JP2003166699A - Gas storage device, supply device, gas carrier method and handling method for gas storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas storage device that detects rapidly and assuredly leakage of diffusible gas stored in a superhigh pressure condition, a gas supply device to supply the gas from the gas storage device and a carrier method for the gas. <P>SOLUTION: In this gas storage device 30 including a gas storage container 31 and a gas fetching port 33 placed on the storage container, separated room 32 placed on or near the gas fetching port, containing gas leaked from the gas fetching port 33, and detecting means 42 for detecting changes in conditions of the separated room are provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to, for example, a gas storage device including a container for storing a gas such as hydrogen, a gas supply device for sending gas from the gas storage device, a method for transporting gas, and a gas storage device. It concerns handling methods.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a means for supplying a gas such as hydrogen used in a fuel cell (not shown) or the like, as shown in FIG.
A supply system as shown in Fig. 5 is known. Figure 15
Is an in-vehicle hydrogen supply system, for example, and high-pressure hydrogen is stored in a plurality of vessels 2, 2, 2 such as pressure vessels.

The pipe 3 is a pipe for sending hydrogen to the fuel cell side, and the fact that hydrogen in each container 2, 2, 2 is supplied to the pipe 3 means that the pipe 3 is arranged between the pipe 3 and the container 2. It is designed to be carried out by means of solenoid valves 4, 4, 4, etc. The pipe 3 is appropriately connected to the joints 5 and 5 according to the extension method.
The pipe control means 6 including a main stop valve and a pressure reducing valve is provided at the tip of the pipe 3.

In the hydrogen supply system 1 as described above, the hydrogen stored in each of the containers 2, 2 and 2 is sent in the direction of the arrow through the pipe 3 so that the inside of the fuel cell arranged on the extension side thereof. It is supposed to be sent to etc. In this case, the pipe control means 6 at the tip of the pipe 3 of the hydrogen supply system 1 controls the supply of hydrogen from the pipe 3 to the fuel cell or the like in units of the pipe 3. Further, by controlling the opening / closing of the solenoid valves 4, 4, 4, the supply of hydrogen to the pipe 3 is controlled in each container 2, 2, 2 in accordance with the remaining amount of each container. Has become.

In the hydrogen supply system 1 as described above, at the gas outlet of each container 2, a position where a solenoid valve 4 for controlling the gas discharge to the pipe 3 is attached, and the pipe 3 is connected. It is necessary to provide a sealing means to the joint 5 and the like, which is a portion, in order to prevent leakage of gas to the outside. For this reason, conventionally, when the gas to be handled is a gas such as methane sealed in the container 2 at about 20 MPa, a rubber O-ring is arranged at the joint and the seal is provided at the joint. It is carried out.

[0006]

However, for example, in the case of a system in which hydrogen used as fuel for a fuel cell vehicle is stored in a container and supplied, there are the following problems.

In the fuel cell vehicle, a relatively large amount of hydrogen needs to be stored because it is necessary to secure a traveling distance equivalent to that of a gasoline vehicle. Therefore, the container is required to be stored at a higher pressure. For example, in order to secure a mileage of 500 km by one filling,
70 MPa (megapascals) under the limitation of being mounted on a vehicle
It is considered necessary to use moderately high pressure storage vessels. Also, for example, when hydrogen is used as fuel, its molecular weight is much smaller than that of methane,
Also in this respect, sealing becomes difficult.

Here, considering the application of the above-mentioned O-ring as the sealing means, the O-ring is at most 25 MPa.
Since it is effective only under a pressure up to a certain level, a method such as a metal seal is considered as a sealing means capable of withstanding higher pressure. However, the metal seal is a method of fitting small irregularities on the metal surfaces of members to be connected to each other, and is originally applied to a joint or the like that is not detachable. Therefore, it is difficult to apply it to a place that is supposed to be movable, such as a solenoid valve.

As described above, since it is extremely difficult to realize a complete seal structure at a joint portion of a container or the like, which is a gas such as hydrogen having a small molecular weight and is stored at an ultrahigh pressure, it is extremely difficult to realize the structure shown in FIG. In the system, each solenoid valve 4,
A method is conceivable in which gas leakage at any one of the points 4 and 4 or at the joints 5 and 5 is detected and these are partially closed.

In this case, as a simple method for knowing the leakage of natural gas and the like, conventionally, there is a method of adding an odorant to natural gas in advance to know the gas leakage. The added odorant is sent to a combustor or the like together with the natural gas and is burned, so that there is no great adverse effect. However, for example, the hydrogen used in a fuel cell vehicle is sent to the fuel cell and is not burned. Therefore, an odorant using an aromatic genus or the like may adhere to and damage the catalyst or the like in the fuel cell, and it is difficult to find an odorant that does not have such a harmful effect in a short period of time.

Further, for example, when the gas to be handled is hydrogen, a hydrogen sensor has already been developed,
When a small amount of hydrogen continuously leaks, hydrogen has a high diffusivity, and it is difficult to quickly detect a leak exceeding the allowable amount, and in a space where a complicated structure such as an automobile is provided. However, it is difficult to specify the location of the leakage point.

The problems associated with such gas leakage and its detection are not limited to the hydrogen supply system for fuel cells. For example, in case of inspecting in advance whether the gas storage device, the gas outlet, the electromagnetic valve, the piping system and other members constituting this hydrogen supply system are suitable as members actually used as the hydrogen supply system, , After passing the inspection, the inspection gas is allowed to flow through the hydrogen supply system connected to the fuel cell at high pressure, or the inspection gas instead of hydrogen is injected into the gas storage container of the hydrogen supply system at a pressure comparable to the filling pressure of hydrogen. It is necessary to fill in with and to detect the presence and degree of gas leakage. Even in such a case, since it is extremely difficult to realize the complete seal structure, it is a great problem to detect a slight leak quickly and specify the leak location.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and is a gas storage device and a gas storage device capable of quickly and surely detecting a leak of a gas that is easily diffused and stored in an ultrahigh pressure state. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gas supply device for sending gas from a device, a method of transporting the gas or the gas storage device, and a method of handling the gas storage device.

[0014]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gas storage device comprising a gas storage container and a gas extraction port installed in the storage container. A gas storage device, which is provided in the vicinity thereof and includes a compartment for containing gas leaking from the gas outlet, and a detection unit for detecting a change in the state of the compartment.

According to the first configuration, the gas storage container is provided. This gas storage container is a container formed to be compatible with the gas to be handled, and is realized, for example, in the form of a cylinder. The gas outlet is a gas discharge part provided in a cylinder or the like, but is not limited to this, and includes a joint in the middle of a pipe connected to the cylinder.
The compartment is located near the gas outlet,
It is provided so as to catch gas leakage from here. The gas does not necessarily have to be completely enclosed in the compartment. In the compartment, the state changes with gas leakage, so
Detection means for detecting such a state change is provided.
Examples of the change in state include changes in the gas concentration and pressure (partial pressure) in the compartment, and changes in the shape of the compartment due to the change in the state are also included in this. According to various state changes, a sensor suitable for detecting the state changes is selected as the detection means.

In a second configuration of the present invention, the detecting means is
A sensing device for detecting gas accumulated in the compartment. According to the second configuration, when the gas leaks in the area where the compartment is provided, the gas is accumulated in the space partitioned by the compartment. The sensing device detects the accumulation of the gas as one of the state changes of the compartment.

In a third configuration of the present invention, the detection means is
It is characterized by being a sensing device for sensing pressure or pressure change in the compartment. According to the third configuration, when gas leaks in the region where the compartment is provided, the pressure may increase in the space partitioned by the compartment. The sensing device detects this change in pressure as one of the changes in the state of the compartment.

In a fourth structure of the present invention, the detecting means is
It is a sensing device that detects a change in the shape of a compartment. According to the fourth configuration, in the region where the compartment is provided,
When gas leaks and the member forming the compartment is formed of a flexible or flexible member, the shape of the compartment may change. The sensing device detects a change in the shape of the compartment as one of the changes in the state of the compartment.

A fifth structure of the present invention is characterized by comprising a valve mechanism installed at the gas outlet, and a part or all of the valve mechanism is arranged in the compartment. According to the fifth configuration, when the gas container is provided with the valve mechanism for opening and closing the gas outlet,
Gas may leak from the installation location. Therefore, a part or all of the valve mechanism is covered with the compartment.

In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the detecting means detects that the compartment is partially communicated with the outside air, and the concentration of the gas leaking from the apparatus side exceeds a predetermined concentration. It is characterized in that it is configured to. According to the sixth configuration, when the gas stored in the gas container has an extremely small molecular weight and / or when the stored state is ultra high pressure, the gas leaks at the outlet of the container or the pipe joint. Cannot be completely prevented. If the gas has sufficient atmospheric diffusivity, the leakage of such a minute amount of gas may be acceptable. According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the device that allows a slight amount of gas to leak is planned, the compartment is partially communicated with the outside air, and a predetermined amount of the leaked gas is discharged in relation to the atmospheric pressure. It is supposed to be done. Then, in the compartment, for example, by setting a threshold value in the detection means or the like, it is possible to detect the leakage of the gas that exceeds the amount permitted in advance.

In a seventh aspect of the present invention, when the amount of outside air exchanged in the compartment is a predetermined allowable release amount due to gas leakage from the apparatus side, the gas separation It is characterized in that the indoor concentration is set within a range that does not cause a dangerous state. According to the seventh configuration, in the device that allows a slight amount of gas to leak, in order to discharge the device, at least the outside air equal to the release amount of the allowable value of the leak gas is circulated. Need to be Furthermore, when the leakage gas is discharged in excess of the allowable amount while the compartment is exchanged with the outside air by the action of the communicating portion, the concentration of the leakage gas in the compartment does not become a dangerous state if left unattended. The amount of outside air exchange in the communication section is set.

In the eighth structure of the present invention, a plurality of gas storage devices each having a gas storage container and a gas outlet installed in the storage container are connected by piping to supply gas from each storage container. In the gas supply device, each of the gas storage devices is installed at or near the gas outlet and contains a gas leaking from the gas outlet, and a state change of the compartment. The gas supply device is configured to close the valve arranged at the gas outlet of the corresponding gas storage device based on the detection result of each detection device. According to the eighth configuration, a plurality of gas storage devices are provided. In each gas storage device, a compartment is provided at the gas outlet of the gas container. This gas outlet is
It is a gas discharge part. The compartment is provided so as to catch gas leakage. Since the state of the compartment changes with gas leakage, detection means for detecting such a state change is provided. Examples of state changes include changes in gas concentration and pressure (partial pressure) in the compartment.
This includes changes such as changes in the shape of the compartment with changes in the state. According to various state changes, a sensor suitable for detecting the state changes is selected as the detection means.
The detection means outputs the detection result corresponding to each compartment and closes the corresponding valve to cause gas leakage, thereby stopping the gas supply from the gas storage device which needs to be stopped. You can stop.

In a ninth aspect of the present invention, the pipe has a connecting portion of the pipe provided along the extension direction thereof and the compartment set in the connecting portion, and the partition of the connecting portion is provided. The detection means provided in the chamber or the compartment of the gas outlet,
It is configured to detect the equilibrium hydrogen concentration in each compartment, and
At least one of the detecting means is configured to give an alarm or a warning when the threshold concentration set below the lower explosion limit and set in stages is exceeded. According to the ninth configuration, not only the gas outlet that is the connection point between the gas storage container and the pipe, but also the connection part of the pipe has a compartment, and the detection means is provided in the compartment. . As a result, the gas leakage can be detected not only at the gas outlet but also at the connecting portion of the pipe where the risk of gas leakage is high. Furthermore, when any of the detection means installed in each compartment exceeds the threshold concentration set below the lower explosive limit in stages, an alarm or warning is issued to reduce the risk of explosive flammable gas. Can be avoided. Further, even when the threshold concentration set below the lower explosion limit in stages is exceeded, a dangerous increase in the concentration of leaked gas can be known in advance by issuing an alarm or warning.

A tenth structure of the present invention is a gas storage device comprising a plurality of members including a gas storage container and a gas outlet installed in the storage container. With an exterior member that encloses all or part of the
It is a gas storage device configured such that gas leaking from a part or all of the plurality of members can be at least temporarily accommodated by the exterior member. According to the tenth configuration, when leakage of gas is not limited to the gas outlet, and may occur from any part of the entire gas container,
Alternatively, when it is necessary to detect the gas leakage of the entire gas container, an exterior member that encloses or surrounds the entire gas container is provided. Leakage gas can be accommodated at least temporarily between the exterior member and the container, etc., and leakage to the outside is prevented or suppressed, so that the leaked gas can be easily detected.

In an eleventh structure of the present invention, the exterior member is a sheet material that covers part or all of the plurality of members, and when the gas leaks from part or all of the plurality of members. In addition, it is characterized in that it is configured to exhibit a change in appearance. According to the eleventh configuration, a sheet material that covers a part or all of the gas container or a plurality of members constituting the gas container is used as the exterior member as the exterior member. This configuration is useful when there is a risk of gas leakage from a part or all of the gas container or a plurality of members constituting the gas container, or when it is necessary to detect gas leakage in part or all of the gas container. . According to this configuration, the gap between the sheet material and the container becomes small, and when leaked gas enters the sheet material, the sheet material reacts more sensitively, causing expansion, rupture and other appearance changes. When the color or color tone of the sheet material changes as the sheet material expands, the change in color or color tone can be regarded as a change in appearance. Therefore, the leakage of gas can be converted into a change in the appearance of the exterior member, and can be easily detected visually by a suitable detection means in some cases. Further, naturally, the leaked gas is intensively accumulated in the portion where the sheet material is expanded by the leaked gas. Therefore,
When inserting the detection means into the gap between the sheet material and the container, predict the position where such expansion easily occurs,
If the detection head of the detection means is arranged at that position, it becomes easier to detect the leaked gas. When the detecting means is inserted into the gap between the sheet material and the container or the like, the degree of close contact between the sheet material and the container or the like at the position where the detection head is present decreases, and the gap becomes larger. The gas leaking from the place where the sheet material and the container are in close contact with each other moves toward a wider space or to the place where the contact between the sheet material and the container is low. The leaked gas is likely to be collected at the position where is present. For this reason, even if the installation position of the detection head of the detection means is slightly deviated from the actual leakage position, the leakage gas can be detected.

A twelfth structure of the present invention is characterized in that a storage container provided in any of the gas storage devices of the present invention is filled with gas and the gas storage device is transported. A thirteenth configuration of the present invention is a method for handling a gas storage device including a plurality of members including a storage container that can be filled with a gas and a gas outlet that is installed in the storage container. At or near the outlet, a compartment capable of at least temporarily containing the gas leaking from the gas outlet and a detection means for detecting a change in the state of the compartment are installed, and the inspection gas is filled in the storage container. Then, the gas leakage is inspected using the detection means, and when the inspection is passed, the inspection gas filled in the storage container is left in the storage container at a pressure of 1 atm or more and the compartment is installed. It is a method of handling a gas storage device, in which the gas storage device is packed in the state as it is.
A fourteenth configuration of the present invention is a method for handling a gas storage device, which comprises a plurality of members including a storage container that can be filled with gas and a gas outlet that is installed in the storage container. An exterior member that encloses a part or all of the plurality of members so as to at least temporarily accommodate gas leaking from some or all of the members, and a detection unit that detects a state change in the exterior member. , The inspection container is filled with the inspection gas, the gas leakage is inspected using the detection means, and if the inspection is passed, the inspection container filled with the inspection gas remains at a pressure of 1 atm or more. It is a method of handling a gas storage device, which is left in a storage container and is packed with the compartment being installed.

[0027]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present invention, various technically preferable limitations are attached, but the scope of the present invention particularly limits the present invention in the following description. Unless otherwise stated, the present invention is not limited to these modes.

FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing a schematic configuration of a gas supply device (gas supply system) according to this embodiment.
In FIG. 1, the gas supply device 30 is formed by connecting a plurality of gas storage devices 30, 130, 230 by a pipe 41. Each gas storage device 30, 130, 230
Respectively have gas storage containers 31, 31, 31.

Solenoid valves 34, 134 for allowing the gas contained in the gas storage container 31 to be discharged to the gas outlets 33, 33, 33 of the respective gas storage containers 31, 31, 31. 234 are arranged respectively. The gas outlets 33, 33, 33 of the gas storage containers 31, 31, 31 are connected to the gas storage container 31 from the pipe 41.
Check valves 35, 3 for preventing gas from returning to the inside
5, 35 are arranged.

The gas outlets 33, 33, 33 of the gas storage devices 30, 130, 230 are connected in series by a pipe 41, and the respective gas storage containers 31, 31, 31 of the gas storage devices 30, 130, 230 are connected. The gas contained in the pipe 41 is sent in the direction of the arrow in the pipe 41. At the connection point in the middle of the pipe 41, the joint part 3
By providing 6,136, it is connected.
Check valves 35 and 35 are provided downstream of the joint portions 36 and 136, respectively, to prevent the gas in the pipe 41 from being sent in the direction opposite to the arrow direction. If it is not necessary to provide a connection part in the middle of the pipe because the pipe is not very long, these joint parts can be omitted. A solenoid valve 39 as a main stop valve or a pressure reducing valve is set near the end of the pipe 41 to open / close or reduce the pressure of the pipe 41, and is connected to a supply destination (not shown) such as the fuel cell side. ing.

Further, in this gas supply device 10, the gas outlets 33, 33, 33 are respectively provided with compartments 32,
132 and 232 are provided respectively. Further, the joints 36, 136 and the solenoid valve 39 also have compartments 37, 13
7, 38 are provided respectively. Although not shown in this figure, at least one of the solenoid valves 34, 134 and 234 may be disposed inside so that the solenoid valve 39 is disposed inside the compartment 38. Then, in these compartments 32, 37, 132, 137, 232, 38, detection means or sensing devices 42, 43, 4 are respectively provided.
4, 45, 46, 47 are arranged, and all of these detecting means are connected to the control means 51. Also,
The control means 51 is connected to the solenoid valves 34, 134, 234 of the respective gas outlets 33, 33, 33. When the pipe 41 is not provided with the joint portion, the compartment and the detection means corresponding thereto can be omitted, and the compartment and the detection means do not have to be provided at all connection points. In FIG. 1, for example, the take-out port 33 and the joint portion 36 are installed in separate compartments 32 and 37, but they may be installed in a common compartment (not shown). When two or more members constituting the gas storage device 30 or the gas supply device 10 are arranged close to each other, it is rational to install these members in a common compartment.

The control means 51 may be a computer or a control circuit provided exclusively for the gas supply device 10, or may be shared by a computer for controlling the operation of the vehicle when the gas supply device 10 is mounted on a vehicle. Good. Further, the alarm means 52 may be connected to the control means 51. The alarm means 52 is composed of a ringing means such as a buzzer, a warning lamp, voice guidance, and the like, and in the case of an on-vehicle gas supply device, an alarm such as letters and lamps may be issued on the operation panel of the vehicle. .

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a gas storage device 30 that can be used to construct the gas supply device 10. In the figure, the gas supply device as one unit for constituting the gas supply device 10 has the above-described gas storage container 31, gas outlet port 33, and pipe 41 to which the gas outlet port 33 is connected. It preferably has a joint 36 provided in the pipe 41 and an electromagnetic valve 39 as a main stop valve or a pressure reducing valve provided at the end of the pipe 41. In this configuration, as in the case of FIG. 1, compartments 32, 37, 38 are individually provided at the gas outlet 33, the joint 36, and the solenoid valve 39.

These compartments 32, 37, 38 are airtight, durable, and preferably, as a material for retaining a predetermined shape, as a material for partitioning a predetermined space for forming each compartment. For example, silicone rubber (transparent), polytetrafluoroethylene (white), polyethylene, polypropylene or the like is selected to form a sensing chamber having a shape corresponding to each location. The material is
Regardless of whether or not it has a property of permeating the gas in the gas storage device, the gas can be detected at least temporarily and at least temporarily enough to cause a change in appearance due to leakage of the gas. It is necessary to be able to store and be recyclable.

Here, the gas container 31 is, for example, in consideration of the purpose of supplying hydrogen as fuel of the fuel cell,
The appropriate structure is selected. For example, the gas storage container 31
It is preferable that the hydrogen tank has such strength that it can be repeatedly filled with ultra-high pressure hydrogen, and that a relatively light material is suitable in consideration of portability. That is, the steel container is excellent in strength, but is not preferable because it is heavy. In particular, in the case of an on-vehicle gas storage container, it is necessary to fill one gas storage container with as much hydrogen as possible in view of the travel distance required for an automobile.
It is necessary to hold hydrogen at a high pressure of a certain degree. Therefore, as the gas storage container, the following structure can be used as a lightweight composite material container having excellent strength. For example, an aluminum alloy or austenitic stainless is used as the liner. As for the structure of the entire surface of the liner (mirror portion, body portion), carbon fiber impregnated with epoxy resin was reinforced with carbon fiber reinforced plastic (C-FRP) having a double layer structure of helical winding and hoop winding. Things are suitable.

Compartment 3 formed in the gas outlet 33
2 includes, for example, a neck portion of the gas storage container 31, and is formed so as to surround a very small joint such as a combined portion of the electromagnetic valve 34 and the gas storage container 31 (see FIG. 1). Similarly, a compartment 37 can be provided so as to wrap the joint portion 36, but these joint portions 3
A compartment may be provided so as to enclose all of 6, the gas storage container 31, and the gas outlet 33. That is, in handling a gas such as hydrogen, at the time of filling or transportation, the gas supply device 10
Alternatively, the entire compartment 22 may be provided in units of parts that are individually removed and handled. The compartment 32
When the pipe is installed, when it comes into contact with the components of the pipe 41 and the gas outlet 33, it is not necessary that the airtightness of the gas is perfect at the contacting portion. The compartment 32 needs to be able to store the gas at least temporarily enough to detect the gas by the detection means 23 and cause a change in appearance due to leakage of the gas. The gas may leak from the compartment 32 as long as the necessary conditions are satisfied.

The detecting means 42 (sensing device) provided in the compartment 32 detects the presence of leaked hydrogen or the like, and detects the presence of the compartment 3 in the compartment 3.
When the concentration of hydrogen or the like in the atmosphere in 2 is detected, the pressure change or the like caused in the atmosphere in the compartment 32 due to leakage of hydrogen or the like is detected, or the compartment 32 is formed of a deformable material. , A sensor suitable for detecting the shape change of the compartment 32 itself due to the pressure change caused in the atmosphere in the compartment 32 due to leakage of hydrogen, etc. To be done.

Specifically, a gas sensor using a semiconductor, a hydrogen sensor, a pressure sensor, a strain gauge and the like can be preferably used. Here, the gas sensor using the semiconductor, the gas sensor of the catalytic combustion type, the gas sensor of the hot wire semiconductor type,
In both cases, it is necessary to heat the semiconductor and platinum coil,
It will be used with a predetermined explosion-proof structure. Further, a hydrogen sensor or the like has been developed, which has a diffusion rate-controlling part on the side in which a proton conductor is sandwiched between electrodes and a measurement gas comes into contact, and this hydrogen sensor can obtain a linear voltage output with respect to hydrogen concentration. . It is suitable because it operates at room temperature (up to about 100 degrees Celsius) and can measure in a high humidity atmosphere. In addition to these, a sensor that guides a gas sample to be detected and simultaneously detects a plurality of existing gas species by gas chromatography can also be suitably used.

In addition to or in addition to the compartments 32 and 37, another compartment or exterior member 21 is provided so as to cover the main body of the gas storage container 31. The exterior member 21 is a sealing material as a sealing material that is flexible to some extent, and a synthetic resin sheet material is suitable.
Specifically, for example, a sheet material such as silicone rubber (transparent), polytetrafluoroethylene (white), polyethylene or polypropylene can be used. As a method of attaching the exterior member 21 to the gas storage container 31 and other members, for example, the gas storage container 31 is placed inside a bag-shaped sheet material, the pressure is reduced, and the sheet material is stored in the gas storage container 31. Of the sheet material having a proper shape and size by applying an adhesive to one surface of the gas storage container 31 and attaching it to a desired location of the gas storage container 31 or wrapping the joint portion 36. There are a surrounding method and a method in which a cap made of a sheet material is covered so as to follow the outer shapes of the gas outlet 33 and other members. In addition, it is desirable that the sheet material forming the cap has elasticity so as to be easily attached to the outer surface of a part or the whole of the member. By doing so, when minute cracks, cracks, joining defects, etc. occur in the gas storage container 31 and other members, the leaked gas such as hydrogen is separated between the exterior member 21 and the surface of the exterior member. It can be housed at least temporarily in the meantime. As a result, the exterior member 21 at a location where hydrogen or the like leaks slightly swells, and plastically deforms or ruptures due to the bulge, so that the exterior member 21 can be visually distinguished from the surrounding exterior member 21 and the leakage can be visually recognized. Therefore, it can be used as a standard for exchanging a member having such a portion.

In addition to this, preferably, as shown in FIG. 2, a detecting means 23 can be provided as shown in FIG. 2 preferably inside the exterior member 21. As the detection means 23, any means capable of detecting the shape change of the exterior member 21 can be adopted, but preferably a strain sensor or a strain gauge (not shown) can be used. The strain gauge is formed by adhering a metal resistance foil on a base part made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin or paper, and the metal resistance foil is formed by a comb-teeth-shaped wire and both ends are gauge leads. Used as. This base portion is fixed to the exterior member 21 itself by adhesion or the like.

As a result, a slight change in the shape of the exterior member 21 is output as a change in electric resistance via the gauge lead. Thus, the exterior member 2 of the gas storage container 31
The configuration in which 1 is provided and the configuration in which the detection means 23 is provided may be used alone, or may be added to the gas supply device 10 in FIG. 1, and the detection means 23 is connected to the control means 51. May be. The present invention is not limited to this, and the exterior member 21 provided in the gas storage container 31 may not be brought into close contact with the gas 31. In this case, the detection means 23 provided inside the exterior member 21 is not included in the exterior member. Two
Instead of detecting the shape change of No. 1, a sensor for detecting leaked hydrogen, which will be described later, may be used.

FIG. 3 shows a preferred configuration example of the compartment 32 (the compartments 37 and 38 are the same). The compartment 32 may have a structure that hermetically seals the inside thereof, but especially when hydrogen or the like is handled, the compartment 32 is partially communicated with the outside air, and the concentration of gas leaking from the device side is It is preferable that the detecting means detects that the concentration exceeds a predetermined concentration.

FIG. 9 shows an example in which the sheet material 21 made of synthetic resin is installed so as to cover the gas outlet 33 and its vicinity. The detection means 23 is inserted between the sheet material 21 and the gas outlet 33. When gas leaks from the gas outlet 33 covered with the sheet material 21 and its vicinity, the sheet material 21 and the gas outlet 3
It is housed at least temporarily between the first and second parts and the diffusion of the gas is suppressed. As a result, the detection means 23 can detect the gas leakage. In order to form the state shown in FIG. 9, it is easy to attach the sheet material 21 and the gas outlet 33 to each other with an adhesive so as to be in close contact with each other, but the detection means 23 leaks the leaked gas to a sufficient degree. If gas can be accommodated, it is sufficient to dispose them so that they are brought close to each other without using an adhesive. When the leaked gas accumulates between the sheet material 21 and the gas outlet 33, the accumulated portion expands, causing a change in appearance. Especially, for example, when the degree of adhesion between the sheet material 21 and the gas outlet 33 is high, the leaked gas is less likely to be scattered from between the sheet material 21 and the gas outlet 33, so that this kind of deformation is likely to occur. . In this case, if the sheet member 21 is provided with a detecting means such as a strain gauge, this change in appearance can be detected. Further, depending on the material of the sheet material 21, the translucent sheet material may change its deformed portion to white due to plastic deformation due to expansion, and it is possible to visually recognize the change in its appearance. Note that, although not limited to the example of FIG. 9, the means for detecting a change in appearance, such as a strain gauge, among the detection means 23 is used for the exterior member (including the case of using a sheet material) and other compartments. It may be installed inside or outside.

FIG. 10 shows an example in which the sheet material 21 is installed so as to cover the gas storage container 31. Sheet material 21
Is installed so as to cover the gas storage container 31, reach the vicinity of the gas outlet 33, and surround it. The detection means 23 is inserted between the sheet material 21 and the gas storage container 31. When the gas leaks from the gas storage container 31 covered with the sheet material 21, the gas is stored at least temporarily between the sheet material 21 and the gas storage container 31, and the diffusion of the gas is suppressed. As a result, the detection means 23 can detect the gas leakage.
In FIG. 10, the detecting means 23 is installed at only one place around the waist of the storage container 31, but a plurality of detecting means 23 may be installed. Further, the detection means 23 is a gas concentration detection sensor,
A plurality of types of gas pressure (change) detection sensors, strain gauges, and the like may be provided.

FIG. 11 shows a gas take-out port 33 and a gas storage container 31 and their vicinity (the gas take-out port 33 and the gas storage container 31) using a sheet material 21 made of synthetic resin.
An example in which it is installed so as to cover the boundary region of (1) and a part of the pipe 41 connected to the gas outlet 33) is shown. In this figure,
A plurality of members such as the gas outlet 33 and the gas storage container 31 (and the vicinity thereof) that form the gas storage device are covered with the sheet material 21. The detection means 23 is installed so as to be inserted between the gas outlet 33 and the sheet material 21.
The sheet material 21 may be installed between the sheet material 21 and the sheet material 21, or a plurality or a plurality of types may be installed.

FIG. 12 shows an example in which the sheet material 21 made of synthetic resin covers the electromagnetic valve 39 and a part of the pipe 41 in the vicinity thereof. In this figure, a plurality of members such as an electromagnetic valve 39 and a pipe 41 that constitute the gas storage device are covered with a sheet material 21. The detection means 23 is installed so as to be inserted between the electromagnetic valve 39 and the sheet material 21, but may be installed so as to be inserted between the electromagnetic valve 39 and the sheet material 21, or A plurality or a plurality of types may be installed.

In FIG. 13, the solenoid valve 3 is provided by the sheet material 21.
4 (134, 234) and a part of the pipe 41 in the vicinity thereof are covered. In this figure, a plurality of members such as a solenoid valve 34 and a pipe 41 that constitute the gas storage device are covered with a sheet material 21. Detection means 2
3 is installed so as to be inserted between the solenoid valve 34 (134, 234) and the sheet material 21.
It may be installed so as to be inserted between (134, 234) and the sheet material 21, or a plurality or a plurality of types may be installed. In this figure, the solenoid valve 34 (13
4, 234) and the sheet material 21, the detection head portion of the detection means 23 is connected to the electromagnetic valve 34 (134, 2).
It is long enough to reach the pipe 41 from the 34) side. In such a case, it is preferable that the detection head is also wrapped with the sheet material 21 so that the leaked gas is likely to stay inside the sheet material 21.

The hydrogen handled in this embodiment has a very small molecular weight. Further, the gas storage container 31 contains ultrahigh pressure hydrogen. Therefore, it is difficult to completely prevent the gas from leaking through the gas outlet 33 and the joint 36 or the like (see FIG. 1) that is the pipe joint. However, since hydrogen has a large atmospheric diffusivity, the leaked hydrogen is unlikely to stay, and when the concentration does not reach a dangerous level, such a small amount of hydrogen leak may be acceptable as a joint structure such as piping. is there.

As described above, on the premise that a minute amount of hydrogen is allowed to leak, the amount of hydrogen leaked may be large, and the concentration of hydrogen may be partially retained due to the structure of the device, resulting in a dangerous concentration. In order to prevent this, in FIG. 3, the compartment 32 is partially communicated with the atmosphere so that a minute amount of hydrogen is released to the outside and diffused. As a result, the leaked hydrogen or the like is temporarily captured in the compartment 32, and the presence of the hydrogen or the like can be detected by holding the concentration that can be detected by the detection means 42 before the diffusion. On the other hand, compartment 3
When the air conditioner 2 is completely sealed, the concentration of leaked hydrogen and the like stored in the compartment 32 becomes too high and exceeds the allowable leaked hydrogen amount, and the purpose of detection is lost. Therefore, if the leaked hydrogen amount in the compartment 32 is within an allowable range, the threshold value of the detection means is set within the range in which the equilibrium hydrogen concentration does not notify the danger. Try to set it. As a result, the state can be known only when the amount of hydrogen leaked into the compartment 32 exceeds the amount requiring countermeasures.

Specifically, in the compartment 32, as a means for partially communicating with the outside air, the outside air entrance passage 24 and the exhaust passage 2 are provided.
And 5 are provided. In FIG. 3, the orientation of the compartment 32 is shown in FIG.
It is shown in a state rotated by 90 degrees in comparison with. As shown, the exhaust passage 25 provided in the compartment 32.
At the location where the compartment 32 is set, is opened to the upper part, preferably the upper end, of the compartment 32 to form an upward air passage. The outside air entry path 24 is preferably the compartment 3
2, it is opened at least in the region except the upper part, and more preferably, it is opened at the lower end of the compartment 32.

That is, when the gas handled by the gas storage device 30 is a gas having a diffusibility or a high diffusibility such as hydrogen, it is easy to go upward in the compartment 32, so that the interior of the compartment 32 such as hydrogen is In order to avoid the extreme storage at 1, the exhaust passage 25 is preferably provided above the compartment 32 and extends upward.

That is, depending on the position at which the detecting means 42 is provided, the outside air introduced into the compartment 32 is located in the passage of hydrogen or the like leaking from the device side due to convection or the like generated in the compartment 32. It is necessary to consider that the tori may not be suitable. For this reason, the detection means 42 may be provided in the compartment 32, but it is preferable to provide the detection means 42 in the exhaust passage 25 where hydrogen, which has diffused and risen, collects, as shown in the figure, because it is easier to detect gas such as hydrogen Becomes

The effective sectional area of the exhaust passage 25 is set to be at least equal to or larger than the effective sectional area of the outside air introduction passage 24. Then, the effective cross-sectional area of the outside air introduction passage 24 is
It is set in relation to the allowable amount of gas such as hydrogen leaking into the compartment 32. That is, the equilibrium hydrogen concentration in the compartment 32 and the elapsed time to reach the equilibrium hydrogen concentration are determined from the relationship among the volume of the compartment 32, the amount of leaking hydrogen, and the amount of outside air exchanged.

Therefore, particularly in the design of the compartment 32, these relationships are previously obtained from experimental values.
By obtaining settings such that the equilibrium hydrogen concentration does not exceed the dangerous range under conditions such as the volume of each compartment 32,
The above-mentioned effective cross-sectional area of the outside air introduction passage 24 can be set.

This point will be described more specifically.
FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of external air exchanged, the amount of air input, and the equilibrium hydrogen concentration.
c, when the amount of leaked hydrogen is 10 cc / hour, on the graph, when a is the same as the leaked hydrogen amount when the air input amount is 1, b is the air input amount 1 when b is When the amount of leaked hydrogen is 3 (3 times), c is the compartment 3 when the amount of leaked hydrogen is 10 (10 times) with respect to the air input amount 1.
It is the simulation result by the computer which plotted the hydrogen concentration in 2. Similarly, FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the air input amount, which is the exchange amount of outside air, and the equilibrium hydrogen concentration. When the volume of the compartment 32 is changed to 5 cc and the leaked hydrogen amount is set to 10 cc / hour. On the graph, d is the amount of leaked hydrogen when the amount of air input is 1, and the amount of leaked hydrogen is 1, and the amount of leaked hydrogen is 3 when the amount of air input is 1.
In the case of (3 times), f is a simulation result by a computer plotting the hydrogen concentration in the compartment 32 when the amount of leaked hydrogen is 10 (10 times) with respect to the air input amount 1.

From the results shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, if the amount of leaked hydrogen is constant, the difference in the volume of the compartment 32 is only the difference in the time required to reach the equilibrium hydrogen concentration. The equilibrium hydrogen concentration is the same. Therefore, it is found that the equilibrium hydrogen concentration can be controlled by the air input amount, that is, the outside air exchange amount, when the leaked hydrogen amount is constant. Figure 6
When the amount of leaked hydrogen is 10 cc / hour, and when it is 20 cc / hour
6 is a table summarizing the equilibrium hydrogen concentration in the compartment 32 when the input air amount (outside air exchange amount) is changed for each time.

In the table of FIG. 6, in the case of hydrogen, the equilibrium hydrogen concentration is 4 to 76 (Vol percent) in volume ratio, which is the explosion limit. Therefore, it is necessary to control the hydrogen concentration in the compartment 32 so that such an equilibrium hydrogen concentration is not obtained. Here, when a mixed gas of combustible gas and air is ignited, if the combustible gas concentration exceeds a certain value, the flame propagates in a chain and a gas explosion occurs. The concentration at this time is set to the lower explosion limit (LEL (Lower Explosion L
It is referred to as "immit)" and is indicated by "VOL percent". Figure 6
The rightmost column of is the value represented by LEL display. For example, since the lower explosion limit of hydrogen is 4 Vol% as described above, this concentration is expressed as 100% LEL. Then, for example, if it is 2 Vol%, the display will be 50% LEL.

In the table of FIG. 6, the leaked hydrogen concentration is calculated from the world standard or standard currently under study.
Since the leak hydrogen concentration is 20 cc / hour or less, the equilibrium hydrogen concentration is 100 when the leak hydrogen concentration is 20 cc / hour.
Amount of input air (percentage of outside air exchange) when it becomes percent LEL
Is 480 cc / hour.

Given this, an example of the detection management method in the case of hydrogen will be described. The input air amount (outside air exchange amount) will be, for example, 480 cc / hour under atmospheric pressure, as shown in FIG. The effective cross-sectional area of the outside air inflow path of the compartment 32 is set. Then, for example, a threshold as shown in FIG. 7 is determined and detection management is performed. That is, FIG. 7 shows LEL of the equilibrium hydrogen concentration in the compartment 32 when the amount of leaked hydrogen changed from 4 cc to 22 cc with the input air amount (outside air exchange amount) being 480 cc / hour. Is.

In each compartment of the gas supply device 10, the amount of leaked hydrogen gradually increases due to deterioration over time, and
The equilibrium hydrogen concentration in the compartment 32 changes as shown in FIG.
In this case, for example, a threshold value such as W1 is set when the equilibrium hydrogen concentration detected by the detection unit is LEL, which is 25%, and W2 is set when it is increased to 75%. Then, 25% of 0% to W1 is set as a safe range to be a green zone, and 25% to W2
Up to 75% of the above range is set as a caution range, and when it exceeds 75%, a red zone is set, and the hydrogen supply unit to which the relevant compartment belongs is stopped.

Next, an operation example in which the gas supply device 10 of FIG. 1 is operated using such a threshold value will be described with reference to FIG. First, in the gas supply device 10 of FIG. 1, the detection means 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, provided in the compartments 32, 37, 132, 137, 232, 38, respectively.
If all of the detected values of 47 belong to the green zone, no warning is given, or an additional function of the warning means 52 of FIG. . And the compartments 32, 37,
If the value detected by each of the detection means 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 provided in 132, 137, 232, 38 is one, or if a plurality of them belong to the yellow zone, an alarm means By 52, a predetermined color display, for example, a yellow light emission display, a display indicating that the user is in a caution state, and a voice output are performed. Furthermore, the compartments 32, 37, 1
Each detection means 4 provided in 32, 137, 232, 38
The values detected by 2, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 are
If only one or a plurality of them belong to the red zone, the safe operation as shown in FIG. 8 is started.

In the figure, the case A is a case where only the detection means 42 of the compartment 32 of FIG. 1 sends the output signal exceeding the threshold value W2 to the control means 51. Control means 51
Closes the solenoid valve 34 to prevent a gas such as hydrogen sent from the gas storage container 31 of the gas storage device 30 from flowing into the pipe 41. In this way, in the area of the compartment 32, the leakage of gas such as hydrogen is prevented from becoming a dangerous state, and if necessary, the alarm means 52 is instructed to inform the user of the state.

In FIG. 8, the case B is a case where the detection means 43 of the compartment 37 of FIG. 1 sends an output signal exceeding the threshold value W2 to the control means 51. The control means 51
Only the solenoid valve 34 is closed to prevent the gas such as hydrogen sent from the gas storage container 31 of the gas storage device 30 from flowing into the pipe 41. This prevents the gas leakage of hydrogen or the like from becoming a dangerous state in the area of the compartment 37, issues an instruction to the alarm means 52 if necessary, and notifies the user of the state.

In FIG. 8, the case C is a case where the detection means 44 of the compartment 132 of FIG. 1 sends the output signal exceeding the threshold value W2 to the control means 51. Control means 51
Closes the solenoid valve 34 and the solenoid valve 134 upstream of the compartment 132, and gas such as hydrogen sent from the gas storage container 31 of the gas storage device 30 and the gas storage container 31 of the gas storage device 130 flows into the pipe 41. Stop doing. In this way, the leakage of gas such as hydrogen is prevented from becoming a dangerous state in the area of the compartment 132, and if necessary, the warning means 52 is instructed to notify the user of the state.

In FIG. 8, the case D is the case where the detection means 45 of the compartment 137 of FIG. 1 sends the output signal exceeding the threshold value W2 to the control means 51. Control means 51
Closes the solenoid valve 34 and the solenoid valve 134 upstream of the compartment 137, and gas such as hydrogen sent from the gas storage container 31 of the gas storage device 30 and the gas storage container 31 of the gas storage device 130 flows into the pipe 41. Stop doing. In this way, in the area of the compartment 137, the leakage of gas such as hydrogen is prevented from becoming a dangerous state, and if necessary, the alarm means 52 is instructed to inform the user of the state.

In FIG. 8, the case E is a case where the detection means 46 of the compartment 232 of FIG. 1 sends an output signal exceeding the threshold value W2 to the control means 51. Control means 51
Is a solenoid valve 34, a solenoid valve 134, upstream of the compartment 232.
The electromagnetic valve 234 and the main stop valve 39 at the end of the pipe 41 are closed, and the gas storage container 31 and the gas storage device 130 of the gas storage device 30 and the gas storage container 31 of the gas storage device 230 are closed.
The gas such as hydrogen sent from the gas storage container 31 of
1 and the gas conveyance of the pipe 41 is stopped, thereby preventing dangerous gas leakage of hydrogen or the like in the area of the compartment 232, and issuing an instruction to the alarm means 52 if necessary. Notify the user of the state.

In FIG. 8, the case F is a case where the detection means 47 of the compartment 38 of FIG. 1 sends an output signal exceeding the threshold value W2 to the control means 51. The control means 51
The solenoid valve 34, the solenoid valve 134, the solenoid valve 234 upstream of the compartment 232, and the main stop valve 39 at the end of the pipe 41 are closed to close the gas storage container 31 of the gas storage device 30, the gas storage device 130, and the gas storage device. A gas such as hydrogen sent from the gas storage container 31 of the gas storage container 31 of the device 230 is connected to the pipe 41.
And the gas conveyance of the pipe 41 is stopped, thereby preventing the gas leakage of hydrogen and the like from becoming a dangerous state in the area of the compartment 232, and issuing an instruction to the alarm means 52 if necessary, and To inform the state.

As described above, when any of the detection means provided in each compartment exceeds the threshold concentration set stepwise below the lower explosion limit, an alarm or a warning is issued.
The danger of explosive flammable gases can be avoided. Also,
Even when the threshold concentration set below the explosive lower limit is exceeded step by step, a dangerous increase in the concentration of the leaked gas can be known in advance by issuing an alarm or warning. That is, for example, when the gas supply device 10 is used in a fuel supply system of a fuel cell vehicle, if the gaseous fuel such as hydrogen leaks, the fuel supply cannot be suddenly stopped while the vehicle is traveling. , Can be dangerous. Therefore, as described above, when the equilibrium hydrogen concentration in the specific compartment of the leaked hydrogen exceeds the predetermined threshold concentration set stepwise below the lower explosion limit, by issuing an alarm or a warning,
It is possible to notify the user including the driver of the necessity of taking advance measures.

Next, a method of transporting gas using the gas storage container 31 in the above embodiment will be described. The first example of the gas transfer method is the gas storage container 3 shown in FIG.
In the state where the exterior member 21 having the above-described configuration is mounted on the fuel cell 1, the fuel cell is loaded with a gas such as hydrogen and then loaded onto a vehicle such as a truck, transported, and subsequently unloaded at a transport destination. It can be built into a system or a fuel cell vehicle.

The second example of the method of transporting the gas is a method of transporting the test gas (see FIG. 14). That is, first, the gas storage device 30 (however, in the gas storage device 30 in this case, the gas storage container 31 and the gas outlet 33 are essential components, but the joint portion 36 and the solenoid valve 39 are used.
Is an arbitrary component. ) Is assembled. Next, when performing a quality inspection on the assembled gas storage device 30, a compartment or an exterior member (including a sheet material) is attached to a required place, and the detection means 23, 42, etc. are installed at the required place and the inspection is performed. The presence or absence of gas leakage and the degree of gas leakage are inspected by the detection means 23, 42 or the like or by visual inspection by flowing the working gas through the gas storage device 30 or filling the gas storage container 31. Next, the gas storage device 3 that passed the test
The inspection gas remains in the gas storage container 31 of 0, and the compartment or the exterior member (including the sheet material) previously attached for the inspection is packaged without being removed, and it is transported and transported. It is installed in a fuel cell system or in a fuel cell vehicle. In this second example, when the gas to be filled in the gas storage container 31 is finally hydrogen, the inspection gas is preferably helium gas. It can be said that this second example is an example of a method for conveying the inspection gas. The exterior member may be installed at a required location after the detection means is installed in advance on the exterior member.

In such a transportation process, when minute cracks or cracks are generated in the main body of the gas storage container 31, the leaked gas such as hydrogen is caused to flow on the surface of the gas storage container 31.
It is temporarily accommodated between the exterior members 21. For this reason, a portion of the exterior member 21 in which hydrogen or the like is stored is slightly swollen and can be visually recognized from the appearance. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether to return to the transport source without using such a gas storage container 31. . Therefore, with a simple structure, it is possible to obtain a great effect in ensuring the safety of safe transportation and handling.

In the second example of the method of transporting gas, the gas storage container 31 is used to ensure the safety of transport.
It is desirable that the pressure of the inspection gas left over is not less than the atmospheric pressure, and it is preferable that it is higher than the atmospheric pressure.
If the pressure is set to such a level, it is easy to detect gas leakage during transportation, and even if a deformation stress is applied to the gas storage container 31 during the transportation process, the shape is maintained by the internal pressure, so that the deformation resistance increases. , It becomes difficult to get a dent. Further, according to this second example, a part or all of the compartment or the exterior member (including the sheet material) is originally attached to the gas supply device 10 to be installed at the transfer destination. Thirty
Therefore, the load on the work at the destination, especially the assembling work is significantly reduced. In addition to this, since the quality inspection of the gas storage device 30 is completed before the transportation, the work at the destination, particularly the inspection work, can be significantly improved.

When an equipment including a fuel cell, for example, a fuel system of an automobile or other device is assembled, quality inspection, particularly airtightness inspection is required. In this inspection as well, it is necessary to detect the presence or degree of leakage gas by flowing the target gas or inspection gas under pressure, or by filling the gas container with high pressure. The issue is how to detect. When the target gas is hydrogen, the inspection gas is preferably helium gas. Therefore, by assembling all the configurations described in the above-described embodiment or a part of the configurations thereof to assemble equipment equipped with the fuel cell and inspecting the equipment, it is possible to detect leak gas quickly and reliably. You can

Even before assembling the fuel supply system or the like in the device equipped with the fuel cell, the gas storage device such as the pipe, the joint portion, the valve and the gas storage container or the individual members constituting the gas supply device are installed. , Quality inspection is required. After connecting some or all of these components, airtightness inspection may be required. Even in such an inspection, how to efficiently detect the leaked gas is also a problem. Therefore, any of the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 in the above-described embodiment is adopted, and an inspection gas such as, for example, helium gas is circulated under pressure therein, or a gas storage container is pressurized and filled to be airtight. If the inspection is performed, it is possible to perform the inspection quickly, surely, and easily for each component part or for the gas storage device or the gas supply device as a whole.

The above-mentioned handling method, in which the quality inspection of the gas storage device is completed before assembling the fuel supply system and the like in the device equipped with the fuel cell, is basically the same as the second example of the above-mentioned gas transfer method. Are based on the same technical idea (see FIG. 14). That is, first, the gas storage device 30 (however, the gas storage device 30 in this case is
While the gas outlet 33 is an essential component, the joint portion 36 and the solenoid valve 39 are optional components. ) Is assembled, and then a quality inspection is performed on the assembled gas storage device 30, a compartment or an exterior member (including a sheet material) is attached to a required place, and the detection means 23, 42, etc. are provided at the required place. To install. As a result, the configuration of any one of FIGS. 1 to 3 in the above-described embodiment is completed.

Next, the inspection gas is allowed to flow through the gas storage device 30, or the gas storage container 31 is filled with the inspection gas.
The presence or absence and the degree of gas leakage are inspected by the detection means 23, 42 or the like or visually. The inspection gas remains in the gas storage container 31 of the gas storage device 30 that has passed the inspection, and the compartment or the exterior member (including the sheet material) previously attached for the inspection is packed without being removed. The packed gas storage device 30 (or the gas supply device 10) may be stored in a warehouse or may be transported to a destination. At the transfer destination, the gas storage device 30 (or the gas supply device 10)
Is incorporated in a fuel cell system, for example, a fuel cell vehicle.

In the handling of such a gas storage device, when the gas to be filled in the gas storage container 31 is finally hydrogen, the inspection gas is preferably helium gas. Further, in order to ensure the safety of transportation, it is desirable that the pressure of the inspection gas left in the gas storage container 31 is equal to or higher than the atmospheric pressure, and it is rather higher than the atmospheric pressure. If the pressure is set to such a level, it is easy to detect gas leakage during transportation, and even if a deformation stress is applied to the gas storage container 31 during the transportation process, the shape is maintained by the internal pressure, so that the deformation resistance increases. , It becomes difficult to get a dent. Further, according to this method of handling the gas storage device, a part or all of the compartment or the exterior member (including the sheet material) should be attached to the gas supply device 10 that should be installed at the transfer destination. Since this is done before the storage device 30 is transported, the load on the work at the destination, particularly the assembly work, is greatly reduced. In addition to this, since the quality inspection of the gas storage device 30 is completed before the transportation, the work at the destination, particularly the inspection work, can be significantly improved. The exterior member may be installed at a required location after the detection means is installed in advance on the exterior member. The invention is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments described above. In particular, each of the configurations of the above-described embodiments can be partially omitted or combined with other configurations as necessary.

[0067]

As described above, according to the present invention, a gas storage device capable of quickly and surely detecting a leak of a gas which is easily diffused and stored in an ultrahigh pressure state, and a gas storage device which removes gas from the gas storage device. A gas supply device for sending gas and a method for transporting gas can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing a schematic configuration of a gas supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a gas storage device used in the gas supply device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a compartment used in the gas supply device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing a relationship between an air input amount, which is an external air exchange amount, and an equilibrium hydrogen concentration.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing a relationship between an air input amount, which is an external air exchange amount, and an equilibrium hydrogen concentration.

FIG. 6 shows a case where the amount of leaked hydrogen is 10 cc / hour and 2
The table which summarized the equilibrium hydrogen concentration in the compartment when the input air amount (outside air exchange amount) was changed for each of 0 cc / hour.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing LEL of the equilibrium hydrogen concentration in the compartment when the amount of leaked hydrogen changes from 4 cc to 22 cc with the input air amount (outside air exchange amount) set to 480 cc / hour.

8 is a table showing an example of detection control of the gas supply device of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example in which a synthetic resin sheet material is installed so as to cover the gas outlet and its vicinity.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which a sheet material is installed so as to cover the gas storage container.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example in which a synthetic resin sheet material is installed so as to cover the gas outlet, the gas storage container, and their vicinity.

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example in which a sheet material made of synthetic resin covers a part of a solenoid valve and a pipe in the vicinity thereof.

FIG. 13 is a view showing an example in which a sheet material covers a part of a solenoid valve and a pipe in the vicinity thereof.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for transporting a test gas.

FIG. 15 is a system diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional gas supply device.

[Explanation of Codes] 10 ... Gas Supply Device, 30 ... Gas Storage Device, 3
1 ... Gas storage container, 32, 37, 132, 137,
232, 38 ... compartment, 33 ... gas outlet,
36, 136 ... Joints, 42, 44, 46,
47 ... Detection means.

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A gas storage device comprising a gas storage container and a gas outlet installed in the storage container, wherein the gas storage device is installed at or near the gas outlet and accommodates gas leaking from the gas outlet. A gas storage device comprising a compartment and a detection means for detecting a change in the state of the compartment. 2. The gas storage device according to claim 1, wherein the detection means is a sensing device that detects gas accumulated in the compartment. 3. The gas storage device according to claim 1, wherein the detection means is a sensing device that senses pressure or pressure change in the compartment. 4. The gas storage device according to claim 1, wherein the detection means is a sensing device that detects a shape change of the compartment. 5. The valve mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a valve mechanism installed at the gas outlet, and a part or the whole of the valve mechanism is disposed in the compartment. The gas storage device described. 6. The detection means detects that the compartment is partially communicated with the outside air, and the concentration of gas leaking from the apparatus exceeds a predetermined concentration. The gas storage device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, and 5, which is characterized. 7. If the amount of outside air exchanged in the compartment is a predetermined allowable release amount due to gas leakage from the device side, the concentration of the gas in the compartment is in a dangerous state. The gas storage device according to claim 6, wherein the gas storage device is set to a range that does not become. 8. A gas supply device configured to supply a gas from each storage container by connecting a plurality of gas storage devices including a gas storage container and a gas outlet installed in the storage container by piping. Wherein each of the gas storage devices is installed in the gas outlet or in the vicinity thereof, and contains a compartment that stores gas leaking from the gas outlet, and a detection unit that detects a state change of the compartment. A gas supply device, characterized in that it is configured to close a valve arranged at a gas outlet of the corresponding gas storage device based on a detection result of each detection means. 9. The pipe has a connecting portion of the pipe provided along the extension direction and the compartment set in the connecting portion, and the compartment of the connecting portion or the gas outlet port The detection means provided in the compartment is configured to detect the equilibrium hydrogen concentration in each compartment, and at least one of the detection means exceeds the threshold concentration set stepwise below the lower explosion limit. It is characterized in that it gives a warning or an alert when
The gas supply device according to claim 8. 10. A gas storage device comprising a plurality of members including a gas storage container and a gas outlet installed in the storage container, the exterior member enclosing a part or all of the plurality of members. The gas storage device according to claim 1, wherein the gas leaking from a part or all of the plurality of members is at least temporarily accommodated by the exterior member. 11. The exterior member is a sheet material that covers a part or all of the plurality of members, and changes in appearance when the gas leaks from a part or all of the plurality of members. The gas storage device according to claim 10, wherein the gas storage device is configured to exhibit. 12. The method according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
12. A method for transporting gas, comprising filling a storage container included in the gas storage device according to any one of 10 and 11 with gas and transporting the gas storage device. 13. A method of handling a gas storage device comprising a plurality of members including a storage container capable of being filled with gas and a gas outlet port installed in the storage container, wherein the gas outlet port or the gas outlet port is provided. In the vicinity, a compartment capable of accommodating the gas leaking from the gas outlet at least temporarily and a detection means for detecting a change in the state of the compartment are installed, and the inspection gas is filled in the storage container. If the gas is inspected for leaks and the inspection is passed, the inspection gas filled in the containment vessel is left in the containment vessel at a pressure of 1 atm or more, and the gas is kept in the state where the compartment is installed. A method for handling a gas storage device, which comprises packaging the storage device. 14. A method of handling a gas storage device, comprising: a plurality of members including a storage container capable of being filled with gas; and a gas outlet provided in the storage container. A gas for inspection is provided by installing an exterior member that encloses a part or all of the plurality of members so that gas leaking from all or all of them can be accommodated at least temporarily, and a detection unit that detects a state change in the exterior member. Is inspected for gas leakage using a detection means, and if the inspection is passed, the inspection gas filled in the containment vessel is left in the containment vessel at a pressure of 1 atm or more, A method of handling a gas storage device, characterized in that the gas storage device is packed with the exterior member installed.