JP2003130291A - Hydrogen filling device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hydrogen filling device for protecting a PEFC and a hydrogen absorbing alloy from being poisoned by reducing the density of impurities contained in hydrogen. SOLUTION: This hydrogen filling device used for a fuel cell vehicle having a hydrogen filling passage 1 for filling hydrogen to an MH hydrogen tank 7 comprises a bypass passage 2 branched from the hydrogen filling passage 1 to fill hydrogen to the MH hydrogen tank 7, a hydrogen separator 3 having a hydrogen permeable membrane 3b, filling the hydrogen passed through the hydrogen permeable membrane 3b to the MH hydrogen tank 7, and discharging the hydrogen not having passed through the hydrogen permeable membrane 3b which is installed in the bypass passage 2, and a selector means 6 for selectively switching a flow passage for hydrogen led into the hydrogen filling passage 1 to the hydrogen filling passage 1 or the bypass passage 2.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hydrogen filling device for filling hydrogen into a hydrogen storage container which stores hydrogen for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) is
It has a solid polymer electrolyte membrane sandwiched between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, can generate power even at room temperature, and is being put to practical use for various purposes including power sources for electric vehicles.

In this PEFC, hydrogen is supplied to the anode electrode, and electrons are emitted from the hydrogen at the anode electrode to generate electric power. Hydrogen that has lost electrons at the anode electrode becomes a proton, moves to the cathode electrode in the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and is oxidized by the oxidant gas (air) supplied to the cathode electrode side to generate water.

There are two major methods for supplying hydrogen to PEFC.
It is roughly divided into types. One is a method of storing fuel containing hydrocarbon in a vehicle-mounted storage container, reforming the fuel by a reformer and supplying the reformed hydrogen to a fuel cell, and the other is a method of filling hydrogen outside the vehicle. In this method, the hydrogen stored in 1 is filled in a vehicle-mounted storage container and the hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell. As a fuel cell vehicle, fuel (fuel containing hydrocarbon or hydrogen) must be periodically filled in a vehicle-mounted storage container.

Here, the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen filling facility is obtained by a method of reforming an organic gas such as natural gas or an organic liquid such as methanol or gasoline by a complex or the like, or by a metal complex chemical hydride or the like. It is produced by the method of obtaining hydrogen on-site. The hydrogen produced in this way is liquefied and transported to a hydrogen filling facility,
When filling hydrogen into an onboard hydrogen storage container (high-pressure tank or hydrogen storage tank containing hydrogen storage alloy, etc.),
It is vaporized and boosted to a predetermined pressure.

[0006]

However, at the time of hydrogen filling, some impurities may be mixed in the hydrogen filled from the hydrogen filling facility. As impurities mixed into hydrogen, CO generated in a side reaction during the fuel reforming reaction, oil and fat components mixed from the booster in the step of boosting hydrogen, and a resin hose for circulating hydrogen are used. , Organic impurities mixed from the hose. It is also conceivable that these trace amounts of impurities will accumulate in the filling device in the vehicle. Hereinafter, these impurities will be simply referred to as “impurities”.

These impurities contained in hydrogen poison the anode electrode and suppress the protonation reaction of hydrogen, so that the power generation voltage of PEFC is lowered and the output is lowered. Further, even when hydrogen is supplied to the PEFC by the on-vehicle hydrogen storage tank containing the hydrogen storage alloy, the hydrogen storage alloy is poisoned by the hydrogen containing the filled impurities, and the hydrogen storage amount of the hydrogen storage alloy is reduced. It causes deterioration and shortens the life of the hydrogen storage alloy.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and reduces the concentration of impurities contained in hydrogen,
An object of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen filling device provided with a mechanism for protecting PEFCs and hydrogen storage alloys from poisoning.

[0009]

The present invention has the following structure in order to solve the above problems. The invention according to claim 1 is a hydrogen filling device including a hydrogen filling passage for filling hydrogen into a hydrogen storage container, and a bypass passage branched from the hydrogen filling passage for filling hydrogen into the hydrogen storage container; A hydrogen separator that includes a permeable membrane, fills the hydrogen storage container with hydrogen that has permeated the hydrogen permeable membrane, and discharges hydrogen that has not permeated the hydrogen permeable membrane to the bypass passage, and to the hydrogen filling passage. A hydrogen filling device used in a fuel cell vehicle, comprising switching means for selectively switching a distribution route of introduced hydrogen between the hydrogen filling passage and the bypass passage.

In order to fill the hydrogen storage container with hydrogen, the hydrogen filling device according to the present invention has a hydrogen filling passage and a bypass passage branched from the hydrogen filling passage to reach the hydrogen storage container. . The bypass passage is provided with a hydrogen separator having a hydrogen permeable membrane for reducing impurities in hydrogen introduced into the hydrogen filling passage. If the impurity concentration in hydrogen introduced into the hydrogen filling passage does not meet the standard value,
By switching a switching means such as a valve provided at a branch point between the hydrogen filling passage and the bypass passage, hydrogen is introduced into the bypass passage, impurities are reduced by the hydrogen separator, and hydrogen is filled in the hydrogen storage container.

The invention according to claim 2 is provided with a sensor for detecting an impurity concentration in hydrogen introduced into the hydrogen filling passage or a hydrogen concentration, and when the impurity concentration is equal to or higher than a predetermined concentration or the hydrogen concentration is equal to or lower than a predetermined concentration. In this case, the switching device is switched so that hydrogen flows through the bypass passage. The hydrogen filling device for use in a fuel cell vehicle according to claim 1, wherein.

In the hydrogen filling apparatus according to the second aspect, the impurity concentration in hydrogen detected by the impurity sensor is compared with a previously stored reference value of the impurity concentration, and the impurity concentration does not satisfy the reference value. In this case, by switching the switching means, hydrogen is guided to the bypass passage. The hydrogen introduced into the bypass passage is purified by a hydrogen separator so that the impurity concentration satisfies the reference value, and then filled in the hydrogen storage container. With this configuration, high-grade hydrogen (hydrogen with an impurity concentration satisfying the standard value) is always supplied to the fuel cell and the hydrogen storage container, so that it is possible to prevent poisoning of the fuel cell and the hydrogen storage container. Become. Further, since the hydrogen separator is activated only when the impurities in the hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen filling device do not satisfy the reference value, it is possible to improve the hydrogen utilization efficiency as compared with the method of always operating the hydrogen separator. Become. As a means for evaluating the quality of hydrogen, it is possible to use a hydrogen concentration detection sensor in addition to the impurity sensor.

The invention according to claim 3 is the fuel cell vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an exhaust hydrogen storage container for storing hydrogen that has not permeated the hydrogen permeable membrane. This is the hydrogen filling device used.

In the invention described in claim 1, the hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen separator is discharged to the outside of the system. However, in the invention described in claim 3, the hydrogen is temporarily stored in the discharged hydrogen storage container. This made it possible to reuse hydrogen.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hydrogen recirculation passage for introducing hydrogen stored in the discharged hydrogen storage container into the hydrogen separator, and an opening / closing means for opening / closing the hydrogen recirculation passage. It is a hydrogen filling device used for the fuel cell vehicle according to claim 3. According to the invention of claim 4, the discharged hydrogen storage container is connected to the hydrogen separator by a hydrogen return path having an opening / closing means, and the opening / closing means is operated under predetermined conditions (for example, the discharged hydrogen storage container. The hydrogen recirculation passage is opened with the pressure of 1) and the hydrogen stored in the discharged hydrogen storage container is introduced into the hydrogen separator. The hydrogen passing through the hydrogen separator has a reduced impurity concentration and is filled in the hydrogen storage container.

With this structure, high-grade hydrogen (hydrogen having an impurity concentration satisfying the standard value) is always supplied to the fuel cell and the hydrogen storage container, so that the fuel cell and the hydrogen storage container are prevented from being poisoned. Is possible. Furthermore, since the hydrogen that is temporarily stored in the discharged hydrogen storage container is reused, it is possible to reduce the amount of hydrogen wasted outside the system and improve the efficiency of hydrogen utilization. Becomes

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the hydrogen filling device having a hydrogen filling passage for filling the first hydrogen storage container with hydrogen, the hydrogen filling passage has a hydrogen separator having a hydrogen permeable membrane. The hydrogen separator fills the first hydrogen storage container with hydrogen that has passed through the hydrogen permeable membrane and stores the hydrogen that has not passed through the hydrogen permeable membrane in a second hydrogen storage container. The second hydrogen storage container has a hydrogen reflux passage for introducing the stored hydrogen into the hydrogen separator, and a hydrogen flow passage for introducing the stored hydrogen into the fuel cell.
The hydrogen refilling device for a fuel cell vehicle, further comprising switching means for selectively switching the flow path of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage container between the hydrogen return path and the hydrogen flow path.

In the invention described in claim 5, the hydrogen introduced into the hydrogen filling passage first passes through the hydrogen separator. By doing so, the hydrogen with which the first hydrogen storage container is filled is always of high quality (impurity concentration is low). Further, the hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen separator is temporarily stored in a second hydrogen storage container having two outlets (hydrogen flow passage, hydrogen return passage). For example, in the second hydrogen storage container, the impurity concentration of the stored hydrogen is evaluated, and if the impurity concentration satisfies the reference value, the switching means selects the hydrogen flow passage as the hydrogen flow passage. If so, hydrogen is introduced into the fuel cell. Further, for example, when the impurity concentration does not meet the reference value, if the switching means selects the hydrogen reflux path as the hydrogen flow path, the hydrogen is introduced again into the hydrogen separator to reduce the impurities. After that, it is introduced into the fuel cell.

With this configuration, high-grade hydrogen (hydrogen having an impurity concentration satisfying the standard value) is always supplied to the fuel cell and the hydrogen storage container, so that the fuel cell and the hydrogen storage container are prevented from being poisoned. Is possible. Further, since the hydrogen temporarily stored in the second hydrogen storage container is reused, it is possible to reduce the amount of hydrogen wastedly discharged to the outside of the system and improve the hydrogen utilization efficiency. Become.

[0020]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications are possible as long as the technical idea of the present invention is embodied. It is possible to make changes.

The present invention relates to a hydrogen filling device for reducing impurities contained in hydrogen into high-quality hydrogen and supplying the hydrogen to a hydrogen storage container mounted on a vehicle.

As a method for removing impurities in hydrogen,
Membrane separation method, PSA method (pressure fluctuation adsorption method), cryogenic separation method,
Solution absorption methods and the like are known. In particular, for the hydrogen filling device of the present invention, the membrane separation method, which has few mechanically movable parts and has a simple device configuration, is particularly suitable. The membrane separation method is a method of taking out hydrogen with reduced impurities by transmitting hydrogen gas containing impurities through a hydrogen permeable membrane that can permeate only hydrogen molecules.

An example of the hydrogen separator used in the membrane separation method is shown in FIG. The hydrogen separator 50 has a high impurity concentration,
Hydrogen inlet 51 for introducing hydrogen that does not meet the standard value (hereinafter, referred to as “low-grade hydrogen”), hydrogen having an impurity concentration that satisfies the standard value (hereinafter, referred to as “high-grade hydrogen”) Hydrogen outlet 52 and hydrogen inlet 51 for taking out
And a hydrogen derivation port 52 are partitioned from each other, a low-quality hydrogen chamber 54 that is a space between the hydrogen introduction port 51 and the hydrogen permeable film 56, and a space between the hydrogen derivation port 52 and the hydrogen permeable film 56. It is composed of a high-quality hydrogen chamber 55, which is a space, and a discharge port 53 for discharging hydrogen containing impurities from the low-quality hydrogen chamber 54.

Although hydrogen containing impurities that cannot permeate the hydrogen permeable membrane 56 exists in the low-grade hydrogen chamber 54, hydrogen containing the impurities is appropriately discharged from the low-grade hydrogen chamber 54 (broken line in the figure). (See arrow). In addition, the hydrogen permeable film 56
Has a structure in which multiple layers are stacked in the hydrogen separator 50 in order to increase the contact area with low-grade hydrogen.

The hydrogen permeable film 56 is not particularly limited in its material as long as it is a film having a property of allowing only hydrogen molecules to pass therethrough and not allowing an impurity gas to pass therethrough. However, a polymer film such as a polyimide film or a polydimethylsiloxane film, Or Pd, Pd / A
g, Pd / Cu, Pd / Ag / Cu, V, Nb, amorphous MH (AB ₂ type, AB ₅ type), or other metal film, or a polymer film or a metal film and a porous film (porous film) of these. It is preferable to use a composite film of a porous polymer film and a porous ceramic film). By using the materials as described above, it is possible to obtain the hydrogen permeable film 56 having excellent impurity separation ability.

It is preferable that the concentration of impurities (CO, fats and oils) contained in hydrogen is lower, but in order to make PEFC and hydrogen storage alloy poisoning practically acceptable,
The total concentration of impurities is preferably 200 ppm or less. In particular, CO is highly poisoned and its concentration must be strictly limited. The CO concentration is preferably 100 ppm or less, more preferably 50 ppm or less. By setting the total concentration of impurities and the CO concentration within the above ranges, poisoning of PEFCs and hydrogen storage alloys can be suppressed to such an extent that there is no practical problem.

[First Embodiment] The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. This embodiment corresponds to claim 1 or 2. The hydrogen filling device of the present invention is branched from the hydrogen filling passage 1 and the hydrogen filling passage 1 for circulating hydrogen supplied from a hydrogen filling facility such as a hydrogen supply station, and the hydrogen filling passage 1 is provided immediately before the impurity sensor 4. 2, a hydrogen separator 3 and a hydrogen filling path 1 provided in the bypass path 2.
The impurity sensor 4 provided immediately before the MH type hydrogen tank 7, the valve 6 provided at the branch point between the hydrogen filling passage 1 and the bypass passage 2, and the control device 5 for processing the detection results of the impurity sensor 4, Impurity sensor 4 and MH type hydrogen tank 7
And a valve 9 provided in the hydrogen filling passage 1 between and.

First, the hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen filling device flows through the hydrogen filling passage 1 regardless of the quality, and the impurity sensor 4 evaluates the contained impurity concentration (see black arrow). When the concentration of contained impurities is low and the standard value is satisfied (in the case of high-grade hydrogen), hydrogen continues to flow through the hydrogen filling passage 1 according to the black arrow and is regulated by a regulator (not shown) or the like. It is filled in a hydrogen storage tank (MH type hydrogen tank 7) containing a storage alloy, and is appropriately PEF.
Supplied to C8.

On the other hand, when the concentration of impurities contained is high and the standard value is not satisfied (in the case of low-grade hydrogen), the information is transmitted from the impurity sensor 4 to the controller 5.
The control device 5 operates the valve 6 to change the hydrogen flow path to the bypass path 2 (see the white arrow). Further, the control device 5 notifies the user that “low-grade hydrogen is supplied to the hydrogen filling device and the hydrogen separator operates”.
The "valve 6" corresponds to the "switching device" in claim 1.

The low-grade hydrogen flows through the bypass passage 2,
The hydrogen is introduced into the low-grade hydrogen chamber 3c of the hydrogen separator 3 provided in the path of the bypass passage 2, the impurities are reduced by the hydrogen permeable membrane 3b, and the hydrogen is transferred to the high-grade hydrogen chamber 3d. Join.

The low-grade hydrogen chamber 3c is provided with the above-mentioned discharge port 3a, and when the impurity concentration in the low-grade hydrogen chamber 3c exceeds a predetermined value, the low-grade hydrogen chamber 3c.
The hydrogen inside is discharged to the outside of the system. In the following, the low-grade hydrogen chamber 3
Hydrogen discharged from c through the discharge port 3a is referred to as "bleed gas".

The concentration of the contained impurities in the hydrogen merged with the hydrogen filling passage 1 is evaluated by the impurity sensor 4. If the hydrogen is of high quality, the hydrogen is regulated by a regulator (not shown) or the like, and then the MH type hydrogen tank. 7 filled with PEF as needed
Supplied to C8.

On the other hand, when the hydrogen-containing impurity concentration does not satisfy the reference value despite passing through the hydrogen separator 3, the information is transmitted to the control device 5, and the control device 5
Closes the valve 9 provided immediately in front of the MH type hydrogen tank 7, so that hydrogen storage alloy or PEF containing low-grade hydrogen can be obtained.
Prevent poisoning of C8. At the same time, the control device 5
The user is warned that "the quality of hydrogen is low despite having passed through the hydrogen separator 3" and urges the user to perform maintenance on the hydrogen separator 3 and the like.

Further, in order to evaluate the hydrogen quality, it is also possible to adopt a method of evaluating the hydrogen concentration in hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen filling device.

Further, when the quality of hydrogen is lower than the reference value, the control device 5 gives a warning or a warning, but these warnings or warnings are limited if they are easily recognized by the user. There is no. For example, a method of blinking a warning light or the like on a control panel (instrument panel) in the vehicle can be considered.

Further, regarding the method of using the bleed gas discharged from the hydrogen separator 3, when the above-mentioned Pd alloy is used as the hydrogen permeable membrane 3b, when hydrogen separation is performed in a low temperature environment, the Pd alloy becomes hydrogen. Reacts with and forms a β phase (hydride phase) with poor ductility. In order to suppress the β-phase formation, it is known that the hydrogen permeable membrane 3b should be operated in a temperature environment of about 300 ° C.

Therefore, in order to bring the temperature of the hydrogen separator 3 to this temperature, it is conceivable to provide the hydrogen separator 3 with a heater that uses bleed gas as a fuel and burn the bleed gas in the heater. By doing so, the hydrogen permeable membrane 3b
When a Pd-based alloy is used as the material, the life of the hydrogen permeable film 3b can be extended.

In the hydrogen filling device of this embodiment, the hydrogen separator 3 is provided only when the quality of hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen filling device is low and harmful to the hydrogen storage alloy and the PEFC 8.
As a result, the generation of bleed gas is suppressed as much as possible, and the hydrogen utilization efficiency can be improved. When using a Pd-based alloy as the hydrogen permeable film 3b,
By disposing a heater for burning the bleed gas in the hydrogen separator 3, the hydrogen permeable membrane 3b can be operated in an optimum temperature range.

FIG. 3 shows a control flow at the time of hydrogen filling in the hydrogen filling device of the first embodiment. This flow chart will be described below with reference to FIG. When the filling of hydrogen is started (S1), the filled hydrogen flows through the hydrogen filling passage 1, and the impurity sensor 4 detects the quality of hydrogen (S2). Next, in step S2, when it is determined that the quality of the hydrogen to be filled is high, the process returns to step S2, and the hydrogen replenishment by the hydrogen filling passage 1 with the hydrogen quality detection (S2) is performed. Continued.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S2 that the hydrogen quality is low, the information is transmitted to the control device 5. The controller 5 then
The opening / closing status of the bypass 2 is determined (S3). When it is determined in step S3 that the bypass 2 is closed, the control device 5 notifies the user that "low-grade hydrogen is filled and the hydrogen separator operates". After performing (S4), the valve 6 is operated to open the bypass passage 2 and introduce hydrogen into the bypass passage 2 having the hydrogen separator 3 to purify hydrogen. Then, the process is step S
Returning to step 2, the hydrogen filling with the hydrogen quality detection is continued.

When it is determined in step S3 that the bypass 2 is open, it means that the hydrogen grade is low despite the fact that the hydrogen separator 3 provided in the bypass 2 is operating. In this case, the control device 5 displays a warning that "the hydrogen quality is low despite having passed through the hydrogen separator" (S6), and the MH-type hydrogen tank 7 is poisoned. To prevent this, the valve 9 is closed (S7).

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Incidentally, this embodiment corresponds to claims 3 and 4. A feature of this embodiment is that a high pressure storage container 10 for temporarily storing the bleed gas discharged from the hydrogen separator 3 through the discharge port 3a is provided, and the bleed gas can be reused. .

The hydrogen filling apparatus of this embodiment is branched from the hydrogen filling passage 1 and the hydrogen filling passage 1 for circulating hydrogen supplied from a hydrogen filling facility such as a hydrogen supply station.
The bypass passage 2 that joins the hydrogen filling passage 1 immediately before the impurity sensor 4, the hydrogen separator 3 provided in the passage of the bypass passage 2, and the discharge port 3a of the hydrogen separator 3 are connected to temporarily supply the bleed gas. A high-pressure storage container 10 for storing, a high-pressure storage container 10 and a hydrogen separator 3 are connected, and a hydrogen reflux passage 12 having a valve 11 in the passage and an M of the hydrogen filling passage 1
Impurity sensor 4 provided immediately in front of the H-type hydrogen tank 7,
A control device 5 for processing the detection result of the impurity sensor 4, a valve 6 provided at a branch point between the hydrogen filling path 1 and the bypass path 2, hydrogen between the impurity sensor 4 and the MH type hydrogen tank 7. And a valve 9 provided in the filling passage 1.

The low-grade hydrogen chamber 3c and the high-pressure storage container 10
A valve 13 and a discharge port 14 are provided at the discharge port 3a connecting to and for discharging the waste hydrogen to the outside of the system. The bleed gas discharged through the discharge port 3a contains hydrogen, but most of the components are hydrogen. According to the present embodiment, this hydrogen contained in the bleed gas can be reused, so that the utilization efficiency of hydrogen can be increased as compared with the first embodiment. The "discharged hydrogen storage container" referred to in claims 3 and 4 is "high pressure storage container 10", "hydrogen that has not permeated the hydrogen permeable membrane" is "bleed gas", and "opening / closing means". Correspond to "valve 11", respectively.

In the second embodiment, the operation of the high pressure storage container 10 added to the first embodiment will be described. When low-grade hydrogen is supplied to the hydrogen filling device, the control device 5 operates the valve 6 and the low-grade hydrogen is introduced into the hydrogen separator 3. In the hydrogen separator 3, the hydrogen that has permeated the hydrogen permeable membrane 3b is pressure-controlled through the impurity sensor 4, a regulator (not shown), etc., and then supplied to the MH-type hydrogen tank 7. On the other hand, hydrogen that has not permeated the hydrogen permeable membrane 3b is stored as a bleed gas in the high-pressure storage container 10 after being pressure-regulated through the outlet 3a.

The high-pressure storage container 10 has predetermined conditions such that the pressure of the bleed gas during storage becomes a specified value or higher, or the amount of hydrogen remaining in the MH type hydrogen tank 7 becomes a specified value or lower. Then, the valve 11 is opened, and the bleed gas stored therein is returned to the hydrogen separator 3 again via the hydrogen return passage 12. Hydrogen permeable membrane 3 of the bleed gas that was refluxed
The component that has passed through b reaches the impurity sensor 4 via the bypass path 2, and if it is judged to be high-quality hydrogen, the pressure is adjusted and then stored in the MH type hydrogen tank 7.

On the other hand, the component that could not permeate through the hydrogen permeable membrane 3b contains impurities at a very high concentration, so that it is not stored in the high pressure storage container 10 this time, and is discarded as waste hydrogen. It is discharged from the discharge port 14 via 13 to the outside of the system.

The high pressure storage container 10 contains impurities (CO,
It is required to have high resistance to oils and fats), and it is desirable that it is made of carbon composite, high density polyethylene, aluminum liner or the like.

According to the hydrogen filling apparatus of this embodiment, the bleed gas generated from the hydrogen separator 3 is stored in the high pressure storage container 10.
Since it is temporarily stored in the MH type hydrogen tank 7 and is reused when the remaining amount of hydrogen in the MH type hydrogen tank 7 becomes equal to or less than a specified value, it is possible to improve the hydrogen utilization efficiency. Thus, the high-pressure storage container 10 can be used as an auxiliary tank for the MH type hydrogen tank 7.

[Third Embodiment] The third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. This embodiment corresponds to claim 5. In the hydrogen filling apparatus according to the present embodiment, hydrogen supplied from a hydrogen filling facility such as a hydrogen station always passes through the hydrogen separator 3 to be of high quality, and then supplied to the MH type hydrogen tank 7 or the like. Further, in the hydrogen filling device of the present embodiment, the bleed gas released from the hydrogen separator 3 is temporarily stored in the high pressure storage container 10 and reused as appropriate.

The hydrogen filling apparatus of the present embodiment has a hydrogen filling passage 1 for circulating hydrogen supplied from a hydrogen filling facility,
Hydrogen separator 3 provided in the hydrogen filling passage 1, hydrogen filling passage 1
First impurity sensor 20 provided immediately after the hydrogen separator 3 of FIG. 1, and the hydrogen flow passage provided immediately after the first impurity sensor 20 is branched by the hydrogen filling passage 1 and the hydrogen flow passage 19. Valve 17, an MH type hydrogen tank 7 connected to the hydrogen filling passage 1 connected to the valve 17, a valve 17
Has a PEFC 8 connected to a hydrogen flow passage 19 connected to.

Further, the hydrogen filling device of the present embodiment is
A high-pressure storage container 10, which is connected to the outlet 3a of the hydrogen separator 3 and temporarily stores the bleed gas,
A second impurity sensor 15 provided inside, a path for returning the bleed gas in the high-pressure storage container 10 to the hydrogen separator 3, and a branch valve 16 is provided in the path, and a hydrogen filling path is provided. In order to introduce the bleed gas in the high-pressure storage container 10 directly into the PEFC 8 without passing through the hydrogen separator 3, by branching from the valve 16 and the hydrogen reflux passage 18 that joins upstream of the hydrogen separator 3 of 1. And a hydrogen flow passage 19 that joins between the valve 17 and the PEFC 8.
And a control device 5 for processing the detection results of the first and second impurity sensors 20 and 15. In the present embodiment, the "first hydrogen storage container" in claim 5 is the "MH type hydrogen tank 7", the "second hydrogen storage container" is the "high pressure storage container 10", The "switching means" corresponds to the "valve 16", respectively.

First, the hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen filling device passes through the hydrogen filling passage 1 and the hydrogen separator 3 regardless of the quality.
Hydrogen that has been introduced into the hydrogen permeation membrane 3b and has permeated through the hydrogen permeable membrane 3b passes through the first impurity sensor 20, is regulated by the pressure regulating means (not shown), and then is filled in the MH type hydrogen tank 7 through the hydrogen filling passage 1.

At this time, when the first impurity sensor 20 determines that the quality of hydrogen that has permeated the hydrogen permeable film 3b is low and does not satisfy the reference value, the information is transmitted to the control device 5. Then, the control device 5 closes the valve 17 to prevent the MH type hydrogen tank 7 from being poisoned by low-grade hydrogen. At the same time, the control device 5 warns the user that "the quality of hydrogen is low despite having passed through the hydrogen separator" and prompts the maintenance of the hydrogen separator 3.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen filling device is always the hydrogen separator 3
Is introduced into the low-grade hydrogen chamber 3 of the hydrogen separator 3.
Bleed gas is always generated in c. This bleed gas passes through the outlet 3a connected to the low-grade hydrogen chamber 3c,
The pressure is adjusted by pressure adjusting means (not shown) and stored in the high-pressure storage container 10.

Here, in the case of the present embodiment, the bleed gas is not necessarily low-grade hydrogen. This is because, when high-quality hydrogen is supplied to the hydrogen filling device, the bleed gas may maintain high quality.

The high-pressure storage container 10 is a hydrogen storage container that plays an auxiliary role for the MH type hydrogen tank 7. MH
Since the hydrogen storage tank 7 uses a hydrogen storage alloy as a hydrogen storage medium, it is necessary to raise the temperature to a predetermined hydrogen release temperature region in order to release hydrogen. However, when the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy does not reach the hydrogen release temperature such as when the vehicle is started, the supply of hydrogen from the MH type hydrogen tank 7 to the PEFC 8 may not be in time. In such a case, by supplying hydrogen to the PEFC 8 after adjusting the pressure of hydrogen stored in the bleed gas in the high-pressure storage container 10 in a gas state, the hydrogen supply can be assisted. Further, the high-pressure storage container 10 supplies the hydrogen stored therein to the PEFC 8 when the amount of hydrogen stored in the MH type hydrogen tank 7 becomes less than a specified value.

Here, the hydrogen stored in the high-pressure storage container 10 may contain impurities of a specified value or more. for that reason,
In the present embodiment, in the high pressure storage container 10, the second
The impurity sensor 15 is provided to monitor the impurity concentration of hydrogen in the high-pressure storage container 10. Second impurity sensor 1
Information about impurities from 5 is sent to the controller 5,
When it is determined that the impurity concentration of hydrogen is low and satisfies the reference value, the control device 5 operates the valve 16 to remove the high-quality hydrogen in the high-pressure storage container 10 from the hydrogen flow passage 19.
It is directly introduced into PEFC8 via.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the hydrogen in the high pressure storage container 10 is of low quality, the controller 5 operates the valve 16 to regulate the low quality hydrogen in the high pressure storage container 10. After that, the hydrogen separator 3 is again passed through the hydrogen reflux passage 18.
Introduced into, to purify hydrogen. Further, the control device 5 is
The valve 17 is operated to open the hydrogen flow passage 19 to introduce purified hydrogen directly into the PEFC 8.

The low-grade hydrogen introduced into the hydrogen separator 3 is
The component that has passed through the hydrogen permeable membrane 3b is the first impurity sensor 2
If it is judged as high quality by receiving a quality check by 0,
PEFC8 after pressure regulation via valve 17 and hydrogen flow passage 19
Directly supplied to. On the other hand, when hydrogen is judged to be of low quality by the quality check by the first impurity sensor 20, the control device 5 closes the valve 17 to prevent the PEFC 8 from being poisoned by low-quality hydrogen as described above. At the same time, the user is warned that "the quality of hydrogen is low despite having passed through the hydrogen separator", and the maintenance of the hydrogen separator 3 is prompted.

Of the hydrogen supplied from the high-pressure storage container 10 to the hydrogen separator 3, the components that have not permeated the hydrogen-permeable membrane 3b contain impurities of extremely high concentration, so this time the high-pressure storage is performed. The hydrogen is not stored in the container 10 and is discharged to the outside of the system through the discharge port 14 through the valve 13 as waste hydrogen.

In the present embodiment, the hydrogen separator 3 is always operated to improve the quality of the supplied hydrogen and then stored in the MH type hydrogen tank 7 which is the main hydrogen storage tank of the fuel cell vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to greatly reduce the possibility that low-grade hydrogen will enter the fuel cell system and poison the hydrogen storage alloy and PEFC8. Further, by storing the hydrogen discharged from the hydrogen separator 3 in the high-pressure storage container 10, the time for filling the hydrogen can be shortened.

Further, since the bleed gas discharged from the hydrogen separator 3 is stored in the high pressure storage container 10 in a gaseous state, the hydrogen in the MH type hydrogen tank 7 can be used when the fuel cell vehicle is started. When not present, it is possible to use gaseous hydrogen in the high pressure storage container 10. On this occasion,
The gaseous hydrogen in the high-pressure storage container 10 is subjected to a quality check and, if necessary, after being upgraded, is supplied to a fuel cell or the like, so that the hydrogen storage alloy and the PEFC 8 are not poisoned.

FIG. 6 shows a control flow in the third embodiment. FIG. 6A is a control flow when filling hydrogen from a hydrogen filling facility such as a hydrogen supply station,
FIG. 6B is a control flow when using hydrogen in the high-pressure storage container 10. Hereinafter, the description will be given in accordance with FIG. 6 while appropriately referring to FIG.

In FIG. 6A, when hydrogen filling is started (S11), the filled hydrogen flows through the hydrogen filling passage 1 and is introduced into the hydrogen separator 3 (S12). The hydrogen that has permeated the hydrogen permeable membrane 3b in the hydrogen separator 3 further circulates in the hydrogen filling passage 1, and its quality is judged by the first impurity sensor 20 (S13). When it is determined that the quality of hydrogen is high quality, the process returns to step S12 to continue the hydrogen replenishment by the hydrogen filling passage 1 accompanied by the hydrogen quality detection (S13). It is continuously stored in the MH type hydrogen tank 7 via the hydrogen filling passage 1.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S13 that the quality of hydrogen is low, the information is transmitted to the control device 5. The control device 5 gives a warning that "the quality of hydrogen is low despite having passed through the hydrogen separator 3" (S14), and also closes the valve 17 to prevent the MH type hydrogen tank 7 from being poisoned. (S15). Further, in step S12, the bleed gas discharged from the hydrogen separator 3 is stored in the high-pressure storage container 10 after pressure adjustment.

Next, referring to FIG. 6B, the high pressure storage container 1
A control flow when using the bleed gas stored in 0 will be described. First, by the control device 5, M
It is determined whether the hydrogen storage alloy in the H type hydrogen tank 7 has reached the temperature at which hydrogen can be released, or whether the remaining amount of hydrogen in the MH type hydrogen tank 7 is less than the specified value (S21). In step S21, when the above determination conditions are not satisfied, a sufficient amount of hydrogen is stored in the MH type hydrogen tank 7, and the hydrogen storage alloy has also reached the temperature at which hydrogen can be released. Since it is not necessary to use hydrogen in the high-pressure storage container 10, the process returns to the step before step S21 and loops step S21.

On the other hand, if the above-mentioned judgment conditions are satisfied, the process proceeds to step S22, and the second impurity sensor 15 judges the quality of hydrogen in the high-pressure storage container 10. When it is determined in step S22 that the hydrogen is of high quality, the control device 5 operates the valve 16 to regulate the pressure of the hydrogen in the high-pressure storage container 10 and distribute it to the hydrogen flow passage 19 (S23). Return to before S21,
Is the amount of hydrogen remaining in the MH type hydrogen tank 7 above the specified value?
Until the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy reaches the temperature at which hydrogen can be released, P
Hydrogen is supplied to the EFC 8 through the hydrogen flow passage 19 and the hydrogen flow passage 19.

On the other hand, when it is judged in step 22 that the hydrogen in the high-pressure storage container 10 is of low quality,
The controller 5 operates the valve 16 to activate the high pressure storage container 1
The hydrogen contained in 0 is circulated to the hydrogen reflux passage 18 (S24). The hydrogen flowing through the hydrogen reflux passage 18 is introduced into the hydrogen separator 3 through the hydrogen filling passage 1 (S25), and the hydrogen in the low-grade hydrogen chamber 3c is discharged out of the system when the impurity concentration exceeds a predetermined value. It The hydrogen that has permeated the hydrogen permeable membrane 3b flows through the hydrogen filling passage 1, and the quality thereof is judged by the first impurity sensor 20 (S26). When the first impurity sensor 20 determines that the hydrogen is of high quality, the control device 5 operates the valve 17 to cause the hydrogen to flow through the hydrogen flow passage 19. After that, the process returns to the step before S21, and PEFC is performed until the remaining amount of hydrogen in the MH type hydrogen tank 7 becomes equal to or more than a specified value or the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy reaches the temperature at which hydrogen can be released.
Hydrogen is supplied to 8 through the hydrogen flow passage 19.

When it is determined in step S26 that the hydrogen is of low quality, the control device 5 issues a warning that "the quality of hydrogen is low despite passing through the hydrogen separator" (S28). ), The valve 17 is closed to prevent poisoning of the MH-type hydrogen tank 7 (S29).

[Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. still,
This embodiment corresponds to claim 5. The hydrogen filling device of the present embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment except that the second impurity sensor 15 is removed and the PEFC 8 is provided with the power generation characteristic sensor 30 instead. In the present embodiment, the quality of hydrogen introduced into the PEFC 8 is determined by the amount of hydrogen introduced into the PEFC 8 by the power generation characteristic sensor 30 and the current-voltage characteristic of power generation (hereinafter referred to as “IV characteristic”). .

The principle of hydrogen quality evaluation based on the IV characteristics will be outlined below with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows the IV of the fuel cell.
It is a graph showing the characteristics, in which the vertical axis represents the generated voltage per cell and the horizontal axis represents the current density per unit electrode area. Although two graphs are drawn in FIG. 8, a broken line is a graph showing IV characteristics when high-grade hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell, and a solid line is low-grade hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell. It is a graph which shows the IV characteristic at the time of performing. Note that FIG.
Is drawn on the assumption that hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell at the same pressure.

When low-grade hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell, impurities in the low-grade hydrogen poison the electrodes. Therefore, when the current density is fixed, the voltage generated by the fuel cell per cell is high-grade hydrogen. It will be lower than if you did. Therefore, it becomes possible to judge the quality of hydrogen supplied to the fuel cell by evaluating the voltage drop (ΔV). More specifically, the IV characteristic (design value) when high-grade hydrogen is supplied is stored, and this design value is compared with the value obtained from the power generation characteristic sensor 30 to thereby determine the fuel cell. It is possible to judge the quality of hydrogen supplied to the.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the hydrogen separator 3 is always operated to improve the quality of the supplied hydrogen, and then the MH type which is the main hydrogen storage tank of the fuel cell vehicle is used. Store in hydrogen tank 7. Therefore, it is possible to greatly reduce the possibility that low-grade hydrogen will enter the fuel cell system and poison the hydrogen storage alloy and PEFC8.

Further, since the bleed gas discharged from the hydrogen separator 3 is stored in the high pressure storage container 10 in a gaseous state, the hydrogen in the MH type hydrogen tank 7 can be used when the fuel cell vehicle is started. When not present, it is possible to use gaseous hydrogen in the high pressure storage container 10. On this occasion,
The gaseous hydrogen in the high-pressure storage container 10 is subjected to a quality check and, if necessary, after being upgraded, is supplied to a fuel cell or the like, so that the hydrogen storage alloy and the PEFC 8 are not poisoned.

Subsequently, referring to FIG. 9, the high-pressure storage container 10
A control flow in the case of utilizing hydrogen stored in the inside will be described. It should be noted that FIG. 9 is the same as FIG. 6B of the third embodiment.
It corresponds to. The present embodiment is the same as the third embodiment except that the second impurity sensor 15 is removed and, instead, the PEFC 8 is provided with the power generation characteristic sensor 30, so that the hydrogen is supplied from a hydrogen filling station or other hydrogen filling facility. The control flow for filling the generated hydrogen is the same as that in FIG. 6A, and the description thereof is omitted.

In FIG. 9, first, the control device 5 causes the hydrogen storage alloy in the MH type hydrogen tank 7 to reach the temperature at which hydrogen can be released, or the remaining amount of hydrogen in the MH type hydrogen tank 7 is less than the specified value. It is determined whether or not (S3
1). In step S31, if the above determination conditions are not satisfied, a sufficient amount of hydrogen is stored in the MH type hydrogen tank 7, and the hydrogen storage alloy has also reached the hydrogen desorbable temperature. Since it is not necessary to use hydrogen in the high pressure storage container 10, the process returns to the step before step S31 and loops step S31.

On the other hand, when the above judgment conditions are satisfied, the process proceeds to step S32, and the control device 5
Operates the valve 16 to allow the hydrogen in the high-pressure storage container 10 to flow to the hydrogen flow passage 19. Hydrogen is supplied to the PEFC 8 via the hydrogen flow passage 19 after being adjusted in pressure by the pressure adjusting means. In the PEFC 8, the quality of hydrogen is judged by the power generation characteristic sensor 30 (S33), and when it is judged as high quality hydrogen, the process returns to the step before S31,
Is the amount of hydrogen remaining in the MH type hydrogen tank 7 above the specified value?
Until the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy reaches the temperature at which hydrogen can be released, P
Hydrogen is supplied to the EFC 8 via the hydrogen flow passage 19.

On the other hand, when it is judged in step 33 that the hydrogen in the high pressure storage container 10 is of low quality,
The controller 5 operates the valve 16 to activate the high pressure storage container 1
The hydrogen contained in 0 is circulated to the hydrogen reflux passage 18 (S34). After that, the processing from step S34 to step S39 is the same as step S24 to step S29 in FIG.

[Fifth Embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment corresponds to claim 5. The feature of the fifth embodiment is that the bleed gas discharged from the hydrogen separator 3 is reused twice or more. By doing so, it is possible to further improve the hydrogen utilization efficiency. Become.

The hydrogen filling apparatus according to the fifth embodiment includes a hydrogen filling passage 1 for circulating hydrogen supplied from a hydrogen filling facility, a hydrogen separator 3 provided in the hydrogen filling passage 1, and a first high pressure storage. Container 50, second high pressure storage container 51 and PEFC
It consists of 8 mag.

A valve 45 is arranged on the downstream side of the hydrogen separator 3 in the hydrogen filling passage 1, and the high-quality hydrogen that has permeated the hydrogen permeable membrane 3b of the hydrogen separator 3 is supplied by the valve 45.
The flow path can be changed in three directions, that is, the hydrogen filling passage 1a reaching the first high pressure storage container 50, the hydrogen filling passage 1b reaching the second high pressure storage container 51, or the hydrogen flow passage 19 for supplying hydrogen to the PEFC. is there.

Furthermore, the low-grade hydrogen chamber 3c of the hydrogen separator 3
Outlet 3a for discharging the bleed gas connected to the
Is provided with a valve 47, which discharges the bleed gas to the outside of the system and a first bleed gas.
Alternatively, it is possible to select the low-grade hydrogen recovery line 43 to be introduced into the second high-pressure storage containers 50, 51. A valve 49 is provided in this low-grade hydrogen recovery line 43.
In this valve 49, the low-grade hydrogen recovery line 43 stores the bleed gas in the first high-pressure storage container 5
It is branched into a low-grade hydrogen recovery line 43a for recovering 0 and a low-grade hydrogen recovery line 43b for recovering the bleed gas into the second high-pressure storage container 51.

Further, from the first high pressure storage container 50,
When the quality of the hydrogen stored inside is low, the hydrogen reflux passage 44a for introducing the hydrogen into the hydrogen separator 3 again.
Is provided. Similarly, the second high-pressure storage container 51 is also provided with a hydrogen recirculation passage 44b for re-introducing low-grade hydrogen therein to the hydrogen separator 3. These hydrogen return passages 44a and 44b are connected by a valve 48, and the hydrogen return passages 44 connect the first and second high-pressure storage containers 50,
It is possible to introduce the low-grade hydrogen in 51 into the hydrogen separator 3 again.

When the inside of the first high-pressure storage container 50 is filled with high-grade hydrogen, hydrogen is supplied to the PEFC 8 through the hydrogen filling passage 1a, the valve 45 and the hydrogen flow passage 19. Similarly, when the inside of the second high-pressure storage container 51 is filled with high-grade hydrogen, the hydrogen filling passage 1b,
Hydrogen is supplied to the PEFC 8 via the valve 45 and the hydrogen flow passage 19.

The hydrogen flow passage 19 is provided with a first impurity sensor 20 for evaluating the quality of the hydrogen flowing therethrough, which protects the PEFC 8 from poisoning when low-quality hydrogen is supplied. A valve 40 is provided.

Further, the first high-pressure storage container 50 has a second impurity sensor 52 for evaluating the quality of hydrogen stored therein, and the second high-pressure storage container 51 also has a second impurity sensor 52.
A third impurity sensor 53 is provided. Further, a controller 5 is provided for receiving the impurity concentration information from each of the impurity sensors 20, 52 and 53 and performing various processes.

An example of the operation of this hydrogen filling device will be described. (1) Filling with new hydrogen First, when hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen filling facility, the hydrogen is introduced into the hydrogen separator 3, and high-quality hydrogen is fed into the valve 4
5, the first high-pressure storage container 50 is filled via the hydrogen filling passage 1a. The bleed gas discharged from the low-grade hydrogen chamber 3c of the hydrogen separator 3 is discharged through the discharge port 3a, the valve 47,
Second through valve 49 and low-grade hydrogen recovery line 43b
The high pressure storage container 51 is filled.

(2) First Utilization of Bleed Gas In this way, the first and second high pressure storage containers 50, 51
In the case of using hydrogen filled in, first of all,
The use is started from the high-grade hydrogen filled in the high-pressure storage container 50. The hydrogen filled in the first high-pressure storage container 50 is subjected to a quality check by the second impurity sensor 52, and if it is judged to be of high quality, the hydrogen filling path 1
It is circulated to the hydrogen flow passage 19 through the a valve 45.

If the hydrogen filled in the first high-pressure storage container 50 is completely used up and the pressure in the first high-pressure storage container 50 becomes less than the specified value, then the second high-pressure storage container 50 Hydrogen filled in 51 is used. By the way, the hydrogen filled in the second high-pressure storage container 51 is the bleed gas from the low-grade hydrogen chamber 3c, and if the quality is checked by the third impurity sensor 53 and the quality is judged to be high, hydrogen filling is performed. The hydrogen is passed through the passage 1 b and the valve 45 to the hydrogen flow passage 19.

If the hydrogen in the second high-pressure storage container 51 is judged to be low-quality hydrogen by the third impurity sensor 53, the hydrogen in the second high-pressure storage container 51 is returned to hydrogen. It is again introduced into the hydrogen separator 3 via the line 44b and the valve 48. The hydrogen that has been upgraded by the hydrogen separator 3 is circulated in the hydrogen filling passage 1 and is supplied to the PEFC 8 via the valve 45 and the hydrogen flow passage 19.

On the other hand, the bleed gas (bleed gas of bleed gas: hereinafter referred to as "second bleed gas") released from the low-grade hydrogen chamber 3c is discharged through the exhaust port 3a,
Valve 47, valve 49 and low-grade hydrogen recovery line 43
The first high-pressure storage container 50 is filled via a. In this way, the second bleed gas generated when the bleed gas stored in the second high-pressure storage container 51 is highly purified by the hydrogen separator 3 is refilled in the first high-pressure storage container 50 again. That is the most characteristic point in this embodiment. By doing so, it becomes possible to reuse the second bleed gas. The "valve 45" and the "valve 48" are the "switching means" as referred to in claim 5.
Equivalent to.

(3) Second use of bleed gas Hydrogen in the second high-pressure storage container 51 is completely used up,
When the pressure in the second high-pressure storage container 51 becomes less than the specified value, subsequently, the second bleed gas filled in the first high-pressure storage container 50 is used. The second bleed gas filled in the first high-pressure storage container 50 is introduced into the hydrogen separator 3 via the hydrogen reflux passage 44 a and the valve 48, and the hydrogen of high quality is circulated in the hydrogen filling passage 1. ,
It is supplied to the PEFC 8 via the valve 45 and the hydrogen flow passage 19. . On the other hand, the bleed gas released from the low-grade hydrogen chamber 3c (hereinafter referred to as the "third bleed gas") passes through the exhaust port 3a, the valve 47, the valve 49, and the low-grade hydrogen recovery line 43b to the second bleed gas. High pressure storage container 51
To be filled. The first and second high pressure storage containers 50,
When the concentration of impurities in hydrogen in 51 is high and exceeds the reference value, the stored hydrogen is appropriately exhausted to the outside of the system through the discharge port 14 as if it has been completely consumed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the bleed gas is upgraded in the hydrogen separator 3 and the bleed gas generated from the low-grade hydrogen chamber 3c is supplied to the first high-pressure storage container 5.
By storing alternately between 0 and the second high-pressure storage container 51, it becomes possible to utilize the bleed gas to the limit. As a result, the amount of hydrogen wasted to the outside of the system is reduced, and the utilization efficiency of hydrogen is increased.

[0095]

According to the hydrogen filling apparatus of the present invention, the quality of hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen filling apparatus is judged by an impurity sensor or the like, and when low-quality hydrogen is supplied, the switching means switches The distribution route is changed to a bypass line equipped with a hydrogen separator. Therefore, low-grade hydrogen is stored in a hydrogen storage container such as a hydrogen storage alloy tank or supplied to the PEFC after being upgraded by the hydrogen separator in the bypass passage, and the hydrogen storage alloy and PEFC are stored in the hydrogen. It is possible to prevent a serious deterioration from being caused by the impurities (claims 1 and 2).

Further, since the hydrogen separator is used only when low-grade hydrogen is supplied to the hydrogen filling device, it is possible to improve the utilization efficiency of hydrogen as compared with the method of always using the hydrogen separator. (Claims 1 and 2).

Since the hydrogen filling device is provided with an exhaust hydrogen storage container, the bleed gas discharged from the hydrogen separator is temporarily stored, and if necessary, the bleed gas is upgraded and reused. It is possible to further increase (claims 3 and 4).

In the hydrogen filling device of the present invention, the hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen filling device is stored in the first hydrogen storage container after passing through the hydrogen separator regardless of the quality. Therefore, it becomes possible to store high-grade hydrogen at all times (claim 5). Further, the bleed gas generated from the hydrogen separator is temporarily stored in the second hydrogen storage container and can be reused after evaluating the hydrogen quality, so that it is possible to improve the utilization efficiency of hydrogen. (Claim 5)

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an example of a hydrogen separator used in a membrane separation method.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the hydrogen filling device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a control flow during hydrogen filling in the hydrogen filling device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a hydrogen filling device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a hydrogen filling device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control flow in the third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a hydrogen filling device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing IV characteristics of a fuel cell.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a control flow in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a hydrogen filling device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 1a, 1b Hydrogen filling passage 2 Bypass passage 3 Hydrogen separator 3a Outlet 3b Hydrogen permeable membrane 3c Low-grade hydrogen chamber 3d High-grade hydrogen chamber 4 Impurity sensor 5 Control device 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 17, 40, 45, 47,
48, 49 Valve 7 MH type hydrogen tank 8 PEFC 10 High-pressure storage container 14 Release port 15, 52 Second impurity sensor 18, 44, 44a, 44b Hydrogen reflux path 19 Hydrogen flow path 20 First impurity sensor 30 Power generation characteristic sensor 50 First high-pressure storage container 51 Second high-pressure storage container 53 Third impurity sensor 43, 43a, 43b Low-grade hydrogen recovery line

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H01M 8/04 H01M 8/04 J Z 8/10 8/10 (72) Inventor Yoshio Sugitani Wako Saitama 1-4-1 Ichichuo F-Term in Honda R & D Co., Ltd. (Reference) 3E072 AA03 DA05 EA10 4G040 FA06 FB09 FC01 FE01 5H026 AA05 CX04 HH05 5H027 AA06 BA13 BA14 BA16 DD00 KK31 MM08 5H115 PA08 PA13 SE06 TI16 TR16 TR16 TU20

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A hydrogen filling device provided with a hydrogen filling passage for filling hydrogen into a hydrogen storage container, comprising: a bypass passage branched from the hydrogen filling passage to fill hydrogen into the hydrogen storage container; and a hydrogen permeable membrane. The hydrogen storage container is filled with hydrogen that has permeated the hydrogen permeable membrane, and a hydrogen separator that discharges hydrogen that has not permeated the hydrogen permeable membrane is provided in the bypass passage. A hydrogen filling device used in a fuel cell vehicle, comprising switching means for selectively switching the distribution route of the fuel cell between the hydrogen filling passage and the bypass passage. 2. The bypass passage is provided with a sensor for detecting an impurity concentration in hydrogen introduced into the hydrogen filling passage or a hydrogen concentration, and when the impurity concentration is equal to or higher than a predetermined concentration or the hydrogen concentration is equal to or lower than a predetermined concentration. 2. The hydrogen filling device used in a fuel cell vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the switching means is switched so that hydrogen flows. 3. The hydrogen filling device for use in a fuel cell vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising an exhaust hydrogen storage container for storing hydrogen that has not permeated the hydrogen permeable membrane. 4. A hydrogen reflux path for introducing hydrogen stored in the discharged hydrogen storage container into a hydrogen separator, and an opening / closing means for opening / closing the hydrogen reflux path. A hydrogen filling device for use in the fuel cell vehicle according to item 1. 5. A hydrogen filling device provided with a hydrogen filling passage for filling hydrogen into a first hydrogen storage container, wherein the hydrogen filling passage has a hydrogen separator provided with a hydrogen permeable membrane, and the hydrogen separator is provided. Fills the first hydrogen storage container with hydrogen that has permeated the hydrogen permeable membrane, and stores hydrogen that has not permeated the hydrogen permeable membrane in a second hydrogen storage container. A hydrogen return passage for introducing the stored hydrogen into the hydrogen separator and a hydrogen flow passage for introducing the stored hydrogen into the fuel cell, and the hydrogen stored in the second hydrogen storage container 2. A hydrogen filling device used in a fuel cell vehicle, comprising switching means for selectively switching the flow path of the fuel cell between the hydrogen recirculation path and the hydrogen flow path.