Gas filling system

Abstract

This technology provides the ability to appropriately fill an object to be filled with gas based on a filling protocol. [Solution] A hydrogen gas filling system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a compressor 1 for compressing hydrogen gas, a supply path 110 for supplying the hydrogen gas compressed by the compressor 1 to a hydrogen tank 52, and a compressor control device 1C that controls the compressor 1 based on a filling protocol, taking into account pressure loss in the supply path 110, thereby causing the hydrogen gas to be filled into the hydrogen tank 52 through the supply path 110.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a gas filling system.

Background Art

[0002] For example, a technique for filling a high-pressure gas into an object to be filled (e.g., a vehicle tank) based on a predetermined filling protocol is known (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, pressure loss may occur in the gas supply path from the gas supply side to the object to be filled. Therefore, for example, even if the pressure of the gas on the supply side (filling pressure) is appropriately controlled based on the filling protocol, the pressure of the gas actually acting on the inlet (filling port) of the object to be filled may be lower than expected due to the pressure loss in the gas supply path. As a result, problems such as the time required to complete the filling of the gas into the object to be filled becoming longer than expected may occur.

[0005] Therefore, in view of the above problems, an object is to provide a technique capable of appropriately filling a gas into an object to be filled based on a filling protocol.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, generating means for generating a compressed gas, a supply path for supplying the gas generated by the generating means to an object to be filled, The system includes a first control means that controls the generating means based on a filling protocol, taking into account the pressure loss of the gas in the supply path, and causes the gas to be filled into the object to be filled through the supply path. A gas filling system is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the above-described embodiment, the gas can be appropriately filled into the object to be filled based on the filling protocol. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example configuration of a hydrogen gas filling system. [Figure 2] This shows an example of a dispenser configuration. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates an example of the relationship between the target value of the filling pressure (target filling pressure) and the target value of the compressor discharge pressure (target discharge pressure). [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates a comparative example of the relationship between the target value of the filling pressure (target filling pressure) and the target value of the compressor discharge pressure (target discharge pressure). [Figure 5] This flowchart schematically shows an example of the control process for a dispenser control device and a compressor control device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Furthermore, the configuration and control method of the hydrogen gas filling system 100 according to this embodiment may also be applied to other gas filling systems that fill an object to be filled with a high-pressure gas of a different type than hydrogen gas.

[0011] [Configuration of the hydrogen gas refueling system] First, with reference to Figure 1, the configuration of the hydrogen gas filling system 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an example of a hydrogen gas filling system 100.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hydrogen gas filling system 100 is provided at a hydrogen station ST, and supplies high-pressure gas to a filling target through a supply path 110 from a compressor 1, and fills the filling target with high-pressure hydrogen gas.

[0014] The supply path 110 includes a hydrogen gas path 101, a hydrogen gas path 5, and a filling hose 6, which will be described later.

[0015] The filling target of hydrogen gas is, for example, a hydrogen tank 52 of an automobile 51 described later (see FIG. 2). The automobile 51 can run using hydrogen as fuel, and is, for example, a fuel cell vehicle, a hydrogen engine vehicle, etc., and the hydrogen tank 52 is a fuel tank of the automobile 51. Also, the filling target of hydrogen gas may be a fuel tank of other mobility other than automobiles. Other mobility is, for example, industrial vehicles, trains, ships, airplanes, work machines, etc. Work machines may include, for example, construction machines, forestry machines, agricultural machines, etc. Hereinafter, the description will proceed on the premise that the filling target of hydrogen gas is the hydrogen tank 52 of the automobile 51.

[0016] The hydrogen gas filling system 100 includes a compressor 1, an accumulator 2, and a dispenser 3. Also, the hydrogen gas filling system 100 includes a compressor control device (also referred to as "compressor control means") 1C, a dispenser control device (also referred to as "dispenser control means") 3C, and a station control device (also referred to as "station control means") 100C.

[0017] The compressor 1 compresses hydrogen gas supplied from a hydrogen gas storage tank (not shown) and discharges it into the hydrogen gas path 101. Examples of the type of the compressor 1 include a reciprocating type, a diaphragm type, a booster type, etc. Also, the compressor 1 has a relatively large capacity specification so that it can directly fill the filling target with hydrogen gas through the supply path 110.

[0018] Furthermore, the compressor 1 may be replaced with a liquid pump (cryopump) that boosts the pressure of liquid hydrogen and an evaporator that generates a predetermined gas compressed by evaporating the liquid hydrogen boosted by the liquid pump through heat exchange.

[0019] The hydrogen gas path 101 connects between the discharge port of the compressor 1 and the dispenser 3. The hydrogen gas path 101 is formed, for example, as a pipe. One end of the hydrogen gas path 101 on the dispenser 3 side is connected to one end of the hydrogen gas path inside the dispenser 3. A shut-off valve 101V that can switch between blocking and opening the hydrogen gas path 101 is provided in the hydrogen gas path 101.

[0020] The shut-off valve 101V is provided in a path portion between the connection portion with the hydrogen gas path 102 provided on the compressor 1 side and the connection portion with the hydrogen gas path 103 provided on the dispenser 3 side in the hydrogen gas path 101.

[0021] The accumulator 2 accumulates high-pressure hydrogen gas compressed by the compressor 1 supplied through the hydrogen gas path 102 branched from the hydrogen gas path 101. The hydrogen gas accumulated in the accumulator 2 can be supplied to the hydrogen gas path 101 through the hydrogen gas path 103. Therefore, the hydrogen gas filling system 100 can use the accumulator 2 to assist the compressor 1 or replace the compressor 1 to fill the hydrogen tank 52 of the vehicle 51 with high-pressure hydrogen gas.

[0022] Furthermore, the accumulator 2 may be omitted.

[0023] The hydrogen gas path 102 is provided to branch from a location closer to the compressor 1 in the hydrogen gas path 101 and connect to the inlet of the accumulator 2. The hydrogen gas path 102 is formed, for example, as a pipe. A shut-off valve 102V that can switch between blocking and opening the hydrogen gas path 102 is provided in the hydrogen gas path 102. Thereby, using the shut-off valve 102V, it is possible to switch between a state where the gas compressed by the compressor 1 is accumulated in the accumulator 2 through the hydrogen gas path 102 and a state where it is not supplied to the accumulator 2 through the hydrogen gas path 102.

[0024] The hydrogen gas path 103 branches off from the hydrogen gas path 101 near the dispenser 3 and is configured to connect to the outlet of the accumulator 2. The hydrogen gas path 103 is formed, for example, as a pipeline. The hydrogen gas path 103 is provided with a shut-off valve 103V that can switch between shutting off and opening the hydrogen gas path 103. This allows the shut-off valve 103V to switch between a state in which hydrogen gas from the accumulator 2 can be supplied to the downstream side through the hydrogen gas path 101 and a state in which it cannot be supplied.

[0025] Dispenser 3 supplies high-pressure hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas path 101 to the object to be filled. Dispenser 3 includes a housing 3H, a hydrogen gas path 5, a filling hose 6, and a filling nozzle 7.

[0026] The housing 3H is used to house the components of the dispenser 3 either inside or in a way that exposes them to the outside.

[0027] The hydrogen gas path 5 is located inside the housing 3H and is a path for delivering high-pressure hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen gas path 101 to the filling hose 6. Specifically, one end of the hydrogen gas path 5 is connected to the other end of the hydrogen gas path 101, and the other end of the hydrogen gas path 5 is connected to the base end of the filling hose 6. The hydrogen gas path 5 is formed, for example, as a pipeline.

[0028] The filling hose 6 is flexible and extends from the housing 3H. The base end of the filling hose 6 is connected to the other end of the hydrogen gas path 5, and the tip of the filling hose 6 is connected to the base end of the filling nozzle 7.

[0029] The filling nozzle 7 is located at the end of the filling hose 6 and is connected to the hydrogen gas filling port for the object to be filled. This allows the hydrogen gas filling system 100 to fill the object to be filled with high-pressure hydrogen gas supplied from the filling nozzle 7. For example, a connecting coupler 7A (see Figure 2) is provided at the end of the filling nozzle 7. This allows the filling nozzle 7 to be attached to and detached from the filling port 52A of the hydrogen tank 52 in an airtight manner.

[0030] When the filling nozzle 7 is in a standby state and not being filled with hydrogen gas to the object to be filled, it is held on the housing 3H by being hung on a nozzle holder 8 (see Figure 2) provided on the side of the housing 3H.

[0031] The compressor control device 1C controls the compressor 1. For example, it controls the discharge pressure and discharge flow rate of the compressor 1 by controlling a power conversion device (e.g., an inverter) that supplies driving power to the compressor 1. The compressor control device 1C is configured integrally with the compressor 1, for example, by being built into the housing of the compressor 1 or mounted on the outside of the housing. Alternatively, the compressor control device 1C may be configured separately from the compressor 1.

[0032] The functions of the compressor control device 1C are realized by any hardware or any combination of hardware and software. For example, the compressor control device 1C is composed of a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory device, an auxiliary storage device, and an interface device. The memory device is, for example, SRAM (Static Random Access Memory). The auxiliary storage device is, for example, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) or flash memory. The interface device includes, for example, an external interface for connecting to an external recording medium and a communication interface for communicating with other devices. The compressor control device 1C can realize various functions by loading a program installed in the auxiliary storage device into the memory device and executing it on the CPU. Furthermore, the compressor control device 1C can acquire and install programs from a recording medium via the external interface, or acquire and install programs from other devices via the communication interface.

[0033] Furthermore, if a liquid pump and evaporator are used instead of the compressor 1, the compressor control device 1C will be replaced by a control device that controls the liquid pump and evaporator. Alternatively, the compressor 1 or the liquid pump and evaporator may be controlled by the dispenser control device 3C or the station control device 100C. In this case, the compressor control device 1C and the control devices that control the liquid pump and evaporator may be omitted.

[0034] The dispenser control device 3C controls the dispenser 3. The dispenser control device 3C is configured integrally with the dispenser 3, for example, by being built into the housing 3H of the dispenser 3 or attached to the outside of the housing 3H (see Figure 2). Alternatively, the dispenser control device 3C may be configured separately from the dispenser 3.

[0035] The functions of the dispenser control device 3C are realized by any hardware or any combination of hardware and software. For example, the dispenser control device 3C has the same hardware configuration as the compressor control device 1C.

[0036] Furthermore, the dispenser 3 may be controlled by the compressor control device 1C, or by a control device that controls the liquid pump and evaporator, or by the station control device 100C. In this case, the dispenser control device 3C may be omitted.

[0037] The station control device 100C is an integrated control device that controls all the components of the hydrogen station ST.

[0038] The functions of the station control unit 100C are realized by any hardware or any combination of hardware and software. For example, the station control unit 100C has the same hardware configuration as the dispenser control unit 3C.

[0039] The station control device 100C may be omitted. In this case, the individual control devices that control the components of the hydrogen station ST (for example, the compressor control device 1C, or the control devices that control the liquid pump and evaporator, or the dispenser control device 3C, etc.) communicate with each other and coordinate to control their respective controlled objects.

[0040] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the compressor control device 1C or the control device for controlling the liquid pump and evaporator, the dispenser control device 3C, and the station control device 100C may be realized by a management device for managing the hydrogen station ST. The management device realizes various functions by loading a program installed in an auxiliary storage device into a memory device and executing it with a processor. The auxiliary storage device is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The memory device is, for example, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The processor is, for example, a CPU. The management device is, for example, a management terminal device or a server device. The terminal device may be, for example, a stationary terminal device such as a desktop PC (Personal Computer), or a portable terminal device (mobile terminal) such as a laptop PC or a tablet device. The server device may be an edge server installed at the hydrogen station ST, or it may be a cloud server or on-premise server installed in a location different from the hydrogen station ST and capable of communicating with various devices at the hydrogen station ST.

[0041] In this example, the hydrogen gas filling system 100 essentially fills the object to be filled directly with hydrogen gas compressed by the compressor 1 through the supply path 110. Therefore, unlike when supplying hydrogen gas to the object to be filled from only one accumulator, it is not necessary to switch between multiple accumulators in stages to supply hydrogen gas at a relatively high pressure to the object to be filled, thus reducing the initial and operating costs of the accumulators.

[0042] [Dispenser configuration details] Refer to Figure 2 to describe the detailed configuration of dispenser 3.

[0043] Figure 2 shows an example configuration of dispenser 3.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, dispenser 3 includes a housing 3H, a dispenser control device 3C, a hydrogen gas path 5, a filling hose 6, a filling nozzle 7, and a nozzle holder 8. Dispenser 3 also includes an inlet valve 11, a flow control valve 12, a shut-off valve 13, a flow meter 14, a cooler 15, a depressurization path 17, a depressurization valve 18, a pressure sensor 19, a temperature sensor 20, a display 22, a filling start switch 24, and a filling stop switch 25.

[0045] The inlet valve 11 is located in the hydrogen gas path 5 and switches the opening and closing of the hydrogen gas path 5. For example, the inlet valve 11 can be opened and closed by manual operation.

[0046] The inlet valve 11 may be omitted.

[0047] The flow control valve 12 is located downstream of the inlet valve 11 in the hydrogen gas path 5 (i.e., on the filling hose 6 side) and can adjust the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen gas path 5. For example, the flow control valve 12 is a solenoid valve whose opening degree can be adjusted in response to a control command from the dispenser control device 3C.

[0048] The shut-off valve 13 is located downstream of the flow control valve 12 in the hydrogen gas path 5 and switches between opening and closing (i.e., shutting off) the hydrogen gas path 5. The shut-off valve 13 can be opened and closed in response to a control command from the dispenser control device 3C and is used to shut off the flow of hydrogen gas through the hydrogen gas path 5. For example, the shut-off valve 13 is a normally closed, pneumatically operated valve device that opens when the solenoid valve, which operates in response to a control command from the dispenser control device 3C, is open, due to the action of high-pressure gas (e.g., compressed air or compressed nitrogen) supplied from the compressed gas source. On the other hand, the shut-off valve 13 closes when the solenoid valve closes in response to a control command from the dispenser control device 3C, stopping the supply of high-pressure gas.

[0049] The flow meter 14 measures the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen gas path 5. For example, the flow meter 14 is a Coriolis flow meter that measures the mass flow rate of hydrogen gas. The signal (measurement signal) representing the measurement result of the flow meter 14 is input to the dispenser control device 3C via a predetermined communication line, such as a one-to-one communication line.

[0050] The cooler 15 cools the hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen gas path 5. For example, the cooler 15 cools the hydrogen gas in the hydrogen gas path 5 downstream of the flow control valve 12 of the hydrogen gas path 5. This allows the dispenser 3 to cool the high-pressure hydrogen gas and fill the hydrogen tank 52 of the automobile 51. The cooler 15 includes a heat exchanger 16 that cools the hydrogen gas by heat exchange between a refrigerant supplied from an external source and the hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen gas path 5. For example, the heat exchanger 16 is supplied with a refrigerant such as brine from a chiller unit.

[0051] The depressurization path 17 is provided to branch off from a point downstream of the shut-off valve 13 in the hydrogen gas path 5, and is used to depressurize the filling hose 6 when the shut-off valve 13 is closed. Depressurizing the filling hose 6 means reducing the pressure inside the filling hose 6 to a predetermined level (for example, atmospheric pressure). This allows the operator to remove the connecting coupler 7A of the filling nozzle 7 from the filling port 52A of the hydrogen tank 52 when the hydrogen gas filling operation is completed.

[0052] The depressurization valve 18 is located in the depressurization path 17 and can switch between opening and closing the depressurization path 17. The depressurization valve 18 can be opened and closed in response to a control command from the dispenser control device 3C, and in response to the closing of the shut-off valve 13 upon completion of the hydrogen gas filling operation into the hydrogen tank 52, it opens the depressurization path 17 from the closed state, thereby achieving depressurization inside the filling hose 6 through the depressurization path 17. For example, the depressurization valve 18 is a normally closed, pneumatically operated valve device, and opens when the solenoid valve, which operates in response to a control command from the dispenser control device 3C, is open, due to the action of high-pressure gas (e.g., compressed air or compressed nitrogen) supplied from the compressed gas source. On the other hand, the depressurization valve 18 closes when the solenoid valve closes in response to a control command from the dispenser control device 3C, and the supply of high-pressure gas is stopped.

[0053] The pressure sensor 19 measures the pressure of the hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen gas path 5. For example, the pressure sensor 19 is positioned downstream of the shut-off valve 13 in the hydrogen gas path 5. The signal representing the measurement result of the pressure sensor 19 (measurement signal) is received by the dispenser control device 3C via a predetermined communication line, such as a one-to-one communication line.

[0054] The temperature sensor 20 measures the temperature of the hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen gas path 5. For example, the temperature sensor 20 is positioned downstream of the shut-off valve 13 in the hydrogen gas path 5. The signal (measurement signal) representing the measurement result of the temperature sensor 20 is received by the dispenser control device 3C via a predetermined communication line, such as a one-to-one communication line.

[0055] The display unit 22 displays various information to the operator using the dispenser 3 under the control of the dispenser control device 3C. The display unit 22 is installed so that its display area is exposed on the front of the housing 3H of the dispenser 3.

[0056] The filling start switch 24 is an input unit operated by the operator using the dispenser 3, and is operated to start filling with hydrogen gas. A signal indicating the status of the input to the filling start switch 24 (operation input signal) is received by the dispenser control device 3C. As a result, the dispenser control device 3C controls the flow control valve 12, the shut-off valve 13, etc., in response to the input from the operator, and starts filling the hydrogen tank 52 of the automobile 51 with hydrogen gas.

[0057] The filling stop switch 25 is an input unit operated by the operator using the dispenser 3, and is operated to stop the filling of hydrogen gas during hydrogen gas filling. A signal (operation input signal) indicating the status of the input to the filling stop switch 25 is received by the dispenser control device 3C. As a result, the dispenser control device 3C can control the shut-off valve 13, the depressurization valve 18, etc., to stop the filling of hydrogen gas into the hydrogen tank 52 of the automobile 51.

[0058] [Overview of the control method for hydrogen gas filling systems] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, an overview of the control method for the hydrogen gas filling system 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0059] Figure 3 shows an example of the relationship between the target value of the filling pressure (target filling pressure Pt) and the target value of the discharge pressure of compressor 1 (target discharge pressure Pcmp). Figure 4 shows a comparative example of the relationship between the target value of the filling pressure (target filling pressure Pt) and the target value of the discharge pressure of compressor 1 (target discharge pressure Pcmp).

[0060] The dispenser control device 3C adjusts the flow control valve 12 and other components based on a predetermined filling protocol to control the filling of hydrogen gas into the hydrogen tank 52.

[0061] The refueling protocol specifies how to control the components of the hydrogen station ST for refueling hydrogen gas into the hydrogen tank 52. In this example, the refueling protocol includes specifying the refueling pressure for hydrogen gas into the hydrogen tank 52.

[0062] For example, as shown in Figure 3, the filling protocol is defined such that, with respect to the elapsed time (filling time t) starting from the start of filling, the target filling pressure Pt increases at a predetermined average pressure increase rate (APRR) starting from the initial pressure P0.

[0063] The dispenser control device 3C controls the opening of the flow control valve 12 so that the actual filling pressure matches the target filling pressure Pt. For example, the dispenser control device 3C controls the opening of the flow control valve 12 so that the measurement of the pressure sensor 19 approaches the target filling pressure Pt through feedback control based on the deviation between the measurement of the pressure sensor 19 and the target filling pressure Pt. The feedback control is, for example, PI (Proportional Integral) control.

[0064] The compressor control device 1C controls the compressor 1 based on a predetermined filling protocol to fill the hydrogen tank 52 with hydrogen gas through the supply path 110. In this example, the compressor control device 1C controls the discharge pressure of the compressor 1 based on a target discharge pressure Pcmp, which is determined considering the pressure loss in the supply path 110, relative to the target filling pressure Pt defined based on the filling protocol.

[0065] For example, the compressor control device 1C controls the power converter and adjusts the current, voltage, and AC frequency supplied from the power converter to the motor (electric motor), which is the power source for the compressor 1. This allows the compressor control device 1C to control the torque and rotational speed of the compressor 1, and thus control the discharge pressure of the compressor 1. Alternatively, the compressor control device 1C may control the discharge pressure of the compressor 1 by adjusting the opening degree of a flow control valve (spilling back valve) provided in the path from the discharge side to the suction side of the compressor.

[0066] For example, as shown in Figure 3, the compressor control device 1C calculates the target discharge pressure Pcmp by correcting the target filling pressure Pt based on a correction value dP corresponding to the pressure loss. The correction value dP corresponds, for example, to the decrease in the hydrogen gas filling pressure that is expected to decrease in accordance with the pressure loss. Specifically, the target discharge pressure Pcmp is obtained by adding the correction value dP corresponding to the pressure loss to the target filling pressure Pt (see Equation (1)).

[0067]

number

[0068] The compressor control device 1C controls the power converter so that the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 19 (corresponding to the actual filling pressure) becomes the corrected target filling pressure Pt (i.e., the target discharge pressure Pcmp), and adjusts the current, voltage, and AC frequency supplied from the power converter to the motor (electric motor), which is the power source for the compressor 1.

[0069] This prevents problems such as the hydrogen gas compressed by the compressor 1 losing pressure due to pressure loss, resulting in the filling pressure being lower than the target filling pressure Pt, and consequently, the time required to complete hydrogen gas filling being longer than expected.

[0070] As shown in Figure 3, the target discharge pressure Pcmp of compressor 1 has an upper limit Pmax, and if equation (1) is greater than the upper limit Pmax, the target discharge pressure Pcmp is set to the upper limit Pmax.

[0071] Furthermore, the compressor 1, located outside the dispenser 3, takes into account the pressure loss in the supply path 110. Therefore, it is possible to avoid increasing the complexity of the dispenser 3's configuration and control, for example, by adopting a configuration that adjusts (compensates for) the pressure loss on the dispenser 3 side.

[0072] As a comparative example, it is also conceivable to discharge hydrogen gas from the compressor 1 at a pressure sufficiently higher than the target filling pressure Pt, and then adjust the filling pressure to the target filling pressure Pt using only the flow control valve 12. For example, as shown in Figure 4, by controlling the discharge pressure of the compressor 1 to the upper limit Pmax, the filling pressure can be adjusted to the target filling pressure Pt by the flow control valve 12.

[0073] However, because the discharge pressure of compressor 1 is constantly maintained at the upper limit Pmax, energy consumption increases in situations where such high pressure is not required, such as during the initial stages when the filling time is short, which may lead to a decrease in the operating efficiency of the hydrogen gas filling system 100. In addition, the adjustment range on the flow control valve 12 side becomes large, and it may not be possible to properly control the hydrogen gas filling pressure due to factors such as the responsiveness of compressor 1.

[0074] In contrast, in this example, the compressor control device 1C can discharge hydrogen gas from the compressor 1 at a discharge pressure appropriately adjusted considering the pressure loss in the supply path 110. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the increase in energy consumption of the compressor 1 and improve the operating efficiency of the hydrogen gas filling system. Furthermore, since the hydrogen gas supplied from the compressor 1 has its pressure appropriately adjusted considering the pressure loss in the supply path 110, only fine adjustments are required on the flow control valve 12 side. Therefore, the influence of the responsiveness of the compressor 1 can be suppressed, and as a result, the dispenser control device 3C can appropriately control the filling pressure of the hydrogen gas.

[0075] The correction value dP mentioned above is predetermined as a fixed value representing, for example, the pressure loss expected in the supply path 110. For example, a fixed value set based on the pressure loss obtained when hydrogen gas flows through the supply path corresponding to the supply path 110 during testing is pre-stored in a storage unit such as the auxiliary storage unit of the compressor control device 1C or the dispenser control device 3C. This allows the compressor control device 1C to read the stored fixed value from the storage unit and set that fixed value as the correction value dP.

[0076] Furthermore, the correction value dP may be predetermined as a variable value representing, for example, the pressure loss expected in the supply path 110. For example, the correction value dP is determined as a variable value corresponding to the flow rate of hydrogen gas in the supply path 110. Specifically, the correction value dP is calculated using the following equation (2), based on a predetermined pressure loss coefficient k0 and the mass flow rate F, density ρ, pressure P, and temperature T of the hydrogen gas being filled.

[0077]

number

[0078] Furthermore, the pressure loss coefficient k0, as with the correction value dP mentioned above, is a value set based on the pressure loss obtained when hydrogen gas flows through the supply path corresponding to the supply path 110, for example, through testing, and is pre-stored in the storage unit of the compressor control device 1C or the auxiliary storage device 3C.

[0079] For pressure P and temperature T, for example, the measured values ​​from pressure sensor 19 and temperature sensor 20 are used.

[0080] Furthermore, in the case of equation (2), when the mass flow rate F is relatively small, the correction value dP becomes very small. Therefore, by setting a lower limit dPmin for the correction value dP, equation (3) may be used instead of equation (2).

[0081]

number

[0082] Furthermore, the correction value dP can be read from the memory unit as described above, or it may be set by measuring the actual pressure loss (specifically, the difference between the expected pressure and the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 19).

[0083] For example, the correction value dP is determined by equation (4) based on the discharge pressure Pc and filling pressure Pd of the compressor 1 during filling.

[0084]

number

[0085] For the discharge pressure Pc, for example, the measurement value from a pressure sensor installed near the discharge port of the compressor 1 is used. For the filling pressure Pd, the measurement value from pressure sensor 19 is used.

[0086] [Control processing related to hydrogen gas filling] Referring to Figure 5, the control process for filling with hydrogen gas will be explained.

[0087] Figure 5 is a flowchart schematically showing an example of the control process of the compressor control device 1C and the dispenser control device 3C. Figure 5 includes Figure 5A, which schematically represents an example of the control process of the compressor control device 1C, and Figure 5B, which schematically represents an example of the control process of the dispenser control device 3C.

[0088] <Control processing of the compressor control device> The flowchart in Figure 5A is started in advance, coinciding with the start of filling the hydrogen tank 52 with hydrogen gas. For example, the flowchart in Figure 5A starts when the filling nozzle 7 is removed from the nozzle holder 8.

[0089] As shown in Figure 5A, in step S102, the compressor control device 1C opens the shut-off valve (inlet valve) of the low-pressure hydrogen gas supply path to the compressor 1, and the shut-off valve (outlet valve) provided at the outlet from the compressor 1 to the hydrogen gas path 101, from the closed state.

[0090] Once the process in step S102 is complete, the compressor control device 1C proceeds to step S104.

[0091] In step S104, the compressor control device 1C starts the operation of the compressor 1 by starting the operation of equipment necessary for starting the compressor 1, such as the lubrication pump, according to a predetermined startup sequence.

[0092] Once the process in step S104 is complete, the compressor control device 1C proceeds to step S106.

[0093] In step S106, the compressor control device 1C sets the target discharge pressure Pcmp of the compressor 1 to a predetermined initial value.

[0094] Once the process in step S106 is completed, the compressor control device 1C proceeds to step S108.

[0095] In step S108, the compressor control device 1C controls the compressor 1 so that the discharge pressure of the compressor 1 reaches the target discharge pressure Pcmp. Hereinafter, the control in step S108 may be referred to as compressor discharge pressure control.

[0096] Once one processing cycle of step S108 is completed, the compressor control device 1C proceeds to step S110.

[0097] In step S110, the compressor control device 1C receives the target discharge pressure Pcmp for the compressor 1 in the next processing cycle from the dispenser control device 3C.

[0098] Once the process in step S110 is complete, proceed to step S112.

[0099] In step S112, the compressor control device 1C determines whether the conditions for stopping the operation of compressor 1 are met. If the conditions for stopping the operation of compressor 1 are met, the compressor control device 1C proceeds to step S114. If the conditions for stopping the operation are not met, it returns to step S108 and repeats the processes of steps S108, S110, and S112.

[0100] For example, the conditions for stopping the operation of compressor 1 are met when the filling of hydrogen gas into the hydrogen tank 52 is completed and the accumulation of pressure in the accumulator 2 is completed. Also, for example, the conditions for stopping the operation of compressor 1 are met when the stop switch for compressor 1 is operated. Also, for example, the conditions for stopping the operation of compressor 1 are met when an abnormality occurs in compressor 1.

[0101] In step S114, the compressor control device 1C stops the compressor 1 from operation according to a predetermined stop sequence.

[0102] Once the process in step S114 is complete, the compressor control device 1C proceeds to step S116.

[0103] In step S116, the compressor control device 1C closes the inlet valve and the outlet valve.

[0104] Once the process in step S116 is completed, the compressor control device 1C terminates the process in this flowchart.

[0105] <Control processing of the dispenser control device> The flowchart in Figure 5B is executed when filling hydrogen gas into the hydrogen tank 52 begins. For example, the flowchart in Figure 5B is started when the connecting coupler 7A of the filling nozzle 7 is connected to the filling port 52A and the filling start switch 24 is operated.

[0106] The following explanation assumes that the inlet valve 11 and the shut-off valve 13 are open at the start of the flowchart in Figure 5B.

[0107] As shown in Figure 5B, in step S202, the dispenser control device 3C acquires environmental conditions, including the temperature (ambient temperature Tamb) of the location where the dispenser 3 is placed.

[0108] Environmental conditions are acquired based on measurement signals from various sensors, such as an ambient temperature sensor, installed on dispenser 3.

[0109] Once the processing in step S202 is complete, the dispenser control device 3C proceeds to step S204.

[0110] In step S204, the dispenser control device 3C pulses hydrogen gas into the hydrogen tank 52 and obtains the internal pressure (initial pressure P0) of the hydrogen tank 52 based on the measurement value of the pressure sensor 19 at that time.

[0111] Furthermore, the initial pressure P0 of the hydrogen tank 52 may be communicated from the vehicle 51 to the dispenser control device 3C via communication between the vehicle 51 and the dispenser control device 3C.

[0112] Once the processing in step S204 is complete, the dispenser control device 3C proceeds to step S206.

[0113] In step S206, the dispenser control device 3C reads the lookup table (LT) of the filling protocol from the auxiliary storage device and obtains the average pressure rise rate (APRR) and the upper limit of the pressure (Pmax).

[0114] Once the processing in step S206 is complete, the dispenser control device 3C proceeds to step S208.

[0115] In step S208, the dispenser control device 3C calculates the target filling pressure Pt according to the filling time t, which is the elapsed time from the start of filling.

[0116] For example, the dispenser control device 3C calculates the target filling pressure Pt for the filling time t, which is indicated in seconds, using the following equation (5) based on the average pressure rise rate APRR, expressed in meters per minute, obtained in step S206.

[0117]

number

[0118] Once the processing in step S208 is complete, the dispenser control device 3C proceeds to step S210.

[0119] In step S210, the dispenser control device 3C acquires the correction value dP.

[0120] If the correction value dP is a fixed value, the dispenser control device 3C obtains it by reading a predetermined fixed value from the auxiliary storage device. If the correction value dP is a variable value, the dispenser control device 3C calculates the variable value according to a predetermined rule in the auxiliary storage device.

[0121] Once the processing in step S210 is complete, the dispenser control device 3C proceeds to step S212.

[0122] In step S212, the dispenser control device 3C calculates the target discharge pressure Pcmp of the compressor 1 using the above-described equation (1) based on the results of the processing in steps S210 and S212, and transmits it to the compressor control device 1C.

[0123] As a result, the compressor control device 1C can perform the processing in step S110 based on the target discharge pressure Pcmp received from the dispenser control device 3C, and control the discharge pressure of the compressor 1 while sequentially updating the target discharge pressure Pcmp.

[0124] Once the processing in step S212 is complete, the dispenser control device 3C proceeds to step S214.

[0125] In step S214, the dispenser control device 3C controls the filling of hydrogen gas by adjusting the opening of the flow control valve 12 so that the filling pressure of hydrogen gas into the hydrogen tank 52 matches the target filling pressure Pt, in accordance with the filling protocol.

[0126] Once the processing in step S214 is complete, the dispenser control device 3C proceeds to step S216.

[0127] In step S216, the dispenser control device 3C determines whether the filling completion condition has been met. If the filling completion condition has been met, the dispenser control device 3C proceeds to step S218. If the filling completion condition has not been met, it returns to step S208 and repeats the processes in steps S208, S210, S212, S214, and S216.

[0128] For example, the filling completion condition is met when the filling rate of the hydrogen tank 52 reaches a predetermined upper limit, that is, when the density of hydrogen gas in the hydrogen tank 52 reaches a predetermined upper limit. Also, for example, the filling completion condition is met when the filling pressure reaches the upper limit Pmax. Also, for example, the filling completion condition is met when the filling stop switch 25 is operated. Also, for example, the filling completion condition is met when an abnormality occurs in the dispenser 3.

[0129] In step S218, the dispenser control device 3C closes the flow control valve 12 and the shut-off valve 13, etc., according to a predetermined filling completion sequence, and then opens and closes the depressurization valve 18 to depressurize the pressure in the filling nozzle 7 to atmospheric pressure level.

[0130] Once the process in step S218 is complete, the dispenser control device 3C terminates the process in this flowchart.

[0131] In this way, the compressor control device 1C and the dispenser control device 3C control the compressor 1 and the dispenser 3, respectively, to cause the hydrogen gas filling system 100 to fill the hydrogen tank 52 with hydrogen gas.

[0132] [Effect] Next, the operation of the gas filling system according to this embodiment will be described.

[0133] In a first aspect of this embodiment, the gas filling system comprises a generating means, a supply path, and a first control means. The gas filling system is, for example, the hydrogen gas filling system 100 described above. The generating means is, for example, the compressor 1 described above. Alternatively, the generating means may be, for example, the liquid pump and evaporator described above. The supply path is, for example, the supply path 110 described above. The first control means is, for example, the compressor control device 1C described above. Alternatively, the first control means may be a control device for controlling the liquid pump and evaporator described above, or a dispenser control device 3C or a station control device 100C. Alternatively, the first control means may be the management device described above. The first control means controls the generating means by loading a program installed in an auxiliary storage device (e.g., EEPROM or HDD) into a memory device (e.g., SRAM or DRAM) and having a processor (e.g., CPU) execute it, for example, the compressor control device 1C or the management device described above. Specifically, the generating means generates compressed gas. The gas is, for example, hydrogen gas. Furthermore, the supply path is used to supply the gas generated by the generating means to the object to be filled. The object to be filled is, for example, the hydrogen tank 52 described above. The first control means controls the generating means based on the filling protocol, taking into account the pressure loss of the gas in the supply path, and causes the gas to be filled into the object to be filled through the supply path.

[0134] This allows the gas filling system to control the pressure of the compressed gas produced by the generating means, taking into account the pressure loss between the generating means and the object to be filled. As a result, the gas filling system can appropriately adjust the filling pressure to the object to be filled based on the filling protocol, thereby suppressing problems such as the filling pressure to the object being filled being lower than the target value, or the gas filling time to the object being filled being longer than expected. Thus, the gas filling system can appropriately fill the object to be filled with gas based on the filling protocol.

[0135] Furthermore, in a second aspect of this embodiment, based on the first aspect described above, the first control means may correct the target value of the gas filling pressure when filling the object to be filled, which is determined based on the filling protocol, according to the pressure loss, and control the generating means based on the corrected target value. The target value of the filling pressure is, for example, the target filling pressure Pt described above. The corrected target value is, for example, the target discharge pressure Pcmp described above.

[0136] This allows the gas filling system to appropriately control the generating means, based on the filling protocol and taking into account pressure loss in the supply path, so that the gas filling pressure to the object to be filled reaches the target value.

[0137] Furthermore, in a third aspect of this embodiment, based on the second aspect described above, the first control means may correct the target value of the filling pressure, which is determined based on the filling protocol, by adding to the expected decrease in the filling pressure due to the pressure loss.

[0138] This allows the gas filling system to appropriately control the generating means, based on the filling protocol and taking into account pressure loss in the supply path, so that the gas filling pressure to the object to be filled reaches the target value.

[0139] Furthermore, in a fourth aspect of this embodiment, based on any one of the first to third aspects described above, the gas generated by the generating means may be directly filled into the object to be filled through the supply path.

[0140] As a result, the gas filling system does not need to, for example, store a compressed predetermined gas, generated by a generation means, in an accumulator before supplying it to the object to be filled. This allows for the omission of accumulators or limiting their number and capacity to only auxiliary ones. Therefore, the gas filling system can be simplified, and its initial and operating costs can be reduced.

[0141] Furthermore, in a fifth aspect of this embodiment, based on any one of the first to fourth aspects described above, the gas filling system may include a shut-off valve provided in the supply path for switching between shutting off and opening the supply path. The shut-off valve is, for example, the shut-off valve 13 described above. The first control means may control the generating means based on the pressure of the compressed gas generated by the generating means and the pressure of the gas at a location downstream of the shut-off valve in the supply path, taking into account the pressure loss. The pressure of the compressed gas generated by the generating means is, for example, a measurement of a pressure sensor provided near the discharge port of the compressor 1 described above. The predetermined gas pressure at a location downstream of the shut-off valve in the supply path is, for example, a measurement of the pressure sensor 19 described above.

[0142] This allows the gas filling system to control the compressor based on the pressure of the compressed gas generated by the generating means and the pressure of the gas downstream of the shut-off valve, taking into account a predetermined gas pressure loss in the supply path.

[0143] Furthermore, in a sixth aspect of this embodiment, based on any one of the first to fifth aspects described above, the gas filling system may include a control valve provided in the supply path and capable of adjusting the flow rate of the gas, and a second control means for controlling the control valve based on the filling protocol. The control valve is, for example, the flow rate control valve 12 described above. The second control means is, for example, the dispenser control device 3C described above. Alternatively, the second control means may be the compressor control device 1C described above, a control device for controlling the liquid pump and evaporator, or a station control device 100C. Alternatively, the second control means may be the management device described above. The second control means controls the control valve by loading a program installed in an auxiliary storage device (e.g., EEPROM or HDD) into a memory device (e.g., SRAM or DRAM) and having a processor (e.g., CPU) execute it, for example, as in the dispenser control device 3C or management device described above. Furthermore, the second control means may be the same as the first control means, for example, when the functions of the compressor control device 1C and the dispenser control device 3C described above are realized by a single control device or management device. Specifically, the second control means may adjust the adjustment valve based on the target value of the filling pressure (more specifically, the target value before correction in the second embodiment described above).

[0144] As a result, the gas filling system can, for example, supply a predetermined gas at a pressure adjusted to account for pressure loss in the supply path from the generator, and adjust the filling pressure of the predetermined gas to the object to be filled using a control valve so that it reaches a target value. Therefore, by employing a method of control that considers pressure loss downstream of the generator, the gas filling system can avoid situations where additional configurations or control methods for considering pressure loss are required, or where the control method for considering pressure loss is changed from the conventional filling pressure control method, thereby preventing complexity in configuration and control. Furthermore, since the gas filling system can adjust the predetermined gas supplied from the generator at a pressure that takes pressure loss into account to reach a target filling pressure value through fine adjustment using a control valve, it can suppress situations where the filling pressure cannot be properly controlled due to the responsiveness of the generator. Also, for example, when the filling pressure is controlled only by a control valve, it is necessary to supply a predetermined gas at a relatively high pressure from the generator in order to ensure the adjustment range of the control valve, whereas the gas filling system only needs to supply a predetermined gas at a pressure that can be adjusted to the target filling pressure value by fine adjustment using a control valve. Therefore, the gas filling system can reduce the energy consumption of the generator and improve operating efficiency.

[0145] Furthermore, the first and second control means may also control other equipment constituting the gas filling system. For example, the first and second control means may control equipment other than the control valve, which is mounted on a dispenser (e.g., dispenser 3) equipped with a control valve (e.g., the flow rate control valve 12 described above). In addition, the first and second control means may also control various valves (e.g., shut-off valves 101V, 102V, 103V) ​​installed in the path between the compressor (e.g., compressor 1 described above) and the dispenser (e.g., hydrogen gas paths 101-103).

[0146] Although embodiments have been described in detail above, this disclosure is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0147] 1. Compressor 1C Compressor control device 3 Dispensers 3C Dispenser Control Unit 5. Hydrogen gas pathway 6. Filling hose 7. Filling nozzle 7A Connection Coupler 12 Flow control valve 13 Shut-off valve 19. Pressure sensor 20 Temperature Sensors 51 Automobile 52 Hydrogen Tanks 52A Filling port 100 Hydrogen gas filling system 100C Station Control Unit 101 Hydrogen gas pathway 110 Supply routes ST Hydrogen Station

Claims

1. A means for generating compressed gas, A supply path for supplying the gas generated by the generating means to the object to be filled, The system includes a first control means that controls the generating means based on a filling protocol, taking into account the pressure loss of the gas in the supply path, and causes the gas to be filled into the object to be filled through the supply path. Gas filling system.

2. The first control means corrects the target value of the gas filling pressure when filling the object to be filled, which is determined based on the filling protocol, according to the pressure loss, and controls the generating means based on the corrected target value. The gas filling system according to claim 1.

3. The first control means corrects the target value of the filling pressure, which is determined based on the filling protocol, by adding the expected decrease in the filling pressure due to the pressure loss to the target value of the filling pressure. The gas filling system according to claim 2.

4. The gas generated by the generating means is directly filled into the object to be filled through the supply path. A gas filling system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The supply path is provided with a shut-off valve that switches the opening and closing of the supply path, The first control means controls the generating means based on the pressure of the compressed gas generated by the generating means and the pressure of the gas at a point downstream of the shut-off valve in the supply path, taking into account the pressure loss. A gas filling system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. A control valve is provided in the supply path and capable of adjusting the flow rate of the gas, The system includes a second control means for controlling the adjustment valve based on the aforementioned filling protocol, A gas filling system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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