JP2004333027A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Air conditioner Download PDF

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Publication number
JP2004333027A
JP2004333027A JP2003130287A JP2003130287A JP2004333027A JP 2004333027 A JP2004333027 A JP 2004333027A JP 2003130287 A JP2003130287 A JP 2003130287A JP 2003130287 A JP2003130287 A JP 2003130287A JP 2004333027 A JP2004333027 A JP 2004333027A
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Prior art keywords
hydrogen
pressure
storage alloy
hydrogen storage
temperature
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JP2003130287A
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Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Hisazumi Oshima
大島　　久純
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Denso Corp
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Denso Corp
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Priority to JP2003130287A priority Critical patent/JP2004333027A/en
Publication of JP2004333027A publication Critical patent/JP2004333027A/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
    • B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
    • B60H1/32—Cooling devices
    • B60H1/3202—Cooling devices using evaporation, i.e. not including a compressor, e.g. involving fuel or water evaporation
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/32—Hydrogen storage

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
  • Sorption Type Refrigeration Machines (AREA)
  • Air-Conditioning For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Fuel Cell (AREA)

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform both of cooling and heating by utilizing the heat generating/absorbing characteristic of a hydrogen occlusion alloy even during the consumption of hydrogen by a hydrogen consuming apparatus, in an air conditioner mounted on a hydrogen-utilizing system comprising the hydrogen consuming apparatus which consumes hydrogen. <P>SOLUTION: Containers 40, 50 respectively filled with the hydrogen occlusion alloy MH1, MH2 are mounted independently from a hydrogen high-pressure tank 21. When the insides of the containers 40, 50 are connected to a high-pressure part of a hydrogen supply passage 22, hydrogen is occluded by the hydrogen absorption alloy in the container and the heat is generated. On the other hand, when the insides of the containers are connected by a low-pressure part in the hydrogen supply passage 22, hydrogen is released from the hydrogen occlusion alloy in the container and the heat is absorbed. Whereby both of the cooling and heating can be performed by utilizing the heat generating/absorbing characteristic of the hydrogen occlusion alloys MH1, MH2 even during the consumption of hydrogen by a fuel cell 10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、水素を消費する水素消費機器を備える水素利用システムに搭載される空調装置に関するもので、水素を燃料とする車両に好適である。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、水素利用システムとして、例えば水素を燃料として走行する車両があり、この種の車両においては、水素の貯蔵手段として例えば水素吸蔵合金が用いられる。水素吸蔵合金はその特性として、水素を吸蔵する時は発熱し、水素を放出する時は吸熱する。そして、この水素吸蔵合金の特性を利用して、走行時の水素消費（放出）に伴う水素吸蔵合金の低温化（吸熱）を利用して車内を冷房する方法が提案されている（例えば、特許文献１参照）。
【０００３】
【特許文献１】
特開平７−１８６７１１号公報
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、従来装置においては、水素消費中は水素吸蔵合金は水素を放出するのみであるため、水素を放出する時の吸熱特性を利用して冷房は行うことは可能であるが、暖房はできないという問題があった。
【０００５】
本発明は上記の点に鑑みてなされたもので、水素を消費する水素消費機器を備える水素利用システムに搭載される空調装置において、水素消費機器が水素消費中であっても、水素吸蔵合金の発熱・吸熱特性を利用して冷房および暖房をともに行えるようにすることを目的とする。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するため、請求項１に記載の発明では、水素を高圧状態で蓄える高圧タンク（２１）と、水素を消費する水素消費機器（１０）と、高圧タンク（２１）内の水素を水素消費機器（１０）に導く水素供給経路（２２）とを備える水素利用システムに搭載される空調装置であって、水素を吸蔵・放出する水素吸蔵合金が充てんされた容器（４０、５０）と、容器（４０、５０）の内部を、水素供給経路（２２）における高圧部位と低圧部位に選択的に接続させることが可能な接続切替手段（１３〜１６、２１０、３１０、３２０）と、水素吸蔵合金が水素を吸蔵・放出する際の発熱・吸熱反応を利用して、室内の空気を加熱・冷却する熱交換手段（４０、５０、５４０）とを備えることを特徴とする。
【０００７】
これによると、容器の内部を水素供給経路における高圧部位に接続することにより、容器内の水素吸蔵合金に水素が吸蔵される。一方、容器の内部を水素供給経路における低圧部位に接続することにより、容器内の水素吸蔵合金から水素が放出される。換言すると、水素を高圧状態で蓄える高圧タンクとは別に、水素吸蔵合金が充てんされた容器を設けることにより、水素消費機器が水素消費中であっても水素吸蔵合金に水素を吸蔵・放出させることができる。したがって、水素消費機器が水素消費中であっても、水素吸蔵合金の発熱・吸熱特性を利用して冷房および暖房をともに行うことができる。
【０００８】
また、水素の圧力エネルギを利用して水素吸蔵合金に水素の吸蔵・放出を行わせ、水素吸蔵合金から放出された水素は水素消費機器にて消費させるため、空調装置としては水素を消費することなく冷暖房を行うことができる。
【０００９】
請求項２に記載の発明では、水素を高圧状態で蓄える高圧タンク（２１）と、水素を消費する水素消費機器（１０）と、高圧タンク（２１）内の水素を水素消費機器（１０）に導く水素供給経路（２２）とを備える水素利用システムに搭載される空調装置であって、水素供給経路（２２）に配置されて水素供給経路（２２）を開閉する開閉弁（１２）と、水素を吸蔵・放出する水素吸蔵合金が充てんされた容器（４０、５０）と、容器（４０、５０）の内部を、水素供給経路（２２）における開閉弁（１２）よりも上流側の高圧部位と下流側の低圧部位に選択的に接続させることが可能な接続切替手段（１３〜１６、２１０、３１０、３２０）と、水素吸蔵合金が水素を吸蔵・放出する際の発熱・吸熱反応を利用して、室内の空気を加熱・冷却する熱交換手段（４０、５０、５４０）とを備えることを特徴とする。
【００１０】
これによると、開閉弁を閉弁状態にすることにより水素供給経路に高圧部位と低圧部位を設けることができ、容器の内部を高圧部位と低圧部位に選択的に接続させることにより、水素吸蔵合金に水素を吸蔵・放出させることができる。したがって、請求項１の発明と同様の効果を得ることができる。
【００１１】
請求項３に記載の発明では、水素を高圧状態で蓄える高圧タンク（２１）と、水素を消費する水素消費機器（１０）と、高圧タンク（２１）内の水素を水素消費機器（１０）に導く水素供給経路（２２）とを備える水素利用システムに搭載される空調装置であって、水素供給経路（２２）に配置され、高圧タンク（２１）から水素消費機器（１０）に導かれる水素を減圧する減圧弁（２４）と、水素を吸蔵・放出する水素吸蔵合金が充てんされた容器（４０、５０）と、容器（４０、５０）の内部を、水素供給経路（２２）における減圧弁（２４）よりも上流側の高圧部位と下流側の低圧部位に選択的に接続させることが可能な接続切替手段（１３〜１６）と、水素吸蔵合金が水素を吸蔵・放出する際の発熱・吸熱反応を利用して、室内の空気を加熱・冷却する熱交換手段（４０、５０）とを備えることを特徴とする。
【００１２】
これによると、容器の内部を減圧弁よりも上流側の高圧部位と下流側の低圧部位に選択的に接続させることにより、水素吸蔵合金に水素を吸蔵・放出させることができる。したがって、請求項１の発明と同様の効果を得ることができる。
【００１３】
請求項４に記載の発明では、水素を高圧状態で蓄える高圧タンク（２１）と、水素を消費する水素消費機器（１０）と、高圧タンク（２１）内の水素を水素消費機器（１０）に導く水素供給経路（２２）とを備える水素利用システムに搭載される空調装置であって、水素供給経路（２２）に配置され、高圧タンク（２１）から供給される水素を第１設定圧力に減圧する第１減圧弁（２３）と、第１減圧弁（２３）よりも下流側の水素供給経路（２２）に配置され、第１減圧弁（２３）で減圧された水素を第２設定圧力までさらに減圧する第２減圧弁（２４）と、水素を吸蔵・放出する水素吸蔵合金が充てんされた容器（４０、５０）と、容器（４０、５０）の内部を、第１減圧弁（２３）よりも下流側の水素供給経路（２２）における高圧部位と低圧部位に選択的に接続させることが可能な接続切替手段（１３〜１６、２１０、３１０、３２０）と、水素吸蔵合金が水素を吸蔵・放出する際の発熱・吸熱反応を利用して、室内の空気を加熱・冷却する熱交換手段（４０、５０、５４０）とを備えることを特徴とする。
【００１４】
これによると、第１減圧弁よりも下流側の水素供給経路における高圧部位と低圧部位に選択的に接続させることにより、水素吸蔵合金に水素を吸蔵・放出させることができる。したがって、請求項１の発明と同様の効果を得ることができる。
【００１５】
請求項５に記載の発明では、水素吸蔵合金は、実使用状態での温度範囲におけるプラトー圧が、第１設定圧力よりも低く、且つ、第２設定圧力よりも高く設定されていることを特徴とする。
【００１６】
これによると、実使用状態での温度範囲において、確実に水素吸蔵合金に水素を吸蔵・放出させることができる。
【００１７】
請求項６に記載の発明では、容器を複数個備えることを特徴とする。これによると、熱負荷に応じて容器の使用本数を制御することにより、冷暖房能力を容易に調整することができる。
【００１８】
また、請求項７に記載の発明のように、一部の容器の内部を高圧部位に接続しているときには、残りの容器の内部を低圧部位に接続することにより、複数の容器に交互に吸蔵・放出させて、連続して冷房または暖房を行うことができる。
【００１９】
請求項８に記載の発明では、水素吸蔵合金として、同一温度におけるプラトー圧が異なる複数種類の水素吸蔵合金を用いることを特徴とする。
【００２０】
ところで、プラトー圧は温度によって変化する。そのため、温度上昇によりプラトー圧が高圧部位の圧力以上になると水素吸蔵合金に水素を吸蔵させることができなくなり、一方、温度低下によりプラトー圧が低圧部位の圧力以下になると水素吸蔵合金から水素を放出させることができなくなる。
【００２１】
これに対し、請求項８の発明によると、高温環境下では高温に適した水素吸蔵合金が主に機能し、低温環境下では低温に適した水素吸蔵合金が主に機能するため、使用環境温度を拡大させることができる。
【００２２】
請求項９に記載の発明のように、熱交換手段は、容器（４０、５０）の外部に装着したフィン（４０ａ、５０ａ）を有し、容器（４０、５０）の外部を室内の空気が通過するように構成することができる。
【００２３】
請求項１０に記載の発明では、熱交換手段は、水素吸蔵合金が水素を吸蔵・放出する際の発熱・吸熱により液体を加熱・冷却し、この液体を熱交換器（５４０）に流通させて液体と室内の空気との間で熱交換させることを特徴とする。
【００２４】
これによると、万が一水素吸蔵合金容器から水素が洩れだしても、室内へは水素は放出されないため、安全面で有利である。
【００２５】
なお、上記各手段の括弧内の符号は、後述する実施形態に記載の具体的手段との対応関係を示すものである。
【００２６】
【発明の実施の形態】
（第１実施形態）
本実施形態は、本発明に係る空調装置を、水素を燃料とする燃料電池自動車に適用したものである。図１は本実施形態の全体構成を示す模式図、図２は空調装置の通風系を示す模式図である。
【００２７】
図１において、燃料電池自動車は、水素と酸素の電気化学反応により発電を行う燃料電池１０を備え、燃料電池１０で発電した電気により図示しない電動機を作動させ、電動機により駆動力を得て走行するものである。なお、燃料電池１０は本発明の水素消費機器に相当し、燃料電池自動車は本発明の水素利用システムに相当する。
【００２８】
高圧タンク２１内には水素が約３０ＭＰａの高圧状態で蓄えられ、この水素は、水素供給経路２２を介して燃料電池１０に導かれる。この水素供給経路２２には、第１開閉弁１１、第１減圧弁２３、第２開閉弁１２、および第２減圧弁２４が、高圧タンク２１（上流側）から燃料電池１０（下流側）に沿って順に配置されている。
【００２９】
第１開閉弁１１および第２開閉弁１２は、水素供給経路２２を開閉するものである。第１減圧弁２３および第２減圧弁２４は、高圧タンク２１の水素を減圧して燃料電池１０に供給するものである。具体的には、第１減圧弁２３は、第１減圧弁２３と第２開閉弁１２との間の圧力を第１設定圧力Ｐ１まで減圧し、第２減圧弁２４は、第２減圧弁２４の下流側の圧力を第２設定圧力Ｐ２までさらに減圧する。因みに、Ｐ１＞Ｐ２である。
【００３０】
水素供給経路２２には、第２開閉弁１２をバイパスするバイパス経路３０が接続されている。このバイパス経路３０は、第１減圧弁２３と第２開閉弁１２との間から分岐し、第２開閉弁１２と第２減圧弁２４との間に合流している。また、このバイパス経路３０は、途中で第１バイパス経路３１と第２バイパス経路３２に分かれている。
【００３１】
第１バイパス経路３１には、第１バイパス経路３１を開閉する第３開閉弁１３、水素を吸蔵・放出する第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１を充てんした第１容器４０、および第１バイパス経路３１を開閉する第４開閉弁１４が、上流側から下流側に沿って順に配置されている。第１容器４０の外部にはフィン４０ａが装着されている。
【００３２】
第２バイパス経路３２には、第２バイパス経路３２を開閉する第５開閉弁１５、水素を吸蔵・放出する第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２を充てんした第２容器５０、および第２バイパス経路３２を開閉する第６開閉弁１６が、上流側から下流側に沿って順に配置されている。第２容器５０の外部にはフィン５０ａが装着されている。
【００３３】
なお、第３〜第６開閉弁１３〜１６は、本発明の接続切替手段を構成するものである。また、第１容器４０および第２容器５０は、本発明の熱交換手段を兼ねている。
【００３４】
図２に示すように、空調装置６０は、内気または外気を車室内に導く空気通路６１が形成された空調ケース６２を備えている。この空調ケース６２は、車室内に設置されている。空気通路６１は途中で第１空気通路６１ａと第２空気通路６１ｂに分かれており、第１空気通路６１ａには第１容器４０が配置され、第２空気通路６１ｂには第２容器５０が配置されている。
【００３５】
空気通路６１における、第１空気通路６１ａおよび第２空気通路６１ｂよりも空気流れ上流側には、空気通路６１に空気流を発生させるファン６３が配置されている。空気通路６１における、第１空気通路６１ａおよび第２空気通路６１ｂよりも空気流れ下流側には、第１空気通路６１ａおよび第２空気通路６１ｂを開閉するダンパ６４が回動自在に配置されている。
【００３６】
なお、ダンパ６４により閉められている側の冷熱のこもりが問題になるときは、図１５に示す変形例のように、２つのダンパ６５、６６を用意し、一方は車室内、他方は車室外と交互に流通できるようにしても良い。
【００３７】
第１容器４０および第２容器５０内の各水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２は、水素を吸蔵する時は発熱し、水素を放出する時は吸熱する特性を有する。そして、その水素吸蔵放出特性は、一般に図３に示すような水素圧力との相関を持つ。図３において、今、Ａ点から水素圧力を増加させて行くと、吸蔵時プラトー圧ＰＡの点で、水素吸蔵量は増加して行くが圧力は水素が吸収されるので上昇せずほぼ一定の値となる。水素吸蔵合金がその吸蔵能力まで水素を貯めると圧力は再び上昇しＢ点に至る。次に、この状態から圧力を下げてくると水素吸蔵合金中の水素が十分に放出されるまで放出時プラトー圧ＰＤで再び安定する。
【００３８】
ここで、ＰＡ＞ＰＤであり、このようなヒステリシスを一般に水素吸蔵合金は有している。また、吸蔵時プラトー圧ＰＡおよび放出時プラトー圧ＰＤは、その水素吸蔵合金の温度によって変化し、温度が高くなれば吸蔵時プラトー圧ＰＡおよび放出時プラトー圧ＰＤの値も高くなる。以下、本明細書では、吸蔵時プラトー圧ＰＡと放出時プラトー圧ＰＤとの平均値を、単に「プラトー圧」という。
【００３９】
なお、実使用状態での温度範囲における各水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２のプラトー圧を、第１減圧弁２３の第１設定圧力Ｐ１よりも低く、且つ、第２減圧弁２４の第２設定圧力Ｐ２よりも高く設定している。これにより、実使用状態での温度範囲において、各水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２に確実に水素を吸蔵・放出させることができる。
【００４０】
図３において、ＮＬは水素吸蔵合金の実用的な最低吸蔵量、ＮＨは水素吸蔵合金の実用的な最高吸蔵量である。ここで、「実用的な」とは、使用環境において許容できる時間で吸蔵もしくは放出できる、と言う意味である。また、ＰＬは最低吸蔵量ＮＬに対応する最低吸蔵時水素圧力、ＰＨは最高吸蔵量ＮＨに対応する最高吸蔵時水素圧力である。
【００４１】
本実施例では、各水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２としてＬａＮｉ５を用い、最高吸蔵時水素圧力ＰＨ＝０．８ＭＰａ、最低吸蔵時水素圧力ＰＬ＝０．１５ＭＰａ、使用環境温度３０℃とし、さらに、第１減圧弁２３の第１設定圧力Ｐ１を最高吸蔵時水素圧力ＰＨにセットし、第２減圧弁２４の第２設定圧力Ｐ２を最低吸蔵時水素圧力ＰＬにセットして、図１の構成により第１容器４０および第２容器５０からの発熱（温度上昇）、吸熱（温度低下）を確認した。
【００４２】
次に、上記構成になる装置の作動について説明する。
【００４３】
まず、第１容器４０内の第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１は水素を最高吸蔵量ＮＨまで吸蔵した状態（以下、水素満状態という）、第２容器５０内の第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２は水素を最低吸蔵量ＮＬまで放出した状態（以下、水素空状態という）にあるとして説明する。
【００４４】
第１開閉弁１１および第２開閉弁１２がともに開で、第３〜第６開閉弁１３〜１６がいずれも閉の状態を、以下、基準作動状態という。そして、基準作動状態では、水素は高圧タンク２１から燃料電池１０に供給され、燃料電池１０はその水素と酸素の電気化学反応により発電を行う。
【００４５】
この基準作動状態から、第２開閉弁１２を閉、第４開閉弁１４および第５開閉弁１５を開とすると、第１容器４０内が水素供給経路２２における低圧部位に接続されるため、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１から水素が放出されてその水素が燃料電池１０へ供給される。この水素放出により、第１容器４０および第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１は温度が低下する。一方、第２容器５０内は水素供給経路２２における高圧部位に接続されるため、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２は高圧タンク２１からの水素を吸蔵する。この水素吸蔵により、第２容器５０および第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２は温度が上昇する。
【００４６】
そして、ダンパ６４が図２の実線位置にある場合、すなわち第１空気通路６１ａが開の場合は、空気通路６１を通過する空気は、低温になった第１容器４０により冷却されて車室内に吹き出される。一方、ダンパ６４が図２の一点鎖線位置にある場合、すなわち第２空気通路６１ｂが開の場合は、空気通路６１を通過する空気は、高温になった第２容器５０により加熱されて車室内に吹き出される。
【００４７】
発生冷熱量は水素吸蔵放出量に比例するので、必要に応じて第２開閉弁１２、第４開閉弁１４および第５開閉弁１５の開閉状態を切り換えて、燃料電池１０への水素供給を維持しつつ発生冷熱量を制御する。
【００４８】
ある時間が経過すると、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１は水素空状態に近づくとともに、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２は水素満状態に近づいて、十分な冷熱を発生しなくなるので、その時点で第４開閉弁１４および第５開閉弁１５を閉、第３開閉弁１３および第６開閉弁１６を開にする。こうすることで先の動作とは反対に、第１容器４０が高温に、第２容器５０が低温となる。このように、冷熱源が入れ替わるので、ダンパ６４が図２の実線位置にある場合空気は加熱され、ダンパ６４が図２の一点鎖線位置にある場合空気は冷却される。
【００４９】
以上のような作動を実施することで、空調装置としては水素を消費することなく、冷熱を車両へ供給することができる。
【００５０】
次に、上記構成になる装置の制御手順について、図４〜図１０に示すフローチャートに基づいて説明する。
【００５１】
まず、図４に示すメインルーチンにて、各水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２の状態判定と冷熱要求判定を行い、その判定結果に従って、図５〜図１０に示す１〜６のサブルーチンを実行する。
【００５２】
図４において、車室内の冷房または暖房の要求がない場合は（ステップＳ１０がＮＯ）、制御を終了する。車室内の冷房または暖房の要求がある場合は（ステップＳ１０がＹＥＳ）、第１〜第６開閉弁１１〜１６を前述した基準作動状態に設定する（ステップＳ１１）。
【００５３】
次に、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１が水素満状態か水素空状態かを判定するために、第１および第２開閉弁１１、１２を閉、第３開閉弁１３を開とする（ステップＳ１２）。これにより、第１減圧弁２３の２次側の現在の圧力Ｐが、第１減圧弁２３の２次側の０．２秒前の圧力Ｐ’よりも、判定値ｄｐ（本例では０．１ＭＰａ）以上低下すれば、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１が水素空状態であると推定して、水素空状態を示すフラグＥを設定し、一方、第１減圧弁２３の２次側の現在の圧力Ｐが、第１減圧弁２３の２次側の０．２秒前の圧力Ｐ’よりも、判定値ｄｐ以上低下していなければ、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１が水素満状態であると推定して、水素満状態を示すフラグＦを設定する（ステップＳ１３）。
【００５４】
次に、第１および第２開閉弁１１、１２を開、第３開閉弁１３を閉にし（ステップＳ１４）、すなわち第１〜第６開閉弁１１〜１６を基準作動状態に戻し、その状態を０．２秒間維持する（ステップＳ１５）。
【００５５】
次に、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２が水素満状態か水素空状態かを判定するために、第１および第２開閉弁１１、１２を閉、第５開閉弁１５を開とする（ステップＳ１６）。これにより、第１減圧弁２３の２次側の現在の圧力Ｐが、第１減圧弁２３の２次側の０．２秒前の圧力Ｐ’よりも、０．１ＭＰａ以上低下すれば、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２が水素空状態であると推定して、水素空状態を示すフラグＥを設定し、一方、第１減圧弁２３の２次側の現在の圧力Ｐが、第１減圧弁２３の２次側の０．２秒前の圧力Ｐ’よりも、０．１ＭＰａ以上低下していなければ、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２が水素満状態であると推定して、水素満状態を示すフラグＦを設定する（ステップＳ１７）。
【００５６】
次に、第１および第２開閉弁１１、１２を開、第５開閉弁１５を閉にし（ステップＳ１８）、第１〜第６開閉弁１１〜１６を基準作動状態に戻す。
【００５７】
なお、各水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２の状態が以前の運転で決まっていれば、上記した各水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２の状態判定を行うステップは飛ばして良い。
【００５８】
次に、冷風が要求されている場合には（ステップＳ１９がＹＥＳ）、車室に冷風が吹き出されるようにダクト６４を冷風吹出モード位置に切り替え（ステップＳ２０）、さらに、各水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２の状態に基づいて冷風発生が可能なサブルーチンを選択する（ステップＳ２１）。ここで、冷風要求にもかかわらず各水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２が共に水素空状態にあると冷風を発生できないので、機能不全（Ｆａｕｌｔ）としてプログラムを終了する。
【００５９】
一方、温風が要求されている場合には（ステップＳ１９がＮＯ）、車室に温風が吹き出されるようにダクト６４を温風吹出モード位置に切り替え（ステップＳ２２）、さらに、各水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２の状態に基づいて温風発生が可能なサブルーチンを選択する（ステップＳ２３）。ここで、温風要求にもかかわらず各水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２が共に水素満状態にあると温風を発生できないので、機能不全（Ｆａｕｌｔ）としてプログラムを終了する。
【００６０】
次に、図５〜図１０に示す１〜６のサブルーチンについて説明する。なお、フローチャート中の各水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２の温度判定部分では、その都度各水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２の温度を測定するものとする。また、各サブルーチン１〜６では、各水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２の温度が必要以上に低下もしくは上昇しないように、各水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２の温度を、低温側第１設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ１と低温側第２設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ２との間、あるいは、高温側第１設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ１と高温側第２設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ２の間で管理する。ここでは、低温側第１設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ１＝３０℃、低温側第２設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ２＝１０℃、高温側第１設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ１＝３０℃、高温側第２設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ２＝６０℃とした。
【００６１】
最初に、代表的なルーチンであるルーチン３について図７に基づいて説明する。ルーチン３の初期は、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１は水素空状態、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２は水素満状態で、冷風を要求されている。
【００６２】
まず、第２開閉弁１２を閉、第６開閉弁１６を開として（ステップＳ３０１）、水素満状態の第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２から水素を放出させ、第２容器５０および第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度を低下させる。放出された水素は、水素供給経路２２における第２開閉弁１２と第２減圧弁２４との間に流入した後、燃料電池１０に導かれる。
【００６３】
そして、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度が低温側第２設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ２よりも低ければ（ステップＳ３０２がＹＥＳ）、第２開閉弁１２を開、第６開閉弁１６を閉として（ステップＳ３０３）、燃料電池１０への水素供給を維持しつつ、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の水素放出を停止して過冷却を抑制する。
【００６４】
この状態を５秒間維持した後（ステップＳ３０４）、第２開閉弁１２を閉、第６開閉弁１６を開として（ステップＳ３０１）、再度第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度を低温側第２設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ２と比較する（ステップＳ３０２）。第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度が低温側第２設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ２よりも高くなると（ステップＳ３０２がＮＯ）、次に第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度を低温側第１設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ１と比較する（ステップＳ３０５）。
【００６５】
第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度が低温側第１設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ１よりも高ければ（ステップＳ３０５がＹＥＳ）、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の熱応答性を考慮して３０秒待った後（ステップＳ３０６）、再度第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度を低温側第１設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ１と比較する（ステップＳ３０７）。
【００６６】
そして、依然として第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度が低温側第１設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ１よりも高ければ（ステップＳ３０７がＹＥＳ）、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２はこれ以上水素を放出できない、つまり水素空状態になったと推定して、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２のフラグを「Ｅ」、第２開閉弁１２を開、第６開閉弁１６を閉とする（ステップＳ３０８）。この時点で後述の第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１を水素満状態にするための処理（ステップＳ３２１〜３２８）が終了していなければ、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１のフラグを「Ｆ」、第３開閉弁１３を閉として強制終了させた後（ステップＳ３０９）、メインルーチンに戻る。
【００６７】
一方、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１を水素満状態にし次の冷風発生を準備するために、上述のステップＳ３０１〜３０９の処理と並行して以下の処理（ステップＳ３２１〜３２８）が実行される。
【００６８】
まず、第３開閉弁１３を開として（ステップＳ３２１）、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１に水素を吸蔵させる。ここで第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１は昇温を開始するのでその温度状態を次のステップで管理する。まず、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度が高温側第１設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ１より低ければ（ステップＳ３２２がＮＯ）、１０秒待つ（ステップＳ３２３）。そして、１０秒経過後も依然として第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度が高温側第１設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ１より低ければ（ステップＳ３２４がＮＯ）、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１は水素を吸蔵できない、つまり水素満状態になったと推定して、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１のフラグを「Ｆ」にするとともに第３開閉弁１３を閉とし（ステップＳ３２５）、ルーチンを終了する。
【００６９】
上記ステップＳ３２２およびステップＳ３２４のうち何れかのステップでＹＥＳと判定された場合、すなわち、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度が高温側第１設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ１より高い場合は、次に第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度を高温側第２設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ２と比較する（ステップＳ３２６）。そして、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度が高温側第２設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ２よりも高ければ、第３開閉弁１３を閉として過昇温を抑制し（ステップＳ３２７）、２０秒待った後（ステップＳ３２８）、再度ステップＳ３２１に戻る。
【００７０】
次に、ルーチン２について図６に基づいて説明する。ルーチン２の初期は、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１は水素満状態、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２は水素空状態で、冷風を要求されている。
【００７１】
まず、第２開閉弁１２を閉、第４開閉弁１４を開として（ステップＳ２０１）、水素満状態の第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１から水素を放出させ、第１容器４０および第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度を低下させる。
【００７２】
そして、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度が低温側第２設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ２よりも低ければ（ステップＳ２０２がＹＥＳ）、第２開閉弁１２を開、第４開閉弁１４を閉として（ステップＳ２０３）、燃料電池１０への水素供給を維持しつつ、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の水素放出を停止して過冷却を抑制する。
【００７３】
この状態を５秒間維持した後（ステップＳ２０４）、第２開閉弁１２を閉、第４開閉弁１４を開として（ステップＳ２０１）、再度第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度を低温側第２設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ２と比較する（ステップＳ２０２）。第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度が低温側第２設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ２よりも高くなると（ステップＳ２０２がＮＯ）、次に第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度を低温側第１設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ１と比較する（ステップＳ２０５）。
【００７４】
第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度が低温側第１設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ１よりも高ければ（ステップＳ２０５がＹＥＳ）、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の熱応答性を考慮して３０秒待った後（ステップＳ２０６）、再度第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度を低温側第１設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ１と比較する（ステップＳ２０７）。
【００７５】
そして、依然として第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度が低温側第１設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ１よりも高ければ（ステップＳ２０７がＹＥＳ）、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１はこれ以上水素を放出できない、つまり水素空状態になったと推定して、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１のフラグを「Ｅ」、第２開閉弁１２を開、第４開閉弁１４を閉とする（ステップＳ２０８）。この時点で後述の第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２を水素満状態にするための処理（ステップＳ２２１〜２２８）が終了していなければ、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２のフラグを「Ｆ」、第５開閉弁１５を閉として強制終了させた後（ステップＳ２０９）、メインルーチンに戻る。
【００７６】
一方、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２を水素満状態にし次の冷風発生を準備するために、上述のステップＳ２０１〜２０９の処理と並行して以下の処理（ステップＳ２２１〜２２８）が実行される。
【００７７】
まず、第５開閉弁１５を開として（ステップＳ２２１）、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２に水素を吸蔵させる。ここで第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２は昇温を開始するのでその温度状態を次のステップで管理する。まず、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度が高温側第１設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ１より低ければ（ステップＳ２２２がＮＯ）、１０秒待つ（ステップＳ２２３）。そして、１０秒経過後も依然として第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度が高温側第１設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ１より低ければ（ステップＳ２２４がＮＯ）、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２は水素を吸蔵できない、つまり水素満状態になったと推定して、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２のフラグを「Ｆ」にするとともに第５開閉弁１５を閉とし（ステップＳ２２５）、ルーチンを終了する。
【００７８】
上記ステップＳ２２２およびステップＳ２２４のうち何れかのステップでＹＥＳと判定された場合、すなわち、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度が高温側第１設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ１より高い場合は、次に第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度を高温側第２設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ２と比較する（ステップＳ２２６）。そして、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度が高温側第２設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ２よりも高ければ、第５開閉弁１５を閉として過昇温を抑制し（ステップＳ２２７）、２０秒待った後（ステップＳ２２８）、再度ステップＳ２２１に戻る。
【００７９】
次に、ルーチン１について図５に基づいて説明する。ルーチン１の初期は、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１および第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２ともに水素満状態で、冷風を要求されている。冷風を発生させるにあたり、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１および第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の何れを用いてもよいが、ここでは第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１を使用することとする。
【００８０】
まず、第２開閉弁１２を閉、第４開閉弁１４を開として（ステップＳ１０１）、水素満状態の第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１から水素を放出させ、第１容器４０および第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度を低下させる。
【００８１】
そして、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度が低温側第１設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ１よりも高ければ（ステップＳ１０２がＮＯ）、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の熱応答性を考慮して３０秒待った後（ステップＳ１０３）、再度第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度を低温側第１設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ１と比較する（ステップＳ１０４）。
【００８２】
通常状態であればここで第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度は低温側第１設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ１よりも低くなるので、次に冷えすぎないように第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度を低温側第２設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ２と比較する（ステップＳ１０５）。もし第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度が低温側第２設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ２よりも低ければ（ステップＳ１０５がＹＥＳ）、第２開閉弁１２を開、第４開閉弁１４を閉として（ステップＳ１０６）、燃料電池１０への水素供給を維持しつつ、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の水素放出を停止して過冷却を抑制する。そして、３０秒経過後（ステップＳ１０７）、再びステップＳ１０１に戻る。
【００８３】
最終的には第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度が低温側第１設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ１よりも高くなった時点で（ステップＳ１０４がＮＯ）、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１のフラグを「Ｅ」、第２開閉弁１２を開、第４開閉弁１４を閉として（ステップＳ１０８）、メインルーチンに戻る。
【００８４】
次に、ルーチン４について図８に基づいて説明する。ルーチン４の初期は、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１および第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２ともに水素空状態で、温風を要求されている。温風を発生させるにあたり、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１および第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の何れを用いてもよいが、ここでは第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１を使用することとする。
【００８５】
まず、第３開閉弁１３を開として（ステップＳ４０１）、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１に水素を吸蔵させ、第１容器４０および第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度を上昇させる。そして、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度が高温側第１設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ１よりも低ければ（ステップＳ４０２がＮＯ）、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の熱応答性を考慮して３０秒待った後（ステップＳ４０３）、再度第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度を高温側第１設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ１と比較する（ステップＳ１０４）。
【００８６】
通常状態であればここで第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度は高温側第１設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ１よりも高くなるので、次に加熱しすぎないように第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度を高温側第２設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ２と比較する（ステップＳ４０５）。もし第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度が高温側第２設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ２よりも高ければ（ステップＳ４０５がＹＥＳ）、第３開閉弁１３を閉とし（ステップＳ４０６）、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の水素吸蔵を停止して過昇温を抑制する。そして、２０秒経過後（ステップＳ１０７）、再びステップＳ４０１に戻る。
【００８７】
最終的には第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度が高温側第１設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ１よりも低くなった時点で（ステップＳ４０４がＮＯ）、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１のフラグを「Ｆ」、第３開閉弁１３を閉として（ステップＳ４０８）、メインルーチンへ戻る。
【００８８】
次に、ルーチン５について図９に基づいて説明する。ルーチン５の初期は、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１は水素空状態、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２は水素満状態で、温風を要求されている。
【００８９】
まず、第３開閉弁１３を開として（ステップＳ５０１）、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１に水素を吸蔵させ、第１容器４０および第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度を上昇させる。そして、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度が高温側第２設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ２よりも高ければ（ステップＳ５０２がＹＥＳ）、第３開閉弁１３を閉として（ステップＳ５０３）、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の水素吸蔵を停止して過昇温を抑制する。
【００９０】
この状態を５秒間維持した後（ステップＳ５０４）、第３開閉弁１３を開として（ステップＳ５０１）、再度第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度を高温側第２設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ２と比較する（ステップＳ５０２）。第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度が高温側第２設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ２よりも低くなると（ステップＳ５０２がＮＯ）、次に第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度を低温側第１設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ１と比較する（ステップＳ５０５）。
【００９１】
第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度が高温側第１設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ１よりも低ければ（ステップＳ５０５がＮＯ）、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の熱応答性を考慮して２０秒待った後（ステップＳ５０６）、再度第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度を高温側第１設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ１と比較する（ステップＳ５０７）。
【００９２】
そして、依然として第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度が高温側第１設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ１よりも低ければ（ステップＳ５０７がＮＯ）、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１はこれ以上水素を吸蔵できない、すなわち水素満状態になったと推定して、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１のフラグを「Ｆ」、第３開閉弁１３を閉とする（ステップＳ５０８）。この時点で後述の第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２を水素空状態にするための処理（ステップＳ５２１〜５２８）が終了していなければ、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２のフラグを「Ｅ」、第２開閉弁１２を開、第６開閉弁１６を閉として強制終了させた後（ステップＳ５０９）、メインルーチンに戻る。
【００９３】
一方、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２を水素空状態にし次の温風発生を準備するために、上述のステップＳ５０１〜５０９の処理と並行して以下の処理（ステップＳ５２１〜５２８）が実行される。
【００９４】
まず、第２開閉弁１２を閉、第６開閉弁１６を開として（ステップＳ５２１）、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２から水素を放出させる。放出された水素は、水素供給経路２２における第２開閉弁１２と第２減圧弁２４との間に流入した後、燃料電池１０に導かれる。したがって、第２開閉弁１２が閉であっても、燃料電池１０への水素供給が維持される。
【００９５】
ここで第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２は冷却を開始するのでその温度状態を次のステップで管理する。まず、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度が低温側第１設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ１より高ければ（ステップＳ５２２がＮＯ）、１０秒待つ（ステップＳ５２３）。そして、１０秒経過後も依然として第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度が低温側第１設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ１より高ければ（ステップＳ５２４がＮＯ）、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２は水素を放出できない、つまり水素空状態になったと推定して、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２のフラグを「Ｅ」、第２開閉弁１２を開、第６開閉弁１６を閉とし（ステップＳ５２５）、ルーチンを終了する。
【００９６】
上記ステップＳ５２２およびステップＳ５２４のうち何れかのステップでＹＥＳと判定された場合、すなわち、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度が低温側第１設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ１より低い場合は、次に第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度を低温側第２設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ２と比較する（ステップＳ５２６）。そして、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度が低温側第２設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ２よりも低ければ、第２開閉弁１２を開、第６開閉弁１６を閉として過冷却を抑制し（ステップＳ５２７）、２０秒待った後（ステップＳ５２８）、再度ステップＳ５２１に戻る。
【００９７】
次に、ルーチン６について図１０に基づいて説明する。ルーチン６の初期は、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１は水素満状態、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２は水素空状態で、温風を要求されている。
【００９８】
まず、第５開閉弁１５を開として（ステップＳ６０１）、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２に水素を吸蔵させ、第２容器５０および第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度を上昇させる。そして、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度が高温側第２設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ２よりも高ければ（ステップＳ６０２がＹＥＳ）、第５開閉弁１５を閉として（ステップＳ６０３）、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の水素吸蔵を停止して過昇温を抑制する。
【００９９】
この状態を５秒間維持した後（ステップＳ６０４）、第５開閉弁１５を開として（ステップＳ６０１）、再度第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度を高温側第２設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ２と比較する（ステップＳ６０２）。第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度が高温側第２設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ２よりも低くなると（ステップＳ６０２がＮＯ）、次に第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度を低温側第１設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ１と比較する（ステップＳ６０５）。
【０１００】
第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度が高温側第１設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ１よりも低ければ（ステップＳ６０５がＮＯ）、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の熱応答性を考慮して２０秒待った後（ステップＳ６０６）、再度第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度を高温側第１設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ１と比較する（ステップＳ６０７）。
【０１０１】
そして、依然として第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２の温度が高温側第１設定温度Ｔｈｉｇｈ１よりも低ければ（ステップＳ６０７がＮＯ）、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２はこれ以上水素を吸蔵できない、すなわち水素満状態になったと推定して、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２のフラグを「Ｆ」、第５開閉弁１５を閉とする（ステップＳ６０８）。この時点で後述の第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１を水素空状態にするための処理（ステップＳ６２１〜６２８）が終了していなければ、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１のフラグを「Ｅ」、第２開閉弁１２を開、第４開閉弁１４を閉として強制終了させた後（ステップＳ６０９）、メインルーチンに戻る。
【０１０２】
一方、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１を水素空状態にし次の温風発生を準備するために、上述のステップＳ６０１〜６０９の処理と並行して以下の処理（ステップＳ６２１〜６２８）が実行される。
【０１０３】
まず、第２開閉弁１２を閉、第４開閉弁１４を開として（ステップＳ６２１）、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１から水素を放出させる。放出された水素は、水素供給経路２２における第２開閉弁１２と第２減圧弁２４との間に流入した後、燃料電池１０に導かれる。したがって、第２開閉弁１２が閉であっても、燃料電池１０への水素供給が維持される。
【０１０４】
ここで第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１は冷却を開始するのでその温度状態を次のステップで管理する。まず、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度が低温側第１設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ１より高ければ（ステップＳ６２２がＮＯ）、１０秒待つ（ステップＳ６２３）。そして、１０秒経過後も依然として第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度が低温側第１設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ１より高ければ（ステップＳ６２４がＮＯ）、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１は水素を放出できない、つまり水素空状態になったと推定して、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１のフラグを「Ｅ」、第２開閉弁１２を開、第４開閉弁１４を閉とし（ステップＳ６２５）、ルーチンを終了する。
【０１０５】
上記ステップＳ６２２およびステップＳ６２４のうち何れかのステップでＹＥＳと判定された場合、すなわち、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度が低温側第１設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ１より低い場合は、次に第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度を低温側第２設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ２と比較する（ステップＳ６２６）。そして、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１の温度が低温側第２設定温度Ｔｌｏｗ２よりも低ければ、第２開閉弁１２を開、第４開閉弁１４を閉として過冷却を抑制し（ステップＳ６２７）、２０秒待った後（ステップＳ６２８）、再度ステップＳ６２１に戻る。
【０１０６】
上記の本実施形態によれば、水素を高圧状態で蓄える高圧タンク２１とは別に、水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２が充てんされた容器４０、５０を設けることにより、燃料電池１０が水素消費中であっても水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２に水素を吸蔵・放出させることができる。したがって、燃料電池１０が水素を消費中であっても、水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２の発熱・吸熱特性を利用して冷房および暖房をともに行うことができる。
【０１０７】
また、水素の圧力エネルギを利用して水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２に水素の吸蔵・放出を行わせ、水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２から放出された水素は燃料電池１０にて消費させるため、空調装置としては水素を消費することなく冷暖房を行うことができる。
【０１０８】
また、水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２が充てんされた容器４０、５０を２つ備えているため、一方の容器の内部を水素供給経路２２における高圧部位に接続しているときには、残りの容器の内部を水素供給経路２２における低圧部位に接続することにより、２つの容器４０、５０内の水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２に交互に吸蔵・放出させて、連続して冷房または暖房を行うことができる。
【０１０９】
（第２実施形態）
図１１に示す第２実施形態は、第１実施形態におけるバイパス経路３０部の構成を変更したものである。なお、第１実施形態と同一もしくは均等部分には同一の符号を付し、その説明を省略する。
【０１１０】
図１１において、バイパス経路３０には、バイパス経路３０と２つの容器４０、５０との接続状態を切り換える４方弁２１０と、バイパス経路３０を開閉する開閉弁２２０が、配置されている。なお、４方弁２１０は、本発明の接続切替手段に相当する。
【０１１１】
４方弁２１０は、２つの容器４０、５０のうち一方の容器の内部を水素供給経路２２における高圧部位に接続しているときには、残りの容器の内部を水素供給経路２２における低圧部位に接続するようになっている。
【０１１２】
そして、水素吸蔵合金が水素空状態になっている側を高圧部位に接続し、水素吸蔵合金が水素満状態になっている側を低圧部位に接続することにより、２つの容器４０、５０内の水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２に交互に水素を吸蔵・放出させて、連続して冷房または暖房を行うことができる。
【０１１３】
（第３実施形態）
図１２に示す第３実施形態は、第１実施形態におけるバイパス経路３０部の構成を変更したものである。なお、第１実施形態と同一もしくは均等部分には同一の符号を付し、その説明を省略する。
【０１１４】
図１２において、第１バイパス経路３１には、水素供給経路２２における高圧部位と低圧部位のいずれか一方に第１容器４０の内部を切り換え接続する第１の３方弁３１０が配置され、第２バイパス経路３２には、水素供給経路２２における高圧部位と低圧部位のいずれか一方に第２容器５０の内部を切り換え接続する第２の３方弁３２０が配置されている。なお、２つの３方弁３１０、３２０は、本発明の接続切替手段を構成するものである。
【０１１５】
２つの３方弁３１０、３２０は、２つの容器４０、５０のうち一方の容器の内部を水素供給経路２２における高圧部位に接続しているときには、残りの容器の内部を水素供給経路２２における低圧部位に接続するようになっている。
【０１１６】
そして、水素吸蔵合金が水素空状態になっている側を高圧部位に接続し、水素吸蔵合金が水素満状態になっている側を低圧部位に接続することにより、２つの容器４０、５０内の水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２に交互に水素を吸蔵・放出させて、連続して冷房または暖房を行うことができる。
【０１１７】
（第４実施形態）
図１３に示す第４実施形態は、第１実施形態におけるバイパス経路３０部の構成を変更したものである。なお、第１実施形態と同一もしくは均等部分には同一の符号を付し、その説明を省略する。
【０１１８】
図１３において、バイパス経路３０の下流端は、第２減圧弁２４よりも下流側にて水素供給経路２２に合流している。バイパス経路３０における第４開閉弁１４および第６開閉弁１６よりも下流側には、第３減圧弁４１０が配置されている。この第３減圧弁４１０の設定圧力は、第２減圧弁２４の第２設定圧力Ｐ２よりも高く設定されている。
【０１１９】
ところで、第１実施形態では、燃料電池１０の水素消費量が激しく変動する場合、水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２からの放出水素だけでは水素供給が間に合わなくなる状況が懸念される。
【０１２０】
本実施形態では、水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２からの放出水素だけでは水素供給が間に合わない場合、第１開閉弁１２を開とし、十分な水素供給を確保する。また、第３減圧弁４１０の設定圧力は第２減圧弁２４の第２設定圧力Ｐ２よりも高く設定されているため、水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２からの水素供給を行いつつ、つまり、冷熱を発生させつつ、燃料電池１０の水素消費量の変動に対応することができる。
【０１２１】
（第５実施形態）
第１実施形態では、水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２が充てんされた容器４０、５０を、車室内に設置された空調ケース６２内に配置したが、図１４に示す第５実施形態は、水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２が充てんされた容器４０、５０を、車室外に配置可能にしたものである。なお、第１実施形態と同一もしくは均等部分には同一の符号を付し、その説明を省略する。
【０１２２】
図１４において、車室外に配置された第１容器４０の外部には、液体が流通する第１循環経路５１０が配置されており、液体と第１容器４０との間で熱交換可能になっている。同様に、車室外に配置された第２容器５０の外部には、液体が流通する第２循環経路５２０が配置されており、液体と第２容器５０との間で熱交換可能になっている。
【０１２３】
車室外に配置された室外熱交換器５３０には、液体が流通する室外用循環経路５３１が接続され、室外用循環経路５３１には、液体を循環させる室外用ポンプ５３２が設けられている。また、室外熱交換器５３０に外気を送る室外用ファン５３３が、室外熱交換器５３０近傍に配置されている。
【０１２４】
車室内に設置された空調ケース６２内には、室内熱交換器５４０が配置されている。この室内熱交換器５４０には、液体が流通する室内用循環経路５４１が接続され、室内用循環経路５４１には、液体を循環させる室内用ポンプ５４２が設けられている。なお、室内熱交換器５４０および各容器４０、５０は、本発明の熱交換手段を構成するものである。
【０１２５】
第１循環経路５１０、第２循環経路５２０、室外用循環経路５３１、および室内用循環経路５４１には、それらの４つの循環経路の接続状態を切り換える２つの４方弁５５１、５５２が配置されている。
【０１２６】
上記構成において、水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２の発熱吸熱状態と冷熱要求状態から判断し、２つの４方弁５５１、５５２を操作する。例えば、車内にて冷風要求があり、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１が水素吸蔵により発熱し、第２水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ２が水素放出により吸熱している場合、図１４に例示するように、第２循環経路５２０と室内用循環経路５４１とを接続するとともに、第１循環経路５１０と室外用循環経路５３１とを接続するように、２つの４方弁５５１、５５２を操作する。
【０１２７】
この状態で室内用ポンプ５４２を作動させると、第２容器５０との間で熱交換して冷却された液体が室内熱交換器５４０側に循環する。そして、空気通路６１を通過する空気は、室内熱交換器５４０を循環する液体と熱交換して低温になり、車室内に吹き出される。
【０１２８】
同時に、室外用ポンプ５３２および室外用ファン５３３を作動させると、第１容器４０との間で熱交換して加熱された液体が室外熱交換器５３０側に循環し、室外熱交換器５３０を循環する液体と外気とが熱交換し、第１水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１が発生した熱が放出される。
【０１２９】
なお、水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２の発熱吸熱状態を切り替えるタイミングに合わせて、２つの４方弁５５１、５５２により制御される４つの循環経路の接続状態も切り替える。
【０１３０】
本実施形態によると、水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２が充てんされた容器４０、５０から万が一水素が洩れだしても、室内へは水素は放出されないため、安全面で有利である。
【０１３１】
（他の実施形態）
前述したように、吸蔵時プラトー圧ＰＡおよび放出時プラトー圧ＰＤは、その水素吸蔵合金の温度によって変化する。したがって、使用環境温度（実使用状態での温度範囲）が大幅に変化する場合は、吸蔵時プラトー圧ＰＡや放出時プラトー圧ＰＤが、吸蔵時水素圧力ＰＨや最低吸蔵時水素圧力ＰＬに近付きすぎ、十分な水素の吸蔵や放出ができなくなる可能性がある。
【０１３２】
つまり、水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２の温度が高くなり過ぎると、吸蔵時プラトー圧ＰＡが吸蔵時水素圧力ＰＨと同じもしくはそれよりも高くなり、第１減圧弁２３の設定圧力Ｐ１では水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２に水素を吸蔵させることができなくなる。また、温度が低くなりすぎると放出時プラトー圧ＰＤが最低吸蔵時水素圧力ＰＬと同じもしくはそれよりも低くなり、水素を放出しなくなってしまうことが懸念される。
【０１３３】
このような場合、同一温度における吸蔵時プラトー圧ＰＡおよび放出時プラトー圧ＰＤが異なる複数種類の水素吸蔵合金を用いるのが望ましい。すなわち、高温環境で丁度吸蔵時プラトー圧ＰＡおよび放出時プラトー圧ＰＤが吸蔵時水素圧力ＰＨと最低吸蔵時水素圧力ＰＬの中間にくる水素吸蔵合金（高温用）と、低温環境で丁度吸蔵時プラトー圧ＰＡおよび放出時プラトー圧ＰＤが吸蔵時水素圧力ＰＨと最低吸蔵時水素圧力ＰＬの中間にくる水素吸蔵合金（低温用）を、同一容器内に入れておけば、特性の異なる水素吸蔵合金が異なる使用温度域で機能し、結果として使用環境温度を拡大させることができる。
【０１３４】
因みに、高温では高温用の水素吸蔵合金が働き、一方の低温用の水素吸蔵合金は水素放出状態のままで機能しない。逆に低温では低温用の水素吸蔵合金が働き、一方の高温用の水素吸蔵合金は水素吸蔵状態のままで機能しない。
【０１３５】
上記各実施形態では、２本の容器４０、５０を用いているが、冷熱量や水素供給量の安定化をさらに図るために、水素吸蔵合金を充てんした容器を３本以上並列に接続し、順次運転してもよい。
【０１３６】
また、上記各実施形態では、水素消費装置として燃料電池１０を用いているが、水素消費装置として水素エンジンを用いたシステムにも本発明を適用できることは自明である。
【０１３７】
また、上記各実施形態では、燃料電池１０を有する燃料電池自動車に本発明を適用する例を示したが、燃料電池１０や水素エンジンを有する各種の家庭用の水素利用システムにも本発明を適用することができる。
【０１３８】
また、上記各実施形態を種々組み合わせて使用することもできる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１実施形態になる空調装置を適用した燃料電池自動車を示す模式図である。
【図２】第１実施形態になる空調装置の通風系を示す模式図である。
【図３】図１の水素吸蔵合金ＭＨ１、ＭＨ２の水素吸蔵量と水素圧力との関係を示す特性図である。
【図４】第１実施形態になる空調装置の制御手順におけるメインルーチンを示すフローチャートである。
【図５】第１実施形態になる空調装置の制御手順におけるサブルーチン１を示すフローチャートである。
【図６】第１実施形態になる空調装置の制御手順におけるサブルーチン２を示すフローチャートである。
【図７】第１実施形態になる空調装置の制御手順におけるサブルーチン３を示すフローチャートである。
【図８】第１実施形態になる空調装置の制御手順におけるサブルーチン４を示すフローチャートである。
【図９】第１実施形態になる空調装置の制御手順におけるサブルーチン５を示すフローチャートである。
【図１０】第１実施形態になる空調装置の制御手順におけるサブルーチン６を示すフローチャートである。
【図１１】本発明の第２実施形態になる空調装置を適用した燃料電池自動車を示す模式図である。
【図１２】本発明の第３実施形態になる空調装置を適用した燃料電池自動車を示す模式図である。
【図１３】本発明の第４実施形態になる空調装置を適用した燃料電池自動車を示す模式図である。
【図１４】本発明の第５実施形態になる空調装置を適用した燃料電池自動車を示す模式図である。
【図１５】第１実施形態になる空調装置の通風系の変形例を示す模式図である。
【符号の説明】
１０…燃料電池（水素消費機器）、１３〜１６…開閉弁（接続切替手段）、２１…高圧タンク、２２…水素供給経路、４０、５０…熱交換手段を兼ねる容器、２１０…４方弁（接続切替手段）、３１０、３２０…３方弁（接続切替手段）、５４０…室内熱交換器（熱交換手段）。[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an air conditioner mounted on a hydrogen utilization system including a hydrogen consuming device that consumes hydrogen, and is suitable for a vehicle using hydrogen as a fuel.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as a hydrogen utilization system, there is, for example, a vehicle that runs using hydrogen as a fuel. In this type of vehicle, for example, a hydrogen storage alloy is used as hydrogen storage means. As a characteristic, the hydrogen storage alloy generates heat when absorbing hydrogen and absorbs heat when releasing hydrogen. A method of cooling the inside of a vehicle by utilizing the characteristics of the hydrogen storage alloy and lowering the temperature (heat absorption) of the hydrogen storage alloy accompanying consumption (release) of hydrogen during traveling has been proposed (for example, Patent Reference 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-7-186711
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional device, since the hydrogen storage alloy only releases hydrogen during hydrogen consumption, it is possible to perform cooling using the heat absorption characteristics at the time of releasing hydrogen, but it is not possible to heat. There was a problem.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and in an air conditioner mounted on a hydrogen utilization system including a hydrogen consuming device that consumes hydrogen, even if the hydrogen consuming device is consuming hydrogen, the hydrogen storage alloy It is an object of the present invention to be able to perform both cooling and heating using the heat generation and heat absorption characteristics.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a high-pressure tank (21) for storing hydrogen in a high-pressure state, a hydrogen consuming device (10) for consuming hydrogen, and hydrogen in the high-pressure tank (21) are stored in a high-pressure tank. An air conditioner mounted on a hydrogen utilization system having a hydrogen supply path (22) leading to a hydrogen consuming device (10), comprising: a container (40, 50) filled with a hydrogen storage alloy for storing and releasing hydrogen; Connection switching means (13-16, 210, 310, 320) capable of selectively connecting the inside of the container (40, 50) to a high-pressure part and a low-pressure part in the hydrogen supply path (22); It is characterized by comprising heat exchange means (40, 50, 540) for heating and cooling indoor air by utilizing the heat generation and heat absorption reaction when the storage alloy stores and releases hydrogen.
[0007]
According to this, by connecting the inside of the container to the high pressure site in the hydrogen supply path, hydrogen is stored in the hydrogen storage alloy in the container. On the other hand, by connecting the inside of the container to a low-pressure portion in the hydrogen supply path, hydrogen is released from the hydrogen storage alloy in the container. In other words, by providing a container filled with a hydrogen storage alloy separately from a high-pressure tank that stores hydrogen under high pressure, hydrogen can be stored and released by the hydrogen storage alloy even when the hydrogen consuming device is consuming hydrogen. Can be. Therefore, even when the hydrogen consuming device is consuming hydrogen, both cooling and heating can be performed by utilizing the heat generation and heat absorption characteristics of the hydrogen storage alloy.
[0008]
In addition, the hydrogen storage alloy uses the pressure energy of hydrogen to store and release hydrogen, and the hydrogen released from the hydrogen storage alloy is consumed by hydrogen consuming equipment. Heating and cooling can be performed without.
[0009]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the high-pressure tank (21) that stores hydrogen in a high-pressure state, the hydrogen consuming device (10) that consumes hydrogen, and the hydrogen in the high-pressure tank (21) are stored in the hydrogen consuming device (10). An air conditioner mounted on a hydrogen utilization system having a hydrogen supply path (22) for guiding, an on-off valve (12) arranged on the hydrogen supply path (22) to open and close the hydrogen supply path (22), (40, 50) filled with a hydrogen storage alloy for storing and releasing hydrogen and a high-pressure part of the hydrogen supply path (22) upstream of the on-off valve (12) in a hydrogen supply path (22). Connection switching means (13 to 16, 210, 310, 320) capable of selectively connecting to a low pressure portion on the downstream side, and utilizing a heat generation / endothermic reaction when the hydrogen storage alloy stores and releases hydrogen. Heating and cooling the indoor air Characterized in that it comprises a heat exchange means (40,50,540) for.
[0010]
According to this, the high-pressure part and the low-pressure part can be provided in the hydrogen supply path by closing the on-off valve, and the hydrogen storage alloy can be selectively connected to the inside of the container by the high-pressure part and the low-pressure part. Can absorb and release hydrogen. Therefore, the same effect as the first aspect can be obtained.
[0011]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the high-pressure tank (21) for storing hydrogen in a high-pressure state, the hydrogen consuming device (10) for consuming hydrogen, and the hydrogen in the high-pressure tank (21) are stored in the hydrogen consuming device (10). An air conditioner mounted on a hydrogen utilization system having a hydrogen supply path (22) for introducing hydrogen, which is disposed in the hydrogen supply path (22), and supplies hydrogen from the high-pressure tank (21) to the hydrogen consuming device (10). A pressure reducing valve (24) for reducing pressure, a container (40, 50) filled with a hydrogen storage alloy for storing and releasing hydrogen, and a pressure reducing valve (40) in the hydrogen supply path (22) through the inside of the container (40, 50). 24) Connection switching means (13 to 16) capable of selectively connecting to a high-pressure part on the upstream side and a low-pressure part on the downstream side, and heat and heat absorption when the hydrogen storage alloy stores and releases hydrogen. Using the reaction, the indoor sky Characterized in that it comprises a heat exchange means (40, 50) for heating and cooling a.
[0012]
According to this, by selectively connecting the inside of the container to a high-pressure part upstream of the pressure reducing valve and a low-pressure part downstream of the pressure reducing valve, it is possible to store and release hydrogen in the hydrogen storage alloy. Therefore, the same effect as the first aspect can be obtained.
[0013]
According to the invention described in claim 4, the high-pressure tank (21) for storing hydrogen in a high-pressure state, the hydrogen consuming device (10) for consuming hydrogen, and the hydrogen in the high-pressure tank (21) are stored in the hydrogen consuming device (10). An air conditioner mounted on a hydrogen utilization system having a hydrogen supply path (22) for guiding, wherein the air supply apparatus is disposed in the hydrogen supply path (22) and reduces the pressure of hydrogen supplied from the high-pressure tank (21) to a first set pressure. A first pressure reducing valve (23), and a hydrogen supply path (22) downstream of the first pressure reducing valve (23), for reducing the pressure of the hydrogen reduced by the first pressure reducing valve (23) to a second set pressure. A second pressure reducing valve (24) for further reducing the pressure, containers (40, 50) filled with a hydrogen storage alloy for storing and releasing hydrogen, and a first pressure reducing valve (23) High-pressure section in the hydrogen supply path (22) downstream of And connection switching means (13-16, 210, 310, 320) capable of selectively connecting to the low-pressure portion, and utilizing the heat generation / endothermic reaction when the hydrogen storage alloy stores and releases hydrogen. A heat exchange means (40, 50, 540) for heating and cooling indoor air is provided.
[0014]
According to this, it is possible to cause the hydrogen storage alloy to store and release hydrogen by selectively connecting the high pressure part and the low pressure part in the hydrogen supply path downstream of the first pressure reducing valve. Therefore, the same effect as the first aspect can be obtained.
[0015]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the hydrogen storage alloy has a plateau pressure in a temperature range in an actual use state set to be lower than the first set pressure and higher than the second set pressure. And
[0016]
According to this, it is possible to reliably store and release hydrogen in the hydrogen storage alloy in the temperature range in the actual use state.
[0017]
The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that a plurality of containers are provided. According to this, the cooling / heating capacity can be easily adjusted by controlling the number of containers used according to the heat load.
[0018]
Further, when the inside of a part of the containers is connected to the high-pressure part, the inside of the remaining containers is connected to the low-pressure part, so that the plurality of containers are alternately occluded. -Allows continuous cooling or heating by discharging.
[0019]
An eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that a plurality of types of hydrogen storage alloys having different plateau pressures at the same temperature are used as the hydrogen storage alloy.
[0020]
Incidentally, the plateau pressure changes depending on the temperature. Therefore, when the plateau pressure becomes higher than the pressure in the high pressure region due to the temperature rise, hydrogen cannot be stored in the hydrogen storage alloy. On the other hand, when the plateau pressure becomes lower than the pressure in the low pressure region due to the temperature drop, hydrogen is released from the hydrogen storage alloy You can not let it.
[0021]
On the other hand, according to the invention of claim 8, the hydrogen storage alloy suitable for a high temperature mainly functions in a high temperature environment, and the hydrogen storage alloy suitable for a low temperature mainly functions in a low temperature environment. Can be enlarged.
[0022]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the heat exchange means has fins (40a, 50a) mounted on the outside of the container (40, 50). It can be configured to pass.
[0023]
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the heat exchange means heats and cools the liquid by heat generation and heat absorption when the hydrogen storage alloy stores and releases hydrogen, and circulates the liquid through the heat exchanger (540). It is characterized in that heat is exchanged between the liquid and room air.
[0024]
According to this, even if hydrogen leaks from the hydrogen storage alloy container, no hydrogen is released into the room, which is advantageous in terms of safety.
[0025]
In addition, the code | symbol in the parenthesis of each said means shows the correspondence with the concrete means described in embodiment mentioned later.
[0026]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(1st Embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the air conditioner according to the present invention is applied to a fuel cell vehicle using hydrogen as fuel. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a ventilation system of an air conditioner.
[0027]
In FIG. 1, the fuel cell vehicle includes a fuel cell 10 that generates electric power by an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, and operates an electric motor (not shown) with the electric power generated by the fuel cell 10 to obtain a driving force from the electric motor and travel. Things. The fuel cell 10 corresponds to the hydrogen consuming device of the present invention, and the fuel cell vehicle corresponds to the hydrogen utilizing system of the present invention.
[0028]
Hydrogen is stored in the high-pressure tank 21 at a high pressure of about 30 MPa, and this hydrogen is guided to the fuel cell 10 via the hydrogen supply path 22. In this hydrogen supply path 22, a first on-off valve 11, a first pressure-reducing valve 23, a second on-off valve 12, and a second pressure-reducing valve 24 are connected from the high-pressure tank 21 (upstream) to the fuel cell 10 (downstream). Are arranged in order along.
[0029]
The first on-off valve 11 and the second on-off valve 12 open and close the hydrogen supply path 22. The first pressure reducing valve 23 and the second pressure reducing valve 24 reduce the pressure of hydrogen in the high pressure tank 21 and supply the reduced pressure to the fuel cell 10. Specifically, the first pressure reducing valve 23 reduces the pressure between the first pressure reducing valve 23 and the second on-off valve 12 to a first set pressure P1, and the second pressure reducing valve 24 Is further reduced to the second set pressure P2. Incidentally, P1> P2.
[0030]
A bypass path 30 that bypasses the second on-off valve 12 is connected to the hydrogen supply path 22. The bypass path 30 branches from between the first pressure reducing valve 23 and the second on-off valve 12 and joins between the second on-off valve 12 and the second pressure reducing valve 24. The bypass path 30 is divided into a first bypass path 31 and a second bypass path 32 on the way.
[0031]
The first bypass path 31 includes a third opening / closing valve 13 for opening and closing the first bypass path 31, a first container 40 filled with a first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 for storing and releasing hydrogen, and opening and closing the first bypass path 31. The fourth on-off valves 14 are sequentially arranged from the upstream side to the downstream side. Fins 40a are mounted outside the first container 40.
[0032]
The second bypass path 32 includes a fifth opening / closing valve 15 that opens and closes the second bypass path 32, a second container 50 filled with a second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 that stores and releases hydrogen, and opens and closes the second bypass path 32. Six on-off valves 16 are arranged in order from the upstream side to the downstream side. Fins 50a are mounted outside the second container 50.
[0033]
The third to sixth on-off valves 13 to 16 constitute connection switching means of the present invention. Further, the first container 40 and the second container 50 also serve as the heat exchange means of the present invention.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 2, the air conditioner 60 includes an air conditioning case 62 in which an air passage 61 for guiding inside air or outside air into a vehicle interior is formed. This air-conditioning case 62 is installed in the vehicle interior. The air passage 61 is divided in the middle into a first air passage 61a and a second air passage 61b. The first container 40 is arranged in the first air passage 61a, and the second container 50 is arranged in the second air passage 61b. Have been.
[0035]
A fan 63 for generating an airflow in the air passage 61 is disposed upstream of the first air passage 61a and the second air passage 61b in the air passage 61 in the air passage 61. A damper 64 that opens and closes the first air passage 61a and the second air passage 61b is rotatably disposed downstream of the first air passage 61a and the second air passage 61b in the air flow in the air passage 61. .
[0036]
In addition, when the accumulation of cold heat on the side closed by the damper 64 becomes a problem, two dampers 65 and 66 are prepared as shown in a modification shown in FIG. It may be made to be able to circulate alternately.
[0037]
Each of the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2 in the first container 40 and the second container 50 has a characteristic of generating heat when storing hydrogen and absorbing heat when releasing hydrogen. The hydrogen storage / release characteristics generally have a correlation with the hydrogen pressure as shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, when the hydrogen pressure is increased from the point A, the hydrogen storage amount is increased at the point of the plateau pressure PA during storage, but the pressure is not increased because the hydrogen is absorbed, and is substantially constant. Value. When the hydrogen storage alloy stores hydrogen up to its storage capacity, the pressure rises again and reaches point B. Next, when the pressure is reduced from this state, the hydrogen at the release plateau pressure PD is stabilized again until the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage alloy is sufficiently released.
[0038]
Here, PA> PD, and the hydrogen storage alloy generally has such hysteresis. Further, the occlusion-time plateau pressure PA and the release-time plateau pressure PD change depending on the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy. As the temperature increases, the values of the occlusion-time plateau pressure PA and the release-time plateau pressure PD also increase. Hereinafter, in this specification, the average value of the plateau pressure PA during occlusion and the plateau pressure PD during release is simply referred to as “plateau pressure”.
[0039]
The plateau pressure of each of the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2 in the temperature range in the actual use state is lower than the first set pressure P1 of the first pressure reducing valve 23 and the second set pressure P2 of the second pressure reducing valve 24. It is set higher than. This makes it possible to reliably store and release hydrogen in each of the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2 in the temperature range in the actual use state.
[0040]
In FIG. 3, NL is the practical minimum storage amount of the hydrogen storage alloy, and NH is the practical maximum storage amount of the hydrogen storage alloy. Here, “practical” means that the substance can be inserted or released in an acceptable time in the use environment. In addition, PL is the minimum storage hydrogen pressure corresponding to the minimum storage amount NL, and PH is the maximum storage hydrogen pressure corresponding to the maximum storage amount NH.
[0041]
In this embodiment, LaNi is used as each of the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2. 5 The maximum storage hydrogen pressure PH = 0.8 MPa, the minimum storage hydrogen pressure PL = 0.15 MPa, the operating environment temperature 30 ° C., and the first set pressure P 1 of the first pressure reducing valve 23 is set to the maximum storage hydrogen pressure. The pressure PH is set, the second set pressure P2 of the second pressure reducing valve 24 is set to the minimum storage hydrogen pressure PL, and the heat generation (temperature rise) from the first container 40 and the second container 50 according to the configuration of FIG. And heat absorption (temperature drop) was confirmed.
[0042]
Next, the operation of the device having the above configuration will be described.
[0043]
First, the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 in the first container 40 has stored hydrogen up to the maximum storage amount NH (hereinafter, referred to as a hydrogen full state), and the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 in the second container 50 has the lowest hydrogen storage capacity. The description will be made assuming that the state has been released to the storage amount NL (hereinafter, referred to as a hydrogen empty state).
[0044]
The state where both the first opening / closing valve 11 and the second opening / closing valve 12 are open and the third to sixth opening / closing valves 13 to 16 are all closed is hereinafter referred to as a reference operating state. In the reference operation state, hydrogen is supplied from the high-pressure tank 21 to the fuel cell 10, and the fuel cell 10 generates power by an electrochemical reaction between the hydrogen and oxygen.
[0045]
When the second on-off valve 12 is closed and the fourth on-off valve 14 and the fifth on-off valve 15 are opened from this reference operation state, the inside of the first container 40 is connected to the low-pressure part in the hydrogen supply path 22, 1 Hydrogen is released from the hydrogen storage alloy MH1 and the hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell 10. Due to this hydrogen release, the temperatures of the first container 40 and the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 decrease. On the other hand, since the inside of the second container 50 is connected to the high-pressure portion in the hydrogen supply path 22, the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 stores hydrogen from the high-pressure tank 21. Due to this hydrogen storage, the temperature of the second container 50 and the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 increases.
[0046]
When the damper 64 is at the solid line position in FIG. 2, that is, when the first air passage 61a is open, the air passing through the air passage 61 is cooled by the low temperature first container 40 and enters the vehicle interior. Be blown out. On the other hand, when the damper 64 is located at the dashed line position in FIG. 2, that is, when the second air passage 61 b is open, the air passing through the air passage 61 is heated by the high temperature Is blown out.
[0047]
Since the amount of generated cold heat is proportional to the amount of hydrogen storage and release, the open / close state of the second on-off valve 12, the fourth on-off valve 14, and the fifth on-off valve 15 is switched as necessary to maintain the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell 10. While controlling the amount of cold generated.
[0048]
After a lapse of a certain time, the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 approaches a hydrogen empty state, and the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 approaches a hydrogen full state, so that sufficient cold heat is not generated. 14 and the fifth on-off valve 15 are closed, and the third on-off valve 13 and the sixth on-off valve 16 are opened. By doing so, the first container 40 has a high temperature and the second container 50 has a low temperature, contrary to the above operation. As described above, since the cold heat sources are switched, the air is heated when the damper 64 is at the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 2, and the air is cooled when the damper 64 is positioned at the position indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG.
[0049]
By performing the above operations, the air conditioner can supply cold heat to the vehicle without consuming hydrogen.
[0050]
Next, a control procedure of the apparatus having the above configuration will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS.
[0051]
First, in the main routine shown in FIG. 4, the state determination of each of the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2 and the cooling / heat request determination are performed, and the subroutines 1 to 6 shown in FIGS.
[0052]
In FIG. 4, when there is no request for cooling or heating in the vehicle compartment (NO in step S10), the control ends. If there is a request for cooling or heating in the passenger compartment (YES in step S10), the first to sixth on-off valves 11 to 16 are set to the above-described reference operating state (step S11).
[0053]
Next, in order to determine whether the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is full of hydrogen or empty of hydrogen, the first and second on-off valves 11 and 12 are closed and the third on-off valve 13 is opened (step S12). . Accordingly, the current pressure P on the secondary side of the first pressure reducing valve 23 is higher than the pressure P ′ 0.2 seconds before the secondary side of the first pressure reducing valve 23 by the determination value dp (0. If the pressure drops by 1 MPa or more, it is estimated that the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is in a hydrogen empty state, and a flag E indicating the hydrogen empty state is set. On the other hand, the current pressure on the secondary side of the first pressure reducing valve 23 is set. If P is not lower than the pressure P ′ 0.2 seconds before the secondary side of the first pressure reducing valve 23 by the determination value dp or more, it is estimated that the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is full of hydrogen. Then, a flag F indicating a hydrogen full state is set (step S13).
[0054]
Next, the first and second on-off valves 11 and 12 are opened and the third on-off valve 13 is closed (step S14), that is, the first to sixth on-off valves 11 to 16 are returned to the reference operating state, and the state is changed. Maintain for 0.2 seconds (step S15).
[0055]
Next, in order to determine whether the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is full of hydrogen or empty of hydrogen, the first and second on-off valves 11 and 12 are closed and the fifth on-off valve 15 is opened (step S16). . Accordingly, if the current pressure P on the secondary side of the first pressure reducing valve 23 is lower than the pressure P ′ 0.2 seconds before the secondary side of the first pressure reducing valve 23 by 0.1 MPa or more, (2) Assuming that the hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is in a hydrogen empty state, a flag E indicating the hydrogen empty state is set, while the current pressure P on the secondary side of the first pressure reducing valve 23 is If the pressure is not lower than the pressure P '0.2 seconds before the secondary side by 0.1 MPa or more, it is estimated that the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is full of hydrogen and a flag indicating the full hydrogen state F is set (step S17).
[0056]
Next, the first and second on-off valves 11 and 12 are opened, the fifth on-off valve 15 is closed (step S18), and the first to sixth on-off valves 11 to 16 are returned to the reference operating state.
[0057]
If the state of each of the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2 is determined in the previous operation, the step of determining the state of each of the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2 may be skipped.
[0058]
Next, when cool air is requested (YES in step S19), the duct 64 is switched to the cool air blowing mode position so that cool air is blown into the vehicle compartment (step S20). , A subroutine capable of generating cold air is selected based on the state of MH2 (step S21). Here, if both the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2 are in a hydrogen-free state despite the request for the cool air, the cool air cannot be generated, and the program is terminated as a malfunction (Fault).
[0059]
On the other hand, when the hot air is requested (NO in step S19), the duct 64 is switched to the hot air blowing mode position so that the hot air is blown into the vehicle compartment (step S22). A subroutine capable of generating hot air is selected based on the states of the alloys MH1 and MH2 (step S23). Here, if both the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2 are full of hydrogen despite the request for hot air, hot air cannot be generated, and the program ends as a malfunction (Fault).
[0060]
Next, subroutines 1 to 6 shown in FIGS. 5 to 10 will be described. In the temperature determination part of each of the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2 in the flowchart, the temperature of each of the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2 is measured each time. In each of the subroutines 1 to 6, the temperatures of the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2 are set to the low-temperature first set temperature Tlow1 and the low-temperature side so that the temperatures of the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2 do not decrease or increase more than necessary. The management is performed between the second set temperature Tlow2, or between the first set temperature Thigh1 on the high temperature side and the second set temperature Thigh2 on the high temperature side. Here, the low-temperature first set temperature Tlow1 = 30 ° C., the low-temperature second set temperature Tlow2 = 10 ° C., the high-temperature first set temperature Thigh1 = 30 ° C., and the high-temperature second set temperature Thigh2 = 60 ° C.
[0061]
First, a routine 3 which is a typical routine will be described with reference to FIG. At the beginning of the routine 3, the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is in a hydrogen empty state, the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is in a hydrogen full state, and cold air is required.
[0062]
First, the second on-off valve 12 is closed and the sixth on-off valve 16 is opened (step S301), hydrogen is released from the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 which is full of hydrogen, and the second container 50 and the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 are released. Decrease the temperature of The released hydrogen flows into the hydrogen supply path 22 between the second on-off valve 12 and the second pressure reducing valve 24 and is then guided to the fuel cell 10.
[0063]
If the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is lower than the low temperature side second set temperature Tlow2 (YES in step S302), the second on-off valve 12 is opened and the sixth on-off valve 16 is closed (step S303). While maintaining the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell 10, the hydrogen release of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is stopped to suppress supercooling.
[0064]
After maintaining this state for 5 seconds (step S304), the second on-off valve 12 is closed and the sixth on-off valve 16 is opened (step S301), and the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is again reduced to the low-temperature second set temperature. Compare with Tlow2 (step S302). When the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 becomes higher than the low temperature side second set temperature Tlow2 (NO in step S302), the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is then compared with the low temperature side first set temperature Tlow1 (step S302). S305).
[0065]
If the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is higher than the low temperature side first set temperature Tlow1 (YES in step S305), after waiting for 30 seconds in consideration of the thermal responsiveness of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 (step S306), Again, the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is compared with the low temperature side first set temperature Tlow1 (step S307).
[0066]
Then, if the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is still higher than the low-temperature first set temperature Tlow1 (YES in step S307), the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 cannot release hydrogen any more, that is, becomes a hydrogen empty state. As a result, the flag of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is set to “E”, the second on-off valve 12 is opened, and the sixth on-off valve 16 is closed (step S308). At this point, if the processing for filling the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 (described later) (steps S321 to S328) is not completed, the flag of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is set to “F”, and the third on-off valve is set. After closing the window 13 and forcibly terminating it (step S309), the process returns to the main routine.
[0067]
On the other hand, the following processing (steps S321 to 328) is executed in parallel with the processing of steps S301 to 309 described above in order to make the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 full of hydrogen and prepare for the next generation of cold air.
[0068]
First, the third on-off valve 13 is opened (step S321), and hydrogen is stored in the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1. Here, since the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 starts to rise, its temperature state is managed in the next step. First, if the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is lower than the high temperature side first set temperature Thigh1 (NO in step S322), the process waits for 10 seconds (step S323). If the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is still lower than the first high temperature side set temperature Thigh1 after 10 seconds (NO in step S324), the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 cannot store hydrogen, that is, is in a hydrogen full state. As a result, the flag of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is set to “F” and the third on-off valve 13 is closed (step S325), and the routine is ended.
[0069]
If YES is determined in any one of the steps S322 and S324, that is, if the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is higher than the high temperature first set temperature Thigh1, then the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 The temperature of MH1 is compared with the high temperature side second set temperature Thigh2 (step S326). If the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is higher than the high-temperature second set temperature Thigh2, the third on-off valve 13 is closed to suppress excessive temperature rise (step S327), and after waiting for 20 seconds (step S328). Then, the process returns to step S321 again.
[0070]
Next, the routine 2 will be described with reference to FIG. At the beginning of the routine 2, the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is full of hydrogen, the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is empty of hydrogen, and cold air is required.
[0071]
First, the second on-off valve 12 is closed and the fourth on-off valve 14 is opened (step S201), hydrogen is released from the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 in a state full of hydrogen, and the first container 40 and the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 are released. Decrease the temperature of
[0072]
If the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is lower than the low temperature side second set temperature Tlow2 (YES in step S202), the second on-off valve 12 is opened and the fourth on-off valve 14 is closed (step S203). While maintaining the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell 10, the hydrogen release of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is stopped to suppress supercooling.
[0073]
After maintaining this state for 5 seconds (step S204), the second on-off valve 12 is closed and the fourth on-off valve 14 is opened (step S201), and the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is again reduced to the low-temperature second set temperature. Compare with Tlow2 (step S202). When the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 becomes higher than the low temperature second set temperature Tlow2 (step S202: NO), the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is then compared with the low temperature first set temperature Tlow1 (step S202). S205).
[0074]
If the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is higher than the low temperature first set temperature Tlow1 (YES in step S205), after waiting for 30 seconds in consideration of the thermal responsiveness of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 (step S206), Again, the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is compared with the low temperature side first set temperature Tlow1 (step S207).
[0075]
If the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is still higher than the low-temperature first set temperature Tlow1 (YES in step S207), the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 cannot release hydrogen any more, that is, becomes in a hydrogen empty state. As a result, the flag of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is set to “E”, the second on-off valve 12 is opened, and the fourth on-off valve 14 is closed (step S208). At this time, if the process for filling the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 described below to be full of hydrogen (steps S221 to S228) is not completed, the flag of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is set to "F", and the fifth on-off valve is set. After the CPU 15 is closed and forcedly terminated (step S209), the process returns to the main routine.
[0076]
On the other hand, the following processing (steps S221 to 228) is executed in parallel with the processing of steps S201 to 209 described above in order to make the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 full of hydrogen and prepare for the next generation of cold air.
[0077]
First, the fifth on-off valve 15 is opened (step S221), and hydrogen is stored in the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2. Here, since the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 starts to rise, its temperature state is managed in the next step. First, if the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is lower than the high temperature side first set temperature Thigh1 (NO in step S222), the process waits for 10 seconds (step S223). If the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is still lower than the first high temperature side set temperature Thigh1 after 10 seconds (NO in step S224), the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 cannot store hydrogen, that is, the hydrogen full state. As a result, the flag of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is set to “F” and the fifth on-off valve 15 is closed (step S225), and the routine is ended.
[0078]
If YES is determined in any of the steps S222 and S224, that is, if the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is higher than the high temperature first set temperature Thigh1, then the second hydrogen storage alloy The temperature of MH2 is compared with the second high-side set temperature Thigh2 (step S226). Then, if the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is higher than the high temperature side second set temperature Thigh2, the fifth on-off valve 15 is closed to suppress excessive temperature rise (step S227), and after waiting for 20 seconds (step S228). Then, the process returns to step S221 again.
[0079]
Next, the routine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. At the beginning of the routine 1, both the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 and the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 are full of hydrogen, and cold air is required. In generating the cold air, either the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 or the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 may be used, but here, the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is used.
[0080]
First, the second on-off valve 12 is closed and the fourth on-off valve 14 is opened (step S101), hydrogen is released from the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 which is full of hydrogen, and the first container 40 and the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 are released. Decrease the temperature of
[0081]
If the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is higher than the low temperature first set temperature Tlow1 (NO in step S102), after waiting for 30 seconds in consideration of the thermal responsiveness of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 (step S103) Then, the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is compared again with the low temperature first set temperature Tlow1 (step S104).
[0082]
In the normal state, the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is lower than the low-temperature first set temperature Tlow1, so that the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is set to the second low-temperature side so as not to be too cold. The temperature is compared with Tlow2 (step S105). If the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is lower than the low temperature side second set temperature Tlow2 (YES in step S105), the second on-off valve 12 is opened and the fourth on-off valve 14 is closed (step S106), and the fuel While maintaining the supply of hydrogen to the battery 10, the hydrogen release of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is stopped to suppress supercooling. After a lapse of 30 seconds (step S107), the process returns to step S101.
[0083]
Eventually, when the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 becomes higher than the low temperature first set temperature Tlow1 (NO in step S104), the flag of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is set to "E", and the second opening / closing is performed. The valve 12 is opened and the fourth on-off valve 14 is closed (step S108), and the process returns to the main routine.
[0084]
Next, the routine 4 will be described with reference to FIG. At the beginning of the routine 4, both the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 and the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 are in a hydrogen-free state, and hot air is required. In generating hot air, either the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 or the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 may be used, but here, the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is used.
[0085]
First, the third on-off valve 13 is opened (Step S401), hydrogen is stored in the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1, and the temperatures of the first container 40 and the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 are increased. Then, if the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is lower than the high temperature side first set temperature Thigh1 (NO in step S402), after waiting for 30 seconds in consideration of the thermal responsiveness of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 (step S403) Then, the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is compared again with the high temperature first set temperature Thigh1 (step S104).
[0086]
In the normal state, the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is higher than the first high temperature side first set temperature Thigh1, so that the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is raised to the second high temperature side so as not to overheat. It is compared with the set temperature Thigh2 (step S405). If the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is higher than the high temperature side second set temperature Thigh2 (YES in step S405), the third on-off valve 13 is closed (step S406), and the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 stores hydrogen. To suppress overheating. Then, after elapse of 20 seconds (step S107), the process returns to step S401 again.
[0087]
Eventually, when the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 becomes lower than the high temperature first set temperature Thigh1 (NO in step S404), the flag of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is set to "F", and the third opening / closing is performed. The valve 13 is closed (step S408), and the process returns to the main routine.
[0088]
Next, the routine 5 will be described with reference to FIG. At the beginning of the routine 5, the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is in a hydrogen empty state, the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is in a hydrogen full state, and hot air is required.
[0089]
First, the third on-off valve 13 is opened (step S501), hydrogen is stored in the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1, and the temperatures of the first container 40 and the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 are increased. If the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is higher than the high temperature side second set temperature Thigh2 (YES in step S502), the third on-off valve 13 is closed (step S503), and the hydrogen of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is Stops occlusion and suppresses excessive temperature rise.
[0090]
After maintaining this state for 5 seconds (step S504), the third opening / closing valve 13 is opened (step S501), and the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is compared again with the high temperature side second set temperature Thigh2 (step S502). . When the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 becomes lower than the high temperature side second set temperature Thigh2 (step S502: NO), the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is then compared with the low temperature side first set temperature Tlow1 (step S502). S505).
[0091]
If the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is lower than the high temperature side first set temperature Thigh1 (NO in step S505), after waiting for 20 seconds in consideration of the thermal responsiveness of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1, (step S506) Again, the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is compared with the high temperature side first set temperature Thigh1 (step S507).
[0092]
If the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is still lower than the first high temperature side set temperature Thigh1 (NO in step S507), the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 can no longer store hydrogen, that is, becomes full of hydrogen. As a result, the flag of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is set to “F” and the third on-off valve 13 is closed (step S508). At this time, if the processing for setting the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 to be described later to be in a hydrogen empty state (steps S521 to 528) has not been completed, the flag of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is set to "E", and the second on-off valve is set. 12 is opened and the sixth on-off valve 16 is closed to forcibly terminate (step S509), and then the process returns to the main routine.
[0093]
On the other hand, the following processing (steps S521 to 528) is executed in parallel with the processing of steps S501 to 509 described above in order to bring the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 into a hydrogen empty state and prepare for the next generation of hot air.
[0094]
First, the second on-off valve 12 is closed and the sixth on-off valve 16 is opened (step S521), and hydrogen is released from the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2. The released hydrogen flows into the hydrogen supply path 22 between the second on-off valve 12 and the second pressure reducing valve 24 and is then guided to the fuel cell 10. Therefore, even when the second on-off valve 12 is closed, the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell 10 is maintained.
[0095]
Here, since the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 starts cooling, its temperature state is managed in the next step. First, if the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is higher than the low temperature first set temperature Tlow1 (NO in step S522), the process waits for 10 seconds (step S523). If the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is still higher than the low temperature first set temperature Tlow1 even after 10 seconds have elapsed (NO in step S524), the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 cannot release hydrogen, that is, the hydrogen empty state. As a result, the flag of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is set to “E”, the second on-off valve 12 is opened, and the sixth on-off valve 16 is closed (step S525), and the routine ends.
[0096]
If YES is determined in any of the steps S522 and S524, that is, if the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is lower than the low temperature first set temperature Tlow1, then the second hydrogen storage alloy The temperature of MH2 is compared with the second low-temperature set temperature Tlow2 (step S526). If the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is lower than the low-temperature second set temperature Tlow2, the second on-off valve 12 is opened and the sixth on-off valve 16 is closed to suppress supercooling (step S527). After waiting for second (step S528), the process returns to step S521 again.
[0097]
Next, the routine 6 will be described with reference to FIG. At the beginning of the routine 6, the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is full of hydrogen, the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is in a hydrogen empty state, and hot air is required.
[0098]
First, the fifth on-off valve 15 is opened (step S601), hydrogen is stored in the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2, and the temperatures of the second container 50 and the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 are increased. If the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is higher than the high-temperature second set temperature Thigh2 (YES in step S602), the fifth on-off valve 15 is closed (step S603), and the hydrogen of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is changed. Stops occlusion and suppresses excessive temperature rise.
[0099]
After maintaining this state for 5 seconds (step S604), the fifth opening / closing valve 15 is opened (step S601), and the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is compared again with the high temperature side second set temperature Thigh2 (step S602). . When the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 becomes lower than the high temperature side second set temperature Thigh2 (step S602: NO), the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is then compared with the low temperature side first set temperature Tlow1 (step S602). S605).
[0100]
If the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is lower than the high temperature first set temperature Thigh1 (NO in step S605), after waiting for 20 seconds in consideration of the thermal responsiveness of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 (step S606), Again, the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is compared with the high temperature side first set temperature Thigh1 (step S607).
[0101]
Then, if the temperature of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is still lower than the high temperature side first set temperature Thigh1 (NO in step S607), the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 cannot store any more hydrogen, that is, becomes full of hydrogen. As a result, the flag of the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 is set to “F”, and the fifth on-off valve 15 is closed (step S608). At this time, if the processing for putting the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 (described later) into a hydrogen empty state (steps S621 to 628) is not completed, the flag of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is set to "E", and the second opening / closing valve is set. 12 is opened and the fourth on-off valve 14 is closed to forcibly terminate (step S609), and then the process returns to the main routine.
[0102]
On the other hand, the following processing (steps S621 to 628) is executed in parallel with the processing of steps S601 to 609 described above in order to bring the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 into the hydrogen empty state and prepare for the next generation of hot air.
[0103]
First, the second on-off valve 12 is closed and the fourth on-off valve 14 is opened (step S621), and hydrogen is released from the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1. The released hydrogen flows into the hydrogen supply path 22 between the second on-off valve 12 and the second pressure reducing valve 24 and is then guided to the fuel cell 10. Therefore, even when the second on-off valve 12 is closed, the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell 10 is maintained.
[0104]
Here, since the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 starts cooling, its temperature state is managed in the next step. First, if the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is higher than the low temperature first set temperature Tlow1 (NO in step S622), the process waits for 10 seconds (step S623). If the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is still higher than the low-temperature first set temperature Tlow1 after 10 seconds have elapsed (NO in step S624), the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 cannot release hydrogen, that is, is in a hydrogen empty state. As a result, the flag of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is set to "E", the second on-off valve 12 is opened, and the fourth on-off valve 14 is closed (step S625), and the routine ends.
[0105]
When YES is determined in any one of the steps S622 and S624, that is, when the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is lower than the low-temperature first set temperature Tlow1, the first hydrogen storage alloy The temperature of MH1 is compared with the low temperature side second set temperature Tlow2 (step S626). If the temperature of the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is lower than the low-temperature second set temperature Tlow2, the second opening / closing valve 12 is opened and the fourth opening / closing valve 14 is closed to suppress supercooling (step S627). After waiting for seconds (step S628), the process returns to step S621 again.
[0106]
According to the above-described embodiment, by providing the containers 40 and 50 filled with the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2 separately from the high-pressure tank 21 for storing hydrogen in a high-pressure state, the fuel cell 10 is in the process of consuming hydrogen. Also, hydrogen can be stored and released in the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2. Therefore, even when the fuel cell 10 is consuming hydrogen, both cooling and heating can be performed using the heat generation and heat absorption characteristics of the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2.
[0107]
The hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2 use the pressure energy of hydrogen to store and release hydrogen, and the hydrogen released from the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2 is consumed by the fuel cell 10. Can heat and cool without consuming hydrogen.
[0108]
Further, since two containers 40 and 50 filled with the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2 are provided, when the inside of one of the containers is connected to the high pressure part in the hydrogen supply path 22, the inside of the remaining container is By connecting to the low pressure part in the hydrogen supply path 22, the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2 in the two containers 40 and 50 are alternately stored and released, so that cooling or heating can be performed continuously.
[0109]
(2nd Embodiment)
The second embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is a modification of the configuration of the bypass path 30 in the first embodiment. Note that the same or equivalent parts as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0110]
In FIG. 11, a four-way valve 210 for switching a connection state between the bypass path 30 and the two containers 40 and 50 and an on-off valve 220 for opening and closing the bypass path 30 are arranged in the bypass path 30. The four-way valve 210 corresponds to the connection switching unit of the present invention.
[0111]
The four-way valve 210 connects the inside of one of the two containers 40 and 50 to a high-pressure part in the hydrogen supply path 22 and connects the remaining container to the low-pressure part in the hydrogen supply path 22. It has become.
[0112]
Then, the side where the hydrogen storage alloy is in the hydrogen empty state is connected to the high pressure part, and the side where the hydrogen storage alloy is in the hydrogen full state is connected to the low pressure part, so that the two containers 40 and 50 have the same structure. By alternately storing and releasing hydrogen in the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2, cooling or heating can be performed continuously.
[0113]
(Third embodiment)
The third embodiment shown in FIG. 12 is a modification of the configuration of the bypass path 30 in the first embodiment. Note that the same or equivalent parts as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0114]
In FIG. 12, a first three-way valve 310 that switches and connects the inside of the first container 40 to one of a high-pressure part and a low-pressure part in the hydrogen supply path 22 is disposed in the first bypass path 31. A second three-way valve 320 that switches and connects the inside of the second container 50 to one of the high-pressure part and the low-pressure part in the hydrogen supply path 22 is disposed in the bypass path 32. Note that the two three-way valves 310 and 320 constitute the connection switching means of the present invention.
[0115]
The two three-way valves 310 and 320 connect the inside of one of the two containers 40 and 50 to the high-pressure portion in the hydrogen supply passage 22 and connect the remaining container to the low-pressure portion in the hydrogen supply passage 22. It is designed to connect to the site.
[0116]
Then, the side where the hydrogen storage alloy is in the hydrogen empty state is connected to the high-pressure part, and the side where the hydrogen storage alloy is in the state full of hydrogen is connected to the low-pressure part. By alternately storing and releasing hydrogen in the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2, cooling or heating can be performed continuously.
[0117]
(Fourth embodiment)
The fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 13 is a modification of the configuration of the bypass path 30 in the first embodiment. Note that the same or equivalent parts as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0118]
In FIG. 13, the downstream end of the bypass path 30 joins the hydrogen supply path 22 on the downstream side of the second pressure reducing valve 24. A third pressure reducing valve 410 is disposed downstream of the fourth on-off valve 14 and the sixth on-off valve 16 in the bypass path 30. The set pressure of the third pressure reducing valve 410 is set higher than the second set pressure P2 of the second pressure reducing valve 24.
[0119]
By the way, in the first embodiment, when the hydrogen consumption of the fuel cell 10 fluctuates drastically, there is a concern that the supply of hydrogen may not be able to keep up with only the hydrogen released from the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2.
[0120]
In the present embodiment, when the supply of hydrogen is not enough with only the hydrogen released from the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2, the first on-off valve 12 is opened to secure a sufficient supply of hydrogen. Further, since the set pressure of the third pressure reducing valve 410 is set higher than the second set pressure P2 of the second pressure reducing valve 24, while supplying hydrogen from the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2, that is, generating cold heat In addition, it is possible to cope with the fluctuation of the hydrogen consumption of the fuel cell 10.
[0121]
(Fifth embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the containers 40 and 50 filled with the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2 are arranged in the air-conditioning case 62 installed in the vehicle interior. However, the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. The containers 40 and 50 filled with MH1 and MH2 can be arranged outside the vehicle compartment. Note that the same or equivalent parts as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0122]
In FIG. 14, a first circulation path 510 through which the liquid flows is disposed outside the first container 40 disposed outside the vehicle compartment, and heat exchange between the liquid and the first container 40 is enabled. I have. Similarly, a second circulation path 520 through which the liquid flows is disposed outside the second container 50 disposed outside the vehicle compartment, and heat exchange between the liquid and the second container 50 is possible. .
[0123]
An outdoor circulation path 531 through which the liquid flows is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 530 disposed outside the vehicle compartment. The outdoor circulation path 531 is provided with an outdoor pump 532 that circulates the liquid. An outdoor fan 533 that sends outside air to the outdoor heat exchanger 530 is disposed near the outdoor heat exchanger 530.
[0124]
An indoor heat exchanger 540 is arranged in the air-conditioning case 62 installed in the vehicle interior. The indoor heat exchanger 540 is connected to an indoor circulation path 541 through which the liquid flows, and the indoor circulation path 541 is provided with an indoor pump 542 for circulating the liquid. In addition, the indoor heat exchanger 540 and each of the containers 40 and 50 constitute a heat exchange unit of the present invention.
[0125]
In the first circulation path 510, the second circulation path 520, the outdoor circulation path 531 and the indoor circulation path 541, two four-way valves 551 and 552 for switching the connection state of the four circulation paths are arranged. I have.
[0126]
In the above configuration, the two four-way valves 551 and 552 are operated by judging from the exothermic endothermic state and the cold required state of the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2. For example, when there is a request for cold air in the vehicle, the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 generates heat by absorbing hydrogen, and the second hydrogen storage alloy MH2 absorbs heat by releasing hydrogen, the second circulation as illustrated in FIG. The two four-way valves 551 and 552 are operated so as to connect the path 520 to the indoor circulation path 541 and to connect the first circulation path 510 to the outdoor circulation path 531.
[0127]
When the indoor pump 542 is operated in this state, the liquid cooled by heat exchange with the second container 50 circulates to the indoor heat exchanger 540 side. Then, the air passing through the air passage 61 exchanges heat with the liquid circulating in the indoor heat exchanger 540 to become low in temperature and is blown into the vehicle interior.
[0128]
At the same time, when the outdoor pump 532 and the outdoor fan 533 are operated, the liquid heated and exchanged with the first container 40 circulates toward the outdoor heat exchanger 530, and circulates through the outdoor heat exchanger 530. The liquid that flows and the outside air exchange heat, and the heat generated by the first hydrogen storage alloy MH1 is released.
[0129]
In addition, the connection state of the four circulation paths controlled by the two four-way valves 551 and 552 is also switched according to the timing of switching the exothermic endothermic state of the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2.
[0130]
According to this embodiment, even if hydrogen leaks from the containers 40, 50 filled with the hydrogen storage alloys MH1, MH2, hydrogen is not released into the room, which is advantageous in terms of safety.
[0131]
(Other embodiments)
As described above, the plateau pressure during storage PA and the plateau pressure during release PD change depending on the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy. Therefore, when the use environment temperature (the temperature range in the actual use state) changes significantly, the occluded plateau pressure PA and the released plateau pressure PD are too close to the occluded hydrogen pressure PH and the minimum occluded hydrogen pressure PL. There is a possibility that sufficient absorption and release of hydrogen may not be possible.
[0132]
That is, if the temperatures of the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2 become too high, the storage plateau pressure PA becomes equal to or higher than the storage hydrogen pressure PH, and at the set pressure P1 of the first pressure reducing valve 23, the hydrogen storage alloy MH1 , MH2 cannot store hydrogen. If the temperature is too low, the release-time plateau pressure PD becomes equal to or lower than the minimum storage-time hydrogen pressure PL, and there is a concern that hydrogen is not released.
[0133]
In such a case, it is desirable to use a plurality of types of hydrogen storage alloys having different storage plateau pressures PA and release plateau pressures PD at the same temperature. That is, a hydrogen storage alloy (for high temperature) in which the plateau pressure PA during storage and the plateau pressure PD during release are intermediate between the hydrogen pressure PH during storage and the hydrogen pressure PL during minimum storage in a high temperature environment, and a plateau during storage exactly in a low temperature environment If the hydrogen storage alloy (for low temperature) in which the pressure PA and the release plateau pressure PD are between the storage hydrogen pressure PH and the minimum storage hydrogen pressure PL is placed in the same container, hydrogen storage alloys having different characteristics can be obtained. It functions in different operating temperature ranges, and as a result, the operating environment temperature can be expanded.
[0134]
Incidentally, at a high temperature, the high-temperature hydrogen storage alloy works, while the low-temperature hydrogen storage alloy does not function in the state of releasing hydrogen. Conversely, at low temperatures, the low-temperature hydrogen storage alloy works, while the high-temperature hydrogen storage alloy does not function in the hydrogen storage state.
[0135]
In each of the above embodiments, two containers 40 and 50 are used, but in order to further stabilize the amount of cold heat and the amount of hydrogen supply, three or more containers filled with a hydrogen storage alloy are connected in parallel, They may be operated sequentially.
[0136]
In each of the above embodiments, the fuel cell 10 is used as the hydrogen consuming device. However, it is obvious that the present invention can be applied to a system using a hydrogen engine as the hydrogen consuming device.
[0137]
Further, in each of the above embodiments, the example in which the present invention is applied to the fuel cell vehicle having the fuel cell 10 has been described. However, the present invention is also applied to various household hydrogen utilization systems having the fuel cell 10 and the hydrogen engine. can do.
[0138]
Further, the above embodiments can be used in various combinations.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a fuel cell vehicle to which an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a ventilation system of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a characteristic diagram showing a relationship between hydrogen storage amounts and hydrogen pressures of the hydrogen storage alloys MH1 and MH2 of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a main routine in a control procedure of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine 1 in a control procedure of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine 2 in a control procedure of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine 3 in a control procedure of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine 4 in a control procedure of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine 5 in a control procedure of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine 6 in a control procedure of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a fuel cell vehicle to which an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a fuel cell vehicle to which an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a fuel cell vehicle to which an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a fuel cell vehicle to which an air conditioner according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the ventilation system of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 10: fuel cell (hydrogen consuming device), 13 to 16: on-off valve (connection switching means), 21: high-pressure tank, 22: hydrogen supply path, 40, 50: container also serving as heat exchange means, 210: four-way valve ( Connection switching means), 310, 320 ... three-way valve (connection switching means), 540 ... indoor heat exchanger (heat exchange means).

Claims (10)

水素を高圧状態で蓄える高圧タンク（２１）と、水素を消費する水素消費機器（１０）と、前記高圧タンク（２１）内の水素を前記水素消費機器（１０）に導く水素供給経路（２２）とを備える水素利用システムに搭載される空調装置であって、
水素を吸蔵・放出する水素吸蔵合金が充てんされた容器（４０、５０）と、
前記容器（４０、５０）の内部を、前記水素供給経路（２２）における高圧部位と低圧部位に選択的に接続させることが可能な接続切替手段（１３〜１６、２１０、３１０、３２０）と、
前記水素吸蔵合金が水素を吸蔵・放出する際の発熱・吸熱反応を利用して、室内の空気を加熱・冷却する熱交換手段（４０、５０、５４０）とを備えることを特徴とする空調装置。A high-pressure tank (21) for storing hydrogen in a high-pressure state, a hydrogen consuming device (10) for consuming hydrogen, and a hydrogen supply path (22) for leading the hydrogen in the high-pressure tank (21) to the hydrogen consuming device (10). An air conditioner mounted on a hydrogen utilization system comprising:
Containers (40, 50) filled with a hydrogen storage alloy for storing and releasing hydrogen,
Connection switching means (13 to 16, 210, 310, 320) capable of selectively connecting the inside of the vessel (40, 50) to a high-pressure part and a low-pressure part in the hydrogen supply path (22);
An air conditioner comprising: heat exchange means (40, 50, 540) for heating and cooling indoor air by utilizing a heat generation / endothermic reaction when the hydrogen storage alloy stores and releases hydrogen. . 水素を高圧状態で蓄える高圧タンク（２１）と、水素を消費する水素消費機器（１０）と、前記高圧タンク（２１）内の水素を前記水素消費機器（１０）に導く水素供給経路（２２）とを備える水素利用システムに搭載される空調装置であって、
前記水素供給経路（２２）に配置されて前記水素供給経路（２２）を開閉する開閉弁（１２）と、
水素を吸蔵・放出する水素吸蔵合金が充てんされた容器（４０、５０）と、
前記容器（４０、５０）の内部を、前記水素供給経路（２２）における前記開閉弁（１２）よりも上流側の高圧部位と下流側の低圧部位に選択的に接続させることが可能な接続切替手段（１３〜１６、２１０、３１０、３２０）と、
前記水素吸蔵合金が水素を吸蔵・放出する際の発熱・吸熱反応を利用して、室内の空気を加熱・冷却する熱交換手段（４０、５０、５４０）とを備えることを特徴とする空調装置。A high-pressure tank (21) for storing hydrogen in a high-pressure state, a hydrogen consuming device (10) for consuming hydrogen, and a hydrogen supply path (22) for leading the hydrogen in the high-pressure tank (21) to the hydrogen consuming device (10). An air conditioner mounted on a hydrogen utilization system comprising:
An on-off valve (12) arranged in the hydrogen supply path (22) to open and close the hydrogen supply path (22);
Containers (40, 50) filled with a hydrogen storage alloy for storing and releasing hydrogen,
Connection switching capable of selectively connecting the inside of the vessel (40, 50) to a high-pressure part upstream and a low-pressure part downstream of the on-off valve (12) in the hydrogen supply path (22). Means (13-16, 210, 310, 320);
An air conditioner comprising: heat exchange means (40, 50, 540) for heating and cooling indoor air by utilizing a heat generation / endothermic reaction when the hydrogen storage alloy stores and releases hydrogen. . 水素を高圧状態で蓄える高圧タンク（２１）と、水素を消費する水素消費機器（１０）と、前記高圧タンク（２１）内の水素を前記水素消費機器（１０）に導く水素供給経路（２２）とを備える水素利用システムに搭載される空調装置であって、
前記水素供給経路（２２）に配置され、前記高圧タンク（２１）から前記水素消費機器（１０）に導かれる水素を減圧する減圧弁（２４）と、
水素を吸蔵・放出する水素吸蔵合金が充てんされた容器（４０、５０）と、
前記容器（４０、５０）の内部を、前記水素供給経路（２２）における前記減圧弁（２４）よりも上流側の高圧部位と下流側の低圧部位に選択的に接続させることが可能な接続切替手段（１３〜１６）と、
前記水素吸蔵合金が水素を吸蔵・放出する際の発熱・吸熱反応を利用して、室内の空気を加熱・冷却する熱交換手段（４０、５０）とを備えることを特徴とする空調装置。A high-pressure tank (21) for storing hydrogen in a high-pressure state, a hydrogen consuming device (10) for consuming hydrogen, and a hydrogen supply path (22) for leading the hydrogen in the high-pressure tank (21) to the hydrogen consuming device (10). An air conditioner mounted on a hydrogen utilization system comprising:
A pressure reducing valve (24) arranged in the hydrogen supply path (22) for reducing the pressure of hydrogen guided from the high-pressure tank (21) to the hydrogen consuming device (10);
Containers (40, 50) filled with a hydrogen storage alloy for storing and releasing hydrogen,
Connection switching capable of selectively connecting the inside of the container (40, 50) to a high-pressure part upstream and a low-pressure part downstream of the pressure reducing valve (24) in the hydrogen supply path (22). Means (13-16);
An air conditioner comprising: heat exchange means (40, 50) for heating and cooling room air by utilizing a heat generation and heat absorption reaction when the hydrogen storage alloy stores and releases hydrogen. 水素を高圧状態で蓄える高圧タンク（２１）と、水素を消費する水素消費機器（１０）と、前記高圧タンク（２１）内の水素を前記水素消費機器（１０）に導く水素供給経路（２２）とを備える水素利用システムに搭載される空調装置であって、
前記水素供給経路（２２）に配置され、前記高圧タンク（２１）から供給される前記水素を第１設定圧力に減圧する第１減圧弁（２３）と、
前記第１減圧弁（２３）よりも下流側の前記水素供給経路（２２）に配置され、前記第１減圧弁（２３）で減圧された前記水素を第２設定圧力までさらに減圧する第２減圧弁（２４）と、
水素を吸蔵・放出する水素吸蔵合金が充てんされた容器（４０、５０）と、
前記容器（４０、５０）の内部を、前記第１減圧弁（２３）よりも下流側の前記水素供給経路（２２）における高圧部位と低圧部位に選択的に接続させることが可能な接続切替手段（１３〜１６、２１０、３１０、３２０）と、
前記水素吸蔵合金が水素を吸蔵・放出する際の発熱・吸熱反応を利用して、室内の空気を加熱・冷却する熱交換手段（４０、５０、５４０）とを備えることを特徴とする空調装置。A high-pressure tank (21) for storing hydrogen in a high-pressure state, a hydrogen consuming device (10) for consuming hydrogen, and a hydrogen supply path (22) for leading the hydrogen in the high-pressure tank (21) to the hydrogen consuming device (10). An air conditioner mounted on a hydrogen utilization system comprising:
A first pressure reducing valve (23) disposed in the hydrogen supply path (22) and configured to reduce the hydrogen supplied from the high pressure tank (21) to a first set pressure;
A second pressure reducing unit disposed in the hydrogen supply path (22) downstream of the first pressure reducing valve (23) to further reduce the pressure of the hydrogen reduced by the first pressure reducing valve (23) to a second set pressure; A valve (24);
Containers (40, 50) filled with a hydrogen storage alloy for storing and releasing hydrogen,
Connection switching means capable of selectively connecting the inside of the container (40, 50) to a high-pressure part and a low-pressure part in the hydrogen supply path (22) downstream of the first pressure reducing valve (23). (13-16, 210, 310, 320),
An air conditioner comprising: heat exchange means (40, 50, 540) for heating and cooling indoor air by utilizing a heat generation / endothermic reaction when the hydrogen storage alloy stores and releases hydrogen. . 前記水素吸蔵合金は、実使用状態での温度範囲におけるプラトー圧が、前記第１設定圧力よりも低く、且つ、前記第２設定圧力よりも高く設定されていることを特徴とする請求項４に記載の空調装置。The hydrogen storage alloy according to claim 4, wherein a plateau pressure in a temperature range in an actual use state is set lower than the first set pressure and higher than the second set pressure. An air conditioner as described. 前記容器を複数個備えることを特徴とする請求項１ないし５のいずれか１つに記載の空調装置。The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a plurality of the containers are provided. 一部の容器の内部が前記高圧部位に接続されているときには、残りの容器の内部が前記低圧部位に接続されることを特徴とする請求項６に記載の空調装置。The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein when the inside of some containers is connected to the high-pressure part, the inside of the remaining containers is connected to the low-pressure part. 前記水素吸蔵合金として、同一温度におけるプラトー圧が異なる複数種類の水素吸蔵合金を用いることを特徴とする請求項１ないし７のいずれか１つに記載の空調装置。The air-conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a plurality of types of hydrogen storage alloys having different plateau pressures at the same temperature are used as the hydrogen storage alloy. 前記熱交換手段は、前記容器（４０、５０）の外部に装着したフィン（４０ａ、５０ａ）を有し、前記容器（４０、５０）の外部を前記室内の空気が通過するように構成されていることを特徴とする請求項１ないし８のいずれか１つに記載の空調装置。The heat exchange means has fins (40a, 50a) attached to the outside of the container (40, 50), and is configured so that air in the room passes through the outside of the container (40, 50). The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: 前記熱交換手段は、前記水素吸蔵合金が水素を吸蔵・放出する際の発熱・吸熱により液体を加熱・冷却し、この液体を熱交換器（５４０）に流通させて前記液体と前記室内の空気との間で熱交換させることを特徴とする請求項１ないし８のいずれか１つに記載の空調装置。The heat exchange means heats and cools the liquid by heat generation and heat absorption when the hydrogen storage alloy absorbs and releases hydrogen, and circulates the liquid through a heat exchanger (540) to allow the liquid and the air in the room to flow. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein heat is exchanged between the air conditioner and the air conditioner.
JP2003130287A 2003-05-08 2003-05-08 Air conditioner Pending JP2004333027A (en)

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