JPH01216024A - Drive device for hydrogen engine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent running out of hydrogen, by a method wherein, from the detecting results of a pressure in a containing means for a metallic hydride, generating hydrogen gas by heating, and the temperature of a metallic hydride, a hydrogen content of the metallic hydride is computed, and an alarm is generated. CONSTITUTION:The downstream side of a hot water line 3, through which cooling water for an engine 4 is circulated, is branched into 3 sections, and branch lines 3a-3c run through containers 1 and 1 and an auxiliary container 2, respectively. The containers 1 and 2 are filled with a metallic hydride processed to form a fine granulate, and hydrogen gas is generated by the passage of hot water therethrough. The hydrogen gas is collected, and is introduced to a carburetor through a gas line 22 to run the engine 4. In this case, a pressure sensor 7 and a temperature sensor 8 are mounted in one container 1, and based on a detected hydrogen gas pressure and metallic hydride temperature, the hydrogen content of the metallic hydride is computed. When the hydrogen content is decreased to a value lower than a lower limit allowable value, an alarm lamp is actuated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a drive device for a hydrogen engine.

[Conventional technology]

Hydrogen engine vehicles are driven by heating a metal hydride that stores hydrogen to generate hydrogen gas, which is then sent to the engine. That is, the hydrogen storage alloy is pressurized and cooled in a hydrogen gas atmosphere to react with the hydrogen gas and store hydrogen in the form of a metal hydride compound.

Moreover, when this metal hydride is heated and depressurized, hydrogen gas is released. Focusing on this reversible reaction, the hydrogen gas produced by heat exchange is used as energy to drive the engine.

The above-mentioned hydrogen storage alloy (metal hydride) absorbs and desorbs hydrogen, for example, as shown in the change represented by the hysteresis curve at temperature T1 in FIG. 4(a). In other words, the hydrogen pressure required for hydrogen storage in the hydrogen storage alloy shown by the chain line increases from zero hydrogen content point A until the hydrogen content reaches a predetermined value, and then reaches a plateau that extends horizontally between points B and C. When the pressure reaches the 8N range, hydrogen is stored at a constant pressure regardless of the hydrogen content. When the hydrogen content of the hydrogen storage alloy reaches a predetermined amount at point C, the pressure required for hydrogen storage shows an upward change until reaching the upper limit point.

In addition, the amount of hydrogen released as the metal hydride is heated, that is, the pressure, shows a downward change from the upper limit point at ° on the solid line, and after showing a predetermined decline, reaches a plateau between points E and F. In this case, a constant pressure of hydrogen is released, regardless of changes in the hydrogen content.

In the plateau region, when the hydrogen content of the metal hydride decreases to a predetermined amount, the hydrogen release pressure decreases again at point F, the hydrogen pressure decreases, and the hydrogen content reaches 0 point A, and the hydrogen end the emission of.

The hydrogen absorption and desorption characteristics of these metal hydrides are easily affected by temperature, and hysteresis curves showing these characteristics are set for each temperature. The pressure values a, a', b, b'' in the plateau region of the curve are the reciprocal of temperature 1/TI, as shown in FIG. 4(b).

Determined by 1/T2.

There is a device shown in FIG. 3 that drives the hydrogen engine described above. This device communicates the engine 32 with a plurality of storage containers 27 via a pipe line 28. When the engine cooling water passes through the engine 32, it is heated to become hot water, and this hot water is force-fed to the storage container 27 via the pipe 28 by a water bomb (path shown) provided inside the engine 32.

The storage containers 27 are filled with fine-grained metal hydride, and hot water flows through the pipes 28 that extend around the inside of each storage container 27 while heating the metal hydride. After this, the pipe 2 passes through the storage container 27 and returns to the engine 32.
8, the hot water is cooled down and used as cooling water again to cool the engine 32. This action is performed continuously,
The metal hydride in the container 27 is always heated.

On the other hand, hydrogen gas is released from the metal hydride heated by the hot water, and this hydrogen gas is pumped into the engine 32 via the gas pipe 29 in an amount corresponding to the operating angle of the accelerator 30 to drive the engine. do.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, in the drive system for the hydrogen engine vehicle described above, the metal hydride in the storage container 27 releases hydrogen due to the hot water sent from the engine 32, and when the plateau region is exceeded, the pressure of the released hydrogen decreases rapidly. Therefore, there is a problem that the amount of hydrogen gas supplied to the engine 32 is drastically reduced, and the engine 32 suddenly stops.

This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its first purpose is to display a warning when the hydrogen content of the metal hydride falls below a set value to notify the driver that the hydrogen is almost running out. An object of the present invention is to provide a warning display device for a hydrogen engine that makes you aware of this.

The second purpose of this invention is to heat the spare metal hydride to release hydrogen gas when the hydrogen content of the metal hydride falls below a set value, thereby preventing hydrogen gas from running out and avoiding engine shutdown. An object of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen emergency supply device for a hydrogen engine that can be used in a hydrogen engine.

The third purpose of this invention is to display a warning when the hydrogen content of the metal hydride falls below a set value, prompting hydrogen replenishment;
Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a hydrogen engine drive device that can prevent hydrogen gas from running out and avoid stopping the engine.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to achieve the above object, the first invention of the present application includes a storage means for storing a metal hydride, and a heating medium introduced into the storage means and passing through the storage means to heat the metal hydride and generate hydrogen gas. In a hydrogen engine drive device comprising a heating pipe for discharging and an engine connected to the storage means and driven by hydrogen gas supplied from the hydrogen gas, the pressure and temperature of the metal hydride in the storage means are detected. a detection means for calculating the hydrogen content of the metal hydride based on the detection result of the detection means, and a determination means for determining that the hydrogen content has fallen below the lower limit tolerance;
and warning display means for displaying a warning in accordance with a signal output by the control means based on the determination by the determination means.

Further, the second invention of the present application provides a storage means for storing a metal hydride, a heating pipe that is introduced into the storage means and heats the metal hydride with a heating medium passing through the inside to release hydrogen gas, In a hydrogen engine driving device comprising an engine that is communicated with the storage means via a gas pipe line and is driven by hydrogen gas supplied from the storage means, the hydrogen engine is operated in a state where passage of the heating medium is always blocked. A heating pipe is introduced, auxiliary storage means is always shut off from the engine, and contains a reserve metal hydride; a detection means for detecting the pressure in the storage means and the temperature of the metal hydride; A determination means for calculating the hydrogen content of the metal hydride based on the detection result of the detection means and determining that the hydrogen content has fallen below the lower limit tolerance, and a control means based on the determination result of the determination means. In accordance with the output signal, the heating pipe line extending to the accommodation means is cut off, the heating pipe line entering the auxiliary accommodation means is opened, and communication between the accommodation means and the engine is cut off, and the auxiliary accommodation means and the engine are disconnected. and switching means for communication.

Furthermore, the third invention of the present application provides a storage means for storing a metal hydride, a heating pipe that is introduced into the storage means and heats the metal hydride with a heating medium passing through the inside to release hydrogen gas, In a hydrogen engine driving device comprising an engine that is communicated with the storage means via a gas pipe line and is driven by hydrogen gas supplied from the storage means, the hydrogen engine is operated in a state where passage of the heating medium is always blocked. auxiliary storage means into which a heating pipe is introduced and which is always shut off from the engine and contains a reserve metal hydride; a detection means for detecting the pressure in the storage means and the temperature of the metal hydride; Judgment means for calculating the hydrogen content of the metal hydride in the storage means based on the detection result of the detection means and determining whether the hydrogen content exceeds a lower limit tolerance;
a warning display means for displaying a warning based on a signal output by the control means in accordance with the determination result of the determination means; and a heating pipe extending to the accommodation means is cut off based on a signal output by the control means according to the determination result of the determination means. In addition, a switching means is provided to open the heating pipe line entering the auxiliary accommodating means, to cut off communication between the accommodating means and the engine, and to connect the auxiliary accommodating means to the engine. do.

[Effect]

By employing the above-mentioned means, the first invention of the present application is such that the detection means detects the pressure within the storage means and the temperature of the metal hydride, and based on the detection result of the detection means, the judgment means determines whether the metal hydride contains hydrogen or not. When it is determined that the amount has fallen below the lower limit tolerance, the warning display means displays a warning in response to a signal from the control means.

Further, in the second invention of the present application, the detection means detects the pressure within the storage means and the temperature of the metal hydride, and based on the detection result of the detection means, the determination means determines whether the hydrogen content of the metal hydride is below the lower limit tolerance value. When it is determined that the switching means has received a signal from the control means, the switching means cuts off the heating pipe line extending to the storage means and opens the heating pipe line entering the auxiliary storage means;
Further, the communication between the accommodation means and the engine is cut off, and the auxiliary accommodation means and the engine are brought into communication, so that the hydrogen gas released from the preliminary metal hydride in the auxiliary accommodation means is supplied to the engine.

Furthermore, in the third invention of the present application, when the hydrogen content of the metal hydride falls below the lower limit permissible value, the warning display means displays a warning and the hydrogen gas released from the preliminary metal hydride in the auxiliary storage means is supplied to the engine. done at the same time.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a drive device for a hydrogen engine in a forklift truck will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1-2.

An exhaust gas pipe H is communicated within the engine 4, and
A water pump (not shown) is provided inside the gable, and cooling water flowing into the pump flows through piping inside the engine 4 to cool the engine 4 while it is in operation, thereby preventing heat from rising in the engine 4. do. This cooling water becomes hot water as a heating medium due to the heat of the engine 4, and flows downstream in the hot water pipe 3 connected thereto.

The hot water pipe 3 is branched into three, and these branch pipes 3a
, 3b and the hot water pipe 3 constitute a heating pipe.

Two branch pipes 3a of the hot water pipe 3 each extend into a pair of storage containers l as storage means via electromagnetic on-off valves 5 as switching means, and the remaining one branch pipe 3b
(extends into the auxiliary storage container 2 as the auxiliary storage means via the electromagnetic on-off valve 6 as the switching means.

The storage container 1 is filled with a metal hydride processed into fine particles, and the branch pipe 3a increases the thermal efficiency inside the storage container 1. It has been derived.

Further, metal hydride is formed by cooling a titanium-iron-based hydrogen storage alloy in a hydrogen gas atmosphere, and releases hydrogen gas when heated to a preset temperature or higher. Therefore, when hot water with a temperature higher than the set temperature flows through the branch pipe 3a in the container 1 and the metal hydride is heated to the set temperature or higher, it is dissociated and hydrogen gas is released.

Further, the auxiliary container 2 is filled with metal hydride processed into fine particles in the same way as the container 1, and the branch pipe 3b is bent into a meandering shape and then led out to the outside. There is. Since the auxiliary storage container 2 is set to have a smaller volume than the storage container 1, its thermal efficiency is greater than that of the storage container 1.

One of the containers 1 is provided with a pressure sensor 7 and a temperature sensor 8 as detection means for detecting these internal pressures, respectively, to measure the pressure of hydrogen gas released from the metal hydride and the temperature of the metal hydride. It is designed to be detected. According to the detection values detected by the pressure sensor 7 and temperature sensor 8, the on-off valves 5 and 6 provided in each of the branch pipes 3a and 3b are opened and closed, and hot water is supplied from the engine 4 to the storage container l and the auxiliary water via the hot water pipe 3. Passage of hot water sent to the storage container 2 is allowed and prevented.

The branch pipes 3a and 3b merge into one on the downstream side of the storage container 1 and the auxiliary storage container 2, and extend to the engine 4 as a return pipe 1O, in which the hot water flowing therein is cooled while flowing and is re-circulated. The water flows into the water pump in the engine 4 as cooling water. Then, the cooling water cools the engine 4 again, becomes hot water, and repeats the same process as above.

Passage pipes 11 and 12 through which internally generated hydrogen gas passes are connected to each of the storage vessels 1 and the small storage pipes 2, respectively. The passage pipe 11 has an electromagnetic on-off valve 13 as a switching means on the downstream side of the storage container l, and the passage pipe 12 has an electromagnetic on-off valve as a switching means on the downstream side of the auxiliary storage container 2. 14 are provided. After this, the pipes 11 and 12 are merged into one gas pipe 22.
The gas pipe 22 includes a mechanical safety valve 15 that opens when the pressure of hydrogen gas exceeds a preset allowable pressure value and allows the hydrogen gas to flow outside. A pressure control device 16 and a flow rate control device 17 are provided to appropriately control pressure and flow rate. Furthermore, pressure gauges 18 to 20 are arranged upstream of these, respectively. The gas pipe 22 extends to the accelerator 21, which communicates with the carburetor of the engine 4. The hydrogen gas supplied thereto is mixed with air and then exploded in the combustion chamber to drive the engine 4. It is supposed to be done.

A charge pipe 25 equipped with a manual on-off valve 26 is connected to the gas pipe 22, and when the hydrogen content of the metal hydride in the storage container 1 and/or the auxiliary storage container 2 decreases, the charge pipe 25 is equipped with a manual on-off valve 26. It is connected to the cylinder 24. 1. The hydrogen storage alloy stores hydrogen supplied from the same cylinder 24 through the charge pipe 25, thereby forming a metal hydride again.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pressure sensor 7 and temperature sensor 8 described above are each connected to a controller 15, and the controller 15 is further connected to on-off valves 5, 6, 13 and 14, and an indicator lamp 23 as a warning display means. has been done. Of these, the on-off valve 5.13 is always open, and the on-off valves 6 and 14 are always closed. Further, the display lamp 23 is arranged at a location where the driver can easily see it, such as on an instrument panel in the driver's cab of the forklift.

Further, the controller 15 stores in advance the amount of hydrogen remaining in the metal hydride and the corresponding pressure value of the hydrogen gas, which changes due to the release of hydrogen gas from the metal hydride, for each temperature.

When the engine 4 is driven, the cooling water fed into the engine 4 from the outside is forced into the hot water pipe 3 as hot water. Then, the hot water flows into the branch pipe 3a and heats the metal hydride in the container 1. As a result, the metal hydride releases hydrogen gas, and this hydrogen gas flows into the passage pipe 11 and the gas pipe 22, and then enters the capretor of the engine 4 according to the amount of operation of the accelerator 21, and air After being mixed with
to drive. Note that since the on-off valve 14 is maintained in a closed state, the hydrogen gas flowing out from the passage pipe 11 is prevented from flowing back into the auxiliary storage container 2 via the passage pipe 12.

The temperature of the metal hydride and the pressure of hydrogen gas in the storage container l are measured by a pressure sensor 7 and a temperature sensor 8, respectively.
is constantly monitored. The pressure values and temperature values detected by both sensors 7.8 are outputted to the controller 15 one by one. Then, the controller 15 reads out the pressure in the plateau region at the input temperature from the stored data.

Then, the read pressure value is compared with the actual pressure inside the container 1 determined by the pressure sensor 7, and when the actual pressure value is smaller than the read pressure value, that is, the pressure decreases from the plateau region in the hysteresis curve. If it indicates a change, a signal is output to the indicator lamp 23 to turn it on and display a warning that the hydrogen is about to run out.

At the same time, the controller 23 closes the on-off valves 5 and 13 to cut off the flow of hot water in the branch pipe 3a, and opens the on-off valves 6 and 14 to supply hot water from the hot water pipe 3 to the flow branch pipe 3b. The metal hydride in the auxiliary container 2 is heated to release hydrogen gas.

The auxiliary storage container 2 is communicated with the engine 4 via the passage pipe 12 and the gas pipe 22 when the on-off valve 14 is opened. The fuel is supplied to the engine 4 without entering the container 1, and the engine 4 is maintained in an operating state without being stopped.

As mentioned above, when the hydrogen content of the metal hydride in the storage container 1 falls below a predetermined value, the indicator lamp 23 displays a warning to make the driver aware that the remaining amount of hydrogen is low and to replenish the hydrogen. At the same time, the metal hydride in the auxiliary container 2 releases hydrogen gas. Therefore, indicator lamp 2
After the warning in step 3 is displayed, running out of hydrogen is prevented when the traveling operation is extended to some extent or when the forklift is being driven toward the hydrogen cylinder 24 to replenish hydrogen.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments; for example, the exhaust gas of the engine 4 is used as the heating medium, and the hot water circulation path is not connected to the engine 4.
Any changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, such as a configuration in which hot water is heated by passing through a boiler heated by exhaust gas flowing in the exhaust gas pipe H, as long as it does not depart from the spirit of the invention.

〔effect〕

As described in detail above, this invention provides: ■ When the hydrogen content of the metal hydride of the hydrogen engine drive device falls below the lower limit tolerance, a warning display is displayed to make the driver aware of this; When the content falls below the lower allowable value, the spare metal hydride is heated to release hydrogen gas, thereby preventing hydrogen gas from running out and avoiding engine shutdown when driving is slightly extended. ■When the hydrogen content of the metal hydride falls below the set value, a warning is displayed to prompt the driver to replenish the hydrogen, and after the warning is displayed, the system immediately prevents hydrogen gas from running out to avoid engine shutdown. It has the excellent effect of being able to

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the hydrogen engine drive device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the present invention,
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the conventional example, FIG. 4(a) is a diagram showing the hydrogen storage and release characteristics of hydrogen storage alloys and metal hydrides, and FIG. ) is a diagram showing the temperature dependence of pressure in the characteristics shown in FIG. A storage container 1 as a storage means, an auxiliary storage container 2 as an auxiliary storage means, a hot water pipe 3 and branch pipes 3a, ab as heating pipes, an engine 4, a pressure sensor 7 and a temperature sensor 8 as detection means, Switching valve as switching means5.6
．． 13.14, Controller 15 as a judgment means and control means, Display lamp 23 as a warning display means Patent applicant Toyota Industries Corporation Nippon Steel Corporation

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A storage means for accommodating a metal hydride, and a heating pipe that is introduced into the storage means and heats the metal hydride with a heating medium passing through the inside to release hydrogen gas. , a hydrogen engine drive device comprising: an engine communicated with the accommodation means and driven by hydrogen gas supplied from the accommodation means; detection means for detecting the pressure within the accommodation means and the temperature of the metal hydride; , a determination means for calculating the hydrogen content of the metal hydride based on the detection result of the detection means and determining that the hydrogen content has fallen below the lower limit tolerance; and control based on the determination result of the determination means. A hydrogen shortage warning device for a hydrogen engine, comprising warning display means for displaying a warning according to a signal output by the means. 2. Container means for accommodating a metal hydride; A heating pipe that is introduced into the accommodating means and heats the metal hydride with a heating medium passing through the interior to release hydrogen gas; In a hydrogen engine driving device, the heating pipe is introduced in a state in which passage of the heating medium is always blocked, in a hydrogen engine drive device that is connected to the engine through a pipe and is driven by hydrogen gas supplied from the storage means. an auxiliary storage means for storing a spare metal hydride and always shut off from the engine; a detection means for detecting the pressure in the storage means and the temperature of the metal hydride; and a detection result of the detection means. judgment means for calculating the hydrogen content of the metal hydride based on the hydrogen content and determining whether the hydrogen content has fallen below the lower limit tolerance; In addition to cutting off the heating pipe line extending to the means,
A hydrogen supply device for a hydrogen engine, which is provided with switching means for opening a heating pipe line entering an auxiliary accommodating means, further cutting off communication between the accommodating means and the engine, and communicating the auxiliary accommodating means and the engine. 3. Container means for accommodating metal hydride; A heating pipe that is introduced into the accommodating means and heats the metal hydride with a heating medium passing through the interior to release hydrogen gas; In a hydrogen engine driving device, the heating pipe is introduced in a state in which passage of the heating medium is always blocked, in a hydrogen engine drive device that is connected to the engine through a pipe and is driven by hydrogen gas supplied from the storage means. an auxiliary storage means for storing a spare metal hydride, which is always shut off from the engine; a detection means for detecting the pressure in the storage means and the temperature of the metal hydride; and detection means for the detection means. a determination means for calculating the hydrogen content of the metal hydride in the storage means based on the result and determining whether the hydrogen content exceeds a lower limit tolerance; and a control means for outputting an output according to the determination result of the determination means. a warning display means for displaying a warning based on a signal from the determining means; and a heating pipe line extending to the accommodating means and entering the auxiliary accommodating means while cutting off the heating duct extending to the accommodating means based on a signal output by the control means according to the determination result of the determining means. A driving device for a hydrogen engine, comprising switching means for opening the accommodating means and cutting off communication between the accommodating means and the engine, and for communicating between the auxiliary accommodating means and the engine.