Hydrogen consumption system

Abstract

To provide a hydrogen consumption system capable of preventing failure and suppressing generation of discharge sound during removal of a hydrogen tank.SOLUTION: A device comprises a detachable hydrogen tank, a fuel cell that uses hydrogen from the hydrogen tank as fuel, a pipe that connects the hydrogen tank and the fuel cell and through which hydrogen flows, an on-off valve provided in the pipe, and a control device. When the hydrogen tank is detached, the control device closes the on-off valve, calculates an amount of hydrogen consumed by generating power with the fuel cell until the pressure in the pipe falls below 1 MPa; calculates a current requirement value of the fuel cell and a current upper limit value of the fuel cell from the amount of hydrogen consumed; and when an actual current value is larger than the current upper limit value, performs control to change the current requirement value so that it is equal to or less than the current upper limit value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hydrogen consumption system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a fuel gas consumption system capable of shortening the time until system stop and quickly determining leakage, and a gas leakage detection method for the fuel gas consumption system. Here, in order to reduce the pressure of hydrogen in the high-pressure pipe, the fuel gas is consumed by power generation or exhausted from the downstream of the hydrogen pipe (exhaust and drain valve) to reduce the pressure of hydrogen in the high-pressure pipe.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When detaching a hydrogen tank (hydrogen cartridge tank) from a hydrogen consumption system, a sound (release sound) is generated if high-pressure hydrogen remains in the pipe at the detachment part between the hydrogen tank and the pipe. Even if the amount of hydrogen is very small, the release sound when a hydrogen pressure of several tens of MPa remains gives the user a great sense of discomfort. In order to solve this, it is necessary to lower the hydrogen pressure in the pipe at the detachment part to a specified value when detaching the hydrogen tank.

[0005] However, in the conventional technology, it was not possible to sufficiently reduce the pressure until the generation of the release sound could be suppressed. On the other hand, if hydrogen is released recklessly saying that it should just be depressurized, it will result in waste of fuel and hydrogen shortage in the fuel cell.

[0006] In view of the above problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a hydrogen consumption system that can suppress the generation of abnormal noises and is less likely to cause malfunctions when the hydrogen tank is detached.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present application provides a detachable hydrogen tank, a fuel cell that uses hydrogen from the hydrogen tank as fuel, a pipe that connects the hydrogen tank and the fuel cell and through which hydrogen flows, an on-off valve provided in the pipe, and a control device. When the hydrogen tank is detached, the control device closes the on-off valve, calculates the amount of hydrogen consumed by the power generation of the fuel cell until the pressure in the pipe becomes less than 1 MPa, calculates the current demand value of the fuel cell and the upper limit value of the fuel cell current from the amount of hydrogen consumed, and when the actual current value is greater than the upper limit value of the current, controls to change the current demand value so that it is equal to or less than the upper limit value of the current, and discloses a hydrogen consumption system.

[0008] The control device may compare the estimated pressure at which hydrogen deficiency occurs in the fuel cell with the actual pressure in the pipe, and control to stop the power generation by the fuel cell when the actual pressure is less than or equal to the estimated pressure.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, when the hydrogen tank is detached, the pressure in the pipe is reduced while controlling the hydrogen remaining in the pipe. Therefore, while continuing the power supply by the power generation of the fuel cell, waste and shortage of fuel (hydrogen) are suppressed, and the release sound can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] 1. Hydrogen consumption system FIG. 1 conceptually shows the configuration of a hydrogen consumption system 10 according to one embodiment. Such a hydrogen consumption system 10 includes a hydrogen tank 11 as a hydrogen supply source, a consumption device 20 as a hydrogen supply destination, and a control device 50. The hydrogen consumption system 10 of this embodiment is a system that supplies hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank 11 to a fuel cell 21 included in the consumption device 20 for power generation. Further, in this embodiment, the hydrogen tank 11 is configured to be detachable from the consumption device 20. The following will be described in detail.

[0012] 1.1. Hydrogen tank The hydrogen tank 11 is a container for storing the fuel to be supplied (hydrogen in this embodiment) in a liquid state or a gaseous state. FIG. 2 shows a diagram for explanation. FIG. 2(a) is an external view, and FIG. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view along the axial direction of the tank 11. As can be seen from these figures, in this embodiment, the hydrogen tank 11 has a liner 12, a reinforcing layer 13, a base 14, and an on-off valve 15. Each configuration will be described below. Although the description is omitted, the hydrogen tank 11 may be provided with an exterior body and a handle in order to improve aesthetics and portability.

[0013] 1.1.1. Liner The liner 12 is a hollow member that partitions the internal space of the hydrogen tank 11 and is cylindrical in this embodiment. The openings at both ends of the body portion 12a having a generally constant diameter of the liner 12 are narrowed by dome-shaped side end portions 12b, and the base 14 is disposed at the narrowed opening 12c. The liner 12 may be made of a material that can hold the material (hydrogen) accommodated in its internal space without leakage, and known materials can be used. Specifically, for example, it may be made of nylon resin, synthetic resin such as polyethylene-based resin, or metal such as stainless steel or aluminum. Among them, from the viewpoint of reducing the weight of the tank, the material constituting the liner is preferably a synthetic resin. The thickness of the liner 12 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm.

[0014] 1.1.2. Reinforcing layer In the reinforcing layer 13, fibers are laminated over a plurality of layers, and the fibers are impregnated with a cured resin. The layer formed by the fibers is formed by winding fiber bundles around the outer periphery of the liner 12 over a plurality of layers to a predetermined thickness. The thickness of the reinforcing layer 13 and the number of windings of the fiber bundles are not particularly limited because they are determined by the required strength, but are about 10 mm to 30 mm.

[0015] <Fiber bundle> For example, carbon fibers are used in the fiber bundles of the reinforcing layer 13, and the fiber bundles are in a band shape in which carbon fibers are bundled and have a predetermined cross-sectional shape (for example, a rectangular cross-section). Specifically, although not particularly limited, the cross-sectional shape may be a rectangle with a width of 6 mm to 20 mm and a thickness of about 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. The amount of carbon fibers contained in the fiber bundles is not particularly limited, but for example, it may be composed of about 36,000 carbon fibers.

[0016] <Impregnated resin> The resin impregnated and cured in the reinforcing layer 13 on the fibers (fiber bundles) is not particularly limited as long as it can enhance the strength of the fibers. Examples thereof include thermosetting resins that cure by heat. Specifically, there are epoxy resins containing amine-based or anhydride-based curing accelerators and rubber-based reinforcing agents, unsaturated polyester resins, and the like. In addition, a resin composition that cures by mixing a curing agent with an epoxy resin as the main component can also be mentioned. According to this, by allowing the resin composition, which is this mixture, to reach and penetrate the fiber layer between the time of mixing the main component and the curing agent and the time of curing, it cures automatically.

[0017] <Protective layer> If necessary, a protective layer may be disposed on the outer periphery of the reinforcing layer. When provided, for example, glass fibers are wound and resin is impregnated therein. The resin to be impregnated can be considered in the same manner as the reinforcing layer 12. This can impart impact resistance to the tank 11. The thickness of the protective layer is not particularly limited, but can be about 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0018] 1.1.3. Fitting The fitting 14 is a member attached to each of the two openings 12c of the liner 12, is disposed at each of both ends in the direction of the axis O of the liner 12, functions as an opening for communicating the inside and outside of the hydrogen tank 11, and an on-off valve 15 is attached thereto. Therefore, the fitting 14 is provided with a circular cross-section hole for disposing the on-off valve 15. The inner surface of the hole has a female thread corresponding to the male thread of the on-off valve 15. The on-off valve 15 is fixed to the fitting 14 by combining the male thread of the on-off valve 15 with this female thread. Further, the inner surface of the hole has a seal surface that is a smooth surface on the inner side (high-pressure side) of the tank from the female thread. A seal member provided on the outer periphery of the on-off valve 15 contacts this seal surface to make the inside of the hydrogen tank 11 airtight (sealed).

[0019] The members constituting the fitting 14 are not particularly limited as long as they have the required strength, and examples thereof include stainless steel and aluminum.

[0020] 1.1.4. On - off valve The on - off valve 15 is held in the hole of the base 14 of the hydrogen tank 11. The on - off valve 15 is arranged in one of the two bases 14 provided at both longitudinal ends of the hydrogen tank 11. A plug 14a is arranged and sealed on the other base 14. FIG. 3 is a view including the vicinity of the on - off valve 15 in FIG. 2(b), showing a view in which the on - off valve 15 and the connecting device 23 of the consumption device 20 described later are separated. The on - off valve 15 has a shaft portion arranged inside the hole of the base 14, and an external thread combined with the internal thread of the base 14 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion, whereby the on - off valve 15 is fixed to the hole of the base 14. Also, a seal member (not shown) is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the on - off valve 15, and this seal member is arranged to contact the seal surface on the inner surface of the hole of the base 14 to achieve airtightness (sealing).

[0021] The on - off valve 15 has a valve body 16 and a connecting portion 17.

[0022] <Valve body> The valve body 16 is a switching valve that permits and restricts the communication between the inside and outside of the hydrogen tank 11. In this embodiment, a check valve is applied as the valve body 16. Therefore, in this embodiment, the valve body 16 is biased to restrict the communication when closed, and by pressing the valve body 16 against the bias, the valve body 16 moves and the communication is permitted. Thus, in this embodiment, since the communication is switched by pressing and releasing the valve body 16, means for pressing the valve body 16 is required. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described later, the consumption device 20 is provided with means (push rod 24) for pressing the valve body 16. By making the valve body 16 a check valve and opening and closing it on the consumption device 20 side, it is not necessary to electrically connect and control the detachable hydrogen tank 11 to the control device 50, and the control by the control device 50 can be performed more reliably.

[0023] Although an example in which a check valve is applied as the valve body 16 has been shown in this embodiment, it is not limited as long as the communication between the inside and outside of the hydrogen tank 11 can be allowed and restricted, and a solenoid valve can also be applied to the valve body. By using a solenoid valve, the opening and closing control can be directly performed by the control device 50 without using a pressing means.

[0024] <Connection part> The on-off valve 15 has a connection part 17 connected to the consumption device 20 on the side connected to the consumption device 20. The connection part 17 is a part where the connection part 17 and the connection part 25 of the connection device 23 of the consumption device 20 can be engaged and disengaged. Although the specific mode is not limited, a mechanical coupling (mechanical interface) can be cited in this embodiment, and among them, a mount such as connecting a photographing lens to a main body in a camera can be applied, and more specifically, a C mount can be used.

[0025] 1.1.5. Others The allowable pressure of the hydrogen tank 11 is not particularly limited, but a tank that can store hydrogen at an allowable pressure exceeding 20 MPa and not exceeding 70 MPa can be cited from the viewpoint of supplying more hydrogen. In this embodiment, the appropriate detachment of such a high-pressure tank can be performed.

[0026] 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 cited, and in order to distinguish them, reference numerals 11a, 11b, and 11c are used. These hydrogen tanks 11 may all have the same capacity, or may include tanks with different capacities.

[0027] 1.2. Consumption device The consumption device 20 is a destination for supplying hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 11, and is a device that receives hydrogen and consumes it. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the consumption device 20 includes a fuel cell 21, a supply pipe 22, a connection device 23, an injection 30, and a pressure gauge 31.

[0028] 1.2.1. Fuel cell The fuel cell 21 is a device that consumes the supplied hydrogen. It receives hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 11 and air from an air hole (not shown) and generates electricity. The specific configuration of the fuel cell 21 is not particularly limited, and a known one can be used.

[0029] 1.2.2. Supply pipe The supply pipe 22 is a pipe that forms a path for guiding hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 11 to the fuel cell 21. In this embodiment, each of the hydrogen tanks 11a, 11b, and 11c is connected to the fuel cell 21. Here, the pipes 22a, 22b, and 22c extending from each of the hydrogen tanks 11a, 11b, and 11c merge into one pipe 22d and are connected to the fuel cell 21.

[0030] 1.2.3. Connection device The connection device 23 is arranged at the connection part of the supply pipe 22 with the hydrogen tank 11, and is connected to the connection part 17 provided on the on-off valve 15 of the hydrogen tank 11 described above, and operates the opening and closing of the valve body 16 (check valve) of the hydrogen tank 11. Fig. 3 is a view including the vicinity of the connection device 23 in Fig. 2(b), showing a view in which the on-off valve 15 and the connection device 23 of the consumption device 20 are separated. As can be seen from Fig. 3, the connection device 23 has a cylindrical body 23a, a push rod 24 arranged inside the cylindrical body 23a, and a connection part 25 provided at the tip of the cylindrical body 23a.

[0031] <Push rod> The push rod 24 is a member that can press the valve body 16 provided on the on-off valve 15 of the hydrogen tank 11. In this embodiment, it is rod-shaped and can press the valve body 16 at its tip. Therefore, as can be seen from Fig. 3, the push rod 24 is arranged inside the cylindrical body 23a and is configured to move in the axial direction as indicated by the straight arrow in Fig. 3 and protrude from and retract into the cylindrical body 23a. When the push rod 24 is retracted, the supply pipe 22 is closed, and when the push rod 24 protrudes, the supply pipe 22 is configured to be in an open state. The push rod 24 also serves as an on-off valve on the supply pipe 22 side. The protrusion and retraction of the push rod 24 are controlled by the control device 50. However, the system configuration for opening and closing the supply pipe 22 may be structured such that the push rod side 24 is fixed and the hydrogen tank 11 and the on-off valve 15 side are controlled and driven to press the valve body 16.

[0032] <Connection part> The connection part 25 is provided at the end of the cylindrical body 23a on the side facing the connection part 17 provided in the on-off valve 15. As described above, the connection part 25 can be engaged with and detached from the connection part 17. Specifically, in this embodiment, a mechanical coupling (mechanical interface) can be mentioned. Among them, a mount for connecting a photographing lens to the main body in a camera can be applied, and more specifically, a C mount can be used.

[0033] 1.2.4. Injection The injection 30 is arranged in the supply pipe 22 (supply pipe 22d in this embodiment) between the connection device 23 and the fuel cell 21, and controls the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell 21. The specific form of the injection is not particularly limited, but a flow rate adjustment valve can be mentioned. Depending on the form of the injection 30, a pressure adjustment valve (pressure reducing valve) may be provided between the connection device 23 and the injection 30.

[0034] 1.2.5. Pressure gauge The pressure gauge 31 is a pressure gauge that measures the internal pressure of the flow path of the supply flow path 22 (the pressure in the pipe) between the connection device 23 and the injection 30. In this embodiment, the specific form of the pressure gauge 31 is not particularly limited, but it is configured to be able to transmit the obtained pressure value data to the control device 50.

[0035] 1.3. Control device The control device 50 is a control device that performs calculations and issues commands to adjust the conditions for the detachment of the hydrogen tank 11 when the hydrogen tank 11 is detached. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control device 50 is configured to be able to communicate with the push rod 24, the injection 30, and the pressure gauge 31 of the connection device 23. On the other hand, when the structure is such that the push rod side 24 is fixed and the hydrogen tank 11 and the on-off valve 15 side are controlled and driven to press the valve body 16 for opening and closing the supply pipe 22, communication is enabled not with the push rod 24 but with the hydrogen tank 11 and the on-off valve 15 side.

[0036] As conceptually shown in FIG. 4, the control device 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51 that is a processor and performs calculations, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 52 that functions as a work area, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 53 that functions as a recording medium, a receiving unit 54 that is an interface for accepting information into the control device 50 regardless of whether it is wired or wireless, and a transmitting unit 55 that is an interface for sending information from the control device 50 to the outside regardless of whether it is wired or wireless. Therefore, the control device 50 is configured such that the pressure gauge 31 is connected to the receiving unit 54 to receive information, and the push rod 24 and the injection 30 are connected to the transmitting unit 55 so that signals for their operation can be transmitted thereto. On the other hand, when the structure is such that the push rod side 24 is fixed and the hydrogen tank 11 and the on-off valve 15 side are controlled and driven to press the valve body 16 for opening and closing the supply pipe 22, the configuration is such that the push rod 24 is not connected to the transmitting unit 55 but the hydrogen tank 11 and the on-off valve 15 side are connected.

[0037] The control device 50 stores a program that performs arithmetic processing to prepare the conditions for the detachment of the hydrogen tank 11 and transmits a signal for operation to each device. In the control device 50, the CPU 51, RAM 52, and ROM 53 as hardware resources cooperate with the program. Specifically, the CPU 51 performs desired control by executing the computer program recorded in the ROM 53 in the RAM 52 that functions as a work area. Information acquired or generated by the CPU 51 is stored in the RAM 52. Additionally, a separate recording medium may be provided inside or outside the control device 50, and a program and various data may be recorded here. The specific control content will be described later.

[0038] Such a control device 50 can typically be configured by a computer.

[0039] 2. Tank detachment control The control performed when the hydrogen tank 11 is detached in the hydrogen consumption system 10 will be described below. 2.1. Hydrogen supply state Prior to the detachment of the hydrogen tank 11, hydrogen flows out from the hydrogen tank 11, and hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell 21 through the supply pipe 22, and power generation is performed in the fuel cell 21. At this time, the hydrogen tank 11 is in a connected state with the consumption device 20, and the on-off valve 15 and the push rod 24 are in an open valve state. That is, when the hydrogen tank 11 is installed and in a hydrogen supply state, the connection portion 17 provided on the on-off valve 15 of the hydrogen tank 11 engages with the connection portion 25 provided on the connection device 23 of the consumption device 20, and the push rod 24 protrudes from the cylinder body 23a and its tip reaches the inside of the on-off valve 15, pressing the valve body 16, and the on-off valve 15 and the push rod 24 are in an open state. At this time, the pressure in the supply pipe 22 is approximately the same as the internal pressure of the hydrogen tank 11 and is in a high-pressure state.

[0040] 2.2. Flow of hydrogen tank detachment Fig. 5 shows the flow of the tank detachment control S10 according to one embodiment. As can be seen from Fig. 5, the tank detachment control S10 includes processes S11 to S19. Each of these processes is advanced by a program stored in the control device 50, and the operation of each device is performed according to a command from the control device 50. Hereinafter, each process will be described.

[0041] 2.2.1. Detachment start In the process S11 of detachment start, the control device 50 receives a signal that triggers the start of hydrogen tank detachment. Thereby, the detachment control of the hydrogen tank 11 is started, and the tank detachment control S10 is performed. The signal triggering the start of hydrogen tank detachment is not particularly limited, and the user may operate a provided detachment start switch (not shown), or a signal may be issued when the content volume of the hydrogen tank 11 decreases and falls below a predetermined pressure.

[0042] 2.2.2. Closing of the on-off valve In the process S12 of closing the on-off valve, the control device 50 closes the on-off valve 15 and the push rod 24 triggered by the closing signal received in the process S11. Specifically, in this embodiment, the control device 50 moves the push rod 24 to release the pressing of the valve body 16, thereby closing the valve body 16 and the push rod 24. On the other hand, in the case of a structure in which the push rod side 24 is fixed for opening and closing the supply pipe 22 and the hydrogen tank 11 / on-off valve 15 side is controlled and driven to press the valve body 16, the control device 50 does not move the push rod 24 but moves the hydrogen tank 11 / on-off valve 15 side to release the pressing of the valve body 16. When a plurality of hydrogen tanks 11 are arranged, this operation is performed for all the hydrogen tanks 11.

[0043] 2.2.3. Calculation of the amount of hydrogen to be consumed In the process S13 of calculating the amount of hydrogen to be consumed, the amount of hydrogen to be consumed for the pressure in the supply pipe 22 to be less than 1 MPa is calculated from the pressure in the supply pipe 22 obtained from the pressure gauge 31 and the volume of the supply pipe 22. This calculation may be a calculation based on theoretical values, or relational expressions or maps obtained in advance through tests may be used.

[0044] 2.2.4. Judgment of the amount of hydrogen to be consumed In the process S14 of judging the amount of hydrogen to be consumed, it is judged whether the amount of hydrogen calculated in the process S13 is 0 or less. If the amount of hydrogen calculated in the process S13 is greater than 0, it is determined as No and the process proceeds to S15.

[0045] If the amount of hydrogen is 0 or less, since it is considered that the pressure in the supply pipe 22 is less than 1 MPa, it is determined as Yes, and the disconnection control S10 of the hydrogen tank is terminated. After the disconnection control is terminated, this fact is notified, and it is notified that the disconnection of the hydrogen tank 11 may be performed. Here, when making the judgment in the process S14, when it is a return from the process S19 and power generation by the fuel cell 21 has already been performed, the control device 50 also stops the injection 30 and stops the power generation. Note that a locking mechanism (not shown) may be provided so that the hydrogen tank 11 cannot be detached until the disconnection control of the hydrogen tank 11 is completed. In this case, the locking mechanism is released when the disconnection control is completed.

[0046] 2.2.5. Calculation of fuel cell side conditions In the process S15 of calculating the fuel cell side conditions, when generating power by the fuel cell 21 in the subsequent process S16, the conditions to be satisfied on the fuel cell 21 side are calculated. In particular, when the hydrogen supply to the fuel cell 21 is insufficient and a hydrogen deficiency state occurs, power generation conditions for avoiding the deficiency state are given due to a decrease in the voltage of the fuel cell, damage to the fuel cell 21, problems in normal power generation, etc. More specifically, the current required value of the fuel cell and the upper limit value of the current of the fuel cell are calculated. Here, the "current required value" is the value of the current required to consume the amount of hydrogen to be consumed calculated in process S13 within a predetermined time. The "upper limit value of the current" is the upper limit value of the current that can guarantee that hydrogen deficiency does not occur. Any of these values may be calculated based on theoretical values, or relational expressions or maps obtained in advance through tests may be used.

[0047] 2.2.6. Generate electricity according to conditions In process S16 of generating electricity according to conditions, the control device 50 operates the injection 30 to send the hydrogen in the flow path of the supply pipe 22 to the fuel cell 21 for power generation and consumes the hydrogen in the flow path of the supply pipe 22. The power generation at this time is performed according to the current required value calculated in the above-described process S15. Through this process S16, the hydrogen in the flow path of the supply pipe 22 is consumed and the pressure in the pipe decreases. The electricity obtained in process S16 is not particularly limited, but can be used for power supply to electrical equipment, charging of a secondary battery (not shown), etc.

[0048] 2.2.7. Judgment on whether the upper limit value of the current is exceeded In process S17 of judging whether the upper limit value of the current is exceeded, it is judged whether the actual current value exceeds the upper limit value of the current calculated in process S15. The required current value calculated in process S15 is the current value assuming an ideal state, and the actual current may be different from the current required value depending on the state of the fuel cell 21 such as deterioration of the fuel cell 21 and accumulation of water. Even if the actual current value is different from the current required value, there is no problem as long as it does not exceed the upper limit value of the current calculated in process S15. However, if the actual current value exceeds the upper limit value of the current, there is a risk of the above-described problem of hydrogen deficiency occurring. Therefore, in process S17, it is judged whether the actual current value exceeds the upper limit value of the current. If the actual current value is less than or equal to the upper limit value of the current, it is determined as No and the process proceeds to S19. On the other hand, if the actual current value exceeds the upper limit value of the current, it is determined as Yes and the process proceeds to S18.

[0049] 2.2.8. Change of the current required value In the process S18 of changing the current required value, when it is determined in process S17 that the upper limit value of the current is exceeded, the current required value is changed so as to avoid this (the actual current value becomes equal to or less than the upper limit value of the current). Therefore, in process S18, a corrected value for reducing the current required value is calculated. Then, the process returns to process S16 to perform power generation based on this corrected current required value.

[0050] 2.2.9. Determination of Whether Pressure Conditions are Satisfied In the process S19 of determining whether the pressure conditions are satisfied, it is determined whether the actual pressure in the supply pipe 22 exceeds the estimated pressure at which hydrogen deficiency occurs. The pressure at which hydrogen deficiency occurs can be calculated as an estimated value. Therefore, in process S19, it is calculated whether the actual pressure in the supply pipe 22 exceeds the calculated estimated value. The actual pressure in the supply pipe 22 can be obtained by the pressure gauge 31. If the actual pressure in the supply pipe 22 exceeds the estimated value, it is considered that hydrogen deficiency does not occur, and thus the process returns to process S13 to continue control. On the other hand, if the actual pressure in the supply pipe 22 is equal to or less than the estimated value, control is stopped and terminated because there is a risk of hydrogen deficiency. The termination is as described above.

[0051] Note that the supply pipe 22 includes pipes for the high-pressure region and pipes for the medium-pressure region, and it is preferable to apply process S19 to any of the pipes. Thereby, the effects of the present disclosure become more remarkable with greater certainty.

[0052] 3. Effects, etc. According to the hydrogen consumption system described above, it is possible to suppress the generation of a release sound when the hydrogen tank is detached. At this time, since the hydrogen remaining in the pipe is used for power generation, waste of hydrogen (fuel) can be suppressed. On the other hand, the occurrence of hydrogen deficiency in the fuel cell can also be suppressed. In the above-described specific example, after stopping the hydrogen supply from the hydrogen tank, degassing can be performed until the pressure at which insufficient hydrogen supply to the fuel cell is a concern (less than 1 MPa), suppressing the release sound when the hydrogen tank is detached. On the other hand, while avoiding hydrogen deficiency in the fuel cell by monitoring the upper limit value of the current of the fuel cell and monitoring the decrease in the hydrogen pressure in the pipe, power generation can be continued by consuming the hydrogen in the pipe.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0053] 10…Hydrogen consumption system, 11…Hydrogen tank, 15…On-off valve, 16…Valve body, 17…Connection part, 20…Consumption device, 21…Fuel cell, 22…Supply pipe, 23…Connection device, 24…Push rod (pipe-side on-off valve), 25…Connection part, 30…Injection, 31…Pressure gauge, 50…Control device

Claims

Claim 1 A detachable hydrogen tank, A fuel cell that uses hydrogen from the hydrogen tank as fuel, A pipe that connects the hydrogen tank and the fuel cell and through which hydrogen flows, A shut-off valve provided in the pipe, and A control device, When the hydrogen tank is detached, the control device Closes the shut-off valve and calculates the amount of hydrogen consumed by the power generation of the fuel cell until the pressure in the pipe becomes less than 1 MPa, Calculates the current demand value of the fuel cell and the current upper limit value of the fuel cell from the amount of hydrogen consumed, When the actual current value is greater than the current upper limit value, performs control to change the current demand value to be equal to or less than the current upper limit value, A hydrogen consumption system. Claim 2 The control device compares the estimated pressure at which hydrogen deficiency occurs in the fuel cell with the actual pressure in the pipe, and when the actual pressure is equal to or less than the estimated pressure, performs control to stop the power generation by the fuel cell, The hydrogen consumption system according to claim 1.

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