High-pressure tank system and mobile unit

Abstract

To provide a better high-pressure tank system and mobile unit. [Solution] The high-pressure tank system 10 comprises a high-pressure tank group 30 having a plurality of cylindrical high-pressure tanks 42 filled with fuel gas, a housing section 32 that houses the high-pressure tank group, and an exhaust pipe 40 through which exhaust gas led from a power source flows. The axis of each of the plurality of high-pressure tanks extends in a first direction along the horizontal direction, the plurality of high-pressure tanks are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and along the horizontal direction, and the exhaust pipe is positioned between a pair of adjacent high-pressure tanks 42a, 42b among the plurality of high-pressure tanks and extends along the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a high-pressure tank system and a moving body.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in order to enable more people to access affordable, reliable, sustainable, and advanced energy, research and development have been conducted on high-pressure tank systems and moving bodies that contribute to energy efficiency.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 7067241 discloses a fuel cell vehicle (moving body) equipped with a high-pressure tank system. The high-pressure tank system has a plurality of high-pressure tanks filled with hydrogen gas (fuel gas) supplied to a fuel cell stack (power source). The axial direction of each high-pressure tank extends in a first direction along the horizontal direction. The plurality of high-pressure tanks are arranged in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction and along the horizontal direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Better high-pressure tank systems and moving bodies are desired.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a high-pressure tank system comprising: a group of high-pressure tanks having a plurality of cylindrical high-pressure tanks filled with fuel gas for supplying to a power source; a housing for housing the group of high-pressure tanks; and an exhaust pipe through which exhaust gas led from the power source flows, wherein the axis of each of the plurality of high-pressure tanks extends in a first direction along the horizontal direction, the plurality of high-pressure tanks are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and along the horizontal direction, and the exhaust pipe is arranged between a pair of adjacent high-pressure tanks among the plurality of high-pressure tanks and extends along the first direction.

[0008] A second aspect of the disclosure is a mobile body comprising the high-pressure tank system according to the first aspect and the power source. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This disclosure may provide better high-pressure tank systems and mobile units. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a mobile unit equipped with a high-pressure tank system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the high-pressure tank system according to the first modified example. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a high-pressure tank system according to the second modified example. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the VV line in Figure 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] When fuel gas is supplied from a high-pressure tank to a power source, the fuel gas undergoes adiabatic expansion, causing its temperature to drop. Supplying low-temperature fuel gas to the power source can affect the durability of seals in auxiliary components. Furthermore, the aforementioned Japanese Patent Publication No. 7067241 does not describe the exhaust pipe through which the exhaust gas from the fuel cell stack is directed. This disclosure provides a high-pressure tank system and mobile unit that can suppress the supply of low-temperature fuel gas to the power source and can be made more compact.

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a mobile body 12 equipped with a high-pressure tank system 10. As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the mobile body 12 is a vehicle 14, such as a fuel cell vehicle. The mobile body 12 is a mobility device and is not limited to a vehicle 14. The mobile body 12 may be an aircraft such as an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL), a drone, etc. Furthermore, the high-pressure tank system 10 is not limited to being mounted on the mobile body 12. The high-pressure tank system 10 may also be applied to a stationary fuel cell system.

[0013] In this embodiment, in the vehicle 14 shown in Figure 1, the "Fr direction" may be referred to as "forward," the "Rr direction" as "rearward," the "L direction" as "left direction," and the "R direction" as "right direction."

[0014] The vehicle 14 comprises a body 16, a pair of front wheels 18, a pair of front doors 20, a pair of rear doors 22, a pair of rear wheels 24, a power source 26, and a high-pressure tank system 10. The body 16 has a floor panel 28 (see Figure 2).

[0015] The power source 26 is located in a front box (motor room) positioned in front of the floor panel 28 (Fr direction). The power source 26 is located between a pair of front wheels 18. The power source 26 is a power unit that generates power such as electricity. The power source 26 has a fuel cell that generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between a fuel gas and an oxidizer gas. The power source 26 may also have a hydrogen engine that obtains power through the combustion reaction of hydrogen gas, for example.

[0016] The high-pressure tank system 10 includes a high-pressure tank group 30, a housing section 32, an on-off valve 34, a pressure reducing valve 36, a supply pipe 38, and an exhaust pipe 40. The high-pressure tank group 30 includes a plurality of high-pressure tanks 42. Each high-pressure tank 42 is filled with fuel gas supplied to the power source 26. Specifically, each high-pressure tank 42 may be filled with fuel gas at a pressure of, for example, about 70 MPa. Examples of fuel gas to be filled into the high-pressure tanks 42 include hydrogen gas. The fuel gas is not limited to hydrogen gas. The power source 26 is located between the front end of the vehicle 14 and the high-pressure tank group 30.

[0017] The high-pressure tank 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The high-pressure tank 42 is formed, for example, by wrapping a strip of fiber impregnated with resin around the outer surface of a cylindrical liner (not shown). The axis of each of the multiple high-pressure tanks 42 extends in a first direction (the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 14) along the horizontal direction. The multiple high-pressure tanks 42 are arranged in a second direction (the width direction of the vehicle 14) that is perpendicular to the first direction and also along the horizontal direction. The high-pressure tank group 30 is located below the floor panel 28 (see Figure 2).

[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view along line II-II in Figure 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the housing 32 houses the high-pressure tank group 30. The housing 32 protects the high-pressure tank group 30 in the event of a collision with the vehicle 14. The housing 32 seals the high-pressure tank group 30. However, the housing 32 does not necessarily have to seal the high-pressure tank group 30. That is, the housing space of the housing 32 may be in communication with the outside of the housing 32. The housing 32 is attached to the vehicle body 16.

[0019] The accommodating portion 32 has a pair of side wall portions 44a and 44b, a pair of end wall portions 46a and 46b, and a pair of cover portions 48a and 48b. The pair of side wall portions 44a and 44b cover at least a part of the high-pressure tank group 30 from the second direction (the direction in which the plurality of high-pressure tanks 42 are arranged). In other words, the side wall portion 44a covers at least a part of the high-pressure tank group 30 from the left direction (L direction). The side wall portion 44b covers at least a part of the high-pressure tank group 30 from the right direction (R direction). Each of the side wall portions 44a and 44b extends along the axial direction of the high-pressure tank 42 (the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 14). Each of the side wall portions 44a and 44b is formed in a hollow shape. Thereby, the collision energy at the time of a collision of the vehicle 14 can be well absorbed by the side wall portions 44a and 44b. Note that each of the side wall portions 44a and 44b may be formed solid.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the end wall portion 46a covers at least a part of the high-pressure tank group 30 from the front (Fr direction). The end wall portion 46a connects one end portion (the end portion in the Fr direction) of the pair of side wall portions 44a and 44b to each other. The end wall portion 46a supports one end portion (the end portion in the Fr direction) of each high-pressure tank 42. The end wall portion 46b covers at least a part of the high-pressure tank group 30 from the rear (Rr direction). The end wall portion 46b connects the other end portions (the end portions in the Rr direction) of the pair of side wall portions 44a and 44b to each other. The end wall portion 46b supports the other end portion (the end portion in the Rr direction) of each high-pressure tank 42.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the cover portion 48a is a lower wall portion 50 that covers at least a part of the high-pressure tank group 30 from below. The cover portion 48b is an upper wall portion 52 that covers at least a part of the high-pressure tank group 30 from above.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the shut-off valve 34 is attached to the end wall portion 46b. The shut-off valve 34 is a main shut-off valve for stopping the supply of fuel gas from the high-pressure tank group 30 to the supply pipe 38. The pressure reducing valve 36 reduces the fuel gas led from the shut-off valve 34 to a predetermined pressure. The supply pipe 38 supplies the fuel gas led out from the high-pressure tank group 30 to the power source 26. The supply pipe 38 is formed, for example, in the shape of a cylindrical tube (see Figure 2). The supply pipe 38 is arranged to pass through the housing space of the housing portion 32. The supply pipe 38 penetrates a pair of end wall portions 46a and 46b. The size, shape, etc., of the supply pipe 38 can be set as appropriate.

[0023] Exhaust gas from the power source 26 flows through the exhaust pipe 40. The exhaust gas contains moisture. In this embodiment, the fuel cell of the power source 26 discharges fuel off-gas and oxidizer off-gas. The fuel off-gas contains generated water produced during power generation. The power source 26 has a gas-liquid separator that separates the fuel off-gas into gas and liquid and stores the separated liquid water. The power source 26 discharges the liquid water stored in the gas-liquid separator into the exhaust pipe 40 using the fuel off-gas. In this case, in order to dilute the fuel gas concentration (hydrogen gas concentration) discharged from the vehicle 14, the power source 26 mixes oxidizer off-gas or oxidizer gas with the fuel off-gas. Therefore, exhaust gas containing fuel off-gas and liquid water flow through the exhaust pipe 40. In many situations, the exhaust gas is hotter than the fuel gas filled in the high-pressure tank 42.

[0024] The exhaust pipe 40 extends rearward (in the Rr direction) from the power source 26. The exhaust pipe 40 is positioned to pass through the storage space of the storage section 32. The exhaust pipe 40 is formed, for example, in a rectangular tubular shape. The height dimension of the exhaust pipe 40 along the vertical direction is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the high-pressure tank 42. This allows the exhaust pipe 40 to be placed in the storage space of the storage section 32 without increasing the height dimension of the storage section 32. The size, shape, etc. of the exhaust pipe 40 can be set as appropriate. The exhaust pipe 40 extends in the axial direction of the high-pressure tank 42. The exhaust pipe 40 extends parallel to the high-pressure tank 42.

[0025] The exhaust pipe 40 is positioned between a pair of adjacent high-pressure tanks 42 among a plurality of high-pressure tanks 42. Hereinafter, one of the pair of high-pressure tanks 42 flanking the exhaust pipe 40 will be referred to as the "first high-pressure tank 42a," and the other of the pair of high-pressure tanks 42 flanking the exhaust pipe 40 will be referred to as the "second high-pressure tank 42b." The exhaust pipe 40 extends along the axial direction of the high-pressure tanks 42 (the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 14).

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, a first heat insulating member 54 is placed between the first high-pressure tank 42a and the exhaust pipe 40. The first heat insulating member 54 suppresses heat transfer from the exhaust pipe 40 to the first high-pressure tank 42a. This prevents the first high-pressure tank 42a, which is located near the exhaust pipe 40, from being overheated by the heat of the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust pipe 40. The first heat insulating member 54 is made of, for example, glass wool, expanded polystyrene, a heat shield, etc. The heat shield may be, for example, an iron plate.

[0027] The first heat insulating member 54 extends along the exhaust pipe 40. The first heat insulating member 54 extends from the end wall portion 46a to the end wall portion 46b (see Figure 1). The first heat insulating member 54 is in contact with or close to the lower wall portion 50. A first gap 56 is provided between the first heat insulating member 54 and the upper wall portion 52. A supply pipe 38 is located in the first gap 56. At least a portion of the supply pipe 38 extends along the exhaust pipe 40. Specifically, in the housing space of the housing portion 32, the supply pipe 38 extends along the exhaust pipe 40. The outer diameter of the supply pipe 38 is smaller than the outer diameter of the high-pressure tank 42. The outer diameter of the supply pipe 38 is smaller than the height dimension of the exhaust pipe 40. Multiple (for example, three) high-pressure tanks 42 are located in the first space 58 between the first heat insulating member 54 and the side wall portion 44a.

[0028] A second heat insulating member 60 is positioned between the second high-pressure tank 42b and the exhaust pipe 40. The second heat insulating member 60 suppresses heat transfer from the exhaust pipe 40 to the second high-pressure tank 42b. This prevents the second high-pressure tank 42b, which is located near the exhaust pipe 40, from being overheated by the heat of the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust pipe 40. The second heat insulating member 60 may be made of the same material as the first heat insulating member 54.

[0029] The second insulation member 60 extends along the exhaust pipe 40. The second insulation member 60 extends from the end wall portion 46a to the end wall portion 46b (see Figure 1). The second insulation member 60 is in contact with or close to the lower wall portion 50. A second gap 62 is formed between the second insulation member 60 and the upper wall portion 52. Multiple (for example, five) high-pressure tanks 42 are arranged in the second space 64 between the second insulation member 60 and the side wall portion 44b. The number of high-pressure tanks 42 arranged in the second space 64 is greater than the number of high-pressure tanks 42 arranged in the first space 58. In this case, for example, the thickness of the first insulation member 54 (the dimension along the direction in which the multiple high-pressure tanks 42 are aligned) may be greater than the thickness of the second insulation member 60. As a result, the thermal insulation performance of the first thermal insulation member 54 is higher than that of the second thermal insulation member 60, making it easier for heat from the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust pipe 40 to be transferred to the second space 64 than to the first space 58. Therefore, the high-pressure tank 42 located in the first space 58 and the high-pressure tank 42 located in the second space 64 can be heated as evenly as possible. In addition, by appropriately setting the constituent materials of the first thermal insulation member 54 and the constituent materials of the second thermal insulation member 60, the thermal insulation performance of the second thermal insulation member 60 may be made higher than that of the second thermal insulation member 60.

[0030] A gap may be provided between the first insulating member 54 and the lower wall portion 50 to allow air heated by the exhaust pipe 40 to be guided into the first space 58. Similarly, a gap may be provided between the second insulating member 60 and the lower wall portion 50 to allow air heated by the exhaust pipe 40 to be guided into the second space 64. The number of high-pressure tanks 42 placed in the first space 58 and the second space 64 can be set as appropriate.

[0031] One end of the exhaust pipe 40 (the end in the Fr direction) is connected to the power source 26. The other end of the exhaust pipe 40 (the end in the Rr direction) is provided with an exhaust outlet 66. The exhaust outlet 66 discharges the exhaust gas and liquid water that have flowed through the exhaust pipe 40 to the outside. The exhaust outlet 66 is directed downwards, for example. The exhaust outlet 66 is located behind a pair of rear doors 22. The exhaust outlet 66 is located between a pair of rear wheels 24. This prevents liquid water blown out from the exhaust outlet 66 from scattering around the vehicle 14. The position of the exhaust outlet 66 can be set as appropriate.

[0032] In the storage space of the storage section 32, the supply pipe 38 is located above the exhaust pipe 40. In the storage space of the storage section 32, the exhaust pipe 40 and the supply pipe 38 are located adjacent to each other.

[0033] Next, the operation of the vehicle 14 will be described. When the vehicle 14 is driven, fuel gas filled in the high-pressure tank 42 is supplied to the fuel cell of the power source 26 via the supply pipe 38. Oxidizer gas is also supplied to the fuel cell of the power source 26. In the fuel cell, hydrogen gas and oxidizer gas are consumed by an electrochemical reaction. As a result, electricity is generated. The power source 26 leads the exhaust gas containing water (liquid water) generated during power generation to the exhaust pipe 40. The exhaust gas led to the exhaust pipe 40 is discharged to the outside of the vehicle 14 from the exhaust outlet 66 along with the liquid water. Since the exhaust outlet 66 is located between the pair of rear wheels 24, it is possible to prevent water contained in the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust outlet 66 from splashing on occupants when they get in or out of the vehicle through the rear door 22. The position of the exhaust outlet 66 can be set as appropriate. The exhaust outlet 66 may also be located between the pair of front wheels 18. The exhaust outlet 66 may be located behind the front wheels 18 and in front of the rear wheels 24 in the longitudinal direction (overall length direction) of the vehicle 14. In this case, the exhaust outlet 66 may be located inside the pair of rear wheels 24 or inside the pair of front wheels 18 in the vehicle width direction.

[0034] When fuel gas filled in the high-pressure tank 42 is supplied to the power source 26, the fuel gas in the high-pressure tank 42 undergoes adiabatic expansion, causing the fuel gas temperature to decrease. In particular, when the power source 26 is operated for a long period of time at high output, the fuel gas temperature tends to decrease. Since a decrease in fuel gas temperature can affect the durability of seals in auxiliary components, etc., this must be taken into consideration during the design process.

[0035] Relatively high-temperature exhaust gas flows through the exhaust pipe 40. Since the first insulating member 54 is placed between the exhaust pipe 40 and the first high-pressure tank 42a, heat transfer from the exhaust pipe 40 to the first high-pressure tank 42a is suppressed by the first insulating member 54. This prevents the first high-pressure tank 42a from overheating due to the heat of the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust pipe 40. Furthermore, since the second insulating member 60 is placed between the exhaust pipe 40 and the second high-pressure tank 42b, heat transfer from the exhaust pipe 40 to the second high-pressure tank 42b is suppressed by the second insulating member 60. This prevents the second high-pressure tank 42b from overheating due to the heat of the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust pipe 40.

[0036] Furthermore, since the lower wall portion 50 is located below the exhaust pipe 40, it is possible to suppress the heat of the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust pipe 40 from escaping downwards to the housing portion 32. Also, since the upper wall portion 52 is located above the exhaust pipe 40, it is possible to suppress the heat flowing through the exhaust pipe 40 from escaping upwards to the housing portion 32.

[0037] The air heated by the exhaust pipe 40 is directed to the first gap 56 and the second gap 62. The relatively hot air directed to the first gap 56 heats the supply pipe 38. This heats the fuel gas flowing through the supply pipe 38. The air that has flowed through the first gap 56 is directed to the first space 58. As a result, the relatively hot air directed to the first space 58 heats the multiple high-pressure tanks 42 located in the first space 58. This heats the fuel gas filled in the high-pressure tanks 42 located in the first space 58.

[0038] The relatively hot air introduced into the second gap 62 is then introduced into the second space 64. As a result, the relatively hot air introduced into the second space 64 heats the multiple high-pressure tanks 42 located in the second space 64. This allows the fuel gas filled in the high-pressure tanks 42 located in the second space 64 to be heated.

[0039] In this embodiment, the exhaust pipe 40 is positioned between a pair of high-pressure tanks 42 and extends along the first direction. Therefore, the high-pressure tanks 42 can be heated by the relatively high-temperature exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust pipe 40. This suppresses the supply of low-temperature fuel gas to the power source 26. Furthermore, the high-pressure tank system 10 can be made smaller compared to the case where the exhaust pipe 40 is positioned vertically relative to the high-pressure tank group 30.

[0040] (First variation) Next, the high-pressure tank system 10a according to the first modified example will be described. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the high-pressure tank system 10a according to the first modified example. Components of the high-pressure tank system 10a according to the first modified example that are the same as those of the high-pressure tank system 10 described above are given the same reference numerals, and their detailed explanations are omitted. The same applies to the high-pressure tank system 10b according to the second modified example, which will be described later.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, in the high-pressure tank system 10a, the supply pipe 38 is located below the first heat insulating member 54, between the first heat insulating member 54 and the lower wall portion 50. Even with this configuration, the same effects as the high-pressure tank system 10 described above are achieved.

[0042] (Second variation) Next, a high-pressure tank system 10b according to the second modified example will be described. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the high-pressure tank system 10b according to the second modified example. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the VV line in Figure 4.

[0043] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in the high-pressure tank system 10b, the supply pipe 38 is located in the first space 58. The first heat insulating member 54 is located between the supply pipe 38 and the exhaust pipe 40. The high-pressure tank system 10b further comprises a plurality of heat transfer members 70 connecting the exhaust pipe 40 and the supply pipe 38. The heat transfer members 70 transfer heat from the exhaust pipe 40 to the supply pipe 38. The plurality of heat transfer members 70 are spaced apart in the first direction (the axial direction of the high-pressure tank 42). The heat transfer members 70 are made of a material with a higher thermal conductivity than air. For example, the heat transfer members 70 are made of a metallic material.

[0044] The heat transfer member 70 has a first heat transfer section 72 and a second heat transfer section 74. The first heat transfer section 72 is formed in an annular (circular) shape. The inner circumferential surface of the first heat transfer section 72 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the supply pipe 38. The second heat transfer section 74 connects the first heat transfer section 72 to the exhaust pipe 40. The second heat transfer section 74 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the exhaust pipe 40.

[0045] According to this modified example, the heat from the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust pipe 40 can be transferred to the supply pipe 38 via the heat transfer member 70. This allows the fuel gas flowing through the supply pipe 38 to be heated efficiently.

[0046] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the above embodiments.

[0047] (Note 1) The high-pressure tank system (10, 10a, 10b) of the present disclosure comprises a high-pressure tank group (30) having a plurality of cylindrical high-pressure tanks (42) filled with fuel gas to be supplied to a power source (26), a housing (32) for housing the high-pressure tank group, and an exhaust pipe (40) through which exhaust gas led from the power source flows, wherein the axis of each of the plurality of high-pressure tanks extends in a first direction along the horizontal direction, the plurality of high-pressure tanks are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and along the horizontal direction, and the exhaust pipe is arranged between a pair of adjacent high-pressure tanks (42a, 42b) among the plurality of high-pressure tanks and extends along the first direction.

[0048] In this configuration, the exhaust pipe is positioned between a pair of high-pressure tanks and extends along the first direction. Therefore, the high-pressure tanks can be heated by the relatively high-temperature exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust pipe. This prevents the supply of low-temperature fuel gas to the power source. Furthermore, the high-pressure tank system can be made smaller compared to a configuration where the exhaust pipe is positioned vertically relative to the group of high-pressure tanks.

[0049] (Note 2) The high-pressure tank system described in Appendix 1 may have a first heat insulating member (54) placed between one of the pair of high-pressure tanks and the exhaust pipe.

[0050] With this configuration, the first insulating member can prevent one of the high-pressure tanks adjacent to the exhaust pipe from overheating.

[0051] (Note 3) In the high-pressure tank system described in Appendix 2, a second heat insulating member (60) may be placed between the other of the pair of high-pressure tanks and the exhaust pipe.

[0052] With this configuration, the second insulating member can prevent the other high-pressure tank adjacent to the exhaust pipe from overheating.

[0053] (Note 4) A high-pressure tank system as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3, further comprising a supply pipe (38) for guiding the fuel gas from the high-pressure tank group to the power source, wherein the supply pipe may be located in the storage space of the storage unit.

[0054] With this configuration, the heat from the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust pipe heats the containment space of the containment unit, thereby heating the fuel gas flowing through the supply pipe located in the containment space of the containment unit.

[0055] (Note 5) The high-pressure tank system described in Appendix 4, wherein at least a portion of the supply pipe may be arranged along the exhaust pipe.

[0056] With this configuration, the heat from the exhaust gas circulating through the exhaust pipe can be efficiently transferred to the exhaust pipe.

[0057] (Note 6) In the high-pressure tank system described in Appendix 5, the direction of flow of the fuel gas through the supply pipe may be opposite to the direction of flow of the exhaust gas through the exhaust pipe.

[0058] With this configuration, countercurrent heat exchange is performed, allowing for efficient heating of the fuel gas flowing through the supply pipe.

[0059] (Note 7) The high-pressure tank system described in Appendix 6, wherein the supply pipe may extend from the side of the high-pressure tank group away from the power source through the storage space of the storage unit to the power source.

[0060] This configuration allows for a simpler high-pressure tank system while simultaneously heating the fuel gas flowing through the supply pipes.

[0061] (Note 8) A high-pressure tank system as described in any one of appendices 4 to 7, which may further include a heat transfer member (70) connecting the exhaust pipe and the supply pipe.

[0062] With this configuration, the heat from the fuel gas flowing through the exhaust pipe can be efficiently transferred to the supply pipe via the heat transfer member.

[0063] (Note 9) A high-pressure tank system as described in Appendix 2 or 3, further comprising a supply pipe for guiding the fuel gas from a plurality of high-pressure tanks to the power source, wherein the housing has a cover portion (48a, 48b) that covers at least a portion of the group of high-pressure tanks from above or below, and the supply pipe may be positioned between the cover portion and the first heat insulating member.

[0064] With this configuration, if the cover covers at least a portion of the high-pressure tank group from above, the cover can prevent heat from the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust pipe from escaping from above the containment. Furthermore, if the cover covers at least a portion of the high-pressure tank group from below, the cover can prevent heat from the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust pipe from escaping from below the containment. This allows the fuel gas flowing through the supply pipe to be heated more efficiently.

[0065] (Note 10) A high-pressure tank system as described in Appendix 2 or 3, further comprising a supply pipe for guiding the fuel gas from the group of high-pressure tanks to the power source, wherein the housing has a lower wall portion (50) that covers at least a portion of the group of high-pressure tanks from below, and the supply pipe may be positioned above the exhaust pipe.

[0066] With this configuration, the lower wall prevents heat from the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust pipe from escaping from the bottom of the containment section. Also, since the supply pipe is positioned above the exhaust pipe, it is easier to guide the air heated by the exhaust pipe into the supply pipe. Therefore, the fuel gas flowing through the supply pipe can be heated more efficiently.

[0067] (Note 11) A high-pressure tank system as described in Appendix 2 or 3, further comprising a supply pipe for guiding the fuel gas from the group of high-pressure tanks to the power source, wherein the housing has an upper wall portion (52) that covers at least a portion of the group of high-pressure tanks from above, and the supply pipe may be positioned above the exhaust pipe.

[0068] With this configuration, the upper wall prevents heat from the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust pipe from escaping from the top of the containment section. Also, since the supply pipe is positioned above the exhaust pipe, it is easier to guide the air heated by the exhaust pipe into the supply pipe. Therefore, the fuel gas flowing through the supply pipe can be heated more efficiently.

[0069] (Note 12) A high-pressure tank system as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 11, wherein the height dimension of the exhaust pipe along the vertical direction may be less than or equal to the outer diameter of the high-pressure tank.

[0070] This configuration allows the exhaust pipe to be housed inside the housing without increasing the height of the housing. This makes the high-pressure tank system more compact.

[0071] (Note 13) A high-pressure tank system according to any one of appendices 1 to 12, wherein the housing section may have a lower wall portion that covers at least a portion of the high-pressure tank group from below, and an upper wall portion that covers at least a portion of the high-pressure tank group from above.

[0072] With this configuration, the lower and upper walls can prevent the heat from the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust pipe from escaping from below and above the containment section.

[0073] (Note 14) A high-pressure tank system as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 13, wherein the power source is a fuel cell or a hydrogen engine, and the fuel gas may be hydrogen gas.

[0074] With this configuration, the hydrogen gas can be heated by the exhaust gas of the fuel cell.

[0075] (Note 15) The mobile body (12) of this disclosure comprises a high-pressure tank system as described in any one of appendices 1 to 14, and the power source.

[0076] With this configuration, it is possible to obtain a mobile body that exhibits any one of the effects described in Appendix 1 to 14.

[0077] (Note 16) The mobile body described in Appendix 15 is a vehicle (14), and the group of high-pressure tanks may be located below the floor panel (28).

[0078] With this configuration, it is possible to obtain a vehicle in which a group of high-pressure tanks are located below the floor panel.

[0079] (Note 17) The mobile body described in Appendix 15 or 16 is a vehicle, the power source is located between the front end of the vehicle and the group of high-pressure tanks, the first direction is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the second direction is the width direction of the vehicle.

[0080] This configuration allows for a compact arrangement of high-pressure tanks within the vehicle.

[0081] While this disclosure has been described in detail, it is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. These embodiments can be added, replaced, modified, partially deleted, etc., in any way that does not depart from the gist of this disclosure or from the spirit of this disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, the order of operations and processes in the embodiments described above are given as examples only and are not limited thereto. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical formulas are used in the description of the embodiments described above.

[0082] In the embodiments described above, a configuration is disclosed in which an exhaust pipe is placed between adjacent high-pressure tanks. This configuration allows for efficient heating of the high-pressure tanks and contributes to miniaturization of the high-pressure tank system. In a high-pressure tank system, the exhaust pipe may be placed between the high-pressure tank located at the very end of the group of high-pressure tanks and the side wall of the storage section. Even in this case, the high-pressure tanks can be heated and contribute to miniaturization of the high-pressure tank system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 10, 10a, 10b… High-pressure tank system 12... Mobile object 14... Vehicle 26...Power source 28...Floor panel 30... High-pressure tank group 32... Storage area 38... Supply pipe 40... Exhaust pipe 42...High-pressure tank 42a...First high-pressure tank 42b...Second high-pressure tank 48a, 48b...Cover section 50...Lower wall part 52...Upper wall part 54...First insulation member 60...Second insulation member 70… Heat transfer components

Claims

1. A group of high-pressure tanks having multiple cylindrical high-pressure tanks filled with fuel gas to supply power to a power source, A housing section for housing the aforementioned high-pressure tank group, An exhaust pipe through which exhaust gases from the aforementioned power source flow, Equipped with, The axis of each of the multiple high-pressure tanks extends in a first direction along the horizontal direction, The multiple high-pressure tanks are arranged in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and along the horizontal direction. A high-pressure tank system wherein the exhaust pipe is positioned between a pair of adjacent high-pressure tanks among a plurality of high-pressure tanks and extends along the first direction.

2. A high-pressure tank system according to claim 1, A high-pressure tank system in which a first heat insulating member is placed between one of the pair of high-pressure tanks and the exhaust pipe.

3. A high-pressure tank system according to claim 2, A high-pressure tank system in which a second heat insulating member is positioned between the other of the pair of high-pressure tanks and the exhaust pipe.

4. A high-pressure tank system according to claim 1, The system further includes a supply pipe for guiding the fuel gas from the group of high-pressure tanks to the power source. The supply pipe is a high-pressure tank system located in the storage space of the storage unit.

5. A high-pressure tank system according to claim 4, A high-pressure tank system in which at least a portion of the supply pipe is arranged to run alongside the exhaust pipe.

6. A high-pressure tank system according to claim 5, A high-pressure tank system in which the direction of flow of the fuel gas through the supply pipe is opposite to the direction of flow of the exhaust gas through the exhaust pipe.

7. A high-pressure tank system according to claim 6, A high-pressure tank system in which the supply pipe extends from the opposite side of the high-pressure tank group from the power source through the storage space of the storage unit to the power source.

8. A high-pressure tank system according to claim 4, A high-pressure tank system further comprising a heat transfer member connecting the exhaust pipe and the supply pipe.

9. A high-pressure tank system according to claim 2, The system further comprises supply pipes for guiding the fuel gas from multiple high-pressure tanks to the power source, The housing section has a cover section that covers at least a portion of the group of high-pressure tanks from above or below. The supply pipe is located between the cover and the first heat insulating member in the high-pressure tank system.

10. A high-pressure tank system according to claim 2, The system further includes a supply pipe for guiding the fuel gas from the group of high-pressure tanks to the power source. The housing section has a lower wall that covers at least a portion of the group of high-pressure tanks from below, The supply pipe is located above the exhaust pipe in a high-pressure tank system.

11. A high-pressure tank system according to claim 2, The system further includes a supply pipe for guiding the fuel gas from the group of high-pressure tanks to the power source. The housing section has an upper wall that covers at least a portion of the group of high-pressure tanks from above. The supply pipe is located above the exhaust pipe in a high-pressure tank system.

12. A high-pressure tank system according to claim 1, A high-pressure tank system in which the height dimension of the exhaust pipe along the vertical direction is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the high-pressure tank.

13. A high-pressure tank system according to claim 1, The aforementioned housing section is A lower wall portion that covers at least a part of the group of high-pressure tanks from below, An upper wall portion that covers at least a part of the group of high-pressure tanks from above, A high-pressure tank system having the following features.

14. A high-pressure tank system according to claim 1, The aforementioned power source includes a fuel cell or a hydrogen engine. The fuel gas is hydrogen gas in the high-pressure tank system.

15. A high-pressure tank system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, The aforementioned power source, A mobile device equipped with [the necessary components].

16. A mobile body according to claim 15, The aforementioned moving object is a vehicle, The aforementioned high-pressure tank group is a movable unit located below the floor panel.

17. A mobile body according to claim 15, The aforementioned moving object is a vehicle, The power source is located between the front end of the vehicle and the group of high-pressure tanks. The first direction is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, The second direction is the width direction of the vehicle, and the moving body.

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