Control device and control method for hydrogen production device

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a method for producing hydrogen with little waste in accordance with an actual situation without increasing the size of the equipment.CONSTITUTION: In an embodiment of the present invention, a method for operating a hydrogen production apparatus that is arranged at a hydrogen station and produces hydrogen gas to be supplied to a fuel cell vehicle (FCV) arriving at the hydrogen station is characterized in that the hydrogen production apparatus is started up to a first operating load ratio preset for rated operation, the operating load of the hydrogen production apparatus is raised toward a second operating load ratio larger than the first operating load ratio at a first timing associated with the arrival of the FCV, and the operating load of the hydrogen production apparatus is lowered toward a third operating load ratio smaller than the second operating load ratio at a second timing associated with the completion of filling the FCV with hydrogen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority from application JP2018-187679 (application number) filed in Japan on October 2, 2018. The contents of JP2018-187679 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for operating a hydrogen production apparatus and a control device for a hydrogen production apparatus, and more particularly to a method and device for controlling the operation of a hydrogen production apparatus located in, for example, an on-site station. [Background technology]

[0003] In addition to conventional fuel oils such as gasoline, hydrogen fuel has recently been attracting attention as a clean energy source for automobiles. In response to this trend, development of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) powered by hydrogen fuel is underway. Hydrogen stations for FCVs include hydrogen production bases (hydrogen shipping centers and on-site hydrogen stations) and off-site hydrogen stations (off-site STs), which receive and sell hydrogen from hydrogen production bases (hydrogen shipping centers, on-site STs, etc.). To rapidly fill FCVs with hydrogen, hydrogen stations are equipped with a compressor that compresses hydrogen gas to high pressure and multiple pressure accumulators (multi-stage pressure accumulators) that store the hydrogen gas compressed to high pressure by the compressor. These hydrogen stations rapidly fill the FCV's fuel tank with hydrogen gas from the pressure accumulators by switching between the pressure accumulators as needed to maintain a large pressure differential between the pressure inside the pressure accumulators and the FCV's fuel tank.

[0004] It is difficult to suddenly increase the operating load (or hydrogen production volume) of the hydrogen production equipment (HPU: Hydrogen Product Unit) that produces hydrogen gas. For this reason, on-site STs generally operate the hydrogen production equipment at 100% load (rated) during business hours. However, any excess hydrogen gas that cannot be stored in the accumulator is released (discarded) into the atmosphere. This operation continues from the start of business until the end of business. As a result, there is a problem in that a large amount of hydrogen gas is discarded, despite the effort that went into producing it.

[0005] To address this issue, one approach being considered is to prepare many pressure accumulators within the on-site station, operate the hydrogen production equipment at rated capacity, and produce and store, for example, a week's worth of hydrogen gas. Then, by shutting down the hydrogen production equipment until hydrogen gas runs out, the amount of hydrogen gas wasted can be reduced. However, this approach requires the preparation of many pressure accumulators, which creates the problem of excessively large facilities at the on-site station. Therefore, there is a need for a method of producing hydrogen with less waste and without increasing the size of the facilities.

[0006] A method has been disclosed in which load is predicted by averaging past performance data to create an operating pattern for a hydrogen production device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, the prediction is merely a prediction and does not necessarily match the actual situation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-001797 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention provides a method and apparatus that can produce hydrogen with little waste and that is suited to actual conditions, without increasing the size of the equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A control device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: A control device for controlling an operating load of a hydrogen production device that produces hydrogen gas to be supplied to a fuel tank, controlling the operating load rate of a hydrogen production device that produces hydrogen gas to a preset operating load rate; The hydrogen gas has started to be supplied to the fuel tank or is being supplied to the fuel tank. increasing the operating load ratio of the hydrogen production device toward another operating load ratio that is greater than the preset operating load ratio at a first timing; From the time when the supply to the fuel tank is completed until a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the completion of the supply At a second timing, the operating load of the hydrogen production device is decreased from the different operating load ratio toward the preset operating load ratio. A control circuit is provided, An increase in the operating load ratio at the first timing for the fuel tank to which hydrogen gas is supplied next after the fuel tank to which hydrogen gas was previously supplied takes precedence over a decrease in the operating load ratio at the second timing for the fuel tank to which hydrogen gas was previously supplied.

[0010] A method for controlling a hydrogen production device according to one aspect of the present invention includes: A method for controlling an operating load of a hydrogen production device that produces hydrogen gas to be supplied to a fuel tank, comprising: controlling the operating load rate of a hydrogen production device that produces hydrogen gas to a preset operating load rate; The hydrogen gas has started to be supplied to the fuel tank or is being supplied to the fuel tank. increasing the operating load ratio of the hydrogen production device toward another operating load ratio that is greater than the preset operating load ratio at a first timing; From the time when the supply to the fuel tank is completed until a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the completion of the supply At a second timing, the operating load of the hydrogen production device is decreased from the different operating load ratio to the preset operating load ratio; an increase in the operating load ratio at the first timing for the fuel tank to which hydrogen gas is to be supplied next after the fuel tank to which hydrogen gas was previously supplied takes precedence over a decrease in the operating load ratio at the second timing for the fuel tank to which hydrogen gas was previously supplied. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, hydrogen can be produced with less waste and suited to actual conditions without increasing the size of the equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a hydrogen gas supply system of a hydrogen station according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a control circuit according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the method for operating the hydrogen production device in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method of filling hydrogen fuel under differential pressure using the multistage pressure accumulator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the operating load of the hydrogen production device and the filling state of the FCV in the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is an example of a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a hydrogen gas supply system for a hydrogen station in embodiment 1. In FIG. 1, a hydrogen gas supply system 500 is arranged within a hydrogen station 102. The hydrogen gas supply system 500 includes a hydrogen production device 300, a multi-stage accumulator 101, a dispenser 30 (a measuring device), a compressor 40, a sensor 31, and a control circuit 100. In the example of FIG. 1, the hydrogen production device 300 is arranged within the hydrogen station 102, which serves as a hydrogen production base, and therefore an example of an on-site ST is shown.

[0014] The multi-stage pressure accumulator 101 is composed of a plurality of pressure accumulators 10, 12, and 14. In the example of FIG. 1, the multi-stage pressure accumulator 101 is composed of three pressure accumulators 10, 12, and 14. In the example of FIG. 1, for example, the pressure accumulator 10 acts as a first bank with a low minimum usable pressure. The pressure accumulator 12 acts as a second bank with an intermediate minimum usable pressure. The pressure accumulator 14 acts as a third bank with a high minimum usable pressure. However, this is not a limitation. The pressure accumulators used in the first to third banks are interchanged as necessary. It is also suitable to provide other pressure accumulators, such as a curdle and / or an intermediate pressure accumulator (not shown), within the hydrogen station 102.

[0015] In addition, in FIG. 1, the suction side of the compressor 40 is connected to the discharge side of the hydrogen production device 300 via a valve 328 by piping.

[0016] The discharge side of the compressor 40 is connected to the pressure accumulator 10 via a valve 21 and a pipe. Similarly, the discharge side of the compressor 40 is connected to the pressure accumulator 12 via a valve 23 and a pipe. Similarly, the discharge side of the compressor 40 is connected to the pressure accumulator 14 via a valve 25 and a pipe. Similarly, the discharge side of the compressor 40 is connected to the dispenser 30 via a valve 28 and a pipe.

[0017] The pressure accumulator 10 is connected to the dispenser 30 by piping via a valve 22. The pressure accumulator 12 is connected to the dispenser 30 by piping via a valve 24. The pressure accumulator 14 is connected to the dispenser 30 by piping via a valve 26.

[0018] The discharge pressure of the hydrogen production device 300 is measured by a pressure gauge 318. The pressure in the pressure accumulator 10 is measured by a pressure gauge 11. The pressure in the pressure accumulator 12 is measured by a pressure gauge 13. The pressure in the pressure accumulator 14 is measured by a pressure gauge 15.

[0019] Also disposed within the dispenser 30 are a flow rate adjustment valve 29, a flow meter 27, a cooler 32 (pre-cooler), and a pressure gauge 17. The flow rate of hydrogen gas supplied from the multi-stage accumulator 101 or the compressor 40 is measured by the flow meter 27, and the flow rate is adjusted by the flow rate adjustment valve 29. The hydrogen gas is then cooled to a predetermined temperature (e.g., −40° C.) by the cooler 32. The dispenser 30 then fills the cooled hydrogen gas into a fuel tank 202 mounted on the FCV 200, for example, by utilizing a pressure difference. The outlet pressure (fuel filling outlet pressure) of the filling outlet of the hydrogen gas filled from the dispenser 30 into the FCV is measured by the pressure gauge 17. A control circuit 34 is disposed within or near the dispenser 30, and is configured to be able to communicate with an on-board device 204 in the FCV 200 (a fuel cell vehicle (FCV) powered by hydrogen gas) that has arrived at the hydrogen station 102. For example, it is configured to be capable of wireless communication using infrared rays.

[0020] In FCV 200, hydrogen gas as fuel supplied from dispenser 30 is injected from a receptacle through a fuel passage into fuel tank 202. The pressure and temperature inside fuel tank 202 are measured by a pressure gauge 206 and a thermometer 205 provided inside fuel tank 202 or in the fuel passage.

[0021] Furthermore, when the FCV 200 arrives at the hydrogen station 102, it is detected by the sensor 31, and the detected information is output to the control circuit 100 via, for example, the control circuit 34 in the dispenser 30. The sensor 31 may be, for example, a sensor that uses a laser such as infrared light to detect an object (FCV 200) entering the hydrogen station 102. Alternatively, a camera may be suitably used as the sensor 31. By capturing an image with a camera, it is possible to more reliably determine that the object is an FCV 200.

[0022] The hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device 300 is supplied to the suction side of the compressor 40 at a low pressure (for example, 0.6 MPa). IN is normally at a low pressure. Under the control of the control circuit 100, the compressor 40 compresses the hydrogen gas supplied at low pressure from the hydrogen production device 300 and supplies it to the pressure accumulators 10, 12, and 14 of the multistage pressure accumulator 101. If the supply amount of hydrogen gas from the multistage pressure accumulator 101 to the FCV 200 is insufficient or if the multistage pressure accumulator 101 is regaining pressure, the compressor 40, under the control of the control circuit 100, may compress the hydrogen gas supplied at low pressure from the hydrogen production device 300 and supply the hydrogen gas directly to the FCV 200 via the dispenser 30.

[0023] The compressor 40 compresses the pressure in each of the pressure accumulators 10, 12, and 14 of the multi-stage pressure accumulator 101 until the pressure reaches a predetermined high pressure (for example, 82 MPa). In other words, the compressor 40 compresses the pressure in each of the pressure accumulators 10, 12, and 14 of the multi-stage pressure accumulator 101 until the pressure reaches a predetermined high pressure (for example, 82 OUT The compressor 40 compresses the hydrogen gas until it reaches a predetermined high pressure (for example, 82 MPa or higher). The compressor 40 supplies hydrogen gas to either the pressure accumulators 10, 12, 14 or the dispenser 30, which can be determined by the control circuit 100 controlling the opening and closing of the corresponding valves 21, 23, 25, 28 arranged on the respective pipes. Alternatively, the compressor 40 may control the supply of hydrogen gas to two or more pressure accumulators simultaneously.

[0024] In the above example, the pressure P INIn the example shown, the suction side pressure P is reduced to a predetermined low pressure (for example, 0.6 MPa), but the present invention is not limited to this. The suction side pressure P may be applied to the suction side of the compressor 40 at a pressure higher than the predetermined low pressure (for example, 0.6 MPa) and compressed. In such a case, the suction side pressure P IN This is not a reciprocating compressor that uses a fixed pressure (for example, 0.6 MPa) for the primary pressure, but a compressor that uses a fixed pressure for the suction side, P IN For example, a high-pressure compressor that can adjust the suction pressure P IN It is preferable to use a booster multi-stage pressure increasing compressor with a (primary side pressure) of, for example, 20 MPa or less.

[0025] The hydrogen gas stored in the multistage pressure accumulator 101 is cooled by a cooler 32 in the dispenser 30 and supplied from the dispenser 30 to an FCV 200 that has arrived inside the hydrogen station 102 .

[0026] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the control circuit 100 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, the control circuit 100 includes a communication control circuit 50, a memory 51, a receiving unit 52, a final pressure calculation unit 54, a flow planning unit 56, a system control unit 58, a pressure recovery control unit 61, a supply control unit 63, a pressure receiving unit 66, a hydrogen production device control unit 400 (a control circuit for the hydrogen production device), and storage devices 80, 82, and 84, such as magnetic disk devices. The pressure recovery control unit 61 includes a valve control unit 60 and a compressor control unit 62. The supply control unit 63 includes a dispenser control unit 64 and a valve control unit 65. The hydrogen production device control unit 400 includes a load setting unit 402, a standby operation processing unit 404, a load increase processing unit 406, a load decrease processing unit 408, a determination unit 410, a determination unit 412, a determination unit 413, a determination unit 414, a determination unit 415, a speed calculation unit 416, and a storage device 420, such as a magnetic disk device. Each of the units, such as the receiving unit 52, the final pressure calculation unit 54, the flow planning unit 56, the system control unit 58, the pressure recovery control unit 61 (valve control unit 60, compressor control unit 62), the supply control unit 63 (dispenser control unit 64, valve control unit 65), the pressure receiving unit 66, and the hydrogen production device control unit 400 (load setting unit 402, standby operation processing unit 404, load increase processing unit 406, load decrease processing unit 408, determination unit 410, determination unit 412, determination unit 413, determination unit 414, determination unit 415, speed calculation unit 416), includes a processing circuit, and the processing circuit includes an electric circuit, a computer, a processor, a circuit board, a semiconductor device, or the like. Furthermore, each unit may use a common processing circuit (the same processing circuit), or may use different processing circuits (separate processing circuits). Input data or calculated results required for the receiving unit 52, final pressure calculation unit 54, flow planning unit 56, system control unit 58, pressure recovery control unit 61 (valve control unit 60, compressor control unit 62), supply control unit 63 (dispenser control unit 64, valve control unit 65), pressure receiving unit 66, and hydrogen production device control unit 400 (load setting unit 402, standby operation processing unit 404, load increase processing unit 406, load decrease processing unit 408, judgment unit 410, judgment unit 412, judgment unit 413, judgment unit 414, judgment unit 415, speed calculation unit 416) are stored in memory 51 each time.

[0027] Also stored in the storage device 80 is a conversion table 81 that shows the correlation between FCV information such as the pressure, temperature, and volume of the fuel tank 202 mounted on the FCV 200, the remaining amount of hydrogen gas calculated from the FCV information, and filling information such as the final pressure and final temperature to be filled into the fuel tank 202. Also stored in the storage device 80 is a correction table 83 that corrects the results obtained from the conversion table 81.

[0028] Here, maintaining the pressure accumulators 10, 12, and 14 at as high a pressure as possible is preferable for rapid filling, since it increases the pressure difference between the accumulators 10, 12, and 14 and the fuel tank 202 of the FCV 200 arriving for filling. Therefore, it is desirable to increase the hydrogen production volume of the hydrogen production device 300 so that there is no shortage of hydrogen gas for restoring pressure to the accumulator once it has been used. Meanwhile, the hydrogen production device 300 is resistant to sudden load fluctuations. When increasing the load, the load can fluctuate at a rate of, for example, several percent per minute. For this reason, on-site gas stations have traditionally been operated at rated capacity during their business hours. Another reason is that operating at rated capacity generally results in more efficient hydrogen production. However, the number of FCVs 200 arriving for hydrogen gas filling and the total amount of hydrogen gas filled vary among on-site gas stations located in various locations. For example, some on-site gas stations are sufficient with 50% of the daily amount of hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device 300 when operated at rated capacity, while others are sufficient with 30%. Furthermore, the filling amount varies depending on the time of day. Therefore, if the hydrogen production device 300 continues to operate at rated capacity during the business hours of the on-site ST, there is a limit to the amount of hydrogen gas that can be stored in the multi-stage pressure accumulator 101, and a large amount of hydrogen gas will remain in excess of this limit. This large amount of surplus hydrogen gas will be discarded. Furthermore, a method of storing, for example, a week's worth of hydrogen gas in multiple pressure accumulators within the on-site ST, simply because it would be wasteful to discard it, would result in excessive equipment size and be unrealistic. Furthermore, a method of predicting the required amount of hydrogen gas production based on past performance and producing only the predicted amount would result in a hydrogen loss (unable to supply) if the prediction is incorrect and a greater number of FCVs 200 arrive. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the operating load of the hydrogen production device 300 is variably controlled in accordance with the actual arrival of FCVs 200.

[0029] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the method for operating the hydrogen production device in Embodiment 1. In Figure 3, the method for operating the hydrogen production device in Embodiment 1 carries out a series of steps, including a load setting step (S102), a start-up step (S104), a load increase switch determination step (S106), a load increase processing step (S108), a load decrease switch determination step (S110), a load reach determination step (S112), a load increase stop processing step (S114), a load decrease processing step (S116), a load reach determination step (S118), a load decrease stop processing step (S120), and a business closing determination step (S122).

[0030] In the load setting step (S102), the load setting unit 402 sets multiple operating load values ​​to be used under multiple conditions. Specifically, the following are set: operating load 1 (L1) (first operating load ratio) when the stopped hydrogen production device 300 is started up and put into standby operation; operating load 2 (L2) (second operating load ratio) which is the maximum load when a load increase is required; and operating load 3 (L3) (third operating load ratio) which is the minimum load when a load decrease is required. The hydrogen production device 300 operates at rated power, with a load of 100%. The amount of hydrogen gas produced is proportional to the load ratio. For example, it is preferable to predict the amount of hydrogen production based on past performance and set the operating load 1 to a load corresponding to this prediction. For example, it is preferable to use the average value for the previous month or the average value by day of the week. For example, it is preferable to set the operating load to a load necessary to produce the average amount of hydrogen gas required per day. For example, the load is set to 10-30%. This allows the production of the minimum amount of hydrogen gas required per day to be achieved. The operating load 2 is set to a value greater than the operating load 1. For example, it is set to a load of 100% (rated). However, this is not limited to this. In cases where it is known from past performance or the like that the number of FCVs 200 arriving in a short period of time is clearly small, a load appropriate to this can be set. The operating load 3 is set to a value smaller than the operating load 2. For example, it is set to a value similar to the operating load 1. However, this is not limited to this. As long as it is a value smaller than the operating load 2, it may be a value greater than the operating load 1. In this way, the operating loads 1 to 3 are set in advance. Information on the set operating loads 1 to 3 is stored in the storage device 420.

[0031] In the start-up step (S104), the standby operation processing unit 404 starts up the hydrogen production device 300 from a stopped state to an operating load 1 (first operating load ratio) that is preset for rated operation. Specifically, the operation is as follows: The standby operation processing unit 404 reads information about the operating load 1 from the storage device 420 and outputs a startup command to the hydrogen production device 300 via the communication control circuit 50 to operate at the operating load 1. The hydrogen production device 300 receives the startup command and starts operation from the stopped state. The hydrogen production device 300 increases the load at a rate V1 of several % load per minute until the operating load reaches 1. For example, the load is increased at a rate V1 of 3% load per minute. The hydrogen production device 300 then outputs information about the current operating state to the standby operation processing unit 404. The standby operation processing unit 404 manages whether operation is being performed in accordance with the startup command and outputs a control command to control the hydrogen production device 300 as necessary. Therefore, the hydrogen production device 300 produces hydrogen gas corresponding to the gradually increasing load. After the operating load reaches 1, the device continues standby operation at operating load 1, and continues producing hydrogen gas in an amount corresponding to operating load 1. The valve control unit 60 also opens the valve 328 via the communication control circuit 50. As a result, the hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device 300 is supplied to the compressor 40.

[0032] The valve control unit 60 changes the state in which the valves 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 28 are closed to, for example, the valve 25 being open.

[0033] Then, the compressor control unit 62 drives the compressor 40 to compress and send out low-pressure (e.g., 0.6 MPa) hydrogen gas, and stores (restores) pressure in the accumulator 14 by filling the accumulator 14 with hydrogen gas until the pressure in the accumulator 14 reaches a predetermined pressure P0 (e.g., 82 MPa).

[0034] Next, the valve control unit 60 closes the valve 25 and opens the valve 23 instead.

[0035] Then, the compressor control unit 62 drives the compressor 40 to compress and send out low-pressure (e.g., 0.6 MPa) hydrogen gas, and stores (restores) pressure in the accumulator 12 by filling the accumulator 12 with hydrogen gas until the pressure in the accumulator 12 reaches a predetermined pressure P0 (e.g., 82 MPa).

[0036] Next, the valve control unit 60 closes the valve 23 and opens the valve 21 instead.

[0037] Then, the compressor control unit 62 drives the compressor 40 to compress and send out low-pressure (e.g., 0.6 MPa) hydrogen gas, and stores (restores) pressure in the accumulator 10 by filling the accumulator 10 with hydrogen gas until the pressure in the accumulator 10 reaches a predetermined pressure P0 (e.g., 82 MPa).

[0038] As a result, the pressure accumulators 10, 12, and 14 can be charged to a predetermined pressure P0 (e.g., 82 MPa). This prepares the multi-stage pressure accumulator 101 for differential pressure charging of the FCV 200. If the FCV 200 does not arrive before the pressure accumulators 10, 12, and 14 have completed charging, the valve control unit 60 closes the valve 328 and opens the opening valve 319, releasing (discarding) the hydrogen gas produced after the pressure accumulation is complete into the atmosphere. However, because the hydrogen production device 300 is operating at the operating load 1, the amount of hydrogen gas discarded can be significantly reduced compared to when it is operated at 100% load. The start-up process (S104) is performed when the hydrogen station 102 begins operations or shortly before the start of operations so that the hydrogen station 102 is in standby operation at the start of operations. For example, if the operating load 1 is 30% and the operating load can be increased at a rate of 3% load per minute, the start-up process can be completed in approximately 10 minutes.

[0039] In this state, or while the accumulators 10, 12, and 14 are accumulating pressure, the first FCV 200 arrives at the hydrogen station 102. When the FCV 200 arrives at the hydrogen station 102, the sensor 31 detects the FCV 200, and the detected information is output to the control circuit 100, for example, via the control circuit 34 in the dispenser 30. Within the control circuit 100, for example, the dispenser control unit 64 receives the detected information via the communication control circuit 50. This allows the control circuit 100 to know that the FCV 200 has arrived at the hydrogen station 102.

[0040] When the FCV 200 arrives at the hydrogen station 102, a worker at the hydrogen station 102 or a user of the FCV 200 connects (fits) and secures the nozzle 44 of the dispenser 30 to a receptacle in the fuel tank 202 of the FCV 200. When the FCV 200 arrives inside the hydrogen station 102 and the user or a worker at the hydrogen station 102 connects and secures the nozzle 44 of the dispenser 30 to a receptacle in the fuel tank 202 of the FCV 200, communication is established between the on-board device 204 and the control circuit 34 (repeater).

[0041] Next, when communication is established between the vehicle-mounted device 204 and the control circuit 34 (repeater), FCV information such as the current pressure and temperature of the fuel tank 202 and the volume of the fuel tank 202 is output (transmitted) from the vehicle-mounted device 204 in real time. The FCV information is relayed through the control circuit 34 and transmitted to the control circuit 100. Within the control circuit 100, a receiving unit 52 receives the FCV information via the communication control circuit 50. While communication is established between the vehicle-mounted device 204 and the control circuit 34, the FCV information is monitored constantly or at predetermined sampling intervals (for example, 10 ms to several seconds). The received FCV information is stored in the storage device 80 together with information on the time of reception.

[0042] The end pressure calculation unit 54 reads the conversion table 81 from the storage device 80, and calculates and predicts the final pressure PF corresponding to the received pressure Pa of the fuel tank 202 at the time of initial reception, the temperature Ti, the volume V of the fuel tank 202, and the outside air temperature T'. The end pressure calculation unit 54 also reads the correction table 83 from the storage device 80, and corrects the numerical value obtained from the conversion table 81 as necessary. If the results obtained from the data in the conversion table 81 alone have a large error, it is only necessary to provide the correction table 83 based on results obtained by experiments, simulations, or the like. The calculated final pressure PF is output to the system control unit 58.

[0043] Next, the flow planning unit 56 creates a filling control flow plan for differentially supplying (filling) hydrogen gas to the fuel tank 202 of the FCV 200 using the multi-stage accumulator 101. The flow planning unit 56 creates a filling control flow plan that includes the selection of an accumulator (selection of the accumulators 10, 12, and 14) so ​​that the pressure in the fuel tank 202 reaches the final pressure PF, and the timing of switching the multi-stage accumulator 101. Control data for the created filling control flow plan is temporarily stored in the storage device 82. When planning the filling control flow, the flow planning unit 56 sets a pressure rise rate according to the external temperature, and calculates a filling speed corresponding to this pressure rise rate. Furthermore, in order to suppress a sudden temperature rise, the flow planning unit 56 calculates a filling speed corresponding to a pressure rise rate determined according to the external temperature that is applied from the middle of filling. The pressure rise rate determined according to the external temperature is incorporated in advance into the data in the conversion table 81. The filling control flow is planned under these conditions, and the time t (end time 1) (arrival time) from the start of filling to reach the final pressure PF is obtained.

[0044] Then, according to the created filling control flow, hydrogen gas is filled from the dispenser 30 (metering machine) into the fuel tank 202 mounted on the FCV 200 powered by hydrogen gas. Specifically, the operation is as follows.

[0045] Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining a method of differential pressure filling of hydrogen fuel using the multi-stage pressure accumulator in embodiment 1. In Figure 4, the vertical axis represents pressure and the horizontal axis represents time. When differential pressure filling of hydrogen fuel into FCV 200, typically, each of accumulators 10, 12, 14 of multi-stage pressure accumulator 101 is previously pressurized to the same pressure P0 (e.g., 82 MPa). Meanwhile, fuel tank 202 of FCV 200 that has arrived at hydrogen station 102 is at pressure Pa. A case where filling of fuel tank 202 of FCV 200 is started from this state will be described.

[0046] First, the fuel tank 202 starts to be filled from, for example, the pressure accumulator 10, which is the first bank. Specifically, the operation is as follows. Under the control of the system control unit 58, the supply control unit 63 controls the supply unit 106 to supply hydrogen fuel from the pressure accumulator 10 to the fuel tank 202 of the FCV 200. Specifically, the system control unit 58 controls the dispenser control unit 64 and the valve control unit 65. The dispenser control unit 64 communicates with the control circuit 34 of the dispenser 30 via the communication control circuit 50 and controls the operation of the dispenser 30. Specifically, first, the control circuit 34 adjusts the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 29 in the dispenser 30 to achieve the calculated filling speed M. Then, the valve control unit 65 outputs control signals to the valves 22, 24, and 26 via the communication control circuit 50 to control the opening and closing of each valve. Specifically, the valve 22 is opened and the valves 24 and 26 are kept closed. As a result, hydrogen fuel is supplied from the pressure accumulator 10 to the fuel tank 202. Due to the pressure difference between the pressure accumulator 10 and the fuel tank 202, the hydrogen fuel stored in the pressure accumulator 10 moves toward the fuel tank 202 at a regulated filling speed, and the pressure in the fuel tank 202 gradually increases, as indicated by the dotted line Pt. Accordingly, the pressure in the pressure accumulator 10 (the graph indicated by "1st") gradually decreases. Then, when the lower limit pressure of the 1st bank is reached and time T1 has elapsed since the start of filling, the accumulator used in the 2nd bank, for example, accumulator 12, is switched from the pressure accumulator 10. Specifically, the valve control unit 65 outputs control signals to the valves 22, 24, and 26 via the communication control circuit 50 to control the opening and closing of each valve. Specifically, valve 24 is opened, valve 22 is closed, and valve 26 is kept closed. This increases the pressure difference between the pressure accumulator 12 and the fuel tank 202, thereby maintaining a high filling speed.

[0047] Then, due to the pressure difference between, for example, the pressure accumulator 12 (which constitutes the second bank) and the fuel tank 202, the hydrogen fuel stored in the pressure accumulator 12 moves toward the fuel tank 202 at the same adjusted filling rate, and the pressure in the fuel tank 202 gradually increases further, as indicated by the dotted line Pt. Accordingly, the pressure in the pressure accumulator 12 (the graph indicated by "2nd") gradually decreases. Then, when the lower limit usable pressure of the second bank is reached and time T2 has elapsed since the start of filling, the pressure accumulator used in the third bank is switched from the pressure accumulator 12 to, for example, the pressure accumulator 14. Specifically, the valve control unit 65 outputs control signals to the valves 22, 24, and 26 via the communication control circuit 50 to control the opening and closing of each valve. Specifically, the valve 26 is opened, the valve 24 is closed, and the valve 22 is kept closed. This increases the pressure difference between the pressure accumulator 14 and the fuel tank 202, thereby maintaining a high filling rate.

[0048] Then, for example, the hydrogen fuel stored in the pressure accumulator 14 due to the pressure difference between the pressure accumulator 14 (which constitutes the third bank) and the fuel tank 202 moves toward the fuel tank 202 at an adjusted filling speed, and the pressure in the fuel tank 202 gradually increases as indicated by the dotted line Pt. Accordingly, the pressure in the pressure accumulator 14 (the graph indicated by "3rd") gradually decreases. Then, the pressure in the fuel tank 202 is filled by the pressure accumulator 14 (which constitutes the third bank) until the pressure in the fuel tank 202 reaches the calculated final pressure PF (for example, 65 to 81 MPa).

[0049] As described above, hydrogen gas is filled into the fuel tank 202 in order from the first bank onward. The above example illustrates a case where the pressure P1 of the fuel tank 202 of the FCV 200 arriving at the hydrogen station 102 is sufficiently lower than the lower limit pressure of the pressure accumulator 10, which is the preset low-pressure bank. One example illustrates a case where the pressure P1 is sufficiently low, for example, less than half the pressure of a fully filled (full tank). In such a case, three pressure accumulators 10, 12, and 14 are required to rapidly fill the pressure of the fuel tank 202 of the FCV 200 to the final pressure PF. However, the FCV 200 arriving at the hydrogen station 102 is not limited to a case where the pressure of the fuel tank 202 is sufficiently low. If the pressure of the fuel tank 202 is higher than, for example, half the pressure of a fully filled (full tank), two pressure accumulators 10 and 12 may be sufficient. Furthermore, if the pressure of the fuel tank 202 is high, one pressure accumulator 10 may be sufficient. In either case, the pressure accumulator to be used is switched between the pressure accumulators 10, 12, and 14.

[0050] When the filling (supply) of hydrogen gas into the fuel tank 202 of the FCV 200 is completed, the nozzle 44 of the dispenser 30 is removed from the receptacle of the fuel tank 202 of the FCV 200, and the user pays a fee, for example, based on the amount filled, and then leaves the hydrogen station 102.

[0051] On the other hand, the hydrogen production device 300 operates as follows.

[0052] In the load increase switch determination step (S106), the determination unit 410 determines whether an increase condition that indicates the timing for load increase switch has occurred. For example, it is preferable to use the arrival of the FCV 200 at the hydrogen station 102 as the increase condition when the sensor 31 detects it. Alternatively, it is preferable to use the start of hydrogen gas filling into the FCV 200 as the increase condition. Alternatively, a predetermined timing during hydrogen gas filling into the FCV 200 may be used as the increase condition. For example, the increase condition is set to be several tens of seconds after the start of hydrogen gas filling into the FCV 200. If such an increase condition has occurred, the process proceeds to the load increase processing step (S108). If the increase condition has not occurred, the process returns to the load increase switch determination step (S106) and repeats the load increase switch determination step (S106) until the increase condition has occurred. It is also preferable to add to the above-mentioned rising conditions a condition in which the residual pressure in the pressure accumulator (any or all of the pressure accumulators 10, 12, and 14) that accumulates the hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device 300 is equal to or lower than a threshold value.

[0053] In the load increase processing step (S108), the load increase processing unit 406 increases the operating load of the hydrogen production device 300 toward operating load 2 (second operating load ratio), which is greater than operating load 1 (first operating load ratio), at a determination (detection) timing (first timing) when it determines (detects) the occurrence of an increase condition due to the arrival of the FCV 200. In other words, the load increase processing unit 406 increases the operating load of the hydrogen production device 300 toward operating load 2 at one of the following timings: the timing when it detects the arrival of the FCV 200 at the hydrogen station 102, the timing when it detects the start of hydrogen gas filling of the FCV 200, or a predetermined timing during hydrogen gas filling of the FCV 200. Specifically, the operation is as follows: the load increase processing unit 406 reads information about operating load 2 from the storage device 420 at the determination (detection) timing when it determines (detects) the occurrence of an increase condition, and outputs a load increase command to the hydrogen production device 300 via the communication control circuit 50 to operate at operating load 2. Upon receiving the load increase command, the hydrogen production device 300 increases the load from the operating load 1. Unless the load reduction process described below is initiated, the hydrogen production device 300 increases the load at a rate V1 of several percent per minute until the operating load reaches 2. For example, the load is increased at a rate V1 of 3% per minute. The hydrogen production device 300 then outputs information about its current operating state to the load increase processing unit 406. The load increase processing unit 406 monitors whether operation is being performed in accordance with the load increase command and outputs control commands as necessary to control the hydrogen production device 300. Thus, the hydrogen production device 300 produces hydrogen gas corresponding to the gradually increasing load. If the load reduction process is not initiated and the hydrogen production device reaches the operating load 2, it continues operation at the operating load 2 and continues to produce hydrogen gas in an amount corresponding to the operating load 2. At this time, the valve control unit 60 closes the release valve 319 and opens the valve 328 via the communication control circuit 50. As a result, the hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device 300 is supplied to the compressor 40.

[0054] The valve control unit 60 opens, for example, the valve 21 from a state in which the valves 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 28 are closed. The valve of the pressure accumulator whose pressure has dropped due to use is opened as much as possible.

[0055] Then, the compressor control unit 62 drives the compressor 40 to compress and deliver low-pressure (e.g., 0.6 MPa) hydrogen gas, and restores pressure to the pressure accumulator 10 by filling the pressure accumulator 10, which is the first bank, with hydrogen gas until the pressure in the accumulator 10 reaches a predetermined pressure P0 (e.g., 82 MPa). If hydrogen gas is being filled from the pressure accumulator 10 into the FCV 200, the pressure accumulator 10 will fill the FCV 200 with hydrogen gas while being restored to its pressure. If the pressure accumulator filling the FCV 200 with hydrogen gas has switched from the pressure accumulator 10 to the pressure accumulator 12 or the pressure accumulator 14, the pressure of the pressure accumulator 12 or the pressure accumulator 14 is restored to its pressure in the same manner.

[0056] As described above, hydrogen gas is sequentially supplied to the multi-stage pressure accumulator 101, whose pressure decreases as hydrogen gas is filled into the FCV 200. For example, if the hydrogen production device 300 has the capacity to produce 30 kg / h of hydrogen gas at 100% load and the filling rate of the FCV 200 is 3 kg per unit, the hydrogen production device 300 can produce hydrogen gas for 10 units per hour. Therefore, the required amount of hydrogen gas can be produced per unit in 6 minutes. For example, if the hydrogen production device 300 is operated at 50% load, hydrogen gas can be produced for 5 units per hour. Therefore, the required amount of hydrogen gas can be produced per unit in 12 minutes. For example, if the hydrogen production device 300 is operated at 30% load, hydrogen gas can be produced for 3 units per hour. Therefore, the required amount of hydrogen gas can be produced per unit in 20 minutes. Assume that the time to fill one FCV 200 with hydrogen gas is approximately 5 minutes. If the load increase rate is 3% per minute, the operating load can be increased from, for example, 30% to 50% in about seven minutes. Therefore, even if a second FCV 200 arrives at the hydrogen station 102 while the first FCV 200 is being filled or immediately after the first FCV 200 is being filled, approximately seven to eight minutes will have passed since the start of filling for the first FCV 200, including the time required to attach and detach the nozzle 44, before the second FCV 200 can begin filling. Furthermore, because the pressure accumulators 10, 12, and 14 are not emptied by the filling of the first FCV 200, the amount of hydrogen gas required for the second FCV 200 can be secured by the time the second FCV 200 begins filling. Therefore, insufficient filling can be prevented.

[0057] On the other hand, if the load continues to increase until it reaches operating load 2 without the arrival of the second FCV 200, the hydrogen gas produced after the first FCV 200 is filled and the multi-stage accumulator 101 is completely restored to pressure will be surplus and will be discarded. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the load is switched as follows.

[0058] In the load reduction switch determination step (S110), the determination unit 412 determines whether a reduction condition has occurred, which indicates the timing for load reduction switch. For example, it is preferable to use the completion of hydrogen filling into the FCV 200 as the reduction condition. Alternatively, it is preferable to use the lapse of a predetermined period of time after the completion of hydrogen filling into the FCV 200 as the reduction condition. Alternatively, it is preferable to use the pressure of the accumulator 10 (12, 14) that stores hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device 300 as a threshold or higher as the reduction condition. If such a reduction condition has occurred, the process proceeds to the load reduction processing step (S116). If the reduction condition has not occurred, the process proceeds to the load arrival determination step (S112).

[0059] In the load reach determination step (S112), the hydrogen production device 300 determines whether the operating load of the hydrogen production device 300 has reached operating load 2. Alternatively, the determination unit 413 may be configured to determine whether the operating load of the hydrogen production device 300 has reached operating load 2. If the operating load has reached operating load 2, the process proceeds to the load increase stop processing step (S114). If the operating load has not reached operating load 2, the process returns to the load decrease switch determination step (S110) while continuing the load increase.

[0060] In the load increase stop processing step (S114), the hydrogen production device 300 stops increasing the load when the operating load reaches 2, and continues operation at the operating load of 2. In this way, if, for example, hydrogen filling into the FCV 200 is not completed before the operating load reaches 2, the load increase is stopped when the operating load reaches 2. Furthermore, the load increase processing unit 406 may output a load maintenance command to the hydrogen production device 300 via the communication control circuit 50 at the timing when it is determined (detected) that the operating load has reached 2, so as to maintain operation at the operating load of 2. Then, the process returns to the load decrease switch determination step (S110).

[0061] In the load reduction processing step (S116), the load reduction processing unit 408 reduces the operating load of the hydrogen production device 300 toward operating load 3 (third operating load ratio), which is smaller than operating load 2 (second operating load ratio), at a determination (detection) timing (second timing) at which it determines (detects) the occurrence of a reduction condition associated with completion of hydrogen filling into the FCV 200. In other words, the load of the hydrogen production device 300 is reduced toward operating load 3 at one of the following timings: the timing at which completion of hydrogen filling into the FCV 200 is detected; the timing at which a predetermined period has elapsed since completion of hydrogen filling into the FCV 200; and the timing at which the pressure of the accumulator 10 (12, 14) that accumulates hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device 300 becomes equal to or greater than a threshold. Specifically, it operates as follows. The load reduction processing unit 408 reads information about operating load 3 from the storage device 420 when it determines (detects) the occurrence of a load reduction condition, and outputs a load reduction command to the hydrogen production device 300 via the communication control circuit 50 to operate at operating load 3. The hydrogen production device 300 receives the load reduction command and reduces the load from a state in which the operating load is increasing toward operating load 2 or from a state in which the hydrogen production device 300 is operating at operating load 2. The hydrogen production device 300 reduces the load at a rate V2 of several percent per minute until the operating load reaches operating load 3. For example, the load is reduced at a rate V2 of 3% per minute. The hydrogen production device 300 then outputs information about the current operating state to the load reduction processing unit 408. The load reduction processing unit 408 manages whether operation is being performed in accordance with the load reduction command, and outputs a control command as necessary to control the hydrogen production device 300. Thus, the hydrogen production device 300 produces hydrogen gas corresponding to the gradually decreasing load. Then, to wait for the arrival of the next FCV 200, the process returns to the load increase switching determination step (S106) and proceeds to the load arrival determination step (S118).

[0062] In the load reach determination step (S118), the hydrogen production device 300 determines whether the operating load of the hydrogen production device 300 has reached operating load 3. Alternatively, the determination unit 414 may be configured to determine whether the operating load of the hydrogen production device 300 has reached operating load 3. If the operating load has reached operating load 3, the process proceeds to the load drop stop processing step (S120). If the operating load has not reached operating load 3, the load reach determination step (S118) is repeated.

[0063] In the load reduction stop processing step (S120), the hydrogen production device 300 stops reducing the load when the operating load reaches 3, and continues operation at the operating load of 3. In this way, if, for example, the next FCV 200 does not arrive before the operating load reaches 3, the load reduction is stopped when the operating load reaches 3. Furthermore, the load reduction processing unit 408 may output a load maintenance command to the hydrogen production device 300 via the communication control circuit 50 at the timing when it is determined (detected) that the operating load has reached 3, so as to maintain operation at the operating load of 3. Then, the process proceeds to the business hours determination step (S122).

[0064] In the business end determination step (S122), the determination unit 415 determines whether business has ended. If business is still ongoing, the process returns to the load increase switch determination step (S106) to wait for the arrival of the next FCV 200. If business has ended, the hydrogen production device 300 continues to operate at operating load 3 until business begins the next day.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the operating load of the hydrogen production device and the FCV filling status in the first embodiment. In FIG. 5, the vertical axis represents the operating load (%) of the hydrogen production device 300, and the horizontal axis represents the filling status of the FCV 200. In the example of FIG. 5, the hydrogen production device 300 is first started from a stopped state at a speed V1 to an operating load 1 (load L1). In this state, the hydrogen station 102 begins operations. When filling of the first FCV 200 begins, the operating load of the hydrogen production device 300 is increased at speed V1 toward an operating load 2 (load L2). In the example of FIG. 5, filling of the first FCV 200 is completed during the increase. Therefore, when filling of the first FCV 200 is completed, the operating load of the hydrogen production device 300 is decreased toward an operating load 3 (load L3) at a speed V2. In the example of FIG. 5, filling of the second FCV 200 begins during the decrease. In the first embodiment, the increase in the operating load of a subsequent FCV (second FCV) arriving at the hydrogen station 102 after the previous FCV 200 (first FCV) due to the occurrence of an increase condition (first timing) is prioritized over the decrease in the operating load due to the occurrence of a decrease condition (second timing) for the previous FCV 200 (first FCV). Therefore, when the filling of the second FCV 200 begins, the operating load of the hydrogen production device 300 is increased toward operating load 2 (load L2) at speed V1. This prevents a shortage of hydrogen gas even if a third FCV 200 arrives at the hydrogen station 102 during or immediately after the filling of the second FCV 200. In the example of FIG. 5, operating load 2 is reached during the filling of the second FCV 200. After the operating load 2 is reached, the hydrogen production device 300 continues to operate at operating load 2. When the filling of the second FCV 200 is complete, the operating load of the hydrogen production device 300 is decreased at speed V2 toward operating load 3 (load L3). The example in Figure 5 shows a case where the third and subsequent FCVs 200 have not arrived until operating load 3 is reached. After operating load 3 is reached, operation of the hydrogen production device 300 continues at operating load 3. After business hours end, operation of the hydrogen production device 300 continues at operating load 3 until business hours begin the next day.In the example of FIG. 5, the operating loads 1 and 3 are the same value. However, if the operating loads 1 and 3 are different, after business hours have ended, the hydrogen production device 300 can continue to operate at operating load 1 (standby operation: idling operation) until business hours begin the next day, or it may perform warm-up operation (warming up the reformer but not producing hydrogen) or stop operation of the hydrogen production device 300. Furthermore, the settings of operating loads 1 to 3 may be changed after business hours have ended in preparation for business hours the next day. Of course, the settings of operating loads 1 to 3 may also be changed during business hours. After the settings have been changed, operation is, of course, controlled to match the latest set values.

[0066] This operating method can eliminate waste of hydrogen gas produced in an amount equivalent to the area indicated by the shaded area in FIG. 5, compared to when the hydrogen production device 300 is operated at 100% load from the start of business to the end of business.

[0067] The rate V1 at which the operating load of the hydrogen production device 300 is increased is calculated by a rate calculation unit 416. The hydrogen production device 300 can variably adjust the increase rate V1 and decrease rate V2 as long as they are slower than the performance limit of the hydrogen production device 300. Therefore, it is preferable that the rate calculation unit 416 variably adjusts the increase rate V1 in accordance with the residual pressure in the pressure accumulator 10 (14, 16) that accumulates the hydrogen gas produced by the hydrogen production device 300. The pressure in the pressure accumulator 10 (14, 16) is received by the pressure receiving unit 66 from each pressure gauge 11, 13, 15 (17, 318). The received pressure data is stored in the storage device 84. For example, if the residual pressure is high, the increase rate V1 is calculated to be slow, and if the residual pressure is low, the increase rate V1 is calculated to be fast. This further reduces the amount of hydrogen gas to be discarded.

[0068] As described above, according to the first embodiment, hydrogen can be produced with little waste and suited to the actual situation without increasing the size of the equipment.

[0069] The embodiments have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a hydrogen production device that uses electrolysis.

[0070] Furthermore, although descriptions of the device configuration, control method, and other parts not directly necessary for explaining the present invention have been omitted, the required device configuration and control method can be appropriately selected and used.

[0071] In addition, all other methods of operating a hydrogen production apparatus and control devices for a hydrogen production apparatus that include the elements of the present invention and that can be appropriately modified by those skilled in the art are included within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10, 12, 14 Pressure accumulator 11,13,15,17,318 Pressure gauge 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 328 Valves 27 Flow meter 29 Flow control valve 30 Dispenser 31 Sensors 32 Cooler 34 Control circuit 40 Compressor 44 nozzles 50 Communication control circuit 51 memory 52 Receiving unit 54 End pressure calculation unit 56 Flow Planning Department 58 System Control Unit 60,65 Valve control section 61 Pressure recovery control section 62 Compressor control unit 63 Supply control section 64 Dispenser control unit 66 Pressure receiver 80,82,84 Storage device 81 Conversion Table 83 Correction Table 100 control circuit 101 Multi-stage pressure accumulator 102 Hydrogen Station 104 Pressure recovery mechanism 106 Supply section 200 FCV 202 Fuel Tank 204 Onboard equipment 205 Thermometer 206 Pressure Gauge 300 Hydrogen production equipment 319 Release valve 400 Hydrogen production device control unit 402 Load setting section 404 Standby operation processing unit 406 Load Increase Processing Unit 408 Load drop processing unit 410,412,413,414,415 Judgment section 416 Speed ​​calculation section 420 Storage device 500 Hydrogen Gas Supply System

Claims

1. A control device for controlling an operating load of a hydrogen production device that produces hydrogen gas to be supplied to a fuel tank, controlling the operating load rate of a hydrogen production device that produces hydrogen gas to a preset operating load rate; increasing the operating load ratio of the hydrogen production device toward another operating load ratio that is greater than the preset operating load ratio at a first timing when the supply of the hydrogen gas to the fuel tank starts or is being performed; reducing the operating load of the hydrogen production device from the different operating load ratio to the preset operating load ratio at a second timing during a period from the time when the supply to the fuel tank is completed to the time when a predetermined period has elapsed since the completion of the supply; A control circuit is provided, an increase in the operating load ratio at the first timing for the fuel tank to which hydrogen gas is to be supplied next after the fuel tank to which hydrogen gas was previously supplied takes precedence over a decrease in the operating load ratio at the second timing for the fuel tank to which hydrogen gas was previously supplied. Control device.

2. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control circuit determines whether the first timing has occurred.

3. The hydrogen gas generating system further includes at least one pressure accumulator for accumulating the produced hydrogen gas; the hydrogen gas is filled into the fuel tank from the at least one pressure accumulator; 3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein the first timing is a timing at which the hydrogen gas stored in the one pressure accumulator decreases as the hydrogen gas is filled into the fuel tank.

4. 4. The control device according to claim 3, wherein the control circuit stops increasing the operating load ratio at the first timing when the operating load ratio of the hydrogen production device reaches the different operating load ratio.

5. 3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein the control circuit determines whether the second timing has occurred.

6. The hydrogen gas generating system further includes at least one pressure accumulator for accumulating the produced hydrogen gas; the hydrogen gas is filled into the fuel tank from the at least one pressure accumulator; 6. The control device according to claim 5, wherein the second timing is a timing when the pressure in the one pressure accumulator becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value.

7. 6. The control device according to claim 5, wherein the control circuit determines whether the operating load ratio of the hydrogen production device has reached the preset operating load ratio after the second timing occurs.

8. 8. The control device according to claim 7, wherein the control circuit maintains the operating load ratio of the hydrogen production device at the preset operating load ratio until the first timing occurs after the operating load ratio of the hydrogen production device reaches the preset operating load ratio.

9. A method for controlling an operating load of a hydrogen production device that produces hydrogen gas to be supplied to a fuel tank, comprising: controlling the operating load rate of a hydrogen production device that produces hydrogen gas to a preset operating load rate; increasing the operating load ratio of the hydrogen production device toward another operating load ratio that is greater than the preset operating load ratio at a first timing when the supply of the hydrogen gas to the fuel tank starts or is being performed; reducing the operating load of the hydrogen production device from the different operating load ratio to the preset operating load ratio at a second timing between the time when the supply to the fuel tank is completed and a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the completion of the supply; an increase in the operating load ratio at the first timing for the fuel tank to which hydrogen gas is to be supplied next after the fuel tank to which hydrogen gas was previously supplied takes precedence over a decrease in the operating load ratio at the second timing for the fuel tank to which hydrogen gas was previously supplied. A method for controlling a hydrogen production device.

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