Hydrogen storage systems and hydrogen supply systems

Abstract

To provide a hydrogen storage system which utilizes cold generated during operation of a liquid hydrogen vaporizer for a cooling source used when a hydrogen absorbing alloy absorbs hydrogen to reduce compression power of hydrogen gas.SOLUTION: A hydrogen storage system according to one embodiment of the invention includes: a hydrogen storage unit having a liquid hydrogen vaporizer for vaporizing liquid hydrogen through heat exchange with a heat medium, and a hydrogen storage vessel including a hydrogen absorbing alloy in which a hydrogen gas vaporized by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer is stored; and a heat medium circulation line in which the heat medium circulates. The heat medium circulation line includes: a supply passage for supplying the heat medium which has been subjected to heat exchange in the liquid hydrogen vaporizer to the hydrogen absorbing alloy as a refrigerant; and a return passage for returning the heat medium that has been subject to the heat exchange with the hydrogen absorbing alloy to the liquid hydrogen vaporizer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0004] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydrogen storage system and a hydrogen supply system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in consideration of the environment, it has been considered to use hydrogen as a fuel for power generation, automobiles, etc., and the demand for hydrogen is increasing. For example, when using hydrogen as a fuel for mobility such as fuel cell vehicles, it is common for the mobility to store hydrogen gas in a high-pressure hydrogen tank. Therefore, a compression mechanism for supplying hydrogen gas at high pressure is required for the hydrogen supply facility for supplying hydrogen gas to the above mobility.

[0003] Also, today, in order to achieve carbon neutrality, a process of recovering carbon dioxide and using it as a raw material for chemical products is being studied. In such a process, generally, hydrogen is used as a reducing agent for carbon dioxide. From the viewpoint of reacting with carbon dioxide, it is desired to supply hydrogen gas to carbon dioxide at high pressure.

[0004] A hydrogen compressor driven by mechanical drive may be used for the release of high-pressure hydrogen gas. As a hydrogen gas compressor driven by mechanical drive, there are reciprocating type, hydraulic booster type, diaphragm type, etc., but all of them have a drive unit and require regular maintenance of consumables.

[0005] From such a viewpoint, a chemical formula compressor using a static mechanism using a hydrogen storage alloy has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). Since the hydrogen storage alloy generates heat when storing hydrogen, the hydrogen storage efficiency may be reduced by this heat generation. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, the hydrogen storage alloy is cooled by a refrigerant to enable efficient hydrogen storage. As a means for efficiently cooling an object, it has been proposed to recover cold heat by vaporization of a cryogenic liquefied gas and use the recovered cold heat for cooling the object to be cooled (see Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-019884 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-190829 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The fusion system described in Patent Document 2 comprises a gas supply system that generates gas used in the production process by vaporizing a low-temperature liquefied gas, a cooling system having a cooling unit for cooling the target object, a cold energy recovery unit for recovering the cold energy generated by the vaporization of the low-temperature liquefied gas, and a cooling cold energy supply unit for supplying the recovered cold energy to the cooling unit. Patent Document 1 does not show specific means for cooling the hydrogen storage alloy, but it is conceivable that the hydrogen storage alloy, which is the object to be cooled, can be efficiently cooled by recovering and utilizing the cold energy generated by other equipment, as in Patent Document 2. However, in Patent Document 2, there is a time lag between the recovery of cold energy and the utilization of the recovered cold energy, which may make it difficult to sufficiently cool the hydrogen storage alloy.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a hydrogen storage system that can improve the cooling efficiency of hydrogen storage alloys. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A hydrogen storage system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a hydrogen storage unit having a liquid hydrogen vaporizer that vaporizes liquid hydrogen by heat exchange with a heat medium, a hydrogen storage container containing a hydrogen storage alloy in which the hydrogen gas vaporized by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer is stored, and a heat medium circulation line through which the heat medium circulates, wherein the heat medium circulation line includes a supply path that supplies the heat medium, which has been heat-exchanged by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer, as a refrigerant to the hydrogen storage alloy, and a return path that returns the heat medium, after heat exchange with the hydrogen storage alloy, to the liquid hydrogen vaporizer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] A hydrogen storage system according to one aspect of the present invention can improve the cooling efficiency of hydrogen storage alloys. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hydrogen supply system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a hydrogen storage container in the hydrogen supply system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the hydrogen storage module contained in the hydrogen storage container shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hydrogen supply system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hydrogen supply system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] [Description of Embodiments of the Invention] First, embodiments of the present invention will be listed and described.

[0013] A hydrogen storage system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a hydrogen storage unit having a liquid hydrogen vaporizer that vaporizes liquid hydrogen by heat exchange with a heat medium, a hydrogen storage container containing a hydrogen storage alloy in which the hydrogen gas vaporized by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer is stored, and a heat medium circulation line through which the heat medium circulates, wherein the heat medium circulation line includes a supply path that supplies the heat medium, which has been heat-exchanged by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer, as a refrigerant to the hydrogen storage alloy, and a return path that returns the heat medium, after heat exchange with the hydrogen storage alloy, to the liquid hydrogen vaporizer.

[0014] This hydrogen storage system allows for low-cost and efficient storage and discharge of hydrogen gas using a hydrogen storage container, as the hydrogen storage alloy can store and release hydrogen. The system recovers the cold energy from the liquid hydrogen vaporizer that generates hydrogen gas using a heat transfer medium, and supplies this recovered heat transfer medium as a refrigerant to the hydrogen storage alloy. Furthermore, the recovery of cold energy and its utilization occur almost simultaneously. Therefore, this hydrogen storage system can efficiently cool the hydrogen storage alloy while suppressing energy loss (heat loss), thereby increasing the cooling efficiency of the hydrogen storage alloy at a low cost.

[0015] A hydrogen storage system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a hydrogen storage unit having a liquid hydrogen vaporizer that vaporizes liquid hydrogen by heat exchange with a first heat medium, and a hydrogen storage container containing a hydrogen storage alloy in which the hydrogen gas vaporized by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer is stored; a first circulation line through which the first heat medium circulates; a second circulation line through which a second heat medium supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy as a refrigerant circulates; and a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the first heat medium after heat exchange with the liquid hydrogen and the second heat medium before it is supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy.

[0016] In this hydrogen storage system, the first heat transfer medium recovers the cold energy generated by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer, and the recovered cold energy is exchanged with the second heat transfer medium before being supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy. Therefore, energy loss can be further reduced and the cooling efficiency of the hydrogen storage alloy can be further improved.

[0017] The hydrogen storage system may further include a heat medium circulation line through which a heat medium that exchanges heat with the hydrogen storage alloy circulates. By further including a heat medium circulation line through which a heat medium that exchanges heat with the hydrogen storage alloy circulates, the hydrogen release efficiency by the hydrogen storage alloy can be improved. Therefore, the hydrogen storage system can improve the stability and efficiency of hydrogen gas supply.

[0018] The hydrogen storage unit may include a control unit that has two of the hydrogen storage containers and alternately supplies the refrigerant and the heat medium to the hydrogen storage alloys of the two hydrogen storage containers. By alternately supplying the refrigerant and the heat medium to the hydrogen storage alloys of each of the two hydrogen storage containers, the two hydrogen storage containers can alternately store and discharge hydrogen gas. Therefore, the hydrogen storage system can continuously store and supply hydrogen gas.

[0019] The hydrogen storage unit may include a control unit that has three of the hydrogen storage containers and controls the supply of the hydrogen gas, the refrigerant, and the heat medium to the hydrogen storage alloys of the three hydrogen storage containers, and the control unit may be provided so as to be capable of controlling the supply of the refrigerant, the supply of the heat medium, and the absorption or release of hydrogen to be performed in a cycle with respect to the hydrogen storage alloys of the three hydrogen storage containers. By performing the supply of the refrigerant, the supply of the heat medium, and the absorption or release of hydrogen in a cycle with respect to the hydrogen storage alloys of each of the three hydrogen storage containers, the continuity of hydrogen gas storage and supply in the hydrogen storage system can be improved.

[0020] The above hydrogen storage unit has four or more of the above hydrogen storage containers, and includes a control unit that controls the supply of the hydrogen gas, the refrigerant, and the heat medium to the hydrogen storage alloy of the four or more hydrogen storage containers. The control unit may be provided so as to be capable of controlling the supply of the refrigerant, the supply of the heat medium, the absorption of hydrogen, and the release of hydrogen to circulate with respect to the hydrogen storage alloy of the four or more hydrogen storage containers. By circulating the supply of the refrigerant, the supply of the heat medium, the absorption of hydrogen, and the release of hydrogen with respect to the hydrogen storage alloy of the four or more hydrogen storage containers, the continuity of the storage and supply of hydrogen gas in the hydrogen storage system can be further improved.

[0021] A hydrogen storage system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a liquid hydrogen vaporizer that vaporizes liquid hydrogen by heat exchange with a heat medium, two or more hydrogen storage containers including a hydrogen storage alloy in which the hydrogen gas vaporized by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer is stored, and a hydrogen line including a hydrogen gas supply path for supplying hydrogen gas from the liquid hydrogen vaporizer to the hydrogen storage alloy; a heat medium circulation line including a supply path for supplying the heat medium heat-exchanged by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer to the hydrogen storage alloy as a refrigerant and a reflux path for refluxing the heat medium after heat exchange with the hydrogen storage alloy to the liquid hydrogen vaporizer; a heat medium circulation line through which a heat medium that exchanges heat with the hydrogen storage alloy circulates; and a control unit that controls the flow paths of the hydrogen line, the heat medium circulation line, and the heat medium circulation line. The hydrogen line has a first switching valve capable of switching the flow path so as to supply hydrogen gas to the hydrogen storage alloy of any one of the two or more hydrogen storage containers. The heat medium circulation line has a second switching valve capable of switching the flow path so as to supply the heat medium to the hydrogen storage alloy of any one of the two or more hydrogen storage containers. The heat medium circulation line has a third switching valve capable of switching the flow path so as to supply the heat medium to the hydrogen storage alloy of any one of the two or more hydrogen storage containers. The control unit controls the first switching valve, the second switching valve, and the third switching valve so as to supply the hydrogen gas and the refrigerant to the hydrogen storage alloy of the same hydrogen storage container and supply the heat medium to the hydrogen storage alloy of another hydrogen storage container.

[0022] The hydrogen storage system recovers the cold energy from a liquid hydrogen vaporizer that generates hydrogen gas using a heat transfer medium, and supplies the recovered heat transfer medium as a refrigerant to the hydrogen storage alloy. Furthermore, the recovery of cold energy and the utilization of the recovered cold energy are performed almost simultaneously. As a result, the hydrogen storage system can efficiently cool the hydrogen storage alloy while suppressing energy loss, and can increase the cooling efficiency of the hydrogen storage alloy at a low cost. In addition, the hydrogen storage system has two or more hydrogen storage containers containing hydrogen storage alloys, and the control unit can supply the hydrogen gas and refrigerant to the hydrogen storage alloy in the same hydrogen storage container, and supply the heat transfer medium to the hydrogen storage alloy in the other hydrogen storage containers, thus facilitating continuous storage and discharge of hydrogen gas.

[0023] A hydrogen storage system according to yet another aspect of the present invention includes a hydrogen storage unit having a liquid hydrogen vaporizer that vaporizes liquid hydrogen by heat exchange with a first heat transfer medium, two or more hydrogen storage containers containing a hydrogen storage alloy in which the hydrogen gas vaporized by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer is stored, a hydrogen line including a hydrogen gas supply passage for supplying hydrogen gas from the liquid hydrogen vaporizer to the hydrogen storage alloy, a first circulation line through which the first heat transfer medium circulates, a second circulation line through which a second heat transfer medium supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy as a refrigerant circulates, a heat transfer medium circulation line through which a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the hydrogen storage alloy circulates, a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the first heat transfer medium after heat exchange with the liquid hydrogen and the second heat transfer medium before it is supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy, and the flow of the hydrogen line, the second circulation line, and the heat transfer medium circulation line. The system includes a control unit for controlling the pathways, wherein the hydrogen line has a first switching valve capable of switching the flow path to supply hydrogen gas to the hydrogen storage alloy of any of the two or more hydrogen storage containers, the second circulation line has a second switching valve capable of switching the flow path to supply the heat transfer medium to the hydrogen storage alloy of any of the two or more hydrogen storage containers, and the warming medium circulation line has a third switching valve capable of switching the flow path to supply the warming medium to the hydrogen storage alloy of any of the two or more hydrogen storage containers, and the control unit controls the first switching valve, the second switching valve and the third switching valve to supply the hydrogen gas and the refrigerant to the hydrogen storage alloy of the same hydrogen storage container and to supply the warming medium to the hydrogen storage alloy of the other hydrogen storage containers.

[0024] In this hydrogen storage system, the first heat transfer medium recovers the cold energy generated by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer, and the recovered cold energy is exchanged with the second heat transfer medium before being supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy. This reduces energy loss and improves the cooling efficiency of the hydrogen storage alloy. Furthermore, the hydrogen storage system has two or more hydrogen storage containers containing hydrogen storage alloys, and the control unit can supply the hydrogen gas and the refrigerant to the hydrogen storage alloy in the same hydrogen storage container, and the heat transfer medium to the hydrogen storage alloy in the other hydrogen storage containers, thus facilitating continuous storage and discharge of hydrogen gas.

[0025] A hydrogen supply system according to yet another aspect of the present invention comprises the hydrogen storage system described above and a liquid hydrogen tank in which the liquid hydrogen supplied to the liquid hydrogen vaporizer is stored.

[0026] The hydrogen supply system includes a hydrogen storage system that uses the cold energy of a liquid hydrogen vaporizer, which vaporizes liquid hydrogen stored in a liquid hydrogen tank, to cool a hydrogen storage alloy. Therefore, it can stably and efficiently supply hydrogen gas to mobility devices such as fuel cell vehicles.

[0027] [Details of the Embodiments of the Invention] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[0028] [First Embodiment] One embodiment of the present invention, a hydrogen supply system 1, as shown in Figure 1, comprises a hydrogen storage system 3 and a liquid hydrogen tank 2 in which liquid hydrogen H supplied to a liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4 of the hydrogen storage system 3 is stored.

[0029] <Liquid Hydrogen Tank> The liquid hydrogen tank 2 stores liquid hydrogen H. The liquid hydrogen H is transported, for example, by a dedicated tank truck and filled into the liquid hydrogen tank 2. The liquid hydrogen tank 2 is not particularly limited, and any known type can be used. Although one liquid hydrogen tank 2 is shown in Figure 1, the hydrogen supply system 1 may have multiple liquid hydrogen tanks.

[0030] <Hydrogen Storage System> The hydrogen storage system 3 comprises a hydrogen storage unit 6 having a liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4 that vaporizes liquid hydrogen H by heat exchange with a heat medium M1, and a hydrogen storage container containing a hydrogen storage alloy 5 in which the hydrogen gas G vaporized by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4 is stored, and a heat medium circulation line L1 through which the heat medium M1 circulates. The heat medium circulation line L1 includes a supply passage L11 that supplies the heat medium M1, which has been heat-exchanged by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4, to the hydrogen storage alloy 5 as a refrigerant, and a return passage L12 that returns the heat medium M1 after heat exchange with the hydrogen storage alloy 5 to the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4. The hydrogen storage unit 6 of this embodiment has two hydrogen storage containers, a first hydrogen storage container 7 and a second hydrogen storage container 8. The hydrogen storage unit 6 has a hydrogen line Lh that includes a hydrogen gas supply passage Lg for supplying hydrogen gas G from the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4 to the hydrogen storage alloy 5 of the two hydrogen storage containers 7 and 8. The hydrogen gas supply path Lg, together with the liquid hydrogen supply path Ld, which supplies liquid hydrogen H from the liquid hydrogen tank 2 to the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4, and the hydrogen gas discharge path Le, which discharges hydrogen released from the hydrogen storage alloy 5 to the outside of the hydrogen storage containers 7 and 8, constitutes the hydrogen line Lh.

[0031] The hydrogen storage system 3 further includes a thermal medium circulation line L2 through which a thermal medium M2, which is heat-exchanged with the hydrogen storage alloy 5, is circulated. The thermal medium circulation line L2 has a thermal medium supply passage L21 that supplies the thermal medium M2 from the thermal medium tank 10 to the hydrogen storage alloy 5, and a thermal medium return passage that returns the thermal medium M2, after heat exchange with the hydrogen storage alloy 5, to the thermal medium tank 10. The thermal medium return passage may be used entirely or partially in conjunction with a return passage L12. The thermal medium M2 heats the hydrogen storage alloy 5 when the hydrogen storage containers 7 and 8 discharge hydrogen gas G from the hydrogen gas discharge passage Le. In this way, the hydrogen storage containers 7 and 8 can efficiently discharge hydrogen gas G.

[0032] The hydrogen line Lh (more specifically, the hydrogen gas supply line Lg) has a first switching valve V1 that can switch its flow path to supply hydrogen gas G to the hydrogen storage alloy 5 of either of the two hydrogen storage containers 7,8. The heat medium circulation line L1 has a second switching valve V2 that can switch its flow path to supply heat medium M1 to the hydrogen storage alloy 5 of either of the two hydrogen storage containers 7,8. The warming medium supply line L2 has a third switching valve V3 that can switch its flow path to supply warming medium M2 to the hydrogen storage alloy 5 of either of the two hydrogen storage containers 7,8.

[0033] The hydrogen storage system 3 includes a control unit (not shown) that alternately supplies a refrigerant M1 (heat transfer medium M1) and a warming medium M2 to the hydrogen storage alloys 5 of two hydrogen storage containers 7 and 8. In other words, the control unit controls the flow paths of the hydrogen line Lh (more specifically, the hydrogen gas supply path Lg), the heat transfer medium circulation line L1 (more specifically, the supply path L11), and the warming medium circulation line L2 (more specifically, the warming medium supply path L21). Specifically, the control unit controls the first switching valve V1, the second switching valve V2, and the third switching valve V3 to supply hydrogen gas G and refrigerant M1 to the hydrogen storage alloy 5 of the same hydrogen storage container, and to supply warming medium M2 to the hydrogen storage alloy 5 of the other hydrogen storage container. For example, the control unit controls the first switching valve V1, the second switching valve V2, and the third switching valve V3 to alternately perform the procedure of supplying hydrogen gas G and refrigerant M1 to the hydrogen storage alloy 5 of the first hydrogen storage container 7 and supplying a thermal medium M2 to the hydrogen storage alloy 5 of the second hydrogen storage container 8, and the procedure of supplying hydrogen gas G and refrigerant M1 to the hydrogen storage alloy 5 of the second hydrogen storage container 8 and supplying a thermal medium M2 to the hydrogen storage alloy 5 of the first hydrogen storage container 7.

[0034] More specifically, for example, the control unit controls the second switching valve V2 of the heat medium circulation line L1 so that the heat medium M1 is supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy 5 of the first hydrogen storage container 7 which absorbs or starts hydrogen storage. The control unit also controls the first switching valve V1 of the hydrogen line Lh so that the hydrogen gas G generated by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4 is supplied to the first hydrogen storage container 7. The control of the second switching valve V2 and the control of the first switching valve V1 may or may not be simultaneous. For example, the heat medium M1 may be supplied before the hydrogen gas G is supplied to the first hydrogen storage container 7. By supplying the heat medium M1 to the hydrogen storage alloy 5 before hydrogen storage is started, the hydrogen storage alloy 5 can absorb hydrogen quickly and efficiently. On the other hand, the control unit controls the third switching valve V3 of the heat medium supply line L21 so that the heat medium M2 is supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy 5 of the second hydrogen storage container 8 which releases or starts releasing absorbed hydrogen. The second hydrogen storage container 8 may be in a stopped state (no hydrogen gas G is being supplied, and there is no discharge or preparation for discharge of hydrogen gas G). If hydrogen gas G is being supplied to the second hydrogen storage container 8, the first hydrogen storage container 7 is either discharging hydrogen gas G, preparing for discharge, or has stopped operating. By alternately supplying the refrigerant M1 and the warming medium M2 to the two hydrogen storage containers 7 and 8 in this way and operating them in alternation, the hydrogen storage system 3 can continuously discharge hydrogen gas G.

[0035] The control unit described above may control the supply and cessation of liquid hydrogen H, the starting and stopping of the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4, the starting and stopping of the heat medium pump P1 for circulating the heat medium M1, and the starting and stopping of the warming medium pump P2 for circulating the warming medium M2. The control unit is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of these controls, and for example, a personal computer with a predetermined program recorded on it can be used.

[0036] The first switching valve V1, the second switching valve V2, and the third switching valve V3 are not particularly limited as long as they can switch the flow path of gas or liquid; for example, known three-way valves can be used.

[0037] The liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4 vaporizes the liquid hydrogen H supplied by the liquid hydrogen tank 2 through the liquid hydrogen supply path Ld to produce hydrogen gas G. The liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4 is not particularly limited as long as it vaporizes the liquid hydrogen H by heat exchange with the heat transfer medium M1, and for example, a known evaporator can be used.

[0038] The heat transfer medium M1 circulates through the heat transfer medium circulation line L1. The heat transfer medium circulation line L1 includes a supply path L11 that supplies the heat transfer medium M1 as a refrigerant to the hydrogen storage alloy 5, and a return path L12 that returns the heat transfer medium M1, after heat exchange with the hydrogen storage alloy 5, to the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4. Specifically, the heat transfer medium M1 is supplied from the heat transfer medium tank 9, which stores the heat transfer medium M1, to the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4 by the heat transfer medium pump P1, and is cooled by recovering the cold energy from the vaporization of liquid hydrogen H. The heat transfer medium M1 that has been cooled by recovering the cold energy is supplied as a refrigerant into the first hydrogen storage container 7 or the second hydrogen storage container 8, and cools the hydrogen storage alloy 5 in the hydrogen storage containers 7 and 8. This cooling can improve the hydrogen storage efficiency of the hydrogen storage alloy 5. The heat transfer medium M1 that has been heated by heat exchange with the hydrogen storage alloy 5 returns to the heat transfer medium tank 9 via the circulation path L2 and is returned to the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4. The heat transfer medium M1 is not particularly limited; for example, water (pure water) can be used.

[0039] The heating medium M2 is supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy 5 in the hydrogen storage containers 7 and 8 via the heating medium supply channel L21, and heat is exchanged with the hydrogen storage alloy 5 in the hydrogen storage containers 7 and 8. Specifically, the hydrogen storage alloy 5 is heated. The heating medium supply channel L21 is a flow path for supplying the heating medium M2 from the heating medium tank 10 to the hydrogen storage containers 7 and 8. The heating medium M2 is returned to the heating medium tank 10 via the return channel L12. The return channel L12 has a fourth switching valve V4. The control unit controls the fourth switching valve V4 so that the heat medium M1 is returned to the heat medium tank 9 and the heating medium M2 is returned to the heating medium tank 10. The heating medium M2 is heated by a heater T, such as an air-heated heat exchanger or heater, located downstream of the heating medium pump P2 in the heating medium supply channel L21. The heating medium M2 is not particularly limited, and for example, water (pure water) can be used.

[0040] The first hydrogen storage container 7 has a hydrogen storage alloy 5. As a specific example, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first hydrogen storage container 7 has a hydrogen storage module 51 inside which supports the hydrogen storage alloy 5. The first hydrogen storage container 7 has a casing 71 in which a hydrogen gas inlet 7a into which hydrogen gas G flows and a hydrogen gas outlet 7b for discharging hydrogen gas G are formed. In Figure 2, the first hydrogen storage container 7 has three hydrogen storage modules 51, but the number of hydrogen storage modules 51 is not limited to this. The second hydrogen storage container 8, which includes the hydrogen storage alloy 5, has the same configuration as the first hydrogen storage container 7. The second hydrogen storage container 8 may have a different configuration from the first hydrogen storage container 7.

[0041] The hydrogen storage module 51 has a cylindrical body 51a, a plurality of fins 51a projecting radially from the outer surface of the body 51a, and an alloy portion 52 filled between the plurality of fins 51a. The alloy portion 52 includes a resin 5a and a hydrogen storage alloy 5. The hydrogen storage module 51 has a heat transfer tube 53 inserted into the inner circumference of the body 51a. A heat transfer sheet 54 is placed between the heat transfer tube 53 and the body 51a. The heat transfer sheet 54 is a sheet-like member mainly composed of aluminum, for example. The heat transfer sheet 54 enables easy and reliable heat exchange between the heat transfer medium M1 and the warming medium M2 and the hydrogen storage alloy 5 of the alloy portion 52.

[0042] The heat transfer medium tube 53 includes a cylindrical inner tube 531 and a bottomed cylindrical outer tube 532, and has a double-tube structure in which the inner tube 531 is inserted inside the outer tube 532. The main body 51a is a cartridge into which the heat transfer medium tube 53 can be inserted and removed. In the heat transfer medium tube 53, the heat transfer medium M1 and the warming medium M2 are supplied to the inner tube 531, and the supplied heat transfer medium M1 and warming medium M2 flow to the outer tube 532 and are discharged through the gap between the outer tube 532 and the inner tube 531. In other words, the inner tube 531 and the outer tube 532 define the flow paths of the heat transfer medium M1 and the warming medium M2. Specifically, the heat transfer medium M1 and the warming medium M2 are supplied from the heat transfer medium inlet 531a, which is the opening of the inner tube 531 on the side of the outer tube 532 that is open. The heat transfer medium M1 and the warming medium M2 then flow into the outer tube 532 through the opening of the inner tube 531 on the side facing the bottom of the outer tube 532, and are discharged through the gap between the outer tube 532 and the inner tube 531 from the heat transfer medium outlet 532a, which is the opening of the outer tube 532. The heat transfer medium M1 and the warming medium M2 exchange heat with the hydrogen storage alloy 5 via the main body 51a while being supplied to the heat transfer medium pipe 53 and discharged. The hydrogen storage module 51 promotes hydrogen storage by the hydrogen storage alloy 5 by circulating the heat transfer medium M1 through the above flow path, and promotes hydrogen release by the hydrogen storage alloy 5 by circulating the warming medium M2 through the above flow path.

[0043] Inside the casing 71 are a first retaining member 72 that holds the heat transfer medium inlet 7c side of the inner tube 531, a second retaining member 73 that holds the heat transfer medium outlet 7d side of the outer tube 532, and a third retaining member 74 that holds the other end of the heat transfer medium tube 54. The first retaining member 72, the second retaining member 73, and the third retaining member 74 hold a plurality of hydrogen storage alloys 5 arranged in parallel in the radial direction.

[0044] The first retaining member 72 and the second retaining member 73 also serve as partitions that form passages for the heat transfer medium M1 and the warming medium M2 within the casing 71. Specifically, a portion of the inner surface of the casing 71 and one surface of the first retaining member 72 constitute a heat transfer medium inlet passage 75 that communicates with the heat transfer medium inlet 531a of the inner pipe 531. Another portion of the inner surface of the casing 71 and the other surface of the first retaining member 72, along with one surface of the second retaining member 73, constitute a heat transfer medium outlet passage 76 that communicates with the heat transfer medium outlet 532a of the outer pipe 532. The casing 71 has a heat transfer medium supply port 7c for supplying the heat transfer medium M1 and the warming medium M2 to the heat transfer medium inlet passage 75, and a heat transfer medium outlet 7d for discharging the heat transfer medium M1 and the warming medium M2 from the heat transfer medium outlet passage 76.

[0045] The resin 5a of the alloy part 52 is not particularly limited as long as it has a softening point higher than the heating temperature at which hydrogen absorbed by the hydrogen storage alloy 5 is released. Examples include thermosetting resins that harden by heating, such as phenolic resin, melamine resin, or polyurethane; thermoplastic resins such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or celluloid; resins that harden by light irradiation, such as epoxy resin or silicone resin; or resins that harden by the addition of a curing accelerator such as a catalytic curing agent or a reactive curing agent. Among these, resins that harden by heating, light irradiation, or the addition of a curing accelerator are preferred. The thermosetting resin is preferably cured at a temperature of 20°C or higher and 250°C or lower.

[0046] The resin 5a may be a solidified powder or a solidified liquid. The content of resin 5a in the alloy part 52 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is 0.5% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less. If the content of resin 5a is less than the lower limit, it may be difficult to form the alloy part 52. If the content of resin 5a exceeds the upper limit, the content of the storage alloy 53b will relatively decrease, and effective hydrogen storage and release may not be possible. Also, if the content of resin 5a exceeds the upper limit, depending on the type of resin, the viscosity of the alloy part 52 may decrease, making it difficult to adhere to the main body 51a.

[0047] As the hydrogen storage alloy 5, known alloys can be used, such as binary, ternary, quaternary, or pentagonal alloys. The particle size of the hydrogen storage alloy 5 is, for example, 10 μm to 1000 μm.

[0048] <Advantages> The hydrogen storage system 3 of the hydrogen supply system 1 allows for the storage and release of hydrogen gas by hydrogen storage containers 7 and 8 at low cost and efficiency, as the hydrogen storage alloy 5 can store and release hydrogen. The hydrogen storage system 3 recovers the cold energy of the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4 that generates hydrogen gas G using a heat transfer medium M1, and supplies the recovered heat transfer medium M1 as a refrigerant to the hydrogen storage alloy 5. In the hydrogen storage system 3, the recovery of cold energy and the utilization of the recovered cold energy occur almost simultaneously, resulting in less energy loss (heat loss) and efficient cooling of the hydrogen storage alloy 5. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the hydrogen storage alloy 5 can be increased at low cost. As a result, the hydrogen storage system 3 can improve the hydrogen filling rate of the hydrogen storage alloy 5, enabling stable and efficient storage of hydrogen gas G and discharge of high-pressure hydrogen gas G.

[0049] [Second Embodiment] Hereinafter, a hydrogen supply system 20, which is another embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to Figure 4. Components identical to those in the hydrogen supply system 1 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0050] The hydrogen supply system 20 comprises a hydrogen storage system 21 and a liquid hydrogen tank 2.

[0051] <Hydrogen Storage System> The hydrogen storage system 21 includes a hydrogen storage unit 22 having a liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4 that vaporizes liquid hydrogen H by heat exchange with a first heat medium M3, and a hydrogen storage container containing a hydrogen storage alloy 5 in which the hydrogen gas G vaporized by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4 is stored; a first circulation line L3 through which the first heat medium M3 circulates; a second circulation line L4 through which a second heat medium M4 supplied as a refrigerant to the hydrogen storage alloy 5 circulates; and a heat exchanger 23 for heat exchange between the first heat medium M3 after heat exchange with liquid hydrogen H and the second heat medium M4 before being supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy 5. The hydrogen storage unit 22 of this embodiment has two hydrogen storage containers, a first hydrogen storage container 7 and a second hydrogen storage container 8. The hydrogen storage unit 22 has a hydrogen line Lh including a hydrogen gas supply path Lg for supplying hydrogen gas G from the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4 to the two hydrogen storage containers 7 and 8. The hydrogen gas supply path Lg, together with the liquid hydrogen supply path Ld, which supplies liquid hydrogen H from the liquid hydrogen tank 2 to the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4, and the hydrogen gas discharge path Le, which discharges hydrogen released from the hydrogen storage alloy 5 to the outside of the hydrogen storage containers 7 and 8, constitutes the hydrogen line Lh.

[0052] The hydrogen storage system 21 further includes a heat transfer medium circulation line L2 through which the heat transfer medium M2 circulates. The hydrogen storage system 21 includes a control unit (not shown) that alternately supplies the refrigerant M4 (second heat transfer medium M4) and the heat transfer medium M2 to the hydrogen storage alloy 5 of two hydrogen storage containers 7 and 8. The hydrogen line Lh (more specifically, the hydrogen gas supply line Lg) has a first switching valve V1 that can switch the flow path of the hydrogen gas G, the second circulation line L4 (more specifically, the second supply line L41) has a second switching valve V2 that can switch the flow path of the second heat transfer medium M4, and the heat transfer medium circulation line L2 (more specifically, the heat transfer medium supply line L21) has a third switching valve V3 that can switch the flow path of the heat transfer medium M2. The control unit is provided to control the flow path of each line by switching the first switching valve V1, the second switching valve V2, and the third switching valve V3. In other words, the hydrogen storage system 21 operates two hydrogen storage containers 7 and 8 in alternating shifts.

[0053] The first heat transfer medium M3 is circulated in a first circulation line L3 between a first heat transfer tank 24 that stores the first heat transfer medium M3 and a liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4. The first circulation line L3 includes a first supply channel L31 that supplies the first heat transfer medium M3 from the first heat transfer tank 24 to the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4, and a first return channel L32 that returns the first heat transfer medium M3 from the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4 to the first heat transfer tank 24. The first circulation line L3 is equipped with a first heat transfer pump P3 for supplying the first heat transfer medium M3, and a heat exchanger 23 for exchanging heat between the first heat transfer medium M3, after heat exchange with liquid hydrogen H, and the second heat transfer medium M4. The first heat transfer medium M3 is cooled by recovering the cold energy from the vaporization of liquid hydrogen H in the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4. The first heat transfer medium M3 is not particularly limited as long as it can efficiently recover the cold energy from the vaporization of liquid hydrogen H; for example, propane can be used.

[0054] The second heat transfer medium M4 is circulated in a second circulation line L4 between the second heat transfer tank 25, which stores the second heat transfer medium M4, and the hydrogen storage alloy 5 in the hydrogen storage containers 7 and 8. The second circulation line L4 includes a second supply channel L41 that supplies the second heat transfer medium M4 from the second heat transfer tank 25 to the hydrogen storage alloy 5, and a return channel L12. A heat exchanger 23 is located in the second supply channel L41. The second supply channel L41 has a second heat transfer pump P4 for supplying the second heat transfer medium M4. The second heat transfer medium M4 is cooled by heat exchange with the first heat transfer medium M3 in the heat exchanger 23 located downstream of the second heat transfer pump P4, and is supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy 5. The second heat transfer medium M4 is not particularly limited, and for example, water (pure water) can be used.

[0055] <Advantages> The hydrogen storage system 21 of the hydrogen supply system 20 allows for the storage and discharge of hydrogen gas G in hydrogen storage containers 7 and 8 at low cost and efficiency, as the hydrogen storage alloy 5 can store and release hydrogen. In the hydrogen storage system 21, the first heat transfer medium M3 recovers the cold energy generated by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4, and the recovered cold energy is heat-exchanged with the second heat transfer medium M4 before being supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy 5. Furthermore, since the recovery of cold energy and the utilization of the recovered cold energy occur almost simultaneously, energy loss can be further reduced and the cooling efficiency of the hydrogen storage alloy 5 can be further improved. As a result, the hydrogen storage system 21 can further improve the hydrogen filling rate of the hydrogen storage alloy 5, and can store hydrogen gas G and discharge high-pressure hydrogen gas G more stably and efficiently.

[0056] [Third Embodiment] Hereinafter, a hydrogen supply system 30, which is yet another embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to Figure 5. Components identical to those in the hydrogen supply systems 1 and 20 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0057] The hydrogen supply system 30 comprises a hydrogen storage system 31 and a liquid hydrogen tank 2.

[0058] The hydrogen storage system 31 includes a hydrogen storage unit 32 having a liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4 that vaporizes liquid hydrogen H by heat exchange with a first heat medium M3, and a hydrogen storage container containing a hydrogen storage alloy 5 in which the hydrogen gas G vaporized by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4 is stored; a first circulation line L3 through which the first heat medium M3 circulates; a second circulation line L6 through which a second heat medium M4 supplied as a refrigerant to the hydrogen storage alloy 5 circulates; and a heat exchanger 23 for heat exchange between the first heat medium M3 after heat exchange with the liquid hydrogen H and the second heat medium M4 before it is supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy 5. The hydrogen storage unit 32 of this embodiment has four hydrogen storage containers: a first hydrogen storage container 7, a second hydrogen storage container 8, a third hydrogen storage container 33, and a fourth hydrogen storage container 34. The hydrogen storage unit 22 has a hydrogen gas supply channel L5 for supplying hydrogen gas G from the liquid hydrogen vaporizer 4 to four hydrogen storage containers 7, 8, 33, and 34. The second circulation line L6 includes a second supply channel L61 and a return channel L21. The hydrogen gas supply channel L5 constitutes part of the hydrogen line Lh.

[0059] The hydrogen storage system 31 includes a thermal medium circulation line L7 through which the thermal medium M2 circulates. The thermal medium circulation line L7 includes a thermal medium supply line L71 and a return line L21. The hydrogen line Lh (more specifically, the hydrogen gas supply line L5) has first switching valves V1, V5, and V6 that can switch the flow path of the hydrogen gas G. The second circulation line L6 (more specifically, the second supply line L61) has second switching valves V2, V7, and V8 that can switch the flow path of the second heat medium M4. The thermal medium circulation line L7 (more specifically, the thermal medium supply line L71) has third switching valves V3, V9, and V10 that can switch the flow path of the thermal medium M2. The hydrogen storage system 31 further includes a control unit (not shown) that controls each switching valve. The hydrogen storage system 31 operates four hydrogen storage containers 7, 8, 33, and 34 in alternating mode. The first switching valves V1, V5, V6, the second switching valves V2, V7, V8, and the third switching valves V3, V9, V10 can be those that can switch the flow path of gas or liquid according to its arrangement, for example, known three-way valves or four-way valves can be used.

[0060] An example of control for the alternating operation of the hydrogen storage system 31 will be described. Here, we will describe the control when the first hydrogen storage container 7 is discharging hydrogen gas G, the second hydrogen storage container 8 is starting (preparing) to discharge hydrogen gas G, the third hydrogen storage container 33 is preparing to be supplied with hydrogen gas G, and the fourth hydrogen storage container 34 is being supplied with hydrogen gas G.

[0061] The control unit controls the first switching valves V1, V5, and V6 so that hydrogen gas G is supplied to the fourth hydrogen storage container 34, but not to the other hydrogen storage containers 7, 8, and 33. At the same time, the control unit controls the second switching valves V2, V7, and V8 so that the second heat transfer medium M4 is supplied to the fourth hydrogen storage container 34 and the third hydrogen storage container 33, which is preparing to supply hydrogen gas G, but not to the other hydrogen storage containers 7 and 8. Furthermore, the control unit controls the third switching valves V3, V9, and V10 so that the warming medium M2 is supplied to the first hydrogen storage container 7, which is releasing hydrogen gas G, and to the second hydrogen storage container 8, which is preparing to discharge hydrogen gas G, but not to the other hydrogen storage containers 33 and 34.

[0062] When the hydrogen storage alloy 5 of the fourth hydrogen storage container 34 is sufficiently filled with hydrogen, the control unit controls the first switching valves V1 and V6 so that the supply of hydrogen gas G to the fourth hydrogen storage container 34 is stopped and hydrogen gas G is supplied to the third hydrogen storage container 33. At the same time, the control unit controls the second switching valve V8 so that the second heat transfer medium M4 is not supplied to the fourth hydrogen storage container 34. When the discharge of hydrogen gas G from the first hydrogen storage container 7 is completed, the control unit controls the third switching valve V3 so that the heat transfer medium M2 is not supplied and controls the first switching valve V1 so that the second heat transfer medium M4 is supplied. If hydrogen gas G is to be discharged continuously, the control unit may control the fourth hydrogen storage container 34 to discharge hydrogen gas G at the same time as the discharge of hydrogen gas G from the first hydrogen storage container 7 is completed.

[0063] <Advantages> Since the hydrogen storage system 31 of the hydrogen supply system 30 has four hydrogen storage containers 7, 8, 33, and 34, the continuity of hydrogen gas G discharge can be further improved.

[0064] [Other embodiments] The above embodiments do not limit the configuration of the present invention. Accordingly, the above embodiments allow for the omission, substitution, or addition of components of each part of the above embodiments based on the description herein and common technical knowledge, and all such omissions, substitutions, or additions should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0065] The hydrogen storage system may have one or three hydrogen storage containers, or it may have five or more hydrogen storage containers.

[0066] A hydrogen storage container does not necessarily need to have multiple hydrogen storage modules; it may have only one storage module. Furthermore, the arrangement of hydrogen storage modules in a hydrogen storage container is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment described above.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the hydrogen storage module was described as having a main body, a plurality of fins, and an alloy part, but the configuration of the hydrogen storage module is not limited to this.

[0068] The hydrogen storage alloy does not need to be held within the resin. Furthermore, the alloy portion can be partially positioned within the main body. [Industrial applicability]

[0069] As described above, the hydrogen storage system and hydrogen supply system of the present invention are suitable for, for example, hydrogen stations that supply hydrogen gas to mobility devices such as fuel cell vehicles and fuel cell forklifts, and hydrogen supply devices that supply hydrogen gas to chemical reaction devices for chemicals and their basic materials. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 1, 20, 30 Hydrogen supply system 2. Liquid hydrogen tank 3,21,31 Hydrogen storage systems 4. Liquid hydrogen vaporizer 5. Hydrogen storage alloys 51 Hydrogen storage module 51a Main Unit 51b Fin 52 Alloy parts 5a resin 53 Heat transfer fluid pipes 531 Inner tube 531a Heat medium inlet 532 Outer tube 532a Heat medium outlet 54 Heat transfer sheet 6,22,32 Hydrogen Storage Units 7. First hydrogen storage vessel 71 Casing 72 First retaining member 73 Second retaining member 74 Third retaining member 75 Heat medium inflow path 76 Heat medium outflow path 7a Hydrogen gas inlet 7b Hydrogen gas outlet 7c Heat medium supply port 7d Heat medium outlet 8. Second Hydrogen Storage Vessel 9 Heat medium tank 10 Temperature tank 23 Heat exchanger 24 1st heat medium tank 25 2nd heat medium tank 33 Third Hydrogen Storage Vessel 34. Fourth Hydrogen Storage Vessel G Hydrogen gas H Liquid Hydrogen L1 Heat Transfer Circulation Line L11 Supply path L12 Recirculation Channel L2, L7 Thermal Media Circulation Line L21,L71 Hot medium supply path L3 First Circulation Line L31 1st supply path L32 First Recirculation Channel L4, L6 Second Circulation Line L41,L61 2nd supply path Le Hydrogen gas emission channel Ld Liquid Hydrogen Supply Channel Lg, L5 Hydrogen Gas Supply Channel Lh Hydrogen Line M1 heating medium M2 heating medium M3 1st heating medium M4 2nd heating medium P1 Heat transfer fluid pump P2 Thermal Fluid Pump P3 No. 1 heat transfer pump P4 Second heat transfer pump T heater V1, V5, V6 First switching valve V2, V7, V8 Second switching valve V3, V9, V10 Third-Part Switching Valve V4 Fourth switching valve

Claims

1. A hydrogen storage unit comprising a liquid hydrogen vaporizer that vaporizes liquid hydrogen by heat exchange with a heat transfer medium, and a hydrogen storage container containing a hydrogen storage alloy in which the hydrogen gas vaporized by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer is stored, The heat transfer medium circulation line through which the above heat transfer medium circulates Equipped with, The above-mentioned heat transfer medium circulation line is a hydrogen storage system that includes a supply path for supplying the heat transfer medium, which has been heat-exchanged by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer, to the hydrogen storage alloy as a refrigerant, and a return path for returning the heat transfer medium, after heat exchange with the hydrogen storage alloy, to the liquid hydrogen vaporizer.

2. A hydrogen storage unit comprising a liquid hydrogen vaporizer that vaporizes liquid hydrogen by heat exchange with a first heat transfer medium, and a hydrogen storage container containing a hydrogen storage alloy in which the hydrogen gas vaporized by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer is stored, The first circulation line through which the above-mentioned first heat transfer medium circulates, A second circulation line through which the second heat transfer medium supplied as a refrigerant to the above-mentioned hydrogen storage alloy circulates, A heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the first heat transfer medium after heat exchange with the liquid hydrogen and the second heat transfer medium before it is supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy. A hydrogen storage system equipped with the following features.

3. The hydrogen storage system according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a heat medium circulation line through which a heat medium that exchanges heat with the above-mentioned hydrogen storage alloy circulates.

4. The above hydrogen storage unit has two of the above hydrogen storage containers, The hydrogen storage system according to claim 3, further comprising a control unit that alternately supplies the refrigerant and the heating medium to the hydrogen storage alloy of the two hydrogen storage containers.

5. The above hydrogen storage unit has three of the above hydrogen storage containers, The three hydrogen storage containers are equipped with a control unit that controls the supply of hydrogen gas, refrigerant, and thermostat to the hydrogen storage alloy. The hydrogen storage system according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is provided in a manner that can control the supply of the refrigerant, the supply of the heating medium, and the absorption or release of hydrogen to the hydrogen storage alloy of the three hydrogen storage containers in a circulating manner.

6. The above hydrogen storage unit has four or more of the above hydrogen storage containers, The system includes a control unit that controls the supply of the hydrogen gas, the refrigerant, and the thermostat to the hydrogen storage alloy of the four or more hydrogen storage containers described above. The hydrogen storage system according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is provided in a manner that can control the supply of the refrigerant, the supply of the heating medium, the absorption of hydrogen, and the release of hydrogen to the hydrogen storage alloy of the four or more hydrogen storage containers in a circulating manner.

7. A hydrogen storage unit comprising: a liquid hydrogen vaporizer that vaporizes liquid hydrogen by heat exchange with a heat transfer medium; two or more hydrogen storage containers containing a hydrogen storage alloy in which the hydrogen gas vaporized by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer is stored; and a hydrogen line including a hydrogen gas supply passage for supplying hydrogen gas from the liquid hydrogen vaporizer to the hydrogen storage alloy; A heat medium circulation line includes a supply channel for supplying the heat medium, which has undergone heat exchange by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer, to the hydrogen storage alloy as a refrigerant, and a return channel for returning the heat medium, after heat exchange with the hydrogen storage alloy, back to the liquid hydrogen vaporizer. A heat transfer medium circulation line through which the heat transfer medium circulates with the above-mentioned hydrogen storage alloy, A control unit that controls the flow path of the hydrogen line, the heat transfer fluid circulation line, and the heat transfer fluid circulation line. Equipped with, The hydrogen line has a first switching valve that can switch the flow path to supply hydrogen gas to the hydrogen storage alloy of any of the two or more hydrogen storage containers. The heat transfer fluid circulation line has a second switching valve that can switch the flow path so as to supply the heat transfer fluid to the hydrogen storage alloy of any of the two or more hydrogen storage containers. The above-mentioned heat transfer medium circulation line has a third switching valve that can switch the flow path so as to supply the heat transfer medium to the hydrogen storage alloy of any of the two or more hydrogen storage containers. A hydrogen storage system in which the control unit described above is capable of controlling the first switching valve, the second switching valve, and the third switching valve to supply the hydrogen gas and the refrigerant to the hydrogen storage alloy of the same hydrogen storage container, and to supply the heating medium to the hydrogen storage alloy of other hydrogen storage containers.

8. A hydrogen storage unit comprising: a liquid hydrogen vaporizer that vaporizes liquid hydrogen by heat exchange with a first heat transfer medium; two or more hydrogen storage containers containing a hydrogen storage alloy in which the hydrogen gas vaporized by the liquid hydrogen vaporizer is stored; and a hydrogen line including a hydrogen gas supply passage for supplying hydrogen gas from the liquid hydrogen vaporizer to the hydrogen storage alloy; The first circulation line through which the above-mentioned first heat transfer medium circulates, A second circulation line through which the second heat transfer medium supplied as a refrigerant to the above-mentioned hydrogen storage alloy circulates, A heat transfer medium circulation line through which the heat transfer medium circulates with the above-mentioned hydrogen storage alloy, A heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the first heat transfer medium after heat exchange with the liquid hydrogen and the second heat transfer medium before it is supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy, A control unit that controls the flow paths of the hydrogen line, the second circulation line, and the thermal medium circulation line. Equipped with, The hydrogen line has a first switching valve that can switch the flow path to supply hydrogen gas to the hydrogen storage alloy of any of the two or more hydrogen storage containers. The second circulation line has a second switching valve that can switch the flow path so as to supply the heat transfer medium to the hydrogen storage alloy of any of the two or more hydrogen storage containers. The above-mentioned heat transfer medium circulation line has a third switching valve that can switch the flow path so as to supply the heat transfer medium to the hydrogen storage alloy of any of the two or more hydrogen storage containers. A hydrogen storage system in which the control unit described above is capable of controlling the first switching valve, the second switching valve, and the third switching valve to supply the hydrogen gas and the refrigerant to the hydrogen storage alloy of the same hydrogen storage container, and to supply the heating medium to the hydrogen storage alloy of other hydrogen storage containers.

9. A hydrogen storage system according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 7, or claim 8, A liquid hydrogen tank in which the liquid hydrogen supplied to the above-mentioned liquid hydrogen vaporizer is stored A hydrogen supply system equipped with the following features.

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