JP5732709B1 - Hydrogen gas cooling device - Google Patents

Abstract

[PROBLEMS] To ensure a cryogenic heat transfer fluid suitable for cooling hydrogen gas to a heat exchanger for cooling hydrogen gas without incurring energy waste or piping deterioration due to overcooling of the heat transfer fluid. A hydrogen gas cooling device that can be supplied to In a state in which a plurality of refrigeration units (2a to 2d) are operated, a temperature of a brine (heat medium liquid) in a brine tank (4) is preliminarily defined after being substantially lower than a first temperature defined in advance. When the first condition that the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 is substantially lower than the first temperature defined in advance when the predetermined time has elapsed is satisfied, each refrigeration unit 2a in operation When the first condition is satisfied in a state in which only one of the refrigeration units 2a to 2d is operated, the first process of reducing the refrigeration capacity of one of the refrigeration units is performed. A state in which one of the inside refrigeration units 2a to 2d is operated without being stopped is maintained. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a circulation type hydrogen gas cooling apparatus configured to supply a heat medium liquid cooled by a refrigeration unit to a hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger so that the hydrogen gas can be cooled in the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger. It is.

  For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a fuel filling device that fills an automobile or the like with hydrogen gas as a fuel. In this case, hydrogen gas generated in the field (in the case of an on-site type station), or in order to store a sufficient amount of hydrogen gas in a gas station where this kind of fuel filling device is installed, or A configuration is adopted in which hydrogen gas generated and transported elsewhere (in the case of an off-site type station) is stored in a gas tank in a sufficiently compressed state. Further, when hydrogen gas is charged into an automobile or the like, the gas tank of the automobile (hereinafter referred to as “vehicle side”) is supplied from the gas tank of the gas station (hereinafter also referred to as “storage tank”) through an air supply pipe and an air supply nozzle. Hydrogen gas is allowed to flow into the tank.

  At this time, it is known that hydrogen gas has a property of increasing in temperature due to the Joule-Thompson effect when it is adiabatically expanded when passing through various valves disposed in an air supply pipe or the like. ing. For this reason, when the vehicle side tank is simply filled with hydrogen gas from the storage tank, the high temperature hydrogen gas whose temperature has risen when passing through the air supply pipe or the like flows into the vehicle side tank. Further, when hydrogen gas is allowed to flow from the gas station into the low-pressure vehicle side tank that has been consumed, the hydrogen gas that has flowed in is adiabatically expanded in the vehicle-side tank and the temperature further rises. . For this reason, the charging efficiency of hydrogen gas into the vehicle-side tank is reduced, and as a result, it becomes difficult to fill the vehicle-side tank with a sufficient amount of hydrogen gas. Therefore, the fuel filling device disclosed in Patent Document 1 employs a configuration that avoids a reduction in filling efficiency by cooling the hydrogen gas prior to filling the vehicle-side tank.

  Specifically, in the fuel filling device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a flow rate adjustment valve, an integrated flow meter, a shutoff valve, and the like are arranged in a supply path for supplying hydrogen gas from a hydrogen gas storage tank (storage tank) to an automobile or the like. In addition, a cooling means (heat exchanger) for cooling hydrogen gas is disposed between a connecting pipe (flexible hose) connected to an automobile or the like and the shut-off valve. In this case, in this fuel filling device, a chiller cooler using ethylene glycol as a refrigerant is employed as the cooling means. As a result, in this fuel filling device, the hydrogen gas in the storage tank adiabatically expands when passing through the flow regulating valve, the integrating flow meter, the shutoff valve, etc., but the temperature is lowered due to heat exchange with ethylene glycol in the cooling means. In this state, it is allowed to flow into the vehicle-side tank through the connecting pipe, so that it is possible to avoid a decrease in filling efficiency to some extent.

  On the other hand, the applicant applied a refrigerant such as ethylene glycol cooled by a chiller cooler in the same manner as the configuration of the fuel filling device disclosed in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as “heating medium liquid” to distinguish it from the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit). In other words, an attempt was made to fill the hydrogen gas by making a prototype of an apparatus configured to fill the vehicle-side tank after cooling the hydrogen gas. However, a chiller cooler that uses ethylene glycol as the heat transfer fluid (a chiller cooler whose lower limit temperature of the heat transfer fluid cooled by the refrigeration circuit is higher than the freezing temperature of ethylene glycol) sufficiently cools the hydrogen gas in a short time. It has been found that it is difficult to sufficiently improve the charging efficiency of hydrogen gas into the vehicle-side tank. Therefore, the applicant adopts a heat transfer liquid whose freezing temperature is lower than that of ethylene glycol, and chiller cooling equipped with a refrigeration circuit that uses an inert gas that can cool the heat transfer liquid to such an extremely low temperature as a refrigerant. An attempt was made to cool the heat transfer fluid with a vessel to cool the hydrogen gas.

  However, in a chiller cooler having a refrigeration circuit capable of cooling the heat transfer liquid to an extremely low temperature, the refrigerant temperature in the refrigeration circuit is increased to the same level as the outside air temperature (for example, the chiller cooler is kept for a long time). When the cooling of the heat transfer liquid is started, it takes a very long time until the temperature of the evaporator is sufficiently lowered and the thermal refrigerant can be cooled to an extremely low temperature. For this reason, the applicant uses a condenser of a refrigeration circuit (hereinafter also referred to as “low temperature side refrigeration circuit”) for cooling the thermal refrigerant to an extremely low temperature, and a refrigeration circuit (hereinafter referred to as “high temperature side refrigeration”) having a high refrigeration capacity in a normal temperature range. The heat transfer fluid is cooled by a chiller cooler equipped with a refrigeration unit having a “binary refrigeration circuit” that improves the cooling efficiency of the low-temperature refrigeration circuit by cooling with an evaporator of the “circuit”. Tried to cool. As a result, for example, even when the chiller cooler has been stopped for a long time, it has become possible to sufficiently shorten the time required for cooling the heat transfer fluid to an extremely low temperature.

  In this case, for example, when the state in which the hydrogen gas is not cooled (the state in which the vehicle or the like is not charged with hydrogen gas) continues for a long time, the heat transfer liquid that is sufficiently cooled to an extremely low temperature by the refrigeration circuit The energy for operating the refrigerant compressor and the like in the refrigeration unit is wasted by continuing to cool the air unnecessarily. In addition, the heat medium liquid is supercooled by continuing to cool the heat medium liquid unnecessarily, and as a result, the temperature of the heat exchanger for cooling the hydrogen gas is lowered to an excessively low temperature. There is also a possibility that the pipe (pipe through which hydrogen gas passes in order to exchange heat with the heat transfer fluid) may deteriorate. Therefore, the applicant must stop the refrigeration unit when the temperature of the heat transfer fluid is lowered to a cryogenic temperature suitable for cooling of hydrogen gas, and freeze the refrigeration unit when the temperature of the heat transfer fluid rises to a predetermined temperature. The chiller cooler was improved to restart the unit. As a result, waste of energy due to unnecessary operation of the refrigeration unit and deterioration of piping and the like due to overcooling of the heat transfer fluid can be suitably avoided.

JP 2004-116619 A (page 4-10, FIG. 1-6)

  However, the chiller cooler in which the applicant has improved the configuration of the chiller cooler in the fuel filling device disclosed in Patent Document 1 for the purpose of cooling hydrogen gas has the following problems to be improved. . That is, in the chiller cooler developed by the applicant, the refrigeration unit is operated / stopped according to the temperature of the heat transfer liquid in order to avoid waste of energy and deterioration of piping due to the overcooling of the heat transfer liquid. Configuration is adopted. In this case, in the chiller cooler intended for cooling hydrogen gas, when the vehicle is charged with hydrogen gas (cooling of hydrogen gas), the heat transfer fluid cooled to a very low temperature is heat exchanged. The temperature rises rapidly due to heat exchange with hydrogen gas in the vessel.

  For this reason, when a large amount of hydrogen gas is charged into one vehicle and when hydrogen gas is continuously charged into a plurality of vehicles (a cryogenic heat transfer fluid is supplied to a heat exchanger). When it is necessary to supply over a long period of time) or when filling hydrogen gas to multiple vehicles at the same time (in parallel) (Cryogenic fluid is parallel to multiple heat exchangers) In order to continuously supply a cryogenic heat medium liquid to the heat exchanger, the heat medium liquid whose temperature has been increased by cooling the hydrogen gas is removed from the hydrogen gas. It is necessary to quickly lower the temperature to a very low temperature suitable for cooling. However, when charging of hydrogen gas into a vehicle or the like is started while the refrigeration unit is stopped to avoid overcooling of the heat transfer fluid, the refrigeration unit is restarted as the temperature of the heat transfer fluid increases. Even if it makes it, a certain amount of time is required until it becomes a state where the temperature of the high-temperature heat transfer liquid can be lowered to an extremely low temperature.

  Therefore, in the chiller cooler improved by the applicant, when charging of the hydrogen gas into the vehicle or the like is started in a state where the refrigeration unit is stopped in order to avoid overcooling of the heat transfer liquid, It becomes difficult to cool the heat transfer fluid that has risen due to cooling to extremely low temperatures in a short time, and as a result, a heat transfer fluid that is slightly higher than the temperature suitable for cooling hydrogen gas is used for hydrogen gas cooling. There is a risk of being supplied to the heat exchanger. For this reason, it is preferable to improve this point.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem to be improved, and is directed to a heat exchanger for cooling a hydrogen gas without causing waste of energy or deterioration of piping due to overcooling of the heat transfer fluid. The main object is to provide a hydrogen gas cooling device capable of reliably supplying a cryogenic heat transfer fluid suitable for cooling hydrogen gas.

In order to achieve the above object, the hydrogen gas cooling device according to claim 1 cools the condenser of the low temperature side refrigeration circuit by the first evaporator in the high temperature side refrigeration circuit and the second evaporation in the low temperature side refrigeration circuit. A plurality of refrigeration units having a dual refrigeration circuit configured to cool the heat transfer fluid by a cooler, and the heat transfer fluid circulation for circulating the heat transfer fluid between each of the refrigeration units and the heat exchanger for cooling hydrogen gas A high-temperature side refrigeration circuit including a third evaporator capable of cooling the heat-medium liquid, the first evaporator, and a control unit that controls the operation of each refrigeration unit . And a refrigerant supply amount adjusting valve for adjusting a supply amount of the refrigerant to the third evaporator, and the heat medium liquid pipe is configured such that the heat medium liquid is the third evaporator and the second evaporator. The refrigeration units are passed through the evaporators in this order. The two evaporators connected to each other for each Tsu bets, the control unit, the heat in the predefined first position of the heat transfer fluid circulation passage in a state that operates the plurality of the refrigeration unit The temperature of the heat transfer liquid at the first predetermined position at the time when the predetermined time has elapsed after the temperature of the liquid medium is substantially lower than the first predetermined temperature is the predetermined temperature. A first process of reducing the refrigeration capacity of one of the operating refrigeration units when the first condition that the temperature is substantially below the first temperature is satisfied is executed In addition, when the first condition is satisfied in a state where only one refrigeration unit is operated, the state in which the refrigeration unit in operation is operated without being stopped is maintained . The heating medium in the first position The refrigeration capacity of at least one of the refrigeration units that is reducing the refrigeration capacity when the second condition that the temperature of the refrigeration temperature substantially exceeds the predetermined second temperature is satisfied The second evaporator is used to increase the refrigeration capacity of the refrigeration unit by starting the operation of the refrigeration unit stopped in the second process. After performing the process A for cooling the heat transfer liquid by the third evaporator without cooling the heat transfer liquid, the refrigerant supply amount adjustment valve is controlled to supply the refrigerant to the first evaporator. The process B is performed by cooling the heat transfer fluid by the second evaporator while cooling the condenser by the first evaporator while increasing the supply amount of the process A.

Hydrogen gas cooling system of claim 2, wherein, in the hydrogen gas cooling system of claim 1 Symbol placement was reservoir with the heat transfer liquid recovered from the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger to be liquid storage configured A liquid storage tank arranged to be able to supply the heat medium liquid to each refrigeration unit, and the heat medium liquid cooled by the refrigeration unit in the heat medium liquid pipe to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger. A first regulating valve that is disposed in the first piping to be supplied and adjusts the supply amount of the heat transfer fluid to the heat exchanger for cooling the hydrogen gas, and is disposed in the first piping to store the storage. Including at least one adjustment valve of a second adjustment valve that adjusts the return amount of the heat transfer liquid to the liquid tank;
The control unit has a third condition that the temperature of the heat transfer liquid at the second predetermined position in the heat transfer liquid circulation path is substantially lower than the third predetermined temperature. Is satisfied, the third process of controlling the at least one regulating valve to reduce the supply amount of the heat medium liquid to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger is executed.

Hydrogen gas cooling device according to claim 3, wherein, in the hydrogen gas cooling system of claim 2, wherein, the temperature temperature of the third of the heat transfer fluid in the predefined second position When the fourth condition that the temperature is substantially higher than the fourth predetermined temperature is satisfied, the at least one regulating valve is controlled to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger. The fourth process of increasing the supply amount of the heat transfer fluid is performed.

Hydrogen gas cooling device according to claim 4, in the hydrogen gas cooling system of claim 1 Symbol placement, the heat transfer fluid which is liquid storage with composed of the heat transfer fluid that is cooled to allow the liquid reservoir by the refrigeration unit Is stored in the hydrogen tank cooling heat exchanger so as to be supplied to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger, and the heat transfer liquid stored in the liquid storage tank of the heat medium liquid piping is exchanged for the hydrogen gas cooling. A third adjusting valve that is disposed in a second pipe that supplies the heat exchanger and adjusts the supply amount of the heat medium liquid to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger, and the control unit includes the heat medium When the fifth condition that the temperature of the heat transfer liquid at the second predetermined position in the liquid circulation path is substantially lower than the third predetermined temperature is satisfied, A third regulating valve is controlled to reduce the supply amount of the heat transfer liquid to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 5 of the process is executed.

The hydrogen gas cooling device according to claim 5 is the hydrogen gas cooling device according to claim 4 , wherein the controller is configured such that the temperature of the heat transfer liquid at the second predetermined position is higher than the third temperature. When the sixth condition that the temperature exceeds a predetermined high temperature of 4th is substantially satisfied, the third regulating valve is controlled to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger. A sixth process for increasing the supply amount of the heat transfer fluid is performed.

The hydrogen gas cooling device according to claim 6 is the hydrogen gas cooling device according to any one of claims 2 to 5 , wherein the heating medium liquid is disposed in the liquid storage tank and stored in the liquid tank. A temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heat transfer fluid at the first position defined in advance as a temperature of the heat transfer fluid specified based on a sensor signal from the temperature sensor. Specify as temperature.

  The hydrogen gas cooling device according to claim 1 includes a plurality of refrigeration units having a binary refrigeration circuit, and the control unit is defined in advance in the heat transfer medium circulation path in a state where the plurality of refrigeration units are operated. The temperature of the heat transfer fluid at the first position defined in advance when a predetermined time elapses after the temperature of the heat transfer fluid at the first position is substantially lower than the first predetermined temperature. A first process for reducing the refrigeration capacity of one of the operating refrigeration units when the first condition that the temperature is substantially lower than the first predetermined temperature is satisfied. When the first condition is satisfied with only one refrigeration unit being operated, the operating refrigeration unit is maintained without being stopped.

  Therefore, according to the hydrogen gas cooling device of claim 1, the temperature of the heat transfer liquid supplied to the heat exchanger for cooling the hydrogen gas is sufficiently lowered to the first temperature, and it is necessary to keep all the refrigeration units kept operating. By reducing the refrigeration capacity of at least one refrigeration unit by performing the first process when there is no heat, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the heat transfer fluid is supercooled and to reduce the refrigeration capacity. The amount of energy consumed by the hydrogen gas cooling device can be reduced by the unit. In addition, by continuing to operate at least one refrigeration unit, for example, even if the temperature of the heat transfer liquid rises due to cooling of hydrogen gas, the heat transfer liquid is quickly cooled by the refrigeration unit that continues to operate. , Because the heat transfer fluid at a temperature suitable for cooling the hydrogen gas can be continuously supplied to the heat exchanger for cooling the hydrogen gas, the hydrogen gas is reliably cooled in the heat exchanger for cooling the hydrogen gas Can do.

Further, according to the hydrogen gas cooling system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is, when the temperature of the heat transfer fluid is substantially beyond the second temperature defined in advance in the pre-defined first position When the second condition is satisfied, the second process of increasing the refrigeration capacity of at least one of the refrigeration units whose refrigeration capacity is reduced is performed, for example, by cooling hydrogen gas Even if the temperature of the liquid medium suddenly rises, it can be quickly cooled by a refrigeration unit with increased refrigeration capacity. The hydrogen gas can be reliably supplied to the exchanger, and the hydrogen gas can be cooled more reliably in the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger.

Furthermore, in the hydrogen gas cooling device according to claim 1 , in addition to the first evaporator for cooling the condenser of the low temperature side refrigeration circuit, a third evaporator capable of cooling the heat transfer fluid, and the first evaporator A high-temperature side refrigeration circuit is configured to include a refrigerant supply amount adjustment valve that adjusts the supply amount of refrigerant to the evaporator and the third evaporator, and the third evaporator in the high-temperature side refrigeration circuit And the two evaporators are connected to each other by the heat transfer liquid pipe so as to pass through the second evaporator in this order in the low-temperature side refrigeration circuit, and the control unit is connected to the refrigeration unit in the stopped state in the second process. After performing the process A for cooling the heat transfer fluid by the third evaporator without cooling the heat transfer fluid by the second evaporator when the refrigeration capacity of the refrigeration unit is increased by starting the operation. , Control the refrigerant supply amount adjustment valve to the first evaporator Executes the processing B to cool the heat transfer fluid by the second evaporator while cooling the condenser by the first evaporator is increased than when running supply amount of the processing A of the refrigerant.

Therefore, according to the hydrogen gas cooling device of claim 1, when the temperature of the heat transfer liquid is high and the refrigeration capacity is increased, the cooling of the heat transfer liquid by the low temperature side refrigerating circuit is not performed, so that the low temperature side refrigerating circuit It is possible to avoid an excessive rise in the refrigerant pressure inside the compressor, so that the compressor of the low temperature side refrigeration circuit is damaged or the low temperature side refrigeration circuit is emergency stopped to avoid damage to the compressor. It can be avoided. Further, when the temperature of the heat transfer liquid is high, the process A is executed, and the heat transfer liquid is cooled by a high temperature side refrigeration circuit (third evaporator) suitable for cooling the high temperature heat transfer liquid. The heat transfer fluid can be cooled to a very low temperature by executing process B when the temperature of the heat transfer fluid drops to a temperature that can be suitably cooled by the low temperature side refrigeration circuit. By cooling the heat medium liquid by the low temperature side refrigeration circuit (second evaporator), the high temperature heat medium liquid can be reliably cooled to the target temperature in a short time. Thereby, the amount of energy required for lowering the heat transfer fluid to the target temperature can also be reduced.

According to the hydrogen gas cooling device of the second aspect, the heat medium liquid recovered from the heat exchanger for cooling the hydrogen gas is configured to be stored, and the stored heat medium liquid is arranged to be supplied to each refrigeration unit. Supply of the heat transfer fluid to the heat exchanger for hydrogen gas cooling disposed in the storage tank provided and the first pipe for supplying the heat transfer fluid cooled by the refrigeration unit to the heat exchanger for hydrogen gas cooling A first adjusting valve that adjusts the amount, and at least one adjusting valve that is arranged in the first pipe and adjusts the return amount of the heat transfer liquid to the liquid storage tank The third condition is satisfied that the temperature of the heat medium liquid at the second predetermined position in the heat medium liquid circulation path is substantially lower than the third temperature defined in advance. Sometimes, at least one of the regulating valves is controlled to reduce the amount of heat transfer fluid supplied to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger. By executing the third process, the situation in which the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger is supercooled can be suitably avoided, so that deterioration due to the supercooling of the piping in the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger is avoided. Thus, the service life of the heat exchanger for cooling hydrogen gas can be sufficiently extended.

According to the hydrogen gas cooling device of the third aspect , the control unit substantially sets the predetermined fourth temperature at which the temperature of the heat transfer liquid at the predetermined second position is higher than the third temperature. When the fourth condition is exceeded, the fourth process of controlling the at least one regulating valve to increase the supply amount of the heat transfer fluid to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger is performed. As a result, it is possible to reliably supply a cryogenic heat medium liquid suitable for cooling hydrogen gas to the heat exchanger for cooling hydrogen gas. As a result, the hydrogen gas is reliably supplied in the heat exchanger for cooling hydrogen gas. Can be cooled to.

According to the hydrogen gas cooling device of the fourth aspect, the heat medium liquid cooled by the refrigeration unit is configured to be stored, and the stored heat medium liquid is arranged to be supplied to the heat exchanger for cooling the hydrogen gas. Hydrogen gas cooling heat disposed in a liquid storage tank provided and a second pipe for supplying the heat transfer liquid stored in the liquid storage tank of the heat transfer liquid pipe to the heat exchanger for cooling the hydrogen gas A third regulating valve that regulates the supply amount of the heat transfer fluid to the exchanger, and the control unit predefines the temperature of the heat transfer fluid at the second predetermined position in the heat transfer fluid circulation path. Supply amount of the heat transfer liquid to the heat exchanger for cooling the hydrogen gas by controlling the third regulating valve when the fifth condition that the temperature is substantially below the third temperature is satisfied As a result of performing the fifth process for reducing the amount of water, it is possible to suitably avoid the situation where the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger is supercooled. It can be sufficiently long service life of the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger to avoid degradation due to excessive cooling of the pipe in the gas cooling heat exchanger.

According to the hydrogen gas cooling device of the fifth aspect , the control unit substantially sets the predetermined fourth temperature at which the temperature of the heat transfer liquid at the predetermined second position is higher than the third temperature. When the sixth condition is exceeded, the sixth process of controlling the third regulating valve to increase the supply amount of the heat transfer fluid to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger is performed. As a result, it is possible to reliably supply a cryogenic heat medium liquid suitable for cooling hydrogen gas to the heat exchanger for cooling hydrogen gas. As a result, the hydrogen gas is reliably supplied in the heat exchanger for cooling hydrogen gas. Can be cooled to.

According to the hydrogen gas cooling device of the sixth aspect , the control unit has a first position in which the temperature of the heat transfer fluid specified based on the sensor signal from the temperature sensor disposed in the liquid storage tank is defined in advance. For example, by monitoring the temperature of the heat transfer fluid at a position different from the first position, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid at the first position is calculated, and the calculated temperature is set to the calculated temperature. Unlike the hydrogen gas cooling apparatus configured to determine whether the first condition or the like is satisfied based on the first process and execute the first process or the like, it is based on the temperature of the heat transfer fluid specified by the sensor signal from the temperature sensor. Therefore, it is possible to directly determine whether or not the first condition or the like is satisfied, so that the heat treatment liquid can be efficiently performed by accurately executing the first process or the like without performing a complicated calculation process. It can cool well. In addition, by adopting a configuration for monitoring the temperature of the heat transfer fluid in the liquid storage tank in which a large amount of the heat transfer fluid is stored, the first temperature based on the average temperature of the heat transfer fluid as the entire hydrogen gas cooling device. It is possible to accurately determine whether or not the condition 1 is satisfied.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the freezing unit 2a-2d in the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a hydrogen gas cooling device will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  First, the configuration of the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  A hydrogen gas cooling device (hydrogen gas cooling chiller) 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of a “hydrogen gas cooling device”, and includes refrigeration units 2a to 2d, a hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3, a brine tank 4, and a brine. The pipe 5, the liquid feed pumps 6 a and 6 b and the control unit 7 are provided, and the hydrogen gas can be cooled in the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3.

  In the figure, in order to facilitate the understanding of the relationship between the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 and the gas station side equipment X, the gas station side equipment X has a gas tank (storage tank) for storing hydrogen gas. ) Only Xa, a dispenser Xb that can be connected to an air supply port provided in an automobile such as a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (not shown), and a gas pipe Xc that connects the gas tank Xa and the dispenser Xb to each other, are shown in the figure. Illustration of a flow rate adjusting valve, a flow meter, a shutoff valve, and the like disposed in the pipe Xc is omitted.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the refrigeration units 2 a to 2 d (hereinafter also referred to as “refrigeration units 2” when not distinguished) are examples of “a plurality of refrigeration units”, and include a high temperature side refrigeration circuit 10 and a low temperature side. A “binary refrigeration circuit” composed of the refrigeration circuit 20 is provided so that the brine (heat medium liquid) can be cooled. The high temperature side refrigeration circuit 10 includes a compressor 11, a condenser 12, an electromagnetic valve 13a, an electronic expansion valve 13b, an evaporator 14, an electromagnetic valve 15a, an electronic expansion valve 15b, and an evaporator 16. In this case, a condenser fan (not shown) that cools the condenser 12 according to the control of the control unit 7 is attached to the condenser 12. Furthermore, the low temperature side refrigeration circuit 20 includes a compressor 21, a condenser 22, an electronic expansion valve 23, and an evaporator 24. In order to facilitate understanding of the configuration of the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 (refrigeration unit 2), illustrations and explanations regarding the components other than the above-described components in the high-temperature side refrigeration circuit 10 and the low-temperature side refrigeration circuit 20 are shown. Omitted.

  In this case, in the refrigeration unit 2 of this example, the evaporator 14 of the high temperature side refrigeration circuit 10 corresponds to the “first evaporator” and the condenser 22 corresponding to the “condenser of the low temperature side refrigeration circuit” is cooled. . Further, in the refrigeration unit 2 of this example, the evaporator 24 of the low temperature side refrigeration circuit 20 corresponds to a “second evaporator”, and cools the brine supplied via the brine pipe 5 as will be described later. Further, in the refrigeration unit 2 of the present example, the evaporator 16 of the high temperature side refrigeration circuit 10 corresponds to a “third evaporator”, and cools the brine supplied through the brine pipe 5 as will be described later. In the refrigeration unit 2 of this example, as an example, the evaporator 14 and the condenser 22 are integrally configured by the cascade condenser 30, and thereby the condenser 22 is cooled by the evaporator 14 as will be described later. Configuration is adopted.

  Further, in the refrigeration unit 2 of this example, the “refrigerant supply amount adjustment valve” is configured by the electromagnetic valves 13 a and 15 a and the electronic expansion valves 13 b and 15 b. Specifically, in the refrigeration unit 2 of this example, the supply amount of the refrigerant to the evaporator 14 is adjusted by changing the open / close state of the electromagnetic valve 13a and the opening of the electronic expansion valve 13b, and the electromagnetic valve 15a A configuration is adopted in which the supply amount of the refrigerant to the evaporator 16 is adjusted by changing the open / close state and the opening of the electronic expansion valve 15b. In addition, when the electronic expansion valves 13b and 15b in the refrigeration unit 2 of the present example can be completely blocked when the electronic expansion valves 13b and 15b are moved to the fully closed state, the electromagnetic valves 13a and 15a are not required. You can also. Further, instead of the electronic expansion valves 13b and 15b, a capillary tube can be provided as an “expansion valve” in the “refrigeration circuit”. In this case, the electromagnetic valves 13a and 15a are arranged upstream of the capillary tube. It is preferable to provide an “open / close valve” similar to the above, so that the amount of refrigerant supplied to the evaporators 14 and 16 can be adjusted (not shown).

  The hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 is an example of a “hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger”, and, as shown in FIG. 1, between the gas tank Xa and the dispenser Xb in the gas station side equipment X (gas piping Xc). It is arranged. The heat exchanger 3 for cooling hydrogen gas is heated between the brine cooled by each refrigeration unit 2 and supplied via the brine pipe 5 and the hydrogen gas supplied from the gas tank Xa via the gas pipe Xc. By exchanging, the hydrogen gas immediately before filling the automobile or the like from the dispenser Xb is cooled to a predetermined temperature (for example, a temperature within a temperature range of −33 ° C. to −40 ° C.).

  In this case, in the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 of the present example, the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 is defined as a “predetermined second position in the heating medium liquid circulation path”, and the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 1 A temperature sensor 3 a capable of detecting the temperature of the brine in 3 is arranged in the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3. The hydrogen gas cooling device 1 of this example is configured integrally with a hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 which is an example of a “hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger”. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the brine is supplied to the “hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger” as an external device by excluding the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 from the configuration described above. In such a configuration, the temperature sensor 3a may be disposed in a “hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger” as an external device.

  The brine tank 4 is an example of a “liquid storage tank”, and is configured to be able to store the brine recovered from the heat exchanger 3 for cooling the hydrogen gas and supply the stored brine to each refrigeration unit 2. Is connected to the brine pipe 5. Specifically, in the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 of this example, the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 is provided between the brine outlet in the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 and the brine inlet in the refrigeration unit 2. Is arranged. In this case, in the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 of the present example, the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 can be detected by setting the inside of the brine tank 4 as “a first predetermined position in the heat medium liquid circulation path”. A temperature sensor 4 a (an example of a “temperature sensor”) is disposed in the brine tank 4.

  The brine pipe 5 is an example of a “heat medium liquid pipe constituting a heat medium liquid circulation path”, and includes a pipe 5 a that interconnects the brine tank 4 and each refrigeration unit 2 (evaporator 16), and each refrigeration unit. 2, a pipe 5b connecting the evaporators 16 and 24 to each other (“the two evaporators are mutually connected for each refrigeration unit so that the heat medium liquid passes through the third evaporator and the second evaporator in this order. An example of the configuration of “is connected to”: refer to FIG. 2), piping 5 c that interconnects each refrigeration unit 2 (evaporator 24) and the three-way valves Va and Vb, three-way valves Va and Vb, and hydrogen gas cooling 5d for connecting the heat exchanger 3 for use with each other, and 5e for connecting the heat exchanger 3 for cooling the hydrogen gas and the brine tank 4 with each other. The brine tank 4, each refrigeration unit 2 and hydrogen gas cooling are provided. Circulating brine between heat exchangers 3 And it is configured to be able to.

  Further, the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 of the present example includes a pair of pipes 5f and 5f that connect the three-way valves Va and Vb and the pipe 5e to each other, and the two-way valve Vc is disposed in the pipe 5d. Yes. In this case, in the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 of this example, the three-way valves Va and Vb are constituted by variable flow rate type valves, and the two-way valve Vc is constituted by a variable aperture ratio type valve. Thereby, in the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 of this example, as will be described later, the control unit 7 controls the three-way valves Va and Vb and the two-way valve Vc, whereby the heat exchanger for cooling the hydrogen gas from each refrigeration unit 2. 3 is used to adjust the amount of brine supplied to 3.

  In the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 of this example, two of the refrigeration units 2a and 2b are connected to the three-way valve Va via the pipe 5c, and two of the refrigeration units 2c and 2d are three-way via the other pipe 5c. Connected to the valve Vb. Further, the two-way valve Vc may be disposed on the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 side of the connection portion of the pipe 5f in the pipe 5e instead of the pipe 5d. In this case, in the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 of this example, the pipes 5c and 5d in the brine pipe 5 correspond to the “first pipe”. Further, in the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 of this example, the two-way valve Vc corresponds to a “first regulating valve”, and heat exchange for cooling hydrogen gas of the brine cooled by each refrigeration unit 2 according to the control of the control unit 7 is performed. The supply amount to the vessel 3 is adjusted. Furthermore, in the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 of this example, the three-way valves Va and Vb correspond to “second regulating valves”, and the amount of return of brine to the brine tank 4 (heat for cooling hydrogen gas) according to the control of the control unit 7. The amount of brine directly flowing from each refrigeration unit 2 into the brine tank 4 without passing through the exchanger 3 is adjusted.

  Liquid feed pumps 6a and 6b (hereinafter also referred to as “liquid feed pump 6” when not distinguished from each other) are respectively disposed in the above-described pipe 5a in the brine pipe 5, and the liquid feed pump 6a is connected from the brine tank 4 to the refrigeration unit 2a, The brine is liquid fed (pressure fed) to 2b, and the liquid feed pump 6b liquid feeds (pressure feed) the brine from the brine tank 4 to the refrigeration units 2c and 2d. In this case, in the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 of this example, as described above, the “brine flow path (heat medium liquid circulation path)” formed by the pipes 5a to 5f of the brine pipe 5 is a closed flow path. The brine is pumped (supplied) from each refrigeration unit 2 to the heat exchanger 3 for cooling hydrogen gas (or the brine tank 4) by the pressure at which the brine is fed from the brine tank 4 to each refrigeration unit 2 by the liquid feed pump 6. The brine is pumped (recovered) from the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 to the brine tank 4.

  The control unit 7 is an example of a “control unit”, and comprehensively controls the hydrogen gas cooling device 1. Specifically, the control unit 7 controls the compressors 11 and 21, the electromagnetic valves 13 a and 15 a, and the electronic expansion valves 13 b and 15 b in each refrigeration unit 2 to control the refrigeration capacity of the high temperature side refrigeration circuit 10 and the low temperature side refrigeration circuit. The refrigeration capacity of 20 is changed (controlled). Further, the control unit 7 controls the both liquid feeding pumps 6 to feed the brine from the brine tank 4 to each refrigeration unit 2. Further, the control unit 7 controls the three-way valves Va and Vb and the two-way valve Vc so that the brine cooled by each refrigeration unit 2 flows into the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 and the brine tank 4.

  In this hydrogen gas cooling device 1, for example, when the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 is activated prior to opening a gas station where the gas station side equipment X and the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 are installed, the control unit 7 Each refrigeration unit 2 is controlled to start the brine cooling process, and both liquid feed pumps 6 are controlled to start feeding the brine from the brine tank 4 to the refrigeration unit 2. In response to this, the refrigerant compression processing by the compressor 11 of the high temperature side refrigeration circuit 10 and the compressor 21 of the low temperature side refrigeration circuit 20 in each refrigeration unit 2 is started, and each of the refrigerant units 2 from the brine tank 4 through the pipes 5a. Brine is supplied to the refrigeration unit 2. Moreover, the control part 7 specifies the temperature of the brine in the heat exchanger 3 for hydrogen gas cooling, and starts the process which controls the three-way valves Va and Vb and the two-way valve Vc based on the specified temperature.

  Specifically, the control unit 7 specifies the temperature of the brine in the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 based on the sensor signal S3a from the temperature sensor 3a immediately after the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 is started. Is executed continuously. At this time, the control unit 7 controls the three-way valves Va and Vb to connect the pipes from the refrigeration units 2 until the specified temperature falls below −38 ° C., which is an example of the “third temperature”. All of the brine flowing out to 5c is guided to the pipe 5d, and the two-way valve Vc is controlled to an opening ratio of 100%. Thereby, as will be described later, all of the brine cooled by each refrigeration unit 2 is supplied to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3.

  Further, as will be described later, the control unit 7 reduces the temperature of the brine supplied to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 due to the cooling of the brine by each refrigeration unit 2, thereby specifying based on the sensor signal S3a. Of the brine that flows out from each refrigeration unit 2 to the pipe 5c by controlling the three-way valves Va and Vb, assuming that the "third condition" is satisfied when the temperature to be reduced to a temperature lower than -38 ° C. For example, 5% of them are guided to the pipe 5d, the remaining 95% is guided to the pipe 5f, and the opening ratio of the two-way valve Vc is reduced to supply the brine to the heat exchanger 3 for cooling the hydrogen gas. The “third process” to be decreased is executed. As a result, as will be described later, most of the brine cooled by each refrigeration unit 2 is recovered in the brine tank 4 via the pipes 5f and 5e, and only a small amount of brine is supplied to the hydrogen gas cooling heat via the pipe 5d. It will be in the state supplied to the exchanger 3.

  In this state, the brine 5d, the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 and the pipe 5e continue to be supplied with a very small amount of brine, so that the brine is supplied from the refrigeration unit 2 via the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3. It is avoided that the temperature of the brine flow path leading to the tank 4 is excessively increased due to outside air or geothermal heat. Further, most of the brine cooled by each refrigeration unit 2 flows into the brine tank 4 without passing through the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 and is circulated between the refrigeration unit 2 and the brine tank 4. Therefore, the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 can be suitably lowered in a short time.

  Further, the control unit 7, for example, cools a large amount of hydrogen gas in the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 to increase the temperature of the brine, and the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 specified based on the sensor signal S3a. When the temperature of the brine rises to a temperature exceeding −35 ° C., which is an example of the “fourth temperature”, the “fourth condition” is satisfied and the three-way valves Va and Vb are controlled. All of the brine flowing out from each refrigeration unit 2 to the pipe 5c is guided to the pipe 5d, and the supply of brine to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 is increased by increasing the opening ratio of the two-way valve Vc. 4th process "is performed. Thereby, as will be described later, most of the brine cooled by each refrigeration unit 2 is supplied to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 via the pipe 5d (a sufficient amount of low temperature necessary for cooling the hydrogen gas). In the state where the brine is supplied to the heat exchanger 3 for cooling hydrogen gas).

  As described above, in the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 of this example, the control unit 7 specifies the temperature of the brine in the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 based on the sensor signal S3a from the temperature sensor 3a and the specified result. By continuously performing one of the “third process” and the “fourth process”, the temperature of the brine in the heat exchanger 3 for cooling the hydrogen gas is suitable for cooling the hydrogen gas— While maintaining the temperature within the range of 33 ° C. to −40 ° C., a situation in which the piping in the heat exchanger 3 for cooling the hydrogen gas is supercooled and deteriorated is avoided.

  Further, in the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 of this example, the control unit 7 controls the three-way valves Va, Vb and the two-way valve Vc as described above (the brine from each refrigeration unit 2 to the heat exchanger 3 for cooling the hydrogen gas 3). In parallel with the adjustment of the supply amount), the specification of the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 based on the sensor signal S4a from the temperature sensor 4a arranged in the brine tank 4 and each refrigeration based on the specified temperature The adjustment of the refrigeration capacity of the unit 2 is continuously executed.

  In this case, when the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 has been stopped for a certain long time before the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 is activated, the hydrogen tank cooling device 1 is activated in the brine tank 4 or the brine pipe 5 when the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 is activated. The temperature of the brine is higher than the temperature suitable for cooling the hydrogen gas (for example, about 25 ° C., which is about the same as the outside temperature). When such a high temperature brine is to be cooled by the evaporator 24 of the low temperature side refrigeration circuit 20 in the refrigeration unit 2 (when the low temperature side refrigeration circuit 20 is operated in a state where the high temperature brine is being fed). Not only increases the amount of refrigerant vaporized in the evaporator 24 and the refrigerant pressure in the low-temperature side refrigeration circuit 20 becomes excessively high, but also places a heavy burden on the compressor 21, and heats the hot brine in a short time. Due to the difficulty in reducing the hydrogen gas, it takes a long time before hydrogen gas can be suitably cooled. Therefore, in the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 of this example, the control unit 7 changes the operation state of each refrigeration unit 2 according to the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4, so that the low temperature side refrigeration circuit 20 is placed in a high load state. A configuration in which the temperature of a high-temperature brine is lowered in a short time without being used is adopted.

  Specifically, the control unit 7 determines that the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 specified based on the sensor signal S4a from the temperature sensor 4a is, for example, −33 ° C. or more (hereinafter, The process of cooling the brine by the high temperature side refrigeration circuit 10 (evaporator 16) without cooling the brine by the low temperature side refrigeration circuit 20 (evaporator 24) when “condition A” is also satisfied. (An example of “Processing A”) is executed by each refrigeration unit 2. Further, the control unit 7 satisfies the condition that the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 specified based on the sensor signal S4a is lower than −33 ° C. (hereinafter also referred to as “condition B”). Sometimes, the solenoid valves 13a and 15a and the electronic expansion valves 13b and 15b are controlled to increase the amount of refrigerant supplied to the evaporator 14 and cool the condenser 22 of the low temperature side refrigeration circuit 20 by the evaporator 14 at a low temperature. Each refrigeration unit 2 is caused to execute a process of cooling the brine by the side refrigeration circuit 20 (evaporator 24) (an example of “Process B”).

  At this time, in this example in which the temperature of the brine is about 25 ° C. due to the fact that it is immediately after the start after the stop state for a long time, the control unit 7 executes the “process A”. . Specifically, the control unit 7 first reduces the refrigerant discharge amount to the evaporator 24 by controlling the electronic expansion valve 23 to reduce the opening degree. As a result, the cooling of the brine by the low temperature side refrigeration circuit 20 is substantially stopped, and the amount of refrigerant vaporized in the evaporator 24 even when the high temperature brine is supplied to the evaporator 24 via the pipes 5a and 5b. Is excessively increased (a situation in which the refrigerant pressure in the low temperature side refrigeration circuit 20 is excessively high) is avoided. Further, the control unit 7 controls the electromagnetic valve 13a to block the passage of the refrigerant from the condenser 12 to the electronic expansion valve 13b (evaporator 14), and also controls the electromagnetic valve 15a to electronically expand from the condenser 12. The refrigerant is allowed to pass through the valve 15b (evaporator 16). Thereby, as a result of the refrigerant condensed in the condenser 12 being supplied to the evaporator 16 via the electronic expansion valve 15b, the brine supplied to the evaporator 16 via the pipe 5a is suitably cooled in the evaporator 16. The

  Although the brine cooled in the evaporator 16 is supplied to the evaporator 24 via the pipe 5b, the opening of the electronic expansion valve 23 is reduced as described above, and the refrigerant discharge amount to the evaporator 24 is reduced. Is reduced by the evaporator 24 and is recovered in the brine tank 4 through the pipes 5c and 5d, the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 and the pipe 5e. Further, the brine collected in the brine tank 4 is supplied again to each refrigeration unit 2 by the both liquid feed pumps 6 and cooled by the evaporator 16 of the high temperature side refrigeration circuit 10. Further, the control unit 7 performs the above-mentioned “Processing A” until the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 specified based on the sensor signal S4a falls below −33 ° C. (while “Condition A” is satisfied). Continue to run. Thereby, the temperature of the brine circulated among the brine tank 4, each refrigeration unit 2, and the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 gradually decreases.

  On the other hand, when the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 specified based on the sensor signal S4a from the temperature sensor 4a is lower than −33 ° C. by continuing the “process A”, the control unit 7 , “Process B” is executed assuming that “Condition B” is satisfied. Specifically, the control unit 7 controls the electromagnetic valve 15a to block the passage of the refrigerant from the condenser 12 to the electronic expansion valve 15b (evaporator 16), and also controls the electromagnetic valve 13a to control the condenser 12. From the refrigerant to the electronic expansion valve 13b (evaporator 14). Thereby, as a result of the refrigerant condensed in the condenser 12 being supplied to the evaporator 14 via the electronic expansion valve 13b, the condenser 22 integrated with the evaporator 14 is suitably cooled by the evaporator 14, A sufficient amount of refrigerant required to cool the brine in the low temperature side refrigeration circuit 20 (evaporator 24) is condensed in the condenser 22.

  In addition, the control unit 7 controls the electronic expansion valve 23 to increase the opening, thereby increasing the refrigerant discharge amount to the evaporator 24. As a result, the brine supplied from the brine tank 4 to the evaporator 24 via the pipe 5a, the evaporator 16 and the pipe 5b is heat-exchanged with the refrigerant in the evaporator 24 and sufficiently cooled, and the pipes 5c, 5d, It is recovered in the brine tank 4 through the heat exchanger 3 for cooling hydrogen gas and the pipe 5e. In this case, in the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 of the present example, the “process for cooling the brine by the evaporator 16 of the high-temperature side refrigeration circuit 10” is performed before the “process B” for cooling the brine by the evaporator 24 of the low-temperature side refrigeration circuit 20. A ”is executed, and the temperature of the brine supplied to the evaporator 24 in“ Process B ”is sufficiently low below −33 ° C. Therefore, the brine can be suitably cooled without causing a situation in which the amount of refrigerant vaporized in the evaporator 24 becomes excessively high and the refrigerant pressure in the low temperature side refrigeration circuit 20 becomes excessively high.

  Further, in this state where the hydrogen gas is not cooled by the heat exchanger 3 for cooling the hydrogen gas, the above-mentioned “processing B” is continued, so that each refrigeration unit 2 changes to the heat exchanger 3 for cooling the hydrogen gas. The temperature of the supplied brine (the temperature of the brine that passes through the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 and is recovered in the brine tank 4) gradually decreases. At this time, when the temperature of the brine supplied to the heat exchanger 3 for cooling the hydrogen gas falls below −38 ° C., the “third treatment” described above is executed, and the brine cooled by each refrigeration unit 2. Most of the water is recovered in the brine tank 4 through the pipes 5f and 5e without being supplied to the heat exchanger 3 for cooling the hydrogen gas. Therefore, by continuously executing “Process B”, the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 is further lowered without overcooling the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3.

  In addition, regarding the control of the high temperature side refrigeration circuit 10 in the above “Process B”, the supply of the refrigerant to the evaporator 16 corresponding to the “third evaporator” is stopped and the “first evaporator” is corresponded. By starting the supply of the refrigerant to the evaporator 14, not only the above control method of cooling the condenser 22 by the evaporator 14 without cooling the brine by the evaporator 16, but also starting “Process B”. When the elapsed time from the start is short (when the brine temperature is higher than the lower limit of the coolable temperature of the high-temperature side refrigeration circuit 10; for example, when the brine temperature is -40 ° C. or higher), A method is adopted in which the condenser 22 is cooled by the evaporator 14 while the cooling of the brine by the evaporator 16 is continued by decreasing the supply amount of the refrigerant and starting the supply of the refrigerant to the evaporator 14. It can also be.

  On the other hand, the cooling process of the brine by each refrigeration unit 2 is continued, and the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 specified based on the sensor signal S4a from the temperature sensor 4a (“preliminarily defined in the heat transfer medium circulation path”). When the temperature of the brine in the first position is lower than −55 ° C. (an example of the “predefined first temperature”), the control unit 7 determines that the temperature of the brine is −55. When a predetermined time (several tens to several hundreds of seconds: 300 seconds as an example) has elapsed since the time when it was determined that the temperature became 0 ° C., the brine in the brine tank 4 specified based on the sensor signal S4a It is determined whether or not the temperature is maintained below -55 ° C. At this time, as described later, when the hydrogen gas is not cooled by the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 and the brine in the brine tank 4 is maintained at a temperature lower than −55 ° C., the control unit 7 , It is determined that the “first condition” is satisfied, and the “first process” for reducing the refrigeration capacity of one of the operating refrigeration units 2 is executed.

  Specifically, in this example in which four units of the refrigeration units 2a to 2d are operated (an example of “a state in which a plurality of refrigeration units are operated”), it is determined that the “first condition” is satisfied. As an example, the unit 7 performs a process of stopping the refrigeration unit 2b (a process of stopping the high temperature side refrigeration circuit 10 and the low temperature side refrigeration circuit 20 of the refrigeration unit 2b: an example of a process of “decreasing the refrigeration capacity”). This is executed as “first processing”. At this time, the brine fed from the brine tank 4 by the liquid feed pump 6a is passed through the stopped refrigeration unit 2b, but the hydrogen gas is not cooled in the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3. Since the cooling is continuously performed by the refrigeration units 2a, 2c, and 2d in operation, the brine in the brine tank 4 is maintained at a temperature lower than −55 ° C. Thereby, the energy consumed by the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 is reduced by the amount of stopping the refrigeration unit 2b without causing a situation where the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 rises.

  Further, the control unit 7 specifies that the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 is maintained at a temperature lower than −55 ° C. as described above and stops the refrigeration unit 2b for a predetermined time ( In this example, when 300 seconds) elapses, it is determined again whether or not the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 specified based on the sensor signal S4a is maintained at a temperature lower than −55 ° C. At this time, when the brine in the brine tank 4 is maintained at a temperature lower than −55 ° C., the control unit 7 determines that the “first condition” is satisfied, and the refrigeration unit in operation. The process of stopping one of 2a, 2c, and 2d (as an example, the refrigeration unit 2a) is executed as a “first process”.

  Further, the control unit 7 specifies that the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 is maintained at a temperature lower than −55 ° C. as described above and stops the refrigeration unit 2a for a predetermined time ( In this example, when 300 seconds) elapses, it is determined again whether or not the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 specified based on the sensor signal S4a is maintained at a temperature lower than −55 ° C. At this time, when the brine in the brine tank 4 is maintained at a temperature lower than −55 ° C., the control unit 7 determines that the “first condition” is satisfied, and the refrigeration unit in operation. A process of stopping one of 2c and 2d (for example, the refrigeration unit 2d) is executed as a “first process”.

  Further, the control unit 7 specifies that the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 is maintained at a temperature lower than −55 ° C. as described above and stops the refrigeration unit 2d for a predetermined time ( In this example, when 300 seconds) elapses, it is determined again whether or not the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 specified based on the sensor signal S4a is maintained at a temperature lower than −55 ° C. At this time, the control unit 7 maintains the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 below −55 ° C., and even if it is determined that the “first condition” is satisfied, Since only the stand is operating and the other refrigeration units 2a, 2b, 2d are in a stopped state, the operating state is maintained without stopping the operating refrigeration unit 2c.

  As a result, since the cooling of the brine is continued by the refrigeration unit 2c that is continuously operated, the brine in the brine tank 4 is maintained at a very low temperature below -55 ° C. even in summer when the ambient temperature becomes high. Is done. Further, by stopping three of the refrigeration units 2a, 2b, and 2d among the refrigeration units 2a to 2d, energy consumption by the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 is sufficiently reduced.

  On the other hand, when filling an automobile such as a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle with hydrogen gas at the gas station, as an example, an air supply start signal is output from the gas station side equipment X to the control unit 7 of the hydrogen gas cooling device 1. Accordingly, the control unit 7 starts the hydrogen gas cooling process in the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3. At this time, the control unit 7 first controls the three-way valves Va and Vb to guide all of the brine flowing out from the respective refrigeration units 2 to the pipe 5c to the pipe 5d, and also controls the two-way valve Vc to open. Increase the rate. Thereby, the cryogenic brine stored in the brine tank 4 passes through each refrigeration unit 2 and is supplied to the heat exchanger 3 for cooling hydrogen gas.

  Further, in the gas station side equipment X, hydrogen gas is supplied from the gas tank Xa to the dispenser Xb via the gas pipe Xc, and the fuel tank (gas tank: vehicle side tank) of the automobile is filled from the dispenser Xb. At this time, when hydrogen gas is passed through the heat exchanger 3 for cooling the hydrogen gas, it is cooled by being heat-exchanged with the cryogenic brine supplied to the heat exchanger 3 for cooling the hydrogen gas via the pipe 5d. Therefore, as a result of filling the vehicle side tank with hydrogen gas (hydrogen gas at −33 ° C. to −40 ° C.) whose temperature has been sufficiently lowered, the charging efficiency can be sufficiently improved.

  Further, the brine whose temperature has been increased by cooling the hydrogen gas in the heat exchanger 3 for cooling the hydrogen gas is recovered in the brine tank 4 through the pipe 5e. For this reason, at the time of cooling of hydrogen gas, the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 rises because the brine whose temperature has risen flows. Therefore, when the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 specified based on the sensor signal S4a from the temperature sensor 4a exceeds −52 ° C., which is an example of the “predetermined second temperature”, the control unit 7, it is determined that the “second condition” is satisfied, and all of the refrigeration units 2 (in this example, the refrigeration units 2 a, 2 b, and 2 d in the stopped state) that are reducing the refrigeration capacity (“the refrigeration capacity is “At least one of the reduced refrigeration units” executes “second processing” for increasing the refrigeration capacity of “all”.

  In this case, in the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 of this example in which the configuration in which the refrigeration capacity of the refrigeration unit 2 is reduced by controlling to the stopped state is adopted, the refrigeration unit 2 in the stopped state is operated (restarted). The refrigeration capacity will be increased. Specifically, the temperature of the brine specified based on the sensor signal S4a as described above in the state where the refrigeration capacity of the three units is reduced by stopping the three refrigeration units 2a, 2b, and 2d. When the “second condition” is satisfied beyond −52 ° C., the control unit 7 starts the operation of the three refrigeration units 2 in the stopped state.

  More specifically, the control unit 7 controls the refrigeration units 2a, 2b, and 2d in the stopped state to perform refrigerant compression processing by the compressor 11 of the high temperature side refrigeration circuit 10 and the compressor 21 of the low temperature side refrigeration circuit 20. At the same time, the brine is cooled by the high temperature side refrigeration circuit 10 (evaporator 16) without cooling the brine by the low temperature side refrigeration circuit 20 (evaporator 24) regardless of the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4. Process A "is executed. Further, the control unit 7 is a temperature sensor installed in the brine tank 4 when a predetermined time (for example, 300 seconds) has elapsed since the operation of the refrigeration units 2a, 2b, and 2d has started. The temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 is specified based on the sensor signal S4a from 4a.

  At this time, for example, by cooling a large amount of hydrogen gas in the heat exchanger 3 for cooling hydrogen gas, high-temperature brine is recovered in the brine tank 4, and the temperature of the brine specified based on the sensor signal S4a is −33. When the “condition A” that the temperature is equal to or higher than “° C.” is satisfied, the control unit 7 continues to execute the “processing A”, and the brine in the brine tank 4 based on the sensor signal S4a. Continue monitoring the temperature.

  On the other hand, the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 specified based on the sensor signal S4a is lower than −33 ° C. when a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation of the refrigeration units 2a, 2b, and 2d has started. When the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 specified based on the sensor signal S4a by continuing “Processing A” as described above falls below −33 ° C., the control unit 7 B ”is satisfied, the electromagnetic valves 13a and 15a and the electronic expansion valves 13b and 15b are controlled to increase the amount of refrigerant supplied to the evaporator 14, and the evaporator 14 uses the condenser of the low temperature side refrigeration circuit 20 to increase the refrigerant supply amount. The refrigeration units 2a, 2b, and 2d are caused to execute “Process B” in which the brine is cooled by the low-temperature side refrigeration circuit 20 (evaporator 24) while cooling the cooling unit 22.

  As a result, the brine whose temperature has risen due to the cooling of the hydrogen gas in the heat exchanger 3 for cooling the hydrogen gas is sufficiently cooled to an extremely low temperature below -33 ° C., and the operation is continued without being stopped. In the brine tank 4 by the four units of the refrigeration unit 2c that executes the “process A” and the “refrigeration units 2a, 2b, and 2d that have been restarted from the stopped state and execute the“ process B ”. Each of the “processing B” is executed until the brine temperature of −55 ° C. falls below −55 ° C. As a result, since the cryogenic brine suitable for cooling the hydrogen gas is continuously supplied to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 that is cooling the hydrogen gas, the temperature of −33 ° C. to −40 ° C. A state in which the hydrogen gas can be sufficiently cooled to a temperature within the range is maintained.

  When the filling of hydrogen gas into the automobile (vehicle side tank) is completed, an air supply end signal is output from the gas station side equipment X to the control unit 7 of the hydrogen gas cooling device 1. At this time, the control unit 7 that has determined that the cooling of the hydrogen gas has been completed specifies the temperature of the brine in the heat exchanger 3 for cooling the hydrogen gas based on the sensor signal S3a from the temperature sensor 3a, and the specified temperature Accordingly, the process for controlling the three-way valves Va and Vb and the two-way valve Vc is executed as described above. Further, the control unit 7 specifies the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 based on the sensor signal S4a from the temperature sensor 4a, and the above-described “first processing” and “second processing” based on the specified temperature. ”Is executed. As a result, when the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 is not cooled, the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 is kept below −55 ° C. and the refrigeration during operation is maintained. Units 2 are stopped one by one.

  As described above, the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 includes a plurality of refrigeration units 2 having a binary refrigeration circuit, and the control unit 7 operates a plurality of refrigeration units 2 in a state where the “heating medium liquid circulation path” is operated. The temperature of the brine at “a first predefined position (in this example, in the brine tank 4)” falls below “a first predefined temperature (−55 ° C. in this example)”. The temperature of the brine at the “predetermined first position” is lower than the “predetermined first temperature” at the time when the preliminarily defined time (300 seconds in this example) has elapsed. “First process (in this example, a process for stopping the refrigeration unit 2)” that reduces the refrigeration capacity of one of the operating refrigeration units 2 when the “first condition” is satisfied. And one refrigeration unit 2 To remain a refrigeration unit 2 in operation is operated without stopping when the "first condition" is satisfied in a state in which to operate.

  Therefore, according to the hydrogen gas cooling device 1, the temperature of the brine supplied to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 needs to be sufficiently lowered to the “first temperature”, and all the refrigeration units 2 need to be operated continuously. By reducing the refrigeration capacity of at least one refrigeration unit 2 by executing the “first process” when there is not, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the brine is overcooled, and to reduce the refrigeration capacity. Energy consumption by the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 can be reduced by the amount of the unit 2. Further, by continuing to operate at least one refrigeration unit 2, even if the temperature of the brine rises due to cooling of hydrogen gas, for example, the brine is quickly cooled by the refrigeration unit 2 that continues to operate, Since the brine having a temperature suitable for gas cooling can be continuously supplied to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3, the hydrogen gas can be reliably cooled in the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3. .

  Further, according to the hydrogen gas cooling device 1, the control unit 7 determines that the brine temperature at the “predetermined first position” is “predetermined second temperature (−52 ° C. in this example)”. "Second processing (this example) that raises the refrigeration capacity of at least one of the refrigeration units 2 that are reducing the refrigeration capacity when the" second condition "is exceeded. Then, even if the temperature of the brine suddenly rises due to cooling of hydrogen gas, for example, by the refrigeration unit 2 having increased refrigeration capacity, the process of starting the operation of the stopped refrigeration unit 2) is performed. Therefore, the brine having a temperature suitable for cooling the hydrogen gas can be reliably supplied to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3, and the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 can supply hydrogen. gas It is possible to more reliably cooled.

  Furthermore, in this hydrogen gas cooling device 1, in addition to the evaporator 14 for cooling the condenser 22 of the low temperature side refrigeration circuit 20, the evaporator 16 capable of cooling brine, and the supply of refrigerant to the evaporators 14, 16 The high temperature side refrigeration circuit 10 is configured to include electromagnetic valves 13a, 15a and electronic expansion valves 13b, 15b for adjusting the amount, and the brine is evaporated in the evaporator 16 and the low temperature side refrigeration circuit 20 in the high temperature side refrigeration circuit 10. The evaporators 16 and 24 are connected to each other by the brine pipe 5 (pipe 5b) so as to pass through the vessel 24 in this order, and the control unit 7 makes the refrigeration unit 2 in the stopped state in the “second processing”. When the refrigeration capacity of the refrigeration unit 2 is increased by starting the operation, the brine is cooled by the evaporator 16 without cooling the brine by the evaporator 24. After performing “Processing A”, the solenoid valves 13a and 15a and the electronic expansion valves 13b and 15b are controlled to increase the amount of refrigerant supplied to the evaporator 14 compared to when “Processing A” is performed. “Process B” is performed in which the brine is cooled by the evaporator 24 while the condenser 22 is cooled by 14.

  Therefore, according to this hydrogen gas cooling device 1, when the temperature of the brine is high and the refrigeration capacity is increased, the cooling of the brine in the low temperature side refrigeration circuit 20 is not performed by the cooling of the brine by the low temperature side refrigeration circuit 20. Since it is possible to avoid an excessive rise, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the compressor 21 is damaged or an emergency stop of the low temperature side refrigeration circuit 20 in order to avoid damage to the compressor 21. In addition, when the temperature of the brine is high, “Process A” is executed, and the high temperature side refrigeration circuit 10 (evaporator 16) suitable for cooling the high temperature brine cools the brine for a short time. The low temperature side refrigeration circuit 20 (evaporator) capable of cooling the brine to an extremely low temperature by executing “Process B” when the temperature of the brine is lowered to a temperature that can be suitably cooled by the low temperature side refrigeration circuit 20. By cooling the brine according to 24), the hot brine can be reliably cooled to the target temperature in a short time. Thereby, the amount of energy required to lower the brine to the target temperature can also be reduced.

  Further, according to the hydrogen gas cooling device 1, the brine tank 4 and the “first pipe” including the pipes 5 c and 5 d for supplying the brine cooled by the refrigeration unit 2 to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 are arranged. A two-way valve Vc that adjusts the amount of brine supplied to the heat exchanger 3 for cooling the hydrogen gas, and a three-way valve that is disposed in the “first piping” and adjusts the return amount of the brine to the brine tank 4 Valves Va and Vb, and the control unit 7 predefines the temperature of the brine in the “second predefined position (in this example, in the heat exchanger 3 for cooling hydrogen gas)” in the brine circulation path. When the “third condition” that is lower than the “third temperature (−38 ° C. in this example)” is satisfied, the three-way valves Va and Vb and the two-way valve Vc are controlled. Decrease the amount of brine supplied to heat exchanger 3 for cooling hydrogen gas By executing the “third process”, it is possible to suitably avoid the situation where the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 is supercooled. As a result, the pipe in the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 is overcooled. Thus, the service life of the heat exchanger 3 for cooling the hydrogen gas can be sufficiently extended by avoiding the deterioration.

  Further, according to the hydrogen gas cooling device 1, the control unit 7 determines that the temperature of the brine at the “predetermined second position” is higher than the “third temperature”. When the “fourth condition” that “the temperature (in this example, −35 ° C.)” is satisfied, the three-way valves Va and Vb and the two-way valve Vc are controlled to perform heat exchange for cooling the hydrogen gas. By executing the “fourth process” that increases the amount of brine supplied to the vessel 3, the cryogenic brine suitable for cooling the hydrogen gas is reliably supplied to the heat exchanger 3 for cooling the hydrogen gas. As a result, the hydrogen gas can be reliably cooled in the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3.

  Further, according to the hydrogen gas cooling device 1, the temperature of the brine specified by the control unit 7 based on the sensor signal S 4 a from the temperature sensor 4 a disposed in the brine tank 4 is “pre-defined first By specifying the temperature of the heat transfer fluid at the position, for example, the temperature of the brine at a position different from the “first position” is monitored, and the temperature of the brine at the “first position” is calculated and calculated. Unlike the “hydrogen gas cooling device” configured to execute the “first process” by determining whether the “first condition” or the like is satisfied based on the temperature, the sensor signal S4a from the temperature sensor 4a. Since it is possible to directly determine whether or not the “first condition” or the like is satisfied based on the temperature of the brine specified by the “first process”, the “first process” is performed without executing a complicated calculation process. Etc. Brine running can be cooled efficiently. Further, by adopting a configuration for monitoring the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 in which a large amount of brine is stored, the “first condition” is based on the average temperature of the brine as the entire hydrogen gas cooling device 1. It is possible to accurately determine whether or not the above is satisfied.

  The configuration of the “hydrogen gas cooling device” is not limited to the configuration of the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 described above. For example, the number of “refrigeration units” constituting the “hydrogen gas cooling device” is not limited to four as in the example of the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 described above, and two, three, and five or more arbitrary units The number of “refrigeration units” can be provided. Further, the “high temperature side refrigeration circuit” in the “refrigeration unit” includes a “third evaporator (evaporator 16)” like the high temperature side refrigeration circuit 10 of the refrigeration unit 2 in the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 described above. Not limited to the refrigeration circuit, the “condenser” of the “low temperature side refrigeration circuit” is cooled by the “evaporator” of the “high temperature side refrigeration circuit” and the “heating medium liquid” is cooled by the “evaporator” of the “low temperature side refrigeration circuit”. This can be configured with a normal two-stage refrigeration circuit configured to be capable of cooling.

  Furthermore, although the description has been given by taking as an example a configuration in which the process of reducing the refrigeration capacity by stopping the operating refrigeration unit 2 when the “first condition” is satisfied is executed as the “first process” Instead of such a configuration, the opening degree of the “expansion valve” and the operation of the “compressor” in at least one of the “refrigeration units” operating when the “first condition” is satisfied. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the process of reducing the refrigerating capacity by reducing the refrigerant supply amount to the “evaporator” by adjusting the speed is executed as the “first process”. In addition, the number of units whose refrigeration capacity is decreased in the “first process” is not limited to one, and a configuration in which the refrigeration capacity is decreased in any two or more units can be employed.

  Furthermore, a configuration in which a process of increasing the refrigeration capacity by operating (re-starting) the refrigeration unit 2 in a stopped state when the “second condition” is satisfied is executed as a “second process” is taken as an example. In the case of adopting a configuration in which the refrigeration capacity is reduced without stopping the refrigeration unit 2 in the “first process”, the refrigeration capacity is satisfied when the “second condition” is satisfied. In at least one of the “refrigeration units” that reduce the amount of refrigerant, the amount of refrigerant supplied to the “evaporator” can be increased by adjusting the opening of the “expansion valve” and the operating speed of the “compressor”. A configuration in which the process of increasing the refrigeration capacity is executed as the “second process” may be employed. Further, the number of units that increase the refrigeration capacity in the “second processing” is not limited to “all of the refrigeration units that decrease the refrigeration capacity”, and the configuration that increases the refrigeration capacity in any one or more units. Can be adopted.

  Furthermore, in the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 described above, when the temperature of the brine cooled by each refrigeration unit 2 is high (when the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 is −33 ° C. or higher), the low-temperature side refrigeration circuit 20 The brine is cooled by the evaporator 16 of the high-temperature side refrigeration circuit 10 without cooling, but instead of such a configuration, even when the temperature of the brine is high, the high-temperature side refrigeration circuit 10 ( A configuration in which the brine is cooled by both the evaporator 16) and the low temperature side refrigeration circuit 20 (evaporator 24) can be employed.

  Further, the inside of the brine tank 4 is set as “a first predetermined position in the heat medium liquid circulation path”, and the inside of the heat exchanger 3 for cooling the hydrogen gas is “a predetermined first position in the heat medium liquid circulation path”. The configuration of specifying the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 and the temperature of the brine in the heat exchanger 3 for cooling the hydrogen gas has been described as an example as the “position 2”, but the “first position” and the “second position” are described. Is not limited to this example. Further, the “first position” and “second position” based on the brine temperature at an arbitrary position in the brine pipe 5 (a position different from the “first position” and the “second position”). A configuration for specifying (calculating) the temperature of the brine can also be adopted.

  Further, in place of the brine tank 4 in the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 described above, a brine tank (liquid storage tank) capable of storing brine that has passed through the evaporator 24 of each refrigeration unit 2 is provided, and hydrogen is supplied from the brine tank. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which brine is supplied to the gas cooling heat exchanger 3 to cool the hydrogen gas. Specifically, as an example, among the components of the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 described above, the brine tank 4 is removed, the pipe 5e is directly connected to each pipe 5a, and the three-way valves Va, Vb and the pipe 5f are removed. The pipe 5c is directly connected to the pipe 5d, and as shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 1, the brine tank 8 (between the connection part of the pipe 5d with the pipe 5c and the part of the two-way valve Vc is provided. Another example of “liquid storage tank” is provided.

  By adopting such a configuration, the brine cooled by each refrigeration unit 2 is stored in the brine tank 8 and then supplied from the brine tank 8 to the heat exchanger 3 for cooling the hydrogen gas, and the heat exchange for cooling the hydrogen gas. The brine recovered from the vessel 3 can be directly supplied to each refrigeration unit 2 and cooled, and then stored again in the brine tank 8. In this case, in the “hydrogen gas cooling device” having such a configuration, a portion between the brine tank 8 and the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 in the pipe 5d corresponds to the “second pipe”. A two-way valve Vc disposed in the “second pipe” corresponds to a “third adjustment valve” and adjusts the amount of brine supplied from the brine tank 8 to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3.

  Further, in the “hydrogen gas cooling device” configured to supply brine from the brine tank 8 to the heat exchanger 3 for cooling hydrogen gas, as an example, the control unit 7 includes a “predetermined first in the heat medium liquid circulation path”. The temperature of the heat transfer fluid at the position 2 (as an example, in the heat exchanger 3 for cooling hydrogen gas) is substantially lower than the “predetermined third temperature (for example, −38 ° C.)”. When the “fifth condition” is satisfied, the two-way valve Vc as the “third regulating valve” is controlled to supply the heat transfer fluid from the brine tank 8 to the heat exchanger 3 for cooling the hydrogen gas. By executing the “fifth process” to reduce the amount, the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 can be suitably avoided from being overcooled in the same manner as the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 described above. Avoid deterioration caused by overcooling of the piping in the heat exchanger 3 for gas cooling The useful life of the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 can be sufficiently long.

  Furthermore, in the “hydrogen gas cooling device” configured to supply the brine from the brine tank 8 to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3, as an example, the control unit 7 has the above-mentioned “predetermined second position”. Satisfies the “sixth condition” that the temperature of the heat transfer liquid substantially exceeds the “predetermined fourth temperature (for example, −35 ° C.)” higher than the “third temperature”. When this is done, the “sixth process” for increasing the supply amount of the heat transfer fluid from the brine tank 8 to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 by controlling the two-way valve Vc as the “third regulating valve”. ”Is performed, the cryogenic heat transfer fluid suitable for cooling the hydrogen gas can be reliably supplied to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 in the same manner as the hydrogen gas cooling device 1 described above. As a result, the hydrogen gas is reliably cooled in the heat exchanger 3 for cooling the hydrogen gas. Door can be.

  In addition, the state that “the temperature of the heat transfer liquid at the first predetermined position in the heat transfer medium circulation path is substantially lower than the first predetermined temperature” is “the first position at the first position”. A state that the temperature of the heat transfer liquid is lower than the first temperature defined in advance (for example, “the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 (first position) is −55 ° C. (first predetermined temperature) Not only in the state of “below the temperature)”, but also “the temperature of the heat transfer liquid at a position different from the first position in the heat transfer medium circulation path”, “at a predetermined position in the high temperature side refrigeration circuit” “Refrigerant temperature”, “refrigerant temperature at a predetermined position in the low temperature side refrigeration circuit”, “temperature difference between refrigerant temperatures at two predetermined positions in the high temperature side refrigeration circuit”, “in the low temperature side refrigeration circuit” "Temperature difference in refrigerant temperature at two predefined positions", "High "Refrigerant pressure at a predetermined position in the side refrigeration circuit", "refrigerant pressure at a predetermined position in the low temperature side refrigeration circuit", "refrigerant pressure at two predetermined positions in the high temperature side refrigeration circuit" Various parameters such as “Differential Pressure” and “Differential Pressure of Refrigerant Pressure at Two Predetermined Positions in the Low-Temperature Refrigerating Circuit” indicate that “the temperature of the heat transfer fluid at the first position is predetermined. This includes a state where the value satisfies the condition of “below 1 temperature”.

  Similarly, the state that “the temperature of the heat transfer fluid at the first predetermined position in the heat transfer fluid circulation path substantially exceeds the second predetermined temperature” The state that the temperature of the heat transfer fluid at the position exceeds a predetermined second temperature (for example, “the temperature of the brine in the brine tank 4 (first position) is −52 ° C. (the predetermined first temperature) 2) (the temperature of the heat transfer medium at a position different from the first position in the heat transfer medium circulation path), “predetermined in the high temperature side refrigeration circuit” "Refrigerant temperature at a position", "refrigerant temperature at a predetermined position in the low temperature side refrigeration circuit", "temperature difference between the refrigerant temperatures at two predetermined positions in the high temperature side refrigeration circuit", "low temperature side refrigeration circuit" Temperature difference of refrigerant temperature at two predefined positions in “Refrigerant pressure at a predetermined position in the high temperature side refrigeration circuit”, “refrigerant pressure at a predetermined position in the low temperature side refrigeration circuit”, “refrigerant at two predetermined positions in the high temperature side refrigeration circuit” Various parameters, such as “pressure differential pressure” and “refrigerant pressure differential pressure at two predefined positions in the low temperature side refrigeration circuit”, are defined as “the temperature of the heat transfer fluid at the first position is predefined. This includes a state that satisfies the condition of “exceeding the second temperature”.

  Furthermore, the state that “the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the second predetermined position in the heat transfer medium is substantially lower than the third predetermined temperature” is “the second position at the second position”. The state that the temperature of the heat transfer liquid is lower than a predetermined third temperature (for example, “the temperature of the brine in the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 (second position) is −38 ° C. (predetermined The temperature of the heat transfer medium at a position different from the second position in the heat transfer medium circulation path ”,“ the temperature in the high temperature side refrigeration circuit in advance ” “Refrigerant temperature at a prescribed position”, “refrigerant temperature at a prescribed position in the low temperature side refrigeration circuit”, “temperature difference between refrigerant temperatures at two prescribed positions in the high temperature side refrigeration circuit”, “low temperature” Temperature of the refrigerant temperature at two predefined positions in the side refrigeration circuit ”,“ Refrigerant pressure at a predefined position in the high temperature side refrigeration circuit ”,“ refrigerant pressure at a predefined position in the low temperature side refrigeration circuit ”,“ two predefined positions in the high temperature side refrigeration circuit ” Various parameters such as “the differential pressure between the refrigerant pressures at the low-temperature side refrigeration circuit” and “the differential pressure between the refrigerant pressures at two predetermined positions in the low-temperature side refrigeration circuit” This includes a state where the value satisfies the condition “below the prescribed third temperature”.

  Similarly, the state that “the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the second predetermined position in the heat transfer medium substantially exceeds the predetermined fourth temperature” The state that the temperature of the heat transfer fluid at the position exceeds a predetermined fourth temperature (for example, “the temperature of the brine in the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 (second position) is −35 ° C. ( 4) the temperature exceeding the pre-specified 4) temperature), “the temperature of the heat transfer fluid at a position different from the second position in the heat transfer fluid circulation path”, “in the high temperature side refrigeration circuit Refrigerant temperature at a pre-defined position of "," refrigerant temperature at a pre-defined position in the low-temperature side refrigeration circuit "," temperature difference between refrigerant temperatures at two pre-defined positions in the high-temperature side refrigeration circuit ", “Refrigerant temperature at two predefined locations in the low-temperature refrigeration circuit "Degree difference", "refrigerant pressure at a predetermined position in the high temperature side refrigeration circuit", "refrigerant pressure at a predetermined position in the low temperature side refrigeration circuit", "predetermined 2 in the high temperature side refrigeration circuit" Various parameters such as “the differential pressure between the refrigerant pressures at one position” and “the differential pressure between the refrigerant pressures at two predetermined positions in the low-temperature side refrigeration circuit” can be expressed as “the temperature of the heat transfer fluid at the second position”. This includes a state where the value satisfies the condition of “exceeds a predetermined fourth temperature”.

  Further, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which brine is circulated between each refrigeration unit 2 and the heat exchanger 3 for cooling hydrogen gas without providing a “liquid storage tank” such as the brine tanks 4 and 8 (not shown). ) Further, an example of a configuration in which the hydrogen gas cooling process is started in conjunction with the output of the air supply start signal from the gas station side equipment X and the hydrogen gas cooling process is ended in conjunction with the output of the air supply end signal. As described above, instead of such a configuration, for example, the temperature of the brine flowing out from the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger 3 is monitored, and the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger is started along with the start of charging of the hydrogen gas. When the temperature of the brine flowing out from 3 becomes equal to or higher than the specified temperature, the cooling process of the hydrogen gas is started, and the temperature of the brine flowing out from the heat exchanger 3 for cooling the hydrogen gas as the filling of the hydrogen gas ends is the specified temperature. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which the cooling process of the hydrogen gas is terminated when the temperature is lower than.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hydrogen gas cooling device 2a-2d Refrigeration unit 3 Heat exchanger for hydrogen gas cooling 3a, 4a Temperature sensor 4 Brine tank 5 Brine piping 5a-5f Piping 6a, 6b Liquid feed pump 7 Control part 10 High temperature side freezing circuit 11, 21 Compressor 12, 22 Condenser 13a, 15a Solenoid valve 13b, 15b, 23 Electronic expansion valve 14, 16, 24 Evaporator 20 Low temperature side refrigeration circuit S3a, S4a Sensor signal Va, Vb Three-way valve Vc Two-way valve

Claims (6)

A dual refrigeration circuit configured to cool the condenser of the low temperature side refrigeration circuit by the first evaporator in the high temperature side refrigeration circuit and to cool the heat transfer fluid by the second evaporator in the low temperature side refrigeration circuit; A plurality of refrigeration units;
A heat medium liquid pipe constituting a heat medium liquid circulation path for circulating the heat medium liquid between the refrigeration units and the heat exchanger for cooling hydrogen gas;
A control unit for controlling the operation of each refrigeration unit,
The high temperature side refrigeration circuit includes a third evaporator capable of cooling the heat transfer fluid, a refrigerant supply amount adjusting valve for adjusting a supply amount of the refrigerant to the first evaporator and the third evaporator, With
The heating medium liquid pipe connects the evaporators for each refrigeration unit so that the heating medium liquid passes through the third evaporator and the second evaporator in this order,
In the state where the plurality of the refrigeration units are operated, the control unit sets a first temperature at which the temperature of the heat transfer medium liquid at a first predetermined position in the heat transfer liquid circulation path is predetermined. The temperature of the heat transfer liquid at the first position defined in advance is substantially lower than the first temperature defined in advance when a predetermined time elapses after substantially falling below. A state in which the first process of reducing the refrigeration capacity of one of the operating refrigeration units when the first condition is satisfied is executed, and only one of the refrigeration units is operated. Maintaining the operating state without stopping the refrigeration unit in operation when the first condition is satisfied ,
When the second condition that the temperature of the heat transfer liquid at the first predetermined position substantially exceeds the second predetermined temperature is satisfied, the refrigeration capacity is reduced. Performing a second process for increasing the refrigeration capacity of at least one of the refrigeration units that is in operation, and starting the operation of the refrigeration unit in a stopped state in the second process, thereby freezing the refrigeration unit When the capacity is increased, the refrigerant supply amount adjustment is performed after performing the process A for cooling the heat transfer fluid by the third evaporator without cooling the heat transfer fluid by the second evaporator. By controlling the valve to increase the supply amount of the refrigerant to the first evaporator from the time of execution of the process A, the second evaporator cools the condenser by the first evaporator. Cool the heat transfer fluid Hydrogen gas cooling device for executing processing B. A storage tank configured to be able to store the heat transfer fluid recovered from the heat exchanger for cooling the hydrogen gas and arranged to be able to supply the stored heat transfer solution to the refrigeration units;
Of the heat medium liquid pipe, the heat medium liquid cooled by the refrigeration unit is disposed in a first pipe for supplying the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger. At least one of a first adjustment valve that adjusts the supply amount of the heat transfer fluid and a second adjustment valve that is disposed in the first piping and adjusts the return amount of the heat transfer solution to the liquid storage tank. And a regulating valve
The control unit has a third condition that the temperature of the heat transfer liquid at the second predetermined position in the heat transfer liquid circulation path is substantially lower than the third predetermined temperature. when is met, No placement claim 1 Symbol executes at least one of controlling the control valve a third process of reducing the supply amount of the heat medium liquid to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger Hydrogen gas cooling device. The control unit is configured such that the temperature of the heat transfer liquid at the predetermined second position substantially exceeds a predetermined fourth temperature that is higher than the third temperature. when the condition of is met, according to claim 2, wherein performing said at least one of controlling the control valve fourth process for increasing the supply amount of the heat medium liquid to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger Hydrogen gas cooling device. A storage tank configured to be able to store the heat transfer fluid cooled by the refrigeration unit and to be able to supply the stored heat transfer solution to the heat exchanger for cooling hydrogen gas, and
Of the heat medium liquid pipe, the heat medium liquid stored in the liquid storage tank is arranged in a second pipe for supplying the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger to the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger. A third adjustment valve that adjusts the supply amount of the heat transfer fluid,
5th condition that the said control part is the temperature of the said heat transfer medium liquid in the 2nd predetermined position in the said heat transfer liquid circulating path substantially lower than the 3rd predetermined temperature. when is met, No placement claim 1 Symbol executes a fifth process of reducing the supply amount of the heat transfer fluid of the to third controls the regulating valve the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger Hydrogen gas cooling device. The control unit has a sixth function in which the temperature of the heat transfer liquid at the predetermined second position substantially exceeds a predetermined fourth temperature that is higher than the third temperature. when the condition of is met, according to claim 4, wherein executing the processing in the sixth to increase the supply amount of the heat transfer fluid of the to third adjustment valve the hydrogen gas cooling heat exchanger to control the Hydrogen gas cooling device. A temperature sensor that is disposed in the liquid storage tank and detects the temperature of the heat transfer fluid stored in the liquid tank;
The control unit, one of claims 2 to 5, specific to the temperature of the heat transfer fluid in a first position in which the temperature of the heat medium liquid identified on the basis of the sensor signals the pre defined from said temperature sensor A hydrogen gas cooling device according to claim 1.

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