JP2004293752A

JP2004293752A - Hydrogen filling device and control method therefor

Info

Publication number: JP2004293752A
Application number: JP2003090374A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Hirotaka Furuta; 田博貴古; Nobuo Aoki; 木延夫青; Kaname Kato; 藤要加
Original assignee: Tokyo Gas Chemicals Co Ltd; Tokyo Gas Co Ltd
Current assignee: Tokyo Gas Chemicals Co Ltd; Tokyo Gas Co Ltd
Priority date: 2003-03-28
Filing date: 2003-03-28
Publication date: 2004-10-21
Anticipated expiration: 2023-03-28
Also published as: JP4367830B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hydrogen filling device restricted in complication of the structure of a vehicle side by preventing a temperature rise when filling hydrogen, and to provide a control method therefor. <P>SOLUTION: This hydrogen filling device has a plurality of gas storing means such as three stages of gas cylinders B1 - B3 and opening/closing means such as opening/closing valves V1-V3 interposed in pipelines L1-L3 communicated with each fitting object of the gas storing means B2-B3, such as a vehicle 2 using hydrogen as the fuel. Pressure of the plurality of gas storing means B1-B3 is different from each other by the predetermined pressure, e.g., 5-7 MPa, and the hydrogen filling device has a control means 10 for starting filling from the gas storing means, of which pressure is lower, and for controlling opening/closing of the opening/closing valves V1-V3 so that filling of hydrogen in the gas storing means, of which pressure is higher, is started after filling of hydrogen in the gas storing means, of which pressure is lower, is completed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、水素を燃料として走行する自動車（例えば、燃料電池搭載車両）等に対して、水素を供給するための水素充填設備の改良に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
近年、環境に対する意識の高まり、排気ガスの清浄化の要請、二酸化炭素発生量削減の要請等により、水素ガスを燃料とする車両の実用化が進んでいる。そのような水素ガスを燃料とする車両の実用化に必要不可欠な設備として、当該車両へ水素を供給するための水素ステーションがある。
図７は、そのような水素ステーションの１例を示している。
【０００３】
現状では、水素ステーションＳでの充填圧は２５Ｍ、３５Ｍの２種類の規格（現時点における水素ガス自動車の標準の最高充填圧力：以下、「標準圧力」と記載する）となっている。
水素ガスを燃料とする車両Ｃ（Ｃ１及び／又はＣ２）が走行して、車両Ｃに搭載された貯蔵手段（車両側蓄ガス手段Ｒｃ）内の水素ガスを消費すると、車両Ｃ側蓄ガス手段Ｒｃ内の圧力が、当該車両Ｃの標準圧力よりも低下する。
また、ステーションＳから車両側Ｃの前記蓄ガス手段Ｒｃへの水素ガスの充填の仕組みは、車両側蓄ガス手段Ｒｃ内の圧力と蓄ガス器（通常、ステーションのボンベＲｇ）の内圧との圧力差により、水素ガスを充填する。
【０００４】
ここで、高圧の気体が絞り弁等を含む流路抵抗により圧力が下がる（等エンタルピー膨張）と、通常、温度が下がる、所謂「ジュールトムソン効果」が発生する。
これに対して、水素の場合は、等エンタルピー膨張により圧力が降下する際に、その他の気体とは異なり、逆に温度が上昇する性状を示す。
【０００５】
すなわち、水素ステーションＳ内で水素を充填中の車両側蓄ガス手段Ｒｃ内では、水素ステーションＳ内の蓄ガス器Ｒｇから供給された高圧（例えば４０ＭＰａ）の水素ガスは、車両側蓄ガス手段Ｒｃ内に進入した際には非常に低圧となり（例えば、４０ＭＰａから大気圧程度まで圧力低下する）、等エンタルピー膨張する結果、その温度が上昇する。
例えば４０ＭＰａから大気圧程度まで水素ガスを減圧すると約１４℃昇温し、７０ＭＰａから大気圧程度まで水素ガスを減圧すると約２８℃昇温する。
【０００６】
ここで、車両Ｃ側の蓄ガス手段Ｒｃは、その構造上、内部温度に制限がある。例えば、一定温度以上となれば、車両側の蓄ガス手段Ｒｃに設けられた溶栓（一定温度以上になった際に作動して、内部のガスを逃がす機構）が作動してしまう。
【０００７】
そのため、車両側の蓄ガス手段（例えば、車両側容器）の所定温度内で水素ガスを充填するため、
（Ａ）充填速度を遅くして車両側容器内での水素と容器内壁との熱交換時間を長くし、容器への放熱量を増加させ、温度上昇を抑制する、
（Ｂ）車両側容器内に水素ガスを充填する際に冷却する（特許文献１参照）、
（Ｃ）車両側容器にフィン等の伝熱促進体を設け、部分的な温度上昇を緩和する（特許文献２参照）、
という手法が、従来、一般的であった。
【０００８】
しかし、上記（Ａ）では、充填速度が遅いため、充填時間がかかりすぎてしまう。
一方、上記（Ｂ）では、冷却水や冷却設備が必要となり、レイアウト上の制限が多い車両に適用するのは困難である。
また、上記（Ｃ）では、車両側容器の構造が複雑となり、コスト高となる。
【０００９】
【特許文献１】
特開２００２−８９７９３号公報
【特許文献２】
特開２００２−１８１２９５号公報
【００１０】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
本発明は上述した従来技術の問題点に鑑みて提案されたものであり、水素ガス充填の際の温度上昇を防止して、車両側の構造を複雑化しないような水素充填装置及びその制御方法の提供を目的としている。
【００１１】
【課題を解決するための手段】
発明者は種々研究の結果、圧力差が５ＭＰａ〜７ＭＰａ以内だと、温度上昇が比較的少ない（２℃〜３℃程度）ことを見出した。
本発明は係る見地に基づいて創作されたものである。
本発明の水素充填装置（１）は、複数の蓄ガス手段（例えば３段のボンベＢ１〜Ｂ３）と、該蓄ガス手段（Ｂ１〜Ｂ３）の各々の充填対象（例えば、水素を燃料とする車両２）に連通する配管系（Ｌ１〜Ｌ３）に介装された開閉手段（例えば、開閉弁Ｖ１〜Ｖ３）とを有しており、該複数の蓄ガス手段（Ｂ１〜Ｂ３）の圧力は所定圧力（例えば５ＭＰａ〜７ＭＰａ）以内ずつ相違しており、圧力が低い蓄ガス手段（Ｂ１）から充填を開始し、圧力が低い蓄ガス手段（Ｂ１）による充填が完了してから圧力が高い蓄ガス手段（Ｂ２）の充填を開始する様に前記開閉弁（Ｖ１〜Ｖ３）の開閉制御を行う様に構成された制御手段（１０）を有していることを特徴としている（請求項１）。
【００１２】
また、上述した水素充填装置（１）を制御するため、本発明の制御方法は、内部圧力が所定圧力（例えば５ＭＰａ〜７ＭＰａ）以内の圧力差がついている複数の蓄ガス手段（例えば３段のボンベＢ１〜Ｂ３）から充填対象（例えば、水素を燃料とする車両２）に水素ガスを充填するに際して、最初に最も圧力が低い蓄ガス手段（Ｂ１）を選択し、圧力が低い蓄ガス手段（Ｂ１）による充填が完了すれば当該蓄ガス手段（Ｂ１）の開閉手段（例えば、開閉弁Ｖ１）を閉鎖して、充填が完了した蓄ガス手段（Ｂ１）から所定圧力（例えば５ＭＰａ〜７ＭＰａ）だけ圧力が高い蓄ガス手段（Ｂ２）の開閉手段（例えば、開閉弁Ｖ２）を開放して当該蓄ガス手段（Ｂ２）からの充填を行い、最も高い圧力の蓄ガス手段（Ｂ３）の充填を完了するまで開閉手段（例えば、開閉弁Ｖ１〜Ｖ３）の前記閉鎖及び開閉を繰り返すことを特徴としている（請求項４）。
【００１３】
係る構成を具備する本発明によれば、車両（２）側の蓄ガス手段（Ｒｃ）と水素充填装置（１）との圧力差が、水素ガスを充填しても温度上昇が比較的少ない（例えば、２℃〜３℃程度）様に設定されているので、車両（２）側の蓄ガス手段（Ｒｃ）の内部における水素の温度（断熱圧縮により水素充填装置の温度より数十度上昇している）の更なる上昇を、水素充填装置からの温度上昇が比較的少ない充填ガスと混合することにより、抑制する。
【００１４】
ここで、最終段の（最も圧力が高い段の）蓄ガス手段（水素ステーション側のボンベＢ３）による充填が終了する際には、圧力容器に対して所定の充填圧の気体を充填する際に行われる既存のルーチン（流量を絞る等の工程）を実行することが好ましい。
【００１５】
ここで、従来、異なる圧力のボンベからガスを充填する場合において、ボンベ内の圧力が減少し充填を行う際には、高圧段の蓄ガス器（ボンベ）が優先され、高圧段の蓄ガス器が充填された場合のみ、低圧断の蓄ガス器を充填する。
これに対して、上述した本発明では、何れの段であっても、所定の圧力よりも低下すれば、優劣をつけること無く、水素ステーションの水素供給機構（例えば圧縮機３）より水素ガスを充填する（例えば、水素ステーション１）側の各ボンベ（Ｂ１〜Ｂ３）の内圧が５ＭＰａ程度降圧すると、圧縮機（３）より水素ガスを充填する）のが好ましい。
【００１６】
そのため、本発明の水素充填装置（１）は、水素供給機構（例えば圧縮機３）を備え、前記複数の蓄ガス手段（例えば３段のボンベＢ１〜Ｂ３）の圧力を計測する圧力計測手段（例えば圧力センサＰＢ１〜ＰＢ３）を設け、水素供給機構（圧縮機３）と複数の蓄ガス手段（例えば３段のボンベＢ１〜Ｂ３）の各々との間に第２の開閉手段（例えば、開閉弁ＶＣ１〜ＶＣ３）を介装し、前記制御手段（１０）は、蓄ガス手段（例えばボンベＢ１〜Ｂ３）の内圧が所定圧力（例えば、設定された圧力よりも５ＭＰａ程度降圧した数値）よりも高ければ当該蓄ガス手段（Ｂ１〜Ｂ３）と水素供給機構（圧縮機３）との間の第２の開閉手段（ＶＣ１〜ＶＣ３）を閉鎖し、何れかの蓄ガス手段（例えばボンベＢ１〜Ｂ３）の内圧が所定圧力以下となった場合には当該蓄ガス手段（Ｂ１〜Ｂ３）と水素供給機構（圧縮機３）との間の第２の開閉手段（ＶＣ１〜ＶＣ３）を開放するが、既に別の第２の開閉手段（ＶＣ１〜ＶＣ３の何れか）が開放されている場合には既に開放されている別の第２の開閉手段（ＶＣ１〜ＶＣ３の何れか）が閉鎖されるまで、（内圧が所定圧力以下となった蓄ガス手段と圧縮機３との間の）当該第２の開閉手段（ＶＣ１〜ＶＣ３の何れか）の閉鎖状態を維持する制御を行う様に構成されている（請求項２）。
【００１７】
そして、係る水素充填装置（１）を制御するための本発明の制御方法では、圧力計測手段（例えば圧力センサＰＢ１〜ＰＢ３）により複数の蓄ガス手段（例えば３段のボンベＢ１〜Ｂ３）の各々における圧力を計測する工程（Ｓ１）と、蓄ガス手段（例えばボンベＢ１〜Ｂ３）の内圧が所定圧力（例えば、設定された圧力よりも５ＭＰａ程度降圧した数値）よりも高ければ、蓄ガス手段（Ｂ１〜Ｂ３）の各々と水素供給機構（例えば水素ステーションの圧縮機３）との間に介装された第２の開閉手段（例えば、開閉弁ＶＣ１〜ＶＣ３）を閉鎖し、何れかの蓄ガス手段（例えばボンベＢ１〜Ｂ３の内の何れか）の内圧が所定圧力以下となった場合には当該蓄ガス手段と水素供給機構（圧縮機３）との間の第２の開閉手段（ＶＣ１〜ＶＣ３の内の何れか）を開放する工程（Ｓ６、Ｓ７）とを含み、第２の開閉手段（ＶＣ１〜ＶＣ３）を開放する前記工程（Ｓ６、Ｓ７）を行うに際して、既に別の第２の開閉手段が開放されている場合には、既に開放されている別の第２の開閉手段が閉鎖されるまで、内圧が所定圧力以下となった蓄ガス手段（Ｂ１〜Ｂ３の内の何れか）と水素供給機構（３）との間の当該第２の開閉手段を（ＶＣ１〜ＶＣ３の内の何れか）閉鎖した状態に維持している（請求項５）。
【００１８】
さらに、本発明の水素充填装置（１）では、水素供給機構（３）と水素供給対象物（例えば、水素を燃料として使用する車両２）との間の配管系（Ｌ）に、高圧気体が保有するエネルギーにより仕事を行う機器（４：例えば、タービン４、レシプロ型機械等）と、気体圧力微調整用の流量調整機構（例えば、流量調整弁Ｖ０）を介装している（請求項３）。
ここで、当該機器（４）と気体圧力調整用の流量調整機構（例えば、流量調整弁Ｖ０）とは、どちらが上流側であっても良い（図５では、機器４が上流側となっているが、流量調整弁Ｖ０を機器４の上流側に配置しても良い）。
そして、水素供給対象物（２）と供給される水素ガスとの圧力差の大部分は、前記機器（４：例えば、タービン４、レシプロ型機械等）で生じ、充填操作上必要な場合には、前記流量調整機構（例えば、流量調整弁Ｖ０）で制御する様に構成されている。
【００１９】
係る構成を具備する本発明の水素充填装置（１）によれば、水素供給機構（例えば圧縮機３）から供給される水素ガスの圧力を、水素供給対象物（２）の標準圧よりも高圧に設定し、当該高圧の水素ガスを、高圧気体が保有するエネルギーにより仕事を行う機器、例えばタービン（４）、レシプロ型機械等の機器、に流過せしめる。
高圧の水素ガスは、当該機器（４）を通過する際に外部に仕事を行いながら等エントロピー膨張し、温度が降下し、水素供給対象物（２）へ供給される。等エンタルピー膨張の場合の様に、温度上昇することは無い。そして、温度が降下した充填ガスが水素供給対象物（２）内のガスと混合することにより、水素供給対象物（２）内のガスが断熱圧縮することによる温度上昇が抑制されるのである。
【００２０】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、添付図面を参照して、本発明の実施形態について説明する。
【００２１】
先ず、図１〜図４を参照して第１実施形態を説明する。
図１において、全体を符号１で表す水素充填装置は、充填対象の自動車２に水素ガスを充填するためのディスペンサーＤと、水素供給機構である圧縮機３と、前記ディスペンサーＤと圧縮機３を接続し水素を配送する水素供給ラインＬとを有している。
【００２２】
該水素供給管ラインは途中で３本の分岐ラインＬ１〜Ｌ３に一旦分岐した後再び水素供給ラインＬに合流する。分岐ラインＬ１には上流側から順に第２の開閉弁ＶＣ１、圧力計ＰＢ１を備えた水素ボンベＢ１、第１の開閉弁Ｖ１が介装されている。同様に、分岐ラインＬ２、Ｌ３にも第２の開閉弁ＶＣ２、ＶＣ３；圧力計ＰＢ２、ＰＢ３を備えた水素ボンベＢ２、Ｂ３；第１の開閉弁Ｖ２、Ｖ３が介装されている。
図示の例では、ボンベＢ１の内圧＜ボンベＢ２の内圧＜ボンベＢ３の内圧となっており、隣合うボンベの圧力差は５〜７ＭＰａ（温度上昇が問題にならない程度の圧力差）である。
【００２３】
前記ディスペンサーＤは、充填開始前及び充填の終了時に開閉を行う供給バルブＶ０と、その供給バルブＶ０に対して被供給側の圧力センサＰ１と供給側の圧力センサＰ２とを有している。なお、ディスペンサーＤは流量計Ｆ１を有しており、該流量計Ｆ１の計測結果は信号ラインＬｓｆによりコントロールユニット１０に送られる。
【００２４】
前記ボンベに設けた圧力計ＰＢ１〜ＰＢ３は信号ラインＬｓｉによって制御手段であるコントロールユニット１０にボンベの内圧情報である信号が送られる。また、コントロールユニット１０は前記ディスペンサーＤを構成する前記圧力センサＰ１、Ｐ２とも信号ラインＬｓｉで接続され、圧力センサＰ１、Ｐ２の圧力差の大きさによって被供給側である自動車２への水素ガスの供給が完了したか否かを判断している。
すなわち、ディスペンサーＤ内の圧力センサＰ１、Ｐ２により、ボンベ（Ｂ１〜Ｂ３）側と車両２に装備された容器Ｒｃ側との圧力差を求め、圧力差が等しくなれば（所定圧よりも小さくなれば）、そのボンベによる充填が完了したと看做す。
【００２５】
更に、コントロールユニット１０は、信号ラインＬｓｏによって前記第１の開閉弁Ｖ１〜Ｖ３、及び第２の開閉弁ＶＣ１〜ＶＣ３の全てと接続されており、前記ボンベに設けた圧力計ＰＢ１からＰＢ３からの情報及び前記ディスペンサーＤ内の圧力センサＰ１、Ｐ２の情報によって前記第１及び第２の開閉弁Ｖ１〜Ｖ３、ＶＣ１〜ＶＣ３の開閉を後述する制御方法によって行うように構成されている。
【００２６】
尚、前記圧力センサＰ１、Ｐ２に代えて、流量計（質量流量を計測するタイプ）を設けてもよい。そのボンベによる充填が終了しつつあり、ボンベ側と車両容器側との圧力差が小さくなれば、水素ガス流量が小さくなることによって充填の完了を知ることが出来る。
【００２７】
次に、図２を参照して水素ガス充填が完了したことを、圧力センサＰ１、Ｐ２の圧力差によって判断する場合の制御について説明する。
【００２８】
先ず、圧力センサＰ１、Ｐ２によって被充填側である自動車２側の圧力とボンベ側の圧力を計測し（ステップＳ１）、圧力差ΔＰ（ΔＰ＝Ｐ２−Ｐ１）を計算する（ステップＳ２）。
コントロールユニット１０は、圧力差ΔＰが１ＭＰａ以下であるか否かを判断し、１ＭＰａ以下であれば（ステップＳ３のＹＥＳ）次のステップＳ４に進み、１ＭＰａを超す場合（ステップＳ３のＮＯ）、はステップＳ１以降を繰り返す。
【００２９】
ステップＳ４では、コントロールユニット１０は水素ガスＨ２供給中のボンベによる充填は終了したと判断する。引き続きコントロールユニット１０は第１開閉弁Ｖ１〜Ｖ３の何れが開放されているかを判断する（ステップＳ５）。
【００３０】
最も内圧の低い第１開閉弁のＶ１が開放されているのであれば、Ｖ２を開き、Ｖ１及びＶ３は閉じて（ステップＳ６）、再びステップＳ１から制御を繰り返す。また、内圧が中間である第１開閉弁のＶ２が開放されているのであれば、Ｖ３を開きＶ１及びＶ２は閉じて（ステップＳ７）、同様に再びステップＳ１から制御を繰り返す。更に内圧が最も高い第１開閉弁Ｖ３が開放されている（ステップＳ８）場合は車両への充填が終了しているので、それ以降は既存のルーチンで制御は行われる。
なお、そのルーチンは、既存のものと同一であるので、説明は省略する。
【００３１】
次に、図３を参照して水素ガス充填が完了したことを、Ｈ２ガス流量により判断する場合の制御について説明する。
【００３２】
先ず、水素供給ラインＬ０に介装した図示しない流量計によって水素供給ラインを流れるＨ２ガスの流量を計測する（ステップＳ１１）。コントロールユニット１０はＨ２ガス流量が所定流量以下になったか否かを判断しており（ステップＳ１２）、所定流量以下となっていなければ（ステップＳ１２のＮＯ）、ステップＳ１１以降を繰返し、所定流量以下となっていれば（ステップＳ１２のＹＥＳ）、Ｈ２ガス供給中のボンベによる充填は終了したと判断する（ステップＳ１３）。
【００３３】
次のステップＳ１４では、コントロールユニット１０は第１回閉弁Ｖ１〜Ｖ３の何れが開放されているかを判断する。
そして、最も内圧の低い第１開閉弁のＶ１が開放されているのであれば、Ｖ２を開き、Ｖ１及びＶ３は閉じて（ステップＳ１５）、再びステップＳ１１から制御を繰り返す。
また、内圧が中間である第１開閉弁のＶ２が開放されているのであれば、Ｖ３を開き、Ｖ１及びＶ２は閉じて（ステップＳ１６）、同様に再びステップＳ１から制御を繰り返す。更に内圧が最も高い第１開閉弁Ｖ３が開放されている（ステップＳ１７）場合は車両への充填が終了しているので、それ以降は既存のルーチンで制御は行われる。
【００３４】
従来、異なる圧力のボンベからガスを充填する場合において、ボンベ内の圧力が減少し充填を行う際には、高圧段のボンベの充填が優先され、高圧段のボンベが充填された場合のみ、低圧段のボンベを充填していた。
これに対して、本発明では、何れの段であっても、所定の圧力よりも低下すれば（例えば、５ＭＰａ程度降圧すると）、低圧段と高圧段の優劣をつけること無く、圧縮機より水素ガスを充填する。
図４は、そのように低圧段と高圧段の優劣をつけること無く、圧縮機より水素ガスを充填する場合のルーチンを示している。
【００３５】
図４を参照して、圧縮機よりボンベに水素ガスを充填する制御の流れを説明する。
各ボンベＢ１〜Ｂ３に設けられた圧力計ＰＢ１〜ＰＢ３によって各ボンベの内圧を測定する（ステップＳ２１）。コントロールユニット１０は、前記圧力計ＰＢ１〜ＰＢ３の内何れかが所定値以下になっているか否かを判断し（ステップＳ２２）何れかが所定値以下となっていれば（ステップＳ２２のＹＥＳ）次のステップＳ２３に進み、そうでない場合（ステップＳ２２のＮＯ）、ステップＳ２１に戻る。
【００３６】
ステップＳ２３では、コントロールユニット１０は、第２の開閉弁ＶＣ１〜ＶＣ３の内、何れかが開放状態であるか否かを判断して、何れかが開放状態であれば（ステップＳ２３のＹＥＳ）次のステップＳ２４に進み、そうでなければ（ステップＳ２３のＮＯ）、ステップＳ２６まで跳ぶ。
【００３７】
ステップＳ２４では、コントロールユニット１０は、既に開放している弁に連通するボンベ、すなわち既にＨ２ガスの充填を行っているボンベへの充填が完了したか否かを判断しており、まだ完了していなければ（ステップＳ２４のＮＯ）、一旦待機して（ステップＳ２５）、その後ステップＳ２４以降を繰返し、完了していれば（ステップＳ２４のＹＥＳ）ステップＳ２６に進む。
【００３８】
ステップＳ２６では、ステップＳ２２に該当するボンベ（所定値以下のボンベ）へ充填し、開放状体の弁を閉鎖した後、制御を終了するか否かを判断し（ステップＳ２７）、終了するのであれば（ステップＳ２７のＹＥＳ）そのまま終了し、まだ続行するなら元のステップＳ２１から制御を繰り返す。
【００３９】
前述のステップＳ２４では、あるボンベが所定圧力以下になった場合であって、既に他のボンベが水素ガス充填中である場合には、既に充填中のボンベを優先する。換言すれば、所定圧力よりも低圧となったボンベから順に、水素ガスが充填されることを意味している。
【００４０】
上述したような構成及び制御の第１実施形態に撚れば、自動車２側の蓄ガス手段Ｒｃと水素充填装置１との圧力差が、水素ガスを充填しても温度上昇が比較的少ない（例えば、２℃〜３℃程度）様に設定されているので、車両２側の蓄ガス手段Ｒｃの内部温度上昇を抑制できる。
また、何れの段であっても、所定の圧力よりも低下すれば、優劣をつけること無く、圧縮機３より水素ガスを充填する水素ガス充填装置１側の各ボンベ（Ｂ１〜Ｂ３）の内圧が５ＭＰａ程度降圧すると、自動的に圧縮機３より水素ガスをボンベに充填することが出来る。
【００４１】
図５を参照して、第２実施形態を説明する。
図５の第２実施形態において、符号１Ａで示す水素充填装置は、ガス供給側の圧縮機３とディスペンサーＤとの間に、タービン４（高圧気体が保有するエネルギーにより仕事を行う機器：レシプロ型機械でも可）を介装している。そして、圧縮機３で昇圧された水素ガスの圧力を、タービン４で仕事をさせることにより、大雑把に減圧している。
水素供給ラインＬのタービン４と圧縮機３との間の領域には、蓄ガス器Ｒｇと流量計Ｆ２とが介装されている。
【００４２】
ディスペンサーＤは、流量調整弁Ｖ０（気体圧力調整用の流量調整機構）と、そのバルブＶ０に対して車両側に位置している圧力センサＰ１とを備えている。
そして、その圧力センサＰ１で計測された圧力と、流量計Ｆ２で計測された流量に基いて、コントロールユニット１０Ａが流量調整弁Ｖ０の弁開度を調節する。それにより、車両２に充填される水素ガスの圧力、すなわち車両２の容器Ｒｃ内の（その時点における）圧力に対応して、供給される水素ガスの流量が適切となる様に制御している。
【００４３】
なお、タービン４は発電機５を回しているが、発電量が不均一となりがちである。そのため、キャパシタ或いはコンデンサＣ等により発電した電力は蓄電するように構成されている。
【００４４】
第２実施形態において、車両２側に供給される水素ガスの流量が、車両２の容器Ｒｃ内の（その時点における）圧力に対して適切となる様に制御する態様について、図６を参照して説明する。
【００４５】
先ず、圧力センサＰ１の計測結果と、流量計Ｆ２の計測結果とを読み込む（ステップＳ３１）。そして、流量計Ｆ２で計測された流量を、コントロールユニット１０Ａに予め記憶された流量（予定された数値）と比較する（ステップＳ３２）。ここで、「予め記憶された流量」は、コントロールユニット１０Ａの図示しない保存手段に記憶されており、圧力センサＰ１の計測値に対応して定められている。
【００４６】
流量計Ｆ２で計測された流量が、予定された数値よりも小さければ（ステップＳ３２で「流量が小」）、流量調整弁Ｖ０の開度を増加して（ステップＳ３３）、流量を増加する。
一方、計測された流量が予定された数値よりも大きければ（ステップＳ３２で「流量が大」）、流量調整弁Ｖ０の開度を減少して（ステップＳ３４）、流量を減少する。
さらに、計測された流量が、予定された数値に対して許容範囲内にあれば（ステップＳ３２でＹｅｓ）、流量調整弁Ｖ０の開度はそのまま維持する（ステップＳ３５）。
【００４７】
次に、圧力計Ｐ１の計測結果が、第１の所定圧力を超えたか否かを判定する（ステップＳ３６）。
ここで、「第１の所定圧力」は、水素供給ラインＬの流量調整弁Ｖ０よりも車両２側の領域における圧力が車両２の充填圧力を超えない様にする趣旨で設定される圧力であり、車両２の充填圧力よりも配管抵抗の分と、安全を考慮した圧力の分とを合計した若干の数値だけ低圧に設定されている（例えば、充填圧力が３５ＭＰａならば、第１の所定圧力は３３ＭＰａ）。
圧力計Ｐ１の計測結果が、第１の所定圧力を超えているのであれば（ステップＳ３６でＮｏ）、当該圧力を低下させるべく、流量調整弁Ｖ０の開度を減少する（ステップＳ３７）。
【００４８】
ステップＳ３６がＹｅｓの場合、或いは、ステップＳ３７の後、ステップＳ３８において、圧力計Ｐ１の計測結果が第２の所定圧力に達したか否かを判定する（ステップＳ３８）。
ここで、「第２の所定圧力」は、水素供給ラインＬの流量調整弁Ｖ０よりも車両２側の領域における圧力（車両２の容器Ｒｃ内の圧力と概略等しい）が車両２の充填圧力に殆ど等しくなり、充填が完了しつつあることを把握するために設定された圧力である。前記「第１の所定圧力」と重点圧力の中間程度の数値に設定されている（例えば、充填圧力が３５ＭＰａならば、第２の所定圧力は３４ＭＰａ）。
【００４９】
圧力計Ｐ１の計測結果が第２の所定圧力に達していなければ、ステップＳ３１以下を繰り返す（ステップＳ３８がＮｏのループ）。
そして、圧力計Ｐ１の計測結果が第２の所定圧力に達していれば（ステップＳ３８がＹｅｓ）、水素供給ラインＬを流れる水素ガスの流量を絞り、以下、各メーカー毎に定められた充填終了の為のルーチンを実行する（ステップＳ３９）。
【００５０】
図示の実施形態はあくまでも例示であり、本発明の技術範囲を限定する趣旨ではない旨を付記する。
例えば上述の第２実施形態において、タービンではなく、ピストン・シリンダ機構等のレシプロ型の機械に仕事をさせても良い。高圧であれば、タービンよりもレシプロ型の機械の方が有利であるからである。
【００５１】
【発明の効果】
本発明の作用効果を以下に列記する。
（１）車両側の蓄ガス手段と水素充填装置との圧力差が、水素ガスを充填しても温度上昇が比較的少ない（例えば、２℃〜３℃程度）様に設定されているので、車両側蓄ガス手段の内部温度上昇を抑制する効果が大きい。
（２）蓄ガス手段の内圧が所定圧力よりも高ければ当該蓄ガス手段と水素供給機構との間の第２の開閉手段を閉鎖し、何れかの蓄ガス手段の内圧が所定圧力以下となった場合には当該蓄ガス手段と水素供給機構との間の第２の開閉手段を開放するが、既に別の第２の開閉手段が開放されている場合には既に開放されている別の第２の開閉手段が閉鎖されるまで、第２の開閉手段の閉鎖状態を維持するので、何れの段であっても、所定の圧力よりも低下すれば、優劣をつけること無く、水素ステーションの水素供給機構より水素ガスを充填する側の各ボンベの内圧が５ＭＰａ程度降圧すると、圧縮機より自動的に水素ガスが充填される。
（３）水素供給機構（例えば圧縮機３）から供給される水素ガスの圧力を、水素供給対象物の標準圧よりも高圧に設定し、当該高圧の水素ガスを、高圧気体が保有するエネルギーにより仕事を行う機器、例えばタービン、レシプロ型機械等の機器に流過せしめることで、高圧の水素ガスは当該機器に対して仕事をしながら等エントロピー膨張して、温度が降下し、等エンタルピー膨張のように温度上昇することがないので、水素供給対象物内の断熱圧縮による温度上昇を抑制する効果が極めて大きい。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１実施形態の水素充填装置の全体構成を示すブロック図。
【図２】本発明の第１実施形態の圧力差によりＨ２ガスの充填完了を判断する場合のフローチャート。
【図３】本発明の第１実施形態のガス流量によりＨ２ガスの充填完了を判断する場合のフローチャート。
【図４】本発明の第１実施例のボンベＶ１〜Ｖ３へＨ２ガスを充填するルーチンを示すフローチャート
【図５】本発明の第２実施形態の水素充填装置の全体構成を示すブロック図。
【図６】本発明の第２実施例の充填側、被充填側の圧力差を小さくする制御のルーチンを示すフローチャート。
【図７】従来技術による水素充填装置の全体構成を示すブロック図。
【符号の説明】
１、１Ａ・・・水素充填装置
２・・・車両
３・・・圧縮機
４・・・タービン
５・・・発電機
６・・・コンデンサ
１０・・・コントロールユニット
Ｂ１、Ｂ２、Ｂ３・・・ボンベ
Ｄ・・・ディスペンサー
Ｌ・・・水素供給管
Ｐ１、Ｐ２・・・圧力センサ
ＰＢ１、ＰＢ２、ＰＢ３・・・圧力計
Ｖ１、Ｖ２、Ｖ３・・・開閉弁
ＶＣ１、ＶＣ２、ＶＣ３・・・第２の開閉弁
Ｖｓ・・・流量調整弁[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improvement in a hydrogen filling facility for supplying hydrogen to an automobile (for example, a vehicle equipped with a fuel cell) that runs on hydrogen as a fuel.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, vehicles that use hydrogen gas as fuel have been put into practical use due to an increase in environmental awareness, a request for purifying exhaust gas, a request for reducing the amount of carbon dioxide generated, and the like. As a facility indispensable for practical use of a vehicle using hydrogen gas as a fuel, there is a hydrogen station for supplying hydrogen to the vehicle.
FIG. 7 shows an example of such a hydrogen station.
[0003]
At present, the filling pressure at the hydrogen station S is two types of 25M and 35M (the maximum filling pressure of hydrogen gas vehicles at the present time: hereinafter referred to as "standard pressure").
When the vehicle C (C1 and / or C2) using hydrogen gas as fuel runs and consumes hydrogen gas in the storage means (vehicle-side gas storage means Rc) mounted on the vehicle C, the vehicle C-side gas storage means The pressure in Rc becomes lower than the standard pressure of the vehicle C.
Further, the mechanism of filling hydrogen gas from the station S into the gas storage means Rc of the vehicle side C is based on the pressure between the pressure in the vehicle side gas storage means Rc and the internal pressure of the gas storage device (normally, the cylinder Rg of the station). The difference is filled with hydrogen gas.
[0004]
Here, when the pressure of the high-pressure gas decreases due to the flow path resistance including the throttle valve or the like (isenthalpy expansion), the temperature usually decreases, that is, the so-called “Joult-Thomson effect” occurs.
On the other hand, in the case of hydrogen, when the pressure drops due to isenthalpy expansion, unlike other gases, the temperature shows the property of increasing the temperature.
[0005]
That is, in the vehicle-side gas storage means Rc which is being filled with hydrogen in the hydrogen station S, the high-pressure (for example, 40 MPa) hydrogen gas supplied from the gas storage device Rg in the hydrogen station S is supplied to the vehicle-side gas storage means Rc. When the gas enters the inside, the pressure becomes very low (for example, the pressure drops from 40 MPa to about atmospheric pressure), and as a result of isenthalpy expansion, the temperature rises.
For example, when the pressure of the hydrogen gas is reduced from 40 MPa to the atmospheric pressure, the temperature rises by about 14 ° C., and when the pressure of the hydrogen gas is reduced from 70 MPa to the atmospheric pressure, the temperature rises by about 28 ° C.
[0006]
Here, the internal temperature of the gas storage means Rc on the vehicle C side is limited due to its structure. For example, if the temperature is equal to or higher than a certain temperature, the fusing plug provided in the gas storage means Rc on the vehicle side (a mechanism that operates when the temperature becomes equal to or higher than the certain temperature and releases internal gas) may operate.
[0007]
Therefore, in order to fill the hydrogen gas within a predetermined temperature of the gas storage means on the vehicle side (for example, the vehicle side container),
(A) Slowing the filling speed to prolong the heat exchange time between hydrogen and the container inner wall in the vehicle side container, increase the amount of heat released to the container, and suppress the temperature rise;
(B) cooling when hydrogen gas is charged into the vehicle side container (see Patent Document 1);
(C) A heat transfer enhancer such as a fin is provided in the vehicle side container to reduce a partial temperature rise (see Patent Document 2).
Conventionally, such a method has been common.
[0008]
However, in the above (A), the filling speed is slow, so that the filling time is too long.
On the other hand, in the above (B), cooling water and cooling equipment are required, and it is difficult to apply to a vehicle having many layout restrictions.
Further, in the above (C), the structure of the vehicle-side container becomes complicated and the cost increases.
[0009]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-89793 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-2002-181295
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described problems of the related art, and a hydrogen filling apparatus and a control method thereof that prevent a rise in temperature at the time of filling with hydrogen gas and do not complicate the structure on the vehicle side. The purpose is to provide.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As a result of various studies, the inventors have found that when the pressure difference is within 5 MPa to 7 MPa, the temperature rise is relatively small (about 2 ° C. to 3 ° C.).
The present invention has been created based on such a viewpoint.
The hydrogen filling device (1) of the present invention includes a plurality of gas storage means (for example, three-stage cylinders B1 to B3) and objects to be filled by each of the gas storage means (B1 to B3) (for example, hydrogen is used as fuel). Opening / closing means (for example, opening / closing valves V1 to V3) interposed in a piping system (L1 to L3) communicating with the vehicle 2), and the pressure of the plurality of gas storage means (B1 to B3) is Filling is started from the gas storage means (B1) having a low pressure, and the storage is started after the filling by the gas storage means (B1) having a low pressure is completed. Control means (10) configured to perform opening / closing control of the on-off valves (V1 to V3) so as to start filling of the gas means (B2) is provided (claim 1). .
[0012]
Further, in order to control the hydrogen filling device (1) described above, the control method of the present invention uses a plurality of gas storage means (for example, three-stage gas storage) having an internal pressure within a predetermined pressure (for example, 5 MPa to 7 MPa). When filling the filling target (for example, the vehicle 2 using hydrogen as fuel) from the cylinders B1 to B3), first, the gas storage means (B1) having the lowest pressure is selected, and the gas storage means (B1) having the lowest pressure is selected. When the filling by B1) is completed, the opening / closing means (for example, the on-off valve V1) of the gas storage means (B1) is closed, and only a predetermined pressure (for example, 5 MPa to 7 MPa) is applied from the filled gas storage means (B1). The opening / closing means (for example, the on-off valve V2) of the gas storage means (B2) having a high pressure is opened to perform charging from the gas storage means (B2), and the filling of the gas storage means (B3) having the highest pressure is completed. Open until Means (e.g., on-off valve V1 to V3) are characterized by repeating said closing and opening of (claim 4).
[0013]
According to the present invention having such a configuration, the pressure difference between the gas storage means (Rc) on the vehicle (2) side and the hydrogen filling device (1) causes a relatively small temperature rise even when hydrogen gas is charged ( (Eg, about 2 ° C. to 3 ° C.), the temperature of hydrogen inside the gas storage means (Rc) on the vehicle (2) side (increases by several tens of degrees from the temperature of the hydrogen filling device due to adiabatic compression). ) Is suppressed by mixing with a filling gas having a relatively small temperature rise from the hydrogen filling apparatus.
[0014]
Here, when filling with the gas storage means (the cylinder B3 on the hydrogen station side) of the final stage (the stage with the highest pressure) is completed, when filling the pressure vessel with gas of a predetermined filling pressure, It is preferable to execute the existing routine (steps such as reducing the flow rate) to be performed.
[0015]
Here, conventionally, when gas is charged from a cylinder having a different pressure, when the pressure in the cylinder is reduced and filling is performed, the gas storage device (cylinder) in the high-pressure stage is prioritized, and the gas storage device in the high-pressure stage is prioritized. Only when the gas is filled, the low pressure gas storage is filled.
On the other hand, in the present invention described above, in any stage, if the pressure is lower than the predetermined pressure, hydrogen gas is supplied from the hydrogen supply mechanism (for example, the compressor 3) of the hydrogen station without giving any priority. When the internal pressure of each cylinder (B1 to B3) on the side of filling (for example, the hydrogen station 1) is reduced by about 5 MPa, hydrogen gas is preferably charged from the compressor (3).
[0016]
Therefore, the hydrogen filling apparatus (1) of the present invention includes a hydrogen supply mechanism (for example, the compressor 3), and a pressure measuring means (for example, a pressure measuring means (for example, a three-stage cylinder B1 to B3) for measuring the pressure of the plurality of gas storage means (for example, three-stage cylinders B1 to B3). For example, pressure sensors PB1 to PB3) are provided, and second opening / closing means (for example, an on-off valve) is provided between the hydrogen supply mechanism (compressor 3) and each of the plurality of gas storage means (for example, three-stage cylinders B1 to B3). VC1 to VC3), the control means (10) determines that the internal pressure of the gas storage means (for example, cylinders B1 to B3) is higher than a predetermined pressure (for example, a numerical value reduced by about 5 MPa from a set pressure). For example, the second opening / closing means (VC1 to VC3) between the gas storage means (B1 to B3) and the hydrogen supply mechanism (compressor 3) is closed, and any of the gas storage means (for example, cylinders B1 to B3) is closed. Internal pressure has fallen below the specified pressure In this case, the second opening / closing means (VC1 to VC3) between the gas storage means (B1 to B3) and the hydrogen supply mechanism (compressor 3) is opened, but another second opening / closing means (VC1) has already been opened. When any one of the internal pressures becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined pressure, the second opening / closing means (any of VC1 to VC3) which is already opened is closed. The second opening / closing means (between the gas means and the compressor 3) (VC1 to VC3) is controlled to maintain the closed state (claim 2).
[0017]
In the control method of the present invention for controlling the hydrogen filling device (1), each of the plurality of gas storage means (for example, three-stage cylinders B1 to B3) is controlled by a pressure measuring means (for example, pressure sensors PB1 to PB3). Measuring the pressure in step (S1), and if the internal pressure of the gas storage means (for example, cylinders B1 to B3) is higher than a predetermined pressure (for example, a numerical value reduced by about 5 MPa from a set pressure), the gas storage means ( B1 to B3) and the second opening / closing means (for example, on / off valves VC1 to VC3) interposed between each of the hydrogen supply mechanisms (for example, the compressor 3 of the hydrogen station), and any one of the stored gas When the internal pressure of the means (for example, any one of the cylinders B1 to B3) becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure, the second opening / closing means (VC1 to VC1) between the gas storage means and the hydrogen supply mechanism (compressor 3). Of VC3 (S6, S7) to open the second opening / closing means (VC1 to VC3). When performing the steps (S6, S7) for opening the second opening / closing means (VC1 to VC3), another second opening / closing means is already opened. In this case, the gas storage means (any one of B1 to B3) whose internal pressure has become equal to or lower than the predetermined pressure and the hydrogen supply mechanism until another second opening / closing means which has already been opened are closed. The second opening / closing means between (3) and (3) is maintained in a closed state (any of VC1 to VC3).
[0018]
Furthermore, in the hydrogen filling apparatus (1) of the present invention, high-pressure gas is supplied to the piping system (L) between the hydrogen supply mechanism (3) and the hydrogen supply target (for example, the vehicle 2 using hydrogen as fuel). A device (4: for example, a turbine 4, a reciprocating machine, etc.) that performs work using the stored energy and a flow rate adjusting mechanism (eg, a flow rate adjusting valve V0) for fine adjustment of gas pressure are interposed (Claim 3). ).
Here, either the device (4) or the flow rate adjusting mechanism for gas pressure adjustment (for example, the flow rate adjusting valve V0) may be on the upstream side (in FIG. 5, the device 4 is on the upstream side). However, the flow control valve V0 may be arranged on the upstream side of the device 4).
Most of the pressure difference between the hydrogen supply object (2) and the supplied hydrogen gas is generated in the equipment (4: for example, the turbine 4, a reciprocating machine, etc.), and when necessary for the filling operation, , And is controlled by the flow control mechanism (for example, the flow control valve V0).
[0019]
According to the hydrogen filling apparatus (1) of the present invention having such a configuration, the pressure of the hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen supply mechanism (for example, the compressor 3) is higher than the standard pressure of the hydrogen supply target (2). And the high-pressure hydrogen gas is allowed to flow through a device that performs work using the energy held by the high-pressure gas, for example, a device such as a turbine (4) or a reciprocating machine.
The high-pressure hydrogen gas undergoes isentropic expansion while performing work to the outside when passing through the device (4), and its temperature decreases, and is supplied to the hydrogen supply target (2). There is no temperature rise as in the case of isenthalpy expansion. Then, the filling gas whose temperature has dropped is mixed with the gas in the hydrogen supply target (2), thereby suppressing a temperature rise due to adiabatic compression of the gas in the hydrogen supply target (2).
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0021]
First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
In FIG. 1, a hydrogen filling apparatus generally denoted by reference numeral 1 includes a dispenser D for filling a vehicle 2 to be charged with hydrogen gas, a compressor 3 serving as a hydrogen supply mechanism, and the dispenser D and the compressor 3. And a hydrogen supply line L for connecting and delivering hydrogen.
[0022]
The hydrogen supply pipe line once branches into three branch lines L1 to L3 on the way, and then joins the hydrogen supply line L again. A second on-off valve VC1, a hydrogen cylinder B1 equipped with a pressure gauge PB1, and a first on-off valve V1 are provided in the branch line L1 in this order from the upstream side. Similarly, the branch lines L2 and L3 are also provided with second on-off valves VC2 and VC3; hydrogen cylinders B2 and B3 provided with pressure gauges PB2 and PB3; first on-off valves V2 and V3, respectively.
In the illustrated example, the internal pressure of the cylinder B1 <the internal pressure of the cylinder B2 <the internal pressure of the cylinder B3, and the pressure difference between adjacent cylinders is 5 to 7 MPa (a pressure difference at which temperature rise does not matter).
[0023]
The dispenser D has a supply valve V0 that opens and closes before the start of filling and at the end of filling, and a pressure sensor P1 on the supply side and a pressure sensor P2 on the supply side with respect to the supply valve V0. The dispenser D has a flow meter F1, and the measurement result of the flow meter F1 is sent to the control unit 10 via a signal line Lsf.
[0024]
The pressure gauges PB1 to PB3 provided in the cylinders are supplied with a signal as internal pressure information of the cylinders to a control unit 10 as a control means by a signal line Lsi. Further, the control unit 10 is also connected to the pressure sensors P1 and P2 constituting the dispenser D via a signal line Lsi, and supplies the hydrogen gas to the vehicle 2 on the supply side depending on the magnitude of the pressure difference between the pressure sensors P1 and P2. It is determined whether the supply has been completed.
That is, the pressure difference between the cylinder (B1 to B3) side and the container Rc side mounted on the vehicle 2 is determined by the pressure sensors P1 and P2 in the dispenser D, and if the pressure difference becomes equal (the pressure difference becomes smaller than the predetermined pressure). B), it is considered that the filling with the cylinder is completed.
[0025]
Further, the control unit 10 is connected to all of the first on-off valves V1 to V3 and the second on-off valves VC1 to VC3 by a signal line Lso, and is connected to pressure gauges PB1 to PB3 provided on the cylinder. The first and second on-off valves V1 to V3 and VC1 to VC3 are configured to be opened and closed according to information and information from the pressure sensors P1 and P2 in the dispenser D by a control method described later.
[0026]
Note that a flow meter (a type that measures a mass flow rate) may be provided instead of the pressure sensors P1 and P2. When the filling by the cylinder is being completed and the pressure difference between the cylinder side and the vehicle container side is small, the completion of the filling can be known by reducing the hydrogen gas flow rate.
[0027]
Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a description will be given of a control in a case where the completion of the hydrogen gas filling is determined based on a pressure difference between the pressure sensors P1 and P2.
[0028]
First, the pressure sensors P1 and P2 measure the pressure on the vehicle 2 side, which is the filling side, and the pressure on the cylinder side (step S1), and calculate a pressure difference ΔP (ΔP = P2−P1) (step S2).
The control unit 10 determines whether or not the pressure difference ΔP is 1 MPa or less. If the pressure difference ΔP is 1 MPa or less (YES in step S3), the process proceeds to the next step S4, and if it exceeds 1 MPa (NO in step S3), Step S1 and subsequent steps are repeated.
[0029]
In step S4, the control unit 10 determines that the filling with the cylinder during the supply of the hydrogen gas H2 has been completed. Subsequently, the control unit 10 determines which of the first on-off valves V1 to V3 is open (step S5).
[0030]
If V1 of the first on-off valve having the lowest internal pressure is open, V2 is opened, V1 and V3 are closed (Step S6), and the control is repeated from Step S1 again. If V2 of the first on-off valve having an intermediate internal pressure is open, V3 is opened and V1 and V2 are closed (Step S7), and the control is repeated from Step S1 again. Further, when the first on-off valve V3 having the highest internal pressure is open (step S8), the filling of the vehicle has been completed, and thereafter the control is performed by the existing routine.
Note that the routine is the same as the existing routine, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0031]
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a description will be given of a control in the case where the completion of the hydrogen gas filling is determined based on the H2 gas flow rate.
[0032]
First, the flow rate of the H2 gas flowing through the hydrogen supply line is measured by a flow meter (not shown) provided in the hydrogen supply line L0 (step S11). The control unit 10 determines whether or not the H2 gas flow rate has become equal to or less than a predetermined flow rate (step S12). If the H2 gas flow rate has not become equal to or less than the predetermined flow rate (NO in step S12), the control unit 10 repeats the steps from step S11 onward. Is satisfied (YES in step S12), it is determined that the filling by the cylinder during the supply of the H2 gas is completed (step S13).
[0033]
In the next step S14, the control unit 10 determines which of the first closing valves V1 to V3 is open.
If V1 of the first on-off valve having the lowest internal pressure is open, V2 is opened, V1 and V3 are closed (Step S15), and the control is repeated from Step S11 again.
If V2 of the first on-off valve having an intermediate internal pressure is open, V3 is opened, V1 and V2 are closed (Step S16), and the control is repeated from Step S1 again. Further, when the first on-off valve V3 having the highest internal pressure is open (step S17), the filling of the vehicle has been completed, and thereafter, the control is performed by the existing routine.
[0034]
Conventionally, when gas is filled from a cylinder with a different pressure, when the pressure in the cylinder is reduced and filling is performed, the filling of the high-pressure cylinder is prioritized, and only when the high-pressure cylinder is filled, the low-pressure cylinder is charged. The column cylinder was filled.
On the other hand, according to the present invention, in any stage, if the pressure is lower than a predetermined pressure (for example, if the pressure is reduced by about 5 MPa), hydrogen is supplied from the compressor without giving priority to the low pressure stage and the high pressure stage. Fill with gas.
FIG. 4 shows a routine for charging the compressor with hydrogen gas without giving priority to the low-pressure stage and the high-pressure stage.
[0035]
Referring to FIG. 4, the flow of control for filling the cylinder with hydrogen gas from the compressor will be described.
The internal pressure of each cylinder is measured by the pressure gauges PB1 to PB3 provided in each cylinder B1 to B3 (step S21). The control unit 10 determines whether or not any of the pressure gauges PB1 to PB3 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (step S22). If any of the pressure gauges is equal to or less than the predetermined value (YES in step S22), If not (NO in step S22), the process returns to step S21.
[0036]
In step S23, the control unit 10 determines whether or not any of the second on-off valves VC1 to VC3 is open, and if any is open (YES in step S23), If not (NO in step S23), the process jumps to step S26.
[0037]
In step S24, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the filling of the cylinder communicating with the valve that has already been opened, that is, the cylinder that has already been filled with the H2 gas, has been completed. If not (NO in step S24), the process waits once (step S25), and then repeats step S24 and subsequent steps. If completed (YES in step S24), the process proceeds to step S26.
[0038]
In step S26, after filling the cylinder corresponding to step S22 (cylinder having a predetermined value or less), closing the valve of the open body, it is determined whether or not to end the control (step S27). If (YES in step S27), the process is terminated, and if the process is to be continued, the control is repeated from the original step S21.
[0039]
In the above-described step S24, when a certain cylinder becomes lower than a predetermined pressure and another cylinder is already being filled with hydrogen gas, priority is given to the cylinder already being filled. In other words, it means that hydrogen gas is filled in order from the cylinder having a pressure lower than the predetermined pressure.
[0040]
By twisting the first embodiment of the configuration and control as described above, the pressure difference between the gas storage means Rc on the vehicle 2 side and the hydrogen filling device 1 causes a relatively small temperature rise even when hydrogen gas is charged ( (For example, about 2 ° C. to 3 ° C.), it is possible to suppress an increase in the internal temperature of the gas storage means Rc on the vehicle 2 side.
In any stage, if the pressure is lower than a predetermined pressure, the internal pressures of the cylinders (B1 to B3) of the hydrogen gas filling device 1 for filling the hydrogen gas from the compressor 3 are maintained without any difference. When the pressure is reduced by about 5 MPa, the compressor 3 can automatically fill the cylinder with hydrogen gas.
[0041]
The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
In the second embodiment of FIG. 5, a hydrogen filling device denoted by reference numeral 1A is a turbine 4 (a device that performs work using energy held by high-pressure gas: reciprocating type) between a compressor 3 on the gas supply side and a dispenser D. Machine is also possible). The pressure of the hydrogen gas pressurized by the compressor 3 is roughly reduced by causing the turbine 4 to work.
In a region of the hydrogen supply line L between the turbine 4 and the compressor 3, a gas storage device Rg and a flow meter F2 are interposed.
[0042]
The dispenser D includes a flow control valve V0 (a flow control mechanism for adjusting gas pressure) and a pressure sensor P1 located on the vehicle side with respect to the valve V0.
Then, based on the pressure measured by the pressure sensor P1 and the flow rate measured by the flow meter F2, the control unit 10A adjusts the valve opening of the flow control valve V0. Thereby, the flow rate of the supplied hydrogen gas is controlled to be appropriate in accordance with the pressure of the hydrogen gas charged in the vehicle 2, that is, the pressure (at that time) in the container Rc of the vehicle 2. .
[0043]
Although the turbine 4 rotates the generator 5, the amount of power generation tends to be uneven. Therefore, the power generated by the capacitor or the capacitor C is stored.
[0044]
In the second embodiment, an embodiment in which the flow rate of the hydrogen gas supplied to the vehicle 2 is controlled so as to be appropriate for the pressure (at that time) in the container Rc of the vehicle 2 will be described with reference to FIG. Will be explained.
[0045]
First, the measurement result of the pressure sensor P1 and the measurement result of the flow meter F2 are read (step S31). Then, the flow rate measured by the flow meter F2 is compared with a flow rate (planned numerical value) stored in the control unit 10A in advance (step S32). Here, the "pre-stored flow rate" is stored in a storage unit (not shown) of the control unit 10A, and is determined corresponding to the measurement value of the pressure sensor P1.
[0046]
If the flow rate measured by the flow meter F2 is smaller than the predetermined numerical value ("the flow rate is small" in step S32), the opening degree of the flow control valve V0 is increased (step S33), and the flow rate is increased.
On the other hand, if the measured flow rate is larger than the predetermined numerical value (“the flow rate is large” in step S32), the opening degree of the flow control valve V0 is reduced (step S34), and the flow rate is reduced.
Further, if the measured flow rate is within the allowable range with respect to the planned numerical value (Yes in step S32), the opening of the flow rate adjustment valve V0 is maintained as it is (step S35).
[0047]
Next, it is determined whether or not the measurement result of the pressure gauge P1 has exceeded a first predetermined pressure (step S36).
Here, the “first predetermined pressure” is a pressure set for the purpose of preventing a pressure in a region closer to the vehicle 2 than the flow control valve V 0 of the hydrogen supply line L from exceeding a filling pressure of the vehicle 2. The pressure is set to a low value by a small numerical value that is a sum of the pipe resistance and the pressure in consideration of safety than the filling pressure of the vehicle 2 (for example, if the filling pressure is 35 MPa, the first predetermined pressure is set). Is 33 MPa).
If the measurement result of the pressure gauge P1 exceeds the first predetermined pressure (No in step S36), the opening degree of the flow control valve V0 is reduced to reduce the pressure (step S37).
[0048]
If step S36 is Yes, or after step S37, in step S38, it is determined whether or not the measurement result of the pressure gauge P1 has reached the second predetermined pressure (step S38).
Here, the “second predetermined pressure” is such that the pressure in the region of the hydrogen supply line L closer to the vehicle 2 than the flow control valve V0 (which is substantially equal to the pressure in the container Rc of the vehicle 2) is equal to the filling pressure of the vehicle 2. It is almost equal, and the pressure is set to grasp that the filling is being completed. The value is set to a value intermediate between the "first predetermined pressure" and the emphasis pressure (for example, if the filling pressure is 35 MPa, the second predetermined pressure is 34 MPa).
[0049]
If the measurement result of the pressure gauge P1 has not reached the second predetermined pressure, step S31 and subsequent steps are repeated (step S38 is a loop of No).
If the measurement result of the pressure gauge P1 has reached the second predetermined pressure (Yes in step S38), the flow rate of the hydrogen gas flowing through the hydrogen supply line L is reduced, and thereafter, the filling completion determined for each manufacturer is completed. (Step S39).
[0050]
Note that the illustrated embodiment is merely an example, and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.
For example, in the above-described second embodiment, a reciprocating machine such as a piston / cylinder mechanism may be used instead of the turbine. At high pressures, reciprocating machines are more advantageous than turbines.
[0051]
【The invention's effect】
The effects of the present invention are listed below.
(1) Since the pressure difference between the gas storage means on the vehicle side and the hydrogen filling device is set so that the temperature rise is relatively small (for example, about 2 ° C. to 3 ° C.) even when hydrogen gas is charged, The effect of suppressing a rise in the internal temperature of the vehicle-side gas storage means is great.
(2) If the internal pressure of the gas storage means is higher than the predetermined pressure, the second opening / closing means between the gas storage means and the hydrogen supply mechanism is closed, and the internal pressure of any of the gas storage means becomes lower than the predetermined pressure. The second opening / closing means between the gas storage means and the hydrogen supply mechanism is opened, but if another second opening / closing means is already opened, another second opening / closing means is already opened. Until the second opening / closing means is closed, the closed state of the second opening / closing means is maintained. Therefore, in any stage, if the pressure drops below a predetermined pressure, the hydrogen of the hydrogen station is maintained without any difference. When the internal pressure of each cylinder on the side charged with hydrogen gas from the supply mechanism is reduced by about 5 MPa, the compressor is automatically charged with hydrogen gas.
(3) The pressure of the hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen supply mechanism (for example, the compressor 3) is set to be higher than the standard pressure of the hydrogen supply target, and the high-pressure hydrogen gas is changed by the energy held by the high-pressure gas. By letting it flow through equipment that performs work, for example, turbines, equipment such as reciprocating machines, the high-pressure hydrogen gas undergoes isentropic expansion while working on the equipment, and the temperature drops, causing the isenthalpy expansion. Since the temperature does not rise as described above, the effect of suppressing the temperature rise due to adiabatic compression in the hydrogen supply target is extremely large.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a hydrogen filling apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart in the case of judging completion of H2 gas filling based on a pressure difference according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart in the case of judging completion of H2 gas filling based on a gas flow rate according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a routine for filling the cylinders V1 to V3 with H2 gas according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a hydrogen filling apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control routine for reducing a pressure difference between a filling side and a filling side according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a hydrogen filling apparatus according to the related art.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 1A ... hydrogen filling device
2 ... Vehicle
3 ... Compressor
4 ... turbine
5 ... generator
6 ... Capacitor
10 ・・・ Control unit
B1, B2, B3 ... cylinder
D ・・・ Dispenser
L: hydrogen supply pipe
P1, P2 ... pressure sensor
PB1, PB2, PB3 ... pressure gauge
V1, V2, V3 ... On-off valve
VC1, VC2, VC3 ... second on-off valve
Vs: Flow control valve

Claims

It has a plurality of gas storage means, and an on-off valve interposed in a piping system communicating with each filling object of the gas storage means, and the pressures of the plurality of gas storage means differ within a predetermined pressure. The opening / closing control of the on-off valve is performed such that the filling is started from the gas storage means having a low pressure and the filling is started from the gas storage means having a high pressure after the filling by the gas storage means having a low pressure is completed. A hydrogen filling apparatus having control means configured as described above.

A hydrogen supply mechanism, pressure measurement means for measuring the pressure of the plurality of gas storage means, and a second opening / closing means interposed between the hydrogen supply mechanism and each of the plurality of gas storage means; The means closes the second opening / closing means between the gas storage means and the hydrogen supply mechanism if the internal pressure of the gas storage means is higher than the predetermined pressure, and the internal pressure of any of the gas storage means becomes lower than the predetermined pressure. In this case, the second opening / closing means between the gas storage means and the hydrogen supply mechanism is opened. However, when another second opening / closing means is already opened, another already opened second opening / closing means is opened. 2. The hydrogen filling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control is performed to maintain the closed state of the second opening / closing means until the second opening / closing means is closed.

In the piping system between the hydrogen supply mechanism and the hydrogen supply target, a device that performs work using the energy held by the high-pressure gas, and the hydrogen supply target of the device in which a flow rate adjustment mechanism for adjusting gas pressure is interposed A hydrogen filling apparatus characterized in that a flow rate adjusting mechanism for fine adjustment of gas pressure is interposed on the side.

2. A control method for controlling a hydrogen filling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a hydrogen gas is charged from a plurality of gas storage means having internal pressures having a pressure difference within a predetermined pressure into a filling object, the storage gas having the lowest pressure is first used. The means is selected, and when the filling by the low pressure gas storage means is completed, the opening / closing means of the gas storage means is closed, and the opening / closing means of the gas storage means whose pressure is higher by the predetermined pressure from the completely charged gas storage means. And charging and discharging from the gas storage means, and repeating the closing and opening and closing of the opening and closing means until the filling of the gas storage means with the highest pressure is completed.

A step of measuring the pressure in each of the plurality of gas storage means by the pressure measurement means, and, if the internal pressure of the gas storage means is higher than a predetermined pressure, a step interposed between each of the gas storage means and the hydrogen supply mechanism. Closing the second opening / closing means, and opening the second opening / closing means between the gas storage means and the hydrogen supply mechanism when the internal pressure of any one of the gas storage means becomes a predetermined pressure or less. When performing the step of opening the second opening / closing means, if another second opening / closing means is already opened, the other opened second opening / closing means is closed until it is closed. 5. The control method according to claim 4, wherein the second opening / closing means between the gas storage means whose internal pressure is equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure and the hydrogen supply mechanism is kept closed.