Hydrogen supply system

Abstract

The goal is to predict the amount of hydrogen produced, which is affected by weather conditions, and to transmit information about any shortages in the amount of hydrogen produced and the amount of hydrogen stored in hydrogen storage alloys relative to the amount of hydrogen consumed by hydrogen consumption facilities. [Solution] The system includes a solar cell, a hydrogen production device, a hydrogen storage alloy that absorbs hydrogen and supplies the absorbed hydrogen to a hydrogen consumption device, and a control unit that derives the amount of hydrogen to be consumed on the predicted days from tomorrow onwards from the operating schedule of the hydrogen consumption device, obtains the amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage alloy, derives the amount of hydrogen that the hydrogen production device can produce using electricity from the solar cell from weather information on the predicted day, and transmits a hydrogen shortage information if the sum of the amount of hydrogen produced and the amount of hydrogen stored is equal to or less than the amount of hydrogen consumed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hydrogen supply system.

Background Art

[0002] The power supply system described in Patent Document 1 includes a storage battery that stores surplus power of renewable energy and outputs the stored power as discharge power, a hydrogen production device that produces hydrogen using the surplus power and the discharge power, a hydrogen storage alloy tank that stores the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production device, a fuel cell that generates power using the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage alloy tank and supplies the generated power to a customer load, and a control device that controls heating of the hydrogen storage alloy tank by using reaction heat generated by a chemical reaction when the hydrogen storage alloy absorbs hydrogen.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a hydrogen supply system that supplies hydrogen produced by power generation using solar light energy to a hydrogen consumption facility. In such a hydrogen supply system, since the amount of hydrogen produced depends on the weather, it is difficult to supply hydrogen stably.

[0005] In addition, there is a hydrogen supply system in which a plurality of hydrogen storage alloys storing hydrogen are provided, and the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage alloys is supplied to a hydrogen consumption facility. In such a hydrogen supply system, a hydrogen storage alloy that has absorbed hydrogen elsewhere is transported to the hydrogen supply system. Therefore, depending on the amount of hydrogen consumed by the hydrogen consumption facility, the transportation of the hydrogen storage alloy may become frequent.

[0006] The objective of this disclosure is to predict the amount of hydrogen produced, which is affected by weather conditions, and to provide information on the shortage of hydrogen produced and hydrogen stored in hydrogen storage alloys relative to the amount of hydrogen consumed by hydrogen consumption facilities. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A hydrogen supply system according to the first embodiment includes: a solar cell that converts the light energy of sunlight into electricity; a hydrogen production device that produces hydrogen using the electricity from the solar cell; a hydrogen storage alloy that absorbs the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production device and supplies it to a hydrogen consumption facility that consumes the absorbed hydrogen; and a control unit that derives the amount of hydrogen to be consumed by the hydrogen consumption facility on predicted days from tomorrow onwards from the operating schedule of the hydrogen consumption facility, obtains the amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage alloy, derives the amount of hydrogen that the hydrogen production device can produce using the electricity from the solar cell from weather information on the predicted day, and transmits a hydrogen shortage information if the sum of the hydrogen production amount and the hydrogen storage amount is equal to or less than the hydrogen consumption amount.

[0008] According to the above embodiment, it is possible to predict the amount of hydrogen produced, which is affected by weather conditions, and to transmit information on the shortage of the amount of hydrogen produced and the amount of hydrogen stored in hydrogen storage alloys relative to the amount of hydrogen consumed by hydrogen consumption equipment.

[0009] The hydrogen supply system according to the second embodiment is characterized in that, in the hydrogen supply system according to the first embodiment, the control unit transmits surplus information indicating that there will be a surplus of hydrogen on the predicted day if the sum of the amount of hydrogen produced and the amount of hydrogen stored is greater than the amount of hydrogen consumed.

[0010] According to the above embodiment, it is possible to predict the amount of hydrogen produced, which is affected by weather conditions, and to transmit information about the surplus of hydrogen produced relative to the amount of hydrogen consumed by hydrogen consumption equipment.

[0011] The hydrogen supply system according to the third embodiment is characterized in that, in the hydrogen supply system according to the first embodiment, the control unit obtains the amount of hydrogen that can be absorbed by the hydrogen storage alloy based on the amount of hydrogen stored, and if the value obtained by subtracting the amount of hydrogen consumed from the sum of the amount of hydrogen produced and the amount of hydrogen stored is greater than the amount of hydrogen that can be absorbed, it transmits surplus information that there will be a surplus of hydrogen on the predicted day.

[0012] According to the above embodiment, it is possible to predict the amount of hydrogen produced, which is affected by weather conditions, and to transmit information about the surplus of hydrogen produced relative to the amount of hydrogen consumed by hydrogen consumption equipment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to this disclosure, it is possible to predict the amount of hydrogen produced, which is affected by weather conditions, and to transmit information on the shortage of hydrogen produced and stored relative to the amount of hydrogen consumed by hydrogen consumption facilities. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a system diagram showing a hydrogen supply system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] (A)(B) These are block diagrams showing the hardware configuration and functional configuration of a control unit provided in a hydrogen supply system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the flow of control of each part by the control unit of the hydrogen supply system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the flow of control of each part by the control unit of the hydrogen supply system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 5] (A)(B) These are process diagrams showing the steps for replacing the hydrogen storage alloy 20 in the hydrogen supply system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] (A) This is a process diagram showing the steps for replacing the hydrogen storage alloy 20 in the hydrogen supply system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7](A)(B) This is a process diagram showing the process of replacing the hydrogen storage alloy 20 in the hydrogen supply system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] (A)(B) This is a process diagram showing the process of replacing the hydrogen storage alloy 20 in the hydrogen supply system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This is a system diagram showing the hydrogen supply system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] (A)(B) This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration and functional configuration of the control unit provided in the hydrogen supply system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the flow in which each part is controlled by the control unit of the hydrogen supply system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing the flow in which each part is controlled by the control unit of the hydrogen supply system according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] <First Embodiment> An example of the hydrogen supply system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. As shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen supply system 100 is a system that supplies hydrogen produced by power generation using solar energy to the hydrogen consumption facility 110. The hydrogen consumption facility 110 is, for example, a fuel cell or a hydrogen boiler.

[0016] (Overall Configuration) As shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen supply system 100 includes a solar cell 10 that converts solar energy into electric power, and a hydrogen production device 14 that produces hydrogen using the electric power generated by the solar cell 10. Further, the hydrogen supply system 100 includes a plurality of hydrogen storage alloys 20 that store the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production device 14 and supply the stored hydrogen to the hydrogen consumption facility 110, and a control unit 90 that controls each part.

[0017] Furthermore, the hydrogen supply system 100 includes a power line 30 through which electricity generated by the solar cell 10 flows to the hydrogen production device 14, and a main channel 32 through which hydrogen produced in the hydrogen production device 14 flows to the hydrogen storage alloy 20. In addition, the hydrogen supply system 100 includes a supply channel 36 through which hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage alloy 20 to the hydrogen consumption equipment 110 flows.

[0018] [Hydrogen storage alloy 20] The hydrogen storage alloy 20 absorbs hydrogen when cooled and releases the stored hydrogen when heated or at room temperature. In this embodiment, multiple hydrogen storage alloys 20 are provided, and all of the hydrogen storage alloys 20 are portable hydrogen storage alloys that can be carried around.

[0019] Furthermore, each hydrogen storage alloy 20 is equipped with a storage amount memory unit 22 (see Figure 2(A)) that stores the amount of hydrogen currently stored.

[0020] [Control Unit 90] The control unit 90 shown in Figure 2(A) transmits information on the surplus or shortage of hydrogen produced relative to the hydrogen consumed by the hydrogen consumption equipment 110 on the predicted day, based on information from the central monitoring device 114, which monitors the operating schedule of the hydrogen consumption equipment 110, and the weather information unit 118, which transmits weather information (details will be described later).

[0021] -Hardware configuration of the control unit 90- As shown in Figure 2(A), the control unit 90 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 92, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 93, storage 94, and a communication interface 95. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 96 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0022] The CPU 91 is the central processing unit, which executes various programs and controls various components. Specifically, the CPU 91 reads programs from the ROM 92 or storage 94 and executes them using the RAM 93 as a working area. The CPU 91 controls each component and performs various calculations according to the programs stored in the ROM 92 or storage 94.

[0023] In this embodiment, for example, the ROM 92 or storage 94 stores a derivation program that predicts the power generated by the solar cell 10 based on weather information transmitted by the weather information unit 118, and derives the amount of hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production device 14 based on this power. Furthermore, the ROM 92 or storage 94 stores a derivation program that derives the amount of hydrogen consumed on predicted days from tomorrow onward, based on the operating schedule of the hydrogen consumption equipment 110.

[0024] RAM93 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. Storage94 consists of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data.

[0025] The communication interface 95 is an interface for the control unit 90 to communicate with the solar cell 10, the hydrogen production device 14, the storage amount memory unit 22 of the hydrogen storage alloy 20, the hydrogen consumption equipment 110, the central monitoring device 114, the weather information unit 118, and the on / off valves 130-138 (see Figure 5). Standards such as Ethernet®, FDDI, and Wi-Fi® are used.

[0026] When executing the above-described derivation program, the control unit 90 uses the above-described hardware resources to implement various functions. The functional configuration of the control unit 90 for implementing these various functions will be described below.

[0027] -Functional configuration of the control unit 90- As shown in Figure 2(B), the control unit 90 includes a receiving unit 90a, an output unit 90b, a determination unit 90c, and an information transmission unit 90d. Each functional configuration is realized by the CPU 91 reading and executing a drive program stored in the ROM 92 or storage 94. The control of each part by the control unit 90 will be explained later along with its operation.

[0028] (action) Next, the operation of the hydrogen supply system 100 will be explained using the flow diagrams shown in Figures 3 and 4. Specifically, the series of flows by the hydrogen supply system 100 can be divided into a forecast stage, which forecasts the production and consumption of hydrogen on the forecast date (tomorrow or later), and a daily stage, which is the forecast date itself.

[0029] [Prediction Stage] In step S100 shown in Figure 3, the receiving unit 90a obtains the operating schedule of the hydrogen consumption equipment 110 for the predicted day from the central monitoring device 114. The output unit 90b then derives (predicts) the amount of hydrogen consumed on the predicted day (the so-called "predicted hydrogen production amount") based on the operating schedule.

[0030] Furthermore, in step S200, the receiving unit 90a obtains weather information for the forecast day from the weather information unit 118. The derivation unit 90b then predicts the power generated by the solar cell 10 based on the weather information, and derives (predicts) the amount of hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production device 14 on the forecast day (the so-called "predicted hydrogen production amount") based on this power.

[0031] Furthermore, in step S300, the receiving unit 90a acquires the current amount of hydrogen stored by the hydrogen storage alloy 20. Specifically, the receiving unit 90a acquires the amount of hydrogen stored from the storage amount memory unit 22 of each hydrogen storage alloy 20. The output unit 90b then acquires the current amount of hydrogen stored, which is the sum of the hydrogen stored in each hydrogen storage alloy 20, based on the information acquired by the receiving unit 90a.

[0032] Furthermore, in step S400, the determination unit 90c determines whether the sum of the hydrogen production amount and the hydrogen storage amount is greater than the hydrogen consumption amount. If it is greater, the process proceeds to step S500; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S510.

[0033] In step S500, the output unit 90b derives the amount of hydrogen that can be absorbed into the hydrogen storage alloy 20 from the current hydrogen storage amount.

[0034] Furthermore, in step S600, the determination unit 90c determines whether the value obtained by subtracting the hydrogen consumption from the sum of the hydrogen production amount and the hydrogen storage amount is less than the hydrogen storage capacity. If it is less, the process proceeds to step S700; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S620.

[0035] Here, since step S700 is the same-day stage, we will first explain the flow of the prediction stage, which has not yet been explained.

[0036] As mentioned above, if the determination unit 90c determines in step S400 that the sum of the hydrogen production amount and the hydrogen storage amount is not greater than the hydrogen consumption amount, the process proceeds to step S510. In other words, if the determination unit 90c determines in step S400 that the sum of the hydrogen production amount and the hydrogen storage amount is equal to or less than the hydrogen consumption amount, the process proceeds to step S510.

[0037] In step S510, the information transmission unit 90d transmits information indicating a hydrogen shortage on the predicted date. Specifically, the information transmission unit 90d displays the hydrogen shortage information on an unillustrated bulletin board. Based on this, arrangements are made to receive new hydrogen storage alloy 20 on the predicted date to compensate for the shortage. Then, the process moves to step S610 of the day-of stage.

[0038] Furthermore, as mentioned above, if the determination unit 90c determines in step S600 that the value obtained by subtracting the hydrogen consumption from the sum of the hydrogen production amount and the hydrogen storage amount is not less than the hydrogen storage capacity, the process proceeds to step S620. In other words, if the determination unit 90c determines in step S600 that the value obtained by subtracting the hydrogen consumption from the sum of the hydrogen production amount and the hydrogen storage amount is equal to or greater than the hydrogen storage capacity, the process proceeds to step S620.

[0039] In step S620, the information transmission unit 90d transmits information indicating that there will be a surplus of hydrogen on the predicted date. Specifically, the information transmission unit 90d displays information indicating that there will be a surplus of hydrogen on the predicted date on a bulletin board (not shown). Based on this, arrangements are made to ship the hydrogen storage alloy 20 installed in the hydrogen supply system 100 on the predicted date so that the surplus hydrogen can be taken out of the hydrogen supply system 100. Then, the process moves to step S625 of the day stage.

[0040] [Stage on the day] In step S510 of the prediction stage, arrangements are made to receive new hydrogen storage alloys 20 containing hydrogen on the predicted date, and the process moves to step S610 of the day stage. In step S610, the hydrogen storage alloys 20 that do not contain hydrogen are replaced in the hydrogen supply system 100 with the newly received hydrogen storage alloys 20.

[0041] Furthermore, in step S620 of the prediction stage, arrangements are made to ship the hydrogen storage alloy 20 installed in the hydrogen supply system 100 on the predicted date, and the process moves to step S625 of the same-day stage. In step S625, the hydrogen storage alloy 20 with sufficient hydrogen stored is shipped from the hydrogen supply system 100 and replaced with the hydrogen storage alloy 20 that does not store hydrogen.

[0042] Here, we will describe an example of the process of replacing the hydrogen storage alloy 20 installed in the hydrogen supply system 100.

[0043] First, the process of replacing a hydrogen storage alloy 20 that does not contain hydrogen with a newly received hydrogen storage alloy 20 will be explained using Figures 5 and 6.

[0044] The hydrogen supply system 100 is equipped with eight hydrogen storage alloys 20, as shown in Figure 5(A). For the sake of explanation, from left to right in the figure, they are referred to as hydrogen storage alloys 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f, 20g, and 20h. Furthermore, there is a flow path 120 through which hydrogen flows from the hydrogen production device 14 to the hydrogen consumption equipment 110, and branch flow paths 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, and 122h that connect the hydrogen storage alloys 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f, 20g, and 20h to the flow path 120, respectively.

[0045] Furthermore, in the flow path 120, on-off valves 130, 132, 134, 136, and 138 are provided in this order from the upstream side in the direction of hydrogen flow. In addition, on-off valves 140a, 140b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, and 122h are provided in the branch flow paths 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, and 122h, respectively.

[0046] First, as shown in Figure 5(A), valves 132, 140e, 140f, 140g, and 140h are closed, and the other valves are opened. As a result, hydrogen storage alloys 20a and 20b absorb hydrogen, and hydrogen storage alloys 20c and 20d supply hydrogen. In this state, hydrogen storage alloys 20e, 20f, 20g, and 20h have sufficient hydrogen stored.

[0047] Furthermore, once the hydrogen storage alloys 20c and 20d have supplied all the hydrogen, the on-off valves 132, 134, 140c, 140d, 140g, and 140h are closed, and the other on-off valves are opened, as shown in Figure 5(B). As a result, the hydrogen storage alloys 20a and 20b absorb hydrogen, and the hydrogen storage alloys 20e and 20f supply hydrogen. In this state, the hydrogen storage alloys 20c and 20d are replaced with new hydrogen storage alloys 20.

[0048] Furthermore, once the hydrogen storage alloys 20e and 20f have supplied all the hydrogen, the on-off valves 132, 134, 136, 140c, 140d, 140e, and 140f are closed, and the other on-off valves are opened, as shown in Figure 6. As a result, the hydrogen storage alloys 20a and 20b absorb hydrogen, and the hydrogen storage alloys 20g and 20h supply hydrogen. In this state, the hydrogen storage alloys 20e and 20f are replaced with new hydrogen storage alloys 20.

[0049] By repeating this process sequentially, hydrogen storage alloys 20 that do not store hydrogen are replaced with newly received hydrogen storage alloys 20.

[0050] Next, the process of shipping hydrogen storage alloys 20 with sufficient hydrogen stored from the hydrogen supply system 100 and exchanging them for hydrogen storage alloys 20 that do not store hydrogen will be explained using Figures 7 and 8.

[0051] First, as shown in Figure 7(A), the on-off valves 132, 140e, 140f, 140g, and 140h are closed, and the other on-off valves are opened. As a result, hydrogen storage alloys 20a and 20b absorb hydrogen, and hydrogen storage alloys 20c and 20d supply hydrogen. In this state, hydrogen storage alloys 20e, 20f, 20g, and 20h have sufficient hydrogen stored.

[0052] Then, as shown in Figure 7(B), the hydrogen storage alloys 20e and 20f are replaced with the hydrogen storage alloy 20 that does not store hydrogen.

[0053] When hydrogen storage alloy 20 is replaced and hydrogen storage alloys 20a and 20b have absorbed sufficient hydrogen, as shown in Figure 8(A), the on-off valves 134, 136, 140a, and 140b are closed and the other on-off valves are opened. As a result, hydrogen storage alloys 20c and 20d absorb hydrogen, and hydrogen storage alloys 20g and 20h supply hydrogen.

[0054] When hydrogen storage alloys 20c and 20d have absorbed sufficient hydrogen, they close valves 136, 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d, as shown in Figure 8(B), and open the other valves. This allows hydrogen storage alloys 20e and 20f to absorb hydrogen, and hydrogen storage alloys 20g and 20h to supply hydrogen. In this state, hydrogen storage alloys 20a and 20b are replaced with empty hydrogen storage alloys 20 that do not store hydrogen.

[0055] By repeating this process sequentially, hydrogen storage alloys 20 with sufficient hydrogen stored are shipped out and exchanged for hydrogen storage alloys 20 that do not have hydrogen stored.

[0056] Once the above exchanges are complete, the system proceeds to step S700 shown in Figure 4. In step S700, the receiving unit 90a acquires the actual measured value of the current power generation from the solar cell 10.

[0057] Furthermore, in step S800, the derivation unit 90b derives the current amount of hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production device 14 based on the actual value of the power generation amount.

[0058] Furthermore, in step S900, the receiving unit 90a obtains the operating schedule of the hydrogen consumption equipment 110 for the day from the central monitoring device 114. The output unit 90b then derives the amount of hydrogen consumed for the day based on the operating schedule.

[0059] Furthermore, in step S1000, the receiving unit 90a obtains the amount of hydrogen currently stored by the hydrogen storage alloy 20. Specifically, the receiving unit 90a obtains the amount of hydrogen stored from the storage amount memory unit 22 of each hydrogen storage alloy 20.

[0060] Furthermore, in step S1100, the determination unit 90c determines whether the sum of the hydrogen production amount and the hydrogen storage amount is greater than the hydrogen consumption amount. If it is greater, the process proceeds to step S1200; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1210.

[0061] In step S1200, hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production device 14 is absorbed into each hydrogen storage alloy 20 until each hydrogen storage alloy 20 reaches its storage limit.

[0062] Furthermore, in step S1300, if the hydrogen storage alloy 20 reaches its storage limit, the power generated by the solar cell 10 is supplied to another system instead of the hydrogen production device 14. Then, after a predetermined time (for example, 30 to 60 minutes) has elapsed, step S700 is executed again.

[0063] On the other hand, as mentioned above, if the determination unit 90c determines in step S1100 that the sum of the hydrogen production amount and the hydrogen storage amount is not greater than the hydrogen consumption amount, the process proceeds to step S1210. In other words, if the determination unit 90c determines in step S1100 that the sum of the hydrogen production amount and the hydrogen storage amount is equal to or less than the hydrogen consumption amount, the process proceeds to step S1210.

[0064] In step S1210, the information transmission unit 90d transmits information about a hydrogen shortage for the day. Specifically, the information transmission unit 90d displays the hydrogen shortage information for the day on a bulletin board (not shown). Based on this, arrangements are made to receive new hydrogen storage alloy 20 to replenish the shortage.

[0065] Furthermore, in step S1310, if there is a hydrogen storage alloy 20 that does not contain hydrogen, it is replaced with a newly received hydrogen storage alloy 20. Then, after a predetermined time (for example, 30 to 60 minutes) has elapsed, step S700 is executed again.

[0066] (summary) As explained above, in the hydrogen supply system 100, in step S200 of the prediction stage, the derivation unit 90b predicts the power generated by the solar cell 10 based on weather information, and derives (predicts) the amount of hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production device 14 on the predicted day based on this power. Furthermore, in step S400 of the prediction stage, the determination unit 90c determines whether the sum of the amount of hydrogen produced and the amount of hydrogen stored is greater than the amount of hydrogen consumed. In addition, in step S510 of the prediction stage, the information transmission unit 90d transmits information indicating that there will be a shortage of hydrogen on the predicted day. In this way, it is possible to predict the amount of hydrogen produced, which is affected by the weather, and transmit information about the shortage of hydrogen produced and stored relative to the amount of hydrogen consumed by the hydrogen consumption equipment.

[0067] Furthermore, in the hydrogen supply system 100, in step S500 of the prediction stage, the derivation unit 90b derives the amount of hydrogen that can be absorbed into the hydrogen storage alloy 20 from the current amount of hydrogen stored. In step S600 of the prediction stage, the determination unit 90c determines whether the value obtained by subtracting the amount of hydrogen consumed from the sum of the amount of hydrogen produced and the amount of hydrogen stored is less than the amount of hydrogen that can be absorbed. In addition, in step S620 of the prediction stage, the information transmission unit 90d transmits surplus information indicating that there will be a surplus of hydrogen on the predicted day. In this way, it is possible to predict the amount of hydrogen produced, which is affected by the weather, and transmit surplus information about the amount of hydrogen produced relative to the amount of hydrogen consumed by the hydrogen consumption equipment.

[0068] <Second Embodiment> An example of a hydrogen supply system according to the second embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 12. The hydrogen supply system according to the second embodiment will primarily be described in terms of its differences from the first embodiment.

[0069] (Overall structure) As shown in Figure 9, the hydrogen supply system 200 comprises a solar cell 10, a hydrogen production device 14, a hydrogen storage alloy 20, a battery 214, and a control unit 290 that controls each component. Furthermore, the hydrogen supply system 200 includes a wire 230 connecting the solar cell 10 and the battery 214, and a wire 232 connecting the hydrogen production device 14 and the battery 214.

[0070] [Control Unit 290] -Hardware configuration of control unit 290- As shown in Figure 10(A), the control unit 290 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 291, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 292, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 293, storage 294, and a communication interface 295. Each component is connected to the others via a bus 296 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0071] The communication interface 295 is an interface for the control unit 290 to communicate with the solar cell 10, hydrogen production equipment 14, hydrogen storage alloy 20, hydrogen consumption equipment 110, central monitoring device 114, storage battery 214, and weather information unit 118, etc.

[0072] -Functional configuration of the control unit 290- As shown in Figure 10(B), the control unit 290 includes a receiving unit 290a, an output unit 290b, a determination unit 290c, and an information transmission unit 290d.

[0073] (action) Next, the operation of the hydrogen supply system 200 will be explained using the flow charts shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0074] [Prediction Stage] Steps S3100 to S3400 shown in Figure 11 are the same as steps S100 to S400 according to the first embodiment.

[0075] Then, in step S3400, the determination unit 290c determines whether the sum of the hydrogen production amount and the hydrogen storage amount is greater than the hydrogen consumption amount. If it is greater, the process proceeds to step S3500; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S3510.

[0076] In step S3500, the derivation unit 290b derives the amount of hydrogen that can be absorbed into the hydrogen storage alloy 20 from the current hydrogen storage amount.

[0077] Furthermore, in step S3600, the determination unit 290c determines whether the value obtained by subtracting the hydrogen consumption from the sum of the hydrogen production amount and the hydrogen storage amount is less than the hydrogen storage capacity. If it is less, the process proceeds to step S3700; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S3620.

[0078] Here, since step S3700 is the same-day stage, we will first explain the flow of the prediction stage, which has not yet been explained.

[0079] As mentioned above, if the determination unit 290c determines in step S3400 that the sum of the hydrogen production amount and the hydrogen storage amount is not greater than the hydrogen consumption amount, the process proceeds to step S3510. In other words, if the determination unit 290c determines in step S3400 that the sum of the hydrogen production amount and the hydrogen storage amount is equal to or less than the hydrogen consumption amount, the process proceeds to step S3510.

[0080] In step S3510, the receiving unit 290a obtains the current amount of stored energy from the battery 214.

[0081] Furthermore, in step S3515, the derivation unit 290b derives the amount of hydrogen that can be produced by the hydrogen production device 14 based on the amount of energy currently stored in the battery 214.

[0082] In step S3520, the determination unit 290c determines whether the sum of the hydrogen production amount, hydrogen storage amount, and hydrogen production capacity is greater than the hydrogen consumption amount. If it is greater, the process proceeds to step S3700; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S3525.

[0083] Furthermore, in step S3525, the information transmission unit 290d transmits information indicating a hydrogen shortage on the predicted date. Based on this, arrangements are made to deliver new hydrogen storage alloy 20 to the hydrogen supply system 200 on the predicted date to compensate for the shortage. Then, the process moves to step S3530, the day-of stage.

[0084] Furthermore, as mentioned above, if the determination unit 290c determines in step S3600 that the value obtained by subtracting the hydrogen consumption from the sum of the hydrogen production amount and the hydrogen storage amount is not less than the hydrogen storage capacity, the process proceeds to step S3620. In other words, if the determination unit 290c determines that the value obtained by subtracting the hydrogen consumption from the sum of the hydrogen production amount and the hydrogen storage amount is equal to or greater than the hydrogen storage capacity, the process proceeds to step S3620.

[0085] In step S3620, the receiving unit 290a obtains the current amount of stored energy from the battery 214.

[0086] Furthermore, in step S3625, the determination unit 290c determines whether the surplus power from the solar cell 10 can be stored in the storage battery 214. If it can be stored, the process proceeds to step S3700; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S3630.

[0087] Furthermore, in step S3630, the information transmission unit 290d transmits surplus information indicating that there will be a hydrogen surplus on the predicted date. Based on this, arrangements are made to ship the hydrogen storage alloy 20 installed in the hydrogen supply system 200 on the predicted date so that the surplus hydrogen can be taken out of the hydrogen supply system 200. Then, the process moves on to step S3635 of the day-of stage.

[0088] [Stage on the day] In step S3525 of the prediction stage, arrangements are made to receive new hydrogen storage alloy 20 on the predicted date, and the process moves to step S3530 of the day stage. In step S3530, as shown in Figure 12, the hydrogen storage alloy 20 that does not store hydrogen is replaced with the new hydrogen storage alloy 20 that has been received into the hydrogen supply system 200.

[0089] Furthermore, in step S3630 of the prediction stage, arrangements are made to ship the hydrogen storage alloy 20 installed in the hydrogen supply system 200 on the predicted date, and the process moves to step S3635 of the same-day stage. In step S3635, as shown in Figure 12, the hydrogen storage alloy 20 with sufficient hydrogen stored is shipped from the hydrogen supply system 200 and exchanged for the hydrogen storage alloy 20 that does not have hydrogen stored.

[0090] Once the above exchange is complete, in step S3700, the receiving unit 290a acquires the actual measured value of the current power generation from the solar cell 10.

[0091] Furthermore, in step S3800, the derivation unit 290b derives the current amount of hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production device 14 based on the actual value of the power generation amount.

[0092] In step S3900, the receiving unit 290a obtains the operating schedule of the hydrogen consumption equipment 110 for the day from the central monitoring device 114. The output unit 290b then derives the amount of hydrogen consumed for the day based on the operating schedule.

[0093] Furthermore, in step S4000, the receiving unit 290a acquires the amount of hydrogen currently stored by the hydrogen storage alloy 20. Specifically, the receiving unit 290a acquires the amount of hydrogen stored from the storage amount memory unit 22 of each hydrogen storage alloy 20.

[0094] Furthermore, in step S4100, the determination unit 290c determines whether the sum of the hydrogen production amount and the hydrogen storage amount is greater than the hydrogen consumption amount. If it is greater, the process proceeds to step S4200; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S4210.

[0095] In step S4200, hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production device 14 is absorbed into each hydrogen storage alloy 20 until each hydrogen storage alloy 20 reaches its storage limit.

[0096] Furthermore, in step S4300, if the hydrogen storage alloy 20 reaches its storage limit, the power generated by the solar cell 10 is supplied to another system instead of being supplied to the hydrogen production device 14. In addition, if the battery 214 is able to store power, the power is supplied to the battery 214. Then, after a predetermined time (for example, 30 to 60 minutes) has elapsed, step S3700 is executed again.

[0097] On the other hand, as mentioned above, if the determination unit 290c determines in step S4100 that the sum of the hydrogen production amount and the hydrogen storage amount is not greater than the hydrogen consumption amount, the process proceeds to step S4210. In other words, if the determination unit 290c determines in step S4100 that the sum of the hydrogen production amount and the hydrogen storage amount is equal to or less than the hydrogen consumption amount, the process proceeds to step S4210.

[0098] In step S4210, the information transmission unit 290d transmits information indicating a hydrogen shortage for the day. Based on this, arrangements are made to deliver new hydrogen storage alloy 20 to compensate for the shortage.

[0099] Furthermore, in step S4310, if there is a hydrogen storage alloy 20 that does not contain hydrogen, it is replaced with a newly received hydrogen storage alloy 20. Then, after a predetermined time (for example, 30 to 60 minutes) has elapsed, step S3700 is executed again.

[0100] (summary) As explained above, in the hydrogen supply system 200, in step S3200 of the prediction stage, the derivation unit 290b predicts the power generated by the solar cell 10 based on weather information, and derives the amount of hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production device 14 on the predicted day based on this power. Furthermore, in step S3400 of the prediction stage, the determination unit 190c determines whether the sum of the amount of hydrogen produced and the amount of hydrogen stored is greater than the amount of hydrogen consumed. In addition, in S3525 of the prediction stage, if the determination unit 290c determines that the sum of the amount of hydrogen produced, the amount of hydrogen stored, and the amount of hydrogen that can be produced is equal to or less than the amount of hydrogen consumed, the information transmission unit 290d transmits a shortage information that there will be a hydrogen shortage on the predicted day. In this way, it is possible to predict the amount of hydrogen produced, which is affected by the weather, and transmit a shortage information of hydrogen produced and stored relative to the amount of hydrogen consumed by the hydrogen consumption equipment.

[0101] Furthermore, in the hydrogen supply system 200, in step S3630, if the determination unit 290c determines that surplus power cannot be stored by the battery 214, the information transmission unit 290d transmits surplus information indicating that there will be a surplus of hydrogen on the predicted day. In this way, it is possible to predict the amount of hydrogen produced, which is affected by weather conditions, and transmit surplus information about the hydrogen produced relative to the hydrogen consumed by the hydrogen consumption equipment.

[0102] Although this disclosure has described in detail a particular embodiment, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure is not limited to such embodiments, and that various other embodiments can be taken within the scope of this disclosure. In the first embodiment described above, in step S620, the information transmission unit 90d transmitted surplus information indicating that there would be a surplus of hydrogen on the predicted day. However, for example, in step S400 of this application, if the determination unit 90c determines that the sum of the hydrogen production amount and the hydrogen storage amount is greater than the hydrogen consumption amount, the information transmission unit 90d may transmit surplus information indicating that there would be a surplus of hydrogen on the predicted day. This eliminates the step by which the derivation unit 90b derives the amount of hydrogen that can be absorbed into the hydrogen storage alloy 20 from the current hydrogen storage amount.

[0103] Furthermore, although not specifically described in the above embodiment, the prediction stage may be performed the day before the current day stage. In such a case, the prediction stage and the current day stage for the predicted day (the current day) predicted by the prediction stage of the previous day are performed in parallel on the same day. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 10 Solar Cells 14. Hydrogen production equipment 20 Hydrogen storage alloys 90 Control Unit 100 Hydrogen supply systems 110 Hydrogen Consumption Equipment 200 Hydrogen supply system

Claims

1. Solar cells convert the light energy of sunlight into electricity, A hydrogen production apparatus that produces hydrogen using the power of the aforementioned solar cell, A hydrogen storage alloy that absorbs hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production apparatus and supplies the absorbed hydrogen to a hydrogen consumption facility that consumes the absorbed hydrogen, A control unit that derives the amount of hydrogen to be consumed by the hydrogen consumption equipment on the predicted days from tomorrow onwards from the operating schedule of the hydrogen consumption equipment, obtains the amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage alloy, derives the amount of hydrogen that the hydrogen production device can produce using the electricity from the solar cells from the weather information on the predicted day, and if the sum of the amount of hydrogen produced and the amount of hydrogen stored is equal to or less than the amount of hydrogen consumption, transmits a hydrogen shortage information that there will be a hydrogen shortage on the predicted day. A hydrogen supply system equipped with the following features.

2. The control unit, if the sum of the hydrogen production amount and the hydrogen storage amount is greater than the hydrogen consumption amount, transmits surplus information indicating that there will be a hydrogen surplus on the predicted day. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 1, comprising:

3. The control unit obtains the amount of hydrogen that can be absorbed by the hydrogen storage alloy based on the amount of hydrogen stored, and if the value obtained by subtracting the amount of hydrogen consumed from the sum of the amount of hydrogen produced and the amount of hydrogen stored is greater than the amount of hydrogen that can be absorbed, it transmits surplus information indicating that there will be a surplus of hydrogen on the predicted date. The hydrogen supply system according to claim 1, comprising:

Images