first tank hydrogen passage 23 toward the supply port 22. A thirteenth valve V13 is provided in the first hydrogen supply passage 26.

[0020] The second hydrogen receiving passage 27 connects the inlet 21 and the second tank hydrogen passage 24. Specifically, the second hydrogen receiving passage 27 branches off from the first hydrogen receiving passage 25 at a location between the eleventh valve V11 and the inlet 21. The end of the second hydrogen receiving passage 27 extending from the first hydrogen receiving passage 25 is connected to the end of the second tank hydrogen passage 24. In the second hydrogen receiving passage 27, hydrogen flows from the inlet 21 side toward the second tank hydrogen passage 24. A tenth valve V10 is provided in the second hydrogen receiving passage 27. The second hydrogen supply passage 28 connects the second tank hydrogen passage 24 and the supply port 22. Specifically, the second hydrogen supply passage 28 extends from the end of the second tank hydrogen passage 24 and is connected to a portion of the first hydrogen supply passage 26 between the thirteenth valve V13 and the supply port 22. In the second hydrogen supply passage 28, hydrogen flows from the second tank hydrogen passage 24 toward the supply port 22. A twelfth valve V12 is provided in the second hydrogen supply passage 28.

[0021] The cold system 30 is for supplying a cold medium to a plurality of alloy tanks 10. The cold system 30 has a cold supply path 31 and a cold recovery path 32. The cold supply path 31 is a path for flowing the cold medium toward the alloy tank 10. The cold supply path 31 is provided with a cold pump P1 for flowing the cold medium toward the alloy tank 10. The cold recovery path 32 is a path for recovering the cold medium discharged from the alloy tank 10. Although not shown, the cold system 30 has a cooling unit connected to the cold supply path 31 and the cold recovery path 32 to cool the cold medium. The cooling unit cools the cold medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 and arriving through the cold recovery path 32. The cooled cold medium is supplied from the cooling unit to the alloy tank 10 through the cold supply path 31.

[0022] The hot heat system 40 is for supplying a hot heat medium to a plurality of alloy tanks 10. The hot heat system 40 has a hot heat supply path 41 and a hot heat recovery path 42. The hot heat supply path 41 is a path for flowing the hot heat medium toward the alloy tank 10. The hot heat supply path 41 is provided with a hot heat pump P2 for flowing the hot heat medium toward the alloy tank 10. The hot heat recovery path 42 is a path for recovering the hot heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10. Although not shown, the hot heat system 40 has a heating unit connected to the hot heat supply path 41 and the hot heat recovery path 42 to heat the hot heat medium. The heating unit heats the hot heat medium discharged from the alloy tank 10 and arriving through the hot heat recovery path 42. The heated hot heat medium is supplied from the heating unit through the hot heat supply path 41 to the alloy tank 10.

[0023] The heat medium supply switching unit 50 is provided between the multiple alloy tanks 10 and the cold system 30 and the hot system 40. The heat medium supply switching unit 50 can switch the connection destination of each of the multiple alloy tanks 10 to at least the cold system 30 and the hot system 40. For example, when the alloy tank 10 is connected to the cold system 30, a cold medium can be supplied to the alloy tank 10. When the alloy tank 10 is connected to the hot system 40, a hot medium can be supplied to the alloy tank 10. The heat medium supply switching unit 50 of this embodiment can also prevent each of the multiple alloy tanks 10 from being connected to either the cold system 30 or the hot system 40. In other words, it can also prevent the cold medium and hot medium from being supplied to the alloy tank 10.

[0024] Specifically, the heat medium supply switching unit 50 of this embodiment has a first cold heat introduction path 51 and a first cold heat exhaust path 52, a second hot heat introduction path 53 and a second hot heat exhaust path 54, a second cold heat introduction path 55 and a second cold heat exhaust path 56, and a first hot heat introduction path 57 and a first hot heat exhaust path 58.

[0025] The first cold heat introduction path 51 and the first cold heat discharge path 52 are paths for passing the cold heat medium of the cold heat system 30 through the first alloy tank 10A. The first cold heat introduction path 51 connects the first heat medium introduction path 11A of the first alloy tank 10A to the cold heat supply path 31 of the cold heat system 30. The first cold heat introduction path 51 is provided with a third valve V3. The first cold heat discharge path 52 connects the first heat medium discharge path 12A of the first alloy tank 10A to the cold heat recovery path 32 of the cold heat system 30. The first cold heat discharge path 52 is provided with a fourth valve V4. When the third and fourth valves V3 and V4 are open, the cold heat medium can be passed through the first alloy tank 10A.

[0026] The second hot heat introduction path 53 and the second hot heat discharge path 54 are paths for passing the hot heat medium of the hot heat system 40 through the second alloy tank 10B. The second hot heat introduction path 53 connects the second heat medium introduction path 11B of the second alloy tank 10B to the hot heat supply path 41 of the hot heat system 40. The second hot heat introduction path 53 is provided with a seventh valve V7. The second hot heat discharge path 54 connects the second heat medium discharge path 12B of the second alloy tank 10B to the hot heat recovery path 42 of the hot heat system 40. The second hot heat discharge path 54 is provided with an eighth valve V8. When the seventh and eighth valves V7 and V8 are open, the hot heat medium can be passed through the second alloy tank 10B.

[0027] The second cold heat introduction path 55 and the second cold heat discharge path 56 are paths for passing the cold heat medium of the cold heat system 30 through the second alloy tank 10B. The second cold heat introduction path 55 connects the second heat medium introduction path 11B of the second alloy tank 10B to the cold heat supply path 31 of the cold heat system 30. Specifically, the second cold heat introduction path 55 extends from the connection point between the cold heat supply path 31 and the first cold heat introduction path 51 to the connection point between the second hot heat introduction path 53 and the second heat medium introduction path 11B. The second cold heat introduction path 55 is provided with a first valve V1. The second cold heat discharge path 56 connects the second heat medium discharge path 12B of the second alloy tank 10B to the cold heat recovery path 32 of the cold heat system 30. Specifically, the second cold heat discharge path 56 extends from the connection point between the second heat medium discharge path 12B and the second hot heat discharge path 54 to the connection point between the first cold heat discharge path 52 and the cold heat recovery path 32. The second cold heat discharge path 56 is provided with a second valve V2. With the first and second valves V1 and V2 open, the cold heat medium can pass through the second alloy tank 10B.

[0028] The first heat introduction path 57 and the first heat discharge path 58 are paths for passing the heat medium of the heat system 40 through the first alloy tank 10A. The first hot heat introduction path 57 connects the first heat medium introduction path 11A of the first alloy tank 10A to the hot heat supply path 41 of the hot heat system 40. Specifically, the first hot heat introduction path 57 extends from the connection point between the hot heat supply path 41 and the second hot heat introduction path 53 to the connection point between the first cold heat introduction path 51 and the first heat medium introduction path 11A. The first hot heat introduction path 57 is provided with a fifth valve V5. The first hot heat discharge path 58 connects the first heat medium discharge path 12A of the first alloy tank 10A to the hot heat recovery path 42 of the hot heat system 40. Specifically, the first hot heat discharge path 58 extends from the connection point between the first heat medium discharge path 12A and the first cold heat discharge path 52 to the connection point between the second hot heat discharge path 54 and the hot heat recovery path 42. The first hot heat discharge path 58 is provided with a sixth valve V6. When the fifth and sixth valves V5 and V6 are open, the hot heat medium can pass through the first alloy tank 10A.

[0029] The control device 60 appropriately controls the operation of the hydrogen absorbing and releasing section 20 described above to introduce or release hydrogen into or from each alloy tank 10, or to stop the introduction and release of hydrogen into or from each alloy tank 10. For example, when hydrogen is introduced into the first alloy tank 10A, the control device 60 opens the first hydrogen receiving path 25 and the first tank hydrogen path 23, and closes the first hydrogen supply path 26. Specifically, the control device 60 opens the ninth valve V9 and the eleventh valve V11, and closes the thirteenth valve V13. Furthermore, when releasing hydrogen from the first alloy tank 10A, the control device 60 closes the first hydrogen receiving path 25 and opens the first tank hydrogen path 23 and the first hydrogen supply path 26. Specifically, the control device 60 closes the eleventh valve V11 and opens the ninth valve V9 and the thirteenth valve V13. In addition, when the control device 60 stops the introduction and release of hydrogen into and from the first alloy tank 10A, it closes the ninth valve V9, the eleventh valve V11, and the thirteenth valve V13.

[0030] Furthermore, when hydrogen is introduced into the second alloy tank 10B, the control device 60 opens the second hydrogen receiving path 27 and the second tank hydrogen path 24, and closes the second hydrogen supply path 28. Specifically, the control device 60 opens the tenth valve V10 and closes the twelfth valve V12. Furthermore, when releasing hydrogen from the second alloy tank 10B, the control device 60 closes the second hydrogen receiving path 27 and opens the second tank hydrogen path 24 and the second hydrogen supply path 28. Specifically, the control device 60 closes the tenth valve V10 and opens the twelfth valve V12. Furthermore, when the control device 60 stops the introduction and release of hydrogen into and from the second alloy tank 10B, it closes the tenth valve V10 and the twelfth valve V12.

[0031] The control device 60 appropriately controls the operation of the heat transfer medium supply switching unit 50 described above to supply cold or hot heat transfer medium to each alloy tank 10, or to stop the supply of cold or hot heat transfer medium to each alloy tank 10. For example, when hydrogen is introduced into the first alloy tank 10A, the control device 60 opens the first cold heat introduction path 51 and the first cold heat exhaust path 52, and closes the first hot heat introduction path 57 and the first hot heat exhaust path 58. Specifically, the control device 60 turns on the cold heat pump P1 and opens the third and fourth valves V3 and V4, turns off the hot heat pump P2, and closes the fifth and sixth valves V5 and V6. This causes the cold medium to be introduced into the first alloy tank 10A to cool the first alloy tank 10A, and promotes the introduction of hydrogen into the first alloy tank 10A. Also, the hot medium is not introduced into the first alloy tank 10A. In addition, when releasing hydrogen from the first alloy tank 10A, the control device 60 closes the first cold heat introduction path 51 and the first cold heat exhaust path 52, and opens the first hot heat introduction path 57 and the first hot heat exhaust path 58. Specifically, the control device 60 turns off the cold heat pump P1 and closes the third and fourth valves V3 and V4, turns on the hot heat pump P2, and opens the fifth and sixth valves V5 and V6. This causes the hot heat medium to be introduced into the first alloy tank 10A to heat the first alloy tank 10A, accelerating the release of hydrogen from the first alloy tank 10A. In addition, the cold heat medium is not introduced into the first alloy tank 10A.

[0032] In addition, when hydrogen is introduced into the second alloy tank 10B, the control device 60 opens the second cold heat introduction path 55 and the second cold heat exhaust path 56, and closes the second hot heat introduction path 53 and the second hot heat exhaust path 54. Specifically, the control device 60 turns on the cold heat pump P1 and opens the first and second valves V1 and V2, turns off the hot heat pump P2, and closes the seventh and eighth valves V7 and V8. This causes the cold medium to be introduced into the second alloy tank 10B to cool the second alloy tank 10B, and promotes the introduction of hydrogen into the second alloy tank 10B. In addition, the hot medium is not introduced into the second alloy tank 10B. In addition, when releasing hydrogen from the second alloy tank 10B, the control device 60 closes the second cold heat introduction path 55 and the second cold heat exhaust path 56, and opens the second hot heat introduction path 53 and the second hot heat exhaust path 54. Specifically, the control device 60 turns off the cold heat pump P1 and closes the first and second valves V1 and V2, turns on the hot heat pump P2, and opens the seventh and eighth valves V7 and V8. This causes the hot heat medium to be introduced into the second alloy tank 10B to heat the second alloy tank 10B, accelerating the release of hydrogen from the second alloy tank 10B. In addition, the cold heat medium is not introduced into the second alloy tank 10B.

[0033] As described above, the control device 60 of this embodiment appropriately controls the opening and closing of the valves V9 to V13 provided in the hydrogen absorbing and releasing section 20 and the opening and closing of the valves V1 to V8 provided in the heat medium supply switching section 50 in response to the introduction or release of hydrogen in each alloy tank 10. The control device 60 of this embodiment also controls the ON / OFF of the cold heat pump P1 and the hot heat pump P2.

[0034] The hydrogen storage system 1 of this embodiment can be operated under the following eight conditions (conditions 1 to 8).

[0035] (Condition 1) Condition 1 is an operating condition in which hydrogen is introduced only into the first alloy tank 10A, and there is no introduction or release of hydrogen into or from the second alloy tank 10B. When hydrogen is introduced into the first alloy tank 10A, a cooling / heating medium is supplied to the first alloy tank 10A to cool the hydrogen storage alloy in the first alloy tank 10A, and the pressure in the first alloy tank 10A is kept below 1 MPaG. The operations of the valves V1 to V13 and the pumps P1 and P2 under condition 1 are shown in Table 1.

[0036] [Table 1]

[0037] Table 1 shows various operations by the control device 60 (operation names: operations 1-1 to 1-5) and the purpose of each operation. In operation 1-1, the first to fourth valves V1 to V4 are opened and the cold pump P1 is turned on in order to cool the first and second alloy tanks 10A and 10B using a cooling medium. The cooling of the second alloy tank 10B, which does not introduce hydrogen, is intended to prevent a pressure rise in the second alloy tank 10B when the hydrogen storage alloy in the second alloy tank 10B is filled with hydrogen, for example. If the pressure in the second alloy tank 10B is less than 1 MPaG, the cooling of the second alloy tank 10B may be stopped. However, even if the second alloy tank 10B is not "full" as described above, the second alloy tank 10B may be cooled so that the pressure in the second alloy tank 10B is less than 1 MPaG. In operation 1-2, in order to prevent the first and second alloy tanks 10A, 10B from being heated by the heat transfer medium, the fifth to eighth valves V5 to V8 are closed and the heat pump P2 is turned off.

[0038] In operation 1-3, the ninth and eleventh valves V9 and V11 are opened for the purpose of introducing hydrogen into the first alloy tank 10A. In operation 1-4, the tenth valve V10 is closed to prevent hydrogen from being introduced into the second alloy tank 10B. In operation 1-5, the twelfth and thirteenth valves V12 and V13 are closed to prevent hydrogen release from the first and second alloy tanks 10A and 10B.

[0039] (Condition 2) Condition 2 is an operating condition in which hydrogen is introduced only into the second alloy tank 10B, and hydrogen is not introduced or released from the first alloy tank 10A. When hydrogen is introduced into the second alloy tank 10B, a cooling / heating medium is supplied to the second alloy tank 10B to cool the hydrogen storage alloy in the second alloy tank 10B, and the pressure in the second alloy tank 10B is kept below 1 MPaG. The operations of the valves V1 to V13 and the pumps P1 and P2 under condition 2 are shown in Table 2.

[0040] [Table 2]

[0041] Table 2 shows various operations by the control device 60 (operation names: operations 2-1 to 2-5) and the purpose of each operation. In operation 2-1, the first to fourth valves V1 to V4 are opened and the cold heat pump P1 is turned on in order to cool the first and second alloy tanks 10A and 10B using a cooling medium. The cooling of the first alloy tank 10A without hydrogen is intended to prevent a pressure rise in the first alloy tank 10A when the hydrogen storage alloy in the first alloy tank 10A is filled with hydrogen, for example. If the pressure in the first alloy tank 10A is less than 1 MPaG, the cooling of the first alloy tank 10A may be stopped. However, even if the pressure in the first alloy tank 10A is not "full," the first alloy tank 10A may be cooled so that the pressure in the first alloy tank 10A is less than 1 MPaG. In operation 2-2, in order to prevent the first and second alloy tanks 10A, 10B from being heated by the heating medium, the fifth to eighth valves V5 to V8 are closed and the heating pump P2 is turned off.

[0042] In operation 2-3, the tenth valve V10 is opened for the purpose of introducing hydrogen into the second alloy tank 10B. In operation 2-4, the ninth and eleventh valves V9 and V11 are closed to prevent hydrogen from being introduced into the first alloy tank 10A. In operation 2-5, the twelfth and thirteenth valves V12 and V13 are closed to prevent hydrogen release from the first and second alloy tanks 10A and 10B.

[0043] (Condition 3) Condition 3 is an operating condition in which hydrogen is introduced into both the first and second alloy tanks 10A and 10B. When hydrogen is introduced into the first and second alloy tanks 10A and 10B, a cooling medium is supplied to the first and second alloy tanks 10A and 10B to cool the hydrogen storage alloys in the first and second alloy tanks 10A and 10B, and the pressure in the first and second alloy tanks 10A and 10B is kept below 1 MPaG. The operations of the valves V1 to V13 and the pumps P1 and P2 under condition 3 are shown in Table 3.

[0044] [Table 3]

[0045] Table 3 shows various operations by the control device 60 (operation names: operations 3-1 to 3-4) and the purpose of each operation. In operation 3-1, in order to cool the first and second alloy tanks 10A, 10B with a cooling medium, the first to fourth valves V1 to V4 are opened and the cooling pump P1 is turned ON. In operation 3-2, in order to prevent the first and second alloy tanks 10A, 10B from being heated by the heat transfer medium, the fifth to eighth valves V5 to V8 are closed and the heat pump P2 is turned off.

[0046] In operation 3-3, the ninth to eleventh valves V9 to V11 are opened for the purpose of introducing hydrogen into the first and second alloy tanks 10A and 10B. In operation 3-4, the twelfth and thirteenth valves V12 and V13 are closed to prevent hydrogen release from the first and second alloy tanks 10A and 10B.

[0047] (Condition 4) Condition 4 is an operating condition in which hydrogen is introduced into the first alloy tank 10A and hydrogen is released from the second alloy tank 10B. As hydrogen is introduced into the first alloy tank 10A, a cooling medium is supplied to the first alloy tank 10A to cool the hydrogen storage alloy in the first alloy tank 10A and maintain the pressure in the first alloy tank 10A below 1 MPaG. As hydrogen is released from the second alloy tank 10B, a heating medium is supplied to the second alloy tank 10B to heat the hydrogen storage alloy in the second alloy tank 10B and maintain the pressure in the second alloy tank 10B above the pressure required to supply hydrogen to the outside. Table 4 shows the operations of the valves V1 to V13 and the pumps P1 and P2 under condition 4.

[0048] [Table 4]

[0049] Table 4 shows various operations by the control device 60 (operation names: operations 4-1 to 4) and the purpose of each operation. In operation 4-1, in order to cool the first alloy tank 10A with a cooling medium, the third and fourth valves V3 and V4 are opened, the fifth and sixth valves V5 and V6 are closed, and the cooling pump P1 is turned on. In operation 4-2, in order to heat the second alloy tank 10B with a heat transfer medium, the seventh and eighth valves V7 and V8 are opened, the first and second valves V1 and V2 are closed, and the heat pump P2 is turned on.

[0050] In operation 4-3, in order to introduce hydrogen into the first alloy tank 10A, the ninth and eleventh valves V9 and V11 are opened and the thirteenth valve V13 is closed. In operation 4-4, in order to release hydrogen from the second alloy tank 10B, the twelfth valve V12 is opened and the tenth valve V10 is closed.

[0051] (Condition 5) Condition 5 is an operating condition in which hydrogen is introduced into the second alloy tank 10B and hydrogen is released from the first alloy tank 10A. As hydrogen is introduced into the second alloy tank 10B, a cooling medium is supplied to the second alloy tank 10B to cool the hydrogen storage alloy in the second alloy tank 10B and maintain the pressure in the second alloy tank 10B below 1 MPaG. As hydrogen is released from the first alloy tank 10A, a heating medium is supplied to the first alloy tank 10A to heat the hydrogen storage alloy in the first alloy tank 10A and maintain the pressure in the first alloy tank 10A above the pressure required to supply hydrogen to the outside. Table 5 shows the operations of valves V1 to V13 and pumps P1 and P2 under condition 5.

[0052] [Table 5]

[0053] Table 5 shows various operations by the control device 60 (operation names: operations 5-1 to 5-4) and the purpose of each operation. In operation 5-1, in order to cool the second alloy tank 10B with a cooling medium, the first and second valves V1 and V2 are opened, the seventh and eighth valves V7 and V8 are closed, and the cooling pump P1 is turned on. In operation 5-2, for the purpose of heating the first alloy tank 10A with a heat transfer medium, the fifth and sixth valves V5 and V6 are opened, the third and fourth valves V3 and V4 are closed, and the heat pump P2 is turned ON.

[0054] In operation 5-3, the tenth valve V10 is opened and the twelfth valve V12 is closed for the purpose of introducing hydrogen into the second alloy tank 10B. In operation 5-4, in order to release hydrogen from the first alloy tank 10A, the ninth and thirteenth valves V9 and V13 are opened and the eleventh valve V11 is closed.

[0055] (Condition 6) Condition 6 is an operating condition in which hydrogen is released only from the first alloy tank 10A, and there is no introduction or release of hydrogen to the second alloy tank 10B. When hydrogen is released from the first alloy tank 10A, a heating medium is supplied to the first alloy tank 10A to heat the hydrogen storage alloy in the first alloy tank 10A, and the pressure in the first alloy tank 10A is maintained at or above the pressure required for hydrogen release. Table 6 shows the operations of the valves V1 to V6, V9 to V13 and the pumps P1 and P2 under condition 6.

[0056] [Table 6]

[0057] Table 6 shows various operations by the control device 60 (operation names: operations 6-1 to 6-5) and the purpose of each operation. In operation 6-1, in order to prevent the first and second alloy tanks 10A, 10B from being cooled by the cooling medium, the first to fourth valves V1 to V4 are closed and the cooling pump P1 is turned off. In operation 6-2, the fifth and sixth valves V5 and V6 are opened and the heat pump P2 is turned ON in order to heat the first alloy tank 10A with a heat transfer medium. Since the second alloy tank 10B may be heated by a heating medium, the seventh and eighth valves V7 and V8 may be either closed or open as long as the pressure in the second alloy tank 10B is less than 1 MPaG.

[0058] In operation 6-3, the tenth and eleventh valves V10 and V11 are closed to prevent hydrogen from being introduced into the first and second alloy tanks 10A and 10B. In operation 6-4, the ninth and thirteenth valves V9 and V13 are opened for the purpose of releasing hydrogen from the second alloy tank 10B. In operation 6-5, the twelfth valve V12 is closed to prevent hydrogen release from the second alloy tank 10B.

[0059] (Condition 7) Condition 7 is an operating condition in which hydrogen is released only from the second alloy tank 10B, and there is no introduction or release of hydrogen to the first alloy tank 10A. When hydrogen is released from the second alloy tank 10B, a heating medium is supplied to the second alloy tank 10B to heat the hydrogen storage alloy in the second alloy tank 10B, and the pressure in the second alloy tank 10B is maintained at or above the pressure required for hydrogen release. Table 7 shows the operations of the valves V1 to V4, V7 to V13 and the pumps P1 and P2 under Condition 7.

[0060] [Table 7]

[0061] Table 7 shows various operations by the control device 60 (operation names: operations 7-1 to 7-5) and the purpose of each operation. In operation 7-1, in order to prevent the first and second alloy tanks 10A, 10B from being cooled by the cooling medium, the first to fourth valves V1 to V4 are closed and the cooling pump P1 is turned off. In operation 7-2, in order to heat the second alloy tank 10B with a heat transfer medium, the seventh and eighth valves V7 and V8 are opened and the heat pump P2 is turned ON. Since the first alloy tank 10A may be heated by a heating medium, the fifth and sixth valves V5 and V6 may be either open or closed as long as the pressure inside the first alloy tank 10A is less than 1 MPaG.

[0062] In operation 7-3, the tenth and eleventh valves V10 and V11 are closed to prevent hydrogen from being introduced into the first and second alloy tanks 10A and 10B. In operation 7-4, the ninth and thirteenth valves V9 and V13 are closed to prevent hydrogen release from the first alloy tank 10A. In operation 7-5, the twelfth valve V12 is opened for the purpose of releasing hydrogen from the second alloy tank 10B.

[0063] (Condition 8) Condition 8 is an operating condition in which hydrogen is released from both the first and second alloy tanks 10A, 10B. When hydrogen is released from the first and second alloy tanks 10A, 10B, a heating medium is supplied to the first and second alloy tanks 10A, 10B to heat the hydrogen storage alloys in the first and second alloy tanks 10A, 10B, and the pressure in the first and second alloy tanks 10A, 10B is maintained at or above the pressure required for hydrogen release. Table 8 shows the operations of valves V1 to V13 and pumps P1 and P2 under condition 8.

[0064] [Table 8]

[0065] Table 8 shows various operations by the control device 60 (operation names: operations 8-1 to 8-4) and the purpose of each operation. In operation 8-1, in order to prevent the first and second alloy tanks 10A, 10B from being cooled by the cooling medium, the first to fourth valves V1 to V4 are closed and the cooling pump P1 is turned off. In operation 8-2, the fifth to eighth valves V5 to V8 are opened and the heat pump P2 is turned ON in order to heat the first and second alloy tanks 10A and 10B with a heat transfer medium.

[0066] In operation 8-3, the tenth and eleventh valves V10 and V11 are closed to prevent hydrogen from being introduced into the first and second alloy tanks 10A and 10B. In operation 8-4, the ninth, twelfth and thirteenth valves V9, V12 and V13 are opened for the purpose of releasing hydrogen from the first and second alloy tanks 10A and 10B.

[0067] Next, an example of a hydrogen absorption / release method using the hydrogen storage system 1 of this embodiment will be described. Here, first and second examples of the hydrogen absorption / release method will be described, but the examples of the hydrogen absorption / release method are not limited to these.

[0068] In the first example of the hydrogen absorption and release method, the control device 60 controls the operation of the hydrogen absorption and release unit 20 and the heat medium supply switching unit 50 to introduce hydrogen into the first alloy tank 10A (another alloy tank 10) and release hydrogen from the second alloy tank 10B (predetermined alloy tank 10), in a first state under "condition 4". When the amount of hydrogen stored in the second alloy tank 10B in this first state becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the control device 60 controls the operation of the hydrogen absorption and release unit 20 and the heat medium supply switching unit 50 to switch to a second state under "condition 8" in which hydrogen is released from the first and second alloy tanks 10A and 10B (multiple alloy tanks 10). Here, the "predetermined value" of the amount of hydrogen storage may be, for example, "0 (zero)" or may be greater than "0". Furthermore, after the second state, the control device 60 further controls the operation of the hydrogen absorption / release section 20 and the heat transfer medium supply switching section 50 to switch to a third state in which operation is performed under "condition 5" in which hydrogen is released from the first alloy tank 10A (another alloy tank 10) and hydrogen is introduced into the second alloy tank 10B (a specified alloy tank 10).

[0069] In the first example described above, when switching from "Condition 4" (first state) to "Condition 8" (second state), for example, "Condition 4" in which hydrogen is introduced into the first alloy tank 10A may be switched to "Condition 7" in which the introduction and release of hydrogen into the first alloy tank 10A is stopped, and then switched to "Condition 8" in which hydrogen is released from the first alloy tank 10A. This switching may be performed based on the operation control of the hydrogen occlusion and release unit 20 and the heat medium supply switching unit 50 by the control device 60.

[0070] In the first example, when switching from "Condition 8" (second state) to "Condition 5" (third state), for example, "Condition 8" in which hydrogen is released from the second alloy tank 10B may be switched to "Condition 6" in which the introduction and release of hydrogen in the second alloy tank 10B is stopped, and then switched to "Condition 5" in which hydrogen is introduced into the second alloy tank 10B. This switching may be performed based on the operation control of the hydrogen occlusion and release unit 20 and the heat medium supply switching unit 50 by the control device 60.

[0071] In addition, the hydrogen absorption and release method of the first example may have a modified example in which, for example, the first alloy tank 10A and the second alloy tank 10B are reversed. That is, in the modified example of the first example, a state in which the system is operated under "condition 5" in which hydrogen is released from the first alloy tank 10A (a specified alloy tank 10) is set as a first state. When the amount of hydrogen stored in the first alloy tank 10A in the first state becomes equal to or less than a specified value, the system is switched to a second state in which the system is operated under "condition 8" in which hydrogen is released from the first and second alloy tanks 10A and 10B (multiple alloy tanks 10). After the second state, the system is switched to a third state in which the system is operated under "condition 4" in which hydrogen is released from the second alloy tank 10B (another alloy tank 10).

[0072] In the modification of the first example described above, when switching from "Condition 5" (first state) to "Condition 8" (second state), for example, "Condition 5" in which hydrogen is introduced into the second alloy tank 10B may be switched to "Condition 6" in which the introduction and release of hydrogen into the second alloy tank 10B is stopped, and then switched to "Condition 8" in which hydrogen is released from the second alloy tank 10B. This switching may be performed based on the operation control of the hydrogen occlusion and release unit 20 and the heat medium supply switching unit 50 by the control device 60.

[0073] In the modification of the first example described above, when switching from "Condition 8" (second state) to "Condition 4" (third state), for example, "Condition 8" in which hydrogen is released from the first alloy tank 10A may be switched to "Condition 7" in which the introduction and release of hydrogen in the first alloy tank 10A is stopped, and then switched to "Condition 4" in which hydrogen is introduced into the first alloy tank 10A. This switching may be performed based on the operation control of the hydrogen occlusion and release unit 20 and the heat medium supply switching unit 50 by the control device 60.

[0074] In the hydrogen absorption / release method of the first example and its modified example described above, even if the amount of hydrogen stored in some of the alloy tanks 10 decreases while hydrogen is being supplied to the outside, hydrogen can be released from the remaining alloy tanks 10. Furthermore, when hydrogen is released from the remaining alloy tanks 10, hydrogen is introduced into some of the alloy tanks 10, so hydrogen can be supplied continuously, that is, hydrogen can be supplied at all times.

[0075] In the second example of the hydrogen storage and release method, the control device 60 controls the operation of the hydrogen storage and release unit 20 and the heat medium supply switching unit 50 to introduce hydrogen into the first alloy tank 10A (a specific alloy tank 10) and release hydrogen from the second alloy tank 10B (another alloy tank 10), in a first state under "condition 4". When the amount of hydrogen stored in the first alloy tank 10A in this first state reaches or exceeds a specific value, the control device 60 controls the operation of the hydrogen storage and release unit 20 and the heat medium supply switching unit 50 to switch to a second state under "condition 3" in which hydrogen is introduced into the first and second alloy tanks 10A and 10B (multiple alloy tanks 10). Here, the "specific value" of the hydrogen storage amount may be, for example, "full" or may be smaller than "full". Furthermore, after the second state, the control device 60 further controls the operation of the hydrogen absorption / release section 20 and the heat transfer medium supply switching section 50 to switch to a third state in which operation is performed under "condition 5" in which hydrogen is released from the first alloy tank 10A (a specified alloy tank 10) and hydrogen is introduced into the second alloy tank 10B (another alloy tank 10).

[0076] In the second example described above, when switching from "Condition 4" (first state) to "Condition 3" (second state), for example, "Condition 4" in which hydrogen is released from the second alloy tank 10B may be switched to "Condition 1" in which the introduction and release of hydrogen in the second alloy tank 10B is stopped, and then switched to "Condition 3" in which hydrogen is introduced into the second alloy tank 10B. This switching may be performed based on the operation control of the hydrogen occlusion and release unit 20 and the heat medium supply switching unit 50 by the control device 60.

[0077] In the second example, when switching from "Condition 3" (second state) to "Condition 5" (third state), for example, "Condition 3" in which hydrogen is introduced into the first alloy tank 10A may be switched to "Condition 2" in which the introduction and release of hydrogen into the first alloy tank 10A is stopped, and then switched to "Condition 5" in which hydrogen is released from the first alloy tank 10A. This switching may be performed based on the operation control of the hydrogen occlusion and release unit 20 and the heat medium supply switching unit 50 by the control device 60.

[0078] In addition, the hydrogen absorption and release method of the second example may have a modified example in which, for example, the first alloy tank 10A and the second alloy tank 10B are reversed. That is, in the modified example of the second example, a state in which hydrogen is introduced into the second alloy tank 10B (a specified alloy tank 10) under "condition 5" is set as a first state. When the amount of hydrogen stored in the second alloy tank 10B in the first state reaches a specified value or more, the state is switched to a second state in which hydrogen is introduced into the first and second alloy tanks 10A and 10B (multiple alloy tanks 10) under "condition 3". After the second state, the state is switched to a third state in which hydrogen is introduced into the first alloy tank 10A (another alloy tank 10).

[0079] In the modified example of the second example described above, when switching from "Condition 5" (first state) to "Condition 3" (second state), for example, "Condition 5" in which hydrogen is released from the first alloy tank 10A may be switched to "Condition 2" in which the introduction and release of hydrogen in the first alloy tank 10A is stopped, and then switched to "Condition 3" in which hydrogen is introduced into the first alloy tank 10A. This switching may be performed based on the operation control of the hydrogen occlusion and release unit 20 and the heat medium supply switching unit 50 by the control device 60.

[0080] In the modified example of the second example described above, when switching from "Condition 3" (second state) to "Condition 4" (third state), for example, "Condition 3" in which hydrogen is introduced into the second alloy tank 10B may be switched to "Condition 1" in which the introduction and release of hydrogen into the second alloy tank 10B is stopped, and then switched to "Condition 4" in which hydrogen is released from the second alloy tank 10B. This switching may be performed based on the operation control of the hydrogen occlusion and release unit 20 and the heat medium supply switching unit 50 by the control device 60.

[0081] In the hydrogen absorption / release method of the second example and its modified example described above, even if the amount of hydrogen stored in some of the alloy tanks 10 approaches full capacity while hydrogen is being received from the outside, hydrogen can be introduced into the remaining alloy tanks 10. In addition, since hydrogen can be released from some of the alloy tanks 10 when hydrogen is being introduced into the remaining alloy tanks 10, it is possible to continuously receive hydrogen, that is, hydrogen can be received at all times.

[0082] As described above, the hydrogen storage system 1 of this embodiment and the hydrogen absorption / release method using the hydrogen storage system 1 make it possible to constantly supply and receive hydrogen to and from the outside.

[0083] The hydrogen storage system 1 of this embodiment also includes a hydrogen absorbing / releasing unit 20 that can switch the connection destination of each of the multiple alloy tanks 10 between at least the inlet 21 and the supply port 22. As a result, even if there is only one hydrogen inlet 21 and one supply port 22, each of the multiple alloy tanks 10 can be appropriately connected to the inlet 21 and the supply port 22.

[0084] In the hydrogen storage system 1 of this embodiment, the hydrogen absorption / release unit 20 has a first tank hydrogen path 23, a second tank hydrogen path 24, a first hydrogen receiving path 25, a first hydrogen supply path 26, a second hydrogen receiving path 27, and a second hydrogen supply path 28. The control device 60 controls the opening and closing of each of the above-mentioned paths in response to the introduction and release of hydrogen in the first and second alloy tanks 10A and 10B, respectively. This allows the connection destination of each of the multiple alloy tanks 10 to be switched between the receiving port 21 and the supply port 22.

[0085] The hydrogen storage system 1 of this embodiment also includes a heat medium supply switching unit 50 that is provided between the multiple alloy tanks 10 and the cold system 30 and hot system 40 and can switch the connection of each of the multiple alloy tanks 10 to at least the cold system 30 and the hot system 40. This allows the multiple alloy tanks 10 to be appropriately cooled and heated by one cold system 30 and hot system 40. Therefore, the cost of the hydrogen storage system 1 can be reduced compared to when a cold system 30 and a hot system 40 are provided for each of the multiple alloy tanks 10.

[0086] In the hydrogen storage system 1 of this embodiment, the heat medium supply switching unit 50 has a first cold heat introduction path 51 and a first cold heat discharge path 52, a first hot heat introduction path 57 and a first hot heat discharge path 58, a second cold heat introduction path 55 and a second cold heat discharge path 56, and a second hot heat introduction path 53 and a second hot heat discharge path 54. The control device 60 controls the opening and closing of each of the above paths according to the introduction and release of hydrogen in each of the first and second alloy tanks 10A and 10B. This allows the connection destination of each of the multiple alloy tanks 10 to be switched between the cold system 30 and the hot system 40.

[0087] 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.

[0088] In the present invention, at least one of the first alloy tank 10A and the second alloy tank 10B may be plural. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1 Hydrogen storage system 10 Alloy Tank 10A First Alloy Tank 10B Second Alloy Tank 20 Hydrogen storage and release section 21 Inlet 22 Supply port 23 First tank hydrogen route 24 Second tank hydrogen route 25 First Hydrogen Receiving Route 26 First Hydrogen Supply Route 27 Second Hydrogen Receiving Pathway 28 Second Hydrogen Supply Route 30 Cooling system 40 Heat System 50 Heat medium supply switching section 51 First cold / heat introduction route 52 First cold exhaust route 53 Secondary Heat Introduction Pathway 54 Second heat discharge route 55 Second cold / heat introduction route 56 Second cold exhaust route 57 First hyperthermia introduction route 58 First heat dissipation route 60 Control device

Claims

1. a plurality of alloy tanks each containing a hydrogen storage alloy capable of absorbing hydrogen, and through which a cooling medium for cooling the hydrogen storage alloy and a heating medium for heating the hydrogen storage alloy pass; a hydrogen storage / release unit having an inlet for receiving hydrogen from the outside and a supply port for supplying hydrogen to the outside, the connection destination of each of the plurality of alloy tanks being switchable between at least the inlet and the supply port; a cooling and heating system for supplying the cooling and heating medium to the plurality of alloy tanks; a heating system for supplying the heating medium to the plurality of alloy tanks; a heat medium supply switching unit provided between the plurality of alloy tanks and the cold system and the hot system, the heat medium supply switching unit being capable of switching the connection destination of each of the plurality of alloy tanks to at least the cold system and the hot system; a control device that controls operations of the hydrogen occlusion / release unit and the heat medium supply switching unit.

2. The hydrogen absorbing / releasing portion is a first tank hydrogen path extending from a first alloy tank among the plurality of alloy tanks and through which the hydrogen flows; a second tank hydrogen path extending from a second alloy tank among the plurality of alloy tanks and through which the hydrogen flows; a first hydrogen receiving passage connecting the receiving port and the first tank hydrogen passage; a first hydrogen supply path connecting the supply port and the first tank hydrogen path; a second hydrogen receiving passage connecting the receiving port and the second tank hydrogen passage; a second hydrogen supply passage connecting the supply port and the second tank hydrogen passage; having The control device includes: When introducing the hydrogen into the first alloy tank, the first hydrogen receiving path and the first tank hydrogen path are opened, and the first hydrogen supply path is closed; When releasing the hydrogen from the first alloy tank, the first hydrogen receiving path is closed and the first tank hydrogen path and the first hydrogen supply path are opened; When introducing hydrogen into the second alloy tank, the second hydrogen receiving path and the second tank hydrogen path are opened, and the second hydrogen supply path is closed; 2. The hydrogen storage system according to claim 1, wherein when the hydrogen is released from the second alloy tank, the second hydrogen receiving path is closed, and the second tank hydrogen path and the second hydrogen supply path are opened.

3. The heat medium supply switching unit includes: a first cold energy supply path and a first cold energy discharge path connecting a first alloy tank among the plurality of alloy tanks to the cold energy system; A first heat inlet path and a first heat outlet path connecting the first alloy tank and the heat system; A second cold energy introduction path and a second cold energy discharge path connecting a second alloy tank among the plurality of alloy tanks to the cold energy system; A second heat inlet path and a second heat outlet path connecting the second alloy tank and the heat system; having The control device includes: When introducing the hydrogen into the first alloy tank, the first cold heat introduction path and the first cold heat exhaust path are opened, and the first hot heat introduction path and the first hot heat exhaust path are closed; When releasing the hydrogen from the first alloy tank, the first cold heat introduction path and the first cold heat exhaust path are closed, and the first hot heat introduction path and the first hot heat exhaust path are opened; When introducing the hydrogen into the second alloy tank, the second cold heat introduction path and the second cold heat exhaust path are opened, and the second hot heat introduction path and the second hot heat exhaust path are closed; A hydrogen storage system as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when the hydrogen is released from the second alloy tank, the second cold heat inlet path and the second cold heat exhaust path are blocked, and the second hot heat inlet path and the second hot heat exhaust path are opened.

4. A method for storing and releasing hydrogen using the hydrogen storage system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the steps of: In a first state in which the control device controls the operation of the hydrogen absorption and release unit to connect a specified alloy tank among the multiple alloy tanks to the supply port and connect another alloy tank among the multiple alloy tanks to the receiving port, and the control device controls the operation of the heat medium supply switching unit to connect the specified alloy tank to the hot system and connect the other alloy tank to the cold system, so that the specified alloy tank is heated by the hot medium, promoting the release of the hydrogen from the specified alloy tank and the other alloy tank is cooled by the cold medium, promoting the introduction of the hydrogen into the other alloy tank, when the amount of hydrogen stored in the specified alloy tank becomes below a specified value, a second state in which the control device controls the operation of the hydrogen absorbing / releasing unit and the heat medium supply switching unit to connect the other alloy tank to the supply port and the heating system, whereby the multiple alloy tanks are heated by the heating medium and the release of the hydrogen from the multiple alloy tanks is promoted; A hydrogen absorption and release method in which, after the second state, the control device further controls the operation of the hydrogen absorption and release unit and the heat medium supply switching unit to connect the specified alloy tank to the receiving port and the cold heat system, thereby cooling the specified alloy tank by the cold heat medium, promoting the introduction of the hydrogen into the specified alloy tank, and heating the other alloy tank by the hot heat medium, promoting the release of the hydrogen from the other alloy tank, in a third state.

5. A method for storing and releasing hydrogen using the hydrogen storage system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the steps of: In a first state in which the control device controls the operation of the hydrogen absorption and release unit to connect a specified alloy tank among the multiple alloy tanks to the receiving port and connect another alloy tank among the multiple alloy tanks to the supply port, and the control device controls the operation of the heat medium supply switching unit to connect the specified alloy tank to the cold system and connect the other alloy tank to the hot system, so that the specified alloy tank is cooled by the cold medium, promoting the introduction of the hydrogen into the specified alloy tank and heating the other alloy tank by the hot medium, and promoting the release of the hydrogen from the other alloy tank, when the amount of hydrogen stored in the specified alloy tank becomes equal to or greater than a specified value, a second state in which the control device controls the operation of the hydrogen absorbing / releasing unit and the heat medium supply switching unit to connect the other alloy tank to the receiving port and the cold system, whereby the multiple alloy tanks are cooled by the hot heat medium and the introduction of the hydrogen into the multiple alloy tanks is promoted; A hydrogen absorption and release method in which, after the second state, the control device further controls the operation of the hydrogen absorption and release unit and the heat medium supply switching unit to connect the specified alloy tank to the supply port and the heating system, thereby causing the specified alloy tank to be heated by the heating medium, promoting the release of the hydrogen from the specified alloy tank, and causing the other alloy tank to be cooled by the cooling medium, promoting the introduction of the hydrogen into the other alloy tank, in a third state.

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