Hydrogen supply system and method

Abstract

To provide a hydrogen supply system and a method that can generate hydrogen having a desired temperature, and improves reliability.SOLUTION: A hydrogen supply system comprises: a hydrogen supply path; a booster pump provided in the hydrogen supply path, and increasing the pressure of liquid hydrogen; a heat exchanger provided on the downstream side of the booster pump in the hydrogen supply path, and increasing the temperature of the hydrogen; a first control valve provided on the downstream side of the heat exchanger in the hydrogen supply path; a bypass path branching from between the heat exchanger and the first control valve in the hydrogen supply path, and merging with the downstream side of the first control valve in the hydrogen supply path; a cooler provided between the booster pump and the heat exchanger in the hydrogen supply path, and cooling the hydrogen flowing through the bypass path, by low-temperature hydrogen; and a second control valve provided on the upstream side of the cooler in the bypass path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to hydrogen supply systems and methods. [Background technology]

[0002] One possible system for achieving carbon neutrality is to use hydrogen as fuel. Hydrogen is stored in a tank in liquid form, and after the liquid hydrogen stored in the tank is pressurized using a booster pump, hydrogen is generated at a predetermined temperature through a heat exchanger, and the hydrogen is supplied to, for example, a fuel cell or a hydrogen engine. Patent Document 1 describes, for example, a technology for generating hydrogen at a predetermined temperature by pressurizing liquid hydrogen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-167767 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology described in Patent Document 1 produces hydrogen at a predetermined temperature by mixing liquid hydrogen, which has been pressurized by a booster pump and then passed through a heat exchanger to increase its temperature, with low-temperature hydrogen, which has been pressurized by a booster pump and then bypassed the heat exchanger. In this technology, flow control valves are provided in both the hydrogen supply line through which hydrogen flows and the bypass line through which low-temperature hydrogen flows. The temperature of the supplied hydrogen is adjusted by adjusting the aperture of each flow control valve to control the flow rates of the heated hydrogen and the low-temperature hydrogen. In this case, the flow control valve provided in the bypass line comes into contact with low-temperature hydrogen, which may make it difficult to ensure sufficient reliability.

[0005] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a hydrogen supply system and method that can generate hydrogen at a desired temperature and improve reliability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the hydrogen supply system of the present disclosure includes a hydrogen supply path, a boost pump provided in the hydrogen supply path to boost the pressure of liquid hydrogen, a heat exchanger provided in the hydrogen supply path downstream of the boost pump to heat hydrogen, a first control valve provided in the hydrogen supply path downstream of the heat exchanger, a bypass path branching off from the hydrogen supply path between the heat exchanger and the first control valve and joining the hydrogen supply path downstream of the first control valve, a cooler provided in the hydrogen supply path between the boost pump and the heat exchanger to cool hydrogen flowing through the bypass path with low-temperature hydrogen, and a second control valve provided in the bypass path upstream of the cooler.

[0007] a first control valve provided in the hydrogen supply path downstream of the heat exchanger; a bypass path branching off from the hydrogen supply path between the heat exchanger and the first control valve and joining the hydrogen supply path downstream of the first control valve; a cooler provided in the hydrogen supply path between the boost pump and the heat exchanger and cooling hydrogen flowing through the bypass path with low-temperature hydrogen; and a second control valve provided in the bypass path upstream of the cooler, and the first control valve and the second control valve are controlled to open and close based on the temperature of hydrogen in the hydrogen supply path downstream of the joining point of the bypass path. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the hydrogen supply system and method of the present disclosure, hydrogen can be produced at a desired temperature and reliability can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a hydrogen supply system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a method for supplying hydrogen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments, and when there are multiple embodiments, the present disclosure also includes configurations that combine the embodiments. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially identical, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range.

[0011] <Hydrogen supply system> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a hydrogen supply system according to this embodiment.

[0012] The hydrogen supply system of this embodiment supplies (refuels) liquid hydrogen stored in a storage tank or the like as hydrogen at a predetermined temperature and pressure to a vehicle's power source. Here, the power source is, for example, a fuel cell or a hydrogen engine, and is mounted on the vehicle. The hydrogen supply system is, for example, a so-called hydrogen station that supplies (refuels) hydrogen as fuel to the vehicle's power source. However, the hydrogen supply system is not limited to stations that supply hydrogen to the vehicle's power source. The hydrogen supply system 10 also includes a system that supplies hydrogen gas to a tank of a trailer used to transport hydrogen.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen supply system 10 includes a hydrogen supply path L11, a storage tank 11, a boost pump 12, a heat exchanger 13, a first control valve 14, a bypass path L12, a cooler 15, a second control valve 16, and a dispenser 17.

[0014] The storage tank 11 is a pressure vessel that stores liquid hydrogen therein. The storage tank 11 is connected to the upstream end of the hydrogen supply line L11 in the supply direction of liquid hydrogen. The storage tank 11 supplies the stored liquid hydrogen to the hydrogen supply line L11, for example, by opening an on-off valve (not shown) provided in the hydrogen supply line L11.

[0015] Boost pump 12 is provided downstream of storage tank 11 in hydrogen supply path L11. Boost pump 12 boosts the pressure of liquid hydrogen supplied from storage tank 11. Boost pump 12 is, for example, a reciprocating pump. Boost pump 12 alternately draws in and compresses (pressurizes) liquid hydrogen using reciprocating power, compressing the drawn-in liquid hydrogen to a predetermined high-pressure state and discharging it to the outside.

[0016] That is, when the boost pump 12 is operated, first, the piston rises during the suction stroke, during which liquid hydrogen is sucked into the cylinder block from the suction port. Next, the piston descends during the compression stroke, during which the liquid hydrogen inside the cylinder block is compressed, and high-pressure hydrogen is discharged to the outside from the discharge port. Note that the boost pump 12 is not limited to a reciprocating pump.

[0017] The heat exchanger 13 is provided downstream of the boost pump 12 in the hydrogen supply path L11. The heat exchanger 13 heats the hydrogen that has been pressurized by the boost pump 12. The heat exchanger 13 is an air-heated heat exchanger, and, for example, low-temperature hydrogen flows through a heat transfer tube and is heated by atmospheric heat. However, the heat exchanger 13 is not limited to an air-heated heat exchanger, and may be any heat exchanger that heats low-temperature hydrogen.

[0018] The first control valve 14 is provided downstream of the heat exchanger 13 in the hydrogen supply path L11. The first control valve 14 controls the flow rate of hydrogen flowing through the hydrogen supply path L11. The first control valve 14 may be an on-off valve or a flow rate control valve. When closed, the first control valve 14 stops the supply of hydrogen flowing through the hydrogen supply path L11 downstream of the first control valve 14. When open, the first control valve 14 allows the supply of hydrogen flowing through the hydrogen supply path L11 downstream of the first control valve 14. Furthermore, the first control valve 14 adjusts the flow rate of hydrogen flowing through the hydrogen supply path L11 downstream of the first control valve 14 by adjusting its opening. In this case, because the first control valve 14 is located downstream of the heat exchanger 13 in the hydrogen supply path L11, it comes into contact with room temperature hydrogen, but not with cryogenic liquid hydrogen.

[0019] A bypass path L12 that bypasses the first control valve 14 is provided for the hydrogen supply path L11. The bypass path L12 branches off from the hydrogen supply path L11 between the heat exchanger 13 and the first control valve 14 and joins the hydrogen supply path L11 downstream of the first control valve 14. That is, the upstream end of the bypass path L12 is connected to the hydrogen supply path L11 between the heat exchanger 13 and the first control valve 14, and the downstream end of the bypass path L12 is connected to the hydrogen supply path L11 downstream of the first control valve 14.

[0020] After bypassing the first control valve 14, a portion of the bypass path L12 is arranged along the hydrogen supply path L11, and then merges with the hydrogen supply path L11 again. The cooler 15 is arranged to straddle the hydrogen supply path L11 and the bypass path L12. The cooler 15 is arranged in the hydrogen supply path L11 between the boost pump 12 and the heat exchanger 13, and cools the hydrogen flowing through the bypass path L12 with the low-temperature hydrogen flowing through the hydrogen supply path L11.

[0021] The cooler 15 is a microchannel heat exchanger, and is constructed, for example, by stacking multiple grooved plates and joining them by the metal diffusion phenomenon. A microchannel heat exchanger has the advantage of being small and having high heat exchange performance because it exchanges heat at close distances by flowing high-temperature fluid and low-temperature fluid through the grooves of the stacked plates. In other words, the cooler 15 is a heat exchanger that is smaller than the heat exchanger 13. However, the cooler 15 is not limited to a microchannel heat exchanger, and may be any heat exchanger that can cool hydrogen efficiently in a short time.

[0022] The second control valve 16 is provided in the bypass path L12 upstream of the cooler 15. The second control valve 16 controls the flow rate of hydrogen (low-temperature hydrogen) flowing through the bypass path L12. The second control valve 16 may be an on-off valve or a flow rate control valve. When closed, the second control valve 16 stops the supply of hydrogen flowing through the bypass path L12 downstream of the second control valve 16, i.e., to the cooler 15. When open, the second control valve 16 allows the supply of hydrogen flowing through the bypass path L12 downstream of the second control valve 16, i.e., to the cooler 15. The second control valve 16 also adjusts the opening degree of the second control valve 16 to adjust the flow rate of hydrogen flowing through the bypass path L12 downstream of the second control valve 16, i.e., to the cooler 15. In this case, since the second control valve 16 is disposed in the bypass path L12 branching off from the hydrogen supply path L11 downstream of the heat exchanger 13, the second control valve 16 comes into contact with room-temperature hydrogen, but not with low-temperature liquid hydrogen.

[0023] The dispenser 17 is provided at the most downstream side of the hydrogen supply path L11. The dispenser 17 supplies hydrogen adjusted to a predetermined temperature and pressure to a power source of the vehicle (for example, a fuel cell, a hydrogen engine, etc.).

[0024] Furthermore, a third control valve 21 is provided in the hydrogen supply path L11 between the junction with the bypass path L12 and the dispenser 17. The third control valve 21 controls the flow rate of hydrogen flowing through the hydrogen supply path L11. The third control valve 21 is an on-off valve, but may be a flow rate control valve or a check valve that prevents backflow of hydrogen, as necessary. When closed, the third control valve 21 stops the supply of hydrogen flowing through the hydrogen supply path L11 to the downstream side of the third control valve 21, i.e., to the dispenser 17. When open, the third control valve 21 allows the supply of hydrogen flowing through the hydrogen supply path L11 to the downstream side of the third control valve 21, i.e., to the dispenser 17.

[0025] A pressure accumulator 22 is connected to the hydrogen supply path L11 between the heat exchanger 13 and the first control valve 14. One end of a branch path L13 is connected to the hydrogen supply path L11 between the heat exchanger 13 and the first control valve 14. The other end of the branch path L13 is connected to the pressure accumulator 22. The pressure accumulator 22 stores hydrogen whose temperature has been raised by the heat exchanger 13. It is preferable to provide an opening / closing valve in the branch path L13. By using the pressure accumulator 22 as a buffer tank, the hydrogen supply time can be shortened.

[0026] The hydrogen supply system 10 also includes a control device 31 and an operating device 32. The control device 31 is a controller, and is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in a storage unit using RAM as a work area. The operating device 32 is composed of a keyboard and the like, and is connected to the control device 31. The operating device 32 is operated by an operator, and inputs various command signals to the control device 31.

[0027] The first control valve 14, the second control valve 16, and the third control valve 21 are connected to the control device 31. In addition, the control device 31 is connected to a temperature sensor 33, a pressure sensor 34, and a flow rate sensor 35.

[0028] The temperature sensor 33 is provided in the hydrogen supply path L11 downstream of the junction with the bypass path L12, specifically, in the hydrogen supply path L11 between the third control valve 21 and the dispenser 17. The temperature sensor 33 measures the temperature of the hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen supply path L11 to the dispenser 17.

[0029] The pressure sensor 34 is provided in the hydrogen supply path L11 downstream of the junction with the bypass path L12, specifically, in the hydrogen supply path L11 between the third control valve 21 and the dispenser 17. The pressure sensor 34 measures the pressure of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen supply path L11 to the dispenser 17.

[0030] Although the pressure sensor 34 is disposed upstream of the temperature sensor 33 in the hydrogen supply path L11, the location is not limited to this. The temperature sensor 33 and the pressure sensor 34 may be located downstream of the junction of the bypass path L12 in the hydrogen supply path L11. For example, the pressure sensor 34 may be located downstream of the temperature sensor 33, or the temperature sensor 33 and the pressure sensor 34 may be located at the second control valve 16 and the third control valve 21, or may be located upstream of the second control valve 16.

[0031] The flow rate sensor 35 is provided on the hydrogen supply path L11 downstream of the junction with the bypass path L12, specifically, between the junction and the third control valve 21. The flow rate sensor 35 measures the flow rate of hydrogen supplied to the dispenser 17 from the hydrogen supply path L11.

[0032] Although the flow rate sensor 35 is disposed in the hydrogen supply path L11 between the junction and the third control valve 21, the location is not limited to this. The flow rate sensor 35 may be disposed in any location downstream of the junction with the bypass path L12 in the hydrogen supply path L11.

[0033] The control device 31 controls the opening and closing of the first control valve 14 and the second control valve 16 based on the measurement results of the temperature sensor 33. Specifically, the control device 31 controls the opening and closing or the opening degree of the first control valve 14 and the second control valve 16 so that the temperature of the hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen supply path L11 to the dispenser 17 is kept within a predetermined temperature (temperature range).

[0034] Furthermore, the control device 31 controls the opening and closing of the first control valve 14 and the second control valve 16 based on the measurement results of the pressure sensor 34. Specifically, the control device 31 compares the pressure of the hydrogen supplied to the dispenser 17 from the hydrogen supply path L11 with the pressure of the fuel tank of the vehicle supplying hydrogen, and determines when to end the supply of hydrogen to the fuel tank.

[0035] The control device 31 controls the opening and closing of the first control valve 14 and the second control valve 16 based on the measurement results of the flow rate sensor 35. Specifically, the control device 31 determines the flow rate of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen supply path L11 to the dispenser 17 and determines when to end the supply of hydrogen to the fuel tank.

[0036] The control device 31 controls the opening and closing of the third control valve 21 depending on whether or not there is a request for hydrogen supply. Specifically, the control device 31 opens the third control valve 21 when there is a request for hydrogen supply. The control device 31 closes the third control valve 21 when there is no request for hydrogen supply. The control device 31 also closes the third control valve 21 when a predetermined amount of hydrogen has been supplied from the fuel tank.

[0037] <Hydrogen supply method> FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a method for supplying hydrogen.

[0038] 1 and 2, in step S11, the control device 31 determines whether or not there is a command requesting hydrogen supply from the operating device 32 or the like. A command requesting hydrogen supply is a command issued when the suction hose of the dispenser 17 is connected to the vehicle's fuel tank and the user uses the operating device 32 to request a full tank supply, a predetermined amount of supply, or the like. Here, if the control device 31 determines that there is no command requesting hydrogen (No), it does not execute the supply process for hydrogen supply.

[0039] When the control device 31 determines that a command requesting hydrogen supply has been received from the operating device 32 or the like (Yes), the control device 31 opens the first control valve 14 and the second control valve 16 in step S12. In addition, in step S13, the control device 31 opens the third control valve 21. Note that the order in which the first control valve 14, the second control valve 16, and the third control valve 21 are opened is not limited to this order. The openings of the first control valve 14 and the second control valve 16 may be fully open (100% opening) or may be a predetermined opening less than 100%. The opening of the third control valve 21 is preferably fully open (100% opening), but is not limited to being fully open.

[0040] In step S14, the boost pump 12 is operated. At this time, the heat exchanger 13 and the cooler 15 are also operated. Then, the supply of hydrogen begins. That is, the boost pump 12 pressurizes the liquid hydrogen (for example, -250°C) extracted from the storage tank 11, and the heat exchanger 13 heats the hydrogen pressurized by the boost pump 12 to generate hydrogen (for example, at room temperature). The generated hydrogen flows through the hydrogen supply path L11 toward the first control valve 14, and a portion of the hydrogen flows into the bypass path L12.

[0041] The hydrogen that flows into the bypass path L12 is supplied to the cooler 15 through the second control valve 16. The cooler 15 cools the hydrogen flowing through the bypass path L12 using low-temperature hydrogen flowing through the hydrogen supply path L11, generating low-temperature hydrogen (for example, -100°C). The low-temperature hydrogen flows from the bypass path L12 to the hydrogen supply path L11, where it is mixed with the hydrogen flowing through the hydrogen supply path L11 and flows toward the third control valve 21. That is, at the junction of the hydrogen supply path L11 and the bypass path L12, for example, hydrogen at room temperature and hydrogen at 100°C are mixed, generating hydrogen at a predetermined temperature (for example, -33°C to -50°C).

[0042] In step S15, control device 31 determines whether the hydrogen pressure P in hydrogen supply path L11 downstream of the junction of hydrogen supply path L11 and bypass path L12 is equal to or greater than a preset target pressure PS. At the beginning of operation of boost pump 12, the amount of hydrogen filled in the vehicle's fuel tank is small and the pressure is low, so the hydrogen pressure in hydrogen supply path L11 connecting to the fuel tank is also low. Therefore, control device 31 determines that the hydrogen pressure P downstream of the junction is not equal to or greater than the target pressure PS (No), and proceeds to step S16.

[0043] In step S16, the control device 31 determines whether the temperature T of hydrogen downstream of the junction of the hydrogen supply path L11 and the bypass path L12 in the hydrogen supply path L11 is equal to or higher than a predetermined target temperature TS. If the control device 31 determines that the temperature T of hydrogen downstream of the junction is equal to or higher than the target temperature TS (Yes), the control device 31 proceeds to step S17. In step S17, the control device 31 determines whether the second control valve 16 is fully open. If the control device 31 determines that the second control valve 16 is fully open (Yes), the control device 31 determines in step S18 whether the first control valve 14 is fully closed. If the control device 31 determines that the first control valve 14 is not fully closed (No), the control device 31 reduces the opening degree of the first control valve 14 in step S19 and returns to step S15. On the other hand, if the control device 31 determines that the first control valve 14 is fully closed (Yes), the control device 31 maintains this state and returns to step S15. On the other hand, if the controller 31 determines in step S17 that the second control valve 16 is not fully open (No), the controller 31 increases the opening of the second control valve 16 in step S20, and returns to step S15.

[0044] That is, if it is determined that the hydrogen temperature T downstream of the confluence is equal to or higher than the target temperature TS, the hydrogen temperature T is too high and it is necessary to lower the hydrogen temperature T. To lower the hydrogen temperature T, it is necessary to increase the flow rate of hydrogen flowing from the hydrogen supply path L11 to the bypass path L12, or to reduce the flow rate of hydrogen flowing downstream of the hydrogen supply path L11.

[0045] Therefore, when the second control valve 16 of the bypass path L12 is fully open, unless the first control valve 14 of the hydrogen supply path L11 is fully closed, the opening of the first control valve 14 is reduced, thereby reducing the flow rate of hydrogen flowing downstream of the hydrogen supply path L11. On the other hand, if the first control valve 14 is fully closed, the flow rate of hydrogen flowing downstream of the hydrogen supply path L11 cannot be reduced any further, so this state is maintained. If the hydrogen temperature T does not decrease even after a predetermined time has elapsed in this state, an alarm or the like is issued and the boost pump 12 is stopped.

[0046] On the other hand, if the second control valve 16 of the bypass path L12 is not fully open, the opening degree of the second control valve 16 is increased to increase the flow rate of hydrogen flowing from the hydrogen supply path L11 to the bypass path L12.

[0047] In step S16, if the controller 31 determines that the temperature T of the hydrogen downstream of the confluence is not equal to or higher than the target temperature TS, that is, that the temperature T of the hydrogen downstream of the confluence is less than the target temperature TS (No), the controller 31 proceeds to step S21. In step S21, the controller 31 determines whether the second control valve 16 is fully closed. If the controller 31 determines that the second control valve 16 is fully closed (Yes), the controller 31 determines in step S22 whether the first control valve 14 is fully open. If the controller 31 determines that the first control valve 14 is not fully open (No), the controller 31 increases the opening degree of the first control valve 14 in step S23 and returns to step S15. On the other hand, if the controller 31 determines that the first control valve 14 is fully open (Yes), the controller 31 maintains this state and returns to step S15. On the other hand, if the controller 31 determines in step S21 that the second control valve 16 is not fully closed (No), the controller 31 decreases the opening of the second control valve 16 in step S24, and returns to step S15.

[0048] That is, if it is determined that the temperature T of hydrogen downstream of the confluence is lower than the target temperature TS, the hydrogen temperature T is too low and it is necessary to increase the hydrogen temperature T. To increase the hydrogen temperature T, it is necessary to reduce the flow rate of hydrogen flowing from the hydrogen supply path L11 to the bypass path L12, or to increase the flow rate of hydrogen flowing downstream of the hydrogen supply path L11.

[0049] Therefore, when the second control valve 16 of the bypass path L12 is fully closed, unless the first control valve 14 of the hydrogen supply path L11 is fully open, the opening of the first control valve 14 is increased to increase the flow rate of hydrogen flowing downstream of the hydrogen supply path L11. On the other hand, if the first control valve 14 is fully open, the flow rate of hydrogen flowing downstream of the hydrogen supply path L11 cannot be increased any further, so this state is maintained. If the hydrogen temperature T does not increase even after a predetermined time has elapsed in this state, an alarm or the like is issued and the boost pump 12 is stopped.

[0050] On the other hand, if the second control valve 16 of the bypass path L12 is not fully closed, the opening of the second control valve 16 is decreased to reduce the flow rate of hydrogen flowing from the hydrogen supply path L11 to the bypass path L12.

[0051] In this way, by repeatedly performing the processes of steps S15 to S24, control device 31 carries out the process of supplying hydrogen to the vehicle's fuel tank while maintaining hydrogen temperature T at target temperature TS. Note that target temperature TS may be a predetermined temperature or may be within a predetermined temperature range (e.g., -33°C to -40°C). In this case, if hydrogen temperature T exceeds the upper limit of the target temperature range (e.g., -33°C) in the process of step S16, the process proceeds to step S17, and if hydrogen temperature T falls below the lower limit of the target temperature range (e.g., -40°C), the process proceeds to step S21.

[0052] The control of the opening and closing of the first control valve 14 and the second control valve 16 by the control device 31 is not limited to the above. For example, when the hydrogen supply flow rate is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, the control device 31 may maintain the opening ratio of the first control valve 14 and the second control valve 16 and increase the hydrogen flow rate. That is, when the flow rate ratio of the first control valve 14 and the second control valve 16 is 2:1 and within a predetermined temperature range, if the opening amounts of the first control valve 14 and the second control valve 16 are the same, the opening ratio will also be the same. Therefore, by changing the same opening ratio from 20%:10% to 60%:30%, the hydrogen flow rate can be increased and the hydrogen production time can be shortened. That is, when the hydrogen temperature is within a target temperature range, the opening ratio (flow rate) of the first control valve 14 and the second control valve 16 may be maintained and the opening (flow rate) increased to shorten the hydrogen supply time.

[0053] As the process of supplying hydrogen to the vehicle's fuel tank continues, the amount of hydrogen supplied to the fuel tank reaches the target supply amount (full), and the hydrogen pressure in the hydrogen supply line L11 connecting to the fuel tank increases. Then, in step S15, the control device 31 determines that the hydrogen pressure P downstream of the junction is equal to or greater than the target pressure PS (Yes), and proceeds to step S25.

[0054] In step S25, the control device 31 closes the first control valve 14, the second control valve 16, and the third control valve 21. Then, in step S26, the operation of the boost pump 12 is stopped. At this time, the operation of the heat exchanger 13 and the cooler 15 is also stopped. Note that the closing operations of the first control valve 14, the second control valve 16, and the third control valve 21 and the stopping operation of the boost pump 12 may be reversed.

[0055] [Effects of this embodiment] The hydrogen supply system according to the first aspect includes a hydrogen supply path L11, a boost pump 12 provided in the hydrogen supply path L11 to boost the pressure of liquid hydrogen, a heat exchanger 13 provided in the hydrogen supply path L11 downstream of the boost pump 12 to heat the hydrogen, a first control valve 14 provided in the hydrogen supply path L11 downstream of the heat exchanger 13, a bypass path L12 that branches off from the hydrogen supply path L11 between the heat exchanger 13 and the first control valve 14 and joins the hydrogen supply path L11 downstream of the first control valve 14, a cooler 15 provided in the hydrogen supply path L11 between the boost pump 12 and the heat exchanger 13 to cool the hydrogen flowing in the bypass path L12 with low-temperature hydrogen, and a second control valve 16 provided in the bypass path L12 upstream of the cooler 15.

[0056] In the hydrogen supply system according to the first aspect, the first control valve 14 is provided downstream of the heat exchanger 13 in the hydrogen supply path L11, and the second control valve 16 is provided upstream of the cooler 15 in the bypass path L12, so that the first control valve 14 and the second control valve 16 are in contact with hydrogen at room temperature, but not with cryogenic liquid hydrogen. As a result, hydrogen at a desired temperature can be produced, and malfunctions of the first control valve 14 and the second control valve 16 can be suppressed, improving reliability.

[0057] The hydrogen supply system according to the second aspect is the hydrogen supply system according to the first aspect, further comprising a temperature sensor 33 provided in the hydrogen supply path L11 downstream of the junction with the bypass path L12 to measure the temperature of the hydrogen, and a control device 31 that controls the opening and closing of the first control valve 14 and the second control valve 16 based on the measurement results of the temperature sensor 33. As a result, the control device 31 controls the opening and closing of the first control valve 14 and the second control valve 16 based on the hydrogen temperature downstream of the junction measured by the temperature sensor 33, thereby enabling the temperature of the hydrogen to be adjusted with high precision.

[0058] The hydrogen supply system according to the third aspect is the hydrogen supply system according to the second aspect, further comprising a pressure sensor 34 that is provided in the hydrogen supply path L11 downstream of the junction with the bypass path L12 and that measures the hydrogen pressure, and the control device 31 controls the opening and closing of the first control valve 14 and the second control valve 16 based on the measurement results of the pressure sensor 34. As a result, the control device 31 controls the opening and closing of the first control valve 14 and the second control valve 16 based on the hydrogen pressure downstream of the junction measured by the pressure sensor 34, and can therefore accurately grasp the state of hydrogen supply to the fuel tank.

[0059] The hydrogen supply system according to the fourth aspect is the hydrogen supply system according to the second or third aspect, and further includes a flow rate sensor 35 that is provided in the hydrogen supply path L11 downstream of the junction with the bypass path L12 and that measures the flow rate of hydrogen, and the control device 31 controls the opening and closing of the first control valve 14 and the second control valve 16 based on the measurement result of the flow rate sensor 35. As a result, the control device 31 controls the opening and closing of the first control valve 14 and the second control valve 16 based on the hydrogen flow rate downstream of the junction measured by the flow rate sensor 35, and therefore can accurately grasp the state of hydrogen supply to the fuel tank.

[0060] The hydrogen supply system according to the fifth aspect is the hydrogen supply system according to the second or fourth aspect, and further includes a third control valve 21 provided in the hydrogen supply path L11 downstream of the junction with the bypass path L12, and the control device 31 controls the opening and closing of the third control valve 21 depending on whether or not there is a request for hydrogen supply. This allows for accurate switching between starting and stopping the supply of hydrogen to the fuel tank.

[0061] A hydrogen supply system according to a sixth aspect is the hydrogen supply system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, and further includes a pressure accumulator 22 connected in the hydrogen supply path L11 between the heat exchanger 13 and the first control valve 14. This allows the use of hydrogen stored in the pressure accumulator 22 when supplying hydrogen to the fuel tank, thereby shortening the time required to supply hydrogen to the fuel tank.

[0062] The hydrogen supply method according to the seventh aspect controls the opening and closing of the first control valve 14 and the second control valve 16 based on the temperature of hydrogen in the hydrogen supply path L11 downstream of the junction with the bypass path L12. This makes it possible to produce hydrogen at a desired temperature. Furthermore, because the first control valve 14 and the second control valve 16 come into contact with room temperature hydrogen and not with cryogenic liquid hydrogen, malfunctions of the first control valve 14 and the second control valve 16 can be suppressed, improving reliability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 10 Hydrogen supply system 11 Reservoir 12 Booster pump 13 Heat exchanger 14 First control valve 15 Cooler 16 Second control valve 17 Dispenser 21 Third control valve 22 Pressure Accumulator 31 Control device 32 Operating device 33 Temperature Sensor 34 Pressure Sensor 35 Flow sensor L11 Hydrogen supply route L12 bypass route L13 Branching Path

Claims

1. a hydrogen supply path; a booster pump provided in the hydrogen supply path to boost the pressure of liquid hydrogen; a heat exchanger provided in the hydrogen supply path downstream of the boost pump to heat the hydrogen; a first control valve provided in the hydrogen supply path downstream of the heat exchanger; a bypass path that branches off from the hydrogen supply path between the heat exchanger and the first control valve and joins the hydrogen supply path downstream of the first control valve; a cooler provided in the hydrogen supply path between the boost pump and the heat exchanger, for cooling the hydrogen flowing through the bypass path with low-temperature hydrogen; a second control valve provided in the bypass path upstream of the cooler; A hydrogen supply system comprising:

2. a temperature sensor provided in the hydrogen supply path downstream of the junction with the bypass path to measure the temperature of hydrogen; and a control device that controls the opening and closing of the first control valve and the second control valve based on the measurement result of the temperature sensor. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 1 .

3. a pressure sensor that is provided in the hydrogen supply path downstream of a junction with the bypass path and that measures the pressure of hydrogen, and the control device controls the opening and closing of the first control valve and the second control valve based on the measurement result of the pressure sensor; The hydrogen supply system according to claim 2 .

4. a flow rate sensor provided in the hydrogen supply path downstream of a junction with the bypass path to measure a flow rate of hydrogen, and the control device controls opening and closing of the first control valve and the second control valve based on a measurement result of the flow rate sensor; The hydrogen supply system according to claim 2 .

5. a third control valve provided in the hydrogen supply path downstream of a junction with the bypass path, and the control device controls the opening and closing of the third control valve depending on whether or not there is a demand for hydrogen supply; The hydrogen supply system according to claim 2 .

6. a pressure accumulator is connected in the hydrogen supply path between the heat exchanger and the first control valve; The hydrogen supply system according to claim 1 .

7. a hydrogen supply path; a booster pump provided in the hydrogen supply path to boost the pressure of liquid hydrogen; a heat exchanger provided in the hydrogen supply path downstream of the boost pump to heat the hydrogen; a first control valve provided in the hydrogen supply path downstream of the heat exchanger; a bypass path that branches off from the hydrogen supply path between the heat exchanger and the first control valve and joins the hydrogen supply path downstream of the first control valve; a cooler provided in the hydrogen supply path between the boost pump and the heat exchanger, for cooling the hydrogen flowing through the bypass path with low-temperature hydrogen; a second control valve provided in the bypass path upstream of the cooler; Equipped with controlling the opening and closing of the first control valve and the second control valve based on the temperature of hydrogen in the hydrogen supply path downstream of a junction with the bypass path; Hydrogen supply method.

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