JP2007149398A - Fuel gas supply system, and fuel gas supply control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a high pressure hydrogen storage system capable of supplying hydrogen to a power generation device at a stable pressure and realizing reduction of cost and improvement in power generation capacity and fuel consumption. <P>SOLUTION: The high pressure hydrogen storage system includes a tank 2 which stores hydrogen filled from the outside at high pressure, a pressure-reducing valve 7 which decompresses the pressure of hydrogen supplied from a supply port of the tank 2 and flowing in a hydrogen supply passage to a prescribed pressure, an electrical pressure control valve 9 which is installed at the downstream of the pressure-reducing valve 7 and controls supply amount of the hydrogen by changing cross-section area of the hydrogen supply passage, and a controller 20 which controls the fluctuation amount of the supply pressure of hydrogen at the downstream of the pressure-reducing valve 7 so as to be constant both when the hydrogen flow-rate is increased and when it is decreased. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel gas supply system and a fuel gas supply control method for storing fuel gas and supplying the stored fuel gas to a predetermined supply destination, and more particularly to a fuel cell system that can be mounted on a fuel cell vehicle. The present invention relates to a fuel gas supply system and a fuel gas supply control method.

  In recent years, a fuel gas containing a large amount of hydrogen is supplied to a fuel electrode (hydrogen electrode) of a fuel cell, and air as an oxidant gas is supplied to an air electrode, and these hydrogen and oxygen are supplied through a predetermined electrolyte membrane. 2. Description of the Related Art Fuel cell systems that generate generated power through electrochemical reaction are known. Such a fuel cell system is highly expected to be put into practical use, for example, as a power source for vehicles, and research and development for practical use are being actively conducted.

  As a fuel cell used in a fuel cell system, for example, a solid polymer type cell is known as a suitable cell for mounting in a vehicle. In this solid polymer type fuel cell, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane is provided as an electrolyte membrane between a hydrogen electrode and an air electrode. In this polymer electrolyte fuel cell, the hydrogen gas undergoes a reaction that separates hydrogen ions and electrons at the hydrogen electrode, and the air electrode undergoes a reaction that produces water from oxygen gas, hydrogen ions, and electrons. Is called. At this time, the solid polymer electrolyte membrane functions as an ionic conductor, and hydrogen ions move through the solid polymer electrolyte membrane toward the air electrode.

In a fuel cell vehicle using such a fuel cell system as a power source, hydrogen as a fuel gas is supplied from a high-pressure storage tank to a power generator including the fuel cell. Here, in a fuel cell vehicle, since the pressure of hydrogen stored in the high pressure storage tank is higher than the pressure required for the fuel cell vehicle, it cannot be used as it is. Therefore, in a fuel cell vehicle, the pressure of hydrogen supplied from a high-pressure storage tank is controlled to be reduced to a predetermined pressure using a pressure reducing valve (see, for example, Patent Document 1 to Patent Document 4). ).
JP 2004-1000058 A JP 60-130060 A JP 2004-185052 A JP 2004-185872 A

  Incidentally, the pressure reducing valve has a characteristic that the supply pressure of the fuel gas varies according to the flow rate of the fuel gas. In general, the supply pressure of the fuel gas decreases rapidly when the flow rate of the fuel gas is increased from 0 and then remains substantially constant, and further decreases rapidly when the flow rate of the fuel gas exceeds a predetermined value. It is in. Further, the fluctuation amount of the supply pressure differs depending on whether the flow rate of the fuel gas is increased or decreased, and has hysteresis.

  Here, in a vehicle that uses high-pressure gas as fuel, such as a fuel cell vehicle, an accelerator opening is operated to accelerate or decelerate the vehicle, and the amount of fuel used varies depending on the accelerator opening. To do. Therefore, in such a vehicle, when a pressure reducing valve whose supply pressure varies according to the flow rate of the fuel gas is used, the pressure of the fuel gas supplied to the power generator such as a fuel cell is not stable, The pressure resistance of the polymer electrolyte membrane also needs to be increased, and there has been a problem that the cost increases and the power generation capacity decreases.

  The output of the fuel cell vehicle is generated by a power generation device including the fuel cell. The amount of fuel gas necessary for the power generation is installed downstream of the pressure reducing valve to change the cross-sectional area of the flow path. It can be controlled by an electric pressure regulating valve. Here, in the fuel cell vehicle, when the pressure upstream of the electric pressure regulating valve, that is, the pressure downstream of the pressure reducing valve fluctuates, the flow path cross-sectional area corresponds to the flow rate of the fuel gas. The control stability of the electric pressure regulating valve cannot be obtained. Thus, in the fuel cell vehicle, the supply amount of the fuel gas is pressure control, and the fluctuation amount of the supply pressure has hysteresis. The flow rate to be controlled varies with respect to the control pressure of the fuel gas, which causes a deterioration in fuel consumption.

  Therefore, the present invention has been proposed in view of the above-described circumstances, and can supply fuel gas to a power generation device at a stable pressure, thereby reducing costs and improving power generation capacity and fuel consumption. An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel gas supply system and a fuel gas supply control method.

  The fuel gas supply system according to the present invention controls the pressure of the fuel gas supplied from a supply port of a tank that stores fuel gas at a high pressure and flowing through the fuel supply flow path to a predetermined pressure by a pressure reducing valve based on a predetermined reference pressure. The amount of fluctuation in the supply pressure of the fuel gas downstream of the pressure reducing valve is controlled by changing the cross-sectional area of the fuel supply flow path with an electric pressure regulating valve provided downstream of the pressure reducing valve. Is controlled so as to be constant between when the flow rate of the fuel gas is increased and when it is decreased.

  The fuel gas supply control method according to the present invention stores fuel gas filled from the outside in a tank at a high pressure, and is supplied from the supply port of the tank and flows through the fuel supply flow path based on a predetermined reference pressure. The pressure of the fuel gas is reduced to a predetermined pressure by a pressure reducing valve, and the amount of fuel gas supplied is controlled by changing the cross-sectional area of the fuel supply flow path by an electric pressure adjusting valve provided downstream of the pressure reducing valve. The above-mentioned problem is solved by controlling the fluctuation amount of the supply pressure of the fuel gas downstream of the fuel gas so as to be constant when the flow rate of the fuel gas is increased and when it is decreased.

  In the fuel gas supply system and the fuel gas supply control method according to the present invention, the fluctuation amount of the supply pressure of the fuel gas downstream of the pressure reducing valve is made constant when the flow rate of the fuel gas is increased and when it is decreased. Therefore, the fuel gas can be supplied to the power generation device at a stable pressure, and the cost can be reduced and the power generation capacity and fuel consumption can be improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  This embodiment is, for example, a fuel cell system that is mounted on a fuel cell vehicle and generates a driving torque for running the vehicle. The fuel cell system stores hydrogen as a fuel gas, and the stored hydrogen includes a fuel cell stack. This is a high-pressure hydrogen storage system as a fuel gas supply system for supplying power to a power generation device.

[First Embodiment]
[Configuration of high-pressure hydrogen storage system]
As shown in FIG. 1, the high-pressure hydrogen storage system includes a tank 2 that stores hydrogen charged at a high pressure from a hydrogen station (not shown) via a filling coupler 1. The tank 2 has a check valve 3 attached to a filling port to which a hydrogen supply passage extending from the filling coupler 1 is connected, and a hydrogen supply passage to a power generator including a fuel cell stack (not shown). A shutoff valve 4 is attached to the supply port. In the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, the check valve 3 prevents the back flow of the charged hydrogen, and the shut-off valve 4 closes the hydrogen so that hydrogen is stored in the tank 2 at a high pressure of, for example, about 35 MPa. Further, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, when a situation occurs in which the temperature of the hydrogen stored in the tank 2 becomes high, a plug valve 5 that melts at a predetermined temperature is used to prevent the tank 2 from bursting. It is attached to the tank 2.

  The hydrogen stored in the tank 2 is supplied to the power generation device by opening the shut-off valves 4 and 6 provided in the hydrogen supply flow path to the power generation device under the control of the controller 20. Is done. Here, in the high pressure hydrogen storage system, a pressure reducing valve 7 is provided between the shutoff valves 4 and 6.

  The pressure reducing valve 7 may have a mechanical structure that performs gauge pressure control using atmospheric pressure as a reference pressure. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the pressure reducing valve 7 is provided in the atmospheric pressure introduction chamber while the atmospheric pressure introduction chamber and the hydrogen supply channel into which the atmosphere is introduced from the atmosphere introduction port are separated by the diaphragm 31. A valve body 33 that is movable in the vertical direction by a spring 32 is provided so as to be interposed in the hydrogen supply flow path, and the position of the valve body 33 is determined based on the biasing force of the spring 32 exposed to atmospheric pressure and the supply pressure of hydrogen. A diaphragm type to be adjusted can be used.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the pressure reducing valve 7 is a piston 42 that can move in the vertical direction based on the biasing force of the spring 41 exposed to the atmospheric pressure introduced from the air inlet and the supply pressure of hydrogen. And the piston type thing comprised using the valve body 43 interposed in the hydrogen supply flow path can be used.

  In the high-pressure hydrogen storage system including such a pressure reducing valve 7, as shown in FIG. 1, the atmosphere is introduced by opening the shut-off valve 8 provided in the atmosphere introduction flow path under the control of the controller 20. The atmosphere is introduced from the mouth, the pressure of the hydrogen flowing through the hydrogen supply flow path is reduced to a predetermined pressure of, for example, about 0.9 MPa, and then hydrogen is supplied through an electric pressure regulating valve 9 provided downstream of the pressure reducing valve 7. Is supplied to the generator. At this time, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, the flow resistance is changed by operating the electric pressure regulating valve 9 and changing the cross-sectional area of the hydrogen supply flow path under the control of the controller 20. A flow of hydrogen is supplied to the generator. In the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, pressure sensors 10 and 11 are provided on the upstream side and the downstream side of the pressure reducing valve 7 respectively, and the supply pressure of hydrogen on the upstream side and the downstream side of the pressure reducing valve 7 is detected by the controller 20. ing.

  In addition, the high-pressure hydrogen storage system supplies air supplied from the air discharge side and the intake side of the compressor 13 which is driven by the compressor motor 12 to take in the air and discharges the compressed air to the air inlet of the pressure reducing valve 7. A flow path is connected, and a positive pressure on the air discharge side of the compressor 13 and a negative pressure on the intake side of the compressor 13 are used. That is, in the high pressure hydrogen storage system, the shutoff valves 14 and 15 are provided in the air supply passages extending from the air discharge side and the intake side of the compressor 13, and the control valve 20 controls the pressure reducing valve 7. By operating the shut-off valves 14 and 15 according to the fluctuation and introducing the necessary pressure into the pressure reducing valve 7, the hydrogen supply pressure downstream of the pressure reducing valve 7 is controlled. At this time, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, the controller 20 monitors the air pressure detected by the pressure sensors 16 and 17 provided in the air supply passages extending from the air discharge side and the intake side of the compressor 13. Thus, the shutoff valves 14 and 15 are controlled.

  In addition, as the compressor 13, what is provided in the air supply system of a fuel cell system in order to supply the air as oxidant gas to the electric power generating apparatus containing a fuel cell stack can be used. Further, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, an orifice 18 may be provided in the air supply passage extending from the air discharge side of the compressor 13 as necessary in order to flatten fluctuations in the operation flow rate of the compressor 13. .

[Operation of high-pressure hydrogen storage system]
In such a high-pressure hydrogen storage system, the controller 20 controls the fluctuation amount of the hydrogen supply pressure downstream of the pressure reducing valve 7 so as to be constant between when the hydrogen flow rate is increased and when it is decreased. In other words, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, the controller 20 controls the pressure in the atmospheric pressure introduction chamber in the pressure reducing valve 7, and as shown in FIG. The supply pressure fluctuation amount curve P ₊ and the hydrogen supply pressure fluctuation amount curve P ₋ downstream of the pressure reducing valve 7 when the hydrogen flow rate is increased are both controlled to be the fluctuation amount curve P. In other words, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, the controller 20 monitors the atmospheric pressure P ₀ and the pressure downstream of the pressure reducing valve 7 detected by the pressure sensor 11, and sets P ₊ -P or P-P ₋ to 0. The pressure in the atmospheric pressure introduction chamber in the pressure reducing valve 7 is controlled so as to approach the pressure.

  Specifically, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, processing according to a series of procedures as shown in FIG. 5 is performed under the control of the controller 20, and based on the flow rate command value of the electric pressure regulating valve 9. Then, the feedforward control for determining the pressure of the atmospheric pressure introduction chamber in the predicted pressure reducing valve 7 is performed.

  First, as shown in the figure, when starting the high-pressure hydrogen storage system in Step S1, the controller 20 introduces the atmosphere from the atmosphere inlet in the pressure reducing valve 7 by opening the shut-off valve 8 in Step S2. Let

  Subsequently, when the controller 20 acquires the amount of hydrogen required for traveling of the vehicle in step S3, the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 11 downstream of the pressure reducing valve 7 based on the acquired amount of hydrogen in step S4. Predict the value P2.

Then, the controller 20, in step _{S5, ΔP = (P + +} P 0) - and the pressure value P when the [Delta] P → 0 by varying the _{P 0} in _{(P-P 0)} first term on the right side of the prediction The measured pressure value P2 is compared. Here, when the relationship between the pressure values P and P2 is P <P2, the controller 20 determines whether the value | P−P2 | is substantially equal to the predetermined first value or the first value in step S6. After determining whether or not the second value is substantially equal to the second value, the process proceeds to step 8 where the pressure excess and deficiency in the atmosphere introduction chamber in the pressure reducing valve 7 and the pressure value detected by the pressure sensors 16 and 17 are transferred. Based on the above, the necessary opening / closing time and timing for the shut-off valves 8, 14, 15 are calculated.

  On the other hand, if the relationship between the pressure values P and P2 is P> P2, the controller 20 determines in step S7 that the value | P−P2 | is substantially equal to the predetermined first value or is greater than the first value. Is determined to be substantially equal to the small second value, the process proceeds to step 8, and the pressure excess and deficiency in the atmosphere introduction chamber in the pressure reducing valve 7 and the pressure value detected by the pressure sensors 16 and 17 are determined. Based on the above, the necessary opening / closing time and timing for the shut-off valves 8, 14, 15 are calculated.

  If the controller 20 determines in step S6 that the value | P−P2 | is substantially equal to the first value and then proceeds to step S8, the controller 20 requires the shut-off valves 8, 14, and 15 as necessary. When the opening / closing time and timing are calculated, in step S9, the shutoff valve 14 is opened and the shutoff valve 8 is closed in order to increase the pressure of the air introduction chamber in the pressure reducing valve 7, and the process proceeds to step S13. To do.

  On the other hand, when the controller 20 determines that the value | P−P2 | is substantially equal to the second value in step S6 and proceeds to step S8, the controller 20 determines the values for the shutoff valves 8, 14, and 15. When the necessary opening / closing time and timing are calculated, in step S10, the shutoff valve 14 is opened while the shutoff valve 8 is opened, and the process proceeds to step S13.

  Further, when the controller 20 determines in step S7 that the value | P−P2 | is substantially equal to the first value and proceeds to step S8, the controller 20 determines whether the shutoff valves 8, 14, and 15 When the necessary opening / closing time and timing are calculated, in step S11, the shutoff valve 15 is opened and the shutoff valve 8 is closed in order to lower the pressure of the air introduction chamber in the pressure reducing valve 7, and the process proceeds to step S13. To migrate.

  Furthermore, when the controller 20 determines in step S7 that the value | P−P2 | is substantially equal to the second value and proceeds to step S8, the controller 20 determines the shutoff valves 8, 14, and 15 When the required opening / closing time and timing are calculated, in step S12, the shutoff valve 15 is opened while the shutoff valve 8 is opened, and the process proceeds to step S13.

  Then, in step S13, the controller 20 determines whether or not the pressure values P and P2 are substantially equal. If the controller 20 determines that the pressure values P and P2 are not substantially equal, in step S14, the controller 20 determines the magnitude relationship between the value | P−P2 | and the first value and the second value. After obtaining again, the processing from step S5 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the controller 20 determines that the pressure values P and P2 are substantially equal, the controller 20 proceeds to step S15, closes the shutoff valves 14 and 15, and opens the shutoff valve 8.

  Then, in step S16, the controller 20 determines whether or not there is a vehicle stop request. When there is no vehicle stop request, the controller 20 repeats the processing from step S2. On the other hand, when there is a vehicle stop request, the controller 20 stops the high-pressure hydrogen storage system in step S17. End the process.

  In the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, by performing such a series of processes under the control of the controller 20, the amount of fluctuation in the hydrogen supply pressure downstream of the pressure reducing valve 7 is reduced when the hydrogen flow rate is increased. It can be made constant in the case of making it.

[Effect of the first embodiment]
As described in detail above, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the first embodiment, the controller 20 causes the hydrogen supply pressure fluctuation amount downstream of the pressure reducing valve 7 to increase the hydrogen flow rate. Since control is performed so as to be constant depending on the reduction, hydrogen can be supplied to the power generation device at a stable pressure, and excessive consumption of hydrogen can be suppressed, reducing costs and improving power generation capacity and fuel consumption. Can be planned.

  Specifically, in this high-pressure hydrogen storage system, the pressure reducing valve 7 can have a mechanical structure that performs gauge pressure control using the atmospheric pressure as a reference pressure. The controller 20 controls the pressure of the atmospheric pressure introduction chamber in the pressure reducing valve 7 so that the fluctuation amount of the hydrogen supply pressure downstream of the pressure reducing valve 7 is constant depending on whether the hydrogen flow rate is increased or decreased. Control may be performed as follows.

  In this high-pressure hydrogen storage system, air supply passages extending from the air discharge side and the intake side of the compressor 13 are connected to the air introduction port for introducing the air to the pressure reducing valve 7. Then, the controller 20 controls the shutoff valves 14 and 15 provided in the air supply flow path to introduce necessary pressures from the air discharge side and the intake side of the compressor 13 to the pressure reducing valve 7, respectively. The amount of fluctuation in the hydrogen supply pressure downstream is controlled so as to be constant when the hydrogen flow rate is increased and when the hydrogen flow rate is decreased. Thus, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, control can be performed based on a simple configuration that uses the positive pressure on the air discharge side of the compressor 13 and the negative pressure on the intake side of the compressor 13.

  In addition, as the compressor 13, what supplies the air as oxidant gas to the electric power generation apparatus as a hydrogen supply destination can be used. Thereby, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated compressor, and the system can be greatly reduced in size.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the second embodiment is different in the configuration of the pressure reducing valve in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the first embodiment. Therefore, in description of 2nd Embodiment, about the structure and process which are common in the high pressure hydrogen storage system shown as 1st Embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol and the same step number.

[Configuration of high-pressure hydrogen storage system]
As shown in FIG. 6, the high-pressure hydrogen storage system is configured such that the pressure reducing valve 7 is driven by a screw actuator 51 driven by a predetermined motor 52.

  Specifically, when the diaphragm type valve shown in FIG. 2 is used as the pressure reducing valve 7, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the screw actuator 51 is attached to the spring 32 provided in the atmospheric pressure introduction chamber. The spring constant of the spring 32 is variably configured by driving the screw actuator 51 under the control of the controller 20. In the pressure reducing valve 7, when the piston type shown in FIG. 3 is used, the screw actuator 51 is attached to the spring 41, although not particularly shown.

  That is, in the high pressure hydrogen storage system, the screw actuator 51 is driven to change the spring constant of the spring 32 of the pressure reducing valve 7, thereby adjusting the hydrogen supply pressure downstream of the pressure reducing valve 7.

  In such a high-pressure hydrogen storage system, the control in step S9 to step S12 in the series of processes shown in FIG. The control of 51 may be performed.

  As a result, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, as in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the first embodiment, the shutoff valves 8, 14, 15, the compressor motor 12, the compressor 13, the pressure sensors 16, 17, and the orifice 18 and the like need not be provided, and the size can be greatly reduced, and the control by the controller 20 can be simplified.

[Effect of the second embodiment]
As described above in detail, the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the second embodiment includes the screw actuator 51 that drives the spring actuator 51 so as to change the spring constant of the spring provided in the atmospheric pressure introduction chamber of the pressure reducing valve 7. Prepare. Then, the controller 20 drives the screw actuator 51 to change the spring constant of the spring so that the fluctuation amount of the hydrogen supply pressure downstream of the pressure reducing valve 7 is constant between when the hydrogen flow rate is increased and when it is decreased. Control to do. As a result, in this high-pressure hydrogen storage system, the system can be greatly reduced in size, and with a simple control system, hydrogen can be supplied to the power generator with a stable pressure, thereby reducing excessive hydrogen consumption. It is possible to suppress costs and improve power generation capacity and fuel consumption.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the third embodiment is different from the configuration of the pressure reducing valve in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the first embodiment. Therefore, in description of 3rd Embodiment, about the structure which is common in the high pressure hydrogen storage system shown as 1st Embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

[Configuration of high-pressure hydrogen storage system]
The high-pressure hydrogen storage system has the configuration shown in FIG. Here, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, as shown in FIG. 4, the controller 20 monitors the atmospheric pressure P ₀ and the pressure downstream of the pressure reducing valve 7 detected by the pressure sensor 11, and P ₊ − P or P-P _- the so close to 0, when controlling the pressure of the atmospheric pressure introducing chamber in the pressure reducing valve 7, to improve its responsiveness and followability.

  Specifically, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, a laser rangefinder for measuring the position of the valve body in the pressure reducing valve 7 is used to improve the responsiveness and followability when controlling the pressure reducing valve 7. Provided on valve 7.

  For example, as the pressure reducing valve 7, when a laser distance meter is provided in the diaphragm type shown in FIG. 2, a spring 32 is provided as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. A laser distance meter 61 may be provided on the upper surface of the atmospheric pressure introduction chamber. Thereby, the laser distance meter 61 emits laser light from the upper surface to the bottom surface of the atmospheric pressure introduction chamber, and receives the reflected light reflected by the bottom surface, so that the height of the atmospheric pressure introduction chamber, that is, The position of the valve element 33 can be measured.

  As the pressure reducing valve 7, when a laser distance meter is provided in the piston type shown in FIG. 3, the laser distance is set at a position where the moving distance of the piston 42 can be measured as shown in FIG. A total 61 may be provided. As a result, the laser distance meter 61 measures the position of the piston 42, that is, the position of the valve element 43 by emitting laser light toward the bottom surface of the piston 42 and receiving the reflected light reflected by the bottom surface. can do.

[Operation of high-pressure hydrogen storage system]
In such a high-pressure hydrogen storage system including the pressure reducing valve 7, under the control of the controller 20, the hydrogen supply pressure downstream of the pressure reducing valve 7 is a pressure obtained by opening and closing the electrical pressure regulating valve 9 that is known in advance. Based on the influence of the sensor 11 on the pressure value P2, the pressure of the air inlet in the pressure reducing valve 7 is controlled. At this time, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, under the control of the controller 20, the hydrogen is determined based on the operating speed of the valve body determined by the position and moving time of the valve body detected by the laser distance meter 61. Control is performed so that a positive pressure or a negative pressure is introduced into the air inlet of the pressure reducing valve 7 so that the supply pressure follows.

  In the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, the open time of the shutoff valves 14 and 15 is calculated according to the pressure values P3 and P4 detected by the pressure sensors 16 and 17 under the control of the controller 20, thereby The shut-off valves 14 and 15 are controlled. Specifically, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, processing according to a series of procedures as shown in FIG. 10 is performed under the control of the controller 20, and based on the flow rate command value of the electric pressure regulating valve 9. Then, the feedforward control for determining the pressure of the atmospheric pressure introduction chamber in the predicted pressure reducing valve 7 is performed.

  First, as shown in the figure, when starting the high-pressure hydrogen storage system in step S21, the controller 20 introduces the atmosphere from the atmosphere introduction port in the pressure reducing valve 7 by opening the shut-off valve 8 in step S22. Let

  In step S23, the controller 20 acquires the amount of hydrogen required for traveling of the vehicle, and in step S24, acquires the operating speed of the valve body in the pressure reducing valve 7 based on the detection result by the laser distance meter 61. Further, in step S25, the opening / closing speed of the electric pressure regulating valve 9 based on the amount of hydrogen required for traveling of the vehicle is obtained. In step S26, the controller 20 calculates the fluctuation value and the fluctuation speed based on the pressure value P2 detected by the current pressure sensor 11.

  The relationship between the pressure value P2 detected by the pressure sensor 11 and the opening / closing speed of the electric pressure regulating valve 9 is expressed as a map M1, and the fluctuation speed and pressure reduction of the pressure value P2 detected by the pressure sensor 11 are represented. The relationship between the operating speed of the valve body of the valve 7 is represented as a map M2, and the relationship between the operating speed of the valve body of the pressure reducing valve 7 and the fluctuation speed of the distance detected by the laser distance meter 61 is represented by a map M3. It is expressed as The controller 20 performs the processing from step S24 to step S26 by referring to such maps M1, M2, M3 stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like (not shown).

Subsequently, the controller 20, in step _{S27, ΔP = (P + +} P 0) - and the pressure value P when the _{(P-P 0)} is changed to _{P 0} in the first term on the right side in and [Delta] P → 0, The predicted pressure value P2 is compared. Here, when the relationship between the pressure values P and P2 is P <P2, the controller 20 closes the shut-off valve 8 in step S28 and then detects the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 16 in step S29. The opening time of the shut-off valve 14 corresponding to the value P3 is calculated. In step S30, the shut-off valve 14 is opened for the calculated open time, and the process proceeds to step S34. On the other hand, when the relationship between the pressure values P and P2 is P> P2, the controller 20 closes the shut-off valve 8 in step S31 and then detects the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 17 in step S32. The opening time of the shutoff valve 15 corresponding to P4 is calculated. In step S33, the shutoff valve 15 is opened for the calculated opening time, and the process proceeds to step S34.

  The relationship between the opening time of the shutoff valve 14 and the operating speed of the valve body of the pressure reducing valve 7 is represented as a map M4, and the relationship between the opening time of the shutoff valve 15 and the operating speed of the valve body of the pressure reducing valve 7 is shown. Is represented as a map M5. The controller 20 performs the processing of step S29 or step S32 by referring to such maps M4 and M5 stored in a ROM or the like (not shown).

  Then, in step S34, the controller 20 determines whether or not the pressure values P and P2 are substantially equal. Here, if the controller 20 determines that the pressure values P and P2 are not substantially equal, in step S35, the value | P−P2 |, the predetermined first value, and the first value After obtaining the magnitude relationship with the small second value again, the processing from step S27 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if the controller 20 determines that the pressure values P and P2 are substantially equal, the controller 20 proceeds to step S36, closes the shut-off valves 14 and 15, and opens the shut-off valve 8.

  Then, in step S37, the controller 20 determines whether or not there is a vehicle stop request. If there is no vehicle stop request, the controller 20 repeats the processing from step S26. On the other hand, if there is a vehicle stop request, the controller 20 stops the high-pressure hydrogen storage system in step S38, End the process.

  In the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, by performing such a series of processes under the control of the controller 20, the pressure in the atmospheric pressure introduction chamber in the pressure reducing valve 7 can be obtained with good responsiveness and followability. The fluctuation amount of the hydrogen supply pressure downstream of the pressure reducing valve 7 can be made constant when the hydrogen flow rate is increased and when the hydrogen flow rate is decreased.

[Effect of the third embodiment]
As described in detail above, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the third embodiment, the pressure reducing valve 7 is provided with the laser distance meter 61 for measuring the position of the valve body in the pressure reducing valve 7. . Then, based on the operating speed of the valve body determined by the position and moving time of the valve body detected by the laser distance meter 61, the controller 20 supplies the pressure to the pressure reducing valve 7 so that the supply pressure of hydrogen follows. Control is performed so that a positive pressure or a negative pressure is introduced into the air inlet to be introduced. As a result, in this high-pressure hydrogen storage system, it is possible to supply hydrogen to the power generator at a stable pressure while improving the responsiveness and followability of the hydrogen supply pressure. The shortage can be reduced, the excessive consumption of hydrogen can be suppressed, and the cost can be reduced and the power generation capacity and fuel consumption can be improved.

  In this high-pressure hydrogen storage system, air supply passages extending from the air discharge side and the intake side of the compressor 13 are connected to the air introduction port for introducing the air to the pressure reducing valve 7. Then, the controller 20 calculates the opening time of the shutoff valves 14 and 15 provided in the air supply flow path according to the air pressure flowing through the air supply flow path, and controls the shutoff valves 14 and 15. Thus, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, control can be performed based on a simple configuration that uses the positive pressure on the air discharge side of the compressor 13 and the negative pressure on the intake side of the compressor 13.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the fourth embodiment is provided in air supply passages extending from the air discharge side and the intake side of the compressor in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the third embodiment. Instead of the shut-off valve, a speed controller is provided. Therefore, in description of 4th Embodiment, about the structure and process which are common in the high pressure hydrogen storage system shown as 3rd Embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol and the same step number.

[Configuration of high-pressure hydrogen storage system]
As shown in FIG. 11, the high-pressure hydrogen storage system is provided with speed controllers 71 and 72 in air supply passages extending from the air discharge side and the intake side of the compressor 13, and under the control of the controller 20, According to the operating speed of the valve body in the pressure reducing valve 7, the air introduction flow rate is changed.

[Operation of high-pressure hydrogen storage system]
Specifically, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, processing according to a series of procedures as shown in FIG. 12 is performed under the control of the controller 20, and based on the flow rate command value of the electric pressure regulating valve 9. Then, the feedforward control for determining the pressure of the atmospheric pressure introduction chamber in the predicted pressure reducing valve 7 is performed.

First, as shown in the figure, the controller 20 performs the processing from step S21 to step S27, and changes P ₀ in the first term on the right side in ΔP = (P ₊ + P ₀ ) − (P−P ₀ ). The pressure value P when ΔP → 0 is compared with the predicted pressure value P2. Here, when the relationship between the pressure values P and P2 is P <P2, the controller 20 closes the shut-off valve 8 in step S28, and then, in step S41, the speed controller 71 at the obtained opening speed. Is opened, and the process proceeds to step S34. On the other hand, if the relationship between the pressure values P and P2 is P> P2, the controller 20 closes the shut-off valve 8 in step S31, and then sets the speed controller 72 at the calculated opening speed in step S42. The valve is opened, and the process proceeds to step S34.

  The relationship between the opening speed of the speed controller 71 and the operating speed of the valve body of the pressure reducing valve 7 is represented as a map M6, and the relationship between the opening speed of the speed controller 72 and the operating speed of the valve body of the pressure reducing valve 7 is shown. Is represented as a map M7. The controller 20 performs the processing of step S41 or step S42 by referring to such maps M6 and M7 stored in a ROM or the like (not shown).

  Then, in step S34, the controller 20 determines whether or not the pressure values P and P2 are substantially equal. Here, if the controller 20 determines that the pressure values P and P2 are not substantially equal, in step S35, the value | P−P2 |, the predetermined first value, and the first value After obtaining the magnitude relationship with the small second value again, the processing from step S27 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if the controller 20 determines that the pressure values P and P2 are substantially equal, the controller 20 proceeds to step S43, closes the speed controllers 71 and 72, and opens the shut-off valve 8.

  And the controller 20 performs the process of step S37 and step S38, and complete | finishes a series of processes.

  In the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, by performing such a series of processes under the control of the controller 20, the pressure in the atmospheric pressure introduction chamber in the pressure reducing valve 7 can be obtained with good responsiveness and followability. The fluctuation amount of the hydrogen supply pressure downstream of the pressure reducing valve 7 can be made constant when the hydrogen flow rate is increased and when the hydrogen flow rate is decreased.

[Effect of the fourth embodiment]
As described in detail above, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the fourth embodiment, the pressure reducing valve 7 is provided with the laser distance meter 61 for measuring the position of the valve body in the pressure reducing valve 7. . Then, the controller 20 introduces the hydrogen supply pressure into the pressure reducing valve 7 based on the operating speed of the valve body determined by the position and moving time of the valve body detected by the laser distance meter 61. Control the air introduction flow rate to vary. As a result, in this high-pressure hydrogen storage system, it is possible to supply hydrogen to the power generator at a stable pressure while improving the responsiveness and followability of the hydrogen supply pressure. The shortage can be reduced, the excessive consumption of hydrogen can be suppressed, and the cost can be reduced and the power generation capacity and fuel consumption can be improved.

  In this high-pressure hydrogen storage system, air supply passages extending from the air discharge side and the intake side of the compressor 13 are connected to the air introduction port for introducing the air to the pressure reducing valve 7. Then, the controller 20 calculates the opening speed of the speed controllers 71 and 72 provided in the air supply flow path according to the air pressure flowing through the air supply flow path, and controls the speed controllers 71 and 72. Thus, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, control can be performed based on a simple configuration that uses the positive pressure on the air discharge side of the compressor 13 and the negative pressure on the intake side of the compressor 13.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the fifth embodiment improves the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the first embodiment, and controls not only the supply pressure of hydrogen but also the flow rate of hydrogen. Therefore, in description of 5th Embodiment, about the structure which is common in the high pressure hydrogen storage system shown as 1st Embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

[Configuration of high-pressure hydrogen storage system]
The high-pressure hydrogen storage system has the configuration shown in FIG. Here, the high-pressure hydrogen storage system includes a pressure sensor that detects the pressure inside the tank 2 and a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the tank 2, although not particularly illustrated.

[Operation of high-pressure hydrogen storage system]
In such a high-pressure hydrogen storage system, the volume of the tank 2 is converted from the pressure inside the tank 2 under the control of the controller 20, and the hydrogen flow rate is calculated using a state equation. In the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, in order to suppress the flow rate fluctuation in the hysteresis of the fluctuation amount of the hydrogen supply pressure of the pressure reducing valve 7, by controlling the hydrogen flow rate calculated by the controller 20, the hydrogen supply pressure and Controls both flow rates.

  That is, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, by controlling the hydrogen flow rate by the controller 20, as shown in FIG. 13, the fluctuation curve P of the hydrogen supply pressure indicated by the broken line in FIG. The fluctuation amount curve P ′ is used to minimize the fluctuation amount of the supply pressure with respect to the flow rate.

  Specifically, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, processing according to a series of procedures as shown in FIG. 14 is performed under the control of the controller 20.

  First, as shown in the figure, when starting the high-pressure hydrogen storage system in step S51, the controller 20 introduces the atmosphere from the atmosphere inlet in the pressure reducing valve 7 by opening the shut-off valve 8 in step S52. Let

  In step S53, the controller 20 acquires the amount of hydrogen required for the vehicle to travel, calculates the hydrogen flow rate in step S54, and further detects the pressure value P2 detected by the pressure sensor 11 in step S55. To get.

  Here, the controller 20 calculates the hydrogen flow rate according to a series of procedures as shown in FIG.

  That is, as shown in the figure, the controller 20 starts the temperature prediction calculation inside the tank 2 in step S71. In step S72, the controller 20 checks whether the current state is the filling of hydrogen from the hydrogen station. It is determined whether hydrogen is supplied to the apparatus. Here, in the case of hydrogen filling, the controller 20 shifts to a mode that uses a temperature prediction formula at the time of filling stored in a ROM or the like (not shown) while supplying hydrogen. If it is time, in step S74, the process proceeds to a mode that uses a temperature prediction formula at the time of supply stored in a ROM (not shown) or the like.

  In step S75, the controller 20 obtains the elapsed time τ from the time when the process of step S71 was started, and in step S76, the pressure P in the tank 2 and in step S77, the internal pressure of the tank 2 is acquired. Get the temperature. Further, when the controller 20 acquires the pressure inside the tank 2 or the strain ε due to the pressure in step S78, the controller 20 converts the exact volume V of the tank 2 based on the pressure or strain ε in step S79. Ask. A method for obtaining the accurate volume V of the tank 2 based on the strain ε will be described in the eighth embodiment.

Then, in the case of hydrogen filling, the controller 20 shifts the process from step S73 to step S80, and the elapsed time τ acquired in steps S75 to S79, the pressure P inside the tank 2, Based on the temperature T inside the tank 2 and the volume V of the tank 2, the function ψ (q, P, V, τ) for the temperature T derived from the equation of state, the hydrogen flow rate at the time of filling hydrogen, and the tank The simultaneous equations with the function J (T ₀ , q) representing the relationship with the internal temperature of 2 are solved. Here, q is a parameter represented by m / τ using the hydrogen mass m inside the tank 2, that is, a flow rate, and T ₀ is an initial temperature inside the tank 2.

On the other hand, if it is during the supply of hydrogen, the controller 20 proceeds from step S74 to step S81, and the elapsed time τ acquired in steps S75 to S79, the pressure P in the tank 2, Based on the temperature T inside the tank 2 and the volume V of the tank 2, the function ψ (q, P, V, τ) for the temperature T derived from the equation of state, the hydrogen flow rate at the time of hydrogen supply, and the tank The simultaneous equations with the function H (T ₀ , q, τ) representing the relationship with the internal temperature of 2 are solved.

  In step S82, the controller 20 obtains the hydrogen mass m inside the tank 2 and ends the series of processes. Here, the hydrogen mass m inside the tank 2 is shown, for example, in FIG. 16 using the temperature T inside the tank 2 and the volume V inside the tank 2 when the pressure P inside the tank 2 is used as a parameter. Represented as a map. The controller 20 can calculate the hydrogen flow rate q by determining the hydrogen mass m in this way and dividing it by the elapsed time τ.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the controller 20 refers to a map M8 indicating the relationship between the hydrogen flow rate stored in the ROM or the like (not shown) and the value P-P2 in step S56, and corresponds to the obtained hydrogen flow rate. Further, a value P-P2 to be obtained is obtained, and further obtained with reference to a map M9 showing a relationship between a value P-P2 stored in a ROM or the like (not shown) and a mouthpiece pressure value P ′ of the valve body in the pressure reducing valve 7. The valve body pressure value P ′ corresponding to the value P−P2 is obtained.

Then, the controller 20 predicts the pressure value P when ΔP → 0 by changing P ₀ in the first term on the right side in ΔP = (P ₊ + P ₀ ) − (P−P ₀ ) in step S57. The measured pressure value P2 is compared. Here, when the relationship between the pressure values P and P2 is P <P2, the controller 20 opens the shut-off valve 14 in step S58 in order to increase the pressure of the air introduction chamber in the pressure reducing valve 7. The shut-off valve 8 is closed. In step S59, the controller 20 compares the pressure value P2 with the mouthpiece pressure value P ′ of the valve body, and if it is determined that the pressure values P2 and P ′ are not equal, the controller 20 starts from step S58. On the other hand, if it is determined that the pressure values P2 and P ′ are equal, the process proceeds to step S62.

  On the other hand, if the relationship between the pressure values P and P2 is P> P2 in step S57, the controller 20 opens the shut-off valve 15 in step S60 in order to reduce the pressure in the air introduction chamber in the pressure reducing valve 7. And shuts off the shut-off valve 8. Then, in step S61, the controller 20 compares the pressure value P2 with the mouthpiece pressure value P ′ of the valve body, and if it is determined that these pressure values P2 and P ′ are not equal, the controller 20 starts from step S60. On the other hand, if it is determined that the pressure values P2 and P ′ are equal, the process proceeds to step S62.

  Subsequently, in step S62, the controller 20 determines whether or not the pressure values P and P2 are substantially equal. Here, when the controller 20 determines that the pressure values P and P2 are not substantially equal, in step S63, the value | P−P2 |, a predetermined first value, and the first value After obtaining the magnitude relationship with the small second value again, the processing from step S56 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if the controller 20 determines that the pressure values P and P2 are substantially equal, the process proceeds to step S64, the shut-off valves 14 and 15 are closed, and the shut-off valve 8 is opened.

  Then, in step S65, the controller 20 determines whether or not there is a vehicle stop request. If there is no vehicle stop request, the controller 20 repeats the processing from step S56. On the other hand, if there is a vehicle stop request, the controller 20 stops the high-pressure hydrogen storage system in step S66, The process ends.

  In the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, by performing such a series of processes under the control of the controller 20, both the hydrogen supply pressure and the flow rate can be controlled, and the amount of fluctuation in the supply pressure with respect to the flow rate is minimized. Can be

[Effect of Fifth Embodiment]
As described above in detail, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the fifth embodiment, the tank 2 is detected from the pressure P inside the tank 2 detected by the pressure sensor under the control of the controller 20. Then, the hydrogen flow rate is calculated using the equation of state, and the calculated hydrogen flow rate is controlled together with the hydrogen supply pressure downstream of the pressure reducing valve 7. As a result, in this high-pressure hydrogen storage system, hydrogen can be supplied to the power generation apparatus without excess or deficiency, so that excessive consumption of hydrogen can be suppressed and fuel consumption can be improved.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, a high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the sixth embodiment improves the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the first embodiment, and detects hydrogen leakage in the hydrogen supply flow path. Therefore, in the description of the sixth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[Operation of high-pressure hydrogen storage system]
In the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, it is obliged by safety standards to install a predetermined fuel overflow prevention device so that the supply amount of hydrogen to the power generation device downstream from the tank 2 does not become excessive. Here, the types of conventional fuel overflow prevention devices include: a) mechanical fuel cutoff by a mechanical overflow prevention valve, b) indirect measurement based on the pressure drop rate detected by the pressure detection device. Three methods have been proposed in which the fuel is shut off when an overflow is detected, and c) the fuel is shut off when an overflow is detected by a flow rate measuring device.

  However, since the methods shown in a) and b) have large errors, it is necessary to set the lower limit value to the set value that is assumed to be overflow, and an overflow detection device that can detect a wide range is required. Therefore, there is a problem that the cost increases. Further, the method shown in c) is difficult to mount in a vehicle because the size and mass of the high-precision overflow detection device are large, and has not been put into practical use.

  Therefore, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the sixth embodiment, the difference between the amount of hydrogen supplied from the tank 2 and the command value of the electric pressure regulating valve 9 is detected, and the hydrogen from the tank 2 to the power generator is detected. Detects hydrogen leakage in the supply flow path.

  Specifically, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, processing according to a series of procedures as shown in FIG. 17 is performed under the control of the controller 20.

  First, as shown in the figure, when receiving a start command, the controller 20 acquires the remaining amount of hydrogen in the tank 2 in step S91, and in step S92, the controller 20 acquires the remaining hydrogen in the tank 2 at the previous stop. Get the remaining amount of hydrogen.

  Subsequently, in step S93, the controller 20 obtains a difference value between the remaining amounts of hydrogen acquired in steps S91 and S92, and determines whether or not the amount of hydrogen leakage is within a prescribed threshold.

  Here, if the amount of hydrogen leakage is not within the prescribed threshold value, the controller 20 may cause hydrogen leakage in the hydrogen supply flow path from the tank 2 to the power generation device. After outputting a predetermined alarm, in step S95, the operation mode is switched to the EV mode in which traveling is performed only by the motor, and the high-pressure hydrogen storage system is stopped. On the other hand, if the amount of hydrogen leakage is within the specified threshold, the controller 20 activates the high-pressure hydrogen storage system in step S96, and then decreases the remaining amount of hydrogen in the tank 2 in step S97. It is determined whether or not the speed is smaller than the amount of hydrogen required for traveling of the vehicle.

  The controller 20 repeats the processing from step S93 when the decrease rate of the remaining amount of hydrogen in the tank 2 is smaller than the amount of hydrogen required for the vehicle to travel. On the other hand, when the rate of decrease in the remaining amount of hydrogen inside the tank 2 is equal to or greater than the amount of hydrogen required for vehicle travel, the controller 20 causes hydrogen leakage in the hydrogen supply flow path from the tank 2 to the power generation device. Therefore, in step S98, a predetermined alarm is output, and then in step S99, the operation mode is switched to the EV mode in which only the motor is driven. Shut off the supply and stop the high-pressure hydrogen storage system.

  In the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, hydrogen leakage in the hydrogen supply flow path from the tank 2 to the power generation device can be detected by performing such a series of processes under the control of the controller 20.

  The configuration and control method for detecting hydrogen leakage in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown in the sixth embodiment and shutting off the supply of hydrogen when a hydrogen leak is detected are the same as the high-pressure shown in the first embodiment. The present invention can be applied not only to the hydrogen storage system but also to the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the second to fifth embodiments and the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the eighth embodiment to be described later.

[Effect of the sixth embodiment]
As described in detail above, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the sixth embodiment, under the control of the controller 20, hydrogen leakage in the hydrogen supply flow path from the tank 2 to the power generation device is detected. When hydrogen leakage is detected, the supply of the hydrogen is shut off. As a result, in this high-pressure hydrogen storage system, the supply of hydrogen can be shut off without using a special device, and hydrogen overflow can be prevented at a low cost.

[Seventh Embodiment]
Next, a high pressure hydrogen storage system shown as a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the seventh embodiment is an improvement of the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the first embodiment and eliminates the need for a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the tank. Therefore, in description of 7th Embodiment, about the structure which is common in the high pressure hydrogen storage system shown as 1st Embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

[Configuration of high-pressure hydrogen storage system]
Usually, in a high-pressure hydrogen storage system, a main stop valve is provided at the mouth of the tank 2 in order to store and shut off hydrogen in the tank 2. In the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, in order to detect the temperature inside the tank 2, it is necessary to seal the electric wire portion in order to provide a temperature sensor by inserting an electric wire from the main stop valve into the tank 2. . Specifically, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, a gas seal structure 101 called a wire pass-through is adopted as a seal portion, and a temperature sensor 102 is installed inside the tank 2. .

  Here, in recent years, the hydrogen pressure inside the tank 2 mounted on the vehicle tends to increase in order to increase its storage amount. Therefore, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, it is necessary to employ a costly sealing technique, which leads to an increase in the cost of the tank 2.

  Therefore, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the seventh embodiment, by performing indirect measurement using an empirical formula without directly measuring the temperature, for example, as shown in FIG. A temperature sensor to be provided is unnecessary.

[Operation of high-pressure hydrogen storage system]
Specifically, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, the relationship between the volume V of the tank 2 and the pressure P inside the tank 2 is obtained by experiments. Here, the pressure P inside the tank 2 can be expressed as shown in the following equation (1) from the state equation. In the following equation (1), A is an experimental correction coefficient, R is a gas constant, T is the temperature inside the tank 2, and V is the volume inside the tank 2. Yes, n is the number of moles of hydrogen present in the tank 2, and a and b are Red Rich constants.

Here, the mass m of hydrogen inside the tank 2 can be expressed as m = n × m _H2 using the number of moles n and the molecular weight m _{H2 of} hydrogen. Therefore, the pressure P inside the tank 2 can be expressed by a function f (T, m, V). In other words, the mass m of hydrogen inside the tank 2 can be expressed by a function g (P, T, V). Further, the flow rate q of hydrogen flowing during a certain time τ can be expressed by q = m / τ using the mass m of hydrogen inside the tank 2. Therefore, the temperature T inside the tank 2 can be expressed by a function ψ (q, P, V, τ).

In the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, the initial temperature T ₀ inside the tank 2 is obtained using T = ψ (q, P, V, τ).

In the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, for example, as shown in FIG. 21, the relationship between the temperature T inside the tank 2 and the hydrogen flow rate q at the time of hydrogen filling from the hydrogen station is obtained by experiments. Specifically, the temperature T inside the tank 2 at the time of hydrogen filling can be expressed by T = T ₀ + αq ^β = J (T ₀ , q) using the initial temperature T ₀ and the hydrogen flow rate q. it can. Α and β are constants. Therefore, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, the temperature T inside the tank 2 at the time of hydrogen filling can be obtained by using the obtained initial temperature T ₀ and the hydrogen flow rate q.

On the other hand, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, for example, as shown in FIG. 22, the relationship between the temperature T inside the tank 2 and the hydrogen flow rate q at the time of supplying hydrogen to the power generation device is also obtained by experiments. Specifically, the temperature T inside the tank 2 at the time of supplying hydrogen is determined by using the initial temperature T ₀ , the hydrogen flow rate q, and the elapsed time τ, T = T ₀ −φq ^γ τ ^θ = H (T ₀ , Q, τ). Note that φ, γ, and θ are constants. Therefore, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, by using the initial temperature T ₀ and hydrogen flow rate q and the elapsed time τ determined, it is possible to determine the temperature T inside the tank 2 when the supply of hydrogen.

  Thus, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, it can be obtained indirectly using an empirical formula without providing a temperature sensor inside the tank 2.

[Effect of the seventh embodiment]
As described above in detail, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the seventh embodiment, the temperature T inside the tank 2 is obtained by using an empirical formula under the control of the controller 20. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a temperature sensor inside the tank 2, and the system can be miniaturized.

[Eighth Embodiment]
Next, a high pressure hydrogen storage system shown as an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the eighth embodiment is the same as the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the fifth embodiment, in which the exact volume V of the tank is converted based on the strain ε due to the pressure inside the tank. It proposes a method to find out. Therefore, in description of 8th Embodiment, about the structure which is common in the high pressure hydrogen storage system shown as 5th Embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

  In the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, as the tank 2 is filled with hydrogen and pressure is applied, for example, as shown in FIG. 23, a predetermined tensile load is generated in the axial direction of the tank 2, and accordingly, Distortion ε1 occurs. Therefore, the axial length L1 of the tank 2 changes according to the axial strain ε1 of the tank 2, as shown in FIG. In the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, as shown in FIG. 23, a predetermined tensile load is also generated in the circumferential direction of the tank 2, and a strain ε2 is generated accordingly. Therefore, the circumferential length L2 of the tank 2 also changes according to the circumferential strain ε2 of the tank 2, as shown in FIG.

  From these, the volume V of the tank 2 is not unique, and varies according to the axial length L1 and the circumferential length L2 of the tank 2, as shown in FIG.

  Therefore, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, for example, as shown in FIG. 25, a strain gauge 111 for detecting the axial strain ε1 of the tank 2 and a strain gauge 112 for detecting the circumferential strain ε2 of the tank 2 are provided. Attached to the surface of the tank 2. Thereby, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system, based on the strains ε1 and ε2 detected by the strain gauges 111 and 112, the accurate volume V of the tank 2 can be obtained by conversion by the controller 20.

  Thus, in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the eighth embodiment, not the internal pressure of the tank 2 but the tank 2 detected by the strain gauges 111 and 112 under the control of the controller 20. Based on the distortion caused by the internal pressure, the volume V of the tank 2 is calculated. Therefore, in this high-pressure hydrogen storage system, the accurate volume V of the tank 2 can be obtained with a very simple configuration.

  The above-described embodiment is an example of the present invention. For this reason, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and even if it is a form other than this embodiment, as long as it does not depart from the technical idea according to the present invention, the design and the like Of course, various modifications are possible.

It is a figure explaining the structure of the high pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structure of the diaphragm type pressure-reduction valve in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structure of the piston type pressure-reduction valve in the high pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the supply pressure and flow volume of hydrogen in the downstream of a pressure-reduction valve. It is a flowchart explaining the processing operation of the high pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structure of the high pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structure of the diaphragm type pressure-reduction valve in the high pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structure of the diaphragm type pressure-reduction valve in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the 3rd Embodiment of this invention, (a) is a top view of a pressure-reduction valve, (b) is a pressure-reduction valve. FIG. It is a figure explaining the structure of the piston type pressure-reduction valve in the high pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the processing operation of the high pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structure of the high pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the processing operation of the high pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the supply pressure and flow volume of hydrogen in the downstream of the pressure-reduction valve in the high pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the processing operation of the high pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the processing operation | movement at the time of calculating a hydrogen flow rate in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the internal temperature of the said tank when the internal pressure of a tank is used as a parameter, the volume of the said tank, and the hydrogen mass inside the said tank. It is a flowchart explaining the processing operation of the high pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structure of the high pressure hydrogen storage system which installed the temperature sensor in the inside of a tank. It is a figure explaining the structure of the high pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the volume of a tank and the internal pressure of the said tank. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the internal temperature of a tank at the time of filling with hydrogen, and a hydrogen flow rate. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the internal temperature of a tank at the time of supply of hydrogen, and a hydrogen flow rate. It is a figure explaining the structure of the tank in the high-pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the 8th Embodiment of this invention, and is a figure for demonstrating a mode that the tensile load has arisen in the axial direction and the circumferential direction of the said tank. is there. It is a figure for demonstrating the volume of the tank in the high pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the 8th Embodiment of this invention, (a) is a figure explaining the relationship between the axial direction length of the said tank, and an axial distortion. (B) is a view for explaining the relationship between the circumferential length of the tank and the circumferential strain, and (c) is the axial length of the tank and the circumferential length of the tank. It is a figure explaining the relation of the volume of the tank concerned. It is a front view explaining the structure of the tank in the high pressure hydrogen storage system shown as the 8th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Filling coupler 2 Tank 3 Check valve 4, 6, 8, 14, 15 Shut-off valve 5 Fusing valve 7 Pressure reducing valve 9 Electric pressure regulating valve 10, 11, 16, 17 Pressure sensor 12 Compressor motor 13 Compressor 18 Orifice 20 Controller 31 Diaphragm 32, 41 Spring 33, 43 Valve element 42 Piston 51 Screw actuator 52 Motor 61 Laser distance meter 71, 72 Speed controller 101 Gas seal structure 102 Temperature sensor 111, 112 Strain gauge

Claims (14)

A tank for storing fuel gas filled from outside at high pressure;
A pressure reducing valve for reducing the pressure of the fuel gas supplied from the supply port of the tank and flowing through the fuel supply passage to a predetermined pressure based on a predetermined reference pressure;
An electric pressure regulating valve that is provided downstream of the pressure reducing valve and controls the amount of fuel gas supplied by changing the cross-sectional area of the fuel supply flow path;
Control means for controlling the amount of fluctuation in the supply pressure of the fuel gas downstream of the pressure reducing valve to be constant when the flow rate of the fuel gas is increased and when it is decreased. system. The pressure reducing valve has a mechanical structure that performs gauge pressure control using atmospheric pressure as a reference pressure,
The control means controls the pressure of the atmospheric pressure introduction chamber in the pressure reducing valve to increase or decrease the flow rate of the fuel gas supply pressure downstream of the pressure reducing valve. The fuel gas supply system according to claim 1, wherein the fuel gas supply system is controlled to be constant. An air supply passage that extends from each of the air discharge side and the intake side of the compressor that takes in the air and discharges the compressed air is connected to the air introduction port that introduces air into the pressure reducing valve,
The control means controls a shutoff valve provided in the air supply flow path to introduce necessary pressures from the air discharge side and the intake side of the compressor to the pressure reducing valve, and fuel downstream of the pressure reducing valve. The fuel gas supply system according to claim 2, wherein the fluctuation amount of the gas supply pressure is controlled to be constant when the flow rate of the fuel gas is increased and when the flow rate of the fuel gas is decreased. The fuel gas supply system according to claim 3, wherein the compressor supplies air as an oxidant gas to a power generation device as a supply destination of the fuel gas. An actuator that drives to change the spring constant of a spring provided in the atmospheric pressure introduction chamber of the pressure reducing valve;
The control means drives the actuator to change the spring constant of the spring to increase or decrease the fuel gas supply pressure fluctuation amount downstream of the pressure reducing valve. The fuel gas supply system according to claim 1, wherein the fuel gas supply system is controlled to be constant. The pressure reducing valve is provided with a distance measuring means for measuring the position of the valve body in the pressure reducing valve,
The control means controls the pressure reducing valve so that the supply pressure of the fuel gas follows the operating speed of the valve body determined by the position and moving time of the valve body detected by the distance measuring means. 2. The fuel gas supply system according to claim 1, wherein control is performed such that a positive pressure or a negative pressure is introduced into an air introduction port through which gas is introduced. An air supply passage that extends from each of the air discharge side and the intake side of the compressor that takes in the air and discharges the compressed air is connected to the air introduction port that introduces air into the pressure reducing valve,
The said control means calculates the open time of the cutoff valve provided in the said air supply flow path according to the air pressure which flows through the said air supply flow path, and controls the said cutoff valve. The fuel gas supply system described. The pressure reducing valve is provided with a distance measuring means for measuring the position of the valve body in the pressure reducing valve,
The control means is introduced into the pressure reducing valve so that the supply pressure of the fuel gas follows based on the operating speed of the valve body determined by the position and moving time of the valve body detected by the distance measuring means. 2. The fuel gas supply system according to claim 1, wherein control is performed so as to vary an introduction flow rate of the atmosphere to be changed. An air supply passage that extends from each of the air discharge side and the intake side of the compressor that takes in the air and discharges the compressed air is connected to the air introduction port that introduces air into the pressure reducing valve,
The said control means calculates the opening speed of the speed controller provided in the said air supply flow path according to the air pressure which flows through the said air supply flow path, and controls the said speed controller. The fuel gas supply system described. Pressure detecting means for detecting the internal pressure of the tank;
The control means calculates the volume of the tank from the internal pressure of the tank detected by the pressure detection means, calculates the flow rate of the fuel gas using a state equation, and the fuel downstream of the pressure reducing valve The fuel gas supply system according to claim 1, wherein the flow rate of the calculated fuel gas is controlled together with the gas supply pressure. The fuel gas supply system according to claim 10, wherein the control means obtains the internal temperature of the tank using an empirical formula. Comprising strain detecting means for detecting strain caused by the internal pressure of the tank;
The fuel according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the control means obtains the volume of the tank based on the strain detected by the strain detection means instead of the internal pressure of the tank. Gas supply system. The control means detects a fuel gas leak in a fuel supply flow path from the tank to a fuel gas supply destination, and shuts off the fuel gas supply when a fuel gas leak is detected. The fuel gas supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 12. Storing fuel gas filled from the outside in a tank at high pressure;
A step of reducing the pressure of the fuel gas supplied from the supply port of the tank and flowing through the fuel supply passage to a predetermined pressure by a pressure reducing valve based on a predetermined reference pressure;
A step of changing the cross-sectional area of the fuel supply flow path by an electric pressure regulating valve provided downstream of the pressure reducing valve to control the amount of fuel gas supplied;
And a step of controlling the fluctuation amount of the supply pressure of the fuel gas downstream of the pressure reducing valve so as to be constant when the flow rate of the fuel gas is increased and when it is decreased. Method.

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