Gas Supply System

Abstract

To provide a gas supply system for simultaneously supplying hydrogen gas from a plurality of tanks to a fuel cell, which effectively uses hydrogen gas.SOLUTION: A valve control unit 84 of a gas supply system 14 acquires a gas pressure of gas supplied to a gas consumption device 20 and a first tank temperature; determines a first pressure threshold associated with the first tank temperature; closes a first valve 52 to cut off gas from a first tank 16 to the gas consumption device when the gas pressure is less than the first pressure threshold; and after the first valve is closed and when a first tank temperature rises to a first predetermined temperature, opens the first valve to resume gas supply from the first tank to the gas consumption device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas supply system that switches between supplying and cutting off gas from multiple tanks to a gas consuming device. [Background technology]

[0002] The fuel cell system includes a tank and a fuel cell. The tank stores hydrogen gas. The fuel cell generates electricity by reacting hydrogen with oxygen. Patent Document 1 shows a gas supply system provided in the fuel cell system. In this gas supply system, a controller selects one of a plurality of tanks and supplies hydrogen gas from the selected tank to the fuel cell. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2005 / 010427 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The gas supply system of Patent Document 1 does not supply hydrogen gas from multiple tanks to the fuel cell simultaneously. In the case of a gas supply system in which hydrogen gas is supplied from multiple tanks to the fuel cell simultaneously, the controller performs the following control, for example.

[0005] The controller detects the pressure of the hydrogen gas being supplied to the fuel cell and determines that pressure as the internal pressure of each tank. If the internal pressure of a tank falls below a pressure threshold, hydrogen gas cannot be supplied from the tank to the fuel cell. For this reason, the controller determines that the tank is out of gas when the hydrogen gas pressure falls below a predetermined value. When the controller determines that the tank is out of gas, it stops the supply of hydrogen gas to the fuel cell itself.

[0006] In such a case, a sufficient amount of hydrogen gas may remain in some tanks. Also, a certain amount of hydrogen gas remains in a tank whose internal pressure has dropped. Therefore, in a gas supply system that simultaneously supplies hydrogen gas from multiple tanks to a fuel cell, the hydrogen gas cannot be used effectively.

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An aspect of the present invention is a gas supply system comprising a first tank and a second tank for storing gas, a gas consuming device for consuming gas, a first valve for switching between supplying and blocking gas from the first tank to the gas consuming device, a second valve for switching between supplying and blocking gas from the second tank to the gas consuming device, and a valve control unit for controlling the opening and closing of the first valve and the second valve, the system further comprising a memory device for storing a first pressure threshold which is a threshold value of gas pressure for determining whether or not to supply gas from the first tank to the gas consuming device, the first pressure threshold being stored in correspondence with a first tank temperature which is an internal temperature of the first tank, and the valve control unit , opening the first valve to supply gas from the first tank to the gas consuming device and opening the second valve to supply gas from the second tank to the gas consuming device, acquiring the gas pressure of the gas supplied to the gas consuming device and the first tank temperature, determining the first pressure threshold value corresponding to the first tank temperature, and if the gas pressure is less than the first pressure threshold, closing the first valve to cut off gas from the first tank to the gas consuming device, and after closing the first valve and if the first tank temperature has risen to a first predetermined temperature, opening the first valve to resume the supply of gas from the first tank to the gas consuming device. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, hydrogen gas can be used effectively. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic internal structure of a fuel cell vehicle. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the gas supply system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing pressure thresholds corresponding to tank temperatures. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the main process for the first tank. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the gas supply process for the first tank. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the gas shutoff process for the first tank. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic internal structure of a fuel cell vehicle 10. A gas supply system 14 according to the present invention can be used in a system that supplies gas from multiple tanks to a gas consuming device. In this specification, the gas supply system 14 used in the fuel cell system 12 of the fuel cell vehicle 10 will be described. Note that the gas supply system 14 according to the present invention may also supply gas to a device other than the fuel cell stack 20.

[0012] [1 Car 10] Hereinafter, the fuel cell vehicle 10 will be simply referred to as the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 has a fuel cell system 12. The fuel cell system 12 includes a gas supply system 14 according to the present invention. The fuel cell system 12 has, for example, a plurality of tanks (a first tank 16 and a second tank 18), a fuel cell stack 20, a battery 22, and a motor 24.

[0013] The first tank 16 and the second tank 18 both store hydrogen gas. In this embodiment, the capacity of the first tank 16 is larger than the capacity of the second tank 18. The fuel cell stack 20 is a gas consuming device that consumes hydrogen gas. The fuel cell stack 20 is supplied with hydrogen gas from each tank, as well as with oxygen from the atmosphere. The fuel cell stack 20 generates power through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The battery 22 is capable of charging and discharging. The motor 24 is driven by power supplied from the fuel cell stack 20 or the battery 22. The motor 24 is a traction motor.

[0014] A motor compartment 26 is located at the front of the vehicle 10. A battery compartment 28 is located in the middle of the vehicle 10. A tank compartment 30 is located at the rear of the vehicle 10. The motor compartment 26 is formed by a bonnet 32, a front portion of a floor panel 34, and a front portion of an undercover 36. The front portion of the floor panel 34 is also referred to as a dash panel. A front grill 38 is provided at the front end of the motor compartment 26. A plurality of first inlets 40 are formed in the front grill 38.

[0015] The battery chamber 28 is formed by a middle portion of the floor panel 34 and a middle portion of the undercover 36. The tank chamber 30 is formed by a rear portion of the floor panel 34 and a rear portion of the undercover 36. A second inlet 42 and a discharge outlet 44 are formed in the rear portion of the undercover 36. The second inlet 42 is located in front of the discharge outlet 44. The second inlet 42 is provided with a door 46 that can be opened and closed. The discharge outlet 44 is provided with a door 48 that can be opened and closed.

[0016] The motor chamber 26 houses the fuel cell stack 20 and the motor 24. The battery chamber 28 houses the battery 22. The tank chamber 30 houses the first tank 16 and the second tank 18. The first tank 16 is located rearward of the second tank 18. The first tank 16 is located forward of the outlet 44. The second tank 18 is located forward of the second inlet 42.

[0017] The motor chamber 26 and the battery chamber 28 communicate with each other. The battery chamber 28 and the tank chamber 30 communicate with each other. When the vehicle 10 moves forward, the air flows into the motor chamber 26 from the first inlet 40. The air that flows into the motor chamber 26 flows into the battery chamber 28. The air absorbs heat from heat sources such as the motor 24 and the battery 22. When the doors 46 and 48 are open, the air flows into the motor chamber 26. The air dissipates heat to the first tank 16 and the second tank 18. The air that flows into the motor chamber 26 is exhausted to the outside of the vehicle 10 from the exhaust port 44. On the other hand, when the doors 46 and 48 are closed, the tank chamber 30 is closed. Therefore, the air does not flow into the motor chamber 26.

[0018] [2 Configuration of Gas Supply System 14] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the gas supply system 14. As described above, the gas supply system 14 is included in the fuel cell system 12. The gas supply system 14 has a plurality of tanks (a first tank 16 and a second tank 18), a fuel cell stack 20, a plurality of valves (a first valve 52, a second valve 54, a pressure reducing valve 55, and an injector 56), a plurality of temperature sensors (a first temperature sensor 58 and a second temperature sensor 60), and a pressure sensor 62. The gas supply system 14 according to this embodiment has two tanks. However, the gas supply system 14 may have three or more tanks.

[0019] The first tank 16 and the fuel cell stack 20 are connected by a first pipe 64 and a common pipe 68. The second tank 18 and the fuel cell stack 20 are connected by a second pipe 66 and a common pipe 68. An upstream end 64-1 of the first pipe 64 is connected to a gas outlet of the first tank 16. An upstream end 66-1 of the second pipe 66 is connected to a gas outlet of the second tank 18. A downstream end 64-2 of the first pipe 64 and a downstream end 66-2 of the second pipe 66 are each connected to an upstream end 68-1 of the common pipe 68. A downstream end 68-2 of the common pipe 68 is connected to a gas inlet of the fuel cell stack 20.

[0020] A first valve 52 is provided on the first pipe 64. The first valve 52 opens and closes in response to a signal output from the controller 78. When the first valve 52 is open, hydrogen gas released from the first tank 16 flows through the first pipe 64 and the common pipe 68 and is supplied to the fuel cell stack 20. When the first valve 52 is closed, the flow of hydrogen gas from the first tank 16 to the fuel cell stack 20 is cut off.

[0021] A second valve 54 is provided on the second piping 66. The second valve 54 opens and closes in response to a signal output from the controller 78. When the second valve 54 is open, hydrogen gas released from the second tank 18 flows through the second piping 66 and the common piping 68 and is supplied to the fuel cell stack 20. When the second valve 54 is closed, the flow of hydrogen gas from the second tank 18 to the fuel cell stack 20 is cut off.

[0022] The common pipe 68 is provided with a pressure reducing valve 55 and an injector 56. The pressure reducing valve 55 is disposed upstream of the injector 56. The pressure reducing valve 55 reduces the pressure of hydrogen gas supplied from upstream and discharges it downstream. The injector 56 adjusts the amount of hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel cell stack 20 in response to a signal output from a controller 78.

[0023] A first temperature sensor 58 is attached to the first tank 16. The first temperature sensor 58 detects the internal temperature of the first tank 16. The internal temperature of the first tank 16 is referred to as the first tank temperature. Note that the first temperature sensor 58 may detect the temperature of the hydrogen gas released from the first tank 16, instead of detecting the internal temperature of the first tank 16. For example, the first temperature sensor 58 may detect the temperature of the hydrogen gas flowing through the first pipe 64. The first temperature sensor 58 outputs a detection value to the controller 78.

[0024] A second temperature sensor 60 is attached to the second tank 18. The second temperature sensor 60 detects the internal temperature of the second tank 18. The internal temperature of the second tank 18 is referred to as the second tank temperature. Note that the second temperature sensor 60 may detect the temperature of the hydrogen gas released from the second tank 18, instead of detecting the internal temperature of the second tank 18. For example, the second temperature sensor 60 may detect the temperature of the hydrogen gas flowing through the second pipe 66. The second temperature sensor 60 outputs a detection value to the controller 78.

[0025] A pressure sensor 62 is provided in the common pipe 68. The pressure sensor 62 detects the gas pressure of hydrogen gas between an upstream end 68-1 of the common pipe 68 and the pressure reducing valve 55. The pressure sensor 62 outputs a detection value to the controller 78.

[0026] The gas supply system 14 has a first opening and closing mechanism 70 and a second opening and closing mechanism 72. The first opening and closing mechanism 70 has an actuator that opens and closes the door 46 of the second inlet 42. The second opening and closing mechanism 72 has an actuator that opens and closes the door 48 of the outlet 44. Each actuator is operated by power supplied from a controller 78.

[0027] The gas supply system 14 has a plurality of heat exchangers (a first heat exchanger 74 and a second heat exchanger 76). The first heat exchanger 74 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the first tank 16. The second heat exchanger 76 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the second tank 18. For example, the first heat exchanger 74 has a circulation path through which a heat exchange medium flows and a pump. A first portion of the circulation path is disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the first tank 16. A second portion of the circulation path is disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the heat source (the motor 24, the battery 22). The second portion of the circulation path may be exposed to the atmosphere. The configuration of the second heat exchanger 76 is the same as the configuration of the first heat exchanger 74. The first heat exchanger 74 heats the first tank 16 while the vehicle 10 is running. The second heat exchanger 76 heats the second tank 18 while the vehicle 10 is running.

[0028] The gas supply system 14 includes a controller 78. The controller 78 includes a computing device 80 and a memory device 82.

[0029] The arithmetic device 80 has a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be a processor such as a CPU. The processing circuit may be an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The processor is capable of performing various processes by executing programs stored in the storage device 82. The arithmetic device 80 functions as a valve control unit 84 and a room temperature adjustment unit 86. At least a part of the processing of the valve control unit 84 and the processing of the room temperature adjustment unit 86 may be performed by an electronic circuit including a discrete device.

[0030] The valve control unit 84 controls the opening and closing of the first valve 52, the opening and closing of the second valve 54, and the operation of the injector 56. The room temperature adjustment unit 86 controls the operation of the actuator of the first opening and closing mechanism 70 and the operation of the actuator of the second opening and closing mechanism 72.

[0031] The storage device 82 has a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. An example of the volatile memory is a RAM. The volatile memory is used as a working memory of the processor. The volatile memory temporarily stores data and the like required for processing or calculation. An example of the non-volatile memory is a ROM, a flash memory, and the like. The non-volatile memory is used as a storage memory. The non-volatile memory stores programs, tables, maps, and the like. At least a part of the storage device 82 may be provided in the processor, integrated circuit, and the like as described above.

[0032] The non-volatile memory stores threshold information 88. The threshold information 88 is created for each tank. That is, the non-volatile memory stores threshold information 88-1 for the first tank 16 and threshold information 88-2 for the second tank 18. The threshold information 88 is used to determine whether or not hydrogen gas is to be supplied from the tank to be determined to the fuel cell stack 20. In other words, the threshold information 88 is used to determine whether or not the tank to be determined is usable.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 3, the threshold information 88 includes information related to the gas pressure threshold. The gas pressure threshold is referred to as the pressure threshold. The pressure threshold of the first tank 16 is referred to as the first pressure threshold. The pressure threshold of the second tank 18 is referred to as the second pressure threshold. The pressure threshold is determined for each tank temperature. The pressure threshold is determined according to the shape, capacity, material of the tank, etc. For example, the minimum gas pressure required to supply hydrogen gas from the tank to the fuel cell stack 20 is set as the pressure threshold.

[0034] [3 Processing performed by Controller 78] 4 to 6, the processes (main process, gas supply process, and gas cutoff process) performed by the controller 78 will be described. The processes shown in Fig. 4 to 6 relate to the control of hydrogen gas released from the first tank 16.

[0035] [3-1 Main Processing] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the main process related to the first tank 16. The controller 78 executes the main process at a fixed cycle from when the electrical system of the vehicle 10 is started to when it is stopped. The room temperature adjustment unit 86 closes the doors 46 and 48 when the electrical system of the vehicle 10 is started. Furthermore, the valve control unit 84 opens the first valve 52 and the second valve 54 when the electrical system of the vehicle 10 is started. Furthermore, the valve control unit 84 sets a process flag to 1 when the electrical system of the vehicle 10 is started. The process flag indicates the process (gas supply This is a flag to determine whether the gas supply is stopped or not (processing or gas shutoff processing).

[0036] In step S1, the valve control unit 84 determines whether the processing flag is 1 or 2. If the processing flag is 1 (step S1:1), the process proceeds to step S2. On the other hand, if the processing flag is 2 (step S1:2), the process proceeds to step S3.

[0037] When the process moves from step S1 to step S2, a gas supply process is performed as shown in Fig. 5. On the other hand, when the process moves from step S1 to step S3, a gas cutoff process is performed as shown in Fig. 6.

[0038] [3-2 Gas supply processing] Fig. 5 is a flowchart of the gas supply process for the first tank 16. In step S2 shown in Fig. 4, the following series of gas supply processes are executed. The gas supply process is performed in a state in which hydrogen gas is being supplied from the first tank 16 to the fuel cell stack 20.

[0039] In step S11, the valve control unit 84 acquires the first tank temperature from the first temperature sensor 58. When step S11 ends, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0040] In step S12, the valve control unit 84 obtains the gas pressure from the pressure sensor 62. When step S12 ends, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0041] In step S13, the valve control unit 84 determines the first pressure threshold corresponding to the first tank temperature acquired in step S11, using the threshold information 88-1 of the first tank 16. When step S13 ends, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0042] In step S14, the valve control unit 84 compares the gas pressure acquired in step S12 with the first pressure threshold determined in step S13. If the gas pressure is less than the first pressure threshold (step S14: YES), the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if the gas pressure is equal to or greater than the first pressure threshold (step S14: NO), the gas supply process ends. In this case, hydrogen gas continues to be supplied from the first tank 16 to the fuel cell stack 20.

[0043] When the process proceeds from step S14 to step S15, the valve control unit 84 outputs a close signal to the first valve 52. In response to the close signal, the first valve 52 switches from an open state to a closed state. This blocks the hydrogen gas from the first tank 16 to the fuel cell system 12. Even if the first tank 16 is closed, if the second tank 18 is open, hydrogen gas continues to be supplied from the second tank 18 to the fuel cell system 12. When step S15 ends, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0044] In step S16, the room temperature adjustment unit 86 supplies opening power to each of the actuators of the first opening and closing mechanism 70 and the second opening and closing mechanism 72. In response to the supply of opening power, the actuator of the first opening and closing mechanism 70 opens the door 46. In response to the supply of opening power, the actuator of the second opening and closing mechanism 72 opens the door 48. Then, the tank chamber 30 is opened.

[0045] The air that flows into the interior of the vehicle 10 from the first inlet 40 flows through the motor chamber 26 and the battery chamber 28, and then flows into the tank chamber 30. The air further flows into the tank chamber 30 from the door 46. The air that flows into the tank chamber 30 passes through the exhaust port 44 and is exhausted to the outside of the tank chamber 30. The temperature of the air is higher than the temperature of the first tank 16. Therefore, the first tank 16 is heated. When step S16 is completed, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0046] In step S17, the valve control unit 84 outputs a limiting signal to the injector 56. The injector 56 limits the amount of hydrogen gas supplied in response to the limiting signal. For example, the injector 56 reduces the amount of hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel cell stack 20 compared to the normal amount of hydrogen gas supplied. As a result, the amount of hydrogen gas consumed in the fuel cell stack 20 decreases. This makes it possible to reduce the rate at which hydrogen gas decreases in the second tank 18, which has a smaller capacity. This in turn extends the usable time of the second tank 18. Furthermore, it is possible to buy time until the temperature of the first tank 16 recovers.

[0047] In step S18, the valve control unit 84 changes the process flag from 1 to 2. When step S18 ends, the gas supply process ends.

[0048] [3-3 Gas shutoff process] Fig. 6 is a flowchart of the gas cutoff process for the first tank 16. In step S3 shown in Fig. 4, the following series of gas cutoff processes are executed. The gas cutoff process is performed in a state in which hydrogen gas from the first tank 16 to the fuel cell stack 20 is cut off.

[0049] In step S21, the valve control unit 84 acquires the first tank temperature from the first temperature sensor 58. When step S21 ends, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0050] In step S22, the valve control unit 84 calculates the internal pressure of the first tank 16 using the first tank temperature acquired in step S21 and the information in the memory device 82. The internal pressure of the first tank 16 is referred to as the first tank internal pressure. There is a correlation between the tank temperature and the tank internal pressure. The memory device 82 stores information on the correlation between the tank temperature and the tank internal pressure for each tank. When step S22 ends, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0051] In step S23, the valve control unit 84 performs step S24 using the threshold value information 88-1 of the first tank 16. 21 The first pressure threshold value corresponding to the first tank temperature acquired in step S23 is determined. When step S23 ends, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0052] In step S24, the valve control unit 84 compares the first tank internal pressure calculated in step S22 with the first pressure threshold determined in step S23. If the first tank internal pressure is equal to or greater than the first pressure threshold (step S24: YES), the process proceeds to step S25. On the other hand, if the first tank internal pressure is less than the first pressure threshold (step S24: NO), the gas cutoff process ends. In this case, the cutoff of hydrogen gas from the first tank 16 to the fuel cell stack 20 continues.

[0053] When the process proceeds from step S24 to step S25, the valve control unit 84 outputs an open signal to the first valve 52. In response to the open signal, the first valve 52 switches from a closed state to an open state. Then, hydrogen gas is supplied from the first tank 16 to the fuel cell system 12. When step S25 ends, the process proceeds to step S26.

[0054] In step S26, the room temperature adjustment unit 86 supplies closing power to each of the actuators of the first opening and closing mechanism 70 and the second opening and closing mechanism 72. The actuator of the first opening and closing mechanism 70 closes the door 46 in response to the supply of closing power. The actuator of the second opening and closing mechanism 72 closes the door 48 in response to the supply of closing power. The tank chamber 30 is then closed. When step S26 ends, the process proceeds to step S27.

[0055] In step S27, the valve control unit 84 outputs a normal signal to the injector 56. In response to the normal signal, the injector 56 returns the amount of hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel cell stack 20 to the state before the restriction. When step S27 ends, the process proceeds to step S28.

[0056] In step S28, the valve control unit 84 changes the processing flag from 2 to 1. When step S28 ends, the gas cutoff processing ends.

[0057] [3-4 Processing of the Second Tank 18] The controller 78 performs the same process as that shown in Fig. 4 to Fig. 6 for controlling hydrogen gas released from the second tank 18. In this case, in the description of each process, "first tank 16" is replaced with "second tank 18". In addition, in the description of each process, "first valve 52" is replaced with "second valve 54". In addition, in the description of the gas supply process, "first pressure threshold" is replaced with "second pressure threshold".

[0058] For gas supply system 14 having three or more tanks, controller 78 performs operations similar to those shown in FIGS. 4-6 for each tank.

[0059] [4 Variations] The valve control unit 84 may calculate the remaining amount of hydrogen gas in the first tank 16 and compare the remaining amount of hydrogen gas with a remaining amount threshold to determine whether to open or close the first valve 52. For example, the valve control unit 84 can calculate the weight (remaining amount) of hydrogen gas remaining inside the first tank 16 from the first tank temperature, gas pressure, and the capacity of the first tank 16.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the arithmetic device 80 performs the processes shown in Figs. 4 to 6 on each of the first tank 16 and the second tank 18. The arithmetic device 80 may perform the processes shown in Figs. 4 to 6 on only one of the first tank 16 and the second tank 18. For example, the arithmetic device 80 may perform the processes shown in Figs. 4 to 6 on only the first tank 16. Since the first tank 16 is larger than the second tank 18, the tank temperature and internal pressure are more likely to decrease. For this reason, it is effective to perform the processes shown in Figs. 4 to 6 on the first tank 16.

[0061] [5 Inventions Obtained from the Embodiments] The invention that can be understood from the above embodiment will be described below.

[0062] An aspect of the present invention is a gas supply system (14) including a first tank (16) and a second tank (18) for storing gas, a gas consuming device (20) for consuming gas, a first valve (52) for switching between supplying and blocking gas from the first tank to the gas consuming device, a second valve (54) for switching between supplying and blocking gas from the second tank to the gas consuming device, and a valve control unit (84) for controlling opening and closing of the first valve and opening and closing of the second valve, the gas supply system (14) including a memory device (82) for storing a first pressure threshold value which is a threshold value of gas pressure for determining whether or not to supply gas from the first tank to the gas consuming device, and the first pressure threshold value being associated with a first tank temperature which is an internal temperature of the first tank. the valve control unit opens the first valve to supply gas from the first tank to the gas consuming device and opens the second valve to supply gas from the second tank to the gas consuming device, acquires the gas pressure of the gas supplied to the gas consuming device and the first tank temperature, determines the first pressure threshold value associated with the first tank temperature, closes the first valve to cut off gas from the first tank to the gas consuming device when the gas pressure is less than the first pressure threshold, and opens the first valve to resume the supply of gas from the first tank to the gas consuming device after closing the first valve and when the first tank temperature has risen to a first predetermined temperature.

[0063] In the above configuration, when the internal pressure of the first tank decreases, the valve control unit cuts off the hydrogen gas supplied from the first tank to the gas consuming device, while continuing the supply of hydrogen gas from the second tank to the gas consuming device. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the hydrogen gas in the second tank can be used effectively. Furthermore, in the above configuration, the valve control unit increases the temperature of the first tank. When the temperature of the first tank increases, the internal pressure of the first tank also increases. When the internal pressure of the first tank increases, it becomes possible to supply hydrogen gas from the first tank to the gas consuming device. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the hydrogen gas in the first tank can be used effectively. When the gas supply system is installed in a fuel cell vehicle, the cruising distance of the fuel cell vehicle can be extended.

[0064] In an aspect of the present invention, the memory device stores a second pressure threshold, which is the gas pressure threshold for determining whether or not to supply gas from the second tank to the gas consuming device, and the second pressure threshold is stored in correspondence with a second tank temperature, which is the internal temperature of the second tank, and the valve control unit acquires the gas pressure of the gas supplied to the gas consuming device and the second tank temperature, determines the second pressure threshold corresponding to the second tank temperature, and when the gas pressure is less than the second pressure threshold, closes the second valve to cut off gas from the second tank to the gas consuming device, and after closing the second valve and when the second tank temperature has risen to a second predetermined temperature, opens the second valve to resume the supply of gas from the second tank to the gas consuming device.

[0065] In an embodiment of the present invention, an adjusting valve (56) is provided for adjusting the amount of gas supplied to the gas consumption device, and the valve control unit may limit the amount of gas supplied from the second tank to the gas consumption device by controlling the adjusting valve when the first valve is closed.

[0066] When the first valve is closed, the gas consumption device uses gas released from the second tank. This creates a risk that the second tank will run out of gas. In the above configuration, the gas released from the second tank is suppressed. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the risk that the second tank will run out of gas.

[0067] This aspect of the present invention may further include a room temperature adjustment unit (86) that heats the interior of a tank chamber (30) that houses the first tank after the first valve is closed.

[0068] According to the above configuration, the first tank temperature can be quickly restored, and the internal pressure of the first tank can be quickly increased.

[0069] In an aspect of the present invention, the tank chamber has an exhaust port (44) for exhausting gas inside the tank chamber to the outside of the tank chamber, and the room temperature adjustment unit may exhaust the gas flowing into the tank chamber to the outside of the tank chamber by opening the exhaust port.

[0070] In an aspect of the present invention, a heat exchanger (74) may be provided attached to the first tank, and the heat exchanger may absorb heat from a portion other than the first tank and radiate heat to the first tank.

[0071] According to the above configuration, the first tank temperature can be quickly restored, and the internal pressure of the first tank can be quickly increased. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 14...Gas supply system 16...First tank 18…Second Tank 20... fuel cell stack (gas consuming device) 30... tank chamber 44...Outlet 52...First valve 54...Second valve 56...Injector (adjusting valve) 82... storage device 84... valve control section 86…Room temperature adjustment section

Claims

1. a first tank and a second tank for storing gas; A gas consuming device that consumes gas; a first valve that switches between supplying and blocking gas from the first tank to the gas consumption device; a second valve that switches between supplying and blocking gas from the second tank to the gas consumption device; a valve control unit that controls opening and closing of the first valve and the second valve; A gas supply system comprising: a storage device that stores a first pressure threshold, which is a gas pressure threshold for determining whether or not to supply gas from the first tank to the gas consumption device; The first pressure threshold value is stored in association with a first tank temperature, which is an internal temperature of the first tank; The valve control unit is opening the first valve to supply gas from the first tank to the gas consuming device and opening the second valve to supply gas from the second tank to the gas consuming device; performing a gas pressure acquisition process to acquire the gas pressure of the gas supplied to the gas consumption device, and a first temperature acquisition process to acquire the first tank temperature; performing a first threshold value acquisition process to acquire the first pressure threshold value associated with the first tank temperature acquired by the first temperature acquisition process; When the gas pressure acquired by the gas pressure acquisition process is less than the first pressure threshold acquired by the first threshold acquisition process, closing the first valve to cut off gas from the first tank to the gas consumption device; performing a second temperature acquisition process for acquiring the first tank temperature after closing the first valve; performing a first tank internal pressure acquisition process to acquire an internal pressure of the first tank based on the first tank temperature acquired by the second temperature acquisition process; performing a second threshold value acquisition process to acquire the first pressure threshold value associated with the first tank temperature acquired by the second temperature acquisition process; when the internal pressure of the first tank acquired by the first tank internal pressure acquisition process is equal to or higher than the first pressure threshold acquired by the second threshold acquisition process, opening the first valve to resume the supply of gas from the first tank to the gas consumption device; Gas supply system.

2. 2. The gas supply system of claim 1, the storage device stores a second pressure threshold, which is a threshold of the gas pressure for determining whether or not to supply gas from the second tank to the gas consumption device; The second pressure threshold value is stored in association with a second tank temperature, which is an internal temperature of the second tank; The valve control unit is performing the gas pressure acquisition process and a third temperature acquisition process for acquiring the second tank temperature; performing a third threshold value acquisition process to acquire the second pressure threshold value associated with the second tank temperature acquired by the third temperature acquisition process; When the gas pressure acquired by the gas pressure acquisition process is less than the second pressure threshold acquired by the third threshold acquisition process, closing the second valve to cut off gas from the second tank to the gas consumption device; performing a fourth temperature acquisition process for acquiring the second tank temperature after closing the second valve; performing a second tank internal pressure acquisition process to acquire an internal pressure of the second tank based on the second tank temperature acquired by the fourth temperature acquisition process; performing a fourth threshold value acquisition process to acquire the second pressure threshold value associated with the second tank temperature acquired by the fourth temperature acquisition process; when the internal pressure of the second tank acquired by the second tank internal pressure acquisition process is equal to or higher than the second pressure threshold acquired by the fourth threshold acquisition process, opening the second valve to resume the supply of gas from the second tank to the gas consumption device. Gas supply system.

3. 2. The gas supply system of claim 1, a regulating valve for regulating the amount of gas supplied to the gas consuming device; A gas supply system, wherein the valve control unit limits the amount of gas supplied from the second tank to the gas consumption device by controlling the regulating valve when the first valve is closed.

4. 2. The gas supply system of claim 1, a room temperature adjustment unit that heats an interior of a tank chamber that houses the first tank after the first valve is closed.

5. 5. The gas supply system of claim 4, the tank chamber has an exhaust port for exhausting gas inside the tank chamber to the outside of the tank chamber, The room temperature adjustment unit discharges gas flowing into the tank chamber to the outside of the tank chamber by opening the exhaust port.

6. 2. The gas supply system of claim 1, a heat exchanger attached to the first tank; The heat exchanger absorbs heat from a portion other than the first tank and dissipates heat to the first tank.

7. The gas supply system of claim 1, the storage device stores a second pressure threshold, which is a threshold of the gas pressure for determining whether or not to supply gas from the second tank to the gas consumption device; The second pressure threshold value is stored in association with a second tank temperature, which is an internal temperature of the second tank; The valve control unit is performing the gas pressure acquisition process and a third temperature acquisition process for acquiring the second tank temperature; performing a third threshold value acquisition process to acquire the second pressure threshold value associated with the second tank temperature acquired by the third temperature acquisition process; When the gas pressure acquired by the gas pressure acquisition process is less than the second pressure threshold acquired by the third threshold acquisition process, the supply of gas from the second tank to the gas consumption device is continued. Gas supply system.

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