Hydrogen refueling management system

Abstract

To provide a hydrogen refueling management system for refueling with hydrogen transported from an external source. [Solution] The building 11 has a hydrogen storage facility 200 for storing hydrogen, the hydrogen storage facility 200 comprises a hydrogen storage alloy 210 for absorbing hydrogen, a tank 230 containing the hydrogen storage alloy 210, and a hydrogen distribution section 300 that communicates with the outside of the building 11 and through which the hydrogen can flow, and the tank 230 is supplied with hydrogen from a hydrogen transport means 410 outside the hydrogen storage facility 200 via the hydrogen distribution section 300.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydrogen filling management system.

Background Art

[0002] In hydrogen production facilities and the like, it is known that a storage method using a hydrogen storage alloy is applied as a means for storing hydrogen. This hydrogen storage alloy undergoes an exothermic reaction when absorbing hydrogen and an endothermic reaction when releasing hydrogen. Therefore, in order to promote the absorption and release of hydrogen, it is necessary to cool and heat the hydrogen storage alloy.

[0003] Therefore, conventionally, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, a hydrogen utilization system using a hydrogen storage alloy that absorbs hydrogen at a temperature of 40°C or lower and releases hydrogen at a temperature of 50°C or higher is known.

[0004] Also, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 2 below, a hydrogen utilization system that promotes the release of hydrogen by raising the temperature of a hydrogen storage alloy is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, there has been a problem that in facilities such as those that do not have hydrogen production equipment and are filled with hydrogen transported from the outside, it is impossible to promote the filling of hydrogen.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen filling management system for filling hydrogen transported from the outside. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention has the following aspects. <1> Equipped with a building that has hydrogen storage facilities for storing hydrogen, The aforementioned hydrogen storage facility is The hydrogen storage alloy that absorbs hydrogen, A tank containing the aforementioned hydrogen storage alloy, The building comprises a hydrogen distribution section that communicates with the outside of the building and through which the hydrogen can flow, The tank is supplied with hydrogen from a hydrogen transport means outside the hydrogen storage facility via the hydrogen distribution section, in a hydrogen refueling management system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, a hydrogen refueling management system can be provided for refueling with hydrogen transported from an external source. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a hydrogen refueling management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a hydrogen refueling management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a hydrogen refueling management system according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the procedure that follows from Figure 3. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the processing flow of a hydrogen refueling management system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates the procedure following Figure 4. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a hydrogen refueling management system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates the procedure following Figure 5. [Figure 6] This figure shows the PCT curve of a hydrogen storage alloy according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The hydrogen filling management system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1-6. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hydrogen filling management system 1 of the present embodiment. The arrows shown in FIG. 1 indicate the directions of signals or fluid flows. As shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen filling management system 1 includes a building 11, a building monitoring device 12, a control device 13, a heat medium circulation unit 100, a hydrogen storage unit 200, a hydrogen circulation unit 300, and a hydrogen supply unit 400.

[0012] <Building> The building 11 is a hydrogen storage facility. This building 11 does not have hydrogen production equipment and is supplied with hydrogen from the outside. The configuration of the building 11 is not particularly limited.

[0013] <Building monitoring device> The building monitoring device 12 is a device that monitors the environmental conditions of the building 11. This building monitoring device 12 includes a fire detector, a hydrogen gas detector, a ventilation equipment failure detector, and a power outage detector (seismic sensor), and transmits the monitoring results to the control device 13. The configuration of the building monitoring device 12 is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the environmental conditions of the building 11 and transmit them to the control device 13.

[0014] <Control device> The control device 13 is a device having a control unit that controls the hydrogen filling management system 1, a processor such as a CPU, a memory capable of reading a program, a storage unit capable of storing a program and data, and an arithmetic unit that performs arithmetic processing on signals received from sensors and the like. This control device 13 is provided communicably with the building monitoring device 12, the heat medium circulation unit 100, the hydrogen storage unit 200, and the hydrogen circulation unit 300. The configuration of the control device 13 is not particularly limited as long as it can control the hydrogen filling management system 1.

[0015] <Heat medium circulation unit> The heat medium circulation section 100 corresponds to the path through which the heat medium that has been temperature-changed outside the hydrogen filling management system 1 circulates. This heat medium is a liquid such as water, for example. The heat medium circulation section 100 has an upstream heat medium path 102 and a downstream heat medium path 101 constructed of piping. The upstream heat medium path 102 and the downstream heat medium path 101 communicate with each other and form one path. An upstream heat medium path 102 and a heat medium inlet 110 are provided upstream of the heat medium path. An unillustrated path that passes through the inside of the alloy tank 230 provided in the hydrogen storage section 200 is provided in the middle stream, and a downstream heat medium path 101 and a heat medium return port 120 are provided downstream. The heat medium inlet 110 and the heat medium return port 120 are connection parts with a path or equipment provided outside the hydrogen filling management system 1. Further, a heat medium pump (pump) 151 for controlling the flow rate of the heat medium is provided in the upstream heat medium path 102. This heat medium pump 151 is a general electric pump for flowing a liquid. A heat medium flow meter 152 is arranged in the heat medium circulation section 100.

[0016] The upstream heat medium W10 flowing through the heat medium circulation section 100 is cooled by unillustrated heat medium temperature-changing means provided outside the hydrogen filling management system 1. The upstream heat medium W10 is provided at an arbitrary temperature lower than the hydrogen storage alloy 210 described later. The upstream heat medium W10 flows from the heat medium inlet 110 into the inside of the alloy tank 230 by the operation of the heat medium pump 151. The upstream heat medium W10 that has reached the path inside the alloy tank 230 cools the hydrogen storage alloy 210 and then flows downstream from the inside of the alloy tank 230 as the downstream heat medium W30 and flows out from the heat medium return port 120.

[0017] Note that the material, state, and configuration of the heat medium circulation section 100 and the heat medium are not particularly limited. For example, the upstream heat medium W10 may be heated by unillustrated heat medium temperature-changing means so as to be at a temperature higher than the hydrogen storage alloy 210 when hydrogen is released. In that case, the upstream heat medium W10 that has reached the path inside the alloy tank 230 can promote the release of hydrogen by heating the hydrogen storage alloy 210. Furthermore, the heat transfer fluid circulation section 100 may have a heat transfer fluid temperature changing means inside and be configured to circulate the heat transfer fluid. In that case, a valve may be provided in the upstream heat transfer fluid path 102 so that the amount of heat transfer fluid flow and the pressure in the path can be adjusted.

[0018] <Hydrogen Storage Department> The hydrogen storage section 200 corresponds to the hydrogen storage facility equipped with an alloy tank (tank) 230 for storing hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen supply section 400. The alloy tank 230 is a steel tank containing a hydrogen storage alloy 210. The hydrogen storage alloy 210 is a quaternary alloy, for example, made of Ti-Fe-Mn-Nb, which has the characteristic of absorbing hydrogen in the low temperature range and releasing hydrogen in the high temperature range. The alloy tank 230 is equipped with a thermometer 251 for measuring the temperature inside the tank. The hydrogen storage section 200 is constructed of piping and has a heat transfer medium path through which a heat transfer medium flows and a hydrogen filling path 301 through which hydrogen flows. In addition, a cooling means (not shown) is provided inside the alloy tank 230. This cooling means is, for example, a path that can exchange heat with a refrigerant flowing in from the outside. The material and composition of the alloy tank 230 and the hydrogen storage alloy 210 are not particularly limited as long as they are capable of storing hydrogen.

[0019] The hydrogen refueling path 301 is formed to communicate with the hydrogen flow section 300 and the hydrogen supply section 400. During hydrogen refueling, the hydrogen refueling path 301 carries downstream refueling hydrogen H13 from the hydrogen supply section 400 toward the alloy tank 230, and during hydrogen discharge, it carries upstream discharge hydrogen H31 from the alloy tank 230 toward the hydrogen flow section 300.

[0020] <Hydrogen Distribution Department> The hydrogen distribution section 300 corresponds to the path through which filled hydrogen flows from the hydrogen supply section 400 to the hydrogen storage section 200, and the path through which released hydrogen flows from the hydrogen storage section 200 to the outside of the hydrogen filling management system 1. The hydrogen distribution section 300 has a hydrogen filling path 301, a hydrogen release path 302, and a hydrogen exhaust path 303, which are constructed of piping.

[0021] The hydrogen refueling path 301 is configured such that one end communicates with the inside of the alloy tank 230 of the hydrogen storage unit 200, and the other end communicates with the hydrogen supply unit 400. The hydrogen refueling path 301 is equipped with three openable and closable valves: a tank on-off valve 371 located on the hydrogen storage unit 200 side, a discharge switching valve 372 located in the middle, and a refueling on-off valve 373 located in the hydrogen supply unit 400. The hydrogen refueling path 301 also has three measuring instruments: a storage-side pressure gauge 351 located between the alloy tank 230 and the tank on-off valve 371, a hydrogen flow meter 352 located between the tank on-off valve 371 and the discharge switching valve 372, and a supply-side pressure gauge (pressure gauge) 353 located between the discharge switching valve 372 and the refueling on-off valve 373. The material and configuration of the hydrogen refueling path 301 are not particularly limited as long as hydrogen can flow through it.

[0022] The hydrogen discharge path 302 has one end communicating with the hydrogen refueling path 301 and the other end is provided with a hydrogen discharge port 321. This hydrogen discharge port 321 is a connection point to a path or equipment located outside the hydrogen refueling management system 1. One end of the hydrogen discharge path 302 is located between the hydrogen flow meter 352 and the discharge switching valve 372, and is formed to branch off from the hydrogen refueling path 301. Furthermore, the hydrogen discharge path 302 is provided with a discharge on / off valve 377 in the middle section. The material and configuration of the hydrogen release path 302 are not particularly limited as long as hydrogen can flow through it.

[0023] The hydrogen exhaust path 303 has one end communicating with the hydrogen refueling path 301 and the other end is provided with a hydrogen exhaust port 322. This hydrogen exhaust port 322 is a hydrogen exhaust port or a connection point to a hydrogen exhaust path provided outside the hydrogen refueling management system 1. One end of the hydrogen exhaust path 303 is located between the discharge switching valve 372 and the supply-side pressure gauge 353 and is formed to branch off from the hydrogen refueling path 301. Furthermore, the hydrogen exhaust path 303 branches in the middle, providing two paths: an on / off exhaust path 303a and a safety exhaust path 303b. These on / off exhaust paths 303a and safety exhaust path 303b merge again at the hydrogen exhaust port 322 side to form a single hydrogen exhaust path 303.

[0024] The open / closed exhaust path 303a is equipped with an exhaust open / close valve 374 located on the upstream side and a check valve 375 located at the hydrogen exhaust port 322. This check valve 375 is a general-purpose valve provided to prevent fluid from flowing from the hydrogen exhaust port 322 into the hydrogen refueling path 301. A safety valve 376 is provided in the middle of the safety exhaust path 303b. This safety valve 376 is a typical valve that is opened, for example, when the pressure in the path exceeds 1 MPa, to reduce the pressure in the path. The material and configuration of the hydrogen exhaust path 303 are not particularly limited as long as hydrogen can flow through it.

[0025] During hydrogen refueling, the hydrogen flow section 300 is configured to open the hydrogen refueling path 301 by closing the exhaust valve 374 and the discharge valve 377, and opening the tank valve 371, the discharge switching valve 372, and the refueling valve 373. At this time, midstream refueling hydrogen H12 flows in from one end of the hydrogen refueling path 301 on the hydrogen supply section 400 side, and downstream refueling hydrogen H13 that reaches the alloy tank 230 side is refueled.

[0026] During hydrogen release, the hydrogen flow section 300 is configured to close the release switching valve 372, the filling on / off valve 373, and the exhaust on / off valve 374, and open the tank on / off valve 371 and the release on / off valve 377, thereby opening the hydrogen release path 302. At this time, the upstream released hydrogen H31 released from the alloy tank 230 flows through the hydrogen release path 302, and the downstream released hydrogen H32 that reaches the hydrogen release port 321 is released to the outside from the hydrogen release port 321.

[0027] During exhaust, the hydrogen flow section 300 is configured to open the hydrogen exhaust path 303 by closing the tank opening / closing valve 371, the discharge switching valve 372, the filling opening / closing valve 373, and the discharge opening / closing valve 377, and opening the exhaust opening / closing valve 374. At this time, upstream exhaust hydrogen H33 flows in from one end of the hydrogen exhaust path 303 on the hydrogen filling path 301 side, and downstream exhaust hydrogen H34 that has passed through the opening / closing exhaust path 303a is discharged from the hydrogen exhaust port 322.

[0028] The hydrogen discharge path 302 may be provided as a separate system independent of the hydrogen refueling path 301. Furthermore, the hydrogen discharge path 302 may be equipped with a safety valve 376 and a check valve 375. Furthermore, the hydrogen flow section 300 may open the exhaust valve 374 and the discharge valve 377 when releasing hydrogen. In this case as well, the discharge switching valve 372 remains closed, so the downstream released hydrogen H32 is supplied to the outside from the hydrogen discharge port 321.

[0029] <Hydrogen Supply Department> The hydrogen supply unit 400 is the part corresponding to the means and route for supplying hydrogen brought in from outside the hydrogen refueling management system 1 toward the hydrogen distribution unit 300. This hydrogen supply unit 400 has a hydrogen supply route 401 and a hydrogen transport means 410. The hydrogen transport means 410 is a means for bringing hydrogen in from outside the hydrogen refueling management system 1 and supplying the brought-in hydrogen into the hydrogen supply route 401, and is, for example, a transport vehicle loaded with a hydrogen tank. The hydrogen supply route 401 is a route constructed of piping through which upstream refueling hydrogen H11 flows. One end of this hydrogen supply route 401 is detachably connected to the hydrogen transport means 410, and the other end is provided to communicate with one end of the hydrogen refueling route 301 on the hydrogen supply unit 400 side. A pressure reducing valve 470 is also located in the middle of the hydrogen supply route 401. This pressure reducing valve 470 is a general-purpose valve that, for example, reduces the pressure in the path to less than 1 MPa when the pressure in the path is 1 MPa or higher. The material and configuration of the hydrogen supply path 401 are not particularly limited as long as hydrogen can be circulated through it. Furthermore, the configuration of the hydrogen transport means 410 is not particularly limited as long as hydrogen can be supplied from outside to inside the hydrogen refueling management system 1.

[0030] <Department Head> The control device 13 of this embodiment includes a control unit, a detection unit, a determination unit, an execution unit, an input unit, and a display unit. Each of these control unit components is provided to be communicative.

[0031] The detection unit is configured to communicate with external detectors and measuring instruments of the control unit, converts the acquired results, and transmits the calculation results to other components of the control unit. The detection unit of this embodiment is provided to communicate with each of the following: the building monitoring device 12, the heat transfer fluid flow meter 152, the thermometer 251, the storage-side pressure gauge 351, the hydrogen flow meter 352, and the supply-side pressure gauge 353.

[0032] The determination unit performs calculations based on the results converted by the detection unit and the set threshold values, determines whether or not to execute various processes, and transmits the determination result to other components of the control unit. The threshold value of the determination unit in this embodiment is set by the operator via the input unit and is provided to be changeable as appropriate.

[0033] The execution unit is the part that reads and executes the program stored in the control device 13. The execution unit of this embodiment is configured to communicate with a heat transfer fluid pump 151, a tank on / off valve 371, a discharge switching valve 372, a filling on / off valve 373, an exhaust on / off valve 374, and a discharge on / off valve 377. These pumps and valves are electrically powered devices that perform predetermined operations based on signals received from the execution unit. The execution unit is configured to control the operation of the pumps and the opening and closing of the valves based on determinations received from the determination unit and the input unit.

[0034] The input unit is provided so that an operator of the control device 13 can input any value, and transmits the input value to other components of the control unit. In this embodiment, the input unit receives a stop command when, for example, an operator operates an operation switch provided on the control device 13, and transmits it to the execution unit. The input unit also receives a threshold value for the determination unit's judgment when, for example, an operator operates a tablet terminal capable of communicating with the control device 13, and transmits it to the determination unit.

[0035] The display unit is the part that displays the status of the hydrogen refueling management system 1. The display unit in this embodiment displays, for example, the environmental status acquired by the detection unit, the determination result calculated by the determination unit, the execution status of the execution unit, and the input interface of the input unit on a monitor provided on the control device 13.

[0036] Figure 2-5 is a flowchart showing the execution flow of the control unit of the hydrogen refueling management system 1. As shown in Figure 1-5, the hydrogen refueling management system 1 configured in this manner can perform a pre-supply treatment 500, a replacement treatment 600, a refueling treatment 700, a discharge treatment 800, and a hydrogen release treatment (not shown in Figure 1-5).

[0037] In Figure 2-5, the filling valve 373 corresponds to PV-1, the exhaust valve 374 to PV-2, the discharge switching valve 372 to PV-3, the tank valve 371 to PV-4, the discharge valve 377 to PV-5, the heat transfer fluid flow meter 152 to Fl-1, the hydrogen flow meter 352 to Fl-2, and the thermometer 251 to Tl-1. The process of the hydrogen refueling management system 1 shown in Figure 1 will be explained in accordance with the flow chart shown in Figure 2-5.

[0038] <Pre-supply processing> The pre-supply treatment 500 is a preparatory process performed before hydrogen supply, carried out according to the procedures shown in the following operation start procedure S1 to piping connection procedure S515.

[0039] In the operation start procedure S1, the control unit starts operation. Subsequently, the hydrogen refueling management system 1 proceeds to the flag confirmation procedure S501.

[0040] In the flag confirmation procedure S501, the control unit refers to the internal settings and stops operating until a flag (operation command) is input. The control unit starts operating when the operator inputs a flag to start the supply pre-processing 500 via the input unit. Subsequently, the control unit proceeds to the fire detection procedure S502.

[0041] In the fire detection procedure S502, the determination unit performs calculations based on the information obtained by the detection unit from the fire detector and the threshold set by the input unit, etc., and makes a determination of whether or not to proceed, with no fire detection being permitted. If the fire detection procedure S502 is not performed (not possible), the control unit proceeds to the flag clearing procedure S506. If the fire detection procedure S502 is successful, the control unit proceeds to the hydrogen gas detection procedure S503.

[0042] In hydrogen gas detection procedure S503, the determination unit performs calculations based on the information obtained by the detection unit from the hydrogen gas detector and the threshold set by the input unit, etc., and makes a pass / fail determination, where no hydrogen gas is detected. If hydrogen gas detection procedure S503 is not performed, the control unit proceeds to flag clearing procedure S506. If hydrogen gas detection procedure S503 is successful, the control unit proceeds to fault detection procedure S504.

[0043] In the fault detection procedure S504, the determination unit performs calculations based on the information obtained by the detection unit from the ventilation equipment fault detector and the threshold set by the input unit, etc., and makes a pass / fail determination, where no hydrogen gas is detected. If the fault detection procedure S504 is not performed, the control unit proceeds to the flag clearing procedure S506. If the fault detection procedure S504 is successful, the control unit proceeds to the power outage detection procedure S505.

[0044] In the power outage detection procedure S505, the determination unit performs calculations based on information obtained by the detection unit from the power outage detector and the power supply status of the equipment, etc., and thresholds set by the input unit, etc., and makes a determination of whether or not power outage detection is possible. If the power outage detection procedure S505 is not performed, the control unit proceeds to the flag clearing procedure S506. If the power outage detection procedure S505 is successful, the control unit proceeds to the valve confirmation procedure S507.

[0045] In the flag clearing procedure S506, the control unit clears the flag entered in the flag confirmation procedure S501. Subsequently, the control unit proceeds to the flag confirmation procedure S501.

[0046] In valve verification procedure S507, the execution unit acquires the open / closed status of the filling valve 373, exhaust valve 374, discharge switching valve 372, tank valve 371, and discharge valve 377, and transmits this information to the determination unit. The determination unit performs a pass / fail determination, with all valves being closed being considered pass. If the valve confirmation procedure S507 is not performed, the control unit proceeds to the valve closing procedure S508. If the valve check procedure S507 is successful, the control unit proceeds to the cooling determination procedure S509.

[0047] In valve closure procedure S508, the execution unit closes the filling valve 373, exhaust valve 374, discharge switching valve 372, tank valve 371, and discharge valve 377. Subsequently, the control unit proceeds to valve verification procedure S507.

[0048] In the cooling determination procedure S509, the determination unit performs calculations based on the information acquired by the detection unit by the thermometer 251 and the heat transfer fluid flow meter 152, and the threshold set by the input unit, etc., and makes a determination of whether cooling is possible or not. If the cooling determination procedure S509 is not true, the control unit repeats the cooling determination procedure S509. If the cooling determination procedure S509 is successful, the control unit proceeds to the cooling operation procedure S510.

[0049] In the cooling operation procedure S510, the execution unit performs the operation of the cooling means. Subsequently, the control unit proceeds to the pump operation procedure S511.

[0050] In the pump operation procedure S511, the execution unit performs the operation of the heat transfer fluid pump 151. At this time, the operation of the heat transfer fluid pump 151 causes the upstream heat transfer fluid W10 to flow towards the inside of the alloy tank 230. Subsequently, the control unit proceeds to the cooling determination procedure S512.

[0051] In the cooling determination procedure S512, the control unit executes the temperature determination procedure S512a and the flow rate determination procedure S512b. In the temperature determination procedure S512a, the determination unit performs calculations based on the information acquired by the detection unit by the thermometer 251 and the threshold set by the input unit, etc., and makes a determination whether it is above or below the threshold. In the flow rate determination procedure S512b, the determination unit performs calculations based on the information acquired by the detection unit by the heat transfer fluid flow meter 152 and the threshold set by the input unit, etc., and makes a determination whether it is above or below the threshold. At this time, it is possible to determine whether hydrogen can be filled based on the temperature of the alloy tank 230 and the hydrogen storage alloy 210, and the flow rate of the upstream heat transfer medium W10. If the temperature determination procedure S512a is above the threshold, the control unit repeats the cooling determination procedure S512. If the flow rate determination procedure S512b is below the threshold, the control unit proceeds to the cooling acceleration procedure S513. If the temperature determination procedure S512a is below the threshold and the flow rate determination procedure S512b is above the threshold, the control unit proceeds to the filling permission procedure S514.

[0052] In the cooling acceleration procedure S513, the execution unit increases the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid pump 151. At this time, the hydrogen storage alloy 210 in the alloy tank 230 is cooled by increasing the flow rate of the upstream heat transfer medium W10. The cooled hydrogen storage alloy 210 can absorb hydrogen more effectively. Subsequently, the control unit proceeds to the cooling determination procedure S512.

[0053] In the filling authorization procedure S514, the display unit displays a notification to the monitor of the control device 13 and to the operator's and worker's terminals indicating that permission has been granted to start the hydrogen filling operation. Subsequently, the control unit proceeds to the piping connection procedure S515.

[0054] In the piping connection procedure S515, the worker who has been notified of permission to start the hydrogen refueling operation connects the piping located at one end of the hydrogen supply route 401 to the piping located on the hydrogen transport means 410. At this point, the control unit completes the pre-supply processing 500 and proceeds to the connection determination procedure S601 of the replacement processing 600.

[0055] <Replacement process> The substitution process 600 is a process of replacing the inside of the hydrogen filling path 301 with hydrogen, which is performed according to the following connection determination procedure S601 to substitution count determination procedure S607.

[0056] In the connection determination procedure S601, the control unit refers to the internal settings and stops operating until a flag is entered. The control unit starts operating when the operator enters the flag to start the replacement process 600 via the input unit. Subsequently, the control unit proceeds to the filling and releasing procedure S602.

[0057] In the filling / releasing procedure S602, the execution unit opens the filling / closing valve 373. At this time, upstream refueling hydrogen H11 flows from the hydrogen transport means 410 towards the hydrogen refueling path 301 within the hydrogen supply path 401. The upstream refueling hydrogen H11 that reaches the hydrogen refueling path 301 flows through the hydrogen refueling path 301 as midstream refueling hydrogen H12. This midstream refueling hydrogen H12 flows on the hydrogen supply section 400 side of the release switching valve 372 of the hydrogen refueling path 301. Subsequently, the control unit proceeds to the supply pressure determination procedure S603.

[0058] In the supply pressure determination procedure S603, the determination unit performs calculations based on the information acquired by the detection unit by the supply-side pressure gauge 353 and the threshold set by the input unit, etc., and makes a determination whether it is above or below the threshold. At this time, the midstream hydrogen H12 flowing through the hydrogen refueling path 301 increases the pressure inside the hydrogen refueling path 301. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether hydrogen is present in the hydrogen refueling path 301 by the pressure inside the hydrogen refueling path 301. If the supply pressure determination procedure S603 is below the threshold, the control unit repeats the supply pressure determination procedure S603. If the supply pressure determination procedure S603 is equal to or greater than the threshold, the control unit proceeds to the exhaust release procedure S604.

[0059] In the exhaust opening procedure S604, the execution unit closes the filling valve 373 and opens the exhaust valve 374. At this time, the supply of upstream refueling hydrogen H11 from the hydrogen transport means 410 toward the hydrogen refueling path 301 is interrupted. Midstream refueling hydrogen H12 flows through the hydrogen exhaust path 303 and the on / off exhaust path 303a as upstream exhaust hydrogen H33, moving from the hydrogen refueling path 301 side toward the hydrogen exhaust port 322 side. The upstream exhaust hydrogen H33 that has passed through the check valve 375 of the on / off exhaust path 303a flows as downstream exhaust hydrogen H34 and is discharged from the hydrogen exhaust port 322. Here, any fluid, such as air, that is present inside the hydrogen refueling path 301 before the inflow of midstream refueling hydrogen H12 is discharged from the hydrogen exhaust port 322, similar to the downstream exhaust hydrogen H34. Subsequently, the control unit proceeds to the exhaust pressure determination procedure S605.

[0060] In the exhaust pressure determination procedure S605, the determination unit performs calculations based on the information acquired by the detection unit by the supply-side pressure gauge 353 and the threshold set by the input unit, etc., and makes a determination whether it is above or below the threshold. At this time, the pressure inside the hydrogen refueling path 301 decreases as the downstream exhaust hydrogen H34 is discharged. Therefore, it can be seen that a certain amount of hydrogen was discharged from inside the hydrogen refueling path 301 due to the pressure inside the hydrogen refueling path 301. If the exhaust pressure determination procedure S605 is equal to or greater than the threshold, the control unit repeats the exhaust pressure determination procedure S605. If the exhaust pressure determination procedure S605 is below the threshold, the control unit proceeds to the exhaust blockage procedure S606.

[0061] In the exhaust occlusion procedure S606, the execution unit performs the occlusion of the exhaust on / off valve 374. At this time, the inflow of upstream exhaust hydrogen H33 into the hydrogen exhaust path 303 is interrupted, and the inside of the hydrogen refueling path 301 is replaced with hydrogen. Subsequently, the control unit proceeds to the substitution count determination procedure S607.

[0062] In the substitution count determination procedure S607, the determination unit performs calculations based on the number of times the flushing (hydrogen substitution) procedure, which consists of the filling and opening procedure S602 to the exhaust occlusion procedure S606, is executed, and a threshold value set by the input unit, etc., and makes a determination whether it is above or below the threshold value. At this time, the hydrogen occupancy rate inside the hydrogen refueling path 301 increases according to the number of flushing cycles. If the substitution count determination procedure S607 is below the threshold, the control unit proceeds to the filling and release procedure S602. If the replacement count determination procedure S607 is equal to or greater than the threshold, the control unit completes the replacement process 600 and proceeds to the filling start procedure S701 of the filling process 700.

[0063] <Filling process> The filling process 700 is a process in which hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen supply unit 400 is filled into the alloy tank 230 by the following procedures: connection determination procedure S601 to piping removal procedure S714.

[0064] In the filling start procedure S701, the control unit refers to the internal settings, sets the flag to start the filling process 700, and begins operation. Subsequently, the control unit proceeds to the filling path opening procedure S702.

[0065] In the filling path opening procedure S702, the execution unit opens the filling on / off valve 373, the discharge switching valve 372, and the tank on / off valve 371, respectively. At this time, all valves on the hydrogen filling path 301 are opened, and a communication path is formed between the hydrogen transport means 410 and the alloy tank 230. The upstream filling hydrogen H11 flowing through the hydrogen supply path 401 flows into the hydrogen filling path 301 as midstream filling hydrogen H12 from one end of the hydrogen filling path 301 on the hydrogen supply section 400 side. This midstream filling hydrogen H12 flows through the hydrogen filling path 301 toward the alloy tank 230 side. The midstream filling hydrogen H12 that reaches the alloy tank 230 side of the hydrogen filling path 301 is then filled into the alloy tank 230 as downstream filling hydrogen H13. The hydrogen filled into the alloy tank 230 is absorbed by the hydrogen storage alloy 210 and stored in the hydrogen storage section 200. At this point, the exhaust valve 374 and the discharge valve 377 are closed, and hydrogen does not leak out of the hydrogen filling path 301. On the other hand, since the safety valve 376 is located in a position that communicates with the hydrogen refueling path 301, if the hydrogen refueling path 301 becomes excessively pressurized, some of the hydrogen will be discharged from the safety valve 376, ensuring safety. Subsequently, the control unit proceeds to the fire detection procedure S703.

[0066] In the fire detection procedure S703, the determination unit performs calculations based on the information obtained by the detection unit from the fire detector and the threshold set by the input unit, etc., and makes a determination of whether or not to proceed, with no fire detection being permitted. If the fire detection procedure S703 is not performed, the control unit proceeds to the filling path blocking procedure S711. If the fire detection procedure S703 is successful, the control unit proceeds to the hydrogen gas detection procedure S704.

[0067] In hydrogen gas detection procedure S704, the determination unit performs calculations based on the information obtained by the detection unit from the hydrogen gas detector and the threshold set by the input unit, etc., and makes a pass / fail determination, where no hydrogen gas is detected. If hydrogen gas detection procedure S704 is not performed, the control unit proceeds to filling path blocking procedure S711. If hydrogen gas detection procedure S704 is successful, the control unit proceeds to fault detection procedure S705.

[0068] In the fault detection procedure S705, the determination unit performs calculations based on the information acquired by the detection unit from the ventilation equipment fault detector and the threshold set by the input unit, etc., and makes a pass / fail determination, with pass being the case if no hydrogen gas is detected. If the fault detection procedure S705 is not performed, the control unit proceeds to the filling path blocking procedure S711. If the fault detection procedure S705 is successful, the control unit proceeds to the power outage detection procedure S706.

[0069] In the power outage detection procedure S706, the determination unit performs calculations based on information obtained by the detection unit from the power outage detector and the power supply status of the equipment, etc., and thresholds set by the input unit, etc., and makes a determination of whether or not power outage detection is possible. If the power outage detection procedure S706 is not performed, the control unit proceeds to the filling path blocking procedure S711. If the power outage detection procedure S706 is successful, the control unit proceeds to the flow rate determination procedure S707.

[0070] In the flow rate determination procedure S707, the determination unit performs calculations based on the flow rate acquired by the hydrogen flow meter 352 by the detection unit and the threshold set by the input unit, etc., and makes a determination whether it is above or below the threshold. At this time, the hydrogen flow meter 352, positioned in the middle of the hydrogen filling path 301, can measure the flow rate of the hydrogen H12 being filled midway. When the amount of hydrogen filling the hydrogen storage alloy 210 reaches approximately its upper limit, the pressure inside the alloy tank 230 increases, and the flow rate of the hydrogen H12 being filled midway decreases. Therefore, the determination unit can determine the completion of the filling process from the flow rate of the hydrogen H12 being filled midway. If the flow rate determination procedure S707 is below the threshold, the control unit proceeds to the filling path blocking procedure S711. If the flow rate determination procedure S707 is equal to or greater than the threshold, the control unit proceeds to the filling time determination procedure S708.

[0071] In the filling time determination procedure S708, the determination unit performs calculations based on the time elapsed since the start of the filling start procedure S701 and a threshold set by the input unit, etc., and makes a determination whether it is above or below the threshold. In this case, for example, if the hydrogen transport means 410 is considered to be a temporary stop of a vehicle as defined in the High-Pressure Gas Safety Act, the process can be reliably completed within the specified time by setting a threshold that takes work time into consideration, within a time of less than two hours. Therefore, the filling process 700 becomes a safe process that complies with the High-Pressure Gas Safety Act according to the filling time determination procedure S708. If the filling time determination procedure S708 is equal to or greater than the threshold, the control unit proceeds to the filling path blocking procedure S711. If the filling time determination procedure S708 is below the threshold, the control unit proceeds to the storage pressure determination procedure S709.

[0072] In the storage pressure determination procedure S709, the determination unit performs calculations based on the information acquired by the detection unit by the storage-side pressure gauge 351 and the threshold set by the input unit, etc., and makes a determination whether it is above or below the threshold. At this time, as hydrogen is filled into the hydrogen storage alloy 210, the pressure in the hydrogen filling path 301 gradually increases. Therefore, the determination unit can determine that it is necessary to accelerate the cooling of the alloy tank 230 until the value indicated by the storage-side pressure gauge 351 exceeds a threshold. If the storage pressure determination procedure S709 is above the threshold, the control unit proceeds to the fire detection procedure S703. If the storage pressure determination procedure S709 is below the threshold, the control unit proceeds to the cooling acceleration procedure S710.

[0073] In the cooling acceleration procedure S710, the execution unit increases the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid pump 151. Subsequently, the control unit proceeds to the fire detection procedure S703.

[0074] In the filling path closure procedure S711, the execution unit closes the filling on / off valve 373, the discharge switching valve 372, and the tank on / off valve 371, respectively. At this time, the hydrogen refueling path 301 becomes blocked, and hydrogen refueling is interrupted. Subsequently, the control unit proceeds to the cooling termination procedure S712.

[0075] In the cooling termination procedure S712, the execution unit executes the shutdown of the cooling means. Subsequently, the control unit proceeds to the pump stop procedure S713.

[0076] In the pump stop procedure S713, the execution unit stops the heat transfer pump 151. The display unit then displays a notification to the monitor of the control device 13 and to the operator's and worker's terminals, indicating that permission to remove the piping is granted. At this time, the flow of the heat transfer medium in the heat transfer medium path stops, and the cooling of the alloy tank 230 is interrupted. Subsequently, the control unit proceeds to the pipe removal procedure S714.

[0077] In the pipe removal procedure S714, the worker who has been notified of permission to perform the pipe removal work disconnects the pipe located at one end of the hydrogen supply route 401 from the pipe located at the hydrogen transport means 410. At this point, the control unit completes the filling process 700 and proceeds to the connection determination procedure S801 for the discharge process 800.

[0078] <Discharge Treatment> The discharge treatment 800 is a process that discharges hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen flow section 300 to the outside, and is performed according to the procedures shown in the following connection determination procedure S801 to operation termination procedure S2.

[0079] In the connection determination procedure S801, the control unit refers to the internal settings and stops operating until a flag is entered. The control unit starts operating when the operator enters the flag to start the discharge process 800 via the input unit. Subsequently, the control unit proceeds to the exhaust ventilation procedure S802.

[0080] In the exhaust release procedure S802, the execution unit opens the exhaust on / off valve 374. At this time, the hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen refueling path 301 flows through the hydrogen exhaust path 303 and the open / closed exhaust path 303a as upstream exhaust hydrogen H33, moving from the hydrogen refueling path 301 side towards the hydrogen exhaust port 322 side. The upstream exhaust hydrogen H33 that has passed through the check valve 375 of the open / closed exhaust path 303a flows as downstream exhaust hydrogen H34 and is discharged from the hydrogen exhaust port 322. Subsequently, the control unit proceeds to the supply pressure determination procedure S803.

[0081] In the supply pressure determination procedure S803, the determination unit performs calculations based on the information acquired by the detection unit by the supply-side pressure gauge 353 and the threshold set by the input unit, etc., and makes a determination whether it is above or below the threshold. At this time, as hydrogen is released, the pressure inside the hydrogen refueling path 301 gradually decreases. Therefore, the determination unit can determine that hydrogen discharge is complete when the value indicated by the supply-side pressure gauge 353 is below a threshold. If the supply pressure determination procedure S803 is equal to or greater than the threshold, the control unit repeats the supply pressure determination procedure S803. If the supply pressure determination procedure S803 is below the threshold, the control unit proceeds to the exhaust blockage procedure S804.

[0082] In the exhaust occlusion procedure S804, the execution unit 23 performs the occlusion of the exhaust on / off valve 374. Next, the control unit proceeds to the flag clearing procedure S805.

[0083] In the flag deletion procedure S805, the control unit deletes the flags entered in the flag confirmation procedure S501 and the display notified to the display unit 25 in the filling permission procedure S514. Next, the control unit proceeds to the operation termination procedure S2.

[0084] In operation termination procedure S2, the control unit terminates all operations. At this point, the control unit completes the discharge process 800.

[0085] <Discharge Treatment> As shown in Figure 1, the hydrogen filling management system 1 can perform a release process that releases hydrogen from the hydrogen storage alloy 210 in the alloy tank 230 toward the hydrogen outlet 321 and supplies it to the outside.

[0086] The above demonstrates that the hydrogen refueling management system 1 is capable of performing the supply pretreatment 500, replacement treatment 600, refueling treatment 700, discharge treatment 800, and release treatment.

[0087] <Characteristics of hydrogen storage alloys> Figure 6 shows the PCT curve G1 of the hydrogen storage alloy 210, which is made of a Ti-Fe-Mn-Nb quaternary alloy according to the embodiment. The horizontal axis of the PCT curve G1 represents the amount of hydrogen stored, and the vertical axis represents the absolute pressure. The PCT curve G1 also shows the measurement results for three temperature conditions of the hydrogen storage alloy 210: 20°C storage G11, 40°C storage G12, and 50°C release G13. In 20°C storage G11 and 40°C storage G12, the hydrogen storage alloy 210 is in a state of absorbing hydrogen. On the other hand, in 50°C release G13, the hydrogen storage alloy 210 is in a state of releasing hydrogen.

[0088] Comparing hydrogen storage alloy 210 with 20°C storage alloy G11 and 40°C storage alloy G12, it can be seen that hydrogen storage alloy 210 can absorb hydrogen more effectively under the conditions of 20°C storage alloy G11. Furthermore, the pressure generated for 20°C storage G11 is significantly lower than that for 40°C storage G12, and is approximately the same as atmospheric pressure. Here, in the filling process 700, if the pressure inside the alloy tank 230 is high, the inflow rate of downstream filling hydrogen H13 decreases. Therefore, it can be said that the lower the pressure generated by the hydrogen storage alloy 210, the more effectively hydrogen can be absorbed.

[0089] The 50°C release G13 indicates that the release process can be performed by raising the hydrogen storage alloy 210 to 50°C. In this release process, if the pressure inside the alloy tank 230 is high, the inflow rate of the downstream-filled hydrogen H13 increases. On the other hand, if the hydrogen release path 302 becomes excessively pressurized as the temperature rises, the safety valve 376 will be activated. Therefore, in the release process, it is preferable to raise the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy 210 to approximately 50°C.

[0090] Therefore, in the filling process 700 of this embodiment, the hydrogen storage alloy 210 is cooled to approximately 20°C. In addition, in the release process of this embodiment, the hydrogen storage alloy 210 is heated to approximately 50°C.

[0091] The material and properties of the hydrogen storage alloy 210 are not particularly limited as long as it can absorb and release hydrogen. For example, it may be a Ca-based alloy or a Pd-based alloy.

[0092] As described above, the hydrogen refueling management system 1 according to this embodiment includes a building 11 having a hydrogen storage unit 200 for storing hydrogen. The hydrogen storage unit 200 includes a hydrogen storage alloy 210 for absorbing hydrogen, an alloy tank 230 containing the hydrogen storage alloy 210, and a hydrogen distribution unit 300 that communicates with the outside of the building 11 and allows hydrogen to flow through. Hydrogen is supplied to the alloy tank 230 from a hydrogen transport means 410 outside the hydrogen storage unit 200 via the hydrogen distribution unit 300. Therefore, the hydrogen refueling management system 1 can refuel with hydrogen transported from an external source.

[0093] Furthermore, the hydrogen refueling management system 1 can determine the environmental conditions of the hydrogen storage unit 200 or the building 11 and safely execute the process. Therefore, the hydrogen refueling management system 1 contributes to improving the safety of the hydrogen storage facility and the building 11.

[0094] Furthermore, the hydrogen filling management system 1 can determine whether or not hydrogen can be filled from the hydrogen transport means into the alloy tank. Therefore, the hydrogen filling management system 1 preferably contributes to improved safety and reduced working time.

[0095] Furthermore, the hydrogen refueling management system 1 can perform the replacement process 600, the refueling process 700, and the discharge process 800 in succession. Therefore, the hydrogen refueling management system 1 more effectively reduces the time required for workers to be on duty and the time required for the hydrogen refueling process.

[0096] Furthermore, the hydrogen refueling management system 1 notifies the worker of the start of manual work and waits for processing to begin. After the worker enters a flag into the input unit 24, the system can execute the next process. Thus, the hydrogen refueling management system 1 effectively reduces the time workers are confined and ensures the safety of manual work.

[0097] Furthermore, the hydrogen refueling management system 1 constantly monitors the environmental conditions during hydrogen refueling and can terminate the process according to the monitoring results. Therefore, the hydrogen refueling management system 1 more preferably contributes to improved safety.

[0098] Furthermore, the hydrogen refueling management system 1 can determine whether hydrogen is present in the hydrogen refueling path 301 using the supply-side pressure gauge 353 and execute the discharge treatment 800. Therefore, the hydrogen refueling management system 1 contributes even more effectively to reducing the time required for treatment and improving safety.

[0099] Furthermore, the hydrogen refueling management system 1 can determine the completion of the refueling process 700 using the hydrogen flow meter 352 and terminate the refueling process 700. Therefore, the hydrogen refueling management system 1 contributes even more effectively to reducing the time required for processing and improving safety.

[0100] Although embodiments of the hydrogen refueling management system 1 according to the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0101] The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 international goals adopted at the UN Summit in September 2015. The hydrogen refueling management system 1 according to this embodiment can contribute to achieving some of the 17 SDGs, such as goal 7, "Affordable and Clean Energy." [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1. Hydrogen refueling management system 11 Buildings 20 Control Unit 21 Detection unit 22 Judgment section 23 Execution Department 24 Input section 100 Heat medium flow section 151 Heat transfer fluid pump (pump) 152 Heat medium flow meter 200 Hydrogen Storage Section (Hydrogen Storage Facility) 210 Hydrogen storage alloy 230 Alloy Tank (Tank) 251 Thermometer 300 Hydrogen Distribution Department 352 Hydrogen flow meter 353 Supply-side pressure gauge (pressure gauge) 371 Tank on / off valve, 372 Discharge switching valve, 373 Filling on / off valve, 374 Exhaust on / off valve, 377 Discharge on / off valve (valve) 410 Hydrogen transport means 600 Replacement process 700 Filling process 800 Discharge Treatment

Claims

1. Equipped with a building that has hydrogen storage facilities for storing hydrogen, The aforementioned hydrogen storage facility is The hydrogen storage alloy that absorbs hydrogen, A tank containing the aforementioned hydrogen storage alloy, The building comprises a hydrogen distribution section that communicates with the outside of the building and through which the hydrogen can flow, The tank receives hydrogen from a hydrogen transport means outside the hydrogen storage facility via the hydrogen flow section. Hydrogen refueling management system.

2. The hydrogen flow section is equipped with a valve that can be opened and closed, The system detects the environmental conditions of the hydrogen storage facility or the building and executes the opening and closing of the valve. The hydrogen refueling management system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned environmental conditions are detected by the detection unit. The detection unit is provided to communicate with at least one of the following: a hydrogen gas detector, a fire detector, a ventilation equipment malfunction detector, and a power outage detector. The system includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the hydrogen can be filled from the hydrogen transport means into the tank based on the results detected by the detection unit. The hydrogen refueling management system according to claim 2.

4. The hydrogen storage facility is equipped with a heat transfer fluid flow section for temperature control, The heat transfer fluid circulation section has a pump that adjusts the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid circulating inside, The detection unit is A thermometer for measuring the temperature of the tank, A heat transfer fluid flow meter for measuring the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid, and each of these are provided to communicate with each other. The determination unit determines that it is possible to fill the tank with hydrogen from the hydrogen transport means when the temperature of the tank is below a threshold and the flow rate of the heat transfer medium is above a threshold. The hydrogen refueling management system according to claim 3.

5. The system includes an execution unit that is capable of communicating with the detection unit and the determination unit, When the hydrogen flow unit and the hydrogen transport means are connected and the determination unit determines that hydrogen can be filled, the execution unit operates the valve and the pump, A replacement process for replacing hydrogen within the hydrogen flow section, After the completion of the displacement process, a filling process is performed to fill the tank with hydrogen, After the completion of the filling process, a discharge process is performed to discharge the hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen flow section. The hydrogen refueling management system according to claim 4.

6. It is provided in a manner that allows communication with the execution unit and includes an input unit into which operation commands are input, The execution unit starts the replacement process when an operation command is input to the input unit, provided that the hydrogen distribution unit and the hydrogen transport means are connected and the determination unit determines that hydrogen can be supplied. The hydrogen refueling management system according to claim 5.

7. The determination unit determines whether or not to fill the hydrogen during the filling process, The execution unit, when the determination unit determines that hydrogen cannot be filled, operates the valve and the pump to terminate the filling process. The hydrogen refueling management system according to claim 5.

8. The detection unit has a pressure gauge between the tank and the valve within the hydrogen flow section. The execution unit performs the opening and closing of the valve based on the result determined by the determination unit according to the value of the pressure gauge and the set threshold. The hydrogen refueling management system according to claim 5.

9. The detection unit is provided so as to be able to communicate with a hydrogen flow meter located in the hydrogen flow unit. The execution unit executes the termination of the filling process based on the result determined by the determination unit according to the value of the hydrogen flow meter and the set threshold. The hydrogen refueling management system according to claim 5.

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