Information processing systems and cartridges

Abstract

This will enable the determination of the amount of hydrogen absorbed by hydrogen storage alloys. [Solution] The parameter acquisition unit acquires the change parameter (step S101). In step S102, the identification unit identifies the remaining amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the change parameter acquired by the parameter acquisition unit and the related information stored in the memory unit (step S102). In step S103, the identification unit registers the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge identified in step S102 in the management table (step S103).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system.

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, a hydrogen cartridge including a hydrogen storage alloy is detachable, and a device operable using the hydrogen cartridge as an energy source is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A fuel cell that supplies electric power by generating electricity using fuel is known. When using hydrogen fuel, a hydrogen storage alloy may be used for storing the fuel. However, conventionally, it has been difficult to grasp the amount of hydrogen stored in this hydrogen storage alloy. An object of the present invention is to enable identification of the amount of hydrogen stored in a hydrogen storage alloy.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An information processing system to which the present invention is applied includes an acquisition unit that acquires a parameter that changes according to consumption of hydrogen supplied from a hydrogen storage alloy, and a specification unit that specifies the amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the parameter acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0006] Here, the acquisition means may acquire information output from a detection unit that detects the amount of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage alloy to the outside of the hydrogen storage alloy as the parameter, and the identification means may identify the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the information output from the detection unit that detects the amount of hydrogen. Furthermore, the acquisition means may acquire the amount of power generated by the fuel cell unit, which generates power using hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage alloy, as the parameter, and the identification means may identify the amount of hydrogen absorbed by the hydrogen storage alloy based on the amount of power generated. Furthermore, the acquisition means may acquire information output from a detection unit that detects the amount of product generated when power is generated using hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage alloy, and the identification means may identify the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the information output from the detection unit that detects the amount of product. Furthermore, the acquisition means may acquire the hydrogen supply time of the hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage alloy to the fuel cell unit that generates electricity using hydrogen as the parameter, and the identification means may identify the amount of hydrogen absorbed by the hydrogen storage alloy based on the hydrogen supply time. Furthermore, the identification means may determine the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the parameters obtained by the acquisition means and temperature information, which is information about the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy. Furthermore, the system may further include a degradation information acquisition means for acquiring degradation information, which is information about the degradation of the hydrogen storage alloy, and the identification means may identify the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the parameters acquired by the acquisition means and the degradation information acquired by the degradation information acquisition means. Furthermore, the identification means may correct the initial value of the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the degradation information, and then identify the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the corrected initial value and the parameters obtained by the acquisition means. Furthermore, the deterioration information acquisition means may acquire information regarding the number of times hydrogen has been filled into the hydrogen storage alloy as deterioration information. Furthermore, the deterioration information acquisition means may acquire the elapsed time from a predetermined reference time as the deterioration information.

[0007] From another perspective, the information processing system to which the present invention applies is an information processing system comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring information about the operating status of a device to which electricity generated by power generation using hydrogen supplied from a hydrogen storage alloy is supplied; and an identification means for identifying the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the information about the operating status of the device acquired by the acquisition means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to determine the amount of hydrogen absorbed by a hydrogen storage alloy. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the management system for a fuel cell. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the hardware configuration of the management server. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the functional blocks implemented by the management server. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the flow of processes executed on the management server. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the relationship between the change parameter and the amount of hydrogen consumed. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the management table registered in the memory unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] <Management System Configuration> Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing a fuel cell management system 10. The management system 10 of this embodiment is provided with a fuel cell 11 that generates electricity. A plurality of these fuel cells 11 are provided. The fuel cell 11 is installed, for example, in a house or a factory. There are also portable fuel cells 11. The portable fuel cell 11 is taken out, for example, to a campsite and used outdoors. Also, the fuel cell 11 is installed, for example, in home appliances. Supply of fuel to the fuel cell 11 is performed by a cartridge 12 that stores the fuel.

[0011] Each user attaches the cartridge 12 to the housing in which the fuel cell 11 is installed. Thereby, fuel is supplied from the cartridge 12 to the fuel cell 11. Power generation is performed in the fuel cell 11. When the fuel cell 11 is installed in a house, a factory, or outdoors, the power generated by the fuel cell 11 is supplied to equipment installed around the fuel cell 11. Also, when the fuel cell 11 is installed in a home appliance, the power generated by the fuel cell 11 is supplied to this home appliance.

[0012] Furthermore, the management system 10 of this embodiment is provided with a management server 20. As will be described later, the management server 20 acquires parameters that change according to fuel consumption and identifies the remaining amount of fuel in the cartridge 12.

[0013] Here, in the fuel cell 11, power is generated by a pair of oxidation-reduction reactions using a fuel such as hydrogen and an oxidant. As the oxidant, oxygen in the air is often used. The fuel is supplied from the above-described cartridge 12 to the fuel cell 11. In this embodiment, the cartridge 12 stores a hydrogen storage alloy M that stores hydrogen as fuel. Hydrogen is supplied as fuel from the cartridge 12 to the fuel cell 11. Also, air around the fuel cell 11 is supplied to the fuel cell 11. In the fuel cell 11, hydrogen, which is a gas, and oxygen contained in the air are used to generate electricity.

[0014] Two electrodes are installed in the fuel cell 11. Also, an electrolyte is provided between the two electrodes. Further, an electric wire connecting the two electrodes is provided. In the fuel cell 11, at one electrode, hydrogen is decomposed into hydrogen ions and electrons. The hydrogen ions move through the electrolyte to the other electrode. The electrons move through the electric wire to the other electrode. Due to the movement of these electrons, electric power is generated. At the other electrode, oxygen contained in the air, hydrogen ions that have passed through the electrolyte, and electrons that have moved through the electric wire react to produce water as an example of the product.

[0015] <Hardware Configuration of the Management Server> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the management server 20. <00001​​​​​​​​​​​​The program executed by CPU911 can be provided to the management server 20 via a recording medium. Examples of recording media include magnetic recording media such as magnetic tapes and magnetic disks. Other examples of recording media include optical recording media such as optical disks. Furthermore, magneto-optical recording media are another example. Finally, semiconductor memory is another example of a recording medium. Furthermore, the program executed by CPU911 may be provided to the management server 20 using communication means such as the internet. In this embodiment, the CPU 911 executes programs stored in the ROM 912 and the information storage device 902.

[0017] Figure 3 shows the functional blocks implemented by the management server 20. In this embodiment, the CPU 911 provided in the management server 20 executes a program stored in the ROM 912, thereby realizing each of the functional units shown in Figure 3. In this embodiment, the management server 20 functions as an information processing system. The management server 20 processes information about the fuel cell 11. In this embodiment, the information processing system is implemented by a single device, the management server 20. However, the information processing system is not limited to this and may be composed of multiple information processing devices.

[0018] <Management Server Functional Configuration> In this embodiment, the functional units include a parameter acquisition unit 21, a storage unit 22, a specification unit 23, and a degradation information acquisition unit 24.

[0019] The parameter acquisition unit 21 acquires parameters that change according to the consumption of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage alloy M provided in the cartridge 12. In the following, this parameter may be referred to as the "variation parameter." There are several types of change parameters, such as the hydrogen flow rate, hydrogen supply time, the amount of power generated in the fuel cell 11, and the amount of the above-mentioned products produced in the oxidation-reduction reaction. The above-mentioned parameters are merely examples and are not the only ones that can be changed.

[0020] In this embodiment, by providing a sensor as an example of a detection unit in the fuel cell 11 or cartridge 12, the change parameter can be detected. The parameter acquisition unit 21 acquires the change parameters detected by the detection unit.

[0021] The memory unit 22 stores various types of information. The storage unit 22 stores, for example, identification information for each cartridge 12, which is information that identifies the cartridge 12. Each cartridge 12 is pre-assigned identification information to identify it. Each of these identification pieces of information is pre-registered in the storage unit 22. More specifically, each of these identification pieces of information is pre-registered in a management table stored in the storage unit 22, which will be described later.

[0022] Furthermore, the memory unit 22 stores the amount of hydrogen filled in each cartridge 12. More specifically, the memory unit 22 stores the initial value of the amount of hydrogen in each cartridge 12. In other words, the memory unit 22 stores the amount of hydrogen in each cartridge 12 before use begins. Furthermore, the memory unit 22 stores relationship information showing the relationship between the change parameters and the amount of hydrogen consumed. Furthermore, the memory unit 22 stores the remaining amount of hydrogen for each cartridge 12.

[0023] The identification unit 23 identifies the amount of hydrogen absorbed by the hydrogen storage alloy M. In other words, the identification unit 23 identifies the remaining amount of hydrogen absorbed by the hydrogen storage alloy M. The identification unit 23 identifies the amount of hydrogen absorbed by the hydrogen storage alloy M based on the change parameters acquired by the parameter acquisition unit 21 and the relationship information stored in the storage unit 22. The identification of the amount of hydrogen will be described later.

[0024] The degradation information acquisition unit 24 acquires degradation information, which is information about the degradation of the hydrogen storage alloy M. The cartridge 12, which is equipped with a hydrogen storage alloy M, can be reused repeatedly by filling it with hydrogen. However, repeated use may cause deterioration of the hydrogen storage alloy M. Furthermore, deterioration of the hydrogen storage alloy M may occur over time after the start of use of the cartridge 12.

[0025] Degradation of the hydrogen storage alloy M can lead to, for example, a decrease in its hydrogen storage capacity. In this embodiment, the degradation information acquisition unit 24 acquires information such as the number of times hydrogen has been filled into the hydrogen storage alloy M as degradation information. Furthermore, the degradation information acquisition unit 24 also acquires other degradation information, such as the elapsed time from a predetermined reference time. Examples of predetermined reference times include the manufacturing date of the cartridge 12 and the start date and time of use of the cartridge 12.

[0026] <Management Server Processing Flow> Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed on the management server 20. In this embodiment, first, a parameter acquisition unit 21, which is an example of an acquisition means, acquires the change parameter (step S101). The parameter acquisition unit 21 acquires the change parameters for each cartridge 12.

[0027] Although not explained above, in this embodiment, each of the cartridges 12 is provided with a communication unit for communicating with external devices. In addition, each of the cartridges 12 is provided with a control board for controlling the various parts of the cartridge 12. The communications unit outputs change parameters to external devices. Examples of external devices include the user's smartphone or PC (Personal Computer). In this embodiment, the communication unit outputs a change parameter that changes according to the hydrogen consumption. In this embodiment, a change parameter is output from a sensor, which is an example of a detection unit. The communication unit outputs this change parameter obtained from the sensor.

[0028] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the use of cartridge 12 is initiated, the communication unit outputs start information, which is information indicating that the use of cartridge 12 has begun. The cartridge 12 is equipped with a sensor that detects fuel discharge. The cartridge 12 detects that use has begun when this sensor detects fuel discharge. In response, the communication unit of the cartridge 12 outputs start information.

[0029] The start information and change parameters output from the communication unit are received by the aforementioned external devices located in the vicinity, either via wired or wireless connection. In other words, this start information and change parameters are received by the user's communication device, such as a smartphone or PC. The start information and change parameters are then transmitted to the management server 20 via this communication device. A communication line (not shown) is provided between this communication device and the management server 20 to connect them.

[0030] As a result, the management server 20 obtains start information, which is information indicating that the cartridge 12 has been put into use. The start information includes the date and time when the cartridge 12 was put into use. Furthermore, the management server 20 acquires change parameters that change according to hydrogen consumption. The management server 20 obtains start information and change parameters for each cartridge 12.

[0031] Each of the cartridges 12 is provided with a memory (not shown). This memory stores identification information, which is used to distinguish each cartridge 12 from other cartridges 12. Each of the cartridges 12 outputs this identification information in addition to the start information and change parameters. As a result, the management server 20 obtains the start information, change parameters, and identification information for each cartridge 12.

[0032] The start information and change parameters acquired by the management server 20 are temporarily registered in the management table stored in the storage unit 22. This registration is performed using identification information as the key. The management table already contains the identification information assigned to each of the cartridges 12. The start information and change parameters transmitted from the cartridge 12 along with the identification information are registered in the management table in a manner that corresponds to the identification information already registered in the management table.

[0033] Refer to Figure 4 for further explanation. After the processing in step S101, the processing in step S102 is performed. In step S102, the identification unit 23, which is an example of an identification means, identifies the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy M based on the change parameters acquired by the parameter acquisition unit 21 and the relationship information stored in the storage unit 22. In other words, the identification unit 23 identifies the amount of remaining hydrogen in the hydrogen storage alloy M.

[0034] Specifically, the special unit 23 first reads the above information, which has been registered in the management table, from this management table. Specifically, the special unit 23 reads the change parameters, which have been registered in the management table, from this management table.

[0035] Next, the identification unit 23 reads out relationship information from the storage unit 22, which represents the relationship between the change parameter and the amount of hydrogen consumed. Although not explained above, in this embodiment, the storage unit 22 stores relationship information that describes the relationship between the change parameter and the amount of hydrogen consumed. The identification unit 23 reads this related information from the storage unit 22.

[0036] Figure 5 shows relationship information illustrating the relationship between the change parameters and hydrogen consumption. The change parameter registration field 51 contains the registered change parameters. Examples of change parameters include, as mentioned above, the hydrogen flow rate, hydrogen supply time, the amount of power generated in the fuel cell 11, and the amount of the above-mentioned products produced in the oxidation-reduction reaction. Furthermore, the hydrogen consumption registration field 52 contains the hydrogen consumption amount corresponding to the change in the change parameter.

[0037] In the example shown in Figure 5, the correspondence between the change parameter and hydrogen consumption is divided into five stages. Figure 5 shows the change in the change parameters, numbered 1 to 5. It also shows the hydrogen consumption corresponding to change parameters 1 to 5, also numbered 1 to 5. For values ​​1 through 5, 1 is the smallest value and 5 is the largest value. Each of the variable parameters 1 through 5 has an upper and lower limit, and a numerical range. In the example shown in Figure 5, a stepwise correspondence is shown without using specific numerical values; however, in reality, the relationship between the change parameter and hydrogen consumption is defined by numerical values. The memory unit 22 stores relational information showing the relationship between each type of change parameter and the amount of hydrogen consumed. In this embodiment, relational information is provided for each type of change parameter.

[0038] The identification unit 23 refers to the relationship information shown in Figure 5 and identifies the amount of hydrogen consumed from the acquired change parameters. For example, if the acquired change parameter belongs to change parameter 1, the identification unit 23 identifies that the hydrogen consumption is consumption 1. Then, the specific unit 23 subtracts this consumption amount of 1 from the latest remaining amount registered in the management table described later, and identifies the new remaining amount.

[0039] In this embodiment, the latest remaining amount of cartridge 12 is registered in the management table. When cartridge 12 is first used, the current remaining amount will be the initial value that was first registered in the management table.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the specific unit 23 determines the remaining amount of hydrogen, taking into account the deterioration of the hydrogen storage alloy M. Specifically, the specific unit 23 acquires deterioration information of the hydrogen storage alloy M, which is acquired by the deterioration information acquisition unit 24, which is an example of a deterioration information acquisition means. Then, the specific unit 23 corrects the initial value of the remaining hydrogen amount based on the acquired degradation information.

[0041] In this embodiment, the maximum amount of hydrogen absorbed by the hydrogen storage alloy M decreases depending on the number of hydrogen refills and the elapsed time from the reference point. In this embodiment, the initial value of this maximum amount of hydrogen storage alloy M is registered in the management table described later. The specific unit 23 corrects and changes this initial value based on the degradation information of the hydrogen storage alloy M. For example, if the hydrogen refueling cycle is two times, the specific unit 23 corrects this initial value by multiplying it by a predetermined coefficient less than 1. Then, if the specific unit 23 obtains the change parameter after the second filling has been performed, it subtracts the consumption amount calculated based on the change parameter from this corrected initial value to determine the latest remaining amount.

[0042] Figure 6 shows the management table registered in the storage unit 22. In this embodiment, information about each of the cartridges 12 is registered in the management table shown in Figure 6. The management table is stored in the storage unit 22. The management table contains user information, which includes identification information and information to identify the user, corresponding to each of the 12 cartridges.

[0043] The management table includes an identification information registration field 61, which is a field for registering identification information. The identification information of cartridge 12 is registered in the identification information registration field 61. Furthermore, the management table includes a user information registration field 62, which is used to register user information. User information is registered in the user information registration field 62. In this embodiment, each of the cartridges 12 is registered in a management table with its identification information and user information associated with each other.

[0044] In this embodiment, before the process shown in Figure 4 is started, identification information and user information are registered in the management table in advance. User information may include, for example, the user's name and address. Other examples of user information include information about where information is sent, such as an email address. Furthermore, user information may include the user's gender and age. This information is entered in advance by the user using a device such as a smartphone or PC. This information is then transmitted from the device to the management server 20 and registered in the management table of the storage unit 22.

[0045] Furthermore, the management table is provided with a start information registration field 63, which is a field for registering start information. In this embodiment, the acquired start information is registered in this start information registration field 63. Furthermore, the management table is provided with a change parameter registration field 64, which is a field for registering change parameters. In this embodiment, change parameters that are sequentially acquired and sent to the management server 20 are registered in the change parameter registration field 64. In this embodiment, identification information, start information, and change parameters are transmitted from the cartridge 12 to the management server 20. As described above, the management server 20 registers the start information and change parameters in the management table using the identification information as the key.

[0046] Furthermore, the management table includes a remaining amount registration field 65, which is a field for registering the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge 12. The remaining amount of hydrogen identified by the identification unit 23 is registered in this remaining amount registration field 65.

[0047] In this embodiment, when the change parameter is registered in the change parameter registration field 64 of the management table, the latest remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge 12 is identified based on this change parameter. Then, this latest remaining amount is registered in the remaining amount registration field 65.

[0048] Furthermore, the management table includes an initial value registration field 66, which is a field for registering the initial value of the hydrogen storage alloy M. The initial value for the maximum amount of hydrogen to be absorbed into the hydrogen storage alloy M is registered in the initial value registration field 66. As described above, this initial value is corrected based on the degradation information of hydrogen storage alloy M.

[0049] Furthermore, the management table includes a degradation information registration field 67, which is a field for registering degradation information related to the degradation of the hydrogen storage alloy M. The degradation information of the hydrogen storage alloy M is registered in the degradation information registration field 67. As mentioned above, degradation information includes the number of times hydrogen has been refilled into cartridge 12 and information regarding the degradation of cartridge 12 over time.

[0050] Although not explained above, each of the cartridges 12 is provided with a memory for registering the number of refills. In this embodiment, hydrogen is filled into the cartridge 12 at a location where filling equipment is available. When hydrogen is filled into the cartridge 12, 1 is added to the number of fillings currently registered in the memory. This updates the number of fillings.

[0051] When the cartridge 12 is installed in the fuel cell 11, the number of refills is read from the memory and sent to the user's smartphone, PC, or other communication device. This number of refills is then sent to the management server 20 via the aforementioned communication device. As a result, the deterioration information acquisition unit 24 of the management server 20 acquires this number of refills. This number of refills is then registered in the deterioration information registration field 67.

[0052] In this embodiment, as described above, the initial value of the hydrogen storage alloy M is corrected based on the degradation information of the hydrogen storage alloy M. In this embodiment, each piece of degradation information is registered in the storage unit 22 in a corresponding state to each of the coefficients used for correction. In this embodiment, the number of hydrogen refills is correlated with a coefficient such that the coefficient increases as the number of refills increases. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the elapsed time and the coefficient are associated such that the coefficient increases as the elapsed time from the reference time increases.

[0053] The specific unit 23 uses these correspondences to correct the above-mentioned initial values ​​for the initial values ​​of the hydrogen storage alloy M. Specifically, the identification unit 23 obtains a coefficient associated with the second hydrogen refueling, for example, if the hydrogen refueling count is the second time. Then, the identification unit 23 corrects the initial value using this coefficient. Then, the identification unit 23 subtracts the above consumption amount, which was determined based on the change parameter, from the corrected initial value to determine the remaining amount of hydrogen.

[0054] Furthermore, if the identification unit 23 obtains, for example, the elapsed time from the reference time, it obtains a coefficient associated with this elapsed time. Then, the identification unit 23 corrects the initial value using this coefficient. Then, the identification unit 23 subtracts the above consumption amount, which was determined based on the change parameter, from the corrected initial value to determine the remaining amount of hydrogen.

[0055] Refer to Figure 4 for further explanation. After the processing in step S102, the processing in step S103 is performed. In step S103, the identification unit 23 registers the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge 12, which was identified in step S102, in the management table. More specifically, the identification unit 23 registers the latest remaining amount of hydrogen in the remaining amount registration column 65 of the management table. This series of processes determines the remaining amount of hydrogen in cartridge 12.

[0056] <Specific example> Examples of variable parameters include, as mentioned above, the hydrogen flow rate, hydrogen supply time, the amount of power generated in the fuel cell 11, and the amount of the above-mentioned products produced in the oxidation-reduction reaction. When the specific unit 23 obtains the hydrogen flow rate as a change parameter, it obtains the hydrogen consumption amount corresponding to this hydrogen flow rate based on the relationship information shown in Figure 5. Subsequently, the specific unit 23, as described above, subtracts the acquired consumption amount from the initial value to determine the latest remaining amount. The specific unit 23 then registers this latest remaining amount in the remaining amount registration field 65.

[0057] As described above, if the hydrogen refueling count is the second or later, the specific unit 23 corrects the initial value, and then subtracts the acquired consumption amount from the corrected initial value to determine the latest remaining amount.

[0058] Furthermore, if the identification unit 23 obtains the elapsed time from the reference time, it corrects the initial value based on this elapsed time. Then, the identification unit 23 subtracts the obtained consumption amount from the corrected initial value to determine the latest remaining amount. Note that the above coefficient may not be set when the elapsed time from the reference point is short. In this case, the initial value will not be corrected when the elapsed time from the reference point is short.

[0059] Furthermore, if the specific unit 23 obtains, for example, the hydrogen supply time as a change parameter, it similarly obtains the amount of hydrogen consumed corresponding to this hydrogen supply time based on the relevant information. Subsequently, the identification unit 23, in the same manner as described above, subtracts the acquired consumption amount from the initial value to determine the latest remaining amount. The specific unit 23 then registers this latest remaining amount in the remaining amount registration field 65. As mentioned above, this initial value is corrected based on the number of fills and the time elapsed since the reference point.

[0060] If the variable parameter is the hydrogen supply time, it is preferable to also perform the above-mentioned consumption correction by subtracting it from the initial value. This is because the amount of hydrogen released from the hydrogen storage alloy M varies depending on the temperature, the number of times cartridge 12 has been used, and the time elapsed since the reference point. When the identification unit 23 acquires information such as temperature, number of uses, and elapsed time from the reference time, it acquires a coefficient to be used for correcting the consumption amount based on the information stored in the storage unit 22.

[0061] Although not explained above, the memory unit 22 stores information about temperature, number of uses, and elapsed time from a reference point, along with coefficients used to correct consumption, in a manner that is correlated with each other. The memory unit 22 registers the correspondence between information about temperature, number of uses, and elapsed time from a reference point, and coefficients used to correct consumption. The specific unit 23 obtains a coefficient based on this correspondence. Then, the specific unit 23 multiplies the above consumption amount, which is obtained based on the hydrogen supply time, which is a change parameter, by this coefficient to obtain the corrected consumption amount. Next, the identification unit 23 subtracts the corrected consumption amount from the initial value to determine the latest remaining amount. The coefficient used to correct for consumption may be greater than 1. For example, if the temperature of hydrogen storage alloy M is high, the release of hydrogen from hydrogen storage alloy M is promoted. In this case, a coefficient greater than 1 is used.

[0062] Furthermore, if the specific unit 23 obtains, for example, the amount of power generated in the fuel cell 11 as a change parameter, it similarly obtains the amount of hydrogen consumed corresponding to this amount of power generated, based on the relevant information. Subsequently, the identification unit 23, in the same manner as described above, subtracts the acquired consumption amount from the initial value to determine the latest remaining amount. The specific unit 23 then registers this latest remaining amount in the remaining amount registration field 65. As mentioned above, the initial value is corrected based on the number of fills and the time elapsed since the reference point.

[0063] When acquiring the power generation amount in the fuel cell 11 as a change parameter, information about the power generation amount in each fuel cell 11 is transmitted to the management server 20 from each fuel cell 11. The specific unit 23 obtains this information transmitted from the fuel cell 11 and acquires the amount of power generated by the fuel cell 11.

[0064] Furthermore, if the specific unit 23 obtains the amount of product generated in the redox reaction as a change parameter, it similarly obtains the amount of hydrogen consumed corresponding to this amount of product based on the related information. Water can be used as an example of the product. In this embodiment, information about the amount of water generated by the fuel cell 11 during power generation is acquired by a sensor installed in the fuel cell 11. In this embodiment, this information about the amount of water is transmitted from each of the fuel cells 11 to the management server 20. The specific unit 23 receives this information transmitted from the fuel cell 11 and obtains the amount of product. Then, based on this amount of product and related information, the specific unit 23 obtains the amount of hydrogen consumed. Subsequently, the identification unit 23, in the same manner as described above, subtracts the acquired consumption amount from the initial value to determine the latest remaining amount. The specific unit 23 then registers this latest remaining amount in the remaining amount registration field 65. As mentioned above, this initial value is corrected based on the number of fills and the time elapsed since the reference point.

[0065] Furthermore, the specific unit 23 may determine the amount of hydrogen consumed based on information about the operating status of the device to which power is supplied from the fuel cell 11. Information regarding the operating status could include, for example, the power consumption of the power supply device, which is the device to which the power is supplied. In addition, if the power supply device is equipped with a drive unit C (see Figure 1), such as a rotating body, information about the status of this drive unit C may also be acquired as information regarding the operating status.

[0066] Examples of supply devices include household appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners installed in individual homes. This supply device consumes power, for example, to perform its function, and drives the drive unit C. Examples of the drive unit C include a motor and a compressor. In this embodiment, hydrogen consumption can also be determined by identifying the power consumption of the supply device and the operating status of the drive unit C. In this embodiment, by providing sensors in the supply device, it is possible to detect the power consumption of the supply device, the driving status of the drive unit C, and the operating time.

[0067] In this embodiment, the supply device transmits information about the operating status of the supply device detected by the sensor to the management server 20. The specific unit 23 receives this information transmitted from the supply device and obtains information about the operating status of the supply device.

[0068] In this embodiment, the storage unit 22 stores information about the operating status of the supply device and relational information representing the relationship between hydrogen consumption and this information. The specific unit 23 obtains the amount of hydrogen consumed based on the acquired information about the operating status of the supply device and related information. Subsequently, the identification unit 23, in the same manner as described above, subtracts the acquired consumption amount from the initial value to determine the latest remaining amount. The specific unit 23 then registers this latest remaining amount in the remaining amount registration field 65. As mentioned above, this initial value is corrected based on the number of fills and the time elapsed since the reference point.

[0069] <Other> In this embodiment, when the latest remaining amount of hydrogen registered in the management table falls below a predetermined amount, the administrator of the management system 10 and the owner of the cartridge 12 are notified that the remaining amount is decreasing. Upon receiving this notification, the administrator of the management system 10 retrieves cartridge 12 from its owner and replaces it with a new cartridge 12. A charge will be incurred to the user when the cartridge 12 is replaced. The charge to the user may be determined based on the remaining amount registered in the remaining amount registration column 65 of the management table. In addition, users may be charged using a subscription model. Even when billing is done on a subscription basis, the fee charged to the user may be determined based on the remaining amount registered in the remaining amount registration field 65.

[0070] In this embodiment, the fuel cell 11 and the cartridge 12 containing the hydrogen storage alloy M are provided separately. On the other hand, it is also possible to provide a device that integrates the fuel cell 11 and the hydrogen storage alloy M into a single unit. One possible integrated device is a mobile battery in which a fuel cell 11 and a hydrogen storage alloy M are built into a cartridge 12. In this case, a hydrogen storage alloy M, a fuel cell 11, and a control board are provided inside the cartridge 12, which functions as a mobile battery. Identification information is then assigned to this cartridge 12. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 10...Management system, 11...Fuel cell, 12...Cartridge, 20...Management server, 21...Parameter acquisition unit, 22...Storage unit, 23...Identification unit, 24...Degradation information acquisition unit

Claims

1. An acquisition means for obtaining parameters that change according to the consumption of hydrogen supplied from a hydrogen storage alloy, A means for identifying the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the parameters obtained by the acquisition means, An information processing system equipped with the following features.

2. The acquisition means acquires information output from a detection unit that detects the amount of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage alloy to the outside of the hydrogen storage alloy, as the parameter. The aforementioned identification means determines the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the information output from the detection unit that detects the amount of hydrogen. The information processing system according to feature 1.

3. The acquisition means acquires the amount of power generated by the fuel cell unit, which generates power using hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage alloy, as the parameter. The aforementioned identification means determines the amount of hydrogen absorbed by the hydrogen storage alloy based on the amount of power generated. The information processing system according to feature 1.

4. The acquisition means acquires information output from a detection unit that detects the amount of products generated when power is generated using hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage alloy, as the parameter. The aforementioned identification means determines the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the information output from the detection unit that detects the amount of the product. The information processing system according to feature 1.

5. The acquisition means acquires, as a parameter, the supply time of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage alloy to the fuel cell unit that generates electricity using hydrogen. The aforementioned identification means determines the amount of hydrogen absorbed by the hydrogen storage alloy based on the hydrogen supply time. The information processing system according to feature 1.

6. The identification means identifies the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the parameters obtained by the acquisition means and temperature information, which is information about the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy. The information processing system according to feature 5.

7. The system further comprises a means for acquiring deterioration information, which is information about the deterioration of the hydrogen storage alloy, The identification means identifies the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the parameters acquired by the acquisition means and the degradation information acquired by the degradation information acquisition means. The information processing system according to feature 1.

8. The identification means corrects the initial value of the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the degradation information, and identifies the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the corrected initial value and the parameters obtained by the acquisition means. The information processing system according to feature 7.

9. The deterioration information acquisition means acquires information regarding the number of times hydrogen has been filled into the hydrogen storage alloy as deterioration information. The information processing system according to feature 8.

10. The deterioration information acquisition means acquires the elapsed time from a predetermined reference time as the deterioration information. The information processing system according to feature 8.

11. A means for acquiring information about the operating status of a device that supplies electricity generated by power generation using hydrogen supplied from a hydrogen storage alloy, Based on the information regarding the operating status of the apparatus obtained by the acquisition means, a means for identifying the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy, An information processing system equipped with the following features.

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