Hydrogen leak detection device, control device, control program, and hydrogen leak detection method for hydrogen supply pipeline

Abstract

To provide a hydrogen leakage detection device which can secure safety even if a hydrogen gas is leaked while using a light-weight inexpensive pipeline, and can easily detect the leakage of a hydrogen gas, a control device, a control program and a hydrogen leakage detection method.SOLUTION: A CPU for controlling a hydrogen leakage detection device controls hydrogen gas pressure by a pressure reduction valve in order to supply hydrogen having a quantity corresponding to a hydrogen consumption amount to a plurality of hydrogen consumption devices via a hydrogen supply pipeline from a gas tank. The CPU receives the hydrogen consumption amount which is consumed by each of the hydrogen consumption devices at power generation via communication I / F. The CPU compares a total sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts with a hydrogen supply amount which is detected by a flowmeter connected to the hydrogen supply pipeline at the gas tank side, and when the total sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts is large, the CPU determines that the leakage of the hydrogen gas has occurred.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydrogen leak detection device, a control device, a control program, and a hydrogen leak detection method for a hydrogen supply pipeline, which are capable of detecting hydrogen gas leaks in a hydrogen supply pipeline. [Background technology]

[0002] Attempts have been made to supply hydrogen gas stored in a gas tank via pipelines to multiple hydrogen-consuming devices installed in remote locations, such as fuel cells that use hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. To prevent hydrogen leakage from the pipelines, if the pipelines are double-layered and buried underground, it will be necessary to install an exhaust system to prevent leaked hydrogen from accumulating, which will increase costs.

[0003] It has been suggested that pipelines for supplying hydrogen gas should be laid as high above ground as possible as a safety measure (see, for example, Patent Document 1). If a pipeline is laid above ground, even if hydrogen gas leaks from the pipeline, the hydrogen gas will diffuse into the air and will not easily accumulate near the leak point. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-134843 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to supply sufficient hydrogen to each hydrogen consuming device, it is necessary to supply high-pressure hydrogen gas to the pipeline so that it can handle the maximum output of the hydrogen consuming device. Pipelines capable of supplying high-pressure hydrogen gas have thick walls and large diameters to increase strength, which makes them relatively heavy and hinders their installation in the air. On the other hand, if an inexpensive and lightweight pipeline is installed in the air, there is a problem that if hydrogen gas leaks, it will diffuse into the air and the hydrogen gas will give off an odor that is difficult to detect.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a hydrogen leak detection device, control device, control program, and hydrogen leak detection method for a hydrogen supply pipeline that can ensure safety even if hydrogen gas leaks while utilizing a lightweight, inexpensive pipeline and that can easily detect hydrogen gas leaks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hydrogen leak detection device for detecting hydrogen gas leaks in a hydrogen supply pipeline that supplies hydrogen gas from a gas tank filled with hydrogen gas to a plurality of hydrogen consuming devices, the hydrogen supply pipeline being installed in the air, and a hydrogen flow path from the gas tank branching off and connected to each of the hydrogen consuming devices, the device comprising: a pressure regulator provided on the gas tank side of the hydrogen supply pipeline for regulating the discharge pressure of hydrogen gas from the gas tank; a control device for controlling the pressure regulator and the communication device; communication devices connected to the control device and each of the plurality of hydrogen consuming devices and for communicating between the control device and each of the hydrogen consuming devices; and a hydrogen leak detection device provided upstream of the hydrogen flow path from the branch position closest to the gas tank among the branch positions of the hydrogen flow path in the hydrogen supply pipeline, the hydrogen leak detection device comprising: a flow rate detection device that detects the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen supply pipeline and transmits the detected flow rate to the control device, wherein the control device acquires the hydrogen consumption rate of each of the hydrogen consumption devices via the communication device and controls the pressure adjustment device so that the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen supply pipeline corresponds to the sum of the acquired hydrogen consumption rates; a first acquisition unit that acquires the hydrogen consumption rate of each of the hydrogen consumption devices and the flow rate of hydrogen gas detected by the flow rate detection device in response to an inspection command that is output or output arbitrarily in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition; and a first judgment unit that determines that there is a hydrogen gas leak from the hydrogen supply pipeline if the flow rate of hydrogen gas detected by the flow rate detection device is greater than the sum of the hydrogen consumption rates acquired from the hydrogen consumption devices.

[0008] Hydrogen gas has a lighter specific gravity than air. In the unlikely event of a hydrogen gas leak, the leaked hydrogen gas will immediately diffuse into the air from the aerial hydrogen supply pipeline and will not stagnate. The hydrogen leak detection device can easily detect hydrogen gas leaks in the hydrogen supply pipeline by simply comparing the flow rate of hydrogen gas at the gas tank, which is the source of the hydrogen gas, with the total amount of hydrogen consumed by the hydrogen consumption devices, which are the destinations of the hydrogen gas.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a hydrogen leak detection device for detecting a hydrogen gas leak in a hydrogen supply pipeline that is installed in the air to supply hydrogen gas from a gas tank filled with hydrogen gas to a plurality of hydrogen consuming devices and in which a hydrogen flow path from the gas tank branches off and is connected to each of the hydrogen consuming devices, the hydrogen leak detection device comprising: a pressure regulating device that is installed on the gas tank side and adjusts the discharge pressure of hydrogen gas from the gas tank; communication devices that are connected to each of the plurality of hydrogen consuming devices and communicate with each of the hydrogen consuming devices; and a flow rate detecting device that is installed upstream of the hydrogen flow path branching position in the hydrogen supply pipeline that is closest to the gas tank, and that detects the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen supply pipeline. a first acquisition unit that acquires the hydrogen consumption of each of the hydrogen consumption devices and the flow rate of hydrogen gas detected by the flow detection device in response to an inspection command that is output when a predetermined condition is met or is output arbitrarily, and a first determination unit that determines that hydrogen gas is leaking from the hydrogen supply pipeline if the flow rate of hydrogen gas detected by the flow detection device is greater than the sum of the hydrogen consumption rates acquired from the hydrogen consumption devices.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a hydrogen leak detection device for detecting hydrogen gas leaks in a hydrogen supply pipeline that is installed in the air to supply hydrogen gas from a gas tank filled with hydrogen gas to a plurality of hydrogen consumption devices and in which a hydrogen flow path from the gas tank branches off and is connected to each of the hydrogen consumption devices, the hydrogen leak detection device comprising: a pressure regulator that is installed on the gas tank side and regulates the discharge pressure of hydrogen gas from the gas tank; communication devices that are connected to each of the plurality of hydrogen consumption devices and communicate with each of the hydrogen consumption devices; and a flow rate detector that is installed upstream of the hydrogen flow path relative to the branch position closest to the gas tank among the branch positions of the hydrogen flow path in the hydrogen supply pipeline and detects the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen supply pipeline. and a control program for causing a computer of a control device that controls the communication device to execute the following steps: a pressure control step of acquiring the hydrogen consumption rate of each of the hydrogen consumption devices via the communication device and controlling the pressure regulator so that the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen supply pipeline corresponds to the sum of the acquired hydrogen consumption rates; a first acquisition step of acquiring the hydrogen consumption rate of each of the hydrogen consumption devices and the hydrogen gas flow rate detected by the flow rate detection device in response to an inspection command that is output or arbitrarily output in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition; and a first determination step of determining that there is a hydrogen gas leak from the hydrogen supply pipeline if the hydrogen gas flow rate detected by the flow rate detection device is greater than the sum of the hydrogen consumption rates acquired from the hydrogen consumption devices.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for detecting hydrogen leaks during hydrogen supply, which is applied to a hydrogen supply pipeline connecting a gas tank filled with hydrogen gas to a hydrogen consuming device, the method comprising: a pressure regulator for regulating the discharge pressure of hydrogen gas and a hydrogen flow detector for detecting the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen supply pipeline, the pressure regulator being provided on the gas tank side of the hydrogen supply pipeline connecting the gas tank filled with hydrogen gas to a hydrogen consuming device; a pressure control step for controlling the pressure regulator during hydrogen gas supply so that the flow rate of hydrogen gas becomes a pressure corresponding to the hydrogen consumption rate of the hydrogen consuming device; and a step for comparing the flow rate of hydrogen gas detected by the hydrogen flow detector with the hydrogen consumption rate of the hydrogen consuming device in response to an inspection command output in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition, and determining whether the flow rate of hydrogen gas is The present invention provides a hydrogen leak detection method for a hydrogen supply pipeline, comprising: a first determination step of determining that there is a possibility of hydrogen gas leakage from the hydrogen supply pipeline if the detected hydrogen gas flow rate is greater than the hydrogen consumption rate; a pressure increase control step of controlling the pressure regulator to increase the hydrogen gas pressure to a predetermined pressure instead of the pressure control step if it is determined in the first determination step that there is a possibility of hydrogen gas leakage; and a second determination step of comparing the hydrogen gas flow rate with the hydrogen consumption rate after increasing the hydrogen gas pressure in the pressure increase control step, and determining that there is a hydrogen gas leak from the hydrogen supply pipeline if the difference between the hydrogen gas flow rate and the hydrogen consumption rate increases in accordance with the increase in hydrogen gas pressure.

[0012] Hydrogen gas has a lighter specific gravity than air. In the unlikely event of a hydrogen gas leak, the leaked hydrogen gas will immediately diffuse into the air from the aerial hydrogen supply pipeline and will not stagnate. In the first judgment step, the hydrogen flow detection device can easily detect the possibility of a hydrogen gas leak in the hydrogen supply pipeline by simply comparing the flow rate of hydrogen gas at the gas tank, which is the source of the hydrogen gas, with the hydrogen consumption rate at the hydrogen consumption device, which is the destination of the hydrogen gas.

[0013] If the hydrogen flow rate in the hydrogen supply pipeline is low when the first determination step determines that there is a possibility of a hydrogen leak, the reliability of the leak determination will be reduced due to factors such as the amount of hydrogen consumed by the hydrogen consumption device and measurement errors in the hydrogen gas flow rate by the flow rate detection device. In this case, the hydrogen flow rate detection device can increase the hydrogen gas pressure to a predetermined pressure in the pressure increase control step. Because hydrogen gas has high fluidity, increasing the pressure also immediately increases the flow rate. If the flow rate difference increases due to the pressure increase, the hydrogen flow rate detection device can reliably determine that there is a hydrogen leak in the second determination step. Because the flow rate of hydrogen gas changes quickly, the hydrogen flow rate detection device can easily confirm leaks. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the installation of a hydrogen supply pipeline 1 and a hydrogen leak detection device 10. FIG. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart of a consumption amount transmission process executed in the hydrogen consuming device 3. [Figure 3] 3 is a flowchart of a leak detection process executed in the hydrogen leak detection device 10. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a continuation of the leakage detection process. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart of a leak inspection command process executed in the hydrogen leak detection device 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] With reference to FIG. 1, an example of the installation of a hydrogen supply pipeline 1 and a hydrogen leak detection device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The hydrogen supply pipeline 1 is a conduit laid to supply hydrogen gas from a gas tank 2 filled with hydrogen gas to a hydrogen consumption device 3 that consumes the hydrogen gas. The gas tank 2 is a container for filling and storing compressed hydrogen gas or liquefied hydrogen, and a size appropriate for demand is used. The hydrogen consumption device 3 is a fuel cell that uses hydrogen gas to generate electricity, a dispenser that supplies hydrogen gas to a fuel cell vehicle, or the like. In this embodiment, the hydrogen consumption device 3 is equipped with a fuel cell, and a plurality of hydrogen consumption devices 3, for example, five hydrogen consumption devices, are provided. In the following description, for convenience, the individual hydrogen consumption devices 3 will be distinguished as hydrogen consumption devices 3A to 3E, and will be collectively referred to as the hydrogen consumption device 3.

[0016] The fuel cell generates electricity through a chemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen gas supplied from a gas tank 2 through a hydrogen supply pipeline 1. The generated electricity is supplied to a consumer (not shown). The hydrogen consumption device 3 includes a control unit 30 for monitoring the amount of hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel cell to maintain a stable supply of hydrogen gas. The control unit 30 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a communication I / F 34, an ammeter 35, and an SSD 37, all of which are electrically connected via an I / O interface 36. The CPU 31 controls the process of monitoring the amount of hydrogen gas supplied to the fuel cell by the control unit 30. The ROM 32 stores a program for monitoring the amount of hydrogen gas supplied. The RAM 33 stores various temporary data. The communication I / F 34 is an interface for wired or wireless data communication with a PC 8 that controls the hydrogen leak detection device 10. The ammeter 35 detects the current value that flows when the electricity generated by the fuel cell is supplied to a consumer. The SSD 37 (Solid State Drive) is a non-volatile storage device that stores a program for the control unit 30 to execute the consumption transmission process, other programs, data, and the like.

[0017] The hydrogen supply pipeline 1 is a supply pipe that constitutes a hydrogen flow path for transporting hydrogen gas and is installed in the air. Specifically, the hydrogen supply pipeline 1 is installed, for example, by hanging a suspension wire between concrete pillars installed at regular intervals, and by using spiral suspension materials such as lashing rods and cable hangers that are aligned along the suspension wire. The hydrogen supply pipeline 1 uses a supply pipe made of stainless steel and configured in a bellows shape to provide flexibility when bent, and is coated with a resin such as ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) to ensure weather resistance. Because hydrogen is lighter than air, even if the hydrogen supply pipeline 1 is damaged or ruptured and hydrogen gas leaks, the hydrogen gas will quickly diffuse into the atmosphere at the installation location of the hydrogen supply pipeline 1, which is located above the residential area. Therefore, the hydrogen supply pipeline 1 does not require ventilation equipment or the addition of odorants to the hydrogen gas.

[0018] When compressed hydrogen gas is stored in the gas tank 2, the hydrogen gas is compressed to, for example, 100 MPa before being stored. When supplied to the hydrogen supply pipeline 1, the hydrogen gas is decompressed to less than 1 MPa to ensure safety. Because hydrogen molecules are the smallest molecules, the hydrogen gas supply pipe is capable of transporting hydrogen gas at high speed. Therefore, even if the internal pressure of the hydrogen gas supply pipe is set to a low pressure of, for example, 0.2 MPa and a pipe thinner than a typical hydrogen supply pipe is used, it is possible to transport a sufficient amount of hydrogen gas required for consumption by the hydrogen consumption device 3. Therefore, the hydrogen supply pipeline 1 uses the above supply pipe, which is a relatively lightweight supply pipe due to its smaller pipe diameter while maintaining sufficient strength to prevent hydrogen gas leakage, and which is also flexible and suitable for installation in the air.

[0019] The hydrogen supply pipeline 1 is extended by connecting, for example, 30 m of supply pipe using joints. The hydrogen supply pipeline 1 is composed of branch sections 11 and 12 and multiple pipelines 1A to 1G to connect to multiple hydrogen consumers 3. The branch sections 11 and 12 are joints, and the pipelines 1A to 1G are connected by welding. In this embodiment, the gas tank 2 is connected to the upstream side of the branch section 11 via pipeline 1F. The hydrogen consumers 3A and 3B are connected to the downstream side of the branch section 11 via pipelines 1A and 1B, respectively. The branch sections 11 and 12 are connected via pipeline 1G. The hydrogen consumers 3C, 3D, and 3E are connected to the downstream side of the branch section 12 via pipelines 1C, 1D, and 1E, respectively.

[0020] A hydrogen leak detection device 10 is connected to a pipeline 1F connected to the gas tank 2. The hydrogen leak detection device 10 includes a pressure reducing valve 4, a motor 5, a drive circuit 5A, a pressure gauge 6, a flow meter 7, and a PC 8. The pressure reducing valve 4, the pressure gauge 6, and the flow meter 7 are connected to the pipeline 1F at a position closer to the end of the pipeline 1F that is on the gas tank 2 side, specifically, at a position upstream of the portion of the pipeline 1F that is mounted on a pillar. The pressure reducing valve 4 adjusts the pressure of the high-pressure hydrogen gas discharged from the gas tank 2 to less than 1 MPa, the minimum pressure necessary to supply the amount of hydrogen gas required by the hydrogen consumption device 3, and supplies the hydrogen to the hydrogen supply pipeline 1. The motor 5, which is, for example, a stepping motor, is connected to the on-off valve of the pressure reducing valve 4. The drive circuit 5A is connected to the motor 5 and controls the operation of the motor 5 in accordance with commands from the PC 8. The motor 5 drives the on-off valve of the pressure reducing valve 4 to adjust the pressure of the hydrogen gas discharged from the gas tank 2 and supplied to the hydrogen supply pipeline 1.

[0021] The pressure gauge 6 is connected to the pipeline 1F downstream of the pressure reducing valve 4. The pressure gauge 6 detects the pressure of the hydrogen gas reduced by the pressure reducing valve 4. The pressure gauge 6 is connected to the PC 8 and outputs the detected pressure value. The flow meter 7 is connected to the pipeline 1F downstream of the pressure gauge 6. The flow meter 7 detects the flow rate of the hydrogen gas transported within the pipeline 1F. The flow meter 7 is connected to the PC 8 and outputs the detected flow rate of the hydrogen gas.

[0022] The PC 8 is a general-purpose computer, such as a notebook personal computer (PC). The PC 8 includes a CPU 81 that handles control. The CPU 81 is connected to a chipset 85A and electrically connected to a ROM 82, a RAM 83, and a display control unit 84 via the chipset 85A. The display control unit 84 is connected to a display 84A. The chipset 85A is connected to a chipset 85B. The CPU 81 is electrically connected to an SSD 86, a communication I / F 87, a USB I / F 88, an input unit 89, and a speaker 90 via the chipset 85B.

[0023] The chipset 85A is a series of circuits that manage the transmission and reception of data between the CPU 81 and the ROM 82, RAM 83, and display control unit 84. The ROM 82 stores a boot program, BIOS, etc. The RAM 83 stores various temporary data. The display control unit 84 controls the display of images on the display 84A. The chipset 85B is a series of circuits that manage the transmission and reception of data between the CPU 81 and the SSD 86, communication I / F 87, USB I / F 88, and input unit 89. The SSD 86 is a non-volatile storage device that stores the OS, software for causing the PC 8 to function as a control device for the hydrogen leak detection device 10, and various other applications, data, etc.

[0024] The communication I / F 87 is an interface for performing data communication with the hydrogen consumption device 3 via a wired or wireless connection. The USB I / F 88 is an interface for performing communication based on the USB standard. The CPU 81 controls the drive of the motor 5 that opens and closes the pressure reducing valve 4 via the USB I / F 88, and acquires the detection results of the pressure gauge 6 and the flow meter 7. The input unit 89 is a device, such as a keyboard or mouse, for inputting operations to the PC 8. The speaker 90 outputs sound based on audio data.

[0025] Next, we will explain the outline of how the hydrogen leak detection device 10 configured as described above detects the presence or absence of a hydrogen gas leak. The hydrogen leak detection device 10 controls the motor 5 to adjust the pressure reducing valve 4 to reduce the pressure of the compressed hydrogen gas stored in the gas tank 2 to less than 1 MPa, and adjusts the hydrogen gas pressure to the minimum pressure possible to supply the amount of hydrogen required by the hydrogen consumption device 3, and supplies it to the hydrogen supply pipeline 1. The control unit 30 of the hydrogen consumption device 3 detects the current value when supplying electricity to the consumer and, based on the detected current value, calculates the power output value of the fuel cell using a known calculation formula. The control unit 30 further converts the power value into a hydrogen consumption amount using a known conversion formula and sends it to the PC 8 of the hydrogen leak detection device 10 via the communication I / F 34. The PC 8 calculates the sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts received from each of the hydrogen consumption devices 3A to 3E, determines the hydrogen supply amount as the hydrogen gas flow rate detected by the flow meter 7, and compares it with the sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts to determine the possibility of a hydrogen gas leak. If there is a possibility of a leak, PC8 adjusts pressure reducing valve 4 to adjust the pressure of the hydrogen gas supplied to hydrogen supply pipeline 1 to 0.9 MPa. PC8 again calculates the sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts received from each of hydrogen consumption devices 3A to 3E, and if the difference from the sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts increases in response to the increase in pressure, it determines that there is a hydrogen gas leak.

[0026] Next, with reference to Figures 2 to 5, the process by which the hydrogen leak detection device 10 detects the presence or absence of a hydrogen gas leak will be described in detail. First, with reference to Figure 2, the consumption amount transmission process will be described. The consumption amount transmission process is executed by the CPU 31 of the control unit 30 of the hydrogen consumption device 3 to notify the hydrogen leak detection device 10 of the amount of hydrogen consumed. The consumption amount transmission process is executed independently by the CPU 31 of each of the hydrogen consumption devices 3A to 3E when the hydrogen consumption device 3 is in operation. The hydrogen consumption device 3 generates an amount of power according to demand using a fuel cell and consumes an amount of hydrogen according to the amount of power generated. The CPU 31 of the control unit 30 detects the current value when supplying power to a demand destination using the ammeter 35 (S1) and stores it in the SSD 37 (S3). Based on the detected current value, the CPU 31 calculates the power value output by the fuel cell using a known calculation formula. The CPU 31 further converts the power value into the amount of hydrogen consumed using a known conversion formula (S5). The CPU 31 stores the converted hydrogen consumption amount as consumption amount data in the SSD 37 (S7).

[0027] The CPU 31 transmits the consumption data to the PC 8 of the hydrogen leak detection device 10 via the communication I / F 34 (S9). The CPU 31 compares the current value detected this time with the current value detected last time, among the current values ​​stored in the SSD 37 (S9). If the current value has increased (S9: YES), the CPU 31 returns to S1, detects the current value again, calculates the hydrogen consumption amount, and transmits it to the hydrogen leak detection device 10. If the current value has not changed or has decreased, the CPU 31 waits for a predetermined time, for example, one second (S11), and then returns to S1, and repeats the series of processes of detecting the current value, calculating the hydrogen consumption amount, and transmitting it to the hydrogen leak detection device 10.

[0028] 3 and 4, the leak detection process executed by the CPU 81 of the PC 8 of the hydrogen leak detection device 10 will be described. The leak detection process is executed by the CPU 81 of the PC 8 when the hydrogen leak detection device 10 is in an operating state. When the leak detection process is executed, the CPU 81 performs initial setting (S21). The initial setting includes initialization of flags and data stored in the RAM 83, connection processing with the motor 5 that opens and closes the pressure reducing valve 4, the pressure gauge 6, and the flow meter 7, etc. The CPU 81 controls the motor 5 to open the pressure reducing valve 4, performs feedback processing based on the detection result of the pressure gauge 6, and adjusts the pressure of the hydrogen gas supplied to the hydrogen supply pipeline 1 to 0.9 MPa (S23). After the adjustment, the CPU 81 detects the pressure of the hydrogen gas with the pressure gauge 6 and stores it in the SSD 86 as hydrogen gas pressure data (S25).

[0029] The CPU 81 detects the flow rate of hydrogen gas transported through the hydrogen supply pipeline 1 using the flow meter 7 and temporarily stores this in the RAM 83 (S27). The CPU 81 receives each of the consumption data transmitted from the hydrogen consumption devices 3A-3E via the communication I / F 87 (S29). In the process of S29, the reception state continues until all of the consumption data from each of the hydrogen consumption devices 3A-3E is collected. Once all of the consumption data is collected, the CPU 81 calculates the sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts of the hydrogen consumption devices 3A-3E, associates it with time information obtained from the clock (not shown) of the PC 8, and stores this as history in the SSD 86 (S31).

[0030] Next, the CPU 31 determines whether or not to perform a leak test (S33). The leak test is performed based on a test command. The test command is output in the leak test command process (see FIG. 5), which will be described later. In this embodiment, the test command is stored as a flag in the RAM 83. If a leak test is not performed (S33: NO), the CPU 81 determines whether the total hydrogen consumption calculated in S31 is the maximum device consumption (S35). The maximum device consumption refers to the total amount of hydrogen consumed when each of the hydrogen consumption devices 3A to 3E generates the maximum amount of power that it can generate. If the total hydrogen consumption is the maximum device consumption (S35: YES), the CPU 81 returns to S23 and adjusts the pressure reducing valve 4 so that the pressure of the hydrogen gas supplied to the hydrogen supply pipeline 1 is 0.9 MPa, so that the supply amount of hydrogen gas does not fall below the demand amount.

[0031] If the total hydrogen consumption is not the maximum amount of hydrogen consumed by the device (S35: NO), the CPU 81 reads out the previous consumption data stored in the SSD 86 and compares it with the current consumption data (S37, S41). If the total hydrogen consumption is higher than the previous consumption (S37: YES), the CPU 81 controls the motor 5 to open the pressure reducing valve 4 by a predetermined amount, thereby increasing the amount of hydrogen gas supplied to the hydrogen supply pipeline 1 (S39). The CPU 81 detects the hydrogen gas pressure with the pressure gauge 6 and stores this as hydrogen gas pressure data in the SSD 86 (S45). The process returns to S27. On the other hand, if the total hydrogen consumption is lower than the previous consumption (S37: NO, S41: YES), the CPU 81 controls the motor 5 to close the pressure reducing valve 4 by a predetermined amount, thereby reducing the amount of hydrogen gas supplied to the hydrogen supply pipeline 1 (S43). The CPU 81 detects the hydrogen gas pressure with the pressure gauge 6 and stores this as hydrogen gas pressure data in the SSD 86 (S45). The process returns to S27. Also, if the total amount of hydrogen consumed is the same as the previous time (S37: NO, S41: NO), the CPU 81 does not adjust the pressure reducing valve 4 and returns to S27. In this way, if a leak test is not performed, the CPU 81 adjusts the pressure reducing valve 4 so that the amount of hydrogen gas in the hydrogen supply pipeline 1 is the minimum amount corresponding to the consumption amount of the hydrogen consumption device 3 by repeatedly processing S27 to S45.

[0032] Here, the leak inspection command processing will be described with reference to Figure 5. The leak inspection command processing is a process that the CPU 81 of the PC 8 executes in parallel with the leak detection processing. When the leak inspection command processing is executed, the CPU 81 reads the historical data of the total hydrogen consumption amount stored in the SSD 86 (S81). The CPU 81 calculates the average value of the total hydrogen consumption amount data received from the hydrogen consumption device 3 over the past 10 minutes (S83). Next, the CPU 81 calculates the average value of the total hydrogen consumption amount data received from the hydrogen consumption device 3 over the past day for each hour (S85).

[0033] The CPU 81 compares the average sum over the past 10 minutes with each of the average hourly sums over the past day (S87). If the average sum over the past 10 minutes is smaller than any of the average hourly sums over the past day (S87: YES), the CPU 81 outputs an inspection command, specifically, turns on a flag corresponding to the inspection command (S89). The CPU 81 waits until a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes) has elapsed (S91), and then returns the process to S81. If the average sum over the past 10 minutes is equal to or greater than any of the average hourly sums over the past day (S87: NO), the CPU 81 does not output an inspection command, waits until a predetermined time has elapsed (S91), and then returns the process to S81. In this way, by executing the leak inspection command process, the CPU 81 outputs an inspection command at a time during the day when the total hydrogen consumption amount is smaller.

[0034] Returning to the explanation of the leak detection process in Figure 3, when the pressure reducing valve 4 is being adjusted appropriately through the processes of S27 to S45 and a flag corresponding to an inspection command for a leak inspection is turned ON (S33: YES), the CPU 81 executes the processes of S51 to S79 ​​in Figure 4 to detect a hydrogen gas leak. If the sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts calculated in S31 is equal to or less than the hydrogen supply amount, which is the flow rate of hydrogen gas detected in S27 (S51: NO), the CPU 81 determines that the difference is due to an error or the like and that there is no hydrogen gas leak in the hydrogen supply pipeline 1, and proceeds to S35. If the hydrogen supply amount is greater than the sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts (S51: YES), the CPU 81 calculates the difference F1 between the hydrogen supply amount and the sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts (S53). The difference F1 corresponds to the amount of hydrogen gas leaking from the hydrogen supply pipeline 1 or the error between the sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts and the hydrogen supply amount.

[0035] The CPU 81 controls the motor 5 to open the pressure reducing valve 4, and adjusts the pressure of the hydrogen gas supplied to the hydrogen supply pipeline 1 to 0.9 MPa (S55). After the adjustment, the CPU 81 detects the hydrogen gas pressure with the pressure gauge 6 and stores it in the SSD 86 as hydrogen gas pressure data (S57). The CPU 81 detects the flow rate of the hydrogen gas transported through the hydrogen supply pipeline 1 with the flow meter 7 and temporarily stores it in the RAM 83 (S59). The CPU 81 receives the consumption data transmitted from each of the hydrogen consumption devices 3A to 3E via the communication I / F 87 (S61). Once all the consumption data are collected, the CPU 81 calculates the sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts of the hydrogen consumption devices 3A to 3E and stores it in the SSD 86 (S63).

[0036] The CPU 81 calculates the difference F2 between the hydrogen supply amount and the sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts (S65). The difference F2 corresponds to the amount of hydrogen gas leaking from the hydrogen supply pipeline 1 when the hydrogen gas pressure is set to 0.9 MPa, or the error between the sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts and the hydrogen supply amount. Next, the CPU 81 calculates an increase rate A of the difference F2 between the hydrogen supply amount and the sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts calculated in S61 after the pressure is increased to 0.9 MPa, relative to the difference F1 between the hydrogen supply amount and the sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts before the pressure increase calculated in S53 (S67). If the increase rate A is less than a predetermined value (S71: NO), the increase rate A of the difference F2 relative to the difference F1 corresponding to the increase in hydrogen gas pressure cannot be obtained. Therefore, the CPU 81 determines that there is no hydrogen gas leakage and that an error has occurred between the sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts and the hydrogen supply amount, and proceeds to S35. The predetermined value to be compared with the increase rate A is set by referring to a pre-set table or the like, depending on the increase rate of the hydrogen gas pressure after pressure increase detected in S57 relative to the hydrogen gas pressure before pressure increase detected in S45.

[0037] If the increase rate A is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S71: YES), the difference F2 has increased at the increase rate A corresponding to the increase in hydrogen gas pressure. Therefore, the CPU 81 determines that there is a hydrogen gas leak and determines whether the difference F2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (S73). If the difference F2 is less than the predetermined amount (S73: NO), the CPU 81 issues a leak alarm, assuming that the hydrogen supply pipeline 1 has suffered a small break, causing a small amount of hydrogen gas to leak. The CPU 81 displays a message on the display 84A informing the user of the hydrogen gas leak and emits an alarm sound from the speaker 90 (S75). In this case, the leaked hydrogen gas will dissipate into the atmosphere, but power generation by the hydrogen consumption device 3 can continue. The CPU 81 then proceeds to S27 and repeats S27 to S45 to continue supplying hydrogen gas to the hydrogen supply pipeline 1.

[0038] On the other hand, if the difference F2 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount (S73: YES), it is determined that the hydrogen supply pipeline 1 has been severely damaged or ruptured, causing a large amount of hydrogen gas to leak, and the CPU 81 controls the motor 5 to close the pressure reducing valve 4 (S77). The supply of hydrogen gas to the hydrogen supply pipeline 1 is stopped. The CPU 81 issues an emergency stop alert, displays a warning of a hydrogen gas leak on the display 84A, and sounds an alarm from the speaker 90 (S79). The CPU 81 repeats the process of S79, stopping the supply of hydrogen gas until an administrator takes action.

[0039] As explained above, hydrogen gas has a lighter specific gravity than air. In the unlikely event of a hydrogen gas leak, the leaked hydrogen gas will immediately diffuse into the air from the aerial hydrogen supply pipeline 1 and will not stagnate. The hydrogen leak detection device 10 can easily detect a hydrogen gas leak in the hydrogen supply pipeline 1 by simply comparing the flow rate of hydrogen gas on the gas tank 2 side, which is the source of the hydrogen gas, with the total amount of hydrogen consumed by the hydrogen consumption device 3, which is the destination of the hydrogen gas.

[0040] While hydrogen gas is being supplied from the gas tank 2 to the hydrogen consumption device 3, the hydrogen leak detection device 10 can determine whether or not there is a hydrogen gas leak in accordance with the inspection command output from the CPU 81 in response to the result of the judgment at S87 of the leak inspection command processing.

[0041] If the hydrogen flow rate in the hydrogen supply pipeline 1 is low when it is determined in S51 that there is a hydrogen leak, the reliability of the leak determination will be reduced due to the influence of factors such as the amount of hydrogen consumed by the hydrogen consumption device 3 and measurement errors in the hydrogen gas flow rate by the flow meter 7. In this case, in the process of S55, the CPU 81 increases the hydrogen gas pressure to a predetermined pressure. Because hydrogen gas has high fluidity, increasing the pressure also immediately increases the flow rate. If the flow rate difference increases due to the pressure increase, the CPU 81 can reliably determine that there is a hydrogen leak. Because the flow rate of hydrogen gas changes quickly, it is easy for the CPU 81 to check for leaks.

[0042] The CPU 81 controls the motor 5 to adjust the pressure reducing valve 4 so that the flow rate of hydrogen gas supplied to the hydrogen supply pipeline 1 follows the hydrogen consumption rate of the hydrogen consumption device 3. That is, the CPU 81 adjusts the pressure reducing valve 4 so that the amount of hydrogen gas in the hydrogen supply pipeline 1 is kept to a minimum. Therefore, when the hydrogen gas pressure is increased in the process of S55 during a leak inspection, the CPU 81 can further increase the flow rate difference, making it possible to more reliably determine whether or not a hydrogen leak has occurred. Furthermore, because the hydrogen gas pressure is not constantly maintained at a high pressure, the pressure load on the hydrogen supply pipeline 1 can be reduced. Furthermore, by controlling the hydrogen gas pressure at normal times to a minimum level, the CPU 81 can reduce the amount of hydrogen gas leakage in the event of a leak, thereby improving safety.

[0043] The CPU 81 can continue normal hydrogen supply even after boosting the pressure by the process of S55 to check for hydrogen gas leakage.

[0044] If the amount of hydrogen gas leakage is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the CPU 81 immediately stops the supply of hydrogen gas by the process of S77, thereby ensuring safety.

[0045] The CPU 81 can easily detect the presence or absence of a leak by performing a hydrogen gas leak test during periods when the hydrogen consumption of the hydrogen consumption device 3 is low. Therefore, the CPU 81 can appropriately change the test timing to correspond to periods when the hydrogen consumption of the hydrogen consumption device 3 is low.

[0046] The hydrogen consumption situation in the hydrogen supply pipeline 1 varies depending on the season and time of day depending on the usage situation of consumers. Therefore, by managing the total amount of hydrogen consumption for each inspection command in relation to the inspection period and inspection time, the CPU 81 can appropriately change the timing of issuing inspection commands.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the pressure reducing valve 4 and the motor 5 correspond to the "pressure adjusting device" of the present invention. The PC 8 corresponds to the "control device" of the present invention. The communication I / Fs 34 and 87 correspond to the "communication device" of the present invention. The branching unit 11 corresponds to the "branching position" of the present invention. The flow meter 7 corresponds to the "flow rate detecting device" of the present invention. The CPU 81 that executes the processes of S37 to S43 corresponds to the "pressure control unit" of the present invention. The CPU 81 that executes the processes of S27 and S29 corresponds to the "first acquisition unit" of the present invention. The CPU 81 that executes the process of S51 corresponds to the "first determination unit" of the present invention.

[0048] The CPU 81 that executes the process of S87 corresponds to the "setting unit" of the present invention. The CPU 81 that executes the leak test command process corresponds to the "test command device" of the present invention. The difference F1 corresponds to the "first difference" of the present invention. The CPU 81 that executes the process of S53 corresponds to the "first calculation unit" of the present invention. The CPU 81 that executes the process of S55 corresponds to the "boost control unit" of the present invention. The CPU 81 that executes the processes of S59 and S61 corresponds to the "second acquisition unit" of the present invention. The difference F2 corresponds to the "second difference" of the present invention. The CPU 81 that executes the process of S65 corresponds to the "second calculation unit" of the present invention. The CPU 81 that executes the process of S71 corresponds to the "second determination unit" of the present invention. The CPU 81 that executes the process of S75 corresponds to the "notification unit" of the present invention. The CPU 81 that executes the process of S73 corresponds to the "third determination unit" of the present invention. The CPU 81 that executes the process of S77 corresponds to the "emergency stop unit" of the present invention. The CPU 81 that executes the process of S31 corresponds to the "storage unit" of the present invention.

[0049] The present invention can be modified in various ways from the above-described embodiment. The various modifications described below can be combined with each other as long as no inconsistencies arise. For example, while the PC 8 is a personal computer, a dedicated control device using an ASIC or the like may be used to control the on / off valve of the pressure reducing valve 4. The communication I / F 34 of the hydrogen consuming device 3 may be a communication device provided separately from the hydrogen consuming device 3 and performing data communication with the PC 8 via wired or wireless connections. The control unit 30 of the hydrogen consuming device 3 may be equipped with a flash memory, HDD, or the like instead of the SSD 37. The pressure reducing valve 4 and the pressure gauge 6 are provided separately and connected to the pipeline 1F, but they may also be provided integrally, for example, with the pressure reducing valve 4 equipped with the pressure gauge 6. The PC 8 of the hydrogen leak detection device 10 may be equipped with a flash memory, HDD, or the like instead of the SSD 86. The communication I / F 87 of the PC 8 may be a communication device connected to the PC 8 via, for example, a USB I / F 88 and performing data communication with the hydrogen consuming device 3 via wired or wireless connections.

[0050] The CPU 81 of the PC 8 executes the leak inspection command process and sets a flag to indicate an inspection command when a leak inspection is performed. However, a control device other than the PC 8 may execute the leak inspection command process and output the inspection command to the PC 8. Alternatively, an administrator may set an arbitrary inspection time, and a device that outputs an inspection command when a timer indicates the inspection time may be used, or a program executable by the PC 8 may be used to output the inspection command to the PC 8. In the determination at S71, the CPU 81 compares the increase rate A with a predetermined value. If the difference F2 is greater than the difference F1, the CPU 81 may determine that there is a hydrogen gas leak and proceed to S73. In the leak inspection command process, for example, an inspection command is output when the average total hydrogen consumption over the past 10 minutes is smaller than the average total hydrogen consumption over each hour of the past day. However, an inspection command may also be output during a time period, period, or season when the average total hydrogen consumption is low, for example, over the past 6 hours, past 12 hours, past month, or past year. The emergency stop alert was issued by displaying a warning on the display 84A of PC 8 and emitting a warning sound from the speaker 90, but other means may also be used to more reliably alert the administrator to the issuance of the emergency stop alert, such as lighting up a rotating light, sounding an alarm, or sending an emergency email from PC 8 to the administrator. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1. Hydrogen supply pipeline 1A~1E Pipeline 2 Gas Tanks 3, 3A~3E Hydrogen consumption device 4 Pressure reducing valve 5 motors 7 Flowmeter 10 Hydrogen leak detection device 11 Branch 31,81 CPU 34,87 Communication I / F 35 Ammeter F1,F2 difference

Claims

1. A hydrogen leak detection device for a hydrogen supply pipeline that detects hydrogen gas leaks in a hydrogen supply pipeline that supplies hydrogen gas from a gas tank filled with hydrogen gas to a plurality of hydrogen consumption devices, comprising: the hydrogen supply pipeline is installed in the air, and a hydrogen flow path from the gas tank is branched and connected to each of the hydrogen consumption devices; a pressure adjusting device provided on the gas tank side of the hydrogen supply pipeline to adjust the discharge pressure of hydrogen gas from the gas tank; a control device that controls the pressure adjusting device; a communication device connected to the control device and each of the plurality of hydrogen consumption devices, for communicating between the control device and each of the hydrogen consumption devices; a flow rate detection device that is provided upstream of the hydrogen flow path from the branch position closest to the gas tank among branch positions of the hydrogen flow path in the hydrogen supply pipeline, and that detects the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen supply pipeline and transmits the detected flow rate to the control device; Equipped with The control device a pressure control unit that acquires the hydrogen consumption amount of each of the hydrogen consumption devices via the communication device and controls the pressure adjustment device so that the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen supply pipeline corresponds to the sum of the acquired hydrogen consumption amounts; a first acquisition unit that acquires the hydrogen consumption amount of each of the hydrogen consumption devices and the flow rate of hydrogen gas detected by the flow rate detection device in response to an inspection command that is output when a predetermined condition is met or is output arbitrarily; a first determination unit that determines that there is a hydrogen gas leak from the hydrogen supply pipeline when the flow rate of the hydrogen gas detected by the flow rate detection device is greater than the sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts obtained from the hydrogen consumption devices; a first calculation unit that calculates a first difference that is the difference between the flow rate of the hydrogen gas acquired by the first acquisition unit and the sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts; a pressure-boost control unit that, when the first determination unit determines that there is a hydrogen gas leak, stops the control of the pressure regulator by the pressure control unit and controls the pressure regulator to boost the pressure of the hydrogen gas to a predetermined pressure whose upper limit is the allowable pressure of the hydrogen supply pipeline; a second acquisition unit that acquires again the hydrogen consumption amount of each of the hydrogen consumption devices and the flow rate of the hydrogen gas detected by the flow rate detection device after the hydrogen gas pressure is increased by the pressure increase control unit; a second calculation unit that calculates a second difference that is the difference between the flow rate of the hydrogen gas acquired by the second acquisition unit and the sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts; a second determination unit that determines that there is a hydrogen gas leak from the hydrogen supply pipeline when the second difference calculated by the second calculation unit is greater than the first difference calculated by the first calculation unit; and Having A hydrogen leak detection device for a hydrogen supply pipeline, comprising:

2. The inspection command device has a setting unit that can set the timing for issuing the inspection command, and outputs the inspection command to the control device at the timing for issuing the inspection command.

2. The hydrogen leak detection device for a hydrogen supply pipeline according to claim 1,

3. The control device a notification unit that notifies the user of the presence of a hydrogen gas leak when the second determination unit determines that a hydrogen gas leak has occurred; When the determination by the second determination unit is completed, the suspension of the control of the pressure adjustment device by the pressure control unit is released.

3. The hydrogen leak detection device for a hydrogen supply pipeline according to claim 1 or 2,

4. The control device a third determination unit that, when the second determination unit determines that there is a hydrogen gas leak, determines whether the second difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; an emergency stop unit that stops the supply of hydrogen gas from the gas tank when the third determination unit determines that the second difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; Having 4. The hydrogen leak detection device for a hydrogen supply pipeline according to claim 3.

5. The setting unit of the inspection command device is capable of changing the timing of issuing the inspection command.

3. The hydrogen leak detection device for a hydrogen supply pipeline according to claim 2, wherein:

6. the control device includes the inspection command device, The control device a storage unit that stores a history of the pressure adjustment device, each time the pressure control unit controls the pressure adjustment device, in which the control timing corresponds to the total amount of hydrogen consumption obtained from the hydrogen consumption device at the control timing; Equipped with The setting unit changing the timing of issuing the inspection command to a time when the total amount of hydrogen consumption is low within a predetermined repetition period based on the history of the storage unit; 6. The hydrogen leak detection device for a hydrogen supply pipeline according to claim 5,

7. To detect hydrogen gas leakage in a hydrogen supply pipeline that is installed in the air to supply hydrogen gas from a gas tank filled with hydrogen gas to a plurality of hydrogen consumption devices, and in which a hydrogen flow path from the gas tank is branched and connected to each of the hydrogen consumption devices, a pressure adjusting device provided on the gas tank side to adjust the discharge pressure of hydrogen gas from the gas tank; a communication device connected to each of the plurality of hydrogen consumption devices and communicating with each of the hydrogen consumption devices; a flow rate detection device that is provided upstream of the hydrogen flow path from the branch position that is closest to the gas tank among branch positions of the hydrogen flow path in the hydrogen supply pipeline, and that detects the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen supply pipeline; A control device for controlling the pressure adjustment device and the communication device of a hydrogen leak detection device having a pressure control unit that acquires the hydrogen consumption amount of each of the hydrogen consumption devices via the communication device and controls the pressure adjustment device so that the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen supply pipeline corresponds to the sum of the acquired hydrogen consumption amounts; a first acquisition unit that acquires the hydrogen consumption amount of each of the hydrogen consumption devices and the flow rate of hydrogen gas detected by the flow rate detection device in response to an inspection command that is output when a predetermined condition is met or is output arbitrarily; a first determination unit that determines that there is a hydrogen gas leak from the hydrogen supply pipeline when the flow rate of the hydrogen gas detected by the flow rate detection device is greater than the sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts obtained from the hydrogen consumption devices; a first calculation unit that calculates a first difference that is the difference between the flow rate of the hydrogen gas acquired by the first acquisition unit and the sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts; a pressure-boost control unit that, when the first determination unit determines that there is a hydrogen gas leak, stops the control of the pressure regulator by the pressure control unit and controls the pressure regulator to boost the pressure of the hydrogen gas to a predetermined pressure whose upper limit is the allowable pressure of the hydrogen supply pipeline; a second acquisition unit that acquires again the hydrogen consumption amount of each of the hydrogen consumption devices and the flow rate of the hydrogen gas detected by the flow rate detection device after the hydrogen gas pressure is increased by the pressure increase control unit; a second calculation unit that calculates a second difference that is the difference between the flow rate of the hydrogen gas acquired by the second acquisition unit and the sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts; a second determination unit that determines that there is a hydrogen gas leak from the hydrogen supply pipeline when the second difference calculated by the second calculation unit is greater than the first difference calculated by the first calculation unit; and A control device for a hydrogen leak detection device, comprising:

8. To detect hydrogen gas leakage in a hydrogen supply pipeline that is installed in the air to supply hydrogen gas from a gas tank filled with hydrogen gas to a plurality of hydrogen consumption devices, and in which a hydrogen flow path from the gas tank is branched and connected to each of the hydrogen consumption devices, a pressure adjusting device provided on the gas tank side to adjust the discharge pressure of hydrogen gas from the gas tank; a communication device connected to each of the plurality of hydrogen consumption devices and communicating with each of the hydrogen consumption devices; a flow rate detection device that is provided upstream of the hydrogen flow path from the branch position that is closest to the gas tank among branch positions of the hydrogen flow path in the hydrogen supply pipeline, and that detects the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen supply pipeline; a computer of a control device that controls the pressure adjustment device and the communication device of a hydrogen leak detection device having a pressure control step of acquiring the hydrogen consumption amount of each of the hydrogen consumption devices via the communication device and controlling the pressure regulator so that the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen supply pipeline corresponds to the sum of the acquired hydrogen consumption amounts; a first acquisition step of acquiring the hydrogen consumption amount of each of the hydrogen consumption devices and the flow rate of hydrogen gas detected by the flow rate detection device in response to an inspection command that is output in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition or is output arbitrarily; a first determination step of determining that there is a hydrogen gas leak from the hydrogen supply pipeline when the flow rate of the hydrogen gas detected by the flow rate detection device is greater than the sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts obtained from the hydrogen consumption devices; a first calculation step of calculating a first difference, which is the difference between the flow rate of the hydrogen gas acquired in the first acquisition step and the sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts; a pressure increase control step of stopping the control of the pressure regulator by the pressure control step when it is determined in the first determination step that there is a hydrogen gas leak, and controlling the pressure regulator to increase the pressure of the hydrogen gas to a predetermined pressure whose upper limit is the allowable pressure of the hydrogen supply pipeline; a second acquisition step of acquiring again the hydrogen consumption amount of each of the hydrogen consumption devices and the flow rate of the hydrogen gas detected by the flow rate detection device after the hydrogen gas pressure is increased by the pressure increase control step; a second calculation step of calculating a second difference, which is the difference between the flow rate of the hydrogen gas acquired in the second acquisition step and the sum of the hydrogen consumption amounts; a second determination step of determining that there is a hydrogen gas leak from the hydrogen supply pipeline when the second difference calculated in the second calculation step is greater than the first difference calculated in the first calculation step; A control program for a hydrogen leak detection device to execute the above.

9. A hydrogen leak detection method during hydrogen supply, which is applied to a hydrogen supply pipeline that connects a gas tank filled with hydrogen gas to a hydrogen consumption device, and which is provided with a pressure regulator that regulates the discharge pressure of hydrogen gas and a hydrogen flow detector that detects the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen supply pipeline, on the gas tank side of the hydrogen supply pipeline, comprising: a pressure control step of controlling the pressure regulator during supply of hydrogen gas so that the flow rate of the hydrogen gas becomes a pressure corresponding to the amount of hydrogen consumed by the hydrogen consumption device; a first determination step of comparing the flow rate of hydrogen gas detected by the hydrogen flow detection device with the hydrogen consumption rate of the hydrogen consumption device in response to an inspection command output in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition, and determining that there is a possibility of hydrogen gas leakage from the hydrogen supply pipeline if the flow rate of hydrogen gas is greater than the hydrogen consumption rate; a pressure increase control step of controlling the pressure regulator to increase the pressure of the hydrogen gas to a predetermined pressure, instead of the pressure control step, when it is determined in the first determination step that there is a possibility of hydrogen gas leakage; a second determination step of comparing the flow rate of hydrogen gas with the hydrogen consumption rate again after the hydrogen gas pressure is increased in the pressure increase control step, and determining that there is a hydrogen gas leak from the hydrogen supply pipeline if the difference between the flow rate of hydrogen gas and the hydrogen consumption rate increases in response to the increase in hydrogen gas pressure; A method for detecting hydrogen leaks in a hydrogen supply pipeline, comprising:

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