Substance supply system and substance container

Abstract

In the present invention, a fuel supply system 1000 comprises: a fuel container (substance container) 101 in which fuel is stored; and a hydrogen generator 201 that is connected to the fuel container 101 and receives a supply of fuel from the fuel container 101. The fuel container 101 has: an RFID tag 104 storing information related to identifying the fuel container 101; a solenoid valve 105; and a solenoid valve controller 108 for controlling opening / closing of the solenoid valve 105. The hydrogen generator 201 has an RFID reader 204 capable of reading information from the RFID tag 104. The solenoid valve controller 108 actuates the solenoid valve 105 into an open state when the fuel container 101 is connected to the hydrogen generator 201 and the information read by the RFID reader 204 satisfies a predetermined condition. Due to this configuration, it is possible to prevent an unauthorized person from opening / closing the substance container.

Description

Material supply system and material container

[0001] The present invention relates to a substance supply system for supplying a substance from a substance container to a substance receiving section or for supplying a substance from a substance supply section to a substance container, and to a substance container in which a substance is stored.

[0002] A hydrogen generating device has been proposed that is equipped with a removable fuel cartridge and has a memory section that stores the amount of water supplied or the remaining amount of hydrogen that can be generated (Patent Document 1).

[0003] International Publication No. 2010 / 026945

[0004] Here, substances such as fuel used in hydrogen generators are stored and transported in a substance container such as a fuel cartridge. In this case, if the substance stored is a fuel, it may be undesirable from a safety standpoint if the substance container can be opened and closed by anyone. Furthermore, if the substance stored in the substance container is not a fuel but is a substance that is tradeable, there is a risk that the substance inside may be stolen if the container can be opened and closed by anyone.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a structure that can prevent a substance container from being opened or closed by anyone.

[0006] The material supply system of the present invention is a material supply system comprising a material container for storing a material, and a material receiving unit connected to the material container to receive a supply of material from the material container, wherein the material container comprises a storage unit for storing a material, a first material passageway connecting the storage unit to the outside and through which the material passes, an opening / closing unit provided in the first material passageway and electrically operable between a closed state for blocking the first material passageway and an open state for opening the first material passageway, a power receiving unit capable of receiving power from the outside and supplying power to the opening / closing unit, a control unit for controlling the opening and closing of the opening / closing unit, and a control unit for identifying the material container. and a memory unit in which information indicating the type of material to be supplied to the material receiving unit is stored, and the material receiving unit has a second material passage connected to the first material passage, a supplied unit to which material is supplied from the second material passage, a power supply unit capable of supplying power to the power receiving unit, and a reading unit capable of reading information from the memory unit, and when the material container is connected to the material receiving unit and the information stored in the memory unit read by the reading unit satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit operates the opening / closing unit from the closed state to the open state, or issues a signal to permit the opening / closing unit to operate from the closed state to the open state.

[0007] The substance supply system of the present invention is a substance supply system comprising a substance container for storing a substance, and a substance supply unit connected to the substance container for supplying the substance to the substance container, wherein the substance container comprises a first storage unit for storing the substance, a first substance passageway connecting the first storage unit with the outside and through which the substance passes, an opening / closing unit provided in the first substance passageway and electrically operable between a closed state for blocking the first substance passageway and an open state for opening the first substance passageway, a power receiving unit capable of receiving power from the outside and supplying power to the opening / closing unit, a control unit for controlling the opening and closing of the opening / closing unit, and information relating to the identification of the substance container. and a memory unit in which information is stored, wherein the substance supply unit has a second storage unit in which a substance is stored, a second substance passage that connects the second storage unit with the outside, through which the substance passes and that is connected to the first substance passage, a power supply unit that can supply power to the power receiving unit, and a reading unit that can read information from the memory unit, and when the substance container is connected to the substance supply unit and information that is read by the reading unit and stored in the memory unit satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit operates the opening / closing unit from the closed state to the open state, or outputs a signal that permits the opening / closing unit to operate from the closed state to the open state.

[0008] Furthermore, the substance container of the present invention is a substance container in which a substance is stored, and comprises: a storage section in which the substance is stored; a substance passage connecting the storage section to the outside and through which the substance passes; an opening / closing section provided in the substance passage and capable of electrically operating between a closed state that blocks the substance passage and an open state that opens the substance passage; a power receiving section that can receive power from the outside and supply power to the opening / closing section; a control unit that controls the opening and closing of the opening / closing section; and a memory unit that stores information related to the identification of the substance container and is capable of reading the information from the outside, and the control unit operates the opening / closing section from the closed state to the open state or issues a signal to allow the opening / closing section to operate from the closed state to the open state when the information stored in the memory unit read from the outside satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the substance container from being opened or closed by anyone.

[0010] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a disconnected state of a fuel supply system according to a first embodiment; 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a connected state of a fuel supply system according to the first embodiment; 3 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of a fuel supply system according to the first embodiment; 4 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of a fuel supply system according to another example of the first embodiment; 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a disconnected state of a fuel supply system according to a second embodiment; 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a connected state of a fuel supply system according to the second embodiment;

[0011] First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. First, hydrogen has attracted attention as an alternative energy source to fossil fuels. This is because, unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen does not produce carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, when burned. One system that uses hydrogen as an energy source that has been put into practical use is the fuel cell vehicle. A fuel cell vehicle is a vehicle that generates electricity using hydrogen as a raw material and runs on an electric motor using the generated electricity. Many fuel cell vehicles store hydrogen, the energy source, in a hydrogen tank, and generate electricity by feeding the hydrogen from the hydrogen tank into a fuel cell. The hydrogen tank stores hydrogen by compressing it at a high pressure, such as 70 MPa (700 times atmospheric pressure).

[0012] One of the challenges of hydrogen as an energy source is its low energy density. The volumetric energy density of hydrogen is about 1 / 3000 of that of gasoline, so even if a 70 MPa hydrogen tank is used, only about 1 / 5 of the energy of gasoline can be extracted from the same volume. For this reason, fuel cell vehicles using hydrogen tanks generally require more frequent refueling than vehicles using gasoline.

[0013] For this reason, various substances (i.e., hydrogen carriers) that can transport hydrogen at a higher energy density than hydrogen tanks are being investigated. For example, ammonia, methylcyclohexane, and borohydrides such as sodium borohydride are known as hydrogen carriers, and hydrogen carriers are transported instead of hydrogen itself, and hydrogen is extracted from the hydrogen carrier when it is used.

[0014] Such substances, such as fuel containing a hydrogen carrier, are transported in a container, but as described above, it may be undesirable from a safety standpoint if anyone can open and close the container. For this reason, in this embodiment, as will be described later, a fuel supply system 1000 is configured with a fuel container 101 and a hydrogen generator 201. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the substance contained in the fuel container 101 is a hydrogen carrier, and the device that receives the supply of the substance is the hydrogen generator 201. First, the hydrogen carrier will be described.

[0015] [Hydrogen Carrier] Among hydrogen carriers, metal hydrides such as sodium borohydride are widely known, from which hydrogen can be easily extracted by adding water. One known method for obtaining hydrogen by hydrolyzing sodium borohydride is to dissolve sodium borohydride in water and use it as an aqueous solution. However, this method requires a larger amount of water than theoretically required by the reaction formula, resulting in a decrease in the actual volumetric energy density. Therefore, in this embodiment, a solid hydrogen carrier is supplied from a fuel container 101 (described later) to a hydrogen generator, and a water-containing liquid is added to the hydrogen carrier in the hydrogen generator 201 (specifically, the liquid containing water is poured onto the hydrogen carrier) to generate hydrogen.

[0016] Examples of hydrogen carriers that generate hydrogen when a water-containing liquid is added include the following: For example, solid metal hydrides such as sodium borohydride, potassium borohydride, lithium borohydride, zinc borohydride, lithium aluminum hydride, sodium aluminum hydride, magnesium aluminum hydride, calcium aluminum hydride, magnesium hydride, lithium hydride, sodium hydride, and calcium hydride, and metal powders such as aluminum, zinc, calcium, and magnesium, or mixtures of multiple types can be used. The substance contained in the substance container may contain additives such as a reaction accelerator and a desiccant in addition to the hydrogen carrier.

[0017] Furthermore, the hydrogen carrier of this embodiment is preferably a solid. As a solid hydrogen carrier, a solid such as a powder or granule is desirable, but a solid such as a sheet, pellet, or paste can also be used. As the powder, a particle size of about 10 μm to 10 mm can be used, and a particle size of about 10 μm to 3 mm, and even more preferably a particle size of about 10 μm to 100 μm, can be used. Furthermore, when used in a sheet or pellet form, it is preferable to increase the surface area and the contact area with the water-containing liquid by performing surface roughening or porous treatment, etc., in order to enhance reactivity with the water-containing liquid.

[0018] In this embodiment, sodium borohydride powder is used as the solid hydrogen carrier. The powdered sodium borohydride reacts with water to generate hydrogen. The reacted sodium borohydride changes into sodium metaborate, a by-product. This reaction can be expressed by the following chemical formula: NaBH4 (sodium borohydride) + 2H2O (water) → NaBO2 (sodium metaborate) + 4H2 (hydrogen) ... (1)

[0019] The water-containing liquid is not particularly limited as long as it reacts with the hydrogen carrier when applied and generates hydrogen, and may be water alone, or may contain water containing a substance such as a water-soluble organic solvent, a surfactant, a water-soluble acidic substance, a water-soluble basic substance, or a buffer solution.

[0020] There are various types of hydrogen generation devices that generate hydrogen from sodium borohydride powder by causing the above-mentioned reaction, but the hydrogen generation device 201 in this embodiment may be configured in any way as long as it causes this reaction to generate hydrogen.

[0021] [Fuel Supply System] A fuel supply system 1000 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the fuel container 101 is not connected to the hydrogen generation device 201, and Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the fuel container 101 is connected to the hydrogen generation device 201. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the fuel supply system 1000, with arrows indicating the transmission and reception of electrical signals in each device, and the supply and reception of power and the transmission and reception of electrical signals between the fuel container 101 and the hydrogen generation device 201.

[0022] The fuel supply system 1000 as a material supply system includes a fuel container 101 as a material container and a hydrogen generator 201 as a material receiver. The fuel container 101 contains a material (a solid hydrogen carrier in this embodiment). The material contained in the fuel container 101 may be a liquid hydrogen carrier, such as an aqueous solution of sodium borohydride dissolved in water, but as described above, in this embodiment, a solid hydrogen carrier is used. The hydrogen generator 201 is connected to the fuel container 101 to receive the material from the fuel container 101, and generates hydrogen by adding a liquid containing hydrogen carrier water supplied from the fuel container 101. The material receiver is not limited to the hydrogen generator 201, and may be a tank for storing the hydrogen carrier, or any other device that does not have a function of generating hydrogen.

[0023] [Fuel Container] The fuel container 101 as a substance container is used to store powdered sodium borohydride as a fuel. The fuel container 101 has a fuel storage section 102 as a storage section and a first storage section, a fuel passage 103 as a substance passage and a first substance passage, a solenoid valve 105 as an opening / closing section and a first opening / closing section, a power receiving section 106, a solenoid valve controller 108 as a control section and a first control section, an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag 104 as a memory section, and a signal receiving section 107.

[0024] The fuel storage section 102 contains a hydrogen carrier (powdered sodium borohydride in this embodiment) which is a substance (fuel in this embodiment). The fuel passage 103 connects the fuel storage section 102 with the outside and is a passage through which the powdered sodium borohydride passes. That is, the powdered sodium borohydride can enter and exit the fuel storage section 102 via the fuel passage 103.

[0025] The solenoid valve 105 is provided in the fuel passage 103 and is electrically operable between a closed state in which the fuel passage 103 is blocked and an open state in which the fuel passage 103 is opened. The solenoid valve 105 is in a closed state in which the fuel passage 103 is blocked when not energized, and is configured to open when energized by a command from a solenoid valve controller 108. The power receiving unit 106 can receive power from an external source and supply power to the solenoid valve 105. The solenoid valve controller 108 controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 105.

[0026] The RFID tag 104 stores information related to the identification of the fuel container 101 and is equipped with a ROM that can only read information and cannot write information. The RFID tag 104 is wirelessly connected to an external information reading device. That is, information can be read from the RFID tag 104 from outside. The signal receiving unit 107 can receive signals and is connected by wire to an external signal transmitting device. In this embodiment, the signal receiving unit 107 is in physical contact with a signal transmitting unit 207 of the hydrogen generating apparatus 201, which will be described later, and receives electrical signals.

[0027] The information relating to the identification of the fuel container 101 stored in the RFID tag 104 includes information relating to the company that manufactured the fuel container 101, and the information relating to this company cannot be rewritten in the RFID tag 104. The RFID tag 104 may also store other information relating to the identification of the fuel container 101, such as the type of container and information about the substance contained in the container. The reason why the information relating to the identification of the fuel container 101 includes information relating to the company that manufactured the fuel container 101 is as follows.

[0028] In this embodiment, a business model is assumed in which equipment manufacturers and fuel container manufacturers that use powdered sodium borohydride as fuel form an alliance. In such a model, it is necessary to identify whether a manufacturer is a member of the alliance, so the information stored in the RFID tag 104 includes information about the manufacturer. Storing the manufacturer information in this manner prevents manufacturers that are not members of the alliance from arbitrarily manufacturing fuel containers. The information for identifying the fuel container 101 may be, for example, a serial number, and in this case, the first few digits of the serial number may be used as the manufacturer information.

[0029] [Hydrogen Generator] Hydrogen generator 201 as a material receiving unit generates hydrogen by reacting powdered sodium borohydride supplied from fuel container 101 with water. Such hydrogen generator 201 has a fuel passage 203 as a second material passage, a hydrogen generating unit 202 as a supplied unit, a power supply unit 206, an RFID reader 204 as a reading unit, a signal transmitting unit 207, a control unit 208 as a second control unit, an electromagnetic valve 205 as a second opening / closing unit, and a hydrogen passage 209.

[0030] The fuel passage 203 is a passage connected to the fuel passage 103 of the fuel container 101. The hydrogen generation unit 202 is supplied with powdered sodium borohydride as fuel from the fuel passage 203. In the present embodiment, a liquid containing water is stored in advance inside the hydrogen generation unit 202, and the hydrogen generation unit 202 reacts this water-containing liquid with the sodium borohydride supplied from the fuel passage 203 to generate hydrogen.

[0031] Note that hydrogen generation unit 202 may be configured to be capable of supplying a water-containing liquid from the outside, and may be configured to supply a water-containing liquid from the outside and cause it to react with sodium borohydride supplied from fuel passage 203. Alternatively, hydrogen generation unit 202 may have an internal conveying unit such as a screw conveyor or conveying belt that conveys powdered sodium borohydride, and may be configured to supply a water-containing liquid to the sodium borohydride conveyed by the conveying unit.

[0032] The power supply unit 206 can supply power to the power receiving unit 106 of the fuel container 101. Specifically, the hydrogen generation device 201 receives power from a power source such as a power source in a building in which the device is installed. Then, as will be described later, when the hydrogen generation device 201 and the fuel container 101 are connected, the power supply unit 206 and the power receiving unit 106 are physically connected, and power is supplied from the power supply unit 206 to the power receiving unit 106.

[0033] The RFID reader 204 can read information from the RFID tag 104 of the fuel container 101. In this embodiment, when the hydrogen generation apparatus 201 and the fuel container 101 are connected, the RFID reader 204 wirelessly reads out the information stored in the RFID tag 104. The signal transmission unit 207 can transmit a signal to the signal reception unit 107 of the fuel container 101. Specifically, the signal transmission unit 207 transmits a signal to the signal reception unit 107 to control fuel supply in response to a command from the control unit 208. When the hydrogen generation apparatus 201 and the fuel container 101 are connected, the signal transmission unit 207 is also physically connected to the signal reception unit 107 and transmits a signal.

[0034] As described above, in this embodiment, information relating to the identification of the fuel container 101 is communicated wirelessly using the RFID tag 104 and the RFID reader 204. On the other hand, control signals are communicated wired by physically connecting the signal transmitting unit 207 and the signal receiving unit 107. This is because, by storing information relating to the identification of the fuel container 101 in the RFID tag 104, it can be read by a commonly used RFID reader, thereby improving convenience, while the control signals can be communicated when the hydrogen generation device 201 is connected, thereby improving safety.

[0035] By wirelessly communicating information relating to the identification of the fuel container 101, the information can be easily checked not only when connected to the hydrogen generation apparatus 201 but also during other processes, such as during transportation. On the other hand, as for the control signal, as will be described later, a signal for opening and closing the solenoid valve is transmitted, so that the control signal can be transmitted when connected to a specific device, such as when connected to the hydrogen generation apparatus 201, by wired communication.

[0036] Note that information relating to the identification of the fuel container 101 may be communicated by wire. For example, similar to the relationship between the signal transmitting unit 207 and the signal receiving unit 107, when the hydrogen generation apparatus 201 and the fuel container 101 are connected, they are physically connected, enabling the transmission of information relating to the identification of the fuel container 101. That is, the storage unit and the reading unit are not limited to an RFID tag and an RFID reader, but may be other general memories and general devices that read the memories. Furthermore, the control signals may be communicated wirelessly. For example, the control signals may be communicated by wireless communication units provided in both the hydrogen generation apparatus 201 and the fuel container 101.

[0037] The solenoid valve 205 is provided in the fuel passage 203 and is electrically operable between a closed state that blocks the fuel passage 203 and an open state that opens the fuel passage 203. The solenoid valve 205 is in a closed state that blocks the fuel passage 203 when not energized, and is configured to open when energized by a command from the control unit 208. The control unit 208 controls the entire fuel supply system 1000. For example, the control unit 208 controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 205. Furthermore, when information read by the RFID reader 204 satisfies a predetermined condition described below, the control unit 208 causes the signal transmitting unit 207 to transmit a signal to open the solenoid valve 105 of the fuel container 101. The hydrogen passage 209 serves as a path for supplying hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generating unit 202 to the outside.

[0038] [Connection between fuel container and hydrogen generation device] In fuel supply system 1000 configured as above, as shown in FIG. 2, when fuel container 101 is connected to hydrogen generation unit 202 and information stored in RFID tag 104 read by RFID reader 204 satisfies a predetermined condition, solenoid valve controller 108 operates solenoid valve 105 from a closed state to an open state, or issues a signal permitting solenoid valve 105 to operate from a closed state to an open state.

[0039] A more detailed description will be given below. First, an RFID tag 104, a power receiving unit 106, and a signal receiving unit 107 are disposed at a tip end 101a of the fuel container 101, where an opening 103a to the outside of the fuel passage 103 is formed. Meanwhile, a recess 201a is formed at the upper end in the vertical direction of the hydrogen generation device 201 when installed, into which the tip end 101a of the fuel container 101 can be fitted. An RFID reader 204, a power supply unit 206, and a signal transmitting unit 207 are disposed in the recess 201a.

[0040] 2 , when the fuel container 101 is connected to the hydrogen generator 201, the tip 101a of the fuel container 101 fits into the recess 201a of the hydrogen generator 201. At this time, the opening 103a of the fuel passage 103 of the fuel container 101 is connected to the opening 203a to the outside of the fuel passage 203 of the hydrogen generator 201. At this time, the RFID tag 104 comes close to the RFID reader 204, the power receiving unit 106 is physically connected to the power supply unit 206, and the signal receiving unit 107 is physically connected to the signal transmitting unit 207. This allows sodium borohydride to pass between the fuel passage 103 and the fuel passage 203. Also, as shown in Figure 3, the information on the RFID tag 104 can be read by the RFID reader 204, power can be supplied from the power supply unit 206 to the power receiving unit 106, and a signal can be transmitted from the signal transmitting unit 207 to the signal receiving unit 107.

[0041] Although the fuel container 101 and the hydrogen generator 201 are connected by a recessed / protruding engagement as described above, a recessed portion may be provided at the tip of the fuel container 101 and a protruding portion may be provided at the upper end of the hydrogen generator 201 to achieve the recessed / protruding engagement. Furthermore, in addition to or instead of recessed / protruding engagement, they may be connected to each other by magnetic force, or may be connected using hooks or the like. In any case, it is sufficient that when the fuel container 101 and the hydrogen generator 201 are connected, the fuel passage 103 is connected to the fuel passage 203, the RFID tag 104 is in proximity to the RFID reader 204, the power receiving unit 106 is physically connected to the power supply unit 206, and the signal receiving unit 107 is physically connected to the signal transmitting unit 207.

[0042] When the fuel container 101 is connected to the hydrogen generation device 201, power is supplied from the power supply unit 206 to the power receiving unit 106. In addition, the information stored in the RFID tag 104 is read by the RFID reader 204. Specifically, when the fuel container 101 is connected to the hydrogen generation unit 202, the RFID reader 204 reads the information stored in the RFID tag 104. In this embodiment, the RFID reader 204 reads information about the company that manufactured the fuel container 101 and information about the type of fuel container 101.

[0043] When both pieces of information satisfy preset conditions (predetermined conditions), control unit 208 of hydrogen generation apparatus 201 sends a signal to start fuel supply from signal transmission unit 207 and simultaneously opens closed solenoid valve 205. That is, when control unit 208 determines that the information read by RFID reader 204 satisfies the predetermined conditions, it sends a control signal (a signal related to opening solenoid valve 105) to signal reception unit 107 via signal transmission unit 207. At the same time, control unit 208 operates solenoid valve 205 of hydrogen generation apparatus 201 from a closed state to an open state.

[0044] The information read by the RFID reader 204 satisfies the specified conditions, for example, when it is confirmed from the information read about the business that the business is a member of the alliance, and when it is confirmed that the type of fuel container 101 is a type that is compatible with the hydrogen generation device 201.

[0045] When the signal receiving unit 107 receives a control signal from the signal transmitting unit 207, the solenoid valve controller 108 operates the solenoid valve 105 of the fuel container 101 to change from a closed state to an open state. When the solenoid valve 105 is opened, sodium borohydride stored in the fuel storage unit 102 of the fuel container 101 is introduced into the hydrogen generating unit 202 of the hydrogen generating device 201 through the fuel passages 103 and 203. When the sodium borohydride is introduced into the hydrogen generating unit 202, it reacts with the liquid containing water stored in the hydrogen generating unit 202 to generate hydrogen. The generated hydrogen is supplied to the outside through the hydrogen passage 209. For example, a hydrogen storage unit or a device that uses hydrogen (not shown) is connected to the outlet of the hydrogen passage 209, and the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generating unit 202 is supplied to these devices.

[0046] In this embodiment, the fuel container 101 can be prevented from being opened or closed by just anyone. That is, in this embodiment, when the fuel container 101 is connected to the hydrogen generation apparatus 201, the RFID reader 204 reads the information stored in the RFID tag 104, and if the read information satisfies a predetermined condition, the solenoid valve 105 of the fuel container 101 is opened. That is, the fuel container 101 opens the solenoid valve 105 when the information stored in the RFID tag 104, which is read from the outside, satisfies a predetermined condition, and the solenoid valve 105 cannot be opened by the fuel container 101 alone. Therefore, the solenoid valve 105 of the fuel container 101 can be prevented from being opened by just anyone, for example, during transportation of the fuel container 101, thereby ensuring safety.

[0047] Furthermore, when the fuel container 101 is connected to the hydrogen generator 201 and certain conditions are met, the solenoid valve 105 opens, preventing the solenoid valve 105 from opening before the connection is made, and allowing fuel to be safely supplied from the fuel container 101 to the hydrogen generator 201.

[0048] 1 to 3, when the fuel container 101 is connected to the hydrogen generator 201, the solenoid valves 105, 205 are opened if the information read by the RFID reader 204 satisfies a predetermined condition. However, as shown in FIG. 4, the fuel supply system 1000A may have an operation unit 110. That is, in the fuel supply system 1000A according to another example, the fuel container 101A has a control unit 109 and an operation unit 110. The control unit 109 controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 105, and also issues a signal permitting the solenoid valve 105 to be changed from a closed state to an open state if the information read by the RFID reader 204 satisfies a predetermined condition. Note that FIG. 4, like FIG. 3, is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the fuel supply system 1000A.

[0049] The operation unit 110 is, for example, a button (i.e., a start button) that is provided on the outside of the fuel container 101 and can be operated by a user or the like. The operation unit 110 becomes operable when the control unit 109 issues a signal permitting the solenoid valve 105 to be operated from a closed state to an open state. That is, when the information read by the RFID reader 204 satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit 208 of the hydrogen generation apparatus 201 sends a control signal (a signal related to switching the solenoid valve 105 to an open state) to the signal receiving unit 107 via the signal transmitting unit 207. When the signal receiving unit 107 receives a control signal from the signal transmitting unit 207, the control unit 109 issues a signal (permission signal) permitting the solenoid valve 105 to be operated from a closed state to an open state. When the permission signal is not issued, the operation unit 110 is in an inoperable state, for example, a state in which the button does not respond when pressed, or a state in which the button is locked and cannot be pressed. When the control unit 109 issues a permission signal, the operation unit 110 becomes operable.

[0050] When the operation unit 110 is operated, the control unit 109 changes the solenoid valve 105 from a closed state to an open state. That is, in this example, when the information stored in the RFID tag 104 satisfies a predetermined condition and the operation unit 110 is operated, the solenoid valve 105 is opened. As a result, when a user operates the operation unit 110, sodium borohydride is supplied from the fuel container 101 to the hydrogen generator 201, and hydrogen is generated in the hydrogen generator 201. Note that the operation unit 110 may be provided on the hydrogen generator 201 side. Furthermore, the solenoid valve 205 of the hydrogen generator 201 may also be opened when the operation unit 110 is operated.

[0051] In this example as well, it is possible to prevent the fuel container 101 from being opened or closed by anyone. Furthermore, fuel can be safely supplied from the fuel container 101 to the hydrogen generation device 201. In particular, in this example, the solenoid valve 105 opens when the information read by the RFID reader 204 satisfies predetermined conditions and when the operation unit 110 is operated. Therefore, for example, after the fuel container 101 is connected to the hydrogen generation device 201, fuel supply to the hydrogen generation device 201 can be started at any timing.

[0052] Second Embodiment A second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. In the first embodiment described above, a fuel supply system that supplies fuel from a fuel container 101 to a hydrogen generation device 201 was described. In contrast, in this embodiment, a material supply system 2000 will be described that supplies a material such as fuel to a fuel container 101 from a material supply device 301 serving as a material supply unit. Note that in the material supply system 2000 of this example, the configuration of the fuel container 101 is similar to that of the first embodiment. For this reason, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified, and the following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0053] The material supply system 2000 includes a fuel container 101 as a material container, and a material supply device 301 as a material supply unit. The fuel container 101 contains a material (a solid hydrogen carrier in this embodiment), and has a configuration similar to that of the first embodiment. The material supply device 301 is connected to the fuel container 101 and supplies the material to the fuel container 101. In the material supply system 2000 of this embodiment, an empty fuel container 101 is filled with fuel (sodium borohydride in this embodiment) by the material supply device 301 as a material supply unit.

[0054] Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the material supply device 301 is not connected to the fuel container 101, and Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the material supply device 301 is connected to the fuel container 101. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the material supply system 2000, with arrows indicating the transmission and reception of electrical signals in each device, the supply and reception of power between the fuel container 101 and the material supply device 301, and the transmission and reception of electrical signals.

[0055] [Fuel Supply Device] The material supply device 301 has a fuel storage section 302 as a second storage section, a fuel passage 303 as a second material passage, a power supply section 306, an RFID reader 304 as a reading section, a signal transmission section 307, a control section 308 as a second control section, an electromagnetic valve 305 as a second opening / closing section, and a remaining amount sensor 309.

[0056] The fuel storage unit 302 stores powdered sodium borohydride as a substance. The fuel passage 303 connects the fuel storage unit 302 to the outside, allows the powdered sodium borohydride to pass through, and is connected to the fuel passage 103 of the fuel container 101. The power supply unit 306 is capable of supplying power to the power receiving unit 106 of the fuel container 101. Specifically, the material supply device 301 is supplied with power from a power source such as a building in which the device is installed. Then, as described below, when the material supply device 301 and the fuel container 101 are connected, the power supply unit 306 and the power receiving unit 106 are physically connected, and power is supplied from the power supply unit 306 to the power receiving unit 106.

[0057] The RFID reader 304 can read information from the RFID tag 104 of the fuel container 101. In this embodiment, when the material supplying device 301 and the fuel container 101 are connected, the RFID reader 304 reads out information stored in the RFID tag 104 wirelessly. The signal transmitting unit 307 can transmit a signal to the signal receiving unit 107 of the fuel container 101. Specifically, the signal transmitting unit 307 transmits a signal to control fuel supply to the signal receiving unit 107 in response to a command from the control unit 308. When the material supplying device 301 and the fuel container 101 are connected, the signal transmitting unit 307 is also physically connected to the signal receiving unit 107 and transmits a signal.

[0058] The solenoid valve 305 is provided in the fuel passage 303 and is electrically operable between a closed state that blocks the fuel passage 303 and an open state that opens the fuel passage 303. The solenoid valve 305 is in a closed state that blocks the fuel passage 303 when not energized, and is configured to open when energized by a command from the control unit 308. The control unit 308 controls the entire material supply system 2000. For example, the control unit 308 controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 305. Furthermore, when information read by the RFID reader 304 satisfies a predetermined condition described below, the control unit 308 causes the signal transmitting unit 307 to transmit a signal instructing the solenoid valve 105 of the fuel container 101 to be in an open state. The remaining amount sensor 309 is used to grasp the remaining amount of fuel stored in the fuel storage unit 302. In this embodiment, the remaining amount sensor 309 is configured as an ultrasonic sensor.

[0059] [Connection between fuel supply device and fuel container] In the material supply system 2000 configured in this manner, as shown in Figure 6, when the material supply device 301 is connected to the fuel container 101 and the information stored in the RFID tag 104 read by the RFID reader 304 satisfies a predetermined condition, the solenoid valve controller 108 issues a signal to operate the solenoid valve 105 from a closed state to an open state, or to allow the solenoid valve 105 to operate from a closed state to an open state.

[0060] A more detailed description will be given below. First, an RFID tag 104, a power receiving unit 106, and a signal receiving unit 107 are disposed at a tip end 101a of the fuel container 101, where an opening 103a to the outside of the fuel passage 103 is formed. Meanwhile, a recess 301a is formed at the upper end in the vertical direction of the material supply device 301 when installed, into which the tip end 101a of the fuel container 101 can be fitted. An RFID reader 304, a power supply unit 306, and a signal transmitting unit 307 are disposed in the recess 301a.

[0061] 6, when the material supplying device 301 is connected to the fuel container 101, the tip 101a of the fuel container 101 fits into the recess 201a of the material supplying device 301. At this time, the opening 103a of the fuel passage 103 of the fuel container 101 is connected to the opening 303a to the outside of the fuel passage 303 of the material supplying device 301. At this time, the RFID tag 104 comes close to the RFID reader 304, the power receiving unit 106 is physically connected to the power supplying unit 306, and the signal receiving unit 107 is physically connected to the signal transmitting unit 307. This allows sodium borohydride to pass between the fuel passage 103 and the fuel passage 303. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, the RFID reader 304 can read information from the RFID tag 104, power can be supplied from the power supplying unit 306 to the power receiving unit 106, and a signal can be transmitted from the signal transmitting unit 307 to the signal receiving unit 107. As with the connection between the fuel container 101 and the hydrogen generating device 201, the connection between the fuel container 101 and the material supplying device 301 may also be made by other connection methods.

[0062] When the material supplying device 301 is connected to the fuel container 101, power is supplied from the power supply unit 306 to the power receiving unit 106. In addition, the information stored in the RFID tag 104 is read by the RFID reader 304. Specifically, when the material supplying device 301 is connected to the fuel container 101, the RFID reader 304 reads the information stored in the RFID tag 104. In this embodiment, the RFID reader 304 reads information about the company that manufactured the fuel container 101 and information about the type of fuel container 101.

[0063] If both pieces of information satisfy preset conditions (predetermined conditions), the control unit 308 of the material supply device 301 sends a signal to start fuel supply from the signal transmitting unit 307, and simultaneously opens the closed solenoid valve 305. That is, if the control unit 308 determines that the information read by the RFID reader 304 satisfies the predetermined conditions, it sends a control signal (a signal related to opening the solenoid valve 105) to the signal receiving unit 107 via the signal transmitting unit 307. At the same time, the control unit 308 operates the solenoid valve 305 of the material supply device 301 from a closed state to an open state. The predetermined conditions are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0064] When the signal receiving unit 107 receives a control signal from the signal transmitting unit 307, the solenoid valve controller 108 operates the solenoid valve 105 of the fuel container 101 from a closed state to an open state. When the solenoid valve 105 is opened, the sodium borohydride stored in the fuel storage unit 302 of the material supply device 301 is supplied to the fuel storage unit 102 of the fuel container 101 through the fuel passages 303 and 103. Then, when the remaining amount sensor 309 reads out the value when a sufficient amount of fuel has been supplied to the fuel container 101, the control unit 308 sends a control signal (fuel supply stop signal, a signal related to closing the solenoid valve 105) from the signal transmitting unit 307 to the signal receiving unit 107 of the fuel container 101, and at the same time operates the solenoid valve 305 of the material supply device 301 from an open state to a closed state. When the signal receiving unit 107 receives the control signal from the signal transmitting unit 307, the solenoid valve controller 108 operates the solenoid valve 105 of the fuel container 101 from an open state to a closed state.

[0065] In this embodiment as well, it is possible to prevent the fuel container 101 from being opened or closed by just anyone. That is, in this embodiment, when the fuel container 101 is connected to the material supply device 301, the RFID reader 304 reads the information stored in the RFID tag 104, and if the read information satisfies a predetermined condition, the solenoid valve 105 of the fuel container 101 is opened. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the solenoid valve 105 of the fuel container 101 from being opened by just anyone during transportation of the fuel container 101, and safety can be ensured.

[0066] Furthermore, by using the material supply system 2000 of this embodiment for the fuel container 101 that has been emptied after fuel has been supplied to the hydrogen generation device 201 in the first embodiment, it is possible to safely supply fuel to the fuel container 101.

[0067] In this embodiment, the material supply system may also be configured to include an operation unit 110, similarly to the alternative example of the first embodiment described above with reference to Fig. 4. Similarly, the operation unit 110 may be provided in either the fuel container 101 or the material supply device 301.

[0068] <Other Embodiments> In the second embodiment described above, a system has been described in which sodium borohydride is stored in the material supply device 301 and supplied to the fuel container 101. However, the material stored in the material supply device 301 may be a by-product produced when hydrogen is generated by adding a liquid containing water to a hydrogen carrier. Here, when sodium borohydride is reacted with water, sodium metaborate is produced as a by-product. For this reason, sodium metaborate (e.g., a solution of water and sodium metaborate) may be stored in the material supply device 301, and sodium metaborate may be supplied to an empty fuel container 101 using the material supply system 2000 described above.

[0069] In this case, the information related to the identification of the fuel container 101 stored in the RFID tag 104 may include information about the substance contained in the fuel container 101. The information about the substance stored in the RFID tag 104 may be rewritable. This allows, for example, if the fuel container 101 contains sodium borohydride, information to that effect to be written to the RFID tag 104, and if the fuel container 101 contains sodium metaborate, information to that effect to be written to the RFID tag 104.

[0070] Specifically, fuel is supplied from fuel container 101 containing sodium borohydride to hydrogen generation device 201, and after fuel container 101 is emptied, when sodium metaborate is supplied from material supply device 301 to empty fuel container 101, the material information stored in RFID tag 104 is rewritten from sodium borohydride to sodium metaborate. Furthermore, a condition that the material information stored in RFID tag 104 is sodium borohydride is added to the predetermined conditions for opening solenoid valve 105 when fuel container 101 and hydrogen generation device 201 are connected.

[0071] As a result, when fuel container 101 containing sodium metaborate is mistakenly connected to hydrogen generation apparatus 201, the substance information stored in RFID tag 104 is sodium metaborate, which does not satisfy the predetermined conditions, and it is possible to prevent sodium metaborate from being mistakenly supplied from fuel container 101 to hydrogen generation apparatus 201. As described above, in the first and second embodiments, the information stored in RFID tag 104 is not limited to information about the company that manufactured fuel container 101 or information about the type of fuel container 101, but may be other information such as information about the substance contained in fuel container 101.

[0072] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the case where the substance is sodium borohydride has been described, but the substance used in the substance supply system of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, any substance that can be used as a fuel may be used, such as liquid kerosene or gasoline. Furthermore, the substance may be the above-mentioned by-products or other substances that require careful handling.

[0073] The substance supply system according to the present invention is suitable for a substance supply system that supplies a substance from a substance container to a substance receiving unit or a substance from a substance supply unit to a substance container. Also, the substance container according to the present invention is suitable for a substance container that contains a substance.

[0074] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101: Fuel container (substance container) 102: Fuel storage section (storage section, first storage section) 103: Fuel passage (substance passage, first substance passage) 104: RFID tag (storage section) 105: Solenoid valve (opening / closing section, first opening / closing section) 106: Power receiving section 107: Signal receiving section 108: Solenoid valve controller (control section, first control section) 109: Control section (first control section) 110: Operation section 201: Hydrogen generation device (substance receiving section) 202: Hydrogen generation section (supplied section) 203: Fuel passage (second substance passage) 204: RFID reader (reading section) 205: Solenoid valve (second opening / closing section) 206: Power supply section 207: Signal transmitting section 208: Control section (second control section) 301: Substance supply device (substance supply section) 302: Fuel storage section (second storage section) 303: Fuel passage (second material passage) 304: RFID reader (reading unit) 305: Solenoid valve (second opening / closing unit) 306: Power supply unit 307: Signal transmission unit 308: Control unit (second control unit) 1000, 1000A: Fuel supply system (material supply system) 2000: Material supply system

Claims

1. A substance supply system comprising a substance container for storing a substance, and a substance receiving unit connected to the substance container and supplied with a substance from the substance container, wherein the substance container comprises: a storage unit for storing a substance; a first substance passage connecting the storage unit with the outside and through which a substance passes; an opening / closing unit provided in the first substance passage and electrically operable between a closed state for blocking the first substance passage and an open state for opening the first substance passage; a power receiving unit capable of receiving power from the outside and supplying power to the opening / closing unit; a control unit for controlling the opening and closing of the opening / closing unit; and a memory unit in which information relating to the identification of the substance container is stored; and the material receiving unit comprises: a second substance passage connected to the first substance passage; a supplied unit to which substance is supplied from the second material passage; a power supply unit capable of supplying power to the power receiving unit; and a reading unit capable of reading information from the memory unit, The control unit of the material supply system operates the opening / closing unit from the closed state to the open state, or issues a signal to permit the opening / closing unit to be operated from the closed state to the open state, when the material container is connected to the material receiving unit and information stored in the memory unit read by the reading unit satisfies a predetermined condition.

2. The material supply system according to claim 1, wherein the memory unit and the reading unit are wirelessly connected.

3. The control unit is a first control unit, the substance container has a signal receiving unit capable of receiving a signal, the substance receiving unit has a signal transmitting unit capable of transmitting a signal to the signal receiving unit, and a second control unit that causes the signal transmitting unit to transmit a signal regarding opening and closing the opening / closing unit when the information read by the reading unit satisfies the specified condition, and the first control unit operates the opening and closing unit from the closed state to the open state when the signal receiving unit receives a signal regarding opening the opening and closing unit.

4. The substance supply system according to claim 3, wherein the signal receiving unit and the signal transmitting unit are connected by wire.

5. A material supply system as described in claim 3 or 4, wherein the opening / closing unit is a first opening / closing unit, the material receiving unit has a second opening / closing unit provided in the second material passage and electrically operable between a closed state that blocks the second material passage and an open state that opens the second material passage, and the second control unit operates the second opening / closing unit from the closed state to the open state when the information read by the reading unit satisfies the specified condition.

6. A material supply system as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an operation unit that can be operated when the control unit issues a signal permitting the opening / closing unit to be operated from the closed state to the open state, wherein the control unit operates the opening / closing unit from the closed state to the open state when the operation unit is operated.

7. A material supply system as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the information relating to the identification of the material container includes information about the material contained in the material container, and the information about the material stored in the memory unit is rewritable.

8. A material supply system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the information relating to the identification of the material container includes information about the business that manufactured the material container, and the information about the business stored in the memory unit is non-rewritable.

9. A material supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the material contained in the material container is a hydrogen carrier that generates hydrogen when a liquid containing water is added thereto.

10. The material supply system according to claim 9, wherein the hydrogen carrier is a solid.

11. A material supply system as described in claim 9 or 10, wherein the material receiving section is a hydrogen generating device that generates hydrogen by applying a liquid containing water to the hydrogen carrier supplied from the material container.

12. A substance supply system comprising a substance container in which a substance is stored, and a substance supply unit connected to the substance container and supplying a substance to the substance container, wherein the substance container comprises: a first storage unit in which a substance is stored; a first substance passage connecting the first storage unit with the outside and through which a substance passes; an opening / closing unit provided in the first substance passage and electrically operable between a closed state in which the first substance passage is blocked and an open state in which the first substance passage is opened; a power receiving unit capable of receiving power from the outside and supplying power to the opening / closing unit; a control unit for controlling the opening and closing of the opening / closing unit; and a memory unit in which information regarding the identification of the substance container is stored; and the substance supply unit comprises: a second storage unit in which a substance is stored; a second substance passage connecting the second storage unit with the outside, through which a substance passes and which is connected to the first substance passage; a power supply unit capable of supplying power to the power receiving unit; and a reading unit capable of reading information from the memory unit, The control unit of the material supply system operates the opening / closing unit from the closed state to the open state, or issues a signal to permit the opening / closing unit to be operated from the closed state to the open state, when the material container is connected to the material supply unit and information read by the reading unit and stored in the memory unit satisfies a predetermined condition.

13. The material supply system according to claim 12, wherein the memory unit and the reading unit are wirelessly connected.

14. A material supply system as described in claim 12 or 13, wherein the control unit is a first control unit, the substance container has a signal receiving unit capable of receiving a signal, the substance supply unit has a signal transmitting unit capable of transmitting a signal to the signal receiving unit, and a second control unit that causes the signal transmitting unit to transmit a signal regarding opening and closing the opening and closing unit when the information read by the reading unit satisfies the specified condition, and the first control unit operates the opening and closing unit from the closed state to the open state when the signal receiving unit receives a signal regarding opening the opening and closing unit.

15. The substance supply system according to claim 14, wherein the signal receiving unit and the signal transmitting unit are connected by wire.

16. A material supply system as described in claim 14 or 15, wherein the opening / closing unit is a first opening / closing unit, the material supply unit has a second opening / closing unit provided in the second material passage and electrically operable between a closed state that blocks the second material passage and an open state that opens the second material passage, and the second control unit operates the opening / closing unit from the closed state to the open state when the information read by the reading unit satisfies the specified condition.

17. A material supply system as described in any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the information relating to the identification of the material container includes information about the material contained in the material container, and the information about the material stored in the memory unit is rewritable.

18. A material supply system described in any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the information relating to the identification of the material container includes information about the business that manufactured the material container, and the information about the business stored in the memory unit is non-rewritable.

19. A material supply system according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the material contained in the material supply section is a hydrogen carrier that generates hydrogen when a liquid containing water is added thereto.

20. The material delivery system of claim 19, wherein the hydrogen carrier is a solid.

21. A material supply system according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the material contained in the material supply section is a by-product produced when hydrogen is generated by applying a liquid containing water to a hydrogen carrier.

22. A substance container for containing a substance, comprising: a storage section in which a substance is stored; a substance passage connecting the storage section to the outside and through which a substance passes; an opening / closing section provided in the substance passage and capable of electrically operating between a closed state that blocks the substance passage and an open state that opens the material passage; a power receiving section capable of receiving power from the outside and supplying power to the opening / closing section; a control section that controls the opening and closing of the opening / closing section; and a memory section in which information regarding the identification of the substance container is stored and from which the information can be read from the outside, wherein the control section operates the opening / closing section from the closed state to the open state, or issues a signal to permit the opening / closing section to operate from the closed state to the open state, when information stored in the memory section read from the outside satisfies a predetermined condition.

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