How to use the hydrogen utilization system

Abstract

To provide a novel and useful technology for a hydrogen utilization system that uses a hydrogen cartridge.SOLUTION: A hydrogen fuel system includes: a hydrogen cartridge including a hydrogen storage alloy; a first device which the hydrogen cartridge can be attached to and detached from and which is operable using the hydrogen cartridge as an energy source; and a second device which the hydrogen cartridge can be attached to and detached from and which is operable using the hydrogen cartridge as an energy source and also operable using other energy source.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification is a hydrogen utilization system that uses hydrogen as an energy source. and how to use it Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been given increasing importance, and the realization of a hydrogen society that actively utilizes hydrogen, one candidate for clean energy, is being considered. In this regard, Patent Document 1 describes a technology for storing hydrogen using a hydrogen storage alloy. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-169225 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Using a hydrogen storage alloy allows a large amount of hydrogen to be stored. Therefore, for example, in a vehicle that uses hydrogen as an energy source, the cruising range can be improved by storing hydrogen in a hydrogen storage alloy. However, it is difficult to accurately determine the remaining amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage alloy, and in order to prevent the vehicle from running out of hydrogen, it is necessary to refuel the hydrogen relatively early. As a result, hydrogen refueling must be performed more frequently, and the use of the vehicle is limited by the time required for refueling.

[0005] One solution is to create a cartridge containing hydrogen storage alloys that can be attached to and detached from the vehicle. The use of such hydrogen cartridges is particularly effective for small vehicles such as power-assisted bicycles and electric bicycles, as the replacement of the hydrogen cartridge can be done easily and quickly. Therefore, replacing the hydrogen cartridge relatively early to prevent the hydrogen supply from running out does not significantly limit the use of the vehicle. On the other hand, if the hydrogen cartridge is replaced relatively early, a relatively large amount of hydrogen remains in the replaced hydrogen cartridge. As a result, the hydrogen cartridge is refilled without using up all the hydrogen in the hydrogen cartridge, resulting in further waste.

[0006] The above-mentioned problems are not limited to vehicles that use hydrogen as an energy source, but are common to a wide range of hydrogen utilization systems that use hydrogen as an energy source. In light of this situation, this specification provides a new and useful technology for hydrogen utilization systems that employ hydrogen cartridges. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The technology disclosed in this specification is a hydrogen utilization system. How to use In a first aspect, hydrogen use The system comprises a hydrogen cartridge containing a hydrogen storage alloy, a first device to which the hydrogen cartridge is detachable and which can operate using the hydrogen cartridge as an energy source, and a second device to which the hydrogen cartridge is detachable, which can operate using the hydrogen cartridge as an energy source, and which can also operate using other energy sources. The hydrogen cartridge is filled in an external hydrogen supply system and then provided to the hydrogen utilization system, and is delivered and returned between the hydrogen utilization system and the hydrogen supply system so that the hydrogen cartridge is used in the hydrogen utilization system and then returned to the hydrogen supply system. The usage method includes exchanging the hydrogen cartridge delivered to the hydrogen utilization system for a hydrogen cartridge attached to the first device, exchanging the hydrogen cartridge removed from the first device for a hydrogen cartridge attached to the second device, and returning the hydrogen cartridge removed from the second device to the external hydrogen supply system.

[0008] In the above-described configuration, a hydrogen cartridge containing a hydrogen storage alloy can be used in both the first device and the second device. Furthermore, at least the second device can operate not only with the hydrogen cartridge but also with other energy sources. With this configuration, the hydrogen cartridge can be first used in the first device and then replaced at any time. This timing may be relatively early to avoid running out of hydrogen in the first device. After use in the first device, the hydrogen cartridge can be attached to the second device and reused. Even if the hydrogen supply from the hydrogen cartridge is unintentionally cut off, the second device can continue to operate using other energy sources. Therefore, the hydrogen cartridge can continue to be used in the second device until there is no hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen cartridge.

[0009] In a second aspect, the first device may be a mobility device and the second device may be a non-mobility device. For example, if the first device is a small vehicle that uses hydrogen as an energy source, replacing the hydrogen cartridge relatively early to prevent the vehicle from running out of hydrogen does not significantly limit the use of the vehicle. The term "mobility device" as used herein broadly refers to a device that can move on at least one of the ground, underground, on water, underwater, in the air, and in space, such as a vehicle, ship, or aircraft.

[0010] In a third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the second device may have an electrical component that operates on DC power. When hydrogen, which is an energy source, is converted into electricity, DC power is generated. Therefore, in the second device, the DC power converted from hydrogen by a hydrogen power generation device or the like can be used as is, and power loss can be reduced compared to when the DC power is converted into AC power and used.

[0011] In a fourth aspect, in the first or second aspect, the other energy source may be a general electric power grid. With this configuration, the second device can reliably receive power from the general electric power grid even if the supply of hydrogen from the hydrogen cartridge is interrupted.

[0012] In a fifth aspect, in the first or second aspect, the second device may have a battery charging circuit. In this case, the charging circuit may be capable of charging the battery using a hydrogen cartridge and another energy source as an energy source. With this configuration, the battery of a separate electrical device that is detachable from the second device can be charged with power obtained using the hydrogen cartridge as an energy source.

[0013] In a sixth aspect, the second device in the fifth aspect may have an electric device that operates using the battery as a power source. With this configuration, the electric power obtained using the hydrogen cartridge as an energy source can be stored in the battery, and the second device can be operated even when the hydrogen cartridge is removed from the second device.

[0014] In a seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the hydrogen utilization system may further include a notification device that notifies an external party of the timing for replacing the hydrogen cartridge installed in the first device. In this case, although not limited thereto, the timing for replacing the hydrogen cartridge may be notified to the user of the first device or to a business that provides the user with the hydrogen cartridge. However, in other embodiments, the user of the first device may replace the hydrogen cartridge at any time without requiring such notification.

[0015] In an eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the notification device may notify an external device of the timing of replacement based on the length of time the hydrogen cartridge attached to the first device has been in use. The amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen cartridge generally depends on the length of time the hydrogen cartridge has been in use. Therefore, the timing of replacement of the hydrogen cartridge can be determined based on the length of time the hydrogen cartridge has been in use, without necessarily measuring the amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen cartridge.

[0016] In a ninth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the notification device may notify an external device of the timing of replacement based on the amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen cartridge attached to the first device. With this configuration, the timing of hydrogen cartridge replacement can be accurately determined based on the amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen cartridge. Note that the amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen cartridge attached to the first device may be directly measured by a sensor or the like, or may be estimated based on the energy consumption of the first device or the like. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a hydrogen utilization system 10 according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] A hydrogen utilization system 10 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The hydrogen utilization system 10 according to this embodiment is a system that uses hydrogen as an energy source for at least one of devices 14, 32, 36, and 38. As shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen utilization system 10 includes at least one hydrogen cartridge 12. The hydrogen cartridge 12 is a container that stores hydrogen and is configured to be attachable and detachable to each of the devices 14, 32, 36, and 38. That is, hydrogen is supplied to the hydrogen utilization system 10 using the hydrogen cartridge 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen utilization system 10 is communicably connected to a hydrogen providing system 100 via a communication network 2, such as the Internet.

[0019] The hydrogen providing system 100 is a system that provides hydrogen to the hydrogen utilization system 10 using a hydrogen cartridge 12. The hydrogen providing system 100 provides the hydrogen utilization system 10 with a hydrogen cartridge 12 filled with hydrogen, and also collects the used hydrogen cartridges 12 from the hydrogen utilization system 10. The collected hydrogen cartridges 12 are refilled in the hydrogen providing system 100 and provided to the hydrogen utilization system 10 again. In other words, the hydrogen cartridges 12 are used repeatedly between the hydrogen utilization system 10 and the hydrogen providing system 100.

[0020] Although not particularly limited, the hydrogen providing system 100 may be operated by a business operator, and the hydrogen utilization system 10 may be used by a user who has entered into a contract with the business operator. In this case, the contract between the business operator and the user may be a fixed-term contract under which the hydrogen cartridge 12 is replaced periodically, or a contract under which the hydrogen cartridge 12 is replaced each time it is needed. In addition, part or all of the hydrogen utilization system 10 may be owned by the user, or may be loaned to the user by the business operator.

[0021] As described above, the hydrogen cartridge 12 is a container for storing hydrogen. The hydrogen cartridge 12 contains a hydrogen storage alloy within a housing. A hydrogen storage alloy is a substance that can absorb and release hydrogen. The hydrogen cartridge 12 stores hydrogen in the hydrogen storage alloy and can supply hydrogen to the outside when needed. The hydrogen cartridge 12 of this embodiment is configured to be detachable from the devices 14, 32, 36, and 38 included in the hydrogen utilization system 10. The hydrogen cartridge 12 is attached to these devices 14, 32, 36, and 38 to supply hydrogen, which is an energy source. The shape, size, etc. of the hydrogen cartridge 12 are not particularly limited.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1 , the hydrogen utilization system 10 includes a hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14 as one of the devices 14, 32, 36, and 38 described above. The hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14 includes a drive motor 16 that drives the wheels, a cartridge port 18 to which a hydrogen cartridge 12 can be attached and detached, and a hydrogen power generation system 20 connected to the cartridge port 18. The hydrogen power generation system 20 generates electricity using hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen cartridge 12 and supplies the generated electricity to the drive motor 16 in response to pedal operation by the user. This allows the user of the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14 to receive assistance from the drive motor 16 when pedaling. In other embodiments, the hydrogen utilization system 10 may include other types of mobility devices, such as a kick scooter, a watercraft, or an aircraft, instead of or in addition to the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1 , the hydrogen utilization system 10 further includes a home appliance 32, a hydrogen power generation device 36, and a charging device 38. The home appliance 32, the hydrogen power generation device 36, and the charging device 38 are installed in a residential home 30. The home appliance 32 and the charging device 38, together with the hydrogen power generation device 36, each constitute one of the devices 14, 32, 36, and 38 described above. The residential home 30 is a building intended for human habitation, such as an apartment building or a detached house. The residential home 30 is equipped with a cartridge port 34 to which a hydrogen cartridge 12 can be attached and detached, and a hydrogen power generation device 36 connected to the cartridge port 34. The hydrogen power generation device 36 generates electricity using hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen cartridge 12 as an energy source and supplies the generated electricity to the home appliance 32 and the charging device 38. The hydrogen power generation device 36 may be, for example, a fuel cell system. Alternatively, the hydrogen utilization system 10 may be employed in a business establishment (e.g., an office, factory, or hospital) instead of the residential home 30.

[0024] The home appliances 32 are electrically connected to the hydrogen power generation system 36 and are configured to operate using power generated by the hydrogen power generation system 36. In addition, the home appliances 32 are also electrically connected to a general power grid 62 via a distribution board 60 and are configured to operate using power supplied from the general power grid 62. Therefore, even if the supply of hydrogen from the hydrogen cartridges 12 to the hydrogen power generation system 36 is interrupted and the power supply from the hydrogen power generation system 36 to the home appliances 32 is interrupted, the home appliances 32 can continue to operate using power supplied from the general power grid 62. Note that, as an example, the home appliances 32 may be lighting fixtures, refrigerators, washing machines, or air conditioners. Generally, the home appliances 32 operate using AC power. Therefore, if the power generated by the hydrogen power generation system 36 is DC power, an inverter that converts DC power to AC power may be provided between the hydrogen power generation system 36 and the home appliances 32.

[0025] However, in other embodiments, the home appliance 32 may be a device that operates on DC power, such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). In this case, the DC power converted from hydrogen by the hydrogen power generation device 36 can be used as is, and power loss can be reduced compared to when the DC power is converted to AC power and then used.

[0026] The charging device 38 is a device for charging the external battery 46. The charging device 38 includes a charging circuit 40, a converter 42 that converts AC power to DC power, and a battery port 44 electrically connected to the charging circuit 40. The battery port 44 is configured to allow the external battery 46 to be attached and detached. The charging circuit 40 can charge the external battery 46 attached to the battery port 44 using power supplied from the hydrogen power generation device 36. Here, if the power generated by the hydrogen power generation device 36 is DC power, the charging circuit 40 may supply the DC power directly to the external battery 46 without converting it to AC power.

[0027] In addition, the charging device 38 is electrically connected to a general power grid 62 via a distribution board 60, and can also charge the external battery 46 with power supplied from the general power grid 62. Generally, power supplied from the general power grid 62 is AC power. The AC power supplied from the general power grid 62 is converted to DC power by a converter 42 in the charging device 38, and then supplied to the external battery 46. As a result, the charging device 38 can charge the external battery 46 with power supplied from the general power grid 62 even if the power supply from the hydrogen power generation plant 36 is interrupted.

[0028] The external battery 46 is a power source for the electrical device 48. After charging, the external battery 46 is removed from the charging device 38 and attached to the electrical device 48. After use with the electrical device 48, the external battery 46 can be recharged by attaching it back to the battery port 44 of the charging device 38. The electrical device 48 may be, but is not limited to, a battery-assisted bicycle 48. The battery-assisted bicycle 48 includes a drive motor 50 that drives the wheels, a battery port 52 to which the external battery 46 can be attached and detached, and a control device 54. The control device 54 supplies power from the external battery 46 to the drive motor 50 in response to pedal operation by the user. This allows the user of the battery-assisted bicycle 48 to receive assistance from the drive motor 50 when pedaling. However, in other embodiments, the hydrogen utilization system 10 may include, instead of or in addition to the battery-assisted bicycle 48, other vehicles such as kick scooters, or other types of mobility or non-mobility devices such as watercraft or aircraft.

[0029] 1, the hydrogen utilization system 10 further includes a communication device 56. The communication device 56 may be, for example, a mobile terminal (e.g., a smartphone) owned by the user of the hydrogen utilization system 10. The communication device 56 is connected to be able to communicate with both the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14 and the hydrogen power generation device 36. In another embodiment, the communication device 56 may be loaned to the user by a business operator.

[0030] Next, the hydrogen providing system 100 will be described. As shown in Fig. 1, the hydrogen providing system 100 comprises a hydrogen filling equipment 102 and a server 104. The hydrogen filling equipment 102 is a device that provides, collects, and refills hydrogen cartridges 12. The server 104 is configured to be able to communicate with a communication device 56 owned by a user of the hydrogen utilization system 10. The server 104 can give various instructions to the hydrogen filling equipment 102 based on information sent and received between the server 104 and the communication device 56.

[0031] As an example, in the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14, the hydrogen power generation system 20 measures the usage period of the hydrogen cartridge 12. The usage period of the hydrogen cartridge 12 here refers to the time elapsed since the hydrogen cartridge 12 was attached to the cartridge port 18. This elapsed time may include periods when the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14 is not in use, or may include only the time when the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14 is actually in use. When the usage period of the hydrogen cartridge 12 reaches a predetermined period, the hydrogen power generation system 20 sends a predetermined notification to the communication device 56. Upon receiving the predetermined notification, the communication device 56 sends a predetermined delivery request to the server 104 of the hydrogen supply system 100. Upon receiving the predetermined delivery request, the server 104 instructs the hydrogen filling equipment 102 to deliver the hydrogen cartridge 12 to the hydrogen utilization system 10. As a result, the hydrogen cartridge 12 filled with hydrogen is delivered from the hydrogen supply system 100 to the hydrogen utilization system 10.

[0032] The hydrogen cartridge 12 delivered to the hydrogen utilization system 10 is exchanged for the hydrogen cartridge 12 attached to the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14. The hydrogen cartridge 12 removed from the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14 is exchanged for the hydrogen cartridge 12 attached to the hydrogen power generation device 36. As a result, the hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen cartridge 12 is used in the hydrogen power generation device 36. Meanwhile, the hydrogen cartridge 12 removed from the hydrogen power generation device 36 is returned to the hydrogen filling equipment 102 of the hydrogen provision system 100, where it is refueled with hydrogen. At this time, the hydrogen cartridge 12 removed from the hydrogen power generation device 36 may be completely depleted of hydrogen. However, the home appliances 32 and charging device 38 that receive power from the hydrogen power generation device 36 can also receive power from the general power grid 62. Therefore, even if the hydrogen cartridge 12 of the hydrogen power generation device 36 runs out of hydrogen, the home appliances 32 and charging device 38 can continue to operate.

[0033] In the above-described configuration, the hydrogen cartridge 12 containing a hydrogen storage alloy can be used as an energy source for the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14, the home appliance 32, the hydrogen power generation device 36, and the charging device 38. At least the home appliance 32 and the charging device 38 can be powered not only by the hydrogen cartridge 12 but also by power from the general power grid 62. With this configuration, the hydrogen cartridge 12 can be first used in the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14 and then replaced at any time. This can be relatively early to prevent the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14 from running out of hydrogen. After use in the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14, the hydrogen cartridge 12 can be attached to the hydrogen power generation device 36 and reused. The home appliance 32 and the charging device 38 can continue to operate using power from the general power grid 62 even if the hydrogen supply from the hydrogen cartridge 12 is unintentionally interrupted. Therefore, the hydrogen power generation device 36 connected to the home appliance 32 and the charging device 38 can continue to use the hydrogen cartridge 12 until the hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen cartridge 12 is depleted.

[0034] In the above-described embodiment, the timing for replacing the hydrogen cartridge 12 is determined based on the period of use of the hydrogen cartridge 12 attached to the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14. However, the timing for replacing the hydrogen cartridge 12 may be determined in other ways. For example, in another embodiment, the timing for replacing the hydrogen cartridge 12 may be determined based on the amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen cartridge 12 attached to the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14. In this case, the amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen cartridge 12 may be measured directly by a sensor or the like, or may be estimated based on the amount of energy consumed by the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14 or the like. With this configuration, the timing for replacing the hydrogen cartridge 12 can be accurately determined based on the amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen cartridge 12.

[0035] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the hydrogen utilization system 10 is equipped with a communication device 56 that notifies the outside world of the timing to replace the hydrogen cartridge 12 attached to the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14. However, the hydrogen utilization system 10 does not necessarily have to be equipped with a communication device 56. As an example, the timing to replace the hydrogen cartridge 12 attached to the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14 may be notified directly to the server 104 of the hydrogen supply system 100.

[0036] Here, the hydrogen-assisted bicycle 14 in this specification is an example of a first device in the present technology. The combination of the hydrogen power generation device 36 and the home appliance 32, and the combination of the hydrogen power generation device 36 and the charging device 38 in this specification are each an example of a second device in the present technology. In this way, the second device may be realized by two or more devices, combining a device to which the hydrogen cartridge 12 is detachable and which can operate using the hydrogen cartridge 12 as an energy source with a device which can also operate using another energy source. However, in other embodiments, the second device may be realized by a single device. Furthermore, the combination of the hydrogen power generation device 36, the charging device 38, and the battery-assisted bicycle 48 in this specification is also an example of a second device in the present technology. In this case, the battery-assisted bicycle 48 is an example of an electric device that operates using a battery as a power source. The communication device 56 in this specification is an example of a notification device in the present technology.

[0037] In addition, in this specification, being able to operate using the hydrogen cartridge 12 as an energy source includes not only being able to operate using electricity obtained by generating electricity using the hydrogen in the hydrogen cartridge 12, but also being able to operate using energy obtained by burning the hydrogen in the hydrogen cartridge 12.

[0038] Although several specific examples have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and alterations of the specific examples exemplified above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical utility either alone or in combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 2: Communication network 10: Hydrogen utilization system 12: Hydrogen cartridge 14: Hydrogen-assisted bicycle 16: Drive motor 18: Cartridge port 20: Hydrogen power generation system 30:General housing 32: Home appliances 34: Cartridge port 36: Hydrogen power generation equipment 38: Charging device 40: Charging circuit 42: Converter 44: Battery port 46: External battery 48: Battery-assisted bicycle 50: Drive motor 52: Battery port 54: Control device 56: Communication equipment 60: Distribution board 62: General power system 100: Hydrogen supply system 102: Hydrogen filling equipment 104: Server

Claims

1. A method for using a hydrogen utilization system, comprising: The hydrogen utilization system includes: a hydrogen cartridge containing a hydrogen storage alloy; a first device to which the hydrogen cartridge is detachably attached and which can operate using the hydrogen cartridge as an energy source; a second device to which the hydrogen cartridge is detachably attached and which can operate using the hydrogen cartridge as an energy source and can also operate using another energy source; Equipped with The hydrogen cartridge is filled in an external hydrogen supply system and then provided to the hydrogen utilization system, and is delivered and returned between the hydrogen utilization system and the hydrogen supply system so that the hydrogen cartridge is recovered by the hydrogen supply system after being used in the hydrogen utilization system; The method of use includes: The hydrogen cartridge delivered to the hydrogen utilization system is replaced with the hydrogen cartridge attached to the first device; The hydrogen cartridge removed from the first device is replaced with a hydrogen cartridge attached to the second device; The hydrogen cartridge removed from the second device is returned to the external hydrogen providing system; A method of use comprising:

2. 2. The method for using a hydrogen utilization system according to claim 1, wherein the first device is mobile and the second device is non-mobile.

3. 3. The method for using a hydrogen utilization system according to claim 1, wherein the second device has an electric component that operates on DC power.

4. 3. The method for using a hydrogen utilization system according to claim 1, wherein the other energy source is a general electric power grid.

5. the second device has a battery charging circuit; 3. The method for using a hydrogen utilization system according to claim 1, wherein the charging circuit is capable of charging the battery using the hydrogen cartridge and the other energy source as energy sources.

6. 6. The method for using a hydrogen utilization system according to claim 5, wherein the second device comprises an electric device that operates using the battery as a power source.

7. 3. The method for using a hydrogen utilization system according to claim 2, further comprising a notification device that notifies an outside party of the timing for replacing the hydrogen cartridge attached to the first device.

8. 8. The method for using a hydrogen utilization system according to claim 7, wherein the notification device notifies an external device of the timing for replacement based on a usage period of the hydrogen cartridge attached to the first device.

9. 8. The method for using a hydrogen utilization system according to claim 7, wherein the notification device notifies an external party of the timing for replacement depending on the amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen cartridge attached to the first device.

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