Hydrogen filling reservation system

Abstract

To provide a reservation system capable of efficiently filling a plurality of vehicles with hydrogen.SOLUTION: On the basis of a vehicle drive plan, vehicle information, and hydrogen station information, a location of a hydrogen station for filling hydrogen and a filling schedule time are determined for each of vehicles, and hydrogen filling reservation is made.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hydrogen filling reservation system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a hydrogen station filling reservation device which enables a user's vehicle to input reservation information for reserving a date and time for filling up with hydrogen fuel at a hydrogen station, creates a hydrogen filling reservation table, receives access to the hydrogen filling reservation table from the user, receives reservation information, and registers and updates the received reservation information in the hydrogen filling reservation table. Moreover, Patent Document 2 discloses a system for presenting candidate stations.

[0003] Incidentally, when multiple vehicles are used to deliver goods to multiple associated stores, such as when delivering goods to convenience stores, or when vehicles such as buses carry passengers and operate on a specified route, operation plans are made in advance for each of the multiple vehicles, and the vehicles are managed to ensure efficient delivery and operation. 2. Description of the Related Art In the past, when vehicles that use gasoline or diesel as fuel were used, fuel could be easily refueled whenever and wherever necessary. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-183768 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2020-045908 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when the vehicle is a fuel cell vehicle, fuel (hydrogen) refueling is not as flexible as in the past, and even the technology in Patent Document 1 does not allow hydrogen to be efficiently supplied to multiple vehicles. Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a reservation system that enables efficient hydrogen filling of multiple vehicles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This application discloses a hydrogen filling reservation system that makes reservations for hydrogen filling for multiple vehicles, which determines the location of the hydrogen station where filling will be performed and the scheduled filling time for each vehicle based on the vehicle driving plan, vehicle information, and hydrogen station information, and makes a reservation for hydrogen filling.

[0007] The hydrogen station information may include maintenance date and time, the number of nozzles available, and reservation information of other users.

[0008] As the vehicle information, at least one of a vehicle ID, a remaining amount of hydrogen, a remaining hydrogen pressure, and a required amount of filling may be acquired.

[0009] The present application provides a hydrogen filling reservation system for making hydrogen filling reservations for a plurality of vehicles, in which a hydrogen station database, a filling reservation database, and an operation management database are connected so as to be able to exchange information, and the filling reservation database obtains hydrogen station information from the hydrogen station database and provides it to the operation management database, obtains provisional reservation information from the operation management database and provides it to the hydrogen station database, obtains reservation availability information for the provisional reservation information from the hydrogen station database and provides it to the operation management database, and obtains final reservation information that has confirmed the reservation for vehicles that can be reserved from the operation management database and outputs the final reservation information.

[0010] The operation management database can obtain hydrogen station information via the filling reservation database, and may be configured to create provisional reservation information that determines the provisional filling time and provisional filling amount for each vehicle and / or for each hydrogen station based on the vehicle operation plan and the vehicle's hydrogen filling information, and provide the provisional reservation information to the filling reservation database.

[0011] The operation management database may be configured to obtain reservation availability information from the filling reservation database and to modify the operation plan for vehicles for which reservations are not possible.

[0012] The filling reservation database may manage information for each hydrogen station operator and for each operation manager, and may be managed in such a way that information cannot be viewed or obtained between different hydrogen station operators and between different operation managers.

[0013] The filling reservation database can be configured to associate the currently available information with which process within the hydrogen filling reservation system it corresponds to, based on various information obtained from the hydrogen station database and operation management database, and to assign a different identification symbol to each process.

[0014] The fill reservation database may provide various information along with the identification code.

[0015] The filling reservation database may be configured to obtain available reservation slot information together with reservation availability information from the hydrogen station database and provide this to the operation management database.

[0016] The hydrogen station database may change the amount of hydrogen in stock at the hydrogen station based on the reservation availability information.

[0017] The filling reservation database may assign an identification symbol indicating that a reservation is not possible to a vehicle for which a reservation cannot be made, and output a message indicating that a reservation is not possible. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present disclosure, efficient hydrogen filling of multiple vehicles is possible. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the concept of a hydrogen filling reservation system 10. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the computer 10a. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the flow of hydrogen filling reservation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] 1. Hydrogen Refueling Reservation System 1 conceptually illustrates the configuration of a hydrogen filling reservation system 10. The hydrogen filling reservation system 10 is configured so that a filling reservation database (filling reservation DB) 11, a hydrogen station database (hydrogen STDB) 12, and an operation management database (operation management DB) 13 can send and receive information via the Internet or the like. More specifically, the system is configured so that reservations for hydrogen filling are made while the hydrogen STDB 12 and the operation management DB 13 exchange information via the filling reservation DB 11.

[0021] 1.1.Filling reservation database The filling reservation DB 11 acquires information from the hydrogen STDB 12 and provides the information to the operation management DB 13. The filling reservation DB 11 also acquires information from the operation management DB 13 and provides the information to the hydrogen STDB 12. When providing the information, the filling reservation DB 11 assigns an identification symbol (status) to each piece of information. This will be described in detail later. The location where the filling reservation DB 11 is installed is not particularly limited as long as it can perform the necessary functions. Specifically, the location may be a hydrogen station, an operation management facility, or an individual facility independent of these.

[0022] 1.2. Hydrogen STDB The hydrogen station DB 12 prepares information on the hydrogen station side and provides the information to the operation management DB 13 via the filling reservation DB 11. The hydrogen station DB 12 also obtains information from the operation management DB 13 via the filling reservation DB 11 and performs calculations such as whether or not a reservation can be made.

[0023] Here, the hydrogen station is a facility equipped with a hydrogen filling device that fills hydrogen into a hydrogen tank provided in a fuel cell vehicle. As is well known, fuel cell vehicles are equipped with a fuel cell system within the vehicle body. The fuel cell system is equipped with a fuel cell and a hydrogen tank, and hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen tank to the fuel cell. The fuel cell uses the hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen tank as fuel gas, and generates electricity by oxidizing this fuel gas with a separately supplied oxidizing gas (air), and the generated electricity rotates a motor that is the drive source of the vehicle. The hydrogen filling device includes a pressure accumulator in which hydrogen is sealed, a compressor that compresses (pressure-boosting) the hydrogen released from the pressure accumulator into a pipe, a hydrogen supply pipe that supplies the pressurized hydrogen from the compressor to the fuel cell vehicle, and a control device that controls the hydrogen supply. Here, the pressure accumulator, compressor, and hydrogen supply pipe may be any known type and are not particularly limited. Hydrogen is filled by connecting a nozzle at the end of the hydrogen supply pipe to a receptacle (filling port) at the end of the hydrogen introduction pipe of the fuel cell vehicle, and hydrogen released from the pressure accumulator by the compressor passes through the hydrogen supply pipe and the hydrogen introduction pipe of the fuel cell vehicle to fill the hydrogen tank.

[0024] There are no particular limitations on where the hydrogen STDB 12 is installed, as long as it can perform the necessary functions. Typical examples include a hydrogen station or a facility for comprehensively controlling multiple hydrogen stations.

[0025] 1.3.Operation Management DB The operation management DB 13 prepares information on the operation manager's side and provides the information to the hydrogen ST DB 11 via the filling reservation DB 11. The operation management DB 13 also obtains information from the hydrogen ST DB 12 via the filling reservation DB 11 and performs calculations for the desired vehicle adjustments. Here, the driving manager may be someone who manages the product delivery of multiple vehicles that deliver goods to each store along a specified route, or someone who manages the dispatch of multiple vehicles that operate along a specified route, such as long-distance buses. The location where the operation management DB 13 is installed is not particularly limited as long as it can perform the necessary functions. A typical example is an operation management facility.

[0026] 1.4. Aspects of each database Although not particularly limited, each of the databases, ie, the filling reservation DB 11, the hydrogen ST DB 12, and the operation management DB 13, can typically be configured by a computer. An example of the configuration of the computer 10a is conceptually shown in FIG.

[0027] The computer 10a comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10b which is a processor, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 10c which functions as a working area, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 10d which serves as a storage medium, a receiving unit 10e which is an interface that accepts information into the computer 10a regardless of whether it is wired or wireless, and an output unit 10f which is an interface that sends information from the computer 10a to the outside regardless of whether it is wired or wireless. The receiving unit 10e is connected to input means such as a keyboard and a mouse, the Internet, etc. On the other hand, the output unit 10f is connected to a monitor, the Internet, etc.

[0028] Various programs for reserving a filling time are stored in the computer 10a. In the computer 10a, the CPU 10b, RAM 10c, and ROM 10d as hardware resources work together with the control programs. Specifically, the CPU 10b executes the computer programs stored in the ROM 10d in the RAM 10c that functions as a work area, thereby realizing various functions. Information acquired or generated by the CPU 10b is stored in the RAM 10c.

[0029] In this embodiment, the computers 10a constituting each database transmit and receive information between these computers 10a, and perform calculations to determine a hydrogen filling plan for multiple vehicles, and reservations for hydrogen filling are made based on this plan. The specific details of hydrogen filling reservations will be described later.

[0030] 2. Hydrogen refueling reservation Next, hydrogen filling reservation will be described. Reservations for hydrogen filling to multiple fuel cell vehicles are made as described below by operation of the hydrogen filling reservation system 10 described above. Specific details of hydrogen filling reservation are to make a reservation in advance with the hydrogen station where hydrogen will be filled by providing information including the specification of the hydrogen station where hydrogen will be filled, the filling time, and the amount of hydrogen to be filled.

[0031] Moreover, a program having steps corresponding to each process in this operation can be created, stored in the ROM 10d of the computer 10a corresponding to each database, and executed to make a reservation for hydrogen filling. Each process of hydrogen filling reservation according to one example will be explained below, and by creating a program based on this and recording it in the ROM 10d of the computer 10a corresponding to each database, it will function as one component of the hydrogen filling reservation system 10.

[0032] Figure 3 shows the flow of each process (method S1) for making a hydrogen filling reservation according to one embodiment. As can be seen from Figure 3, method S1 is made up of processes S11 to S15 in the hydrogen STDB 12, processes S21 to S25 in the filling reservation DB 11, and processes S31 to S39 in the operation management DB 13. Each process will be explained below. However, as the process progresses, information is passed between the filling reservation DB 11, the hydrogen STDB 12, and the operation management DB 13, so the explanation will follow the flow of information. In Figure 3, the flow between processes within each database is shown by solid lines, and the flow of information is shown by dotted lines. In the following, each process will be explained in the order of the symbols (1) to (18) along with the movement of information, and these symbols are assigned to processes that also correspond to those in FIG.

[0033] (1) The hydrogen STDB 12 generates and outputs information about one or more hydrogen stations (step S11). The information generated here may include geographical information (location of hydrogen stations, routes to hydrogen stations, etc.), temporal information (information such as regular business hours of hydrogen stations, non-regular closed days and times of hydrogen stations (maintenance days and times)), number of nozzles available, types of nozzles available, amount of hydrogen available, hydrogen fee, hydrogen production plan, hydrogen inventory plan, reservation availability information (other party reservation information), etc. When reservation availability information is included here, if other party information can be obtained, it is possible to include only whether or not a reservation has been made, and not include specific information such as the names of the other parties.

[0034] (2) The filling reservation DB 11 acquires the information generated in step S11 from the hydrogen STDB 12, assigns an identification code (status), and records the information in the filling reservation DB 11 (step S21). Here, the specific form of the identification code is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, numbers (1, 2, 3, ...). The identification symbol assigned is a unique symbol for step S21. That is, identification symbols are also assigned for steps S22 to S24, which will be described later, but different identification symbols are assigned for each of these steps. This allows the currently obtained information to be associated with which step in the hydrogen filling reservation system it corresponds, based on the various information obtained from the hydrogen STDB 12 and the operation management DB 13. Furthermore, the records of each step in the filling reservation DB 11 are added chronologically, without being overwritten. The filling reservation DB 11 may be configured to provide various information together with the identification code to the next process (hydrogen ST DB 12 and operation management DB 13).

[0035] (3) The filling reservation DB 11 outputs the information recorded in step S21, and the operation management DB 13 acquires this information (step S31). This allows the operation management DB 13 to obtain hydrogen station information that is one element of the criteria for making reservations for hydrogen filling for multiple vehicles.

[0036] (4) The operation management DB13 uses the hydrogen station information obtained in step S31 to calculate a proposed daily operation plan for each vehicle, assigns an ID to each vehicle, and calculates an operation plan for hydrogen filling (temporary reservation information such as a temporary hydrogen station, a temporary hydrogen filling time, and a temporary hydrogen filling amount) (step S32). The calculation of such a driving plan can be performed automatically using known software, taking into consideration the destination, route, and vehicle specifications (particularly information such as the capacity of the hydrogen tank and the type and number of receptacles) required for each vehicle, as well as the current hydrogen status of each vehicle (at least one of the remaining hydrogen amount, remaining hydrogen pressure, and required filling amount) and a combination of acceptable hydrogen stations in light of the information obtained in step S31. The software that calculates the driving plan here is a system that creates a base plan that determines the delivery route for each vehicle and the time to stop at hydrogen stations so that all orders reach their destinations without delay, for example, in response to delivery orders (including delivery destinations and desired delivery times, etc.). While the condition of delivering without delays is given top priority, route optimization is performed using a fuel efficiency model to select the most fuel-efficient route.

[0037] (5) The operation management DB 13 prepares and outputs the results calculated in step S32 (step S33).

[0038] (6) The filling reservation DB 11 acquires the information output by the operation management DB 13 in step S33, assigns an identification symbol (status), and records the information in the filling reservation DB 11 (step S22). As explained in step S21 above, the identification symbol assigned here is different from that in step S21 and steps S23 to S24 described below.

[0039] (7) The hydrogen STDB 12 acquires the information recorded in step S22 (step S12).

[0040] (8) The hydrogen STDB 12 performs a calculation for each vehicle as to whether or not a reservation for hydrogen filling can be made based on the information acquired in step S12 and the information generated in step S11 (step S13). This calculation is based on applying each vehicle to the current hydrogen station situation (information from step S11) based on the vehicle information obtained in step S12 in order to fulfill the driving plan for each vehicle obtained in step S12. However, even if there is a vehicle for which a reservation for hydrogen filling is not possible by comparing the information acquired in step S12 with the hydrogen station information generated in step S11, if there is an additional action that can be taken by the hydrogen station at this stage of step S13, this can be applied to determine whether or not hydrogen filling is possible. Examples of additional action that can be taken by the hydrogen station include replenishing new hydrogen stock, changing maintenance times, canceling reservations for vehicles with low priority for reserved hydrogen filling, etc.

[0041] This makes it possible to create provisional reservation information in which the provisional filling time and provisional filling amount are determined for each vehicle and / or each hydrogen station.

[0042] (9) The hydrogen STDB 12 determines and outputs the result of the calculation in step S13 (whether or not each vehicle can be reserved) (step S14). At this time, the reservation of the vehicle that has been determined to be available for reservation may be confirmed (final reservation) (step S15). In addition, the hydrogen STDB 12 may generate reservation availability information, which is information on dates and times for which reservations have not yet been filled, in addition to determining whether or not reservations can be made for each vehicle.

[0043] (10) The filling reservation DB 11 acquires the information determined in step S14 (whether or not a reservation can be made for each vehicle, and provisional reservation information), assigns an identification code (status), and records the availability of a hydrogen filling reservation for each vehicle and the provisional reservation information (step S23). As explained in step S21 above, the identification code assigned here is different from that in steps S21 to S22 and step S24, which will be explained later. In the above step S14, when the hydrogen STDB 12 determines whether or not a reservation can be made for each vehicle and creates available reservation slot information, the information can be included in the record.

[0044] (11) The operation management DB 13 acquires the hydrogen filling reservation availability information and tentative reservation information for each vehicle recorded in step S23 from the filling reservation DB 11 (step S34). If the available reservation slot information is recorded in step S23, the operation management DB 13 can also acquire this information.

[0045] (12) The operation management DB 13 separates vehicles into those that can be reserved and those that cannot be reserved based on the reservation availability information and tentative reservation information for each vehicle acquired in step S34, and determines whether there are any vehicles that cannot be reserved (step S35). If there is no vehicle that cannot be reserved in step S35, No is selected and the process proceeds to step S36. On the other hand, if there is a vehicle that cannot be reserved in step S35, Yes is selected and the process proceeds to step S37.

[0046] (13) If there are no vehicles that cannot be reserved in step S35 and No is selected, the reservation may be completed as is, and the vehicle reservation is confirmed and the reservation is made official (step S36).

[0047] (14) If there is a vehicle that cannot be reserved in step S35 and Yes is selected, it is determined whether to abandon the reservation for hydrogen filling of the vehicle that cannot be reserved (step S37). The determination of whether to abandon the reservation for hydrogen filling may be made automatically based on predetermined conditions, or may be made based on input by the operator of the operation management DB. A case where a reservation is automatically abandoned is, for example, when the maintenance time used in the calculation is changed and the scheduled arrival time sent from the delivery plan overlaps with the new maintenance time, and the reservation is abandoned. This makes it possible to automatically determine that the reservation is abandoned because it overlaps with the maintenance time. If in step S37 the reservation for hydrogen filling of the non-reservable vehicle is to be abandoned, then Yes is selected and the program proceeds to step S38. On the other hand, if in step S37 the reservation for hydrogen filling of the non-reservable vehicle is not to be abandoned, then No is selected and the program proceeds to step S39.

[0048] (15) In step S37, if the hydrogen filling reservation for the vehicle that cannot be reserved is abandoned and the judgment is Yes, the hydrogen filling reservation is confirmed (full reservation) for the vehicle that can be reserved for hydrogen filling, and the hydrogen filling reservation is abandoned for the vehicle that cannot be reserved (step S38).

[0049] (16) In step S37, if the hydrogen filling reservation for the unavailable vehicle is not abandoned and the result is No, the driving plan for the unavailable vehicle is modified (step S39). The operation plan is modified in step S39 by modifying the results obtained in steps S32 and S33. If available reservation slot information is included in the record, the operation plan may be modified by referring to this information. The vehicles to be subject to the revision of the operation plan may be all or some of the vehicles that can be reserved and all of the vehicles that cannot be reserved, or may be only the vehicles that cannot be reserved. Thereafter, vehicle information based on the revised driving plan is provided to the filling reservation DB 11, and the process is repeated from step S22.

[0050] (17) The filling reservation DB11 acquires information on vehicle reservations that have been confirmed (fully reserved) in steps S36 and S38, and on any vehicles for which reservations have been abandoned, assigns an identification symbol (status), and records the confirmed information on reservations and abandoned reservations (step S24). As explained in step S21 above, the identification code given here is different from that given in steps S21 to 23. Moreover, the identification code may be different depending on whether reservation is possible or not.

[0051] (18) The filling reservation DB 11 notifies each vehicle of the driving schedule information (information regarding the hydrogen filling schedule) based on the information in step S24 (S25). This notification and the means for receiving it are not particularly limited, and may include a terminal provided in the vehicle, a terminal carried by the driver, etc. This notification may also be made together with an identification code.

[0052] 3. Effects and Others As described above, the present disclosure provides a reservation system that enables efficient hydrogen filling of multiple vehicles. From the viewpoint of vehicle operation management, this enables a reduction in driving distance just for hydrogen filling, a reduction in waiting time at hydrogen stations, and dispersion of filling timing, etc., and reduces the impact on vehicle operation plans, allowing hydrogen to be filled efficiently. From the perspective of the hydrogen station, it is also possible to prevent vehicles that require a large amount of hydrogen, such as delivery vehicles and large vehicles such as buses, from being concentrated at any one hydrogen station, thereby leveling out the hydrogen supply.

[0053] In addition, when there are multiple hydrogen station operators and multiple operation managers, the above-mentioned filling reservation DB will manage the information in such a way that hydrogen station information is managed for each hydrogen station operator, operation plans, vehicle information, and reservation information is managed for each operation manager, and hydrogen station information, operation plans, vehicle information, and reservation information cannot be viewed or obtained between different hydrogen station operators and different operation managers. This makes it possible to fill hydrogen between multiple operators while protecting trade secrets, improving versatility and convenience, and improving filling efficiency. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 10 Hydrogen refueling reservation system 11 Filling reservation database 12 Hydrogen station database 13 Operation Management Database

Claims

1. A system for making reservations for hydrogen filling for multiple vehicles, Based on the vehicle operation plan, vehicle information, and hydrogen station information, the location of the hydrogen station where the vehicle will be filled and the scheduled filling time are determined for each vehicle, and a hydrogen filling reservation is made; As the hydrogen station information, a maintenance date and time, a number of nozzles available, and reservation information of other users are acquired. Hydrogen filling reservation system.

2. 2. The hydrogen filling reservation system according to claim 1, wherein the information about the vehicle includes a vehicle ID and at least one of a remaining amount of hydrogen, a remaining hydrogen pressure, and a required amount of filling.

3. A system for making reservations for hydrogen filling for multiple vehicles, The hydrogen station database, the filling reservation database, and the operation management database are connected to each other so as to be able to exchange information; The filling reservation database includes: Obtaining hydrogen station information from the hydrogen station database and providing it to the operation management database; Obtaining provisional reservation information from the operation management database and providing it to the hydrogen station database; Obtain reservation availability information for the provisional reservation information from the hydrogen station database and provide it to the operation management database; acquires final reservation information for a vehicle that can be reserved from the driving management database, and outputs the final reservation information; Hydrogen filling reservation system.

4. The operation management database includes: The hydrogen station information can be acquired via the filling reservation database, The hydrogen filling reservation system of claim 3, further comprising: creating provisional reservation information for each vehicle and / or each hydrogen station based on the vehicle's operation plan and the vehicle's hydrogen filling information, determining a provisional filling time and provisional filling amount, and providing the provisional reservation information to the filling reservation database.

5. The operation management database includes: Obtain reservation availability information from the filling reservation database; The hydrogen filling reservation system according to claim 4 , wherein the driving plan is modified for vehicles that cannot be reserved.

6. The filling reservation database includes: Manage information for each hydrogen station operator, Manage information for each operation manager. The hydrogen filling reservation system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the information is managed so that it cannot be viewed or obtained between operators of different hydrogen stations, and between different operation managers.

7. The filling reservation database includes: A hydrogen filling reservation system as described in any one of claims 3 to 6, which associates currently obtained information from various information obtained from the hydrogen station database and the operation management database with which process within the hydrogen filling reservation system it corresponds, and assigns a different identification symbol to each process.

8. 8. The hydrogen filling reservation system according to claim 7, wherein the filling reservation database provides various information together with the identification code.

9. The hydrogen filling reservation system according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the filling reservation database obtains available reservation slot information together with the reservation feasibility information from the hydrogen station database and provides this to the operation management database.

10. 10. The hydrogen filling reservation system according to claim 3, wherein the hydrogen station database changes the amount of hydrogen in stock at the hydrogen station based on the reservation availability information.

11. The hydrogen filling reservation system according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the filling reservation database assigns an identification symbol indicating that a reservation is not possible to a vehicle for which a reservation cannot be made, and outputs a message indicating that a reservation is not possible.

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