Information processing system

Abstract

In this information processing system, a parameter acquisition unit acquires a variation parameter (step S101). In step S102, a determination unit determines the residual amount of hydrogen stored in a hydrogen-storage alloy on the basis of the variation parameter acquired by the parameter acquisition unit and related information stored in a memory unit (step S102). In step S103, the determination unit registers, on a management table, the residual amount of hydrogen inside the cartridge determined in step S102 (step S103).

Description

Information processing system 【0001】 The present invention relates to an information processing system. 【0002】 In Patent Document 1, a hydrogen cartridge containing a hydrogen storage alloy is detachable, and a device operable using the hydrogen cartridge as an energy source is disclosed. 【0003】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-10894 【0004】 A fuel cell that supplies electric power by generating electricity using fuel is known. When using hydrogen fuel, a hydrogen storage alloy may be used for storing the fuel. However, conventionally, it has been difficult to grasp the amount of hydrogen stored in this hydrogen storage alloy. An object of the present invention is to enable identification of the amount of hydrogen stored in a hydrogen storage alloy. 【0005】 The information processing system to which the present invention is applied includes an acquisition unit that acquires a parameter that changes according to consumption of hydrogen supplied from a hydrogen storage alloy, and an identification unit that identifies the amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the parameter acquired by the acquisition unit. 【0006】Here, the acquisition means may acquire information output from a detection unit that detects the amount of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage alloy to the outside of the hydrogen storage alloy as the parameter, and the identification means may identify the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the information output from the detection unit that detects the amount of hydrogen. Alternatively, the acquisition means may acquire the amount of power generated by a fuel cell unit that generates power using the hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage alloy as the parameter, and the identification means may identify the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the amount of power generated. Alternatively, the acquisition means may acquire information output from a detection unit that detects the amount of products generated when power is generated using the hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage alloy as the parameter, and the identification means may identify the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the information output from the detection unit that detects the amount of products. Furthermore, the acquisition means may acquire the hydrogen supply time of the hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage alloy to the fuel cell unit that generates electricity using hydrogen as the parameter, and the identification means may identify the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the hydrogen supply time. Alternatively, the identification means may identify the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the parameter acquired by the acquisition means and temperature information, which is information about the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy. The system may also further include a deterioration information acquisition means for acquiring deterioration information, which is information about the deterioration of the hydrogen storage alloy, and the identification means may identify the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the parameter acquired by the acquisition means and the deterioration information acquired by the deterioration information acquisition means. Alternatively, the identification means may correct the initial value of the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the deterioration information, and identify the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the corrected initial value and the parameter acquired by the acquisition means. Furthermore, the deterioration information acquisition means may acquire information regarding the number of times hydrogen has been filled into the hydrogen storage alloy as deterioration information.Furthermore, the deterioration information acquisition means may acquire the elapsed time from a predetermined reference time as the deterioration information. 【0007】 From another perspective, the information processing system to which the present invention applies is an information processing system comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring information about the operating status of a device to which electricity generated by power generation using hydrogen supplied from a hydrogen storage alloy is supplied; and an identification means for identifying the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the information about the operating status of the device acquired by the acquisition means. 【0008】 According to the present invention, it is possible to determine the amount of hydrogen absorbed by a hydrogen storage alloy. 【0009】 This diagram shows the fuel cell management system. This diagram shows the hardware configuration of the management server. This diagram shows the functional blocks implemented by the management server. This is a flowchart showing the processing flow executed by the management server. This diagram shows relationship information representing the relationship between change parameters and hydrogen consumption. This diagram shows the management table registered in the memory unit. 【0010】 <Configuration of the Management System> The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing a fuel cell management system 10. The management system 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a fuel cell 11 that generates electricity. Multiple fuel cells 11 are provided. The fuel cell 11 is installed, for example, in a house or factory. Portable fuel cells 11 also exist. Portable fuel cells 11 are taken, for example, to a campsite and used outdoors. The fuel cell 11 is also installed, for example, in a home appliance. Fuel is supplied to the fuel cell 11 by a cartridge 12 containing fuel. 【0011】Each user installs the cartridge 12 into the housing in which the fuel cell 11 is installed. This supplies fuel from the cartridge 12 to the fuel cell 11. The fuel cell 11 generates electricity. When the fuel cell 11 is installed in a house, factory, or outdoors, the electricity generated by the fuel cell 11 is supplied to equipment installed around the fuel cell 11. When the fuel cell 11 is installed in an electrical appliance, the electricity generated by the fuel cell 11 is supplied to that appliance. 【0012】 Furthermore, the management system 10 of this embodiment is provided with a management server 20. As will be described later, the management server 20 acquires parameters that change according to fuel consumption and determines the remaining amount of fuel in the cartridge 12. 【0013】 In this embodiment, the fuel cell 11 generates electricity through a pair of oxidation-reduction reactions using a fuel such as hydrogen and an oxidizer. Oxygen from the air is often used as the oxidizer. The fuel is supplied to the fuel cell 11 from the cartridge 12. In this embodiment, the cartridge 12 contains a hydrogen storage alloy M that absorbs hydrogen as fuel. Hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell 11 from the cartridge 12 as fuel. Air from the vicinity of the fuel cell 11 is also supplied to the fuel cell 11. In the fuel cell 11, electricity is generated using gaseous hydrogen and oxygen contained in the air. 【0014】 The fuel cell 11 has two electrodes. An electrolyte is provided between the two electrodes. Furthermore, a wire is provided to connect the two electrodes. In the fuel cell 11, hydrogen is decomposed into hydrogen ions and electrons at one electrode. The hydrogen ions move to the other electrode through the electrolyte. The electrons move to the other electrode through the wire. Electricity is generated by this movement of electrons. At the other electrode, oxygen contained in the air, hydrogen ions that have passed through the electrolyte, and electrons that have moved through the wire react to produce water, which is one example of a product. 【0015】<Management Server Hardware Configuration> Figure 2 shows the hardware configuration of the management server 20. The management server 20 is equipped with a processing unit 901 and an information storage device 902 for storing information. The processing unit 901 is configured as a computer. The processing unit 901 has a CPU (=Central Processing Unit) 911 as an example of a processor. The processing unit 901 also has a ROM (=Read Only Memory) 912 in which programs are stored. Furthermore, the processing unit 901 has a RAM (=Random Access Memory) 913 used as a work area. The information storage device 902 is implemented using existing devices such as a hard disk drive, semiconductor memory, or magnetic tape. The processing unit 901 and the information storage device 902 are connected via a bus 906 and signal lines (not shown). 【0016】 The program executed by the CPU 911 can be provided to the management server 20 via a recording medium. Examples of recording media include magnetic recording media such as magnetic tapes and magnetic disks. Other examples of recording media include optical recording media such as optical disks. Other examples of recording media include magneto-optical recording media. Other examples of recording media include semiconductor memory. The program executed by the CPU 911 may also be provided to the management server 20 using communication means such as the Internet. In this embodiment, the CPU 911 executes programs stored in the ROM 912 and the information storage device 902. 【0017】Figure 3 shows a functional block implemented by the management server 20. In this embodiment, each of the functional units shown in Figure 3 is implemented by the CPU 911 provided in the management server 20 executing a program stored in the ROM 912. In this embodiment, the management server 20 functions as an information processing system. The management server 20 processes information about the fuel cell 11. In this embodiment, the information processing system is implemented by a single device, the management server 20. However, the information processing system is not limited to this, and may be composed of multiple information processing devices. 【0018】 <Management Server Functional Configuration> In this embodiment, the functional units include a parameter acquisition unit 21, a storage unit 22, a specification unit 23, and a degradation information acquisition unit 24. 【0019】 The parameter acquisition unit 21 acquires parameters that change according to the consumption of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage alloy M provided in the cartridge 12. Hereinafter, these parameters may be referred to as "change parameters." There are several types of change parameters, such as the hydrogen flow rate, hydrogen supply time, the amount of power generated in the fuel cell 11, and the amount of the above-mentioned products generated in the oxidation-reduction reaction. Note that the above-mentioned change parameters are just examples and are not limited to these. 【0020】 In this embodiment, by providing a sensor as an example of a detection unit in the fuel cell 11 or cartridge 12, the change parameters can be detected. The parameter acquisition unit 21 acquires the change parameters detected by the detection unit. 【0021】 The storage unit 22 stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 22 stores identification information for each cartridge 12, which is information that identifies the cartridge 12. Each cartridge 12 is pre-assigned identification information to identify it. Each of these identification pieces of information is pre-registered in the storage unit 22. More specifically, each of these identification pieces of information is pre-registered in a management table stored in the storage unit 22, which will be described later. 【0022】Furthermore, the memory unit 22 stores the amount of hydrogen filled in each cartridge 12. More specifically, the memory unit 22 stores the initial value of the amount of hydrogen in each cartridge 12. In other words, the memory unit 22 stores the amount of hydrogen in each cartridge 12 before use begins. The memory unit 22 also stores relationship information showing the relationship between change parameters and hydrogen consumption. In addition, the memory unit 22 stores the remaining amount of hydrogen in each cartridge 12. 【0023】 The identification unit 23 identifies the amount of hydrogen absorbed by the hydrogen storage alloy M. In other words, the identification unit 23 identifies the remaining amount of hydrogen absorbed by the hydrogen storage alloy M. The identification unit 23 identifies the amount of hydrogen absorbed by the hydrogen storage alloy M based on the change parameters acquired by the parameter acquisition unit 21 and the relationship information stored by the storage unit 22. The identification of the amount of hydrogen will be described later. 【0024】 The degradation information acquisition unit 24 acquires degradation information, which is information about the degradation of the hydrogen storage alloy M. The cartridge 12, which is equipped with the hydrogen storage alloy M, can be reused by filling it with hydrogen. On the other hand, repeated use can cause degradation of the hydrogen storage alloy M. Furthermore, degradation of the hydrogen storage alloy M can occur over time after the start of use of the cartridge 12. 【0025】 Deterioration of the hydrogen storage alloy M can lead to, for example, a decrease in its hydrogen storage capacity. In this embodiment, the deterioration information acquisition unit 24 acquires deterioration information, such as, for example, information on the number of times hydrogen has been filled into the hydrogen storage alloy M. In addition, the deterioration information acquisition unit 24 acquires other deterioration information, such as, for example, the elapsed time from a predetermined reference time. The predetermined reference time may be the manufacturing date of the cartridge 12 or the start date and time of use of the cartridge 12. 【0026】<Management Server Processing Flow> Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing flow executed by the management server 20. In this embodiment, first, the parameter acquisition unit 21, as an example of an acquisition means, acquires the change parameters (step S101). The parameter acquisition unit 21 acquires the change parameters for each cartridge 12. 【0027】 Although not explained above, in this embodiment, each of the cartridges 12 is provided with a communication unit for communicating with external devices. Furthermore, each of the cartridges 12 is provided with a control board for controlling its various components. The communication unit outputs change parameters to the external devices. Examples of external devices include the user's smartphone or PC (Personal Computer). In this embodiment, the communication unit outputs change parameters that change according to hydrogen consumption. In this embodiment, a sensor, as an example of a detection unit, outputs change parameters. The communication unit outputs these change parameters obtained from the sensor. 【0028】 Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the cartridge 12 is put into use, the communication unit outputs start information, which indicates that the cartridge 12 has been put into use. The cartridge 12 is equipped with a sensor that detects fuel discharge. The cartridge 12 detects that the cartridge 12 has been put into use when this sensor detects fuel discharge. In response, the communication unit of the cartridge 12 outputs start information. 【0029】 The start information and change parameters output from the communication unit are received by the aforementioned external devices located in the vicinity, either via wired or wireless connection. Specifically, these start information and change parameters are received by the user's communication device, such as a smartphone or PC. The start information and change parameters are then transmitted to the management server 20 via this communication device. A communication line (not shown) is provided between this communication device and the management server 20 to connect them. 【0030】As a result, the management server 20 obtains start information, which is information indicating that the use of cartridge 12 has begun. The start information includes the date and time when cartridge 12 was started to be used. Furthermore, the management server 20 obtains change parameters that change according to hydrogen consumption. The management server 20 obtains start information and change parameters for each cartridge 12. 【0031】 Each of the cartridges 12 is provided with a memory (not shown). This memory stores identification information, which is used to distinguish each cartridge 12 from other cartridges 12. Each cartridge 12 outputs this identification information in addition to start information and change parameters. As a result, the management server 20 obtains the start information, change parameters, and identification information for each cartridge 12. 【0032】 The start information and change parameters acquired by the management server 20 are temporarily registered in the management table stored in the storage unit 22. This registration is performed using identification information as the key. The management table already contains the identification information assigned to each cartridge 12. The start information and change parameters transmitted from the cartridge 12 along with the identification information are registered in the management table in a manner that corresponds to the identification information already registered in the management table. 【0033】 Further explanation will be given with reference to Figure 4. After the processing in step S101, the processing in step S102 is performed. In step S102, the identification unit 23, which is an example of an identification means, identifies the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy M based on the change parameters acquired by the parameter acquisition unit 21 and the relationship information stored in the storage unit 22. In other words, the identification unit 23 identifies the amount of remaining hydrogen in the hydrogen storage alloy M. 【0034】 Specifically, the identification unit 23 first reads the above information, which has been registered in the management table, from this management table. Specifically, the identification unit 23 reads the change parameters, which have been registered in the management table, from this management table. 【0035】 Next, the identification unit 23 reads relationship information from the storage unit 22 that represents the relationship between the change parameter and the amount of hydrogen consumed. Although not explained above, in this embodiment, relationship information describing the relationship between the change parameter and the amount of hydrogen consumed is registered in the storage unit 22. The identification unit 23 reads this relationship information from the storage unit 22. 【0036】 Figure 5 shows relationship information representing the relationship between change parameters and hydrogen consumption. The change parameter registration field 51 contains the registered change parameters. As mentioned above, examples of change parameters include the hydrogen flow rate, hydrogen supply time, power generation amount in the fuel cell 11, and the amount of the above-mentioned products generated in the oxidation-reduction reaction. The hydrogen consumption registration field 52 contains the hydrogen consumption amount corresponding to the change in the change parameter. 【0037】 In the example shown in Figure 5, the correspondence between the change parameter and the amount of hydrogen consumed is divided into five stages. In Figure 5, the amount of change in the change parameter is shown as 1 to 5. Also, the amount of hydrogen consumed corresponding to change parameters 1 to 5 is shown as 1 to 5. Among 1 to 5, 1 is the smallest value and 5 is the largest value. Each of the change parameters 1 to 5 has an upper limit and a lower limit, and has a numerical range. In the example shown in Figure 5, the correspondence is shown in stages without using specific numerical values, but in reality, the relationship information between the change parameter and the amount of hydrogen consumed is defined by numerical values. The storage unit 22 stores relationship information showing the relationship with the amount of hydrogen consumed for each type of change parameter. In this embodiment, relationship information is prepared for each type of change parameter. 【0038】 The identification unit 23 refers to the relationship information shown in Figure 5 and identifies the hydrogen consumption amount from the acquired change parameters. For example, if the acquired change parameter belongs to change parameter 1, the identification unit 23 identifies the hydrogen consumption amount as consumption amount 1. Then, the identification unit 23 subtracts this consumption amount 1 from the latest remaining amount registered in the management table described later and identifies the new remaining amount. 【0039】In this embodiment, the latest remaining amount of cartridge 12 is registered in the management table. When cartridge 12 is first used, the latest remaining amount becomes the initial value that was first registered in the management table. 【0040】 Furthermore, in this embodiment, the identification unit 23 determines the remaining amount of hydrogen after considering the deterioration of the hydrogen storage alloy M. Specifically, the identification unit 23 acquires deterioration information of the hydrogen storage alloy M, which is acquired by the deterioration information acquisition unit 24, which is an example of a deterioration information acquisition means. Then, the identification unit 23 corrects the initial value of the remaining amount of hydrogen based on the acquired deterioration information. 【0041】 In this embodiment, the maximum amount of hydrogen absorbed by the hydrogen storage alloy M decreases depending on the number of hydrogen refills and the elapsed time from the reference point. In this embodiment, the initial value of this maximum amount for the hydrogen storage alloy M is registered in the management table described later. The identification unit 23 corrects and changes this initial value based on the deterioration information of the hydrogen storage alloy M. For example, if the hydrogen refill count is two, the identification unit 23 corrects this initial value by multiplying it by a predetermined coefficient less than 1. Then, if the identification unit 23 obtains change parameters after the second refill, for example, it subtracts the consumption amount obtained based on the change parameters from this corrected initial value to determine the latest remaining amount. 【0042】 Figure 6 shows a management table registered in the storage unit 22. In this embodiment, information for each cartridge 12 is registered in the management table shown in Figure 6. The management table is stored in the storage unit 22. The management table contains identification information and user information, which is information for identifying the user, corresponding to each cartridge 12. 【0043】The management table is provided with an identification information registration column 61 which is a registration column for identification information. The identification information of the cartridge 12 is registered in the identification information registration column 61. Also, the management table is provided with a user information registration column 62 which is a registration column for user information. The user information is registered in the user information registration column 62. In the present embodiment, each of the cartridges 12, the identification information, and the user information are registered in the management table in a state where they are associated with each other. 【0044】 In the present embodiment, before the process shown in FIG. 4 is started, the identification information and the user information are registered in the management table in advance. Examples of the user information include the name and address of the user. Also, examples of the user information include other information such as the email address about the information destination. Also, examples of the user information include the gender and age of the user. These information are input in advance by the user operating a device such as his / her smartphone or PC. Then, these information are transmitted from this device to the management server 20 and registered in the management table of the storage unit 22. 【0045】 Also, the management table is provided with a start information registration column 63 which is a registration column for start information. In the present embodiment, the acquired start information is registered in this start information registration column 63. Also, the management table is provided with a change parameter registration column 64 which is a registration column for change parameters. In the present embodiment, the change parameters sequentially acquired and transmitted to the management server 20 are registered in the change parameter registration column 64. In the present embodiment, the identification information, the start information, and the change parameters are transmitted from the cartridge 12 to the management server 20. As described above, the management server 20 registers the start information and the change parameters in the management table using the identification information as a key. 【0046】 Further, the management table is provided with a remaining amount registration column 65 which is a registration column for the remaining amount indicating the amount of hydrogen in the cartridge 12. The remaining amount of hydrogen specified by the specifying unit 23 is registered in this remaining amount registration column 65. 【0047】In this embodiment, when a change parameter is registered in the change parameter registration column 64 of the management table, based on this change parameter, the latest remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge 12 is specified. Then, this latest remaining amount is registered in the remaining amount registration column 65. 【0048】 Furthermore, the management table is provided with an initial value registration column 66 which is an initial value registration column for the hydrogen storage alloy M. The initial value of the maximum filling amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage alloy M is registered in the initial value registration column 66. As described above, this initial value is corrected based on the deterioration information of the hydrogen storage alloy M. 【0049】 Furthermore, the management table is provided with a deterioration information registration column 67 which is a registration column for deterioration information regarding the deterioration of the hydrogen storage alloy M. The deterioration information of the hydrogen storage alloy M is registered in the deterioration information registration column 67. As described above, examples of the deterioration information include the number of times of hydrogen filling for the cartridge 12 and information regarding the deterioration over time of the cartridge 12. 【0050】 Although not described above, each of the cartridges 12 is provided with a memory for registering the number of filling times. In this embodiment, at a location where there is a filling facility, hydrogen is filled into the cartridge 12. When hydrogen is filled into the cartridge 12, 1 is added to the number of filling times registered at that time in the memory. Thereby, the number of filling times is updated. 【0051】 When the cartridge 12 is installed in the fuel cell 11, the number of filling times is read from the memory and transmitted to a communication device such as the user's smartphone or PC. Then, this number of filling times is transmitted to the management server 20 via the above communication device. Thereby, the deterioration information acquisition unit 24 of the management server 20 acquires this number of filling times. Then, this number of filling times is registered in the deterioration information registration column 67. 【0052】In this embodiment, as described above, the initial value of the hydrogen storage alloy M is corrected based on the degradation information of the hydrogen storage alloy M. In this embodiment, each piece of degradation information and each of the coefficients used for correction are registered in the storage unit 22 in a corresponding state. In this embodiment, the number of hydrogen fillings and the coefficient are associated such that the coefficient increases as the number of hydrogen fillings increases. Also, in this embodiment, the elapsed time and the coefficient are associated such that the coefficient increases as the elapsed time from the reference time increases. 【0053】 The specific unit 23 uses these correspondences to correct the above-mentioned initial values ​​for the initial values ​​of the hydrogen storage alloy M. Specifically, for example, if the hydrogen has been filled for the second time, the specific unit 23 obtains a coefficient associated with this second filling. Then, the specific unit 23 corrects the initial values ​​using this coefficient. Finally, the specific unit 23 subtracts the above-mentioned consumption amount, which was determined based on the change parameters, from the corrected initial values ​​to determine the remaining amount of hydrogen. 【0054】 Furthermore, if the identification unit 23 obtains, for example, the elapsed time from the reference time, it obtains a coefficient associated with this elapsed time. The identification unit 23 then corrects the initial value using this coefficient. The identification unit 23 then subtracts the above consumption amount, which was determined based on the change parameter, from the corrected initial value to determine the remaining amount of hydrogen. 【0055】 Refer to Figure 4 for further explanation. After the processing in step S102, the processing in step S103 is performed. In step S103, the identification unit 23 registers the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge 12, which was identified in step S102, in the management table. More specifically, the identification unit 23 registers the latest remaining amount of hydrogen in the remaining amount registration column 65 of the management table. Through this series of processes, the remaining amount of hydrogen in the cartridge 12 is determined. 【0056】<Specific Examples> As mentioned above, examples of change parameters include the hydrogen flow rate, hydrogen supply time, power generation amount in the fuel cell 11, and the amount of the above-mentioned products generated in the oxidation-reduction reaction. When the identification unit 23 obtains the hydrogen flow rate as a change parameter, it obtains the hydrogen consumption amount corresponding to this hydrogen flow rate based on the relationship information shown in Figure 5. Then, as mentioned above, the identification unit 23 subtracts the obtained consumption amount from the initial value to determine the latest remaining amount. The identification unit 23 then registers this latest remaining amount in the remaining amount registration field 65. 【0057】 As described above, if the hydrogen refueling count is the second or later, the specific unit 23 corrects the initial value, and then subtracts the acquired consumption amount from the corrected initial value to determine the latest remaining amount. 【0058】 Furthermore, if the identification unit 23 obtains the elapsed time from the reference time, it corrects the initial value based on this elapsed time. Then, the identification unit 23 subtracts the obtained consumption amount from the corrected initial value to determine the latest remaining amount. Note that the above coefficient may not be set when the elapsed time from the reference time is short. In this case, the initial value will not be corrected when the elapsed time from the reference time is short. 【0059】 Furthermore, if the identification unit 23 obtains, for example, the hydrogen supply time as a change parameter, it similarly obtains the hydrogen consumption amount corresponding to this hydrogen supply time based on the relevant information. Then, as described above, the identification unit 23 subtracts the obtained consumption amount from the initial value to determine the latest remaining amount. The identification unit 23 then registers this latest remaining amount in the remaining amount registration field 65. As described above, this initial value is corrected based on the number of refuelings and the elapsed time from the reference time. 【0060】If the changing parameter is the hydrogen supply time, it is preferable to also perform the above-mentioned consumption correction by subtracting from the initial value. This is because the amount of hydrogen discharged from the hydrogen storage alloy M changes depending on the temperature, the number of times the cartridge 12 has been used, and the elapsed time from the reference time. When the identification unit 23 acquires information on the temperature, the number of times it has been used, and the elapsed time from the reference time, it acquires a coefficient to be used for correcting the consumption amount based on the information stored in the storage unit 22. 【0061】 Although not explained above, the memory unit 22 stores information about temperature, number of uses, and elapsed time from a reference point, along with a coefficient used to correct the consumption amount, all in a corresponding manner. The memory unit 22 registers the correspondence between the information about temperature, number of uses, and elapsed time from a reference point, and the coefficient used to correct the consumption amount. The identification unit 23 obtains the coefficient based on this correspondence. The identification unit 23 then multiplies the consumption amount obtained based on the hydrogen supply time, which is a change parameter, by this coefficient to obtain the corrected consumption amount. Next, the identification unit 23 subtracts the corrected consumption amount from the initial value to determine the latest remaining amount. The coefficient used to correct the consumption amount may be greater than 1. For example, if the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy M is high, the release of hydrogen from the hydrogen storage alloy M is promoted. In this case, a coefficient greater than 1 is used. 【0062】 Furthermore, if the specific unit 23 obtains, for example, the amount of power generated in the fuel cell 11 as a change parameter, it similarly obtains the amount of hydrogen consumed corresponding to this power generation amount based on the relevant information. Then, as described above, the specific unit 23 subtracts the obtained consumption amount from the initial value to determine the latest remaining amount. The specific unit 23 then registers this latest remaining amount in the remaining amount registration field 65. As described above, the initial value is corrected based on the number of refueling cycles and the elapsed time from the reference time. 【0063】 When acquiring the amount of power generated in the fuel cell 11 as a change parameter, information about the amount of power generated in each fuel cell 11 is transmitted from each fuel cell 11 to the management server 20. The identification unit 23 obtains this information transmitted from the fuel cell 11 and acquires the amount of power generated in the fuel cell 11. 【0064】 Furthermore, if the specific unit 23 obtains the amount of product generated in the oxidation-reduction reaction as a change parameter, it similarly obtains the amount of hydrogen consumed corresponding to this amount of product based on the related information. Water can be used as an example of the product. In this embodiment, information about the amount of water generated in conjunction with the power generation of the fuel cell 11 is obtained by a sensor installed in the fuel cell 11. In this embodiment, information about this amount of water is transmitted from each of the fuel cells 11 to the management server 20. The specific unit 23 obtains this information transmitted from the fuel cell 11 and acquires the amount of product. Then, the specific unit 23 obtains the amount of hydrogen consumed based on this amount of product and the related information. Subsequently, the specific unit 23, as described above, subtracts the acquired consumption from the initial value to determine the latest remaining amount. Then, the specific unit 23 registers this latest remaining amount in the remaining amount registration field 65. As described above, this initial value is corrected based on the number of refills and the elapsed time from the reference time. 【0065】 Furthermore, the identification unit 23 may determine the amount of hydrogen consumed based on information about the operating status of the device to which power is supplied from the fuel cell 11. Information about the operating status may include, for example, the power consumption of the supply device, which is the device to which power is supplied. In addition, if the supply device is equipped with a drive unit C (see Figure 1), such as a rotating body, information about the status of this drive unit C may be acquired as information about the operating status. 【0066】 Examples of supply devices include household appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners installed in homes. To perform its function, this supply device consumes electricity, for example, to drive the drive unit C. Examples of drive unit C include motors and compressors. In this embodiment, hydrogen consumption can also be determined by identifying the power consumption of the supply device and the operating status of the drive unit C. In this embodiment, by providing sensors in the supply device, the power consumption of the supply device, the operating status of the drive unit C, and the operating time can be detected. 【0067】In this embodiment, the supply device transmits information about the operating status of the supply device detected by the sensor to the management server 20. The identification unit 23 receives this information transmitted from the supply device and acquires information about the operating status of the supply device. 【0068】 In this embodiment, the storage unit 22 stores information about the operating status of the supply device and relationship information representing the relationship between hydrogen consumption. The identification unit 23 obtains the hydrogen consumption based on the acquired information about the operating status of the supply device and the relationship information. Then, the identification unit 23 subtracts the acquired consumption from the initial value, as described above, to determine the latest remaining amount. The identification unit 23 then registers this latest remaining amount in the remaining amount registration field 65. As described above, this initial value is corrected based on the number of refuelings and the elapsed time from the reference time. 【0069】 <Other> In this embodiment, when the latest remaining amount of hydrogen registered in the management table falls below a predetermined amount, the administrator of the management system 10 and the owner of the cartridge 12 are notified that the remaining amount is decreasing. Upon receiving this notification, the administrator of the management system 10 collects the cartridge 12 from the owner and provides a new cartridge 12 in its place. A charge is made to the user in connection with the above-mentioned replacement of the cartridge 12. The charge to the user may be determined based on the remaining amount registered in the remaining amount registration field 65 of the management table. Alternatively, the user may be charged using a so-called subscription method. Even when charging using a subscription method, the charge to the user may be determined based on the remaining amount registered in the remaining amount registration field 65. 【0070】In this embodiment, the fuel cell 11 and the cartridge 12 containing the hydrogen storage alloy M are provided separately. On the other hand, it is also possible to provide a device that integrates the fuel cell 11 and the hydrogen storage alloy M into a single unit. As an example of such an integrated device, a mobile battery in which the fuel cell 11 and the hydrogen storage alloy M are built into the cartridge 12 can be considered. In this case, the hydrogen storage alloy M, the fuel cell 11, and the control board are provided within the cartridge 12 that functions as a mobile battery. Identification information is then assigned to this cartridge 12. 【0071】 10...Management system, 11...Fuel cell, 12...Cartridge, 20...Management server, 21...Parameter acquisition unit, 22...Storage unit, 23...Specification unit, 24...Degradation information acquisition unit

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring parameters that change in accordance with the consumption of hydrogen supplied from a hydrogen storage alloy; and an identification means for identifying the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the parameters acquired by the acquisition means.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information output from a detection unit that detects the amount of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage alloy to the outside of the hydrogen storage alloy as the parameter, and the identification means identifies the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the information output from the detection unit that detects the amount of hydrogen.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires the amount of power generated by a fuel cell unit that generates power using hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage alloy as the parameter, and the identification means identifies the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the amount of power generated.

4. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires information output from a detection unit that detects the amount of product generated when power is generated using hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage alloy, as the parameter, and the identification means identifies the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the information output from the detection unit that detects the amount of product.

5. The information processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition means acquires the supply time of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen storage alloy to a fuel cell unit that generates electricity using hydrogen as the parameter, and the identification means identifies the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the hydrogen supply time.

6. The information processing system according to claim 5, characterized in that the identifying means identifies the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the parameters obtained by the acquisition means and temperature information which is information about the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy.

7. The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising deterioration information acquisition means for acquiring deterioration information which is information about the deterioration of the hydrogen storage alloy, wherein the identification means identifies the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the parameters acquired by the acquisition means and the deterioration information acquired by the deterioration information acquisition means.

8. The information processing system according to claim 7, characterized in that the identifying means corrects the initial value of the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the deterioration information, and identifies the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the corrected initial value and the parameter obtained by the acquisition means.

9. The information processing system according to claim 8, characterized in that the deterioration information acquisition means acquires information regarding the number of times hydrogen has been filled into the hydrogen storage alloy as deterioration information.

10. The information processing system according to claim 8, characterized in that the deterioration information acquisition means acquires the elapsed time from a predetermined reference time as the deterioration information.

11. An information processing system comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring information about the operating status of a device that is supplied with electricity generated by power generation using hydrogen supplied from a hydrogen storage alloy; and an identification means for identifying the amount of hydrogen absorbed in the hydrogen storage alloy based on the information about the operating status of the device acquired by the acquisition means.

Images