Hydrogen gas supply system

Abstract

To provide a hydrogen gas supply system which allows a user to freely select a hydrogen tank to be filled with hydrogen gas or a hydrogen tank to release hydrogen gas.SOLUTION: A hydrogen gas supply system includes: a monitor which is electrically connected to a control device, and displays, for each of hydrogen tanks, a hydrogen gas filling amount of the hydrogen tank, an internal pressure of the hydrogen tank, and an internal temperature of the hydrogen tank; and a selecting switch which is electrically connected to the control device, and selects the hydrogen tank to be filled with the hydrogen tank in filling with the hydrogen gas, and selects the hydrogen tank to release the hydrogen gas in releasing the hydrogen gas.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hydrogen gas supply system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a hydrogen gas supply device that includes multiple hydrogen tanks, a fill valve connected to each hydrogen tank, a release valve connected to each hydrogen tank, a fill pipe connected between the fill valves, a release pipe connected between the release valves, multiple temperature sensors that detect the temperature of each hydrogen tank, multiple pressure sensors that detect the pressure of each hydrogen tank, and a control unit that controls the fill valves and release valves based on the detection results of these temperature and pressure sensors. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-84808 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if the capacity of each hydrogen tank is different, the amount of hydrogen gas filled is likely to be uneven, making it necessary to limit the filling speed of hydrogen gas. On the other hand, if the planned consumption of hydrogen gas is known, it is not necessary to fill all of the multiple hydrogen tanks with hydrogen gas, and it is more efficient to select a hydrogen tank and fill it with hydrogen gas based on the planned consumption.

[0005] However, in the hydrogen gas supply device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the control unit controls the filling valve and the release valve based on the detection results of the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor, so the user cannot freely select the hydrogen tank to fill with hydrogen gas or the hydrogen tank to release hydrogen gas from.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, at least one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a hydrogen gas supply system that allows a user to freely select a hydrogen tank to fill with hydrogen gas or a hydrogen tank to release hydrogen gas. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) A hydrogen gas supply system according to at least one embodiment of the present invention comprises two or more hydrogen tanks, a filling pipe connecting the filling ports provided on each of the hydrogen tanks to each other, a filling valve provided on the filling pipe for each of the filling ports and opened when filling with hydrogen gas, a discharge pipe connecting the discharge ports provided on each of the hydrogen tanks to each other, a discharge valve provided on the discharge pipe for each of the discharge ports and opened when discharging the hydrogen gas, a pressure sensor provided on each of the hydrogen tanks to measure the internal pressure of each of the hydrogen tanks, a temperature sensor provided on each of the hydrogen tanks to measure the internal temperature of each of the hydrogen tanks, and a temperature sensor for measuring the internal pressure of each of the hydrogen tanks, the internal temperature of each of the hydrogen tanks, and a control device that calculates the amount of hydrogen gas to be filled into each hydrogen tank based on the capacity of the hydrogen tank, and that opens the fill valve of a hydrogen tank selected for filling with hydrogen gas when filling the hydrogen gas and opens the release valve of a hydrogen tank selected for releasing the hydrogen gas when releasing the hydrogen gas, the hydrogen gas supply system comprising: a monitor electrically connected to the control device that displays the hydrogen gas fill amount, the internal pressure, and the internal temperature for each hydrogen tank; and a selection switch electrically connected to the control device that selects the hydrogen tank to be filled with hydrogen gas when filling the hydrogen gas and the hydrogen tank from which the hydrogen gas is to be released when releasing the hydrogen gas. The fill port may also serve as the release port, the filling pipe may also serve as the release port, and the fill valve may also serve as the release valve.

[0008] According to the configuration (1) above, the amount of hydrogen gas filled in the hydrogen tank (remaining hydrogen gas), the internal pressure of the hydrogen tank, and the internal temperature of the hydrogen tank are displayed on the monitor for each hydrogen tank, and the user can use a selection switch to select the hydrogen tank to fill with hydrogen gas or the hydrogen tank to discharge hydrogen gas from. This allows the user to check the remaining hydrogen gas amount, internal pressure, and internal temperature of each hydrogen tank, and freely select the hydrogen tank to fill with hydrogen gas or the hydrogen tank to discharge hydrogen gas from.

[0009] (2) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (1) above, when two or more hydrogen tanks into which the hydrogen gas is to be filled are selected from the selection switch, the control device selects the hydrogen tanks into which the hydrogen gas is to be filled in order in accordance with a predetermined filling rule, and when two or more hydrogen tanks into which the hydrogen gas is to be discharged are selected from the selection switch, the control device selects the hydrogen tanks into which the hydrogen gas is to be discharged in order in accordance with a predetermined discharge rule.

[0010] According to the configuration (2) above, when two or more hydrogen tanks to fill with hydrogen gas are selected from the selection switch, the hydrogen tanks to fill with hydrogen gas are selected in order according to a predetermined filling rule, and when two or more hydrogen tanks to discharge hydrogen gas are selected from the selection switch, the hydrogen tanks to discharge hydrogen gas are selected in order according to a predetermined discharging rule. This allows the user to select two or more hydrogen tanks to fill with hydrogen gas from the selection switch, and to select two or more hydrogen tanks to discharge hydrogen gas from the selection switch.

[0011] (3) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (1) or (2) above, a common filling pipe to which the filling pipe is connected and a common filling valve provided on the common filling pipe are provided, and the selection switch selects at least two or more hydrogen tanks for performing pressure equalization of the hydrogen gas when the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the two or more hydrogen tanks is equalized, and the control device closes the common filling valve and opens the filling valves of the at least two or more hydrogen tanks for which pressure equalization of the hydrogen gas has been selected when the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the two or more hydrogen tanks is equalized.

[0012] According to the above configuration (3), when performing pressure equalization of hydrogen gas in two or more hydrogen tanks, it is possible to select at least two or more hydrogen tanks for which pressure equalization of hydrogen gas is to be performed.

[0013] (4) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (1) or (2) above, a common discharge pipe connected to the discharge pipe and a common discharge valve provided on the common discharge pipe are provided, and the selection switch selects at least two or more hydrogen tanks that will perform pressure equalization of the hydrogen gas when the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the two or more hydrogen tanks is equalized, and the control device closes the common discharge valve and opens the discharge valves of the at least two or more hydrogen tanks for which pressure equalization of the hydrogen gas has been selected when the pressure of the hydrogen gas in the two or more hydrogen tanks is equalized.

[0014] According to the above configuration (4), when performing pressure equalization of hydrogen gas in two or more hydrogen tanks, it is possible to select at least two or more hydrogen tanks for which pressure equalization of hydrogen gas is to be performed.

[0015] (5) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (1) or (2) above, the system further comprises a common filling pipe to which the filling pipe is connected, a common filling valve provided on the common filling pipe, a common discharge pipe connected to the discharge pipe, a common discharge valve provided on the common filling pipe, and pressure equalization pipes connected to the filling pipe and the discharge pipe, wherein the selection switch selects at least two or more hydrogen tanks for performing pressure equalization of the hydrogen gas when pressure equalizing the hydrogen gas in the two or more hydrogen tanks, and the control device closes the common filling valve and the common discharge valve when pressure equalizing the hydrogen gas in the two or more hydrogen tanks, and opens the filling valve or the discharge valve of the at least two or more hydrogen tanks for which pressure equalization of the hydrogen gas has been selected.

[0016] According to the above configuration (5), when performing pressure equalization of hydrogen gas in two or more hydrogen tanks, it is possible to select at least two or more hydrogen tanks for which pressure equalization of hydrogen gas is to be performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a user can check the amount of hydrogen gas filled into the hydrogen tank, the internal pressure of the hydrogen tank, and the internal pressure of the hydrogen tank for each hydrogen tank, and freely select the hydrogen tank to fill with hydrogen gas or the hydrogen tank to release hydrogen gas from. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a fuel cell vehicle (FCV) equipped with a hydrogen gas supply system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the gas supply system illustrated in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a monitor that displays the amount of hydrogen gas filled in the hydrogen tank, the internal pressure of the hydrogen tank, and the internal temperature of the hydrogen tank, and also displays a selection switch. [Figure 4]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a fluid circuit (Example 1) that enables equalization of the pressure of hydrogen gas in two or more hydrogen tanks. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a fluid circuit (Example 2) that enables equalization of the pressure of hydrogen gas in two or more hydrogen tanks. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a fluid circuit (Example 3) that enables equalization of the pressure of hydrogen gas in two or more hydrogen tanks. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of components described as embodiments or shown in the drawings are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0020] [Fuel cell vehicle] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a fuel cell vehicle (FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle)) 100 equipped with a hydrogen gas supply system 1 according to an embodiment. The fuel cell vehicle 100 is an electric vehicle that generates electricity using a fuel cell (FC (Fuel Cell) system) 110 and runs on the power of a drive motor 120. As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell vehicle 100 equipped with the hydrogen gas supply system 1 according to the embodiment includes, in addition to the hydrogen gas supply system 1 according to the embodiment, the FC system (fuel cell) 110, the drive motor 120, an air introduction system 130, a hydrogen recirculation system 140, a drive battery 150, and a vehicle control device (ECU (Electronic Control Unit)) 160. The fuel cell vehicle 100 is a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV, PHEV) that can be charged (externally charged) from an external device (e.g., a quick charger) while parked, and can supply power (externally power supply) to an external device (e.g., an ordinary household) while parked.

[0021] [Configuration of hydrogen gas supply system] A hydrogen gas supply system 1 according to an embodiment includes two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D, a filling pipe 3 connecting the filling ports provided on each of the hydrogen tanks 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, filling valves 4A-4D provided on the filling pipe 3 for each of the filling ports and opened when filling with hydrogen gas, a discharge pipe 5 connecting the discharge ports provided on each of the hydrogen tanks 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, and discharge valves 6A-6D provided on the discharge pipe 5 for each of the discharge ports and opened when releasing hydrogen gas. Note that the filling ports may also serve as discharge ports, the filling pipe 3 may also serve as discharge pipes, and the filling valves 4A-4D may also serve as discharge valves.

[0022] The two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D are hydrogen tanks of different capacities, and may be configured as, for example, four hydrogen tanks 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, but this is not limited thereto and the hydrogen tanks may have the same capacity, and as long as there are two or more hydrogen tanks, the configuration may be less than four hydrogen tanks or four or more hydrogen tanks. A common filling pipe 7 is connected to the filling pipe 3, and a hydrogen injector IJ is connected to the common filling pipe 7 when filling with hydrogen gas. A common discharge pipe 8 is connected to the discharge pipe 5, and the other end of the common discharge pipe is connected to an FC system 110.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the hydrogen gas supply system 1 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the hydrogen gas supply system 1 according to the embodiment includes pressure sensors 9A to 9D provided for each of the hydrogen tanks 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, which measure the internal pressure of the hydrogen tanks 2A to 2D, temperature sensors 10A to 10D provided for each of the hydrogen tanks 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, which measure the internal temperature of the hydrogen tanks 2A to 2D, and temperature sensors 10A to 10D provided for each of the hydrogen tanks 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, which measure the internal pressure of the hydrogen tanks 2A to 2D. The control device 11 calculates the amount of hydrogen gas filled (remaining amount of hydrogen gas) in each of the hydrogen tanks 2A to 2D based on the internal temperature of the tanks 2A to 2D and the capacity of the hydrogen tanks 2A to 2D, and opens the fill valves 4A to 4D of the hydrogen tanks 2A to 2D selected for filling with hydrogen gas when filling hydrogen gas, and opens the release valves 6A to 6D of the hydrogen tanks 2A to 2D selected for releasing hydrogen gas when releasing hydrogen gas.

[0024] The hydrogen gas supply system 1 according to the embodiment also includes a monitor 12 electrically connected to the control device 11 and displaying the amount of hydrogen gas filled in the hydrogen tanks 2A-2D (remaining amount of hydrogen gas), the internal pressure of the hydrogen tanks 2A-2D, and the internal temperature of the hydrogen tanks 2A-2D for each of the hydrogen tanks 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and a selection switch 13 electrically connected to the control device 11 and selecting the hydrogen tank 2A-2D to be filled with hydrogen gas when filling hydrogen gas, and selecting the hydrogen tank 2A-2D from which hydrogen gas is to be discharged when discharging hydrogen gas. The monitor 12 and selection switch 13 can be a display of a navigation system or a display provided on an instrument panel, but are not limited to these.

[0025] [Monitor and selection switch] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a monitor 12 that displays the hydrogen gas fill level of the hydrogen tank, the internal pressure of the hydrogen tank, and the internal temperature of the hydrogen tank, and also displays a selection switch 13. As shown in FIG. 3, monitor 12 schematically displays two or more hydrogen tanks 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D for each hydrogen tank 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D. The displays 2As, 2Bs, 2Cs, and 2Ds for hydrogen tanks 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D displayed on monitor 12 correspond to the capacity of the hydrogen tanks 2A-2D, and the hydrogen gas fill level and available capacity are displayed in different colors so that the hydrogen gas fill level (remaining hydrogen gas) of the hydrogen tanks 2A-2D can be seen at a glance. Monitor 12 is provided with switches for selecting "remaining amount," "pressure," and "temperature" for each hydrogen tank 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D. The "remaining amount" switch displays the hydrogen gas fill level (remaining amount), and the "pressure" switch displays the internal pressure of the hydrogen tank. Also, "Temperature" is a switch that displays the internal temperature of the hydrogen tank.

[0026] The monitor 12 also displays a schematic representation of the filling pipe 3, filling valves 4A-4D, discharge pipe 5, discharge valves 6A-6D, and FC system 110. Filling valves 4A-4D and discharge valves 6A-6D are displayed for each hydrogen tank 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, and the displays 2As-2Ds for the hydrogen tanks 2A-2D, the displays 4As-4Ds for the filling valves 4A-4D, and the displays 6As-6Ds for the discharge valves 6A-6D form switches. Therefore, when filling hydrogen gas, touching the display 2As-2Ds for the hydrogen tank 2A-2D from which hydrogen gas is to be filled selects the hydrogen tank 2A-2D from which hydrogen gas is to be filled. When discharging hydrogen gas, touching the display 2As-2Ds for the hydrogen tank 2A-2D from which hydrogen gas is to be discharged selects the hydrogen tank 2A-2D from which hydrogen gas is to be discharged. Whether or not it is time to fill hydrogen gas can be determined by whether or not a hydrogen injector IJ is connected to the common filling pipe 7, but this is not a limitation. Furthermore, by touching the indicators 4As-4Ds of the filling valves 4A-4D provided on the hydrogen tanks 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, it is possible to declare that hydrogen gas is being filled and select the hydrogen tank 2A-2D from which hydrogen gas is to be filled. Similarly, by touching the indicators 6As-6Ds of the release valves 6A-6D provided on the hydrogen tanks 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, it is possible to declare that hydrogen gas is being released and select the hydrogen tank 2A-2D from which hydrogen gas is to be released.

[0027] [Effects of the hydrogen gas supply system] According to the hydrogen gas supply system 1 of this embodiment, the amount of hydrogen gas filled in the hydrogen tanks 2A-2D (remaining amount of hydrogen gas), the internal pressure of the hydrogen tanks 2A-2D, and the internal temperature of the hydrogen tanks 2A-2D are displayed on the monitor 12 for each of the hydrogen tanks 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, and the user can select the hydrogen tank 2A-2D to fill with hydrogen gas or the hydrogen tank 2A-2D to discharge hydrogen gas using the selection switch 13. This allows the user to check the remaining amount of hydrogen gas, the internal pressure of the hydrogen tanks 2A-2D, and the internal temperature of the hydrogen tanks 2A-2D for each of the hydrogen tanks 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, and freely select the hydrogen tank 2A-2D to fill with hydrogen gas or the hydrogen tank 2A-2D to discharge hydrogen gas.

[0028] [When two or more hydrogen tanks are selected when filling hydrogen gas] Furthermore, in the hydrogen gas supply system 1 according to the embodiment, when two or more hydrogen tanks 2A to 2D to be filled with hydrogen gas are selected from the selection switch 13 (displays 2As to 2Ds of the hydrogen tanks 2A to 2D, displays 4As to 4Ds of the filling valves 4A to 4D, and displays 6As to 6Ds of the release valves 6A to 6D displayed on the monitor 12), the control device 11 may select the hydrogen tanks 2A to 2D to be filled with hydrogen gas in order according to predetermined filling rules.

[0029] The filling rule can be determined arbitrarily. The filling rule may be to fill the hydrogen tanks 2A-2D in order starting with the hydrogen tank 2A-2D with the lowest internal pressure, or to fill the hydrogen tanks 2A-2D in order starting with the hydrogen tank 2A-2D with the highest internal temperature. Alternatively, hydrogen gas may be filled simultaneously into two or more selected hydrogen tanks 2A-2D.

[0030] According to the hydrogen gas supply system 1 of this embodiment, when filling with hydrogen gas, if two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D are selected using the selection switch 13, the hydrogen tanks 2A-2D into which hydrogen gas is to be filled are selected in order according to a predetermined filling rule. This allows the user to select two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D using the selection switch 13 when filling with hydrogen gas.

[0031] [If two or more hydrogen tanks are selected when releasing hydrogen gas] Furthermore, in the hydrogen gas supply system 1 according to the embodiment, when two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D from which hydrogen gas is to be released are selected using the selection switch 13 (displays 2As-2Ds of the hydrogen tanks 2A-2D, displays 4As-4Ds of the filling valves 4A-4D, and displays 6As-6Ds of the release valves 6A-6D displayed on the monitor 12), the control device 11 may be configured to select the hydrogen tanks 2A-2D in order to fill them with hydrogen gas in accordance with predetermined release rules.

[0032] The release rule can be determined arbitrarily. The release rule may be such that hydrogen gas is released in order from the hydrogen tank 2A-2D with the highest internal pressure, or from the hydrogen tank 2A-2D with the lowest internal pressure. Alternatively, the hydrogen gas may be released in order from the hydrogen tank 2A-2D with the lowest internal temperature, or hydrogen gas may be released simultaneously from two or more selected hydrogen tanks 2A-2D.

[0033] According to the hydrogen gas supply system 1 of this embodiment, when releasing hydrogen, if two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D are selected using the selection switch 13, the hydrogen tanks 2A-2D from which hydrogen gas is to be released are selected in order according to predetermined release rules. This allows the user to select two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D using the selection switch 13 when releasing hydrogen gas.

[0034] [Equalizing the hydrogen gas pressure in two or more hydrogen tanks (Example 1)] Furthermore, the hydrogen gas supply system 1 (Example 1) according to the embodiment is capable of equalizing the pressure of hydrogen gas in two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D having different internal pressures. In the hydrogen gas supply system 1 that enables the pressure equalization of hydrogen gas, for example, a common filling valve 14 (master valve) is provided on the common filling pipe 7. Then, the common filling valve 14 is closed, and the filling valves 4A-4D corresponding to at least two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D that perform the pressure equalization of hydrogen gas are opened, thereby performing the pressure equalization of hydrogen gas.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the monitor 12 on which the common filling pipe 7 and the common filling valve 14 are displayed in a schematic manner. As shown in FIG. 4, in addition to the same components as those in the above-described embodiment, the monitor 12 also displays the common filling pipe 7 and the common filling valve 14 in a schematic manner, and the display 14s of the common filling valve 14 constitutes a switch. Therefore, when pressure equalization of hydrogen gas is being performed, touching the displays 2As-2Ds of at least two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D for which pressure equalization of hydrogen gas is to be performed selects the hydrogen tanks 2A-2D for which pressure equalization of hydrogen gas is to be performed. Whether or not pressure equalization of hydrogen gas is currently being performed can be determined, for example, by touching the display 14s of the common filling valve 14 and the displays 2As-2Ds of at least two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D, but this is not a limitation.

[0036] When at least two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D are selected for hydrogen gas pressure equalization, the control device 11 closes the common filling valve 14 and opens the filling valves 4A-4D of the at least two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D selected for hydrogen gas pressure equalization. This causes hydrogen gas to be supplied from the hydrogen tank 2A-2D with a higher internal pressure to the hydrogen tank 2A-2D with a lower internal pressure among the at least two or more selected hydrogen tanks 2A-2D, and the internal pressures of the at least two or more selected hydrogen tanks 2A-2D are equalized.

[0037] According to the hydrogen gas supply system 1 (Example 1) of the embodiment, when equalizing the pressure of hydrogen gas in two or more hydrogen tanks 2A to 2D, it is possible to select at least two or more hydrogen tanks 2A to 2D for which the pressure equalization of hydrogen gas is to be performed.

[0038] [Equalizing the hydrogen gas pressure in two or more hydrogen tanks (Example 2)] As in Example 1, the hydrogen gas supply system 1 (Example 2) according to the embodiment is capable of equalizing the pressure of hydrogen gas in two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D having different internal pressures. In the hydrogen gas supply system 1 that enables the pressure equalization of hydrogen gas, for example, a common discharge valve 15 is provided in the common discharge pipe 8. Then, the pressure equalization of hydrogen gas is performed by closing the common discharge valve 15 and opening the discharge valves 6A-6D corresponding to at least two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D that perform the pressure equalization of hydrogen gas.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the monitor 12 on which the common release valve 15 is displayed in a schematic manner. As shown in FIG. 5, in addition to the same components as in the above-described embodiment, the monitor 12 also displays the common release valve 15 in a schematic manner, and the display 15s of the common release valve 15 constitutes a switch. Therefore, when pressure equalization of hydrogen gas is being performed, touching the displays 2As-2Ds of at least two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D for which pressure equalization of hydrogen gas is to be performed selects the hydrogen tanks 2A-2D for which pressure equalization of hydrogen gas is to be performed. Whether or not pressure equalization of hydrogen gas is currently being performed can be determined, for example, by touching the display 15s of the common release valve 15 and the displays 2As-2Ds of at least two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D, but this is not a limitation.

[0040] When at least two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D are selected for hydrogen gas pressure equalization, the control device 11 closes the common release valve 15 and opens the release valves 6A-6D of the at least two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D selected for hydrogen gas pressure equalization. This causes hydrogen gas to be supplied from the hydrogen tank 2A-2D with a higher internal pressure to the hydrogen tank 2A-2D with a lower internal pressure among the at least two or more selected hydrogen tanks 2A-2D, and the internal pressures of the at least two or more selected hydrogen tanks 2A-2D are equalized.

[0041] According to the hydrogen gas supply system 1 (Example 2) of the embodiment, when equalizing the pressure of hydrogen gas in two or more hydrogen tanks 2A to 2D, it is possible to select at least two or more hydrogen tanks 2A to 2D for which the pressure equalization of hydrogen gas is to be performed.

[0042] [Equalizing the hydrogen gas pressure in two or more hydrogen tanks (Example 3)] As in Examples 1 and 2, the hydrogen gas supply system 1 (Example 3) according to the embodiment is capable of equalizing the pressure of hydrogen gas in two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D with different internal pressures. In the hydrogen gas supply system 1 that enables the pressure equalization of hydrogen gas, for example, a common filling valve 14 is provided on the common filling pipe 7, a common discharging valve 15 is provided on the common discharging pipe 8, and a pressure equalization pipe 16 is provided connected to the filling pipe 3 and the discharging pipe 5. Then, the common filling valve 14 and the common discharging valve 15 are closed, and the filling valves 4A-4D or the discharging valves 6A-6D of at least two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D that perform the pressure equalization of hydrogen gas are opened, thereby performing the pressure equalization of hydrogen gas.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a monitor 12 on which the common filling pipe 7, common filling valve 14, common discharge valve 15, and pressure equalization pipe 16 are displayed. As shown in FIG. 6, in addition to the same components as in the above-described embodiment, the monitor 12 also displays the common filling valve 14, common discharge valve 15, and pressure equalization pipe 16, with the display 14s for the common filling valve 14 and the display 15s for the common discharge valve 15 each constituting a switch. Therefore, touching the displays 2As-2Ds for at least two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D for which pressure equalization is to be performed during hydrogen gas pressure equalization selects the hydrogen tanks 2A-2D for which pressure equalization is to be performed. Whether or not hydrogen gas pressure equalization is currently being performed can be determined, for example, by touching the displays 14s, 15s for the common filling valve 14 and the common discharge valve 15, and the displays of at least two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D, but this is not a limitation.

[0044] When at least two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D are selected for hydrogen gas pressure equalization, the control device 11 closes the common filling valve 14 and the common discharging valve 15, and opens the filling valves 4A-4D or discharging valves 6A-6D of the at least two or more hydrogen tanks 2A-2D selected for hydrogen gas pressure equalization. This causes hydrogen gas to be supplied from the hydrogen tank 2A-2D with a higher internal pressure to the hydrogen tank 2A-2D with a lower internal pressure, and the internal pressures of the at least two or more selected hydrogen tanks 2A-2D are equalized.

[0045] According to the hydrogen gas supply system 1 (Example 3) of the embodiment, when equalizing the pressure of hydrogen gas in two or more hydrogen tanks 2A to 2D, it is possible to select at least two or more hydrogen tanks 2A to 2D for which the pressure equalization of hydrogen gas is to be performed.

[0046] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes modifications to the above-described embodiments and appropriate combinations of these modifications.

[0047] In the above-described embodiment, a hydrogen gas supply system 1 mounted on a fuel cell vehicle has been described, but the hydrogen gas supply system is not limited to the hydrogen gas supply system 1 mounted on a fuel cell vehicle, and can also be applied to, for example, a hydrogen gas supply system installed in a water electrolysis hydrogen production plant. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1. Gas supply system 2A~2D Hydrogen tank 2As~2Ds Hydrogen tank display 3 Filling piping 4A~4D Filling valve 4As~4Ds Filling valve display 5 Discharge piping 6A~6D Release valve 6As~6Ds Release valve display 7 Common piping for filling 8 Common pipe for discharge 9A~9D Pressure sensors 10A~10D Temperature Sensor 11 Control device 12 monitors 13 Selector switch 14 Common filling valve 14s Common filling valve display 15 Common discharge valve 15s Common release valve display 16 Pressure equalization piping 100 Fuel Cell Vehicles 110 FC system (fuel cell) 120 Drive motor 130 Air Induction System 140 Hydrogen Recirculation System 150 Drive battery 160 Vehicle Control Unit (ECU) IJ Hydrogen Injector

Claims

1. two or more hydrogen tanks; a filling pipe connecting the filling ports provided for the respective hydrogen tanks to each other; a filling valve provided in the filling pipe for each filling port, the filling valve being opened when hydrogen gas is filled; a discharge pipe connecting the discharge ports provided for each of the hydrogen tanks to each other; a release valve provided in the release pipe for each of the release ports, the release valve being opened when the hydrogen gas is released; a pressure sensor provided for each of the hydrogen tanks, the pressure sensor measuring the internal pressure of each of the hydrogen tanks; a temperature sensor provided for each of the hydrogen tanks, the temperature sensor measuring the internal temperature of each of the hydrogen tanks; a control device that calculates the amount of hydrogen gas to be filled into each hydrogen tank based on the internal pressure of the hydrogen tank, the internal temperature of the hydrogen tank, and the capacity of the hydrogen tank, and that opens the fill valve of the hydrogen tank selected for filling with hydrogen gas when filling the hydrogen gas, and opens the release valve of the hydrogen tank selected for releasing the hydrogen gas when releasing the hydrogen gas; A hydrogen gas supply system comprising: a monitor electrically connected to the control device and displaying the hydrogen gas filling amount, the internal pressure, and the internal temperature for each hydrogen tank; a selection switch electrically connected to the control device, for selecting the hydrogen tank into which the hydrogen gas is to be filled when the hydrogen gas is being filled, and for selecting the hydrogen tank from which the hydrogen gas is to be discharged when the hydrogen gas is being discharged; A hydrogen gas supply system equipped with:

2. 2. The hydrogen gas supply system of claim 1, wherein the control device selects the hydrogen tanks into which the hydrogen gas is to be filled in order according to a predetermined filling rule when two or more hydrogen tanks into which the hydrogen gas is to be filled are selected from the selection switch, and selects the hydrogen tanks into which the hydrogen gas is to be discharged in order according to a predetermined discharging rule when two or more hydrogen tanks into which the hydrogen gas is to be discharged are selected from the selection switch.

3. a common filling pipe connected to the filling pipe; a common filling valve provided in the common filling pipe; Equipped with the selection switch selects at least two or more hydrogen tanks for which pressure equalization of the hydrogen gas is to be performed when pressure equalization of the hydrogen gas in the two or more hydrogen tanks is to be performed; 3. The hydrogen gas supply system of claim 1, wherein the control device closes the common filling valve when the pressures of the hydrogen gas in the two or more hydrogen tanks are equalized, and opens the filling valves of the at least two or more hydrogen tanks for which pressure equalization of the hydrogen gas has been selected.

4. a common discharge pipe connected to the discharge pipe; a common discharge valve provided in the common discharge pipe; Equipped with the selection switch selects at least two or more hydrogen tanks for which pressure equalization of the hydrogen gas is to be performed when pressure equalization of the hydrogen gas in the two or more hydrogen tanks is to be performed; 3. The hydrogen gas supply system of claim 1, wherein the control device closes the common release valve when the pressures of the hydrogen gas in the two or more hydrogen tanks are equalized, and opens the release valves of the at least two or more hydrogen tanks for which pressure equalization of the hydrogen gas has been selected.

5. a common filling pipe connected to the filling pipe; a common filling valve provided in the common filling pipe; a common discharge pipe connected to the discharge pipe; a common discharge valve provided on the common filling pipe; a pressure equalization pipe connected to the filling pipe and the discharge pipe; Equipped with the selection switch selects at least two or more hydrogen tanks for which pressure equalization of the hydrogen gas is to be performed when pressure equalization of the hydrogen gas in the two or more hydrogen tanks is to be performed; 3. The hydrogen gas supply system of claim 1, wherein the control device closes the common filling valve and the common releasing valve when the pressures of the hydrogen gas in the two or more hydrogen tanks are equalized, and opens the filling valve or the releasing valve of the at least two or more hydrogen tanks for which pressure equalization of the hydrogen gas has been selected.

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