Hydrogen consumption device, hydrogen consumption system

Abstract

To provide a hydrogen consuming device having a detachable hydrogen tank, which can suppress the intrusion of oxygen and thereby suppress deterioration of a hydrogen consuming apparatus.SOLUTION: A hydrogen consumption device includes a hydrogen consumption apparatus that is connected to a detachable hydrogen tank and consumes hydrogen from the hydrogen tank. An oxygen concentration reduction mechanism is arranged in the hydrogen supply piping from the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen consumption apparatus to reduce the concentration of oxygen mixed in the hydrogen and supply hydrogen to the hydrogen consumption apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to devices that consume hydrogen as a supplied fuel. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a hydrogen tank that includes a cylindrical hydrogen tank body that is detachably mounted on a vehicle (gas consuming device) and a handle formed on one longitudinal end of the hydrogen tank body. Patent Document 1 also shows that by attaching the hydrogen tank body to the gas consuming device, hydrogen is supplied to a fuel cell in the gas consuming device via piping within the gas consuming device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-056952 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In devices in which a hydrogen tank can be attached and detached to a hydrogen consumption device, the detachment part of the hydrogen tank and the detachment part of the hydrogen consumption device are exposed to air, especially when the hydrogen tank is not in place, and when the hydrogen tank is attached to the hydrogen consumption device, air may get mixed in between the detachment part of the hydrogen tank and the detachment part of the hydrogen consumption device. When a hydrogen consumption device is equipped with a fuel cell (hydrogen consumption equipment), a hydrogen tank is attached, and operation of the hydrogen consumption device is started, the air is mixed into the hydrogen supply pipe that supplies hydrogen from the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen consumption device, and the hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell. If a certain amount of air is mixed into the anode side (hydrogen supply side) of the fuel cell, a region of high air density is created on the anode side of the fuel cell. In this region of high air density, an abnormal potential higher than the normal reaction potential is generated in part of the cell, the carbon support used in the catalyst is oxidized by oxygen in the air, reducing catalytic performance, and a reaction (combustion) between hydrogen and oxygen contained in the air occurs on the anode side, causing sintering due to the heat of the reaction, resulting in catalyst degradation. These problems are more pronounced in hydrogen consumption devices with detachable hydrogen tanks, as the problem of air mixing occurs every time the tank is attached or detached. Furthermore, when a hydrogen consuming device is equipped with a hydrogen engine (hydrogen consuming equipment), oxygen can get mixed into the hydrogen supply pipe that supplies hydrogen to the hydrogen engine, causing the ratio of hydrogen injected into the cylinders of the hydrogen engine to oxygen supplied to the combustion chamber from the intake pipe to be lean relative to the target air-fuel ratio.If the hydrogen engine is operated lean at start-up, rotational fluctuations occur and the hydrogen engine takes time to start, resulting in poor start-up performance.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a hydrogen consuming device with a detachable hydrogen tank that can suppress the intrusion of oxygen and thereby suppress deterioration of the hydrogen consuming device and deterioration of its output (power generation amount and rotational output). Also, a hydrogen consuming system equipped with the hydrogen consuming device is provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present application discloses a hydrogen consumption device that includes a hydrogen consumption device that is connected to a detachable hydrogen tank and consumes hydrogen from the hydrogen tank, and in which an oxygen concentration reduction mechanism is disposed in the hydrogen supply piping from when the hydrogen leaves the hydrogen tank to when the hydrogen consumption device is consumed, for reducing the concentration of oxygen mixed in the hydrogen and supplying hydrogen to the hydrogen consumption device.

[0007] The oxygen concentration reducing mechanism may be disposed in a hydrogen supply pipe through which hydrogen flows from a hydrogen tank to a hydrogen consuming device, and may be an oxygen treatment member that reduces the oxygen concentration downstream of the oxygen concentration reducing mechanism compared to the oxygen concentration upstream thereof.

[0008] The oxygen treatment member is provided in the hydrogen supply pipe and may include a hydrogen separation membrane that allows hydrogen to permeate but not oxygen, or a catalyst that reacts hydrogen and oxygen to convert them into water.

[0009] The oxygen reduction mechanism may be a release pipe that releases the fluid in the hydrogen supply pipe to the atmosphere.

[0010] The oxygen concentration reduction mechanism is arranged in a bypass branched off from the hydrogen supply pipe, and is equipped with an oxygen treatment member that reduces the oxygen concentration downstream of the oxygen concentration reduction mechanism compared to its upstream side, a switching valve that switches the flow path between the hydrogen supply pipe and the bypass, and a control device that controls the switching valve, and the control device may be configured to control the switching valve so that hydrogen flows through the bypass when it is determined that the oxygen concentration is below a predetermined value after the hydrogen tank is installed.

[0011] The determination can be made by allowing hydrogen to flow through the bypass for a predetermined time after the hydrogen tank is attached to the hydrogen consuming device.

[0012] The determination can be made by detecting a decrease in oxygen concentration using an oxygen concentration sensor after the hydrogen tank is attached to the hydrogen consumption device.

[0013] The oxygen concentration reduction mechanism is arranged in a bypass branching off from the hydrogen supply pipe through which hydrogen flows from the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen consuming device, and is equipped with an oxygen treatment member that reduces the oxygen concentration downstream of the oxygen concentration reduction mechanism compared to its upstream side, a switching valve that switches the flow path between the hydrogen supply pipe and the bypass, and a control device that controls the switching valve, and the control device can be configured to operate the switching valve so that hydrogen flows into the bypass when the residual pressure in the hydrogen tank is below a predetermined pressure.

[0014] The present application discloses a hydrogen consumption system comprising a hydrogen tank and the above-described hydrogen consumption device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present disclosure, in a hydrogen consumption device equipped with a removable hydrogen tank, it is possible to prevent mixed air (oxygen) from reaching the hydrogen consumption equipment, thereby preventing deterioration of the hydrogen consumption equipment and a decrease in output (power generation amount and rotational output) due to air (oxygen) mixing in. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a hydrogen consumption system 10 (an example in which a fuel cell 40 is provided as a hydrogen consumption device). [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a hydrogen consumption system 10 (an example in which a hydrogen engine 41 is provided as a hydrogen consuming device). [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an external view showing the configuration of the hydrogen tank 11. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the hydrogen tank 11. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the on-off valve 15 and the connection part 30. As shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the storage section 21. As shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the storage section 21. As shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the control device 50. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the connection position. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the flow of hydrogen tank connection control S10. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the hydrogen tank connection control S10. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the hydrogen tank connection control S10. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a hydrogen consumption system 10a. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of a hydrogen consumption system 10a'. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of a hydrogen consumption system 10b. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the flow of the control S20 for reducing the oxygen concentration. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of a hydrogen consumption system 10c. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the flow of the control S30 for reducing the oxygen concentration. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the configuration of a hydrogen consumption system 10d. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the flow of the control S40 for reducing the oxygen concentration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 1. Basic form of hydrogen consumption system (hydrogen consumption system 10) First, a hydrogen consuming device 20 and a hydrogen consuming system 10 that are basic forms of the hydrogen consuming device and hydrogen consuming system common to the examples of the hydrogen consuming device and hydrogen consuming system according to the present disclosure that will be described later will be described. 1 and 2 conceptually show the configuration of a hydrogen consumption system 10. Such a hydrogen consumption system 10 has a hydrogen tank 11, which is a hydrogen supply source, and a hydrogen consumption device 20, which is a destination of the hydrogen supply. The hydrogen consumption system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a system that generates electricity by supplying hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank 11 to a fuel cell 40, which is a hydrogen consumption device included in the hydrogen consumption device 20. The hydrogen consumption system 10 shown in FIG. 2 is a system that supplies hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank 11 to a hydrogen engine 41, which is a hydrogen consumption device included in the hydrogen consumption system 20. In this embodiment, the hydrogen consumption system 10 is configured such that the hydrogen tank 11 can be attached to and detached from the hydrogen consumption device 20 .

[0018] By equipping such a hydrogen consuming system 10 with the oxygen concentration reduction mechanism of each form described below, it becomes the hydrogen consuming device 20a, hydrogen consuming system 10a (form 1), hydrogen consuming device 20b, hydrogen consuming system 10b (form 2), hydrogen consuming device 20c, and hydrogen consuming system 10c (form 3), which are the forms of the present disclosure. Each form and its variations will be described later.

[0019] One hydrogen consumption system disclosed herein is a system that includes a fuel cell (hydrogen consumption device) that generates electricity using hydrogen supplied from a detachable hydrogen tank as fuel, and supplies this electricity for use, as shown in Figure 1. Specific examples include an electric vehicle, a generator, and a power supply source for a building. Another hydrogen consumption system of the present disclosure is a system that includes a hydrogen engine (hydrogen consumption device) that runs on hydrogen supplied from a removable hydrogen tank as fuel, and that uses the driving force of this hydrogen engine for practical purposes, as shown in Figure 2. Specific examples of applications include powering automobiles and providing the driving force for operating generators. 1 and 2 are the same except for the fuel cell 40 and the hydrogen engine 41. This is explained in detail below.

[0020] 1.1.Hydrogen Tank The hydrogen tank 11 is a container that stores the fuel to be supplied (hydrogen in this embodiment) in a liquid or gas state. Explained in Figures 3 and 4, Figure 3 is an external view, and Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the tank 11 along the axis O. As can be seen from these figures, the hydrogen tank 11 in this embodiment has a liner 12, a reinforcing layer 13, a mouthpiece 14, and an on-off valve 15. Each component will be described below.

[0021] 1.1.1. Liner The liner 12 is a hollow member that defines the internal space of the hydrogen tank 11 and is cylindrical in this embodiment. The liner 12 has a body portion 12a with a generally constant diameter, with openings at both ends narrowed by dome-shaped side ends 12b, and a mouthpiece 14 is disposed at the narrowed opening 12c. The liner 12 may be made of any material that can hold the contents (e.g., hydrogen) stored in its internal space without leaking, and any known material can be used. Specific examples include nylon resin, polyethylene-based synthetic resin, and metals such as stainless steel and aluminum. Among these, synthetic resin is preferable as the material for the liner from the viewpoint of reducing the weight of the tank. The thickness of the liner 12 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm.

[0022] 1.1.2. Reinforcement layer The reinforcing layer 13 is made up of multiple layers of fibers that are impregnated with a hardened resin. The fiber layers are formed by wrapping fiber bundles around the outer periphery of the liner 12 in multiple layers to a predetermined thickness. The thickness of the reinforcing layer 13 and the number of turns of the fiber bundles are determined based on the required strength and are not particularly limited, but are generally about 10 mm to 30 mm.

[0023] <Fiber bundle> The fiber bundles of the reinforcing layer 13 are made of, for example, carbon fibers, and the fiber bundles are band-shaped bundles of carbon fibers with a predetermined cross-sectional shape (for example, a rectangular cross-section). Specific examples include, but are not limited to, a rectangular cross-sectional shape with a width of about 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 bundle is also not particularly limited, but may be, for example, about 36,000 carbon fibers.

[0024] <Impregnating resin> The resin impregnated into and cured in the fibers (fiber bundles) in the reinforcing layer 13 is not particularly limited as long as it can increase the strength of the fibers. Examples of such resins include thermosetting resins that are cured by heat, such as epoxy resins and unsaturated polyester resins that contain amine- or anhydride-based curing accelerators and rubber-based toughening agents. Other examples include resin compositions that use epoxy resin as the base agent and are cured by mixing a curing agent into it. In this case, the resin composition, which is a mixture of the base agent and the curing agent, reaches and penetrates the fiber layer between the time of mixing and the time of curing, and then automatically hardens.

[0025] <Protective layer> If necessary, a protective layer may be disposed on the outer periphery of the reinforcing layer. When provided, for example, the protective layer is formed by wrapping glass fiber around the reinforcing layer and impregnating the fiber with resin. The impregnated resin can be considered the same as the reinforcing layer 12. This makes it possible to impart impact resistance to the hydrogen tank 11. The thickness of the protective layer is not particularly limited, but can be about 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0026] 1.1.3.Socket The nozzles 14 are components attached to each of the two openings 12c of the liner 12. They are located at both ends of the liner 12 in the direction of the axis O, and function as openings that communicate between the inside and outside of the hydrogen tank 11. An on-off valve 15 is attached to one of the openings. Therefore, the nozzle 14 has a hole with a circular cross section in which the on-off valve 15 is to be placed. The inner surface of the hole is provided with a female thread that corresponds to the male thread of the on-off valve 15. The on-off valve 15 is fixed to the nozzle 14 by mating the male thread with this female thread. In addition, the inner surface of the hole has a smooth sealing surface on the tank inner side (high-pressure side) of the female thread. A seal member attached to the outer periphery of the on-off valve 15 comes into contact with this sealing surface, thereby sealing the inside of the hydrogen tank 11.

[0027] The material constituting the nozzle 14 is not particularly limited as long as it has the necessary strength, but examples include stainless steel and aluminum.

[0028] 1.1.4.Shut-off valve The on-off valve 15 is held in a hole in the nozzle 14 so as to bridge the inside and outside of the hydrogen tank 11. The on-off valve 15 is disposed in one of the two nozzles 14 provided at both ends of the hydrogen tank 11 in the longitudinal direction. The other nozzle 14 is sealed with a plug 14a. 5 is a view of the vicinity of the on-off valve 15 in FIG. 4, showing the on-off valve 15 separated from a connection part 42 of the hydrogen consumption device 20, which will be described later. The on-off valve 15 has a shaft portion that is placed inside the hole of the nozzle 14, and the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion is provided with a male thread that is mated with the female thread of the nozzle 14, thereby fixing the on-off valve 15 to the hole of the nozzle 14. In addition, a sealing member (not shown) is placed on the outer circumferential surface of the on-off valve 15, and this sealing member is placed so as to come into contact with the sealing surface on the inner surface of the hole of the nozzle 14, thereby achieving airtightness (sealing).

[0029] The on-off valve 15 has a valve body 16 and a connection part 17 .

[0030] <Valve body> Valve element 16 is a switching valve that allows and restricts communication between the inside and outside of hydrogen tank 11. In this embodiment, valve element 16 is biased to restrict communication when closed, and by pressing valve element 16 against the biasing force, valve element 16 moves and allows communication. In this embodiment, communication is switched by pressing and releasing pressure on valve element 16, so a means for pressing valve element 16 is required. For this reason, hydrogen consumption device 20 is provided with a means (push rod 30a) for pressing valve element 16, as described below.

[0031] <Connection> The on-off valve 15 has a connection part 17 that houses the valve body 16 and into which the push rod 30a is inserted. Therefore, the connection part 17 has an insertion hole 17a through which the push rod 30a is inserted and which communicates with the valve body 16.

[0032] Other The allowable pressure of the hydrogen tank 11 is not particularly limited, but examples include a tank that can store hydrogen at an allowable pressure of more than 20 MPa and not more than 70 MPa, from the perspective of being able to supply more hydrogen while keeping it small to maintain portability.

[0033] The hydrogen consumption system 10 is provided with a plurality of hydrogen tanks 11 (for example, three), and each hydrogen tank 11 is filled with hydrogen. Here, an example is given in which three hydrogen tanks 11 are arranged, and these are designated by the reference numerals 11a, 11b, and 11c to distinguish them. These hydrogen tanks 11 may all have the same capacity, or tanks of different capacities may be included.

[0034] In addition to the above, although not shown, the hydrogen tank 11 may be provided with an exterior body that forms the outer shell of the hydrogen tank 11, and a handle that can be grasped when attaching or detaching the hydrogen tank 11 to the hydrogen consumption device 20. This increases the convenience of the cartridge type (which can be detached from the hydrogen consumption device and carried around for filling with hydrogen).

[0035] 1.2. Hydrogen consumption device The hydrogen consumption device 20 is a device that receives and consumes hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen tank 11. As shown in Fig. 1, the hydrogen consumption device 20 in this embodiment comprises an attachment part 21, a connection part 30, a supply flow path 31, a first pressure gauge 32, a check valve 33, a second pressure gauge 34, a filter 35, a pressure reducing valve 36, a third pressure gauge 37, a filter 38, an injector 39, a hydrogen consumption device (a fuel cell 40 in the example of Fig. 1, and a hydrogen engine 41 in the example of Fig. 2), and a control device 50. Each part will be described below.

[0036] 1.2.1. Mounting part The mounting portion 21 is the portion in which the hydrogen tank 11 is stored when the hydrogen tank 11 is connected to the hydrogen consumption device 20. Figure 6 shows a schematic cross section of the hydrogen tank 11 mounted on the mounting portion 21, with the on-off valve 15 of the hydrogen tank 11 connected to the push rod 30a of the connection portion 30. Figure 7 also shows a schematic representation of the components provided in and around the mounting portion 21. As can be seen from Figures 6 and 7, the mounting portion 21 is equipped with a storage hole 22, a base 23, a lock pin 24, a stepping motor 25, and a sensor 26.

[0037] [Storage hole] Storage hole 22 is a space in which hydrogen tank 11 is stored, has opening 22a through which hydrogen tank 11 can be inserted and removed, and is a space surrounded by inner wall 22b. Connection part 30 (push rod 30a) is arranged at bottom 22c of storage hole 22, which is on the opposite side of opening 22a. In this embodiment, the storage holes 22 are provided in three rows in the vertical direction, but the number and arrangement of the storage holes 22 are not particularly limited.

[0038] [Base] Base 23 is a component that is placed inside and below storage hole 22, and on whose upper surface hydrogen tank 11 is placed and fixed. Base 23 is arranged so that it can move in the depth direction of storage hole 22 (the direction connecting opening 22a and bottom 22c, the direction in which on-off valve 15 of hydrogen tank 11 approaches and moves away from connecting part 30 (push rod 30a), the direction of arrow T in Figure 7). The means for movement is not particularly limited, but examples include a combination of rails and wheels. The base 23 is further provided with a first engagement recess 23a and a second engagement recess 23b on its lower surface (the surface facing the inner wall 22b). The first engagement recess 23a and the second engagement recess 23b are not particularly limited in their specific shapes as long as they are configured to allow the lock pin 24 to be engaged and disengaged, and may be recesses or grooves (grooves extending in the direction into / out of the plane of the paper in FIG. 7).

[0039] The width of the first engagement recess 23a and the second engagement recess 23b (the size in the direction in which the base 23 moves) is greater than the width of the lock pin 24. That is, even in a state in which the lock pin 24 protrudes so as to enter the inside of the first engagement recess 23a and the second engagement recess 23b, the base 23 can move within the range of the width of the first engagement recess 23a and the second engagement recess 23b. The first engagement recess 23a is on the side closer to the push rod 30a, and the second engagement recess 23b is on the side closer to the opening 22a, and they are arranged with a predetermined distance in the direction of movement of the base 23. This distance is set to a size that allows for control, which will be described later.

[0040] [Lock pin] The lock pin 24 is arranged so as to be able to protrude and retract from the inner wall 22b, and when protruding, it enters the inside of the first engagement recess 23a and the second engagement recess 23b and can engage with the first engagement recess 23a and the second engagement recess 23b. On the other hand, the lock pin 24 is arranged so as not to engage with the first engagement recess 23a and the second engagement recess 23b when retracted. The lock pin 24 is electrically connected to the control device 50, and the projection and retraction of the lock pin 24 are controlled based on signals from the control device 50.

[0041] [Stepping motor] The stepping motor 25 is a power source that moves the base 23 via gears. The specific form of the stepping motor is not particularly limited, and any known stepping motor can be used. The stepping motor 25 is electrically connected to the control device 50, and the rotation angle and rotation speed are controlled based on signals from the control device 50, thereby controlling the movement of the base 23 with high precision.

[0042] [Sensor] Sensor 26 detects the position of hydrogen tank 11, in particular the position of on-off valve 15 (position in the direction of movement of base 23). The specific form of sensor 26 is not particularly limited and any known sensor can be used, but the position may be detected based on the rotation angle of stepping motor 25, or the position of on-off valve 15 may be detected optically. The sensor 26 is electrically connected to the control device 50 and is configured to be able to transmit the measured position of the hydrogen tank 11 to the control device 50 as a signal.

[0043] 1.2.2.Connections The connecting part 30 is disposed at the connection portion with the hydrogen tank 11, and connects to the connecting part 17 provided on the on-off valve 15 of the hydrogen tank 11, and operates to open and close the valve body 16 of the hydrogen tank 11. As can be seen from Figure 5, the connecting part 30 has a push rod 30a.

[0044] The push rod 30a is a member that can press the valve element 16 provided in the on-off valve 15 of the hydrogen tank 11, and in this embodiment is rod-shaped, with its tip capable of pressing the valve element 16. Therefore, the push rod 30a is configured so that it can be inserted into an insertion hole 17a formed in the connection part 17 of the on-off valve 15. In addition, the push rod 30a is configured to form a flow path that allows hydrogen to flow from the inside of the hydrogen tank 11 to the hydrogen supply pipe 31 when the valve body 16 is pressed to open the on-off valve 15.

[0045] 1.2.3.Hydrogen supply piping The hydrogen supply pipe 31 is a pipe that constitutes a path for conducting hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 11 to the hydrogen consuming devices 40, 41. The above-mentioned connection part 30 is arranged on the hydrogen tank 11 side of the hydrogen supply pipe 31. In this embodiment, hydrogen tanks 11a, 11b, and 11c are connected to hydrogen consuming devices 40 and 41, respectively. Here, pipes 31a, 31b, and 31c extending from connection parts 30 for hydrogen tanks 11a, 11b, and 11c respectively join together to form single pipe 31d, which is connected to hydrogen consuming devices 40 and 41.

[0046] 1.2.4. First pressure gauge The first pressure gauge 32 is provided in each of the hydrogen supply pipes 31a, 31b, and 31c, and is a pressure gauge that measures the pressure inside the flow path of each of the hydrogen supply pipes 31a, 31b, and 31c (pressure inside the pipe) corresponding to the internal pressure of each of the hydrogen tanks 11a, 11b, and 11c. In this embodiment, the specific form of the first pressure gauge 32 is not particularly limited, but it is configured so that the obtained pressure value data can be transmitted to the control device 50.

[0047] 1.2.5. Check valve A check valve 33 is provided on each of the hydrogen supply pipes 31a, 31b, 31c, and allows fluid to flow from each of the hydrogen tanks 11a, 11b, 11c toward the hydrogen consuming devices 40, 41, while restricting fluid flow in the opposite direction. This prevents fluid from flowing back into the hydrogen tanks 11a, 11b, 11c. The specific form of the check valve is not particularly limited, and any known check valve may be used.

[0048] 1.2.6. Second pressure gauge The second pressure gauge 34 is provided in the hydrogen supply pipe 31d after the hydrogen supply pipes 31a, 31b, and 31c join, and is a pressure gauge that measures the internal pressure inside the hydrogen supply pipe 31d, which is still in a high-pressure state up to the pressure reducing valve 36 after the hydrogen supply pipes 31a, 31b, and 31c join. In this embodiment, the specific form of the second pressure gauge 34 is not particularly limited, but it is configured so that the obtained pressure value data can be transmitted to the control device 50.

[0049] Filters Filter 35 is a filter placed before the fluid enters pressure reducing valve 36, and removes foreign matter that may have entered the fluid. Examples of foreign matter that filter 35 is intended to remove include metal powder and pieces of sealing material that were originally present in hydrogen tank 11 or that have been generated in hydrogen consumption device 20. The specific form of the filter 35 is not particularly limited, and any known filter may be used.

[0050] Pressure reducing valve The pressure reducing valve 36 is a known device that reduces the pressure in the upstream piping and supplies the pressure to the downstream piping. The specific form of the pressure reducing valve is not particularly limited and is known. The pressure reducing valve 36 reduces the pressure of hydrogen gas from a high pressure (for example, 70 MPa) equivalent to that in the hydrogen tank 11 to a pressure to be supplied to the fuel cell 40 (for example, about 1 MPa).

[0051] 1.2.9. Third pressure gauge The third pressure gauge 37 is located closer to the hydrogen consuming devices 40 and 41 than the pressure reducing valve 36, and is a pressure gauge that measures the internal pressure of the hydrogen supply pipe 31d after pressure reduction. This third pressure gauge 37 can be used to check whether the pressure inside the pipe is suitable for supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell 40. In this embodiment, the specific form of the third pressure gauge 37 is not particularly limited, but it is configured so that the obtained pressure value data can be transmitted to the control device 50.

[0052] FILTER The filter 38 is disposed closer to the hydrogen consuming devices 40 and 41 than the third pressure gauge 37. The substances to be excluded and other aspects of the filter 38 can be considered to be similar to those of the filter 35 described above.

[0053] Injection Injection 39 is arranged on the hydrogen supply pipe 31 (hydrogen supply pipe 31d in this embodiment) between connection part 30 and hydrogen consumption devices 40, 41, closer to hydrogen consumption devices 40, 41 than filter 38, and controls the supply of hydrogen to hydrogen consumption devices 40, 41. The specific form of injection is not particularly limited, but an example is a flow control valve.

[0054] 1.2.12. Hydrogen-consuming equipment The hydrogen consuming device is a device that consumes supplied hydrogen, and receives a supply of hydrogen from a hydrogen tank 11. In the example of FIG. 1, a fuel cell 40 is provided as the hydrogen consuming device, and generates electricity by receiving a supply of air from an air hole (not shown). The specific configuration of the fuel cell 40 is not particularly limited, and a known fuel cell can be used. On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 2, a hydrogen engine 41 is provided as the hydrogen consuming device, and the engine is driven by using the supplied hydrogen as fuel.

[0055] Control Unit As will be described later, the control device 50 is a device that performs control for connecting the hydrogen tank 11 to the connection part 30 (push rod 30a). Therefore, in this embodiment, the control device 50 is configured to be able to communicate with the lock pin 24, stepping motor 25, sensor 26, injection 39, and first to third pressure gauges (32, 34, 37).

[0056] As conceptually shown in Figure 8, the control device 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51 which is a processor that performs calculations, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 52 which functions as a working area, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 53 which functions as a recording medium, a receiving unit 54 which is an interface that accepts information into the control device 50 regardless of whether it is wired or wireless, and a transmitting unit 55 which is an interface that sends information from the control device 50 to the outside regardless of whether it is wired or wireless. Therefore, the control device 50 is configured so that the sensor 26 and the first to third pressure gauges 32, 34, and 37 are connected to the receiving unit 54 to receive information, and the lock pin 24, stepping motor 25, and injection 39 are connected to the transmitting unit 55 to send signals to them for their operation.

[0057] The control device 50 stores a program that performs calculations for the hydrogen tank connection control S10 (described later) and transmits signals to each device to request operation. In the control device 50, the CPU 51, RAM 52, and ROM 53, which serve as hardware resources, work together with the program. Specifically, the CPU 51 executes the computer program stored in the ROM 53 in the RAM 52, which functions as a work area, thereby performing the desired control. Information acquired or generated by the CPU 51 is stored in the RAM 52. Alternatively, a separate recording medium may be provided inside or outside the control device 50, and the program and various data may be recorded thereon. Specific control content will be described later.

[0058] Such a control device 50 can typically be configured by a computer.

[0059] 1.3.Hydrogen Tank Connection Control The connection control of the hydrogen tank 11 in the hydrogen consuming apparatus 20 will be explained below. Before that, the state before the connection control is started and the state after the connection control is completed will be explained.

[0060] 1.3.1. Hydrogen tank detached As described above, when the hydrogen tank 11 is placed in the mounting portion 21 of the hydrogen consumption device 20 and before it is connected to the connection portion 30 of the hydrogen consumption device 20, the push rod 30a and the on-off valve 15 are separated as shown in Figure 5, and the on-off valve 15 is closed by the valve body 16 on the hydrogen tank 11.

[0061] 1.3.2. Hydrogen tank connection status 9, when hydrogen tank 11 is placed in mounting portion 21 of hydrogen consumption device 20 and connected to connection portion 30 of hydrogen consumption device 20, push rod 30a is inserted into insertion hole 17a of connection portion 17, pressing valve body 16. This allows hydrogen to flow from the inside of hydrogen tank 11 through push rod 43a to hydrogen supply pipe 31, allowing hydrogen to be supplied to hydrogen consumption devices 40, 41. The supply of hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming devices 40 and 41 is performed by an injector 39 electrically connected to the control device 50 operating in response to a command from the control device 50 .

[0062] 1.3.3. Hydrogen tank connection control Figure 10 shows the flow of hydrogen tank connection control S10 according to one embodiment. Figures 11 and 12 are diagrams for explaining hydrogen tank connection control S10. As can be seen from Figure 10, hydrogen tank connection control S10 comprises steps S11 to S18. Each step is explained below.

[0063] 11(a), the base 23 is assumed to have moved away from the push rod 30a, with the lock pin 24 inserted into the first engagement recess 23a to restrict movement. The hydrogen tank 11 is then placed and fixed in a predetermined position on the base 23. There are no particular limitations on the fixing method, but examples include tightening with a band, or providing irregularities on the outer surface of the hydrogen tank 11 and providing corresponding irregularities on the surface of the base 23, and combining these irregularities.

[0064] [Process S11] In step S11, a command to start connecting the hydrogen tank 11 is input to the control device 50. The command to start the connection may be, for example, a user operating a switch, or a signal sent to the control device 50 by a proximity sensor (not shown) indicating that the hydrogen tank 11 has been placed on the base 23.

[0065] [Process S12] In step S12, origin learning is performed. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 11(b), the control device 50 operates the stepping motor 25 to move the base 23 to a position where the lock pin 24 contacts the wall of the first engagement recess 23a that is on the second engagement recess 23b side. The control device 50 then sets this position as the origin of the base 23. The detection of contact is not particularly limited and can be performed by known means, but examples include determining that contact has occurred when the value of sensor 26 indicates a contact position, or determining that the torque value of stepping motor 25 has increased due to contact (in this case, a separate torque sensor (not shown) is placed on stepping motor 25, and the control device 50 is configured to receive the signal).

[0066] [Process S13] In step S13, the lock pin 24 is released. Specifically, in response to a command from the control device 50, the lock pin 24 is released from the first engagement recess 23a as shown in FIG.

[0067] [Process S14] In step S14, the base 23 is moved to a standby position. The standby position is a position where the on-off valve 15 of the hydrogen tank 11 is not yet connected to the push rod 30a, but is positioned near the push rod 30a. In step S14, the control device 50 activates the stepping motor 25 to move the base 23 closer to the push rod 30a. This movement brings the base 23 to a position where the lock pin 24 can be inserted into the second engagement recess 23b, as shown in Figure 12(a).

[0068] [Process S15] In step S15, it is determined whether the standby position obtained in step S14 is an abnormal position (within a normal position range) by determining whether the position information from the sensor 26 or the like is a predetermined position. If it is within the normal range, the answer is Yes and the process proceeds to step S16. If it is outside the normal range, the result is No, an abnormality is reported (an abnormality display or sound is given), and control ends.

[0069] [Process S16] In step S16, the lock pin 24 is inserted into the second engagement recess 23b. Specifically, in response to a command from the control device 50, the lock pin 24 protrudes toward the second engagement recess 23b and is positioned inside the second engagement recess 23b as shown in FIG. 12(b).

[0070] [Process S17] In step S17, position correction is performed. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 12(c), the control device 50 operates the stepping motor 25 to move the base 23 to a position where the lock pin 24 contacts the wall of the second engagement recess 23b that is on the first engagement recess 23a side. This corrects the standby position. The detection of contact is not particularly limited and can be performed by known means, but examples include determining that contact has occurred when the value of sensor 26 indicates a contact position, or determining that the torque value of stepping motor 25 has increased due to contact (in this case, a separate torque sensor (not shown) is placed on stepping motor 25, and the control device 50 is configured to receive the signal).

[0071] [Process S18] In step S18, the on-off valve 15 moves to the connected position, connecting the push rod 30a and establishing communication between the hydrogen tank 11 and the hydrogen supply pipe 31. Specifically, the control device 50 operates the stepping motor 25 to move the base 23, and moves it closer to the push rod 30a as shown in Figure 12 (d), and the push rod 30a is inserted into the insertion hole 17a of the on-off valve 15 and presses the valve body 16. In step S18, the lock pin 24 is inserted into the second engagement recess 23b, so that the amount of movement of the base 23 is limited, and excessive movement of the base 23 can be prevented.

[0072] [Effects of hydrogen tank connection control S10] According to the hydrogen consumption system 10 and its hydrogen tank connection control S10 described above, when the hydrogen tank 11 is attached or detached, poor hydrogen supply or hydrogen shut-off due to poor contact between the opening / closing valve 15 of the hydrogen tank 11 and the connection part 30 (push rod 30a) of the hydrogen consumption device 20 can be prevented. 11(a), by controlling the hydrogen tank 11 to be in a standby position as in steps S14 to S17, positioning is performed in two stages, improving positioning accuracy and achieving the above-mentioned effects. Furthermore, by limiting the movement of the base 23 with the lock pin 24, the accuracy of the origin and correction during positioning can be improved, and deterioration of positioning control performance due to manufacturing variations and deterioration over time can be suppressed.

[0073] 2. Hydrogen consumption system equipped with an oxygen concentration reduction mechanism In the hydrogen consumption system 10 described above, the hydrogen tank 11 is assumed to be attached and detached to the hydrogen consumption device 20, so air exists in the piping of the detachment section, which is open when the hydrogen tank is not installed. If the hydrogen tank is installed in this state and the device is started to operate, hydrogen mixed with air will be supplied to the hydrogen consumption device (fuel cell or hydrogen engine). When a hydrogen consumption device equipped with a fuel cell is connected to a hydrogen tank and the hydrogen consumption device is started, the air is mixed into the hydrogen supply pipe that supplies hydrogen from the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen consumption device, and is then supplied to the fuel cell. If a certain amount of air is mixed into the anode side (hydrogen supply side) of the fuel cell, a region of dense air is created on the anode side of the fuel cell. In this region of dense air, an abnormal potential higher than the normal reaction potential may occur in part of the cell, the carbon support used in the catalyst may be oxidized by oxygen in the air, reducing catalytic performance, or a reaction (combustion) may occur between hydrogen and oxygen contained in the air on the anode side, causing sintering due to the heat of the reaction, resulting in catalyst degradation. These problems are more pronounced in hydrogen consumption devices equipped with a detachable hydrogen tank, as the problem of air mixing occurs every time the tank is attached or detached. Furthermore, when a hydrogen engine is used as a hydrogen-consuming device, the inclusion of oxygen in the hydrogen supply pipe that supplies hydrogen to the hydrogen engine can cause the ratio of hydrogen injected into the cylinders of the hydrogen engine to oxygen supplied to the combustion chamber from the intake pipe to be lean relative to the target air-fuel ratio.If the hydrogen engine is operated lean at start-up, rotational fluctuations occur and the hydrogen engine takes time to start, resulting in poor start-up performance.

[0074] Therefore, in this disclosure, a device (oxygen concentration reduction mechanism) is provided in the hydrogen consuming device to reduce the amount of mixed oxygen that reaches the hydrogen consuming device. In this disclosure, the oxygen concentration reduction mechanism is provided in the hydrogen consuming device on the hydrogen supply piping, that is, on the hydrogen supply piping side of the hydrogen tank's on-off valve. This makes it possible to reduce the oxygen concentration on the hydrogen consuming device side, regardless of the hydrogen tank's condition, which changes each time it is repeatedly attached / detached and refilled with hydrogen. This allows for stable and highly accurate reduction of the oxygen concentration.

[0075] Four types of hydrogen consumption devices and their systems will be described below, each differing in the type of oxygen concentration reduction mechanism provided in the hydrogen supply pipe.

[0076] 3.1.Form 1 Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the hydrogen consumption device 20a and hydrogen consumption system 10a according to form 1, and corresponds to Figure 1. As can be seen from Figure 13, the hydrogen consumption system 10a has a hydrogen tank 11 and a hydrogen consumption device 20a. Here, the hydrogen tank 11 can be considered to be the same as the hydrogen tank 11 described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0077] The hydrogen consuming device 20a is different from the hydrogen consuming device 20 described above in that it is provided with an oxygen treatment member 100 as an oxygen concentration reducing mechanism. The other devices are the same as those of the hydrogen consuming device 20 described above. The oxygen treatment member 100, which is the oxygen concentration reduction mechanism of this embodiment, is disposed in the hydrogen supply pipe 31 and is a device that prevents oxygen that has reached this point from proceeding further, at least in the form of oxygen, toward the hydrogen consumption devices 40, 41. Specifically, the oxygen treatment member 100 can be a hydrogen separation membrane that separates hydrogen by allowing hydrogen to pass through but not allowing oxygen to pass through, or a catalyst that promotes the reaction of hydrogen with oxygen (oxidizing (combusting) hydrogen) to convert it into water. The hydrogen separation membrane is not particularly limited and any known membrane can be used, including, for example, a metal membrane made of palladium or the like, or a membrane made of a polymer material such as polyimide, which allows hydrogen to permeate while suppressing oxygen permeation, thereby suppressing the inflow of oxygen while supplying hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming devices 40, 41. The catalyst may be platinum, and the oxygen treatment member may be, for example, a member made of a porous body supporting platinum. In this case, oxygen reacts with hydrogen to turn into water, thereby preventing oxygen from being supplied to the hydrogen consumption devices 40, 41 in the form of oxygen.

[0078] The oxygen treatment member 100 is disposed somewhere in the hydrogen supply pipe 31 from the connection part 30 to the hydrogen consuming devices 40 and 41. It is preferable that the oxygen treatment member 100 be disposed somewhere in the hydrogen supply pipe 31 between the first pressure gauge 32 and the pressure reducing valve 36, where the pressure inside the pipe is high. The high pressure inside the pipe can increase the efficiency of oxygen concentration reduction by the oxygen treatment member 100. More preferably, the oxygen treatment member 100 is disposed in the hydrogen supply pipe 31 between the filter 35 and the pressure reducing valve 36. After foreign matter larger than oxygen is removed by the filter 35, the oxygen concentration is reduced by the oxygen treatment member 100, thereby enabling efficient reduction of the oxygen concentration.

[0079] Figure 14 shows a diagram illustrating the hydrogen consumption device 20a according to form 1, the hydrogen consumption device 20a' which is a modified example of the hydrogen consumption system 10a, and the hydrogen consumption system 10a', which corresponds to Figure 1. As can be seen from Figure 14, the hydrogen consumption system 10a' has a hydrogen tank 11 and the hydrogen consumption device 20a'. Here, the hydrogen tank 11 can be considered to be the same as the hydrogen tank 11 described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] In hydrogen consumption device 20a', compared to hydrogen consumption device 20a, base 23, lock pin 24, stepping motor 25, and sensor 26 are not arranged on mounting portion 21, and the hydrogen tank connection control S10 described above is not performed. In this modified example, hydrogen tank 11 is attached and detached manually, but even in this type of hydrogen consumption device, the oxygen treatment member 100 provides the above-mentioned effects.

[0081] 3.2.Form 2 Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating a hydrogen consumption device 20b and a hydrogen consumption system 10b according to form 2, and corresponds to Figure 1. As can be seen from Figure 15, the hydrogen consumption system 10b has a hydrogen tank 11 and a hydrogen consumption device 20b. Here, the hydrogen tank 11 can be considered to be the same as the hydrogen tank 11 described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] The hydrogen consuming device 20b is provided with a control device 50b that functions as an oxygen concentration reducing mechanism in comparison with the hydrogen consuming device 20. The other devices are the same as those of the hydrogen consuming device 20. The control device 50b, which functions as the oxygen concentration reduction mechanism in this embodiment, is also a device for suppressing the concentration of oxygen mixed into the hydrogen supply pipe 31 and reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches the hydrogen consuming devices 40, 41. In this embodiment, this function is achieved through control by the control device 50b. The configuration of the control device 50b itself can be considered to be the same as the control device 50 described above. Fig. 16 shows the flow of control (oxygen concentration reduction control) S20 by the control device 50b as the oxygen concentration reduction mechanism in form 2. As can be seen from Fig. 16, the oxygen concentration reduction control S20 further includes steps S21 and S22 following the state after the on-off valve 15 is opened through steps S11 to S18 described above.

[0083] [Process S21] In step S21, the residual pressure (P c ) is the threshold for the minimum allowable pressure (P m ) or greater than (P c >P m ) is determined. The meaning is as follows: The volume of the hydrogen tank 11 is V t (L), The pressure inside the hydrogen tank 11 is P (MPa), The volume of the hydrogen supply pipe 31 from the connection part 30 to the pressure reducing valve 36 is V p (L), and The volume of the hydrogen supply pipe 31 from the connection part 30 to the check valve 33 is V o (L), the air concentration n (%) in the hydrogen contained between the tank 11 and the pressure reducing valve 36 can be expressed by the following equation (1).

[0084]

number

[0085] where V o is the volume of the piping area into which air is likely to enter when the hydrogen tank is removed, and V t and , respectively, refer to the volume of the piping area that becomes high pressure when the hydrogen tank is installed. The specific values ​​of these volumes can be obtained by multiplying the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the piping by the piping length. The amount of gas contained in the hydrogen tank is proportional to the pressure inside the hydrogen tank, so V t × P is an index that represents the actual amount of hydrogen contained in the hydrogen tank. Similarly, V p×P is an index representing the actual amount of hydrogen in the piping. Also, V0 is an index representing the amount of air at normal pressure in the piping. Note that the value of P at this time can be the value of the first pressure gauge 32. In other words, the amount of air at normal pressure in the piping of V0 is t Hydrogen tank and V p The piping will contain compressed hydrogen.

[0086] Looking at equation (1), V t , V p , V o is a value determined by the device, and as the pressure P inside the hydrogen tank decreases, n, which is the ratio of the air concentration (i.e., oxygen concentration) in the hydrogen, increases. A higher air concentration means a higher oxygen concentration, which causes the above-mentioned problems in fuel cells. Therefore, it is necessary to find out in advance the air concentration at which problems will occur in hydrogen-consuming devices, and set the remaining pressure P in the hydrogen tank at that time to the threshold value of the minimum allowable pressure P. m Let P be the current residual pressure P in the hydrogen tank (in process S21). c When P c P m If the concentration is greater than 100%, problems with hydrogen-consuming equipment caused by the air concentration (oxygen concentration) are less likely to occur.

[0087] In step S21, the residual pressure of the hydrogen tank P c P m If it is greater, the answer is Yes, the supply of hydrogen continues, and the determination in S21 is repeated again. Meanwhile, in step S21, the residual pressure P c P m If the value is below this, the concentration of oxygen reaching the hydrogen consuming device may become too high, which may cause problems, so the answer is No and the process proceeds to step S22.

[0088] [Process S22] In step S22, in response to the determination result of step S21, the on-off valve 15 is closed to terminate the supply of hydrogen. To close the valve, the control device 50b may operate the stepping motor 25 to change the hydrogen tank 11 to a standby state, or a separate mechanism may be provided that automatically closes the valve by turning off the power to the hydrogen consumption system. However, it is preferable that the reason for the valve closure be notified (by display or sound) at this time, so that the operator who knows the reason can take appropriate action, such as replacing the hydrogen tank.

[0089] [Effects, etc.] In the oxygen concentration reduction mechanism using the control device 50b described above, even if a hydrogen tank is used that is repeatedly attached, detached, and filled with hydrogen, and whose condition changes each time, the hydrogen consumption device can smoothly identify a condition in which the concentration of oxygen reaching the hydrogen consumption device is likely to become high and quickly stop this, thereby making it possible to reduce the concentration of oxygen reaching the hydrogen consumption device.

[0090] 2.3.Form 3 Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating a hydrogen consumption device 20c and a hydrogen consumption system 10c according to form 3, and corresponds to Figure 1. As can be seen from Figure 17, the hydrogen consumption system 10c has a hydrogen tank 11 and a hydrogen consumption device 20c. Here, the hydrogen tank 11 can be considered to be the same as the hydrogen tank 11 described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0091] The hydrogen consuming device 20c is equipped with a switching valve 300, a hydrogen treating member 100, and a control device 50c as an oxygen concentration reducing mechanism in comparison with the hydrogen consuming device 20 described above. The other devices are the same as those of the hydrogen consuming device 20 described above.

[0092] In this embodiment, there is provided a pipe 301 that forms a flow path (bypass) parallel to the hydrogen supply pipe 31, and this pipe 301 is equipped with the oxygen treatment member 100 described in embodiment 1. A switching valve 300 switches between flowing hydrogen through the pipe 301 to use the oxygen treatment member 100, or not flowing hydrogen and using the normal hydrogen supply pipe 31. The switching valve 300 is electrically connected to a control device 50c and is configured to be operated by a signal from the control device 50c. The positions where the switching valve 300, the pipe 301, and the oxygen treatment member 100 are arranged are not particularly limited, but can be considered to be similar to the oxygen treatment member 100 described in the first embodiment above.

[0093] Fig. 18 shows the flow of control (oxygen concentration reduction control) S30 by the control device 50c in form 3. As can be seen from Fig. 18, the oxygen concentration reduction control S30 includes steps S31 and S32 after the on-off valve 15 is opened through steps S11 to S18 described above. Step S31 can be considered the same as step S21 described in form 2 above.

[0094] In step S32, when the determination in step S31 is No, the control device 50c operates the switching valve 300 to cause hydrogen to flow through the pipe 301. As a result, the hydrogen passes through the oxygen treatment member 100, and the hydrogen can be supplied to the hydrogen consuming devices 40, 41 with a reduced acidity concentration, as in the first embodiment.

[0095] As a modification of the third embodiment, the control device 50c can also perform the following control. In this modification, the control device 50c operates the switching valve 300 for a predetermined time period immediately after the hydrogen tank 11 is connected to the hydrogen consumption device 20c and the supply of hydrogen begins, causing hydrogen to flow through the piping 301 and into the oxygen treatment device 100. After the predetermined time period has elapsed, the control device 50c operates the switching valve 300 to allow hydrogen to flow through the hydrogen supply piping 31, which is the normal piping. Since air (oxygen) contamination occurs most frequently when hydrogen supply begins after the hydrogen tank 11 is connected, this allows the oxygen treatment element 100 to reduce the oxygen concentration at that time and not to be used at other times, thereby improving the life of the oxygen treatment element 100 and suppressing the increase in pressure loss caused by using the oxygen concentration treatment element 100 even when oxygen concentration reduction is not necessary.

[0096] In the above, examples have been described in which the timing for switching the hydrogen path by the switching valve 300 is based on the residual pressure in the hydrogen tank and after a predetermined time has elapsed. However, it is also possible to measure the oxygen concentration in the hydrogen supply pipe 31 with a sensor and switch the switching valve 300 when the obtained oxygen concentration falls below a predetermined value. That is, the timing of switching the hydrogen path by the switching valve 300 may be based on the residual pressure in the hydrogen tank, or the switching valve may be controlled so that hydrogen flows through the bypass when it is determined that the oxygen concentration in the hydrogen supply pipe 31 is below a predetermined value after the hydrogen tank 11 is installed. As an example of controlling the switching, the above-mentioned cases have been given where the switching is based on the passage of a predetermined time and the obtained oxygen concentration value.

[0097] 2.4.Form 4 Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating a hydrogen consumption device 20d and a hydrogen consumption system 10d according to form 4, and corresponds to Figure 1. As can be seen from Figure 19, the hydrogen consumption system 10d has a hydrogen tank 11 and a hydrogen consumption device 20d. Here, the hydrogen tank 11 can be considered to be the same as the hydrogen tank 11 described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0098] The hydrogen consuming device 20c is equipped with a switching valve 400, a discharge pipe 401, and a control device 50d as an oxygen concentration reducing mechanism in comparison with the hydrogen consuming device 20 described above. The other devices are the same as those of the hydrogen consuming device 20 described above.

[0099] In this embodiment, a discharge pipe 401 is provided which forms a flow path (bypass) parallel to the hydrogen supply pipe 31, and the fluid (hydrogen, oxygen) in the hydrogen supply pipe 31 is discharged to the atmosphere from this discharge pipe 401. A switching valve 400 switches between discharging the fluid from the discharge pipe 401 and using the normal hydrogen supply pipe 31 without discharging. The switching valve 400 is electrically connected to a control device 50c and is configured to operate in response to a signal from the control device 50c. The positions where the switching valve 400 and the discharge pipe 401 are arranged are not particularly limited, but can be considered to be similar to the oxygen treatment member 100 explained in the first embodiment above.

[0100] Fig. 20 shows the flow of control (oxygen concentration reduction control) S40 by the control device 50d in form 4. As can be seen from Fig. 20, the oxygen concentration reduction control S40 includes steps S41, S42, and S43 after the on-off valve 15 is opened through steps S11 to S18 described above. Step S41 can be considered the same as step S21 described in form 2 above.

[0101] In step S42, when the determination in step S41 is No, the control device 50d operates the switching valve 400 to cause the fluid to flow through the discharge pipe 401. As a result, the fluid is discharged into the atmosphere, and therefore, hydrogen with a high oxygen concentration is not supplied to the hydrogen consuming devices 40, 41.

[0102] In step S43, after the switching valve 400 has released the fluid from the release pipe 401 to the atmosphere, the control device 50d operates the switching valve 400 and controls it to supply the fluid again to the hydrogen supply pipe 31. As a result, the fluid is supplied from the hydrogen supply pipe 31 to the hydrogen consuming devices 40, 41. The switching of the switching valve 400 can be performed after a predetermined time has elapsed or based on the oxygen concentration obtained by an oxygen concentration sensor.

[0103] As a modification of the fourth embodiment, the control device 50d can also perform the following control. In this modification, the control device 50d operates the switching valve 400 for a predetermined time period immediately after the hydrogen tank 11 is connected to the hydrogen consumption device 20c and the supply of hydrogen begins, causing the fluid to flow through the release pipe 401 and release the fluid into the atmosphere. After the predetermined time period has elapsed, the control device 50d operates the switching valve 400 to allow the hydrogen to flow through the hydrogen supply pipe 31, which is the normal pipe. Since air (oxygen) contamination occurs most frequently when hydrogen supply begins after the hydrogen tank 11 is connected, this method allows the fluid to be released into the atmosphere at that time, preventing fluid with a high oxygen concentration from reaching the hydrogen consuming devices 40, 41, and at other times, no fluid is released, allowing hydrogen with a low oxygen concentration to be provided to the hydrogen consuming devices 40, 41.

[0104] In the above, examples have been described in which the timing for switching the hydrogen path by the switching valve 400 is based on the residual pressure in the hydrogen tank and after a predetermined time has elapsed. However, it is also possible to measure the oxygen concentration in the hydrogen supply pipe 31 with a sensor and control the switching of the switching valve 400 based on the obtained oxygen concentration. That is, the timing of switching the hydrogen path by the switching valve 400 may be based on the residual pressure in the hydrogen tank, or the switching valve may be controlled so that hydrogen flows through the bypass when it is determined that the oxygen concentration in the hydrogen supply pipe 31 is below a predetermined value after the hydrogen tank 11 is installed. As an example of controlling the switching, the above-mentioned cases have been given where the switching is based on the passage of a predetermined time and the obtained oxygen concentration value. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d... Hydrogen consumption system, 11... Hydrogen tank, 15... On-off valve, 16... Valve body, 17... Connection portion, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d... Hydrogen consumption device, 21... Mounting portion, 22... Storage hole, 23... Base, 24... Lock pin, 25... Stepping motor, 30... Connection portion, 31... Hydrogen supply piping, 32... First pressure gauge, 33... Backflow prevention valve, 34... Second pressure gauge, 35... Filter, 36... Pressure reducing valve, 37... Third pressure gauge, 39... Injection, 40... Fuel cell (hydrogen consumption device), 41... Hydrogen engine (hydrogen consumption device), 50... Control device, 50b, 50c, 50d... Control device (oxygen concentration reduction mechanism), 100... Oxygen treatment member (oxygen concentration reduction mechanism)

Claims

1. A hydrogen consumption device comprising a hydrogen consumption device which is a device that consumes hydrogen from a hydrogen tank by connecting a detachable hydrogen tank, The hydrogen tank has a connecting part which is the part that connects to it, An oxygen concentration reduction mechanism is provided in the hydrogen supply piping from the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen consuming equipment to reduce the concentration of oxygen mixed with the hydrogen at the connection point when the hydrogen tank is attached or detached, and to supply hydrogen to the hydrogen consuming equipment. Hydrogen consumption device.

2. The oxygen concentration reduction mechanism is an oxygen treatment member that is placed in the hydrogen supply piping through which hydrogen flows from the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen consuming equipment, and reduces the oxygen concentration downstream of the oxygen concentration reduction mechanism compared to the upstream side. The hydrogen consumption device according to claim 1.

3. The oxygen treatment member is provided within the hydrogen supply piping and comprises a hydrogen separation membrane that allows hydrogen to pass through but not oxygen, or a catalyst that reacts hydrogen and oxygen to convert them into water. The hydrogen consumption device according to claim 2.

4. The oxygen reduction mechanism is a discharge pipe that releases the fluid in the hydrogen supply pipe to the atmosphere. The hydrogen consumption device according to claim 2.

5. The oxygen concentration reduction mechanism, An oxygen treatment member is provided, which is located in a bypass branched from the hydrogen supply piping and reduces the oxygen concentration downstream of the oxygen concentration reduction mechanism to a level lower than that upstream of it. A switching valve that switches the flow path between the hydrogen supply pipe and the bypass, The system includes a control device for controlling the aforementioned switching valve, The control device, after the hydrogen tank has been installed, controls the switching valve so that the hydrogen flows through the bypass when it is determined that the oxygen concentration is below a predetermined value. The hydrogen consumption device according to claim 1.

6. The determination is that the hydrogen flows through the bypass for a predetermined period of time after the hydrogen tank is installed in the hydrogen consumption device. The hydrogen consumption device according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned determination is made by detecting a decrease in oxygen concentration using an oxygen concentration sensor after the hydrogen tank has been installed in the hydrogen consumption device. The hydrogen consumption device according to claim 5.

8. The oxygen concentration reduction mechanism, An oxygen treatment member is located in a bypass branched from the hydrogen supply piping through which hydrogen flows from the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen consuming equipment, and reduces the oxygen concentration downstream of the oxygen concentration reduction mechanism compared to the upstream side. A switching valve that switches the flow path between the hydrogen supply pipe and the bypass, The system includes a control device for controlling the aforementioned switching valve, The control device operates the switching valve so that hydrogen flows through the bypass when the residual pressure in the hydrogen tank is below a predetermined pressure. The hydrogen consumption device according to claim 1.

9. A pressure reducing valve is located downstream of the oxygen concentration reduction mechanism in the hydrogen supply piping from the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen consuming equipment. The hydrogen consumption device according to claim 1.

10. A filter is located upstream of the pressure reducing valve in the hydrogen supply piping from the hydrogen tank to the hydrogen consuming equipment. The hydrogen consumption device according to claim 9.

11. A hydrogen consumption system comprising a hydrogen tank and a hydrogen consumption device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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