Pipeline management system and control method thereof

Abstract

To prevent a deterioration in a gas grid and a gas separation system and to reduce uneven gas concentrations in the gas grid by appropriately controlling a return state of return gas from the gas separation system to the gas grid.SOLUTION: According to the present invention, a pipeline management system includes a gas separation system connected to a gas pipeline to extract gas from the gas pipeline filled with the gas and return the gas to the gas pipeline, and a pipeline management device for receiving fluid information of at least the gas pipeline. The pipeline management device determines whether to be able to return the gas to the gas pipeline from the gas pipeline and a flow speed ratio of the return gas, determines it is returnable if the flow speed ratio of the gas is within a predetermined range, and determines it is unreturnable in the case where the ratio falls below the predetermined range or exceeds the predetermined range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipeline management system and a control method thereof, and more particularly to a pipeline management system and a control method thereof that are suitable for managing and controlling the supply status of hydrogen when hydrogen produced by, for example, water electrolysis using renewable energy or natural gas reforming is supplied to hydrogen users via a pipeline. [Background technology]

[0002] The Ministry of the Environment launched a "Demonstration Project for the Production of Renewable Energy Electrolytic Hydrogen and the Supply and Utilization of Hydrogen Mixed Gas" in 2019.

[0003] In this project, wind power is used to produce hydrogen through the electrolysis of water, which is then mixed with a simulated gas equivalent to city gas and supplied to the user via gas pipes. The mixed gas can then be used directly in water heaters, gas stoves, etc.

[0004] Patent Document 1 can be cited as a prior art document that describes the supply of city gas containing hydrogen gas to consumers through a pipeline.

[0005] This patent document 1 for The document describes a city gas supply method that uses existing city gas pipelines and conduit networks to supply a mixed gas containing hydrogen gas and hydrocarbon gas to a group of consumers via a conduit network as a technology that allows both hydrogen fuel equipment and existing city gas combustion equipment to be used without any problems when both equipment coexist, and describes that in a first group of consumers, the hydrogen gas in the mixed gas is separated, the separated hydrogen gas is used, and the separated hydrogen gas is returned to the conduit network, and in a second group of consumers, the hydrogen gas in the mixed gas is separated, the separated hydrogen gas is used, and the separated hydrogen gas is returned to the conduit network. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-243100 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, when supplying mixed gases through a gas grid (pipe network), unlike conventional supply of gases with uniform components such as city gas, it is necessary to monitor and manage not only the gas flow rate and pressure but also the concentration of each component in the mixed gas.In addition, when separated gas that is not used by consumers is returned to the gas grid, the mixing, diffusion, and flow of the gas within the gas grid change.

[0008] Therefore, to prevent deterioration of the gas grid and separation system, it is necessary to control the gas return state so as to prevent backflow or uneven flow of gas. Also, to prevent uneven concentration in the gas grid, it is desirable to control the gas return state so as to minimize uneven concentration during return.

[0009] However, the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 to Although the document describes a technology for supplying a mixed gas to a group of consumers via a gas grid, it does not describe any means for controlling the state of gas return into the gas grid.

[0010] When using hydrogen supplied from a gas grid and returning unnecessary gas to the gas grid, it is necessary to control the gas return state to prevent deterioration of the gas grid and separation mechanism and concentration imbalances within the gas grid.

[0011] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pipeline management system and a control method thereof that can appropriately control the return state of return gas from a gas separation system to a gas grid, prevent deterioration of the gas grid and the gas separation system, and reduce uneven distribution of gas concentration within the gas grid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, the pipeline management system of the present invention includes a gas separation system connected to a gas pipeline, extracting gas from the gas pipeline filled with gas and returning the gas to the gas pipeline, and a pipeline management device into which at least fluid information of the gas pipeline is input. 、 Equipped with The pipeline management device The gas Whether or not the gas can be returned to the gas pipeline is determined based on the flow rate ratio of the gas to be returned, and if the flow rate ratio of the gas is within a predetermined range, the gas can be returned, and if the flow rate ratio is below the predetermined range or exceeds the predetermined range, the gas cannot be returned. death, the pipeline management device includes a calculation unit, a judgment unit, and a judgment result display unit; The calculation unit comprises a fluid information acquisition unit and a pipeline flow velocity calculation unit for calculating the gas flow velocity in the gas pipeline, a gas usage information acquisition unit for calculating the flow velocity of the return gas, a gas separation system information acquisition unit and a return gas flow velocity calculation unit, and a flow velocity ratio calculation unit for calculating a flow velocity ratio from the gas flow velocity in the gas pipeline and the flow velocity of the return gas, The determination unit includes a flow velocity ratio specified range acquisition unit that acquires a specified range of the flow velocity ratio, and a return possibility determination unit that determines whether or not to return the product based on the flow velocity ratio, The judgment result display unit is a display unit that displays the judgment result of the return permission judgment unit. It is characterized by:

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, a control method for a pipeline management system of the present invention includes: a gas separation system that extracts gas from a gas pipeline filled with gas and returns the gas to the gas pipeline, the gas pipeline being connected to the gas pipeline; and a pipeline management device into which at least fluid information of the gas pipeline is input, the control method for the pipeline management system including: The gas Whether or not the gas can be returned to the gas pipeline is determined based on the flow rate ratio of the gas to be returned, and if the flow rate ratio of the gas is within a predetermined range, the gas can be returned, and if the flow rate ratio is below the predetermined range or exceeds the predetermined range, the gas cannot be returned. death, The pipeline management device receives as input fluid information in the gas pipeline, gas usage information at the gas usage base of the consumer, and processing information of the gas separation system, and calculates a ratio between the gas flow rate of the gas pipeline and the gas flow rate of the return gas. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, the return state of return gas from the gas separation system to the gas grid can be appropriately controlled, thereby preventing deterioration of the gas grid and gas separation system and reducing uneven distribution of gas concentration within the gas grid. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a pipeline management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a processing flow in the first embodiment of the pipeline management system of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a pipeline management device constituting a first embodiment of a pipeline management system of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display unit that displays a determination result of a determination result display unit of the pipeline management device shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a pipeline management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6(a)] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a pipeline management system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6(b)] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the return flow rate adjusting mechanism shown in FIG. 6(a). [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the return flow rate adjusting mechanism described in the third embodiment as a fourth embodiment of the pipeline management system of the present invention. [Figure 8(a)] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a pipeline management system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8(b)] 8(b) is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the return position switching mechanism shown in FIG. 8(a). [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a pipeline management system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a pipeline management system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a processing flow in a seventh embodiment of the pipeline management system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The pipeline management system and its control method of the present invention will be described below based on the illustrated embodiments. Note that in each embodiment described below, the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and if a description is redundant, that description may be omitted. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. [Example]

[0017] Fig. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a first embodiment of a pipeline management system of the present invention, and Fig. 2 shows a processing flow in the first embodiment of a pipeline management system of the present invention. Note that in this embodiment, the entire configuration shown in Fig. 1 is used, but it is not necessarily required to use all of it, and some of it may be used.

[0018] In this embodiment, a pipeline management system 100A using a pipeline management device 5 will be described. In addition, in this embodiment, an example will be described in which a mixed gas of natural gas 102 and hydrogen gas 101 is supplied to a gas grid in which a hydrogen supply base 2 and a consumer gas usage base 3 are connected to a gas pipeline 1.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 1, in the pipeline management system 100A of this embodiment, a consumer's gas usage base 3 is connected to a gas pipeline 1 via a gas separation system 4. Note that in this embodiment, a mixed gas of natural gas 102 and hydrogen gas 101 is assumed, but the mixed gases are not limited to hydrogen gas and natural gas as long as they have different densities. In addition, the mixed gases are not limited to two types, and may be two or more types.

[0020] The hydrogen supply base 2 described above is equipped with facilities and equipment that have the function of supplying hydrogen gas 101 to the gas pipeline 1. The hydrogen gas 101 at this hydrogen supply base 2 may be produced at the hydrogen supply base 2 or may be produced at another location.

[0021] Hydrogen gas 101 is injected from a hydrogen supply base 2 into a gas pipeline 1 filled with natural gas 102, and the hydrogen gas 101 is supplied as a mixed gas 103 to a gas utilization base 3 of a consumer via a gas separation system 4.

[0022] At the consumer's gas usage base 3, the required amount of hydrogen gas 101 and natural gas 102 or mixed gas 103 is extracted from the gas pipeline 1, and the return gas 104 is returned to the gas pipeline 1. Here, the return gas 104 is gas that is not used at the gas usage base 3. For example, if the gas usage base 3 uses only hydrogen gas 101, only natural gas 102 may be used as the return gas 104, or natural gas 102 may be mixed with an amount of hydrogen gas 101 other than the amount used, and a gas with a different gas composition from the mixed gas 103 may be returned to the gas pipeline 1 as the return gas 104.

[0023] 3, the pipeline management device 5 of this embodiment is composed of a calculation unit 5A, a judgment unit 5B, and a judgment result display unit 5C. The calculation unit 5A is generally composed of a fluid information acquisition unit 5A1 and a pipeline flow velocity calculation unit 5A2 for calculating the gas flow velocity in the gas pipeline 1, a gas usage information acquisition unit 5A3 for calculating the return gas flow velocity, a gas separation system information acquisition unit 5A4 and a return gas flow velocity calculation unit 5A5, and a flow velocity ratio calculation unit 5A6 for calculating the flow velocity ratio from the pipeline flow velocity and the return gas flow velocity.

[0024] The determination unit 5B includes a flow velocity ratio specified range acquisition unit 5B1 that acquires a specified range of the flow velocity ratio, and a return permission determination unit 5B2 that determines whether or not to return the product based on the flow velocity ratio. The determination result display unit 5C is a display unit that displays the determination result of the return permission determination unit 5B2. An example of the display unit is shown in Figure 4.

[0025] The example of a pipeline management system shown in Figure 4 has a configuration that is approximately the same as the pipeline management system 100A shown in Figure 1, but it has a first consumer's gas usage base 3a and a second consumer's gas usage base 3b as consumer's gas usage bases (demand points) 3.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the display units include a first display unit 301 that displays the position of the gas pipeline 1 on the gas grid, a second display unit 302 that displays the flow rate ratio of the return gas 104 to the gas pipeline 1 of the gas separation system 4, and a third display unit 303 that displays at least one of the determination result obtained by the pipeline management device 5 as to whether the gas can be returned to the gas pipeline 1, the flow rate of the return gas 104 after adjustment, the flow rate ratio after adjustment, gas usage information, and the gas composition of the gas pipeline 1.

[0027] Next, gas processing in the pipeline management system 100A of this embodiment will be described with reference to the processing flow of FIG.

[0028] The pipeline management device 5 receives as input fluid information 201 in the gas pipeline 1, gas usage information 202 at the consumer's gas usage base 3, and processing information 203 of the gas separation system 4, and calculates the ratio between the gas flow rate in the gas pipeline 1 and the gas flow rate of the return gas 104.

[0029] First, the pipeline management device 5 acquires fluid information 201 in the gas pipeline 1 (S1 in FIG. 2). Here, the fluid information 201 in the gas pipeline 1 is the flow rate, flow rate, pressure, and composition at any point in the gas pipeline 1. The number of any points may be one or more.

[0030] The fluid information 201 in the gas pipeline 1 may be measured directly by sensors such as a pressure gauge or a flow meter, or may be calculated by a software sensor. Examples of software sensors include calculating the flow velocity or flow rate from the difference in pressure at any two points in the gas grid, or calculating the flow velocity or flow rate from the gas consumption at all gas usage points connected to the gas grid.

[0031] The gas usage information 202 at the customer's gas usage base 3 is the amount of gas used at the customer's gas usage base 3. The gas usage information may be obtained periodically, such as every hour, or the amount of gas expected to be used in the future may be obtained as information.

[0032] The processing information 203 of the gas separation system 4 is the processing performance based on the specifications of the gas separation system 4, and more specifically, the processing speed required for separating the gas.

[0033] Next, the flow rate of the gas in the gas pipeline 1 is calculated from the fluid information in the gas pipeline 1 (S2 in FIG. 2).

[0034] Next, the gas composition in the gas pipeline 1 and the gas composition and amount (flow rate) required at the consumer's gas usage point 3 are obtained from the processing information 203 of the gas separation system 4 (S3 in Fig. 2). Based on the gas composition in the gas pipeline 1 and the gas composition and amount required at the consumer's gas usage point 3, the amount of return gas to be returned from the gas separation system 4 is calculated and determined (S4 in Fig. 2).

[0035] The flow rate of the returned gas is calculated from the amount of returned gas and the structure (diameter) of the mechanism for returning the gas to the gas pipeline 1 (S5 in FIG. 2). The ratio of the gas flow rate calculated from the fluid information 201 in the gas pipeline 1 to the flow rate of the returned gas is calculated (S6 in FIG. 2).

[0036] The pipeline management device 5 also determines whether or not return is possible based on the ratio (Vpipe / Vreturn) of the gas flow velocity (Vpipe) in the gas pipeline 1 to the return gas flow velocity (Vreturn), and outputs the result as a return possibility determination result 204.

[0037] A predetermined range of the flow rate ratio is acquired (S7 in FIG. 2), and if the flow rate ratio (Vpipe / Vreturn) is within the predetermined range of the flow rate ratio, the gas is allowed to be returned and returned to the gas pipeline 1. If the flow rate ratio is below or exceeds the predetermined range, the gas is not allowed to be returned (S8 in FIG. 2), and the gas flow rate is adjusted by the return flow rate adjustment mechanism 8 described later and returned to the pipeline 1.

[0038] Furthermore, the pipeline management device 5 uses the ratio of flow velocities (Vpipe / Vreturn), but the numerator and denominator of the ratio may be reversed to use the flow velocity of the return gas 104 relative to the gas flow velocity of the gas pipeline 1 (Vpipe / Vreturn). Alternatively, momentum ratio and pressure ratio may be used as indicators similar to the flow velocity ratio. The specified ranges of the flow velocity ratio, momentum ratio, and pressure ratio are determined in advance by fluid simulation or experiment.

[0039] If the flow rate ratio is greater than the upper threshold, that is, if the flow rate of the return gas 104 (Vpipe / Vreturn) is smaller than the flow rate of the gas pipeline 1, the gas in the gas pipeline 1 may flow back into the connecting pipe connecting the gas pipeline 1 and the gas separation system 4. This may cause a vortex in the connecting pipe, which may accelerate deterioration.

[0040] In addition, the returned gas accumulates in the connecting pipe, causing a difference in gas composition with that in the gas pipeline 1, resulting in non-uniformity in the gas concentration in the gas pipeline 1. Therefore, if the flow rate ratio is greater than the upper threshold, it is determined that the return gas is not possible.

[0041] If the flow rate ratio is smaller than the lower limit threshold, that is, if the flow rate of the return gas 104 (Vpipe / Vreturn) is larger than the flow rate of the gas pipeline 1, a swirling flow may occur in the gas pipeline 1. This causes a mechanical load on the gas pipeline 1. Therefore, if the flow rate ratio is smaller than the lower limit threshold, it is determined that return is not possible.

[0042] In addition, the pipeline management device 5 outputs a return possibility judgment result 204 and inputs it to the gas separation system 4. In the gas separation system 4, if the return possibility judgment result 204 is "yes", the gas is returned to the gas pipeline 1, and on the other hand, if the return possibility judgment result 204 is "no", the gas is returned by closing a valve or stopping the operation of the device, or the flow rate of the returned gas is adjusted and returned.

[0043] According to this embodiment, the return state of the return gas from the gas separation system 4 to the gas grid can be appropriately controlled, thereby preventing deterioration of the gas grid and the gas separation system 4 and reducing uneven distribution of gas concentration within the gas grid. [Example]

[0044] FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the pipeline management system of the present invention.

[0045] The pipeline management system 100B of this embodiment shown in Figure 5 is configured by adding a storage tank 6 to the pipeline management system 100A described in Example 1, and using this storage tank 6 to adjust the flow rate of the return gas 104 when the pipeline management system 100B determines that return is "impossible."

[0046] That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a storage tank 6 is provided which is connected to the gas separation system 4 described in embodiment 1, and the return gas 104 from the gas separation system 4 is temporarily held in the storage tank 6 and then returned from the storage tank 6 to the gas pipeline 1.

[0047] In the pipeline management system 100B of this embodiment, the pipeline flow rate calculation unit 5A2 of the pipeline management device 5 calculates the flow rate when returning the return gas 104 to the gas pipeline 1 based on the pressure information of the storage tank 6, and if the flow rate ratio (Vpipe / Vreturn) is maintained within a predetermined range, the gas is returned to the gas pipeline 1.

[0048] Specifically, when the flow rate ratio (Vpipe / Vreturn) is maintained within a predetermined range, the valve 7 installed in the gas pipeline 1 is opened and gas is returned from the storage tank 6 to the gas pipeline 1, and when the flow rate ratio (Vpipe / Vreturn) exceeds the upper limit of the specified range, the valve 7 is closed and gas is not returned from the storage tank 6 to the gas pipeline 1.

[0049] In addition, if the flow rate ratio (Vpipe / Vreturn) falls below the lower limit of the specified range, the valve 7 is opened and gas is returned from the storage tank 6 to the gas pipeline 1, and at that time, the opening of the valve 7 is adjusted to adjust the flow rate of the return gas 104 from the storage tank 6 to the gas pipeline 1.

[0050] Also, in Figure 5, the gas separation system 4 returns the return gas 104 to the gas pipeline 1 via the storage tank 6, but when the flow rate ratio (Vpipe / Vreturn) is within a specified range, the return gas 104 may be returned directly from the gas separation system 4 to the gas pipeline 1 without going through the storage tank 6.

[0051] In addition, if the flow rate ratio (Vpipe / Vreturn) exceeds the upper limit of the specified range, the return gas 104 from the gas separation system 4 and the return gas in the storage tank 6 may be mixed and returned to the gas pipeline 1.

[0052] In this case, the pipeline management system 100B of this embodiment calculates and sets the opening degree of the valve 7 of the storage tank 6 based on the flow rate of the return gas 104 from the gas separation system 4 so that the flow rate ratio is within a specified range.

[0053] Specifically, a target flow rate of the return gas 104, which is the target value of the flow rate ratio (the upper limit of the specified range), is calculated, and the gas flow rate required to achieve the target flow rate of the return gas 104 is calculated from the diameter of the connecting pipe. The make-up gas flow rate is calculated by subtracting the flow rate of the return gas from the gas separation system 4 from the required gas flow rate. The opening of the valve 7 is adjusted to return gas from the storage tank 6 at an equivalent flow rate so as to satisfy the make-up gas flow rate.

[0054] A check valve may be installed between the storage tank 6 and the gas pipeline 1 to prevent backflow from the gas pipeline 1 to the storage tank 6.

[0055] According to this embodiment, the return state of the return gas 104 from the gas separation system 4 to the gas grid can be appropriately controlled, thereby preventing deterioration of the gas grid and the gas separation system 4 and reducing uneven distribution of gas concentration within the gas grid. [Example]

[0056] 6(a) and 6(b) show a third embodiment of the pipeline management system of the present invention.

[0057] The pipeline management system 100C of this embodiment shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b) is configured by installing a return flow rate adjustment mechanism 8 in the pipeline management system 100A described in Example 1, and using this return flow rate adjustment mechanism 8 to adjust the flow rate of the return gas when the pipeline management system 100C determines that return is "impossible."

[0058] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6(a), a return flow rate adjusting mechanism 8 is provided which is connected to the gas separation system 4 described in the first embodiment.

[0059] 6(b), this return flow rate adjusting mechanism 8 is composed of a main connecting pipe 9 through which return gas 104 connected to the gas separation system 4 flows, and multiple branch pipes 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d connected to the main connecting pipe 9. The multiple branch pipes 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d are equipped with on-off valves 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d so that they can be individually set to open or close.

[0060] The pipeline management system 100C of this embodiment calculates the flow rate of the return gas 104 from the gas separation system 4 when returning it to the gas pipeline 1, and determines the number of branch pipes 10 to be used so that the flow rate ratio (Vpipe / Vreturn) is within a specified range.

[0061] For example, for a specified range r1 to r2 of the gas flow rate ratio, for an adjustment mechanism having N branch pipes 10 with a pipe diameter D, the number M (M≦N) of branch pipes 10 to be used is set to satisfy the following formula (1): where Qreturn is the flow rate of the return gas 104 returned from the gas separation system 4.

[0062]

number

[0063] The pipe diameter D of the branch pipes 10 may be the same or different. In the case of different pipe diameters, the number of branch pipes 10 to be used is determined based on the number of branch pipes 10 to be used and the cross-sectional area of ​​the branch pipes 10 calculated from the pipe diameter D.

[0064] According to this embodiment, the return state of the return gas 104 from the gas separation system 4 to the gas grid can be appropriately controlled, thereby preventing deterioration of the gas grid and the gas separation system 4 and reducing uneven distribution of gas concentration within the gas grid. [Example]

[0065] FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the pipeline management system of the present invention.

[0066] The pipeline management system 100D of this embodiment shown in Figure 7 is the return flow rate adjustment mechanism 8 described in Example 3, in which a bypass pipe 13 is connected to an extraction pipe 12 that extracts gas from the gas pipeline 1 for mixing with the return gas 104 of the gas separation system 4.

[0067] In the pipeline management system 100D of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a return flow rate adjustment mechanism 8 is provided in which a bypass pipe 13 for mixing with the return gas 104 of the gas separation system 4 is connected to an extraction pipe 12 for extracting gas from the gas pipeline 1.

[0068] When the gas flow rate ratio (Vpipe / Vreturn) exceeds the upper limit of a specified range, a part of the extracted gas is made to merge with the return pipe 16 via the bypass pipe 13 connected to the extraction pipe 12 .

[0069] In the pipeline management system 100D of this embodiment, the valve 15 is opened and the pump 14 sends the extracted gas to the return pipe 16. The flow rate of the extracted gas sent from the bypass pipe 13 is adjusted so that the sum of the return gas flow rate (Qreturn) from the gas separation system 4 and the extracted gas flow rate (Qbypass) sent from the bypass pipe 13 satisfies the following formula (2).

[0070]

number

[0071] Here, D is the diameter of the return pipe 16. If the flow rate ratio does not exceed the upper limit of the specified range, the valve 15 is closed and only the return gas 104 is returned to the gas pipeline 1.

[0072] According to this embodiment, the return state of the return gas 104 from the gas separation system 4 to the gas grid can be appropriately controlled, thereby preventing deterioration of the gas grid and the gas separation system 4 and reducing uneven distribution of gas concentration within the gas grid. [Example]

[0073] 8(a) and 8(b) show a fifth embodiment of the pipeline management system of the present invention.

[0074] A pipeline management system 100E of this embodiment shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) includes a return position switching mechanism 19 instead of the return flow rate adjusting mechanism 8 of the third embodiment.

[0075] In this embodiment, the gas flow velocity in the gas pipeline 1 is determined by the driving force of the gas discharge at each demand point connected to the gas pipeline 1. Therefore, depending on the positional relationship of the gas discharge at each demand point, a flow may occur in the opposite direction to the expected flow in the gas pipeline 1.

[0076] 8(a) and 8(b), the present embodiment is provided with a return position switching mechanism 19. In this embodiment, the original gas supply point is connected to the left side of the gas pipeline 1, and the normal flow of the gas pipeline 1 is from left to right.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 8(a), the gas pipeline 1 of this embodiment is connected to two branch extraction pipes 17a and 17b, an extraction pipe 12 where the branch extraction pipes 17a and 17b join (the arrow on the extraction pipe 12 indicates that the extracted gas flows into the mixed gas 103), and a return pipe 16 (the arrow on the return pipe 16 indicates that the return gas 104 flows in), and gas is transferred to the gas separation system 4 via these pipes. The positional relationship is as follows from the left (upstream) side of Fig. 8(a): the branch extraction pipe 17a, the return pipe 16, and the branch extraction pipe 17b.

[0078] In the return position switching mechanism 19 of this embodiment, the pumps 14a and 14b are switched based on the flow rate ratio calculated by the flow rate ratio calculation unit 5A6 of the pipeline management device 5, and it is determined which of the two branch extraction pipes 17a and 17b will be used to extract gas.

[0079] When gas flows in the normal direction (from left to right) of the gas pipeline 1, the flow velocity of the gas pipeline 1 is a positive value. On the other hand, when the gas flow is reversed (from right to left), the flow velocity of the gas pipeline 1 is a negative value. Therefore, the flow velocity ratio is positive when the flow is in the forward direction (from left to right) and negative when the flow is in the reverse direction (from right to left).

[0080] In the pipeline management system 100E of this embodiment, when the flow rate ratio is positive, as shown in Figure 8(a), a command is sent to the pump 14a to extract gas from the gas pipeline 1 using the branch extraction pipe 17a, in order to extract gas from the upstream side of the gas pipeline 1 and return the gas to the downstream side of the gas pipeline 1.

[0081] On the other hand, when the flow rate ratio is negative, the branch extraction pipe 17b is located upstream of the return pipe 16, so a command is sent to the pump 14b to use the branch extraction pipe 17b to extract gas from the gas pipeline 1. As described above, switching control is performed so that gas is always extracted on the upstream side of the gas pipeline 1 and returned on the downstream side.

[0082] If the positional relationship is reversed, that is, if the gas is returned to the upstream side and extracted on the downstream side, there is a concern that the returned gas 104 may be mixed with the extracted gas.

[0083] However, in the return position switching mechanism 19 of this embodiment, gas is always extracted from the upstream side, which prevents the return gas 104 from mixing with the extracted gas and making the extracted gas concentration unstable.

[0084] 8(b), the return position switching mechanism 19 of this embodiment may be configured to include the extraction pipe 12, two branch return pipes 17a and 17b, and the return pipe 16 for supplying the return gas 104 to the branch return pipes 17a and 17b. In this case, the branch return pipe 17b located downstream of the extraction pipe 12 is identified from the branch return pipes 17a and 17b based on the positive or negative flow rate ratio, and the branch return pipe 17a to be used is determined.

[0085] Furthermore, the return position switching mechanism 19 of this embodiment may be configured such that two branch return pipes 17a and 17b are provided and connected to both the extraction pipe 12 and the return pipe 16 via switching valves 18a and 18b, respectively.

[0086] This allows the pipeline management device 5 to control the switching valves 18a and 18b so that, depending on the positive or negative flow rate ratio, the extracted gas is sent from the branch extraction pipe 17a located upstream of the gas pipeline 1 to the extraction pipe 12, and the return gas 104 is sent from the return pipe 16 to the branch extraction pipe 17b located downstream.

[0087] According to this embodiment, not only can the same effects as those of the third embodiment be obtained, but also, even if the flow direction in the gas grid is reversed, gas can be extracted from the upstream of the gas pipeline 1 and return gas 104 can be sent in from the downstream, thereby preventing the return gas 104 from mixing with the extracted gas. [Example]

[0088] FIG. 9 shows a sixth embodiment of the pipeline management system of the present invention.

[0089] The pipeline management system 100F of this embodiment shown in Figure 9 is equipped with a collecting pipe 20 as the return flow rate adjustment mechanism 8 of embodiment 3, which combines and returns return gases 104a and 104b from multiple gas separation systems 4a and 4b, respectively.

[0090] In the pipeline management system 100F of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, return gases 104a and 104b from a plurality of gas separation systems 4a and 4b are joined in a collecting pipe 20 and returned to the gas pipeline 1.

[0091] In FIG. 9, the return gases 104a and 104b from the two gas separation systems 4a and 4b are joined together, but the number of systems is not limited to two.

[0092] According to this embodiment, not only can the same effects as those of embodiment 3 be obtained, but also when the processing volume in the gas separation systems 4a and 4b is small and the flow rate of the return gases 104a and 104b is insufficient, the return gas can be appropriately returned to the gas pipeline 1. [Example]

[0093] 10 and 11 show a seventh embodiment of the pipeline management system of the present invention.

[0094] In the pipeline management system 100G of this embodiment shown in FIG. 10, fluid information 201 in the gas pipeline 1 to be input to the pipeline management system 100A described in the first embodiment is obtained by simulation.

[0095] Figure 10 shows a system configuration diagram for obtaining fluid information 201 within gas pipelines 1a and 1b in the pipeline management system 100G of this embodiment through simulation, and Figure 11 shows the processing flow for calculating fluid information 201 within the gas grid between evaluation times t1 and tn.

[0096] In this embodiment, the fluid information 201a and 201b of the gas pipelines 1a and 1b connected to the gas grid is calculated using previously acquired pipeline and gas injection mechanism shape information, the gas extraction amount at the demand point, the return amount, and the gas injection amount at the supply point as inputs. Here, the gas extraction amount at the demand point, the return amount, and the gas injection amount at the supply point may be obtained online from current information, or may be calculated based on a schedule if the schedule for several hours ahead is known in advance.

[0097] The gas processing in the pipeline management system 100G of this embodiment will be described with reference to the processing flow of FIG.

[0098] First, the number of hydrogen supply bases 2 and consumer gas usage bases (demand points) 3 connected within the gas grid is obtained (S11), and the fluid information (gas flow rate) of the target gas pipeline 1 within the current gas grid is calculated using the previously obtained pipeline and gas injection mechanism shape information as input (S12).

[0099] Next, the evaluation time (times t1 to tn, Δt intervals) is set (S13). In this embodiment, the evaluation time is set from the current time t1 to tn times in the future, and the evaluation interval is set to Δt.

[0100] Next, the operation schedules of the hydrogen supply base 2 and the customer's gas usage base (demand point) 3 are acquired (S14). Here, the operation schedules are the hydrogen gas injection schedule at the hydrogen supply base 2 and the mixed gas extraction schedule at the demand point during the set evaluation time t1 to tn.

[0101] The hydrogen gas injection schedule is information such as the amount of hydrogen gas injected at each time, the injection pressure, and the injection flow rate. The mixed gas extraction schedule is information such as the amount of mixed gas extracted at each time, the extraction flow rate, and the amount of each component of the mixed gas used at the demand point. The amount of each component of the mixed gas used at the customer's gas usage point (demand point) 3 is the amount of each component (hydrogen gas, natural gas) used in the mixed gas. If the mixed gas is used as is at the customer's gas usage point (demand point) 3, the total amount of each component of the mixed gas used at the gas usage point will be the same as the amount of the mixed gas used.

[0102] On the other hand, when only specific components are used at the consumer's gas usage base (demand point) 3, the unused components are returned to the gas pipeline 1 as return gas 104, so the total usage amount of the components of the mixed gas matches the value obtained by subtracting the amount of returned gas from the amount of mixed gas used. Using the planned extraction of the mixed gas and the previously acquired information on the shape of the pipeline and gas injection mechanism as inputs, the planned return gas for the evaluation times t1 to tn is calculated (S15 and S16).

[0103] Next, the flow rate of the target gas pipeline 1a or 1b in the gas grid during the evaluation time t1 to tn is calculated using the current fluid information in the gas grid, the hydrogen gas injection schedule, the mixed gas extraction schedule, the return gas return schedule, and the previously acquired pipeline information during the evaluation time t1 to tn (S17, S18, S19). The calculated flow rate of the target gas pipeline 1a or 1b is used as the fluid information of the gas pipeline 1 used in the pipeline management device 5.

[0104] According to this embodiment, even if it is difficult to measure the fluid information 201 in the gas pipeline 1, the fluid information 201 in the gas pipeline 1 can be obtained, and the return state of the return gas 104 to the gas grid can be appropriately controlled, thereby preventing deterioration of the gas grid and gas separation system 4 and reducing uneven distribution of gas concentration in the gas grid.

[0105] This embodiment is particularly effective when the gas pipeline 1 is connected to a wide-area gas grid.

[0106] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those including all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1, 1a, 1b...gas pipeline, 2...hydrogen supply base, 3...consumer's gas usage base (demand point), 3a...gas usage base of first consumer, 3b...gas usage base of second consumer, 4, 4a, 4b...gas separation system, 5...pipeline management device, 5A...calculation unit, 5A1...fluid information acquisition unit, 5A2...pipeline flow rate calculation unit, 5A3...gas usage information acquisition unit, 5A4...gas separation system information acquisition unit, 5A5...return gas flow rate calculation unit, 5A6...flow rate ratio calculation unit, 5B...determination unit, 5B1...flow rate ratio specified range acquisition unit, 5B2...return possibility determination unit, 5C...determination result display unit, 6...storage tank, 7, 15...valve, 8...return flow rate adjustment mechanism, 9...main connecting pipe, 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d...branch pipe, 11a, 11 b, 11c, 11d...on-off valves, 12...withdrawal pipe, 13...bypass pipe, 14, 14a, 14b...pump, 16...return pipe, 17a, 17b...branched withdrawal pipe, 18a, 18b...switching valve, 19...return position switching mechanism, 20...manifold pipe, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G...pipeline management system, 101...hydrogen gas, 102...natural gas, 103...mixed gas, 104, 104a, 104b...return gas, 201, 201a, 201b...fluid information in the gas pipeline, 202...gas usage information at the customer's gas usage base, 203...processing information of the gas separation system, 204...result of determination as to whether or not return is possible, 301...first display unit, 302...second display unit, 303...third display unit.

Claims

1. a gas separation system that extracts gas from a gas pipeline filled with gas and returns the gas to the gas pipeline is connected to the gas pipeline, and a pipeline management device into which at least fluid information of the gas pipeline is input determines whether or not the gas can be returned to the gas pipeline based on a flow rate ratio between the gas in the gas pipeline and the returned gas, and determines that the gas can be returned if the flow rate ratio is within a predetermined range, and that the gas cannot be returned if the flow rate ratio is below the predetermined range or exceeds the predetermined range; A control method for a pipeline management system, characterized in that the pipeline management device inputs fluid information in the gas pipeline, gas usage information at the consumer's gas usage base, and processing information of the gas separation system, and calculates the ratio of the gas flow rate in the gas pipeline to the gas flow rate of the return gas.

2. 2. The control method for a pipeline management system according to claim 1, The pipeline management device determines whether or not the gas can be returned to the gas pipeline based on the flow rate ratio of the gas in the gas pipeline to the return gas, and controls the flow rate of the return gas so that the flow rate ratio of the gas is within a predetermined range.

3. 2. The control method for a pipeline management system according to claim 1, The fluid information in the gas pipeline is a flow rate, a flow rate, a pressure, and a composition at any point in the gas pipeline; The gas usage information at the gas usage base of the customer is the amount of gas used at the gas usage base, A control method for a pipeline management system, wherein the processing information of the gas separation system is processing performance based on specifications of the gas separation system.

4. 4. A control method for a pipeline management system according to claim 1 or 3, A control method for a pipeline management system, characterized in that fluid information within the gas pipeline is obtained using either a sensor, a soft sensor, or a simulation targeting a gas grid, or a combination of these.

5. 2. The control method for a pipeline management system according to claim 1, In the pipeline management device, A step (S1) of acquiring the fluid information in the gas pipeline; A step (S2) of calculating a flow rate of gas in the gas pipeline from the fluid information in the gas pipeline; A step (S3) of acquiring the gas composition in the gas pipeline and the gas composition and amount (flow rate) required at the gas usage point of the consumer from the processing information of the gas separation system; A step (S4) of calculating the amount of return gas returned from the gas separation system based on the gas composition in the gas pipeline and the gas composition and amount required at the gas usage point of the consumer to determine the amount of return gas; A step (S5) of calculating a flow rate of the return gas from the amount of the return gas and the structure of the mechanism for returning the gas to the gas pipeline; A step (S6) of calculating a ratio of the gas flow rate calculated from the fluid information in the gas pipeline to the return gas flow rate; A step (S7) of acquiring a predetermined range of the flow rate ratio of the gas; and (S8) allowing return if the ratio (Vpipe / Vreturn) of the gas flow rate (Vpipe) in the gas pipeline to the return gas flow rate (Vreturn) is within a predetermined range, and disallowing return if the ratio is below or exceeds the predetermined range.

6. 3. The pipeline management system control method according to claim 2, A control method for a pipeline management system, comprising controlling the flow rate of the return gas to the gas pipeline by controlling the storage and discharge of gas to a storage facility connected to both the gas pipeline and the gas separation system.

7. 3. The pipeline management system control method according to claim 2, A control method for a pipeline management system, characterized in that the flow rate of the return gas to the gas pipeline is controlled by changing the number of branch pipes used in a return flow rate adjustment mechanism consisting of a main connecting pipe connected to the gas separation system and a plurality of branch pipes connected to the main connecting pipe.

8. 3. The pipeline management system control method according to claim 2, A control method for a pipeline management system, characterized in that a return flow rate adjustment mechanism, in which a bypass pipe for mixing the gas with the return gas of the gas separation system is connected to an extraction pipe for extracting gas from the gas pipeline, adjusts the gas flow rate of the bypass pipe and controls the flow rate of the return gas to the gas pipeline.

9. 2. The control method for a pipeline management system according to claim 1, a return pipe from which the return gas flows; and a return position switching mechanism that can change the positional relationship between the withdrawal pipes and the return pipes, wherein the return pipe is switched so that the withdrawal pipe is located upstream and the return pipe is located downstream relative to the gas flow direction.

10. a gas separation system connected to a gas pipeline, extracting gas from the gas pipeline filled with gas and returning the gas to the gas pipeline; and a pipeline management device into which at least fluid information of the gas pipeline is input; The pipeline management device determines whether the gas can be returned to the gas pipeline based on the flow rate ratio of the gas in the gas pipeline and the return gas, and determines that the gas can be returned if the flow rate ratio is within a predetermined range, and determines that the gas cannot be returned if the flow rate ratio is below the predetermined range or exceeds the predetermined range; the pipeline management device includes a calculation unit, a judgment unit, and a judgment result display unit; The calculation unit comprises a fluid information acquisition unit and a pipeline flow velocity calculation unit for calculating the gas flow velocity in the gas pipeline, a gas usage information acquisition unit for calculating the flow velocity of the return gas, a gas separation system information acquisition unit and a return gas flow velocity calculation unit, and a flow velocity ratio calculation unit for calculating a flow velocity ratio from the gas flow velocity in the gas pipeline and the flow velocity of the return gas, The determination unit includes a flow velocity ratio specified range acquisition unit that acquires a specified range of the flow velocity ratio, and a return possibility determination unit that determines whether or not to return the product based on the flow velocity ratio, The pipeline management system is characterized in that the judgment result display unit is a display unit that displays the judgment result of the return possibility judgment unit.

11. 11. The pipeline management system of claim 10, The pipeline management system is characterized in that the pipeline management device determines whether or not the gas can be returned to the gas pipeline based on the flow rate ratio of the gas and the return gas in the gas pipeline, and controls the flow rate of the return gas so that the flow rate ratio of the gas is within a predetermined range.

12. 11. The pipeline management system of claim 10, The display unit of the return permission determination unit is a first display for displaying the location of the gas pipeline on a gas grid; a second display unit that displays the flow rate ratio of the return gas to the gas pipeline of the gas separation system; and a third display unit that displays at least one of the result of the determination by the pipeline management device as to whether or not the gas can be returned to the gas pipeline, the adjusted flow rate of the returned gas, the adjusted flow rate ratio, gas usage information, and the gas composition of the gas pipeline.

13. 12. The pipeline management system of claim 11, a storage facility connected to both the gas pipeline and the gas separation system; A pipeline management system, characterized by controlling the flow rate of the return gas to the gas pipeline by controlling the storage and discharge of gas into the storage facility.

14. 12. The pipeline management system of claim 11, a return flow rate adjusting mechanism including a main connecting pipe connected to the gas separation system and a plurality of branch pipes connected to the main connecting pipe; A pipeline management system characterized in that the flow rate of the return gas to the gas pipeline is controlled by changing the number of branch pipes used in the return flow rate adjustment mechanism.

15. 12. The pipeline management system of claim 11, a return flow rate adjusting mechanism, to which a bypass pipe for mixing the gas with the return gas of the gas separation system is connected, is provided, and which is connected to an extraction pipe for extracting the gas from the gas pipeline; A pipeline management system for adjusting the gas flow rate in the bypass pipe and controlling the flow rate of the return gas to the gas pipeline.

16. 12. The pipeline management system of claim 11, a return gas pipeline including two branched extraction pipes connected to the gas pipeline, an extraction pipe where the two branched extraction pipes join, and a return pipe into which the return gas flows, the return gas pipeline including a return position switching mechanism that can change the positional relationship between the extraction pipes and the return pipes; A pipeline management system characterized in that the return position switching mechanism controls switching so that the extraction pipe is located upstream and the return pipe is located downstream in the gas flow direction.

17. 12. The pipeline management system of claim 11, a return gas pipeline including two branched extraction pipes connected to the gas pipeline, an extraction pipe where the two branched extraction pipes join, and a return pipe into which the return gas flows, the return gas pipeline including a return position switching mechanism that can change the positional relationship between the extraction pipes and the return pipes; A pipeline management system characterized in that the return position switching mechanism controls switching so that the extraction pipe is located upstream and the return pipe is located downstream in the gas flow direction.

18. 13. A pipeline management system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, a return flow rate adjusting mechanism including a main connecting pipe connected to the gas separation system and a plurality of branch pipes connected to the main connecting pipe; A pipeline management system characterized in that the return flow rate adjustment mechanism includes a collecting pipe that combines and returns the return gas from each of the multiple gas separation systems.

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