Hydrogen tank system

Abstract

To enable quick response even when failure occurs on a hydrogen filling side, in a system in which a hydrogen filling pipe and a hydrogen supply pipe are shared.SOLUTION: A hydrogen tank system has a hydrogen tank, a hydrogen consumption device, and a hydrogen filling port, where at least a part of a pipe from the hydrogen filling port to the hydrogen tank and a pipe from the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen consumption device are common, and a control device acquires and determines an internal pressure of the pipe in the common portion of the pipe after filling the hydrogen tank with hydrogen and before supplying hydrogen to the hydrogen consumption device, and performs control to issue a notification of the fact.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hydrogen tank system mounted on a vehicle or the like.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that in a hydrogen storage unit, a plurality of hydrogen tanks are attached to a manifold, hydrogen is filled into the plurality of tanks via the manifold, and hydrogen is supplied from the plurality of tanks via the manifold.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to simplify the paths for hydrogen filling into the hydrogen tank and for using hydrogen, it is conceivable to make the piping for both common. However, by making the piping common, when the check valve at the hydrogen filling port fails, there is a risk that the hydrogen in the hydrogen tank will be released from the filling port after hydrogen filling.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present disclosure provides a hydrogen tank system that can promptly respond even when a problem occurs on the hydrogen filling side in a system in which a hydrogen filling pipe and a hydrogen supply pipe are common.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This application discloses a hydrogen tank system having a hydrogen tank, a hydrogen-consuming device, and a hydrogen filling port, wherein at least a part of the pipe from the hydrogen filling port to the hydrogen tank and the pipe from the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen-consuming device is common, and a control device acquires the internal pressure of the pipe in the common part of the pipe after hydrogen filling into the hydrogen tank and before hydrogen supply to the hydrogen-consuming device, and performs control to give a notification when the internal pressure becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure.

[0007] This application also discloses a hydrogen tank system having a hydrogen tank, a hydrogen-consuming device, and a hydrogen filling port, wherein at least a part of the pipe from the hydrogen filling port to the hydrogen tank and the pipe from the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen-consuming device is common, and a control device acquires the pressure P1 in the common part of the pipe after hydrogen filling into the hydrogen tank and the pressure P2 in the common part of the pipe after a predetermined time has elapsed after hydrogen filling into the hydrogen tank and before hydrogen supply to the hydrogen-consuming device, and gives a notification when the difference between the pressure P1 and the pressure P2 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0008] In the above hydrogen tank system, the control device may be configured to close the valve of the hydrogen tank prior to or simultaneously with giving the notification.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, in a system in which a hydrogen filling pipe and a hydrogen supply pipe are common, even when a problem occurs on the hydrogen filling side, the problem can be quickly detected and notified, so that prompt countermeasures can be taken.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

[0011] 1. Vehicle FIG. 1 schematically shows an overview of a vehicle 1 according to one example in which the hydrogen tank system 10 of the present disclosure is arranged. Since the hydrogen tank system 10 will be described later with another figure, only the hydrogen tank 11, the hydrogen consumption device (fuel cell in this form) 13, and the dedicated hydrogen supply pipe 16 of the hydrogen tank system 10 are shown in FIG. 1. The vehicle 1 of this form is a large vehicle (truck), and includes a vehicle body 2, a driving unit 3 arranged at the front of the vehicle body 2, a loading unit 4 arranged at the rear of the vehicle body 2, a wheel unit 5 provided under the vehicle body 2, an electric motor 6 for driving the vehicle 1, and a hydrogen tank system 10. Here, a truck is shown as a large vehicle, but it is not limited thereto and can also be applied to a bus or the like. Further, it is not limited to a large vehicle and can also be applied to a normal passenger car.

[0012] The vehicle 1 supplies hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 11 of the hydrogen tank system 10 to the fuel cell 13 which is a hydrogen consumption device through the dedicated hydrogen supply pipe 16, and supplies air to the fuel cell 13 from an air acquisition means (not shown). The fuel cell 13 generates electricity by oxidizing hydrogen with the supplied air (oxygen), supplies electric power to the electric motor 6 through the electric wire 6a to drive the electric motor 6, and the vehicle 1 obtains a driving force. The driving of the electric motor 6 by the fuel cell 13 using hydrogen as fuel in such a vehicle 1 is as known. Further, as will be described later, the vehicle 1 of this form receives hydrogen supplied from a hydrogen filling device 50 provided in a hydrogen station by the hydrogen tank system 10 and stores the hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 11.

[0013] 2. Hydrogen filling device FIG. 2 shows a diagram for explaining the outline of a hydrogen filling device 50 that supplies hydrogen to the hydrogen tank system 10. The hydrogen filling device 50 includes a pressure accumulator 51 filled with hydrogen, a compressor (compressor) 52 that compresses (boosts the pressure) the hydrogen released from the pressure accumulator 51 into the pipe, a hydrogen supply pipe 53 that supplies the boosted hydrogen from the compressor 52 to the hydrogen tank system 10 of the vehicle 1, and a control device 54 that controls the hydrogen supply. Hydrogen filling is performed by connecting a nozzle 53a provided at the tip of the hydrogen supply pipe 53 to a receptacle 12 as a hydrogen filling port provided in the hydrogen tank system 10 of the vehicle 1. One or more hydrogen filling devices 50 are arranged at a hydrogen station that supplies hydrogen. That is, there are hydrogen stations equipped with one hydrogen filling device 50 and hydrogen stations equipped with two or more hydrogen filling devices 50.

[0014] 3. Hydrogen Tank System As described above, the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment is equipped with a hydrogen tank system 10. FIG. 3 conceptually shows the configuration of a hydrogen tank system 10 according to one embodiment. As can be seen from FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the hydrogen tank system 10 includes a hydrogen tank 11, a receptacle 12, a fuel cell 13, a dispenser 14, a dedicated hydrogen filling pipe 15, a dedicated hydrogen supply pipe 16, a common pipe 17, an on-off valve 18, a pressure gauge 19, a control device 20, and a notification device 21. Each component will be described below.

[0015] 3.1. Hydrogen Tank The hydrogen tank 11 is a container for storing hydrogen, and hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen tank 11 to a fuel cell 13 as a hydrogen consumption device. The specific structure of the hydrogen tank 11 is not particularly limited, and a known one that can be used as a hydrogen tank can be applied. Typically, the hydrogen tank includes a tank body T that is a part for storing hydrogen, and a base K that serves as an inlet and outlet for hydrogen of the tank body T and where the on-off valve 18 is arranged.

[0016] In this embodiment, a plurality of hydrogen tanks 11 are provided (for example, three), and each hydrogen tank 11 is filled with hydrogen. Here, an example in which three hydrogen tanks 11 are arranged is given, and in order to distinguish them, symbols are represented as 11a, 11b, and 11c. All of these hydrogen tanks 11 may have the same capacity, or may include hydrogen tanks of different capacities.

[0017] 3.2. Receptacle The receptacle 12 is a member that functions as a hydrogen filling port. When the nozzle 53a of the hydrogen filling device 50 described above is connected, the flow path between the hydrogen filling device 50 and the hydrogen tank system 10 communicates, and hydrogen flows from the hydrogen supply device 50 to the hydrogen tank 11. A check valve (not shown) is arranged in the receptacle 12. The flow of hydrogen is allowed in the direction of filling hydrogen, and the flow of hydrogen is restricted in the reverse direction (hydrogen flowing out from the receptacle 12). The specific shape of the receptacle 12 is not particularly limited, and a known form can be used.

[0018] 3.3. Fuel Cell The fuel cell 13 is a device that consumes the supplied hydrogen and is one aspect of a hydrogen consumption device. The fuel cell 13 receives hydrogen supply from the hydrogen tank 11 as described above and receives air supply from an air hole (not shown) to generate electricity. The specific configuration of the fuel cell 13 is not particularly limited, and a known one can be used.

[0019] 3.4. Distributor The distributor 14 is a member that connects a plurality of pipes to branch and merge the flow paths. In this embodiment, the pipe from the receptacle 12 (hydrogen filling dedicated pipe 15), the pipe to the fuel cell 13 (hydrogen supply dedicated pipe 16), and the pipe forming the flow path with the hydrogen tank 11 (common pipe 17) are connected, and all the flow paths communicate with each other through the distributor 14. The specific shape of the distributor 14 is not particularly limited, and a known one can be used.

[0020] 3.5. Pipe The pipe forms a flow path for hydrogen. The dedicated hydrogen filling pipe 15 is a pipe that forms a hydrogen flow path between the receptacle 12 and the dispenser 14, and is a pipe through which hydrogen flows during hydrogen filling. The dedicated hydrogen supply pipe 16 is a pipe that forms a hydrogen flow path between the dispenser 14 and the fuel cell 13, and is a pipe through which hydrogen flows when supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell 13 for consumption (during hydrogen supply). Note that an on-off valve 16a is arranged in the dedicated hydrogen supply pipe 16, and it is configured to allow and regulate the flow of hydrogen. The common pipe 17 is a pipe that forms a hydrogen flow path from the dispenser 14 to each hydrogen tank 11, and is a pipe through which hydrogen flows during both hydrogen filling and hydrogen supply. These pipes are arranged such that the flow paths converge at the dispenser 14 as described above.

[0021] 3.6. On-Off Valve The on-off valve 18 is an ON-OFF valve that can only be in either a fully open (open) or fully closed (closed) state, and in this embodiment, it is arranged at the base K of the hydrogen tank 11. Thereby, it is possible to switch between allowing and regulating the inflow and outflow of hydrogen to and from the hydrogen tank 11. In this embodiment, the on-off valve 18 is a valve that can be rapidly opened and closed by the force of an electromagnet, and is an ON-OFF valve that can only be in either a fully open (open) or fully closed (closed) state. A known solenoid valve can be used as the on-off valve 18. And the on-off valve 18 is electrically connected to the control device 20, and is configured to be able to control ON-OFF based on a signal from the control device 20. Note that in this embodiment, the on-off valve 18 is arranged in the hydrogen tank 11, but it is not limited thereto, and it may be arranged at any position of the common pipe 17.

[0022] 3.7. Pressure Sensor The pressure sensor 19 is arranged at the dispenser 14 and measures the internal pressure in the flow path (hydrogen pressure) at the dispenser 14. That is, it measures the internal pressure of the flow path where the above-mentioned flow paths converge. The specific type of the pressure sensor is not particularly limited, and a known one can be applied. The pressure sensor 19 is electrically connected to the control device 20 and is configured to be able to transmit the pressure measurement result to the control device 20.

[0023] 3.8. Control Device The control device 20 acquires pressure information from the pressure sensor 19, performs calculations, and controls, for example, by operating the notification device 21 to give a notification or by operating the on-off valve 18 to regulate the flow of hydrogen. As conceptually shown in FIG. 4, the control device 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20a that is a processor and performs calculations, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 20b that functions as a work area, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 20c that functions as a recording medium, a receiving unit 20d that is an interface for receiving information into the control device 20 regardless of wired or wireless, and a transmitting unit 20e that is an interface for sending information from the control device 20 to the outside regardless of wired or wireless. Therefore, the control device 20 is configured such that the pressure sensor 19 is connected to the receiving unit 20d to receive information, and the on-off valve 18 and the notification device 21 are connected to the transmitting unit 20e so that signals can be transmitted to the on-off valve 18 and the notification device 21.

[0024] A program for notification control that processes information from the pressure sensor 19, determines whether it is an abnormal state, and operates the on-off valve 18 and the notification device 21 is stored in the control device 20. In the control device 20, the CPU 20a, RAM 20b, and ROM 20c as hardware resources cooperate with the program. Specifically, the CPU 20a executes the computer program recorded in the ROM 20c in the RAM 20b that functions as a work area, determines whether it is an abnormal state based on the pressure information from the pressure sensor 19, and operates the on-off valve 18 and the notification device 21 to perform appropriate notification control. Information acquired or generated by the CPU 20a is stored in the RAM 20b. In addition, a separate recording medium may be provided inside or outside the control device 20, and programs and various data may be recorded here.

[0025] In this embodiment, the control device 20 acquires information from the pressure sensor 19 via the receiving unit 20d. Then, based on the acquired data, while using a database recorded in the ROM 20c or other recording media, the control device 20 executes a computer program recorded in the ROM 20c or other recording media to perform arithmetic processing, and records the result in the RAM 32 or the recording media. The details of the specific notification control by the control device 20 will be described later. Based on the result of the determination, a signal is transmitted from the transmitting unit 20e to the on-off valve 18 and the notification device 21, and the on-off valve 18 and the notification device 21 operate according to this signal.

[0026] Such a control device 20 can typically be configured by a computer.

[0027] 3.9. Notification Device The notification device 21 is a device that outputs necessary information to the outside. The specific method of notification is not particularly limited, and examples include sound, light, display of characters and patterns, and combinations thereof. As the device, it can be a speaker for sound, lighting for light, a display for display, etc. The notification device 21 is electrically connected to the control device 20 and is configured to receive a signal from the control device 20 and perform the above-described notification.

[0028] 4. Normal Control Before explaining the scenarios where notification control is required, the normal operation of the hydrogen tank system 10 will be described.

[0029] 4.1. Filling of Hydrogen Tank The filling of hydrogen into the hydrogen tank 11 is performed by connecting the nozzle 53a provided at the tip of the hydrogen supply pipe 53 of the hydrogen filling device 50 described above to the receptacle 12 as the hydrogen filling port provided in the hydrogen tank system 10 of the vehicle 1 and supplying hydrogen from the hydrogen filling device 50. Thereby, as shown by the arrow I in FIG. 3, hydrogen is filled into each hydrogen tank 11 through the receptacle 12, the hydrogen filling dedicated pipe 15, the distributor 14, and each common pipe 17, and passes through the on-off valve 18. At this time, the on-off valve 16a of the hydrogen supply dedicated pipe 16 is closed, and the flow of hydrogen in the hydrogen supply dedicated pipe 16 is restricted. The closing of the on-off valve 16a may be performed by the control device 20. In that case, the on-off valve 16a and the control device 20 are electrically connected.

[0030] 4.2. Hydrogen consumption by the hydrogen consumption device In a scenario where hydrogen is consumed, such as when generating electricity using the fuel cell 13 and driving the vehicle with the electricity, the on-off valve 16a is opened, and hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell 13. Specifically, as shown by the arrow O in FIG. 3, hydrogen flows out from each hydrogen tank 11 (when one hydrogen tank 11 selected from the plurality of hydrogen tanks 11 is used, from that hydrogen tank 11), and hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell 13 through the common pipe 17, the distributor 14, and the hydrogen supply dedicated pipe 16. Since the check valve is arranged in the receptacle 12 as described above, hydrogen usually does not leak to the outside from the receptacle 12.

[0031] 4.3. Effects, etc. As described above, according to the hydrogen tank system 10 of this embodiment, since the pipes are common in at least a part (common pipe 17) of the pipe for filling hydrogen and the pipe for supplying hydrogen, the system can be simplified. This also contributes to weight reduction of the vehicle, etc.

[0032] 5. Notification control Here, when performing the above-mentioned "hydrogen consumption by the hydrogen consumption device", for example, when there is a problem with the check valve of the receptacle 12 or when the sealing material of the receptacle 12 is damaged, some hydrogen may flow back from the distributor 14 through the hydrogen filling dedicated pipe 15 to the receptacle 12 and leak to the outside. The notification control is a control that promptly notifies the situation when such a problem occurs and promotes a smooth response. Embodiment examples will be described below. These controls are performed by the above-mentioned control device 20. Note that such notification control is preferably performed after the above-described "filling of the hydrogen tank" and before "consumption of hydrogen by the hydrogen-consuming device" (before the on-off valve 16a is opened).

[0033] 5.1. Embodiment 1 FIG. 5 shows the flow of the notification control S10 according to Embodiment 1. Each process will be described below.

[0034] 5.1.1. Process S11 In process S11, the counting of time is started. The starting timing is not particularly limited, but an example is immediately after the filling of hydrogen into the hydrogen tank 11 and before the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell 13 (before the on-off valve 16a is opened).

[0035] 5.1.2. Process S12 In process S12, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed from process S11. If the predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined as Yes and the process proceeds to process S13. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, it is determined as No and the counting of time continues. Here, the predetermined time depends on the required time for the vehicle system to start up. However, considering the general time required for the current automotive system to start up, it is reasonable to assume within a few seconds.

[0036] 5.1.3. Process S13 In process S13, the control device 20 acquires the pressure measurement value from the pressure sensor 19.

[0037] 5.1.4. Process S14 In process S14, it is determined whether the pressure obtained in process S13 is equal to or higher than a threshold value. The specific value of the threshold is not particularly limited, but it can be set to a level where, even though hydrogen has not been consumed after filling, the pressure has decreased unnaturally. The specific value is not particularly limited, but for example, a pressure obtained by subtracting 10 MPa from the maximum pressure after filling the hydrogen tank 11 (the pressure at which it is said to be full in normal hydrogen filling or the pressure set during filling) can be considered clearly abnormal (hydrogen gas leakage or pressure sensor failure). If the pressure in process S14 is equal to or higher than the threshold value, it indicates that there is no problem such as leakage, so it is determined as Yes and the notification control S10 ends. If the pressure in process S14 is lower than the threshold value, there may be a leakage, so it is determined as No and the process proceeds to S15.

[0038] 5.1.5. Process S15 In process S15, the notification device 21 notifies that there may be a leakage. This is done by the control device 20 sending a signal to that effect to the notification device 21. Also, the on-off valve 18 may be closed simultaneously with or prior to this. This can prevent further leakage of hydrogen from the receptacle 12. The closing of the on-off valve 18 is also done by the control device 20 sending a signal to that effect to the on-off valve 18.

[0039] 5.1.6. Effects, etc. According to the notification control S10, in the hydrogen tank system 10 applying the common pipe 17, even if there is a problem of hydrogen leakage from the hydrogen filling port or the like, the situation can be promptly notified to facilitate a smooth response. Also, by closing the on-off valve 18 together, further leakage can be prevented.

[0040] 5.2. Embodiment 2 Fig. 6 shows the flow of the notification control S20 according to Embodiment 2. Each process will be described below.

[0041] 5.2.1. Process S21 In process S11, the counting of time starts. The start timing is not particularly limited, but an example is immediately after the hydrogen filling of the hydrogen tank 11 is completed and before the hydrogen supply to the fuel cell 13 (before the on-off valve 16a is opened).

[0042] 5.2.2. Process S22 In process S22, the control device 20 acquires the pressure P1, which is the pressure measurement value, from the pressure sensor 19.

[0043] 5.2.3. Process S23 In process S23, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since process S21. If the predetermined time has elapsed, it is set to Yes and the process proceeds to process S24. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, it is set to No and the time count continues. Here, the predetermined time depends on the time required for the vehicle's system startup. However, considering the general time required for current automobile system startups, it is reasonable to assume within a few seconds.

[0044] 5.2.4. Process S24 In process S24, the control device 20 acquires the pressure P2, which is the pressure measurement value, from the pressure sensor 19.

[0045] 5.2.5. Process S25 In process S25, it is determined whether the difference between the pressure P1 obtained in process S22 and the pressure P2 acquired in process S24 is less than or equal to the threshold value. Here, the specific value of the threshold is not particularly limited. However, it can be set to a level where, even though hydrogen has not been consumed after hydrogen filling, the pressure has decreased unnaturally. Although the specific value is not particularly limited, for example, if the pressure drops by about 10 MPa or more, it can be clearly considered abnormal (hydrogen gas leakage or pressure sensor failure). If the pressure is less than or equal to the threshold value in process S25, it means that there is no problem such as leakage, so it is set to Yes and the notification control S20 ends. If the pressure has a large difference from the threshold value in process S25, there may be a leakage, so it is set to No and the process proceeds to process S26.

[0046] 5.2.6. Process S26 In process S26, the notification device 21 notifies that there may be a leakage. This is done by the control device 20 sending a signal to that effect to the notification device 21. Also, the on - off valve 18 may be closed simultaneously with or prior to this. This can stop the leakage of hydrogen from the receptacle 12. The closing of the on - off valve 18 is also done by the control device 20 sending a signal to that effect to the on - off valve 18.

[0047] 5.2.7. Effects, etc. According to the notification control S20, in the hydrogen tank system 10 applying the common pipe 17, even if there is a problem of hydrogen leakage from the hydrogen filling port or the like, the situation can be promptly notified and smooth countermeasures can be promoted. By closing the on-off valve 18 together, further leakage can be prevented. Also, in this exemplary embodiment, since the difference between two pressures (P1, P2) after a predetermined time has elapsed is taken for determination, even if there are variations between systems, the accuracy of leakage determination can be further improved.

Explanation of Signs

[0048] 1... Vehicle, 10... Hydrogen tank system, 11... Hydrogen tank, 12... Receptacle (hydrogen filling port), 13... Fuel cell (hydrogen consumption device), 14... Dispenser, 15... Hydrogen filling dedicated pipe, 16... Hydrogen supply dedicated pipe, 17... Common pipe, 18... On-off valve, 19... Pressure sensor, 20... Control device, 21... Notification device

Claims

1. A hydrogen tank system having a hydrogen tank, a hydrogen consuming device, and a hydrogen filling port, wherein at least a part of the pipe from the hydrogen filling port to the hydrogen tank and the pipe from the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen consuming device is common, a control device obtains the internal pressure of the common part of the pipe after hydrogen filling into the hydrogen tank and before hydrogen supply to the hydrogen consuming device, and performs control to give a notification when the internal pressure becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure. A hydrogen tank system.

2. A hydrogen tank system having a hydrogen tank, a hydrogen consuming device, and a hydrogen filling port, wherein at least a part of the pipe from the hydrogen filling port to the hydrogen tank and the pipe from the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen consuming device is common, a control device obtains the pressure P1 after hydrogen filling into the hydrogen tank and the pressure P2 after a predetermined time has elapsed after hydrogen filling into the hydrogen tank and before hydrogen supply to the hydrogen consuming device, in the common part of the pipe, and gives a notification when the difference between the pressure P1 and the pressure P2 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value. A hydrogen tank system.

3. The hydrogen tank system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device closes the valve of the hydrogen tank prior to or simultaneously with giving the notification.

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