Hydrogen refueling control device, hydrogen refueling device, and hydrogen refueling program

Abstract

To provide a hydrogen supply control device, a hydrogen station, and a hydrogen supply program which can safely and rapidly charge a large amount of hydrogen.SOLUTION: A hydrogen supply control device 30 includes: a hydrogen pressure acquiring section 41 for acquiring a pressure Pf of circulation hydrogen to be supplied to a fuel tank 51 of a fuel cell vehicle 50 from a hydrogen station 100; a hydrogen temperature acquiring section 42 for acquiring a temperature Tf of the circulation hydrogen; a tank size estimating section 44 for estimating a tank size of the fuel tank 51; an outside air temperature acquiring section 43 for acquiring an outside air temperature T0 of the hydrogen station 100; a hydrogen temperature calculating section 45 for calculating a mass average hydrogen temperature (MATE) on the basis of an initial pressure P0 of the circulation hydrogen, the circulation hydrogen temperature Tf, and the outside air temperature T0; and a determining section 47 for determining a target pressure rising rate Ω of the circulation hydrogen on the basis of the calculated MATE and the tank size.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to hydrogen refueling technology for supplying hydrogen to fuel cell vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, when refueling a fuel cell vehicle's fuel tank with hydrogen, it is legally mandated that the tank temperature, filling pressure, and filling rate must not exceed predetermined values ​​for safety reasons. The MC-Formula refueling protocol is a standard for refueling methods that allows for "larger" and "faster" refueling while meeting these safety conditions. The MC-Formula refueling protocol stipulates that data from the hydrogen refueling device be read every second to derive the target pressure increase rate for the hydrogen being refueled and to sequentially control the amount of hydrogen supplied.

[0003] The hydrogen flow paths inside fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen refueling systems are exposed to the outside air and therefore normally reflect the ambient temperature. The MC-Formula refueling protocol stipulates that cooled hydrogen should be supplied at a predetermined pressurization rate for the first 30 seconds after the start of hydrogen refueling to adequately cool the hydrogen flow path. The target pressurization rate for hydrogen refueling in the fuel tank can theoretically be determined based on the temperature of the hydrogen refueled in the fuel tank and the ambient temperature. However, since the temperature of the hydrogen in the fuel tank cannot be measured, conventionally, an arbitrary constant value was used as an estimated temperature for approximately 30 seconds after the start of refueling, when thermal mass such as thermal noise is particularly large. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-122657 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, the conventional technology described above had the problem of not being able to safely, quickly, and in large quantities of hydrogen because the estimated temperature of the hydrogen in the fuel tank at the time of completion was set to an arbitrary constant value and the target pressurization rate was determined based on that. This is because if this constant value deviates significantly from the temperature reached in the fuel tank at the time of completion, the filling process is interrupted to avoid overheating in the fuel tank. In particular, when the ambient temperature is high, the hydrogen temperature rises due to heat from the piping, etc., making the prediction of the temperature reached inaccurate, and thus the interruption of filling is likely to occur. In addition, in motorcycles, the hydrogen flow rate is low and the temperature reached at the time of completion is greatly affected by the surrounding environment such as ambient temperature and piping temperature, resulting in a large error in temperature estimation.

[0006] This invention has been made in consideration of these circumstances, and aims to provide a hydrogen refueling control device, a hydrogen refueling device, and a hydrogen refueling program that can safely, quickly, and in large quantities refuel with hydrogen. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The hydrogen refueling control device according to this embodiment includes a hydrogen pressure acquisition unit that acquires the pressure of the circulating hydrogen to be supplied from the hydrogen station to the vehicle's fuel tank, a hydrogen temperature acquisition unit that acquires the temperature of the circulating hydrogen, a tank size estimation unit that estimates the tank size of the fuel tank, and an outside temperature acquisition unit that acquires the outside temperature of the hydrogen station. The four coefficients, which were previously determined by multiple regression analysis using the ambient temperature, the temperature of the circulating hydrogen, the initial pressure of the circulating hydrogen, and the tank size as variables, Initial pressure of the circulating hydrogen and temperature 、 The system includes a hydrogen temperature calculation unit that calculates an initial value of the mass-average hydrogen temperature based on a predetermined formula attached to the variables consisting of the ambient temperature and the temperature of the circulating hydrogen after a predetermined time has elapsed, and calculates an updated value of the mass-average hydrogen temperature based on the temperature and mass of the circulating hydrogen after a predetermined time has elapsed, and a determination unit that determines an initial value of the target pressure boosting rate of the circulating hydrogen based on the initial value of the mass-average hydrogen temperature and the tank size, and determines an updated value of the target pressure boosting rate using the updated value of the mass-average hydrogen temperature after the predetermined time has elapsed, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, changes the initial value of the target pressure boosting rate to the updated value of the target pressure boosting rate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The present invention provides a hydrogen refueling control device, a hydrogen refueling device, and a hydrogen refueling program that can refuel hydrogen at an optimal target pressure increase rate. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of a hydrogen station equipped with a hydrogen refueling device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Functional block diagram of a hydrogen refueling device and fuel cell vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A graph showing the relationship between hydrogen filling time and hydrogen flow pressure. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating the operation procedure of the hydrogen refueling device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Functional block diagram of a hydrogen refueling device and fuel cell vehicle according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the attached drawings.

[0011] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a hydrogen station 100 equipped with a hydrogen refueling device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The hydrogen supplied at the hydrogen station 100 is obtained by compressing hydrogen stored in numerous cradles into a high-pressure compressor and storing it in an accumulator 11 as shown in Figure 1. The accumulator 11 is connected by a conduit 12 to the hose 24 of the filling nozzle 13 of the hydrogen refueling device (hereinafter simply referred to as the "refueling device") 10.

[0012] The refueling device 10 is a so-called dispenser that replenishes gaseous hydrogen to a fuel cell vehicle (hereinafter simply referred to as "vehicle") 50 that has stopped at a hydrogen station 100. A refueling nozzle 13 is connected to the refueling port 52 of the fuel tank 51 built into the vehicle 50, and hydrogen is filled into the fuel tank 51. The fuel tank 51 is a high-pressure tank capable of handling pressures of, for example, 35 MPa (suitable for motorcycles) or 70 MPa (suitable for four-wheeled vehicles). The vehicle 50 generates electricity by oxidizing the hydrogen (hereinafter referred to as "circulating hydrogen") that is filled into the fuel tank 51 and temporarily stored, and is driven by that electrical energy. The replenishment device 10 is equipped with, for example, a touch panel input / output screen 21, which accepts various inputs from the user, such as the desired filling amount. The input / output screen 21 also displays various information such as the filling speed and filling amount during filling.

[0013] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the refueling device 10 and fuel cell vehicle 50 according to the first embodiment. The replenishment device 10, the hydrogen replenishment control device 30, and the pressure adjustment unit 40 will be described in order below using Figure 2.

[0014] <Hydrogen refueling device (refueling device) 10> In the conduit 12 of the hydrogen station 100, a flow control valve 14, a pre-cooler 15, a cooling thermometer 16, a shut-off valve 17, a flow meter 18, a flow path pressure gauge 19, a flow path thermometer 20, and an emergency release coupler (B / A: Break Away) 25 are installed in this order inside the refueling device 10.

[0015] The pre-cooler 15 has a heat exchanger portion located inside the replenishment device 10, and the main body is installed outside the replenishment device 10. The pre-cooler 15 cools the hydrogen compressed by the compressor, which is at room temperature, to, for example, -40°C to -20°C. This is because the hydrogen needs to be sufficiently cooled before being filled into the fuel tank 51. The hydrogen flowing from the pre-cooler 15 into the conduit 12 is cooled to the cooling hydrogen temperature T as measured by the cooling thermometer 16. pcAfter being confirmed as such, it is supplied to the refueling device 10. The hydrogen supplied to the conduit 12 absorbs heat from various structural equipment along the flow path, such as the conduit 12 and the in-vehicle piping 53, and is then filled into the fuel tank 51, so the flowing hydrogen temperature T f The cooling hydrogen temperature T pc It will be higher than that.

[0016] B / A25 is a coupler used to disconnect the vehicle 50 from the refueling device 10 if the vehicle 50 starts moving while the filling nozzle 13 is still connected to the vehicle 50. The B / A25 allows the vehicle 50 to be safely disconnected from the refueling device 10 without hydrogen leakage. The B / A25 is equipped with a flow path pressure gauge 19 and a flow path thermometer 20.

[0017] The flow path pressure gauge 19 measures the pressure of the flowing hydrogen at the point where it passes through B / A25 (hereinafter referred to as "flowing hydrogen pressure P"). f It detects the statement "). Furthermore, the flow path thermometer 20 measures the temperature of the circulating hydrogen at the point where it passes through B / A25 (hereinafter referred to as "circulating hydrogen temperature T"). f It detects the statement ").

[0018] Furthermore, the placement of the flow path pressure gauge 19 and the flow path thermometer 20 does not necessarily have to be inside or immediately adjacent to B / A25, as long as they can measure the pressure or temperature of the hydrogen before it is injected from the filling nozzle 13. For example, the flow path pressure gauge 19 and the flow path thermometer 20 may be placed on the hose 24 of the filling nozzle 13. In addition, an ambient temperature thermometer 22 is provided inside the hydrogen station 100 to detect the ambient temperature T0 at the location where the hydrogen station 100 is installed.

[0019] <Hydrogen refueling control device (control device) 30> The hydrogen refueling control device (hereinafter simply referred to as "control device") 30 is installed inside or near the outside of the refueling device 10 and controls the various control devices (14-20) installed at various locations in the hydrogen station 100.

[0020] The control device 30 is configured as a microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU executes desired calculations according to a control program to perform various processes and controls. The ROM stores the control program and control data to be processed by the CPU, and the RAM is mainly used as various work areas for control processing. The control device 30 is also electrically connected to a pressure accumulator 11 via a network (not shown) in addition to an atmospheric thermometer 22, a flow rate adjustment valve 14, a flow path pressure gauge 19, a flow path thermometer 20, a shut-off valve 17, and a flow meter 18.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 30 further includes a storage unit 32, an input / output interface 33, a control unit 34, and a pressure adjustment unit 40, which are connected to each other via a communication network 31. The storage unit 32 is composed of the aforementioned ROM and RAM. The storage unit 32 holds, for example, a filling time calculation map that maps the relationship between the mass average hydrogen temperature (MAT: Mass Average Temperature) and the filling completion time t fin MAT is a physical quantity obtained by dividing B / A25 by the flow hydrogen temperature T detected by the flow path pressure gauge 19 with respect to the total mass of the flowing hydrogen, and is proportional to the absolute temperature of the flowing hydrogen. The storage unit 32 also stores various data such as the flow hydrogen temperature T f measured during hydrogen supply or the flow hydrogen pressure P The input / output interface 33 mediates the exchange of information between the input / output screen 21 and each component (32, 34, 40) within the control device 30. f or the flow hydrogen pressure P f etc.

[0022] The control unit 34 monitors the hydrogen filling flow rate measured by the flow meter 18 and performs feedback control on the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 14. The control unit 34 also controls the opening and closing of the shut-off valve 17. The control unit 34 monitors the hydrogen filling flow rate measured by the flow meter 18 and performs feedback control on the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 14. The control unit 34 also controls the opening and closing of the shut-off valve 17. The pressure adjustment unit 40 controls the opening degree of the flow control valve 14 via the control unit 34 based on pressure information obtained from various components (13-22) within the replenishment device 10. The control unit 34 and the pressure adjustment unit 40 adjust the hydrogen filling flow rate to the fuel tank 51 to a desired amount.

[0023] <Pressure adjustment section 40> The pressure adjustment unit 40 will be described in more detail below. As shown in Figure 2, the pressure adjustment unit 40 includes a hydrogen pressure acquisition unit 41, a hydrogen temperature acquisition unit 42, an ambient temperature acquisition unit 43, a tank size estimation unit 44, and MAT E It comprises a calculation unit 45, a MAT calculation unit 46, and a determination unit (labeled "Target Boost Rate Determination Unit" in Figures 2 and 5) 47.

[0024] The hydrogen pressure acquisition unit 41 reads the pressure P of the circulating hydrogen detected by the flow path pressure gauge 19. f Obtain it. The hydrogen temperature acquisition unit 42 acquires the temperature of the flowing hydrogen detected by the flow path thermometer 20. The outside temperature acquisition unit 43 acquires the outside temperature T0 of the hydrogen station 100.

[0025] The tank size estimation unit 44 estimates the tank size of the fuel tank 51. The tank size is determined after filling begins by the flow rate of circulating hydrogen measured by the flow meter 18 and the circulating hydrogen pressure P. f The rate of increase, and the hydrogen flow temperature T f It is estimated using the equation of state from the rate of change.

[0026] Hydrogen temperature calculation unit (MAT) E The calculation unit 45 calculates the initial pressure of the circulating hydrogen and the temperature of the circulating hydrogen T. f And based on the ambient temperature T0, MAT is expressed by the following equation (1) E Calculate. MAT E This is the predicted MAT value approximately 30 seconds after the start of filling. E This is used during hydrogen refueling from the completion of initial pressure measurement and refueling until approximately 30 seconds have elapsed since the start of refueling. MAT E =b0+b1T0[℃]+b2T f [℃]+b3P0[MPa] (1) Here, the initial pressure P0 of the circulating hydrogen is MAT E This is an estimated value of the pressure inside the fuel tank 51 when filling begins using [the specified method]. The initial pressure P0 will be described later. Furthermore, the four coefficients b0 to b3 are based on the ambient temperature T0 and the hydrogen flow temperature T. f These coefficients are determined using the initial pressure P0 and tank size as variables, and are calculated using multiple regression analysis based on the results of preliminary experiments. Coefficients b0 to b3 are recalculated based on the data accumulated each time a user refuels with hydrogen.

[0027] Furthermore, a test was conducted to actually fill a 10L tank for motorcycles with hydrogen at an experimental hydrogen station, and based on the results of that test, MAT E Multiple regression analysis was performed to derive the results. The results of this multiple regression analysis were b0=-18.1, b1=0.13, b2=0.79, and b3=0.22, and the coefficient of determination R was obtained with an error of less than 1°C. 2 The result was obtained with an accuracy of 97.9. An error of 1°C is not large enough to cause the fuel tank 51 to overheat, and it is considered that filling can be done safely. Note that the MAT includes a large error. E If hydrogen is refueled based on this method, it may be determined that safety cannot be ensured, and the refueling process may be stopped midway. Therefore, in order to ensure fast refueling, it is preferable that this error be small.

[0028] According to equation (1), the ambient temperature T0 and the hydrogen flow temperature T f By substituting the initial pressure P0, a MAT suitable for calculating the target pressure increase rate Ω can be estimated using a general multiple regression analysis. MAT E This has the meaning of mitigating the drastic hydrogen temperature change that occurs for approximately 30 seconds from the start of filling. For the first 30 seconds, when the flow path through which the circulating hydrogen flows has not been sufficiently cooled, the circulating hydrogen temperature T f The temperature changes rapidly. Therefore, at point B / A25, the flowing hydrogen temperature T fEven if this value can be identified, it is difficult to accurately determine the boost rate because this value changes sequentially. Therefore, MAT E Using this method, the optimal constant value, the target pressure boosting rate Ω, is calculated, and hydrogen is filled at this target pressure boosting rate Ω.

[0029] The target boost rate determination unit (determination unit) 47 calculates the MAT E Furthermore, the target pressure increase rate Ω of the circulating hydrogen is determined based on the tank size estimated by the tank size estimation unit 44. Specifically, the determination unit 47 refers to the filling time calculation map and performs MAT E Based on the time t required to complete hydrogen refueling fin The determination unit 47 then estimates the tank size of the estimated fuel tank 51 and the filling completion time t. fin The target voltage boosting rate Ω is determined by dividing by the value and then taking into account the ambient temperature T0. By controlling the flow rate of circulating hydrogen using the target pressure increase rate Ω calculated in this way, it is possible to control hydrogen replenishment with high precision for approximately 30 seconds after the start of replenishment without measuring the thermal mass of various components (13-22, 52, 53).

[0030] Here, Figure 3 shows the relationship between the hydrogen filling time t and the flowing hydrogen pressure P. f This graph shows the relationship between the two. The filling nozzle 13 is normally depressurized at the end of hydrogen refueling. Therefore, the flow path on the side of the shut-off valve 17 to the filling nozzle 13 is at atmospheric pressure just before connecting the filling nozzle 13 to the filling port 52. Therefore, when the shut-off valve 17 is opened, the high-pressure hydrogen remaining in the flow path on the side of the shut-off valve 17 to the accumulator 11 flows into the fuel tank 51. The instantaneous influx of hydrogen generates a connection pulse, which causes a sudden and rapid increase in pressure in the fuel tank 51 and the flow path of circulating hydrogen. Therefore, immediately after the opening of the shut-off valve 17, a connection pulse can be observed in the pressure graph shown in Figure 3. The connection pulse equalizes the pressure in the flow path of circulating hydrogen and the fuel tank 51, resulting in a pressure P f Pressure P when equilibrium is reached 0α The initial pressure P0 is calculated using the conservation of hydrogen mass.

[0031] Furthermore, even after the connection pulse is generated, the flowing hydrogen pressure P f In some cases, it may not be possible to obtain the initial pressure P0 because it cannot be confirmed that the hydrogen has been homogenized and the pressure is constant. In this case, in order to calculate the initial pressure P0, a small amount of hydrogen may be added to the fuel tank 51 at a constant rate. By performing such initial pressure measurement and filling, the pressure P f Pressure P when equilibrium is reached 0α2 The initial pressure P0 is calculated from this. Note that when measuring the initial pressure and filling, the tank size and other subsequent MATs are used. E The information necessary for filling using this method is calculated.

[0032] The MAT calculation unit 46 (Figure 2) calculates MAT E MAT that follows filling 30 MAT for filling and MAT0 filling 30 And calculate MAT0. MAT 30 This is the flowing hydrogen temperature T detected by the flow path thermometer 20. f The MAT is the mass-average temperature obtained by dividing the flow rate by the mass, and is calculated starting approximately 30 seconds after the start of filling. For the first 30 seconds after the start of filling, the thermal mass is large, so 30 This is calculated without taking into account the temperature change during this period. MAT 30 The flowing hydrogen temperature T f Calculated per second from MAT. E The 30-second filling process is complete. 30 When the system switches to filling, hydrogen is filled based on a target pressure increase rate Ω calculated from the actual hydrogen temperature, etc.

[0033] MAT0 is MAT 30 This is the mass-average hydrogen temperature used in the subsequent hydrogen refueling. MAT0 is also the flowing hydrogen temperature T detected by the flow path thermometer 20. f This is the mass-average temperature obtained by dividing by the flow rate mass. MAT0 is calculated from immediately after the termination of the connection pulse, therefore, the initial measurement and filling and MAT0 are used. E This will also take into account the large temperature changes during the filling period using [the method described]. MAT 30 And the target boost rate Ω of MAT0 is also MATE Similarly, it is calculated in the determination unit 47.

[0034] MAT 30 In filling and MAT0 filling, the determination unit 47 determines the MAT calculated per second. 30 Based on MAT0, the target boost rate Ω is determined approximately every 5 seconds. As a result, MAT 30 During the MAT0 refueling period, the hydrogen supply will be controlled approximately every 5 seconds. The measured flowing hydrogen pressure P f The default transition pressure P trans When it reaches the target boost rate Ω, the variable MAT 30 Switching from MAT0 is possible. 30 By including the temperature change, which was previously excluded from the calculation, in the latter half of hydrogen refueling, the pressure increase inside the fuel tank 51 becomes more gradual in the latter half. Hydrogen flow pressure P f The target pressure is the filling completion pressure P. end Until the target is reached, hydrogen replenishment is controlled by a target pressure increase rate Ω based on MAT0.

[0035] Note MAT E MAT 30 By setting the size to the above, MAT E The target boost rate Ω based on MAT 30 The target boost rate will be Ω or higher based on MAT. E The magnitude of the target boost rate Ω based on MAT 30 By setting the target pressure increase rate to Ω or higher based on the above, hydrogen can be refueled in a short time under the safety requirements of the MC-Formula refueling protocol.

[0036] Next, the operation procedure of the replenishment device 10 according to the first embodiment will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 4 (refer to Figures 2 and 3 as appropriate). It should be assumed that the filled hydrogen has been sufficiently cooled beforehand.

[0037] First, the filling nozzle 13 is connected to the filling port 52 on the fuel tank 51 side (S11). After connecting the filling nozzle 13, pressing the fill start button displayed on the input / output screen 21 opens the shut-off valve 17. Then, the hydrogen accumulated upstream of the shut-off valve 17 flows into the fuel tank 51 all at once. Anticipating the generation of this connection pulse, the system waits for several seconds to allow the pressure inside the fuel tank 51 and in the hydrogen flow path to equalize before starting the MAT0 time count.

[0038] After the time count starts, the hydrogen pressure acquisition unit 41 and the flowing hydrogen pressure P measured by the flow path pressure gauge 19 are used. f Start acquiring (S12). And the hydrogen pressure inside the tank and the hydrogen pressure in circulation P f Check whether the pressures are equal (S13). If there is a point with constant pressure as shown in Figure 3, check the hydrogen pressure inside the tank and the flowing hydrogen pressure P. f It can be said that the pressures are equal (YES in S13). Tank hydrogen pressure and flowing hydrogen pressure P f When the pressures become equal, the flowing hydrogen pressure P f This can be determined by the flow path pressure gauge 19. The pressure P at this time f Measure the initial pressure P 0α Therefore, this initial measurement pressure P 0α The initial pressure P0 is calculated from this.

[0039] Hydrogen pressure inside the tank and hydrogen pressure in circulation P f If the pressures are not equalized (NO in S13), the initial pressure measurement and filling is started (to S14). During the initial pressure measurement and filling, filling is carried out at a constant speed up to a maximum of 200g. This initial pressure measurement and filling equalizes the entire flow path of the circulating hydrogen, and the hydrogen pressure inside the tank and the circulating hydrogen pressure P are equalized. f The pressures become equalized. When initial pressure measurement and filling are performed, the equalized pressure P at this time is... 0α2 The initial pressure P0 is calculated from this. Furthermore, if there is a risk that the temperature inside the fuel tank 51 will exceed 85°C during the initial pressure measurement and filling process, hydrogen filling will be stopped.

[0040] After equalization is performed and the initial pressure P0 is acquired by the flow path pressure gauge 19 (YES in S13), MAT E is calculated from Equation (1) by the MAT E calculation unit 45 (S15). First, the MAT E calculation unit 45 acquires the tank size, the initial pressure P0, the outside air temperature T0, and the flowing hydrogen temperature T f and calculates MAT E . Then, the determination unit 47 calculates the filling completion time t E from MAT using the filling time calculation map held in the storage unit 32 (S15). The determination unit 47 derives the target pressure increase rate Ω from the filling completion time t fin using the tank size estimated by the tank size estimation unit 44. Then, the control unit 34 sets this target pressure increase rate Ω as the pressure increase rate and controls the hydrogen flow rate while controlling the flow rate adjustment valve 14 to fill the hydrogen into the fuel tank 51. fin Until 30 seconds have elapsed since the start of filling (YES in S16), the hydrogen filling is controlled at the target pressure increase rate Ω based on MAT

[0041] (to S15). E When 30 seconds have elapsed since the start of filling (YES in S16), MAT is switched from MAT E to MAT 30 and the target pressure increase rate Ω is calculated (S17). Then, the hydrogen filling is controlled at the target pressure increase rate Ω based on MAT 30 . After shifting to the hydrogen filling based on MAT 30 , the flowing hydrogen pressure P f is detected every second, and the target pressure increase rate Ω is updated every 5 seconds by the determination unit 47.

[0042] When the flowing hydrogen pressure P f reaches the transition pressure P trans , the target pressure increase rate Ω is set as the pressure increase rate by MAT0 and hydrogen is filled (S18). When the flowing hydrogen pressure P f reaches the filling end pressure P end ​When the limit is reached, filling is complete (END). If the flow path pressure gauge 19 or flow path thermometer 20 detects an abnormal pressure or temperature, hydrogen filling will stop midway.

[0043] As described above, the control device 30 according to the first embodiment allows for hydrogen refueling at an optimal target pressure boost rate Ω. By optimizing the target pressure boost rate Ω, hydrogen can be refueled "safely," "quickly," and "in large quantities." Furthermore, since the target pressure boost rate Ω is calculated automatically, hydrogen refueling can be performed more safely. In addition, since it is not necessary for operators to set the target pressure boost rate Ω, man-hours are reduced. Moreover, the control device 30 can be implemented simply by installing the hydrogen refueling control program according to the first embodiment into the control device 30, so no hardware changes are required.

[0044] (Second Embodiment) Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of the refueling device 10 and fuel cell vehicle 50 according to the second embodiment. The replenishment device 10 according to the second embodiment is provided with a tank size setting unit 49 that accepts the setting of the tank size, as shown in Figure 5. The tank size estimation unit 44 estimates the tank size by taking into account the tank size set by the tank size setting unit 49. The tank size estimated in this way is used in the determination unit 47 to determine the target boosting rate Ω.

[0045] The fuel tanks 51 of the vehicles 50 using the hydrogen station 100 are broadly categorized into two sizes: motorcycle tanks and four-wheeled vehicle tanks. If a four-wheeled vehicle tank, which is 10 times the size of a motorcycle tank, is filled at the same flow rate, the filling time will be 10 times longer than that of a motorcycle tank. Furthermore, because motorcycle tanks have a lower flow rate than four-wheeled vehicle tanks, they are more susceptible to external ambient temperature, and if the MAT (Mean Time Atmosphere) is not estimated with higher accuracy, filling may stop midway due to a rise in the tank temperature. Therefore, by pre-categorizing the tank sizes, it is possible to improve the accuracy of tank size estimation and shorten the estimation time.

[0046] For example, the tank size setting unit 49 displays selection buttons representing two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles on the input / output screen 21, allowing the user to select one of the buttons. Alternatively, the user may input the tank size using the numeric keypad. Furthermore, the timing for selecting the tank size is preferably either before or after the nozzle connection in step S11, as shown in the flowchart in Figure 4.

[0047] Furthermore, users may make incorrect selections, resulting in the motorcycle's fuel tank 51 being mistakenly filled with fuel intended for a four-wheeled vehicle. Therefore, even when users select a tank size, it is necessary for the tank size estimation unit 44 to estimate the tank size.

[0048] Except for estimating the tank size based on the tank size selected by the user, the second embodiment has the same configuration and operation as the first embodiment, so redundant explanations are omitted. Similarly, in the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0049] As described above, the refueling device 10 according to the second embodiment improves the accuracy of calculating the target pressure boosting rate Ω by broadly classifying the tank size according to the user. In particular, by distinguishing the fuel tank 51 for motorcycles, which has a small tank capacity, from that for four-wheeled vehicles, hydrogen refueling for motorcycles can be done safely, in large quantities, and quickly.

[0050] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Each embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations are permitted without departing from the spirit of the invention. Embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents.

[0051] For example, in this embodiment, the hydrogen filling flow rate was controlled using a flow meter and a conduit flow valve, but this filling flow rate may be controlled by other equipment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0052] 10...Hydrogen refueling device (refueling device), 11...Accumulator, 12...Conduit, 13...Filling nozzle, 14...Flow control valve, 15...Pre-cooler, 16...Cooling thermometer, 17...Shut-off valve, 18...Flow meter, 19...Flow pressure gauge, 20...Flow thermometer, 21...Input / output screen, 22...Atmospheric thermometer, 24...Hose, 25...Emergency release coupler (B / A), 30...Hydrogen refueling control device (control device), 31...Communication network, 32...Memory unit, 33...Input / output interface, 34...Control unit, 40...Pressure adjustment unit, 41...Hydrogen pressure acquisition unit, 42...Hydrogen temperature acquisition unit, 43...Outside temperature acquisition unit, 44...Tank size estimation unit, 45...MAT E Calculation unit, 46...MAT calculation unit, 47...Determination unit (Target pressure increase rate determination unit), 49...Tank size setting unit, 50...Fuel cell vehicle (vehicle), 51...Fuel tank, 52...Filling port, 53...In-vehicle piping, 100...Hydrogen station, P0 (P 0α ,P 0α2 )...Initial pressure, P end ...filling completion pressure, P f ...Circulating hydrogen pressure, R 2 ...Coefficient of determination, T0...Outside temperature, T f ...Flowing hydrogen temperature, T pc ...cooling hydrogen temperature, b0~b3...coefficients of multiple regression analysis, t fin ...Filling completion time, Ω...Target boost rate.

Claims

1. A hydrogen pressure acquisition unit that acquires the pressure of circulating hydrogen being supplied from a hydrogen station to the vehicle's fuel tank, A hydrogen temperature acquisition unit that acquires the temperature of the circulating hydrogen, A tank size estimation unit for estimating the tank size of the fuel tank, The above-mentioned hydrogen station's outside temperature acquisition unit acquires the outside temperature, A hydrogen temperature calculation unit calculates an initial value of the mass-average hydrogen temperature based on a predetermined formula that adds four coefficients, previously determined by multiple regression analysis with the ambient temperature, the temperature of the circulating hydrogen, the initial pressure of the circulating hydrogen, and the tank size as variables, to the variables consisting of the initial pressure and temperature of the circulating hydrogen and the ambient temperature, and also calculates an updated value of the mass-average hydrogen temperature based on the temperature and mass of the circulating hydrogen after a predetermined time has elapsed. A hydrogen replenishment control device comprising: a determination unit that determines an initial value of the target pressure rate of the flowing hydrogen based on the initial value of the mass-average hydrogen temperature and the tank size, and determines an updated value of the target pressure rate using the updated value of the mass-average hydrogen temperature after a predetermined time has elapsed, wherein after the predetermined time has elapsed, the initial value of the target pressure rate is changed to the updated value of the target pressure rate.

2. The hydrogen replenishment control device according to claim 1, wherein the updated value of the target pressure boosting rate is greater than or equal to the initial value of the target pressure boosting rate.

3. A hydrogen replenishment control device according to claim 1 or claim 2, A hydrogen replenishment device comprising: a control unit that controls the flow rate of the circulating hydrogen using the initial value of the target pressure rate for a predetermined time from the start of filling, and controls the flow rate of the circulating hydrogen using the updated value of the target pressure rate after the predetermined time has elapsed.

4. The hydrogen replenishment device according to claim 3, wherein the control of the flow rate of the circulating hydrogen using the target pressure increase rate is used in the fuel tank for a motorcycle.

5. The tank is equipped with a size setting unit that accepts the setting of the tank size, The hydrogen replenishment device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the determination unit determines the target pressure increase rate based on the set tank size.

6. The hydrogen replenishment control device according to Claim 1, wherein the hydrogen temperature calculation unit calculates the initial value of the mass-average hydrogen temperature based on a predetermined formula obtained by applying a plurality of coefficients, which are obtained in advance by multiple regression analysis using a plurality of variables with a predetermined coefficient of determination, to variables consisting of the initial pressure and temperature of the flowing hydrogen and the ambient temperature.

7. On the computer, The steps include obtaining the pressure of the hydrogen in circulation that is about to be supplied to the vehicle's fuel tank from a hydrogen station, The steps include obtaining the temperature of the circulating hydrogen, A step of estimating the tank size of the fuel tank, The steps include detecting the outside temperature of the hydrogen station, The steps include: calculating the initial mass-average hydrogen temperature based on a predetermined formula that adds four coefficients, previously obtained by multiple regression analysis with the ambient temperature, the temperature of the circulating hydrogen, the initial pressure of the circulating hydrogen, and the tank size as variables, to the variables consisting of the initial pressure and temperature of the circulating hydrogen and the ambient temperature; A step of calculating the updated mass-average hydrogen temperature based on the temperature and mass of the circulating hydrogen after a predetermined time has elapsed, A step of determining the initial value of the target pressurization rate of the flowing hydrogen based on the initial value of the mass-average hydrogen temperature and the tank size, After the predetermined time has elapsed, the step of determining the updated value of the target pressure increase rate using the updated value of the mass-average hydrogen temperature, After the predetermined time has elapsed, the initial value of the target boost rate is changed to the updated value of the target boost rate. A hydrogen refueling program characterized by its execution.

8. The hydrogen replenishment program according to Claim 7, wherein the step of calculating the initial value of the mass-average hydrogen temperature is to calculate the initial value of the mass-average hydrogen temperature based on a predetermined formula obtained by applying a plurality of coefficients, which have been previously obtained by multiple regression analysis using a plurality of variables with a predetermined coefficient of determination, to variables consisting of the initial pressure and temperature of the flowing hydrogen and the ambient temperature.

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