Hydrogen supply system and device for controlling hydrogen supply system

Abstract

To provide a technique for effectively utilizing hydrogen stored in an outside hydrogen tank.SOLUTION: A hydrogen supply system comprises: a hydrogen supply source capable of supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell vehicle; a first hydrogen supply mechanism for supplying hydrogen to the coupled fuel cell vehicle from the hydrogen supply source; a second hydrogen supply mechanism for supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle from an external hydrogen tank which can be coupled to the hydrogen supply source and can supply hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle; and a control device for determining from which of the hydrogen supply source and the external hydrogen tank the hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hydrogen supply system and a control device for the hydrogen supply system. [Background technology]

[0002] In modern society, automobiles are an indispensable means of transportation, and various vehicles travel on the roads in our daily lives. In recent years, fuel cells, which have a low environmental impact, have been attracting attention as a new battery that can replace lead-acid batteries or lithium-ion batteries.

[0003] In fuel cell vehicles equipped with fuel cells, a hydrogen tank storing highly compressed hydrogen is installed on the vehicle, but the amount of hydrogen stored in the tank may not always be sufficient, and therefore an improvement in the cruising range is desired. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for improving the cruising range by supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle from a hydrogen tank installed in a vehicle towed by the fuel cell vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-115958 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventional technology such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 can improve the cruising range of fuel cell vehicles. However, when an external hydrogen tank located outside the fuel cell vehicle, such as a hydrogen tank mounted on the towed vehicle, is used, the turnover rate of the external hydrogen tank decreases if the towed vehicle is used infrequently. Therefore, there is room for improvement in making effective use of the hydrogen stored in the external hydrogen tank.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology for effectively utilizing hydrogen stored in an external hydrogen tank. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A hydrogen supply system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a hydrogen supply source capable of supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell vehicle, a first hydrogen supply mechanism for supplying hydrogen from the hydrogen supply source to a connected fuel cell vehicle, a second hydrogen supply mechanism for supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle from an external hydrogen tank connectable to the hydrogen supply source and capable of supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle, and a control device that determines whether hydrogen will be supplied to the fuel cell vehicle from the hydrogen supply source or the external hydrogen tank.

[0008] A control device for a hydrogen supply system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is applicable to a hydrogen supply system comprising a hydrogen supply source capable of supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell vehicle, a first hydrogen supply mechanism for supplying hydrogen from the hydrogen supply source to a connected fuel cell vehicle, and a second hydrogen supply mechanism for supplying hydrogen from an external hydrogen tank connectable to the hydrogen supply source and capable of supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle from the external hydrogen tank, and the control device comprises one or more processors and one or more memories communicatively connected to the one or more processors, and the processor acquires the remaining hydrogen amount value and internal pressure value of the external hydrogen tank and performs processing to determine whether hydrogen should be supplied to the fuel cell vehicle from the hydrogen supply source or the external hydrogen tank. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technique for effectively utilizing hydrogen stored in an external hydrogen tank. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a general configuration of a hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2]1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a fuel cell vehicle that can be connected to a hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device provided in a hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of a control device provided in a hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the control device provided in the hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0012] <Hydrogen supply system> 1 and 2, an example of a hydrogen supply system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The hydrogen supply system 1000 includes a hydrogen supply source 100, a first hydrogen supply mechanism 200, a second hydrogen supply mechanism 300, and a control device 400. One or more fuel cell vehicles 500 and one or more towed vehicles 600 can be connected to the hydrogen supply system 1000. The following description will be given taking as an example a case in which the hydrogen supply system 1000 is installed at a hydrogen station where hydrogen fuel can be replenished to the fuel cell vehicle 500, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0013] <Hydrogen supply source> The hydrogen supply source 100 is configured to be able to supply hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 500. The hydrogen supply source 100 may be a known device that generates hydrogen by electrolysis of water, or a known device that generates hydrogen by a reforming reaction of hydrocarbons such as methane, but the present disclosure is not limited to these. The hydrogen supply source 100 may also include a known pressure accumulator (not shown) that temporarily stores the generated hydrogen and is electrically connected to the control device 400.

[0014] <First Hydrogen Supply Mechanism> The first hydrogen supply mechanism 200 is configured to be able to supply hydrogen from the hydrogen supply source 100 to the connected fuel cell vehicle 500. Specifically, the first hydrogen supply mechanism 200 includes a first connector C1 having a known mechanism that enables hydrogen to be supplied from the hydrogen supply source 100 to the fuel cell vehicle 500. The first hydrogen supply mechanism 200 also includes a first piping 10 that connects the hydrogen supply source 100 to the first connector C1. The first piping 10 includes a known first valve 11 that adjusts the flow rate of hydrogen from the hydrogen supply source 100, a known compressor 12 that pressurizes the hydrogen that has passed through the first valve 11, a known cooler 13 that cools the hydrogen that has passed through the compressor 12, a known first pressure reducing valve 14 that reduces the pressure of the hydrogen that has passed through the cooler 13, a known second valve 15 that adjusts the flow rate of hydrogen that has passed through the first pressure reducing valve 14, and a known check valve CV1.

[0015] The first valve 11 and the second valve 15 are electrically connected to a control device 400, which will be described later, and are configured to be controllable by the control device 400. Note that a known pressure sensor (not shown) can be appropriately disposed in the first pipe 10.

[0016] <Second hydrogen supply mechanism> The second hydrogen supply mechanism 300 is an external hydrogen tank 610 connectable to the hydrogen supply source 100, and is configured to be able to supply hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 500 from the external hydrogen tank 610. Specifically, the second hydrogen supply mechanism 300 is connected to the towed vehicle 600 and includes a second connector C2 on the hydrogen supply source 100 side and a third connector C3 on the towed vehicle 600 side, both of which have a known mechanism that enables the exchange of hydrogen. The second hydrogen supply mechanism 300 also includes a second pipe 20 that extends from the second connector C2 and merges with the first pipe 10 between the cooler 13 of the first pipe 10 and the first pressure reducing valve 14 of the first pipe 10. The second hydrogen supply mechanism 300 also includes a first bypass passage 21 that branches off midway through the second piping 20 and joins the first piping 10 between the first valve 11 of the first piping 10 and the compressor 12 of the first piping 10. The second piping 20 includes a known check valve CV2 and a known third valve 22 that adjusts the flow rate of hydrogen that has passed through the second connector C2 between the branch point to the first bypass passage 21 and the second connector C2. The second piping 20 also includes a known fourth valve 23 that adjusts the flow rate of hydrogen between the branch point to the first bypass passage 21 and the joining point to the first piping 10. The first bypass passage 21 includes a known fifth valve 24 that adjusts the flow rate of hydrogen to the first bypass passage 21. Furthermore, the second hydrogen supply mechanism 300 includes a second bypass path 25 that branches off from the second pipe 20 between the second connector C2 and the third valve 22 and joins the first pipe 10 between the cooler 13 of the first pipe 10 and the first pressure reducing valve 14 of the first pipe 10. The second bypass path 25 includes a known sixth valve 26 that adjusts the flow rate of hydrogen into the second bypass path 25, and a known check valve CV3.

[0017] The second hydrogen supply mechanism 300 also includes a third pipe 30 that connects the external hydrogen tank 610 of the towed vehicle 600 to the third connector C3. A well-known check valve CV4 is provided in the third pipe 30 between the branch point to the third bypass path 31 and the junction point with the third bypass path 31. The third pipe 30 includes the third bypass path 31 that diverts hydrogen from the external hydrogen tank 610. The third bypass path 31 includes a well-known seventh valve 32 that adjusts the flow rate of hydrogen to the third bypass path 31.

[0018] Furthermore, the second hydrogen supply mechanism 300 is connected to the fuel cell vehicle 500 and is equipped with a fourth connector C4 having a known mechanism that enables the supply of hydrogen. The second hydrogen supply mechanism 300 is equipped with a fourth pipe 40 that branches off from the third pipe 30 between the external hydrogen tank 610 of the towed vehicle 600 and the branch point to the third bypass path 31 and is connected to the fourth connector C4. The fourth pipe 40 is equipped with a known eighth valve 41 that adjusts the flow rate of hydrogen to the fourth pipe 40, a known check valve CV5, and a known second pressure reducing valve 42 that reduces the pressure of hydrogen that has passed through the eighth valve 41.

[0019] The third valve 22, the fourth valve 23, the fifth valve 24, and the sixth valve 26 are electrically connected to the control device 400 and are configured to be controllable by the control device 400. The seventh valve 32 and the eighth valve 41 are configured to be controllable by the control device 400 via a communication unit 620 of the towed vehicle 600, which will be described later. Note that well-known pressure sensors (not shown) may be appropriately disposed in the second pipe 20, the third pipe 30, the fourth pipe 40, the first bypass path 21, the second bypass path 25, and the third bypass path 31.

[0020] 1, hydrogen is supplied from the external hydrogen tank 610 to the fuel cell vehicle 500 using a hydrogen supply path that can pass through the compressor 12 and that is made up of: a portion of the third piping 30 closer to the external hydrogen tank 610 than the third bypass path 31; the third bypass path 31; a portion of the third piping 30 closer to the third connector C3 than the third bypass path 31; a portion of the second piping 20 closer to the second connector C2 than the first bypass path 21; the first bypass path 21; and a portion of the first piping 10 closer to the first connector C1 than the first bypass path 21. Details will be mentioned in the explanation of step S13 below. Alternatively, hydrogen is supplied from the external hydrogen tank 610 to the fuel cell vehicle 500 using a hydrogen supply path consisting of a portion of the third piping 30 closer to the external hydrogen tank 610 than the third bypass path 31, the third bypass path 31, a portion of the third piping 30 closer to the third connector C3 than the third bypass path 31, the second piping 20, and a portion of the first piping 10 closer to the first connector C1 than the junction with the second piping 20. Details will be referred to in the explanation of step S23, which will be described later. Also, hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen supply source 100 to the external hydrogen tank 610 using a hydrogen supply path consisting of a portion of the first piping 10 closer to the hydrogen supply source 100 than the second bypass path 25, the second bypass path 25, a portion of the second piping 20 closer to the second connector C2 than the second bypass path 25, and the third piping 30. Details will be referred to in the explanation of step S15, which will be described later. Furthermore, hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen supply source 100 to the fuel cell vehicle 500 via a hydrogen supply path formed by the first pipe 10. Details will be mentioned in the explanation of step S14 below.

[0021] 1 shows one each of the first connector C1 and the second connector C2, the first connector C1 and the second connector C2 provided in the hydrogen supply system 1000 can be increased as needed depending on the number of fuel cell vehicles 500 and towed vehicles 600 that the hydrogen supply system 1000 can accommodate, and there may be a plurality of each. In this case, the above-mentioned valves, pressure reducing valves, check valves, etc. can be arranged as needed depending on the number of connectors.

[0022] <Control device> 3, the control device 400 determines whether hydrogen will be supplied to the fuel cell vehicle 500 from the hydrogen supply source 100 or from the external hydrogen tank 610. Specifically, the control device 400 includes a control unit 410, a storage unit 420, and a communication unit 430. The control device 400 may be a computer such as a server that belongs to a cloud computing system.

[0023] The control unit 410 includes one or more processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). Part or all of the control unit 410 may be configured with updatable firmware or the like, or may be a program module or the like that is executed by instructions from the CPU or the like.

[0024] The storage unit 420 includes a memory communicatively connected to the processor. The storage unit 420 may include storage elements such as a random access memory (RAM) and a read only memory (ROM), or may include a storage device such as a CD-ROM or a storage device.

[0025] The communication unit 430 includes a communication interface that allows communication with external devices via a network such as the Internet or a telephone network.

[0026] The control unit 410 includes a detection unit 411, an acquisition unit 412, a determination unit 413, and a valve control unit 414. Each of these units is a function realized by the execution of a computer program by a processor. However, some or all of these units may be configured using analog circuits.

[0027] The detection unit 411 executes a process to detect whether or not the fuel cell vehicle 500 is connected to the hydrogen supply system 1000. Specifically, the detection unit 411 detects the connection between the hydrogen supply system 1000 and the fuel cell vehicle 500 by detecting the connection between the first connector C1 of the first hydrogen supply mechanism 200 and a hydrogen supply mechanism 520 of the fuel cell vehicle 500, which will be described later, using a known method.

[0028] The acquisition unit 412 executes processing to acquire the remaining hydrogen amount value of the hydrogen supply source 100 or the internal pressure value of the external hydrogen tank 610. Specifically, the acquisition unit 412 executes processing to acquire the remaining hydrogen amount value of the hydrogen supply source 100 when hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell vehicle 500. Additionally or alternatively, the acquisition unit 412 executes processing to acquire the internal pressure value of the external hydrogen tank 610 when hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell vehicle 500. In this case, the acquisition unit 412 executes processing to also acquire the pressure value of the hydrogen supply source 100.

[0029] The determination unit 413 executes processing to determine whether hydrogen will be supplied to the fuel cell vehicle 500 from the hydrogen supply source 100 or the external hydrogen tank 610, based on the remaining hydrogen amount value in the hydrogen supply source 100 or the internal pressure value in the external hydrogen tank 610 acquired by the acquisition unit 412. Specifically, the determination unit 413 executes processing to determine that hydrogen will be supplied from the external hydrogen tank 610 to the fuel cell vehicle 500 when the remaining hydrogen amount value in the hydrogen supply source 100 acquired by the acquisition unit 412 is equal to or less than a threshold value. Additionally or alternatively, the determination unit 413 executes processing to determine that hydrogen will be supplied to the fuel cell vehicle 500 from the external hydrogen tank 610 when the internal pressure value in the external hydrogen tank 610 acquired by the acquisition unit 412 is higher than the pressure of the hydrogen supply source 100.

[0030] The valve control unit 414 appropriately controls the operation of each valve constituting the valve group (first valve 11, second valve 15, third valve 22, fourth valve 23, fifth valve 24, sixth valve 26, seventh valve 32, and eighth valve 41) based on the result of the determination by the determination unit 413. Specifically, the valve control unit 414 generates valve control information for controlling each valve using the result of the determination by the determination unit 413. The valve control information may be a supply current value or a digital signal, or may be based on other known control means. Then, the valve control unit 414 controls each valve using the generated valve control information to open or close the passage of each valve or adjust the flow rate of hydrogen passing through.

[0031] <Fuel cell vehicle> 2, fuel cell vehicle 500 includes a fuel cell 510, a hydrogen supply mechanism 520, a hydrogen tank 530, a control unit 540, and a communication unit 550. Note that, apart from the configuration described below, various configurations of known fuel cell vehicles such as those shown in JP 2021-115958 A can be applied.

[0032] The fuel cell 510 is a known battery that generates electricity by reacting hydrogen with oxygen in the air. The fuel cell 510 is used as a power source for the drive motor (not shown) of the fuel cell vehicle 500.

[0033] The hydrogen supply mechanism 520 has the function of supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell 510 from the hydrogen supply source 100 of the hydrogen supply system 1000, the external hydrogen tank 610 of the towed vehicle 600, or the hydrogen tank 530 of the fuel cell vehicle 500. Specifically, the hydrogen supply mechanism 520 is equipped with piping 521 that enables the supply of hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 530 to the fuel cell 510 and also enables the supply and demand of low-pressure hydrogen from the towed vehicle while it is traveling. The piping 521 is equipped with a known valve 522 that adjusts the flow rate of hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 530 to the fuel cell 510, a known valve 523 that adjusts the flow rate of hydrogen from the towed vehicle to the fuel cell 510, and a known pressure reducing valve 524 that reduces the pressure of the hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen tank 530. Taking the aforementioned towed vehicle 600 as an example of the towed vehicle, the supply and demand of low-pressure hydrogen from a traveling towed vehicle involves reducing the pressure of hydrogen in the external hydrogen tank 610 by pressure reducing valve 42, and supplying hydrogen via fourth connector C4, valve 523, and piping 521 to fuel cell 510. Furthermore, fuel cell vehicle 500 is equipped with piping 525 that enables the supply of hydrogen from hydrogen supply source 100 or external hydrogen tank 610 to hydrogen tank 530 via hydrogen supply system 1000. Note that piping 525 is equipped with a well-known check valve 526. Pipes 521 and 525 are connectable to well-known supply piping (not shown), and one end thereof is connected to a well-known hydrogen intake port (not shown) that has the function of receiving a supply of hydrogen from hydrogen supply system 1000 or towed vehicle 600, respectively. The hydrogen tank 530 is equipped with a known pressure sensor (not shown) capable of measuring the internal pressure of the hydrogen tank 530 and a known temperature sensor (not shown) capable of measuring the temperature of the hydrogen tank 530 .

[0034] The control unit 540 has a function of controlling the hydrogen supply mechanism 520, and may be incorporated as part of a function of an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) mounted on the fuel cell vehicle 500. Note that the detailed configuration of the control unit 540 can be adapted from various known configurations of the fuel cell vehicle 500 exemplified in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-115958.

[0035] The communication unit 550 includes a communication interface capable of communicating with the control device 400 via a network such as the Internet or a telephone network. The communication unit 550 may be configured to be able to transmit to the control device 400 an internal pressure value measured by a pressure sensor in the hydrogen tank 530 of the fuel cell vehicle 500, a temperature value measured by a temperature sensor in the hydrogen tank 530, and a volume value of the hydrogen tank 530.

[0036] <Towed vehicle> 1, the towed vehicle 600 is a trailer or the like that includes the third pipe 30, the fourth pipe 40, the third bypass path 31, the third connector C3, and the fourth connector C4 described above, as well as an external hydrogen tank 610 and a communication unit 620. Note that, apart from the configuration described below, various configurations of known towed vehicles, for example, those shown in JP 2021-115958 A, can be applied.

[0037] The external hydrogen tank 610 is a known tank that stores hydrogen. The external hydrogen tank 610 is equipped with a known pressure sensor (not shown) that can measure the internal pressure of the external hydrogen tank 610, and a known temperature sensor (not shown) that can measure the temperature of the external hydrogen tank 610.

[0038] The communication unit 620 includes a communication interface that can communicate with the control device 400 via a network such as the Internet or a telephone network. The communication unit 620 is configured to be able to transmit to the control device 400 the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor of the external hydrogen tank 610 and the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor of the external hydrogen tank 610.

[0039] <First operation example of the control device> A first operation example of the control device 400 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 4. Here, a case where one or more trailers corresponding to the towed vehicles 600 are connected to the hydrogen supply system 1000 will be described as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0040] In step S10, the detection unit 411 of the control device 400 executes a process to detect whether the fuel cell vehicle 500 is connected to the hydrogen supply system 1000. Specifically, if the detection unit 411 of the control device 400 detects connection between the first connector C1 of the first hydrogen supply mechanism 200 and the hydrogen supply mechanism 520 of the fuel cell vehicle 500 (step S10: Yes), the process proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, if the detection unit 411 of the control device 400 does not detect connection between the first connector C1 of the first hydrogen supply mechanism 200 and the hydrogen supply mechanism 520 of the fuel cell vehicle 500 (step S10: No), the process proceeds to step S15. Note that if the detection unit 411 of the control device 400 does not detect connection between the first connector C1 of the first hydrogen supply mechanism 200 and the hydrogen supply mechanism 520 of the fuel cell vehicle 500, the process may end.

[0041] In step S11, the acquisition unit 412 of the control device 400 executes a process to acquire the remaining hydrogen amount value of the hydrogen supply source 100. Specifically, the acquisition unit 412 of the control device 400 acquires the remaining hydrogen amount value of hydrogen temporarily stored in a pressure accumulator (not shown) provided in the hydrogen supply source 100. Then, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0042] In step S12, the determination unit 413 of the control device 400 determines whether the remaining hydrogen amount value acquired in step S11 is equal to or less than a threshold value. If it is determined that the remaining hydrogen amount value is equal to or less than the threshold value (step S12: Yes), the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the remaining hydrogen amount value is equal to or less than the threshold value (step S12: No), the process proceeds to step S14.

[0043] In step S13, the decision unit 413 of the control device 400 decides to supply hydrogen from the external hydrogen tank 610 to the fuel cell vehicle 500. Then, the valve control unit 414 of the control device 400 controls the opening and closing of each valve constituting the valve group based on the result of the decision made by the decision unit 413. Specifically, referring also to FIG. 1 , the valve control unit 414 of the control device 400 uses the result of the decision made by the decision unit 413 to generate valve control information so as to form a hydrogen supply path that can pass through the compressor 12, the hydrogen supply path being made up of the portion of the third piping 30 upstream of the third bypass channel 31, the third bypass channel 31, the portion of the third piping 30 downstream of the third bypass channel 31, the portion of the second piping 20 upstream of the first bypass channel 21, the first bypass channel 21, and the portion of the first piping 10 downstream of the first bypass channel 21. Note that the external hydrogen tank 610 side is defined as the upstream side, and the fuel cell vehicle 500 side is defined as the downstream side. Valve control section 414 of control device 400 then controls the opening and closing of each valve using the generated valve control information. Furthermore, compressor 12 is driven to supply hydrogen from external hydrogen tank 610 to fuel cell vehicle 500. The process then proceeds to step S16.

[0044] In step S14, the decision unit 413 of the control device 400 decides to supply hydrogen from the hydrogen supply source 100 to the fuel cell vehicle 500. Then, the valve control unit 414 of the control device 400 controls the opening and closing of each valve constituting the valve group based on the result of the decision by the decision unit 413. Specifically, with reference also to FIG. 1 , the valve control unit 414 of the control device 400 uses the result of the decision by the decision unit 413 to generate valve control information so as to form a hydrogen supply path consisting of the first pipe 10. Then, the valve control unit 414 of the control device 400 controls the opening and closing of each valve using the generated valve control information. In this way, hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen supply source 100 to the fuel cell vehicle 500. The process then proceeds to step S16.

[0045] In step S15, the determination unit 413 of the control device 400 determines to supply hydrogen from the hydrogen supply source 100 to the external hydrogen tank 610. Then, the valve control unit 414 of the control device 400 controls the opening and closing of each valve constituting the valve group based on the result of the determination by the determination unit 413. Specifically, with reference to FIG. 1 as well, the valve control unit 414 of the control device 400 uses the result of the determination by the determination unit 413 to generate valve control information so as to form a hydrogen supply path consisting of the portion of the first piping 10 upstream of the second bypass path 25, the second bypass path 25, the portion of the second piping 20 downstream of the second bypass path 25, and the third piping 30. Note that the hydrogen supply source 100 side is defined as the upstream side, and the external hydrogen tank 610 side is defined as the downstream side. Here, the second bypass channel 25, the portion of the second piping 20 downstream of the second bypass channel 25, and the third piping 30 of the hydrogen supply channel formed in this manner correspond to at least a part of the second hydrogen supply mechanism 300. The valve control section 414 of the control device 400 controls the opening and closing of each valve using the generated valve control information. Furthermore, by driving the compressor 12, hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen supply source 100 to the external hydrogen tank 610 using at least a part of the second hydrogen supply mechanism 300. The process then proceeds to step S16.

[0046] In step S16, the decision unit 413 of the control device 400 decides whether to terminate the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 500 or the external hydrogen tank 610. Specifically, when the process proceeds from step S13 or step S14 to step S16, the decision unit 413 of the control device 400 decides whether to terminate the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 500. More specifically, when the pressure in any hydrogen pipe reaches a threshold value or when the decision unit 413 of the control device 400 detects an end instruction input by an operator via an input mechanism (not shown), the decision unit 413 of the control device 400 decides to terminate the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 500. On the other hand, when the process proceeds from step S15 to step S16, the decision unit 413 of the control device 400 decides whether to terminate the supply of hydrogen to the external hydrogen tank 610. More specifically, when the pressure in any hydrogen pipe reaches a threshold value or when the decision unit 413 of the control device 400 detects an end instruction input by an operator, the decision unit 413 of the control device 400 decides to terminate the supply of hydrogen to the external hydrogen tank 610. In either case, if it is determined that the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 500 or the external hydrogen tank 610 should be terminated, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 500 or the external hydrogen tank 610 should be terminated, the processing of step S16 is repeated until it is determined that the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 500 or the external hydrogen tank 610 should be terminated.

[0047] As described above, the control device 400 according to the first operation example acquires the remaining hydrogen amount value of the hydrogen supply source 100 when supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 500. Then, when the acquired remaining hydrogen amount value is equal to or less than a threshold value, the control device 400 decides to supply hydrogen from the external hydrogen tank 610 to the fuel cell vehicle 500.

[0048] This configuration allows for effective use of the hydrogen stored in the external hydrogen tank 610. This reduces the cost associated with the accumulator (not shown) of the hydrogen supply system 1000 and can absorb sudden increases in demand for hydrogen fuel. The owner of the towed vehicle 600 that supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 500 may receive incentives such as a discount on parking fees or a cash refund on the tank usage fee. In this case, the owner of the towed vehicle 600 can reduce costs associated with parking the towed vehicle 600. This will encourage the purchase of towed vehicles 600 and contribute to improving the cruising range of the fuel cell vehicle 500.

[0049] <Second operation example of the control device> A second operation example of the control device 400 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 5. Here, a case where one or more trailers corresponding to the towed vehicles 600 are connected to the hydrogen supply system 1000 will be described as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0050] In step S20, the detection unit 411 of the control device 400 detects whether the fuel cell vehicle 500 has been connected to the hydrogen supply system 1000. Specifically, if the detection unit 411 of the control device 400 detects that the first connector C1 of the first hydrogen supply mechanism 200 has been connected to the hydrogen supply mechanism 520 of the fuel cell vehicle 500 (step S20: Yes), the process proceeds to step S21. On the other hand, if the detection unit 411 of the control device 400 does not detect that the first connector C1 of the first hydrogen supply mechanism 200 has been connected to the hydrogen supply mechanism 520 of the fuel cell vehicle 500 (step S20: No), the process proceeds to step S25. Note that if the detection unit 411 of the control device 400 does not detect that the first connector C1 of the first hydrogen supply mechanism 200 has been connected to the hydrogen supply mechanism 520 of the fuel cell vehicle 500, the process may end.

[0051] In step S21, the acquisition unit 412 of the control device 400 acquires the internal pressure value of the external hydrogen tank 610. Specifically, the acquisition unit 412 of the control device 400 acquires the internal pressure value of the external hydrogen tank 610 acquired by the pressure sensor of the external hydrogen tank 610 via the communication unit 620 of the towed vehicle 600. The process then proceeds to step S22.

[0052] In step S22, the determination unit 413 of the control device 400 determines whether the internal pressure value of the external hydrogen tank 610 acquired in step S21 is higher than the pressure value of the pressure accumulator of the hydrogen supply source 100. If it is determined that the internal pressure value of the external hydrogen tank 610 is higher than the pressure value of the hydrogen supply source 100 (step S22: Yes), the process proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the internal pressure value of the external hydrogen tank 610 is higher than the pressure value of the hydrogen supply source 100, the process proceeds to step S24. The pressure value of the pressure accumulator of the hydrogen supply source 100 is acquired by a pressure sensor (not shown).

[0053] In step S23, decision unit 413 of control device 400 decides to supply hydrogen from external hydrogen tank 610 to fuel cell vehicle 500. Then, valve control unit 414 of control device 400 controls the opening and closing of each valve constituting the valve group based on the result of the decision by decision unit 413. The details are the same as in step S14 in the first operation example. As a result, hydrogen is supplied from external hydrogen tank 610 to fuel cell vehicle 500. The process then proceeds to step S26.

[0054] In step S24, the decision unit 413 of the control device 400 decides to supply hydrogen from the hydrogen supply source 100 to the fuel cell vehicle 500. Then, the valve control unit 414 of the control device 400 controls the opening and closing of each valve constituting the valve group based on the result of the decision by the decision unit 413. The details are the same as in step S14 in the first operation example. As a result, hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen supply source 100 to the fuel cell vehicle 500. The process then proceeds to step S26.

[0055] In step S25, the decision unit 413 of the control device 400 decides to supply hydrogen from the hydrogen supply source 100 to the external hydrogen tank 610. Then, the valve control unit 414 of the control device 400 controls the opening and closing of each valve constituting the valve group based on the result of the decision by the decision unit 413. The details are the same as in step S15 in the first operation example. As a result, hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen supply source 100 to the external hydrogen tank 610. The process then proceeds to step S26.

[0056] In step S26, the decision unit 413 of the control device 400 decides whether or not to terminate the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 500 or the external hydrogen tank 610. Specifically, when the process proceeds from step S23 or step S24 to step S26, the decision unit 413 of the control device 400 decides whether or not to terminate the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 500 in the same manner as step S16 in the first operation example. On the other hand, when the process proceeds from step S25 to step S26, the decision unit 413 of the control device 400 decides whether or not to terminate the supply of hydrogen to the external hydrogen tank 610 in the same manner as step S16 in the first operation example. In either case, if it is decided to terminate the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 500 or the external hydrogen tank 610, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is not decided to terminate the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 500 or the external hydrogen tank 610, the processing of step S26 is repeated until it is decided to terminate the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 500 or the external hydrogen tank 610.

[0057] Here, in step S23 described above, if the internal pressure value of the external hydrogen tank 610 is higher than the internal pressure value of the hydrogen tank 530 of the fuel cell vehicle 500, hydrogen may be supplied by effectively utilizing pressure energy due to the pressure gradient between the external hydrogen tank 610 and the hydrogen tank 530. Specifically, hydrogen may be supplied from the external hydrogen tank 610 to the fuel cell vehicle 500 without using the compressor 12 shown in FIG. 1 . In this case, the valve control unit 414 of the control device 400 generates valve control information so as to form a hydrogen supply path consisting of a portion of the third piping 30 upstream of the third bypass channel 31, the third bypass channel 31, a portion of the third piping 30 downstream of the third bypass channel 31, the second piping 20, and a portion of the first piping 10 downstream of the junction with the second piping 20. The valve control unit 414 of the control device 400 then controls the opening and closing of each valve using the generated valve control information. This makes it possible to supply hydrogen from the external hydrogen tank 610 to the fuel cell vehicle 500 without using the compressor 12. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the compressor 12 that is normally used in the hydrogen supply system 1000. From the perspective of making effective use of pressure energy, it is preferable that the internal pressure value of the external hydrogen tank 610 is higher than the internal pressure value of the hydrogen tank 530 of the fuel cell vehicle 500 by a range of 5 MPa to 10 MPa, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. Note that the internal pressure value of the hydrogen tank 530 of the fuel cell vehicle 500 can be appropriately acquired from the fuel cell vehicle 500 by the acquisition unit 412 of the control device 400 via a known infrared communication unit (not shown) or the like.

[0058] Furthermore, in step S23 described above, if there are multiple towed vehicles 600 connected to the hydrogen supply system 1000, the control device 400 may determine which of the external hydrogen tanks 610 provided in each of the multiple towed vehicles 600 will be used to prioritize the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 500. Specifically, the determination unit 413 of the control device 400 selects multiple external hydrogen tanks 610 whose internal pressure values ​​are higher than the internal pressure value of the hydrogen tank 530 of the fuel cell vehicle 500. The determination unit 413 of the control device 400 then determines that hydrogen should be supplied to the fuel cell vehicle 500 from the selected external hydrogen tanks 610 in descending order of internal pressure value. Then, when the internal pressure value of the external hydrogen tank 610 that is releasing (supplying) hydrogen becomes equal to or lower than the internal pressure value of the hydrogen tank 530 of the fuel cell vehicle 500, the decision unit 413 of the control device 400 decides that hydrogen should be supplied to the fuel cell vehicle 500 from the external hydrogen tank 610 with the next lowest internal pressure value among the multiple selected external hydrogen tanks 610. In this way, hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell vehicle 500 in ascending order of internal pressure value of the external hydrogen tanks 610. In this case, too, pressure energy due to the pressure gradient between the external hydrogen tank 610 and the hydrogen tank 530 of the fuel cell vehicle 500 is effectively utilized, so hydrogen can be supplied from the external hydrogen tank 610 to the fuel cell vehicle 500 even if the compressor 12 is not used. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the compressor 12, which is normally used in the hydrogen supply system 1000. If there is no external hydrogen tank 610 with an internal pressure value higher than that of the hydrogen tank 530 of the fuel cell vehicle 500, hydrogen may be supplied to the fuel cell vehicle 500 from the external hydrogen tank 610 with the highest internal pressure value among the multiple external hydrogen tanks 610. In this case, the compressor 12 is used.

[0059] As described above, the control device 400 according to the second operation example acquires the internal pressure value of the external hydrogen tank 610 when supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 500. If the acquired internal pressure value is higher than the pressure value of the hydrogen supply source 100, the control device 400 determines to supply hydrogen from the external hydrogen tank 610 to the fuel cell vehicle 500.

[0060] This configuration allows for effective use of the hydrogen stored in the external hydrogen tank 610. This reduces the cost of the accumulator (not shown) of the hydrogen supply system 1000 and can absorb sudden increases in demand for hydrogen fuel. Furthermore, the owner of the towed vehicle 600 that supplies hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 500 may receive incentives such as a discount on parking fees or a cash refund on the tank usage fee. In this case, the owner of the towed vehicle 600 can reduce costs associated with parking the towed vehicle 600. This will encourage the purchase of towed vehicles 600 and contribute to improving the cruising range of the fuel cell vehicle 500. Furthermore, if pressure energy due to the pressure gradient between the hydrogen tanks is effectively utilized, the power consumption of the hydrogen supply system 1000 can be reduced.

[0061] The control device 400 may be able to appropriately determine which of the above-described first and second operation examples to perform based on a given criterion. The given criterion may be seasonal information, time information, or the like. For example, if the given criterion is time information, the control device 400 may preferentially perform the process of the second operation example during the day to reduce the power consumed by the compressor 12. On the other hand, the control device 400 may preferentially perform the process of the first operation example during the night to ensure hydrogen consumption needs for the next day.

[0062] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each component or step can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple components or steps can be combined or divided into one.

[0063] <First Modification> As a first modified example, in the first operation example shown in FIG. 4 , the control device 400 may acquire planned use time information for the external hydrogen tank 610 and, based on the acquired planned use time information, determine whether to supply hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 500 from the hydrogen supply source 100 or the external hydrogen tank 610. Specifically, when the process advances from step S12 to step S13 in the first operation example, the following process is performed before processing of step S13. That is, the acquisition unit 412 of the control device 400 acquires planned use time information for the external hydrogen tank 610 and current time information. Then, if the time from the current time indicated by the current time information acquired by the acquisition unit 412 to the planned use time indicated by the planned use time information is equal to or greater than a threshold, the decision unit 413 of the control device 400 determines that the external hydrogen tank 610 can be used. Then, the process advances to step S13 in the first operation example, and hydrogen is supplied from the external hydrogen tank 610 to the fuel cell vehicle 500. On the other hand, if the time from the current time indicated by the current time information acquired by the acquisition unit 412 to the planned use time indicated by the planned use time information is less than the threshold value, the decision unit 413 of the control device 400 decides that the external hydrogen tank 610 cannot be used. In this case, instead of proceeding to step S13 in the first operation example, hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen supply source 100 to the fuel cell vehicle 500 in a manner similar to step S14 in the first operation example. According to the first modified example, it is possible to determine whether or not hydrogen can be supplied from the external hydrogen tank 610 to the fuel cell vehicle 500, based on the planned use of the external hydrogen tank 610.

[0064] <Second Modification> As a second modified example, in the second operation example shown in FIG. 5 , the control device 400 may acquire planned use time information for the external hydrogen tank 610 and, based on the acquired planned use time information, determine whether to supply hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 500 from the hydrogen supply source 100 or the external hydrogen tank 610. Specifically, when the process advances from step S22 to step S23 in the second operation example, the following process is performed before processing of step S23. That is, the acquisition unit 412 of the control device 400 acquires planned use time information for the external hydrogen tank 610 and current time information. Then, if the time from the current time indicated by the current time information acquired by the acquisition unit 412 to the planned use time indicated by the planned use time information is equal to or greater than a threshold, the decision unit 413 of the control device 400 determines that the external hydrogen tank 610 can be used. Then, the process advances to step S23 in the second operation example, and hydrogen is supplied from the external hydrogen tank 610 to the fuel cell vehicle 500. On the other hand, if the time from the current time indicated by the current time information acquired by the acquisition unit 412 to the planned use time indicated by the planned use time information is less than the threshold value, the decision unit 413 of the control device 400 decides that the external hydrogen tank 610 cannot be used. In this case, instead of proceeding to step S23 in the second operation example, hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen supply source 100 to the fuel cell vehicle 500 in a manner similar to step S24 in the second operation example. According to the second modified example, it is possible to determine whether or not hydrogen can be supplied from the external hydrogen tank 610 to the fuel cell vehicle 500, based on the planned use of the external hydrogen tank 610.

[0065] In both the first and second modifications, the scheduled use time information can be acquired via an application for managing the hydrogen supply system 1000 that can run on a terminal device (not shown), such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet, that can communicate with the control device 400 via a network such as the Internet or a telephone network. The time threshold can be set appropriately, taking into consideration the time required for the owner of the towed vehicle 600 to fill the external hydrogen tank 610 with the amount of hydrogen that the owner of the towed vehicle 600 needs by the scheduled time of use of the external hydrogen tank 610. Instead of determining whether the external hydrogen tank 610 can be used based on the time threshold, the external hydrogen tank 610 can also be determined whether it is scheduled to be used.

[0066] <Third Modification> As a third modified example, the control device 400 can also perform an operation that combines the first and second operation examples described above. That is, when supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 500, the control device 400 may acquire a remaining hydrogen amount value in the hydrogen supply source 100 and an internal pressure value in the external hydrogen tank 610, and if the acquired remaining hydrogen amount value is equal to or less than a threshold value and the acquired internal pressure value is higher than the pressure value of the hydrogen supply source 100, determine to supply hydrogen from the external hydrogen tank 610 to the fuel cell vehicle 500. Specifically, when the process proceeds from step S11 to step S12 shown in FIG. 4, the following process is performed instead of the process of step S12. That is, if the remaining hydrogen amount value in the hydrogen supply source 100 is equal to or less than a threshold value, the determination unit 413 of the control device 400 determines whether the internal pressure value of the external hydrogen tank 610 is higher than the pressure value of the hydrogen supply source 100, in the same manner as step S22 shown in FIG. If the internal pressure value of the external hydrogen tank 610 is higher than the pressure value of the hydrogen supply source 100, the decision unit 413 of the control device 400 decides to supply hydrogen from the external hydrogen tank 610 to the fuel cell vehicle 500, in the same manner as in step S23 shown in Fig. 5. Here, if the remaining hydrogen amount value of the hydrogen supply source 100 exceeds the threshold value, or if the internal pressure value of the external hydrogen tank 610 is not higher than the pressure value of the hydrogen supply source 100, the decision unit 413 of the control device 400 may decide to supply hydrogen from the hydrogen supply source 100 to the fuel cell vehicle 500, in the same manner as in step S14 in the first operation example or step S24 in the second operation example. According to the third modification, pressure energy can be effectively utilized as in the second embodiment, and therefore power consumption of the hydrogen supply system 1000 can be reduced.

[0067] In the third variant, similar to the first and second variants, the control device 400 may determine whether to supply hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 500 from the hydrogen supply source 100 or the external hydrogen tank 610 based on information about the planned use date of the external hydrogen tank 610.

[0068] In addition, the technology disclosed herein can also be realized as a control method executed by the control device described in the above-mentioned embodiment, a computer program that causes a computer to function as the above-mentioned control device, and a non-transitory tangible recording medium on which the computer program is recorded. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1000 Hydrogen Supply System 100 Hydrogen Source 200 First Hydrogen Supply Mechanism 300 Second Hydrogen Supply Mechanism 400 control device 500 fuel cell vehicle 610 External Hydrogen Tank

Claims

1. a hydrogen supply source capable of supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell vehicle; a first hydrogen supply mechanism for supplying hydrogen from the hydrogen supply source to the connected fuel cell vehicle; a second hydrogen supply mechanism for supplying hydrogen from an external hydrogen tank connectable to the hydrogen supply source and capable of supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle; and a control device that determines whether hydrogen is to be supplied to the fuel cell vehicle from the hydrogen supply source or the external hydrogen tank; A hydrogen supply system comprising:

2. The control device When supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle, a value of the remaining hydrogen amount in the hydrogen supply source is acquired; If the acquired remaining hydrogen amount value is equal to or less than a threshold value, it is determined that hydrogen will be supplied from the external hydrogen tank to the fuel cell vehicle. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 1 .

3. The control device When supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle, an internal pressure value of the external hydrogen tank is acquired; If the acquired internal pressure value is higher than the pressure value of the hydrogen supply source, it is determined that hydrogen should be supplied from the external hydrogen tank to the fuel cell vehicle. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 1 .

4. The control device acquiring information on the planned use date of the external hydrogen tank; determining whether to supply hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle from the hydrogen supply source or the external hydrogen tank based on the acquired scheduled use time information; The hydrogen supply system according to claim 1 .

5. A control device for a hydrogen supply system that is applicable to a hydrogen supply system including a hydrogen supply source capable of supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell vehicle, a first hydrogen supply mechanism for supplying hydrogen from the hydrogen supply source to the connected fuel cell vehicle, and a second hydrogen supply mechanism for supplying hydrogen from an external hydrogen tank connectable to the hydrogen supply source and capable of supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle to the fuel cell vehicle, one or more processors; and one or more memories communicatively coupled to the one or more processors; The processor: acquiring a hydrogen remaining amount value of the hydrogen supply source or an internal pressure value of the external hydrogen tank; determining whether to supply hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle from the hydrogen supply source or the external hydrogen tank based on the acquired remaining hydrogen amount value or internal pressure value; A control device for a hydrogen supply system that performs the process.

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