JPH07101255A - Hydrogen fueled automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To solve problems on the start of an engine, the detection of residual hydrogen quantity, and the like in the case of constituting a fuel tank using a hydrogen storage alloy. CONSTITUTION:A hydrogen fueled automobile is provided with a first auxiliary fuel tank of small capacity receiving the replenishment of hydrogen gas from a main fuel tank 10 besides this main fuel tank 10 filled with a hydrogen storage alloy, and the hydrogen gas of the first auxiliary fuel tank 11 is used at the engine starting time. The hydrogen fueled automobile is further provided with a second auxiliary fuel tank 12 self-containing a hydrogen storage alloy large in the pressure change degree of discharge hydrogen in relation to the change of the storage hydrogen quantity. The residual hydrogen quantity in the main fuel tank 10 is detected on the basis of the pressure of hydrogen discharged from the second auxiliary fuel tank 12.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automobile running on hydrogen as a fuel, that is, an automobile equipped with a hydrogen engine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent automobiles, in order to prevent environmental pollution due to exhaust gas and to diversify fuel,
A vehicle running with hydrogen as a fuel, that is, a vehicle equipped with a hydrogen engine operated with hydrogen as a fuel has been proposed (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-279264).

There are some problems to be solved in putting a hydrogen automobile into practical use, but the most important problem in terms of explosion proof is that the fuel tank is made of hydrogen storage alloy, that is, the engine. This is solved by storing the hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy in the form of being stored in the hydrogen storage alloy.

[0004]

However, when the fuel tank is constructed by using the hydrogen storage alloy, the following various problems are newly caused. First, in order to release hydrogen from the hydrogen storage alloy, a heating medium of a certain high temperature is required. However, it is difficult to obtain this heating medium of a high temperature in advance at the time of starting the engine, so that the engine starts promptly. It becomes a problem in doing. Secondly, it is desirable that the pressure of hydrogen released from the hydrogen storage alloy does not significantly change from the viewpoint of controlling the supply amount of hydrogen to the engine and the like, regardless of the change in the storage amount of hydrogen. On the other hand, a fuel gauge is required to know how much the stored hydrogen amount remains, but the fact that the release pressure does not change greatly with changes in the stored amount means that the release pressure is used to It becomes impossible to know the amount of hydrogen, and some measure is needed to know the amount of residual hydrogen. Thirdly, since the hydrogen storage alloy is heavy, it is desired that the storage efficiency is as high as possible. On the other hand, under the temperature condition under the normal use environment, hydrogen is stably stored, that is, hydrogen storage can be performed stably. It will be desirable to ensure the state of

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and among the problems that occur when a fuel tank is formed by using a hydrogen storage alloy, engine start, display of residual hydrogen amount, hydrogen It is an object of the present invention to provide a hydrogen automobile that can satisfy the suitability of storage alloy.

[0006]

In order to satisfy the engine starting point among the above objects, the present invention has the following configuration, that is, in a hydrogen vehicle driven by hydrogen as a fuel, A main fuel tank that stores hydrogen in the hydrogen storage alloy and supplies hydrogen to the engine, and a sub fuel that stores hydrogen gas and supplies hydrogen to the engine when the engine starts. And a tank.

Among the above-mentioned objects, in order to satisfy the display of the residual hydrogen amount, the present invention has the following configuration. That is, as a first configuration, in a hydrogen automobile that runs on hydrogen as a fuel, the weight of the fuel tank, which is made by storing hydrogen in a hydrogen storage alloy and supplies hydrogen to the engine, is It is configured to include a weight detecting means for detecting, and a fuel gauge for displaying the remaining amount of hydrogen remaining in the fuel tank according to the weight detected by the weight detecting means.

As a second configuration, in a hydrogen automobile that runs on hydrogen as a fuel, a hydrogen storage alloy stores hydrogen, and a fuel tank for supplying hydrogen to the engine and the fuel tank flow into the fuel tank. The inflow amount detecting means for detecting the amount of hydrogen discharged, the release amount detecting means for detecting the amount of hydrogen released from the fuel tank, the inflow amount detected by the inflow amount detecting means, and the release amount detecting means. Based on the detected released amount, a calculating means for calculating the amount of hydrogen remaining in the fuel tank, and a fuel gauge for displaying the residual hydrogen amount calculated by the calculating means, is there.

As a third structure, in a hydrogen automobile running with hydrogen as a fuel, a hydrogen storage alloy is used to store hydrogen, and a fuel tank for supplying hydrogen to an engine and the fuel tank Transmitting means for radiating ultrasonic waves, receiving means for receiving the ultrasonic waves acting on the fuel tank, and the amount of hydrogen remaining in the fuel tank according to the receiving state at the receiving means. A fuel gauge for displaying is provided.

As a fourth structure, in a hydrogen automobile that runs on hydrogen as a fuel, a hydrogen storage alloy stores hydrogen, and a fuel tank for supplying hydrogen to an engine and a fuel tank in the fuel tank are provided. A resistance value detecting means for detecting the resistance value of the hydrogen storage alloy; and a fuel gauge for displaying the amount of hydrogen remaining in the fuel tank based on the resistance value detected by the resistance value detecting means. It has a different structure.

As a fifth configuration, in a hydrogen automobile that runs on hydrogen as a fuel, a hydrogen storage alloy is made to store hydrogen, and a main fuel tank for supplying hydrogen to an engine and a hydrogen storage alloy are used. Made it absorb hydrogen,
An auxiliary fuel tank for supplying hydrogen to the engine, a pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure of hydrogen released from the auxiliary fuel tank, and the main fuel according to the pressure detected by the pressure detecting means. A fuel gauge for displaying the amount of hydrogen remaining in the tank, and as a hydrogen storage alloy in the sub fuel tank, a change in the hydrogen storage amount in comparison with the hydrogen storage alloy in the main fuel tank The structure is such that one in which the degree of change in pressure of hydrogen released is large is used.

In order to satisfy the suitability as a hydrogen storage alloy used for automobiles, the present invention has the following structure. That is, in a hydrogen automobile that runs on hydrogen as a fuel, a fuel tank that stores hydrogen to be supplied to an engine is configured by storing hydrogen in a hydrogen storage alloy. The configuration is such that the lowest desorption temperature is 50 ° C. or higher, the maximum hydrogen storage temperature is 20 ° C. or lower, and the hydrogen storage efficiency is 90% or higher.

[0013]

According to the present invention described in claim 1,
When the engine is started, the hydrogen gas in the auxiliary fuel tank is used, so that the engine can be started immediately in response to the starting operation of the driver.

With the structure as set forth in claim 2, by supplementing hydrogen to the main fuel tank, hydrogen supplement to the sub fuel tank is automatically performed, and it is troublesome to supplement the sub fuel tank with hydrogen separately. It can be omitted.

With the structure as described in claim 3, it is preferable in order to minimize the procedure of the auxiliary fuel tank and to ensure sufficient safety.

With the structure as set forth in claim 4, even if the hydrogen in the main and sub fuel tanks is exhausted, the hydrogen-filled sub tanks prepared in advance or purchased at a nearby hydrogen supply station or the like are filled with hydrogen. You can replace it with a fuel tank to ensure minimum travel for the time being.

With the structure as described in claim 5, the structure for obtaining the heat medium is simplified. Also, after warming up so that hydrogen can be obtained from the main fuel tank, stop the hydrogen supply from the sub fuel tank and supply a sufficient amount of hydrogen gas to the sub fuel tank for the next engine start. It will be preferable for securing it.

According to the sixth to tenth aspects, the hydrogen storage alloy for the fuel tank or the main fuel tank does not change much in the hydrogen release pressure with respect to the change in the stored hydrogen amount. It is possible to know the amount of residual hydrogen even by using a substance that does not occur.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the proportion of the hydrogen storage alloy for the auxiliary fuel tank used for knowing the residual hydrogen amount is minimized and the main fuel tank showing a preferable tendency for the engine. The ratio of the hydrogen storage alloy can be increased.

With the structure as set forth in claim 12, the ratio of the residual hydrogen amount in the sub fuel tank is made as equal as possible to the ratio of the residual hydrogen amount in the main fuel tank, and the residual fuel in the main fuel tank is kept. This is preferable for accurately knowing the amount of hydrogen. Further, by adopting the structure as described in claim 13, it is possible to easily obtain a specific structure for obtaining the effect obtained in claim 12.

According to the structure described in claim 14, the main fuel tank and the sub fuel tank are replenished with hydrogen at the same ratio, and the residual hydrogen amount in the main fuel tank can be accurately known. Is preferable. Further, it is possible to omit the labor of separately and independently replenishing the main and sub fuel tanks with hydrogen.

With the structure as described in claim 15, hydrogen can be stably stored in the hydrogen storage alloy in a temperature range under a normal use environment,
It is preferable for safety. Further, by adopting the structure as described in claim 16, in using the engine cooling water as it is to obtain a high-temperature heat medium for hydrogen release,
In addition, tap water or the like, which can be easily and inexpensively obtained, can be used as a refrigerant used for hydrogen storage, which is advantageous as compared with the case where a special heat medium or a refrigerant is separately prepared. Furthermore, by adopting the structure as described in claim 17, it is possible to set a specific hydrogen storage alloy for obtaining the effect of claim 14.

With the structure as described in claim 18, it is possible to set a specific hydrogen storage alloy for obtaining the effect of claim 10.

[0024]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In FIG. 1, a hydrogen automobile A has a hydrogen engine 1 operated by using hydrogen as a fuel mounted on the front portion of a vehicle body, and a radiator 2 is arranged in front of the engine 1. Further, three fuel tanks 10 to 12 are equipped at the rear portion of the vehicle body in the lower position.

Of the three fuel tanks 10-12, 10
Is a main fuel tank that stores hydrogen by a hydrogen storage alloy filled inside. Also, 11 is
Hydrogen gas is stored in the first sub fuel tank for starting the engine. Further, 12 is a second sub fuel tank used for displaying the amount of residual hydrogen, and like the main fuel tank 10, stores hydrogen by the hydrogen storage alloy filled inside. Each of the sub fuel tanks 11 and 12 has a capacity sufficiently smaller than that of the main fuel tank 10.

FIG. 2 shows the engine 1 and the fuel tanks 10 to 10.
12 shows a connection system with 12. First, the main fuel tank 10 and the second auxiliary fuel tank 12, which are respectively filled with a hydrogen storage alloy, release hydrogen using engine cooling water as a heat medium.
0a or 12a, and the cooling water outlet is 10b
Alternatively, 12b is shown, and the hydrogen release port is shown by reference numeral 10c or 12c. The inlet 10a (12a) and the outlet 10b (12b) are connected via a heat transfer pipe (not shown) arranged in the main fuel tank 10 (sub fuel tank 12). The heat transfer tube has a long distance so that heat can be efficiently transferred to the entire hydrogen storage alloy.

The cooling water outlet 1a provided in the engine 1 includes a passage 21, a temperature-sensitive switching valve 22, a passage 23, a pump 24,
Through the passage 25, the cooling water inlet 10 of the main fuel tank 10
connected to a. Further, the passage 26 branched from the passage 25 is connected to the cooling water inlet 12 a of the second auxiliary fuel tank 12.

The cooling water outlet 10b of the main fuel tank 10 is
A passage 28 connected to the cooling water return port 1b of the engine 1 through a passage 27 and branched from the passage 27 is connected to the switching valve 22. Further, the cooling water outlet 12b of the second sub fuel tank 12 is connected to the passage 27 via a passage 29. When the temperature of the cooling water in the passage 27, that is, 28, is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, the switching valve 22 allows the passage 23 to communicate only with the passage 21 so that the high-temperature heat medium from the engine 1 is transferred to the main fuel tank 10 and the second sub tank. Supply to the fuel tank 12. Further, when the cooling water temperature of the passages 27 or 28 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, the passage 23 is communicated only with the passage 28.
In this way, the temperature of the cooling water supplied to each of the fuel tanks 10 and 12 is controlled to be in the optimum temperature range for releasing hydrogen.

The hydrogen release port 10c of the main fuel tank 10 is
A fuel injection valve (not shown) mounted on the engine 1 is connected via a passage 31. A safety valve 32, which is closed at a predetermined pressure or higher, and an electromagnetic opening / closing valve 33, which is closed by turning off the ignition switch, are sequentially connected to the passage 31 from the main fuel tank 10 side. The hydrogen release port 12c of the second sub fuel tank 12 is connected to the intake manifold of the engine 1 via the passage 34. A safety valve 35 (set to the same closing pressure as the safety valve 32) that is closed at a predetermined pressure or higher is sequentially connected to the passage 34 from the sub fuel tank 12 side, and an electromagnetic opening / closing valve 36 that is closed by turning off the ignition switch is connected. Has been done. Each passage 31 for hydrogen supply
And 34 are communicated with each other by a communication passage 37 at a position closer to the engine 1 than the electromagnetic opening / closing valves 33 and 36, and an electromagnetic opening / closing valve 38 is connected to the communication passage 37.

The hydrogen release passage 34 of the second auxiliary fuel tank 12
Is connected to a pressure sensor 41 at a position closer to the sub fuel tank 12 than the safety valve 35. The output signal of the pressure sensor 41 is input to the control unit 43 that controls the fuel gauge 42.

The first sub fuel tank 11 is connected to the hydrogen release passage 31 of the main fuel tank 10. That is, the first sub fuel tank 11 is connected to the hydrogen release passage 31 between the two valves 32 and 33 via the passage 45, and is connected to the hydrogen on the engine 1 side of the on-off valve 33 via the passage 46. It is connected to the discharge passage 31. An electromagnetic opening / closing valve 47 is connected to the passage 46.
The pump 24 and each valve are unitized as shown by reference numeral Y in FIG. 1 and mounted on the vehicle body.

Here, the hydrogen storage alloy filled in the main fuel tank 10 is such that the change in the pressure of the released hydrogen with respect to the change in the hydrogen storage amount shows the characteristics shown in FIG. As is clear from the characteristics shown in FIG. 3, in the region excluding the state in which the stored hydrogen amount is extremely large and the state in which the stored hydrogen amount is extremely small, that is, in the region where it is most desired to know the residual hydrogen amount, the release of hydrogen depending on the change in the stored hydrogen amount. The pressure of hydrogen hardly changes. Examples of hydrogen storage alloys having such characteristics include LaNi-based alloys and Mm alloys.
There are NiAl type and TiFe type.

On the other hand, as the hydrogen storage alloy filled in the second auxiliary fuel tank 12, a hydrogen storage alloy having a characteristic in which the change in the pressure of released hydrogen with respect to the change in the stored hydrogen amount has the characteristics shown in FIG. 4 is used. Has been. As is clear from the characteristics of FIG. 4, not only the state in which the stored hydrogen amount is extremely large and the state in which it is extremely small, but also in the intermediate region, the degree of change in the released hydrogen pressure with respect to the change in the stored hydrogen amount is large. Become. Therefore, by detecting the pressure of hydrogen released from the second sub fuel tank 12 with the pressure sensor 41, at least the amount of residual hydrogen in the second sub fuel tank 12 can be accurately known (display on the fuel gauge 42). ). An example of such a hydrogen storage alloy is the MmNiMn system.

The amount of residual hydrogen in the main fuel tank 10 and the amount of residual hydrogen in the auxiliary fuel tank 12 are set to be approximately the same, that is, when the amount of residual hydrogen in the auxiliary fuel tank 12 is 30%, the amount of residual hydrogen in the main fuel tank 10 is reduced. The following method is adopted so that the ratio also becomes 30%. First, the fuel tanks 10 and 12 have similar structures as a whole, although there are differences in size. In particular, the mechanical structure and heat transfer mode of the heat medium are set to be the same. Further, the effective opening area of the passage 26 as a heat medium distribution path in the sub fuel tank 12, for example, a supply path, is compared with the effective opening area of the heat medium distribution path in the main fuel tank 10, for example, a passage 25 as a supply path. It is made smaller by a predetermined ratio. This predetermined ratio is the main fuel tank 1
The volume ratio of the auxiliary fuel tank 12 to 0, that is, the filling amount (weight) ratio of the hydrogen storage alloy is determined.

The electromagnetic opening / closing valve 38 is normally closed, but is opened when hydrogen is replenished at the hydrogen supply station.
As a result, the main fuel tank 10 and the second sub fuel tank 12
The filling ratios of and can be the same. Then, after the hydrogen replenishment is completed, the electromagnetic opening / closing valve 38 is closed again. It should be noted that in order to know how much the fuel has been charged, the electromagnetic on-off valve 38 may be temporarily closed during the hydrogen replenishment process and the fuel gauge 42 may be viewed in this state.

When replenishing hydrogen, that is, when storing hydrogen in the hydrogen storage alloy, the fuel tanks 10 and 12 are cooled by using a coolant, but this cooling is a separate and independent cooling. Although the route may be used, the heat medium supply route is blocked and the inlet / outlet ports 10a, 10b, 12a, 12
Alternatively, b may be used as it is to form a distribution path of the refrigerant.

The hydrogen discharged from the main fuel tank 10 is stored in the first sub-fuel tank 11 in a hydrogen gas state, that is, in a state in which hydrogen can be supplied to the engine 1 without being heated by a heat medium or the like. To be done. The electromagnetic opening / closing valve 47 in the first sub fuel tank 11 is opened only when the engine is started and for a while thereafter, and only when the electromagnetic opening / closing valve 47 is opened. Hydrogen gas is supplied to the engine 1 from. However, the valve is promptly closed after the engine 1 is sufficiently warmed up and the engine cooling water is heated to the hydrogen release temperature of the main fuel tank 10 and the sub fuel tank 12. The first sub fuel tank 1
Since the replenishment of hydrogen gas to No. 1 is performed only from the main fuel tank 10, the main fuel tank 10 and the second sub fuel tank 1
Although there will be a difference in the amount of residual hydrogen from that of No. 2, the amount of hydrogen replenished to the first sub fuel tank 1 is small, so the fuel meter 4
The accuracy of the residual hydrogen amount displayed in 2 is practically negligible.

First sub fuel tank 11 for storing hydrogen gas
Is preferably a slide type or the like so that it can be easily attached and detached from the side, the rear, or the lower side of the vehicle body. By doing so, when the amount of hydrogen stored in the first sub fuel tank 11 becomes zero and the engine cannot be started, the engine can be started by replacing it with the filled first sub fuel tank 11. You can The replacement first auxiliary fuel tank 11 may be installed in the vehicle A in advance, may be obtained from a nearby hydrogen supply station or the like in each case, or may be operated by a person who has a maintenance capability according to an emergency report. You can use the equipment that is equipped as a regular item in the emergency assistance vehicle that comes.

Here, the engine cooling water used as a heat medium for the fuel tanks 10 and 12 containing the hydrogen storage alloy is controlled by the switching valve 22 in the range of 30 to 35 ° C. in the embodiment (hydrogen). The storage alloy has a minimum hydrogen desorption temperature lower than 30 degrees C. However, as a hydrogen storage alloy, the minimum hydrogen desorption temperature is higher than a temperature which is not easily reached in a normal temperature environment, for example, 5
It is preferable to use 0 ° C. or higher, preferably 60 ° C. or higher for stably storing the absorbed hydrogen. However, in order to use engine cooling water that is easily available as a heat medium, the minimum hydrogen release temperature is 80
It is preferable that the degree C is not greatly exceeded.
Further, the maximum storage temperature for storing hydrogen is, for example, tap water of 20 ° C. or less, preferably 10 to 20 in order to use one that can be input cheaply and easily.
It is preferable to select one having a degree C range.

Of course, in order to store a large amount of hydrogen, it is preferable to select one having a storage efficiency, that is, a hydrogen storage alloy of the same weight that can store a larger weight of hydrogen, and a storage efficiency of 90% or more. Those having are preferred. Considering the above various conditions, the minimum hydrogen desorption temperature is 50 to 50% on the assumption that the storage efficiency is 90% or more.
Maximum hydrogen absorption temperature is 10 to 20 degrees C in the range of 80 degrees C
Examples of materials in this range include misch metal-based hydrogen storage alloys.

5 to 8 show another method for detecting the amount of residual hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage alloy, which is used in place of the second auxiliary fuel tank 12 in each example. It is a thing. First, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the weight of the main fuel tank 10 is detected by a weight sensor 51 including, for example, a piezoelectric element, and the residual hydrogen amount is detected and displayed according to the change in weight detected by the sensor 51. It is a thing.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, a flow meter 52 for detecting the amount of hydrogen replenished in the main fuel tank 10 and the main fuel tank 1
A flow meter 53 for detecting the amount of hydrogen released from 0 is used to calculate the difference between the replenishment amount and the released amount by the control unit 42, and the value of the calculated result is displayed as the residual hydrogen amount. It is the one.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the ultrasonic wave is transmitted from the transmitter 54 to the main fuel tank 10, and the ultrasonic wave transmitted through the main fuel tank 10 is received by the receiver 55. The amount of residual hydrogen is detected based on the change of.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, the main fuel tank 10 (of hydrogen storage alloy) is used for the battery 56 as a constant voltage source.
The ammeter 57 is connected in series to detect the residual hydrogen amount according to the change in the resistance value of the hydrogen storage alloy caused by the change in the stored hydrogen amount.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional simplified side view showing an example of a hydrogen automobile to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is an overall system diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing characteristics of a hydrogen storage alloy for a main fuel tank.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing characteristics of a hydrogen storage alloy used in a second auxiliary fuel tank for a fuel gauge.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another embodiment for constructing a fuel gauge.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another embodiment for constructing a fuel gauge.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another embodiment for constructing a fuel gauge.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another embodiment for constructing a fuel gauge.

[Explanation of symbols]

 A: Hydrogen vehicle 1: Engine 11: Main fuel tank 12: First sub fuel tank (for engine start) 13: Second sub fuel tank (for fuel meter) 41: Pressure sensor 42: Fuel meter 43: Control unit 51: Weight sensor 52: Flow rate sensor (detection of supplemental hydrogen amount) 53: Flow rate sensor (detection of released hydrogen amount) 54: Ultrasonic transmitter 55: Ultrasonic receiver 56: Battery 57: Ammeter

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Toshinori Toshinori No. 3 Shinchi, Fuchu-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture Mazda Co., Ltd. (72) Shigenfumi Hirabayashi No. 3 Shinchi, Fuchu-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima Mazda Corporation Within

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A hydrogen automobile running on hydrogen as a fuel, comprising: a hydrogen storage alloy for storing hydrogen, a main fuel tank for supplying hydrogen to an engine, and a hydrogen gas storage; A hydrogen vehicle, comprising: a sub fuel tank for supplying hydrogen to the engine when the engine is started. 2. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogen gas released from the main fuel tank supplements the hydrogen gas stored in the sub fuel tank. 3. The sub fuel tank according to claim 1, wherein the volume of the sub fuel tank is sufficiently smaller than the volume of the main fuel tank. 4. The sub fuel tank according to claim 3, wherein the sub fuel tank is detachably attached to the vehicle body. 5. The engine according to claim 1, wherein the heat medium for releasing hydrogen gas from the main fuel tank is cooling water of the engine, and the temperature is high enough to release hydrogen gas from the main fuel tank. A cut valve is provided for stopping the supply of hydrogen gas from the sub fuel tank to the engine when the temperature of the cooling water rises. 6. A hydrogen vehicle running on hydrogen as a fuel, comprising a hydrogen storage alloy for storing hydrogen, a fuel tank for supplying hydrogen to an engine, and a weight for detecting the weight of the fuel tank. A hydrogen vehicle, comprising: a detection unit; and a fuel gauge that displays the remaining amount of hydrogen remaining in the fuel tank according to the weight detected by the weight detection unit. 7. A hydrogen vehicle running on hydrogen as a fuel, comprising: a fuel tank which is made to store hydrogen in a hydrogen storage alloy and supplies hydrogen to an engine; and an amount of hydrogen flowing into the fuel tank. Inflow amount detecting means for detecting the amount of hydrogen, release amount detecting means for detecting the amount of hydrogen released from the fuel tank, inflow amount detected by the inflow amount detecting means, and release detected by the release amount detecting means And a fuel gauge for displaying the residual hydrogen amount calculated by the calculating unit, based on the amount of hydrogen and the amount of hydrogen remaining in the fuel tank. Hydrogen car. 8. In a hydrogen automobile running on hydrogen as a fuel, a hydrogen storage alloy stores hydrogen, and a fuel tank for supplying hydrogen to an engine, and an ultrasonic wave to the fuel tank are used. Transmitting means for irradiating, receiving means for receiving ultrasonic waves acting on the fuel tank, and a fuel meter for displaying the amount of hydrogen remaining in the fuel tank according to the receiving state at the receiving means. And a hydrogen vehicle characterized by comprising: 9. In a hydrogen automobile running on hydrogen as a fuel, a hydrogen storage alloy stores hydrogen in a hydrogen storage alloy to supply hydrogen to an engine, and a hydrogen storage alloy in the fuel tank. A resistance value detecting means for detecting a resistance value; and a fuel gauge for displaying the amount of hydrogen remaining in the fuel tank based on the resistance value detected by the resistance value detecting means. Characteristic hydrogen car. 10. In a hydrogen automobile running on hydrogen as a fuel, a hydrogen storage alloy stores hydrogen, and a main fuel tank for supplying hydrogen to an engine, and a hydrogen storage alloy storing hydrogen. A sub-fuel tank for supplying hydrogen to the engine, a pressure detection means for detecting the pressure of hydrogen released from the sub-fuel tank, and a pressure detected by the pressure detection means, A fuel gauge for displaying the amount of hydrogen remaining in the main fuel tank,
As a hydrogen storage alloy in the sub fuel tank, a hydrogen storage alloy having a greater degree of change in pressure of released hydrogen with respect to a change in hydrogen storage amount, as compared with the hydrogen storage alloy in the main fuel tank. A hydrogen car that is being used. 11. The container according to claim 10, wherein the volume of the sub fuel tank is sufficiently smaller than the volume of the main fuel tank. 12. The release ratio set according to claim 10, wherein the release ratio of hydrogen from the main fuel tank and the sub fuel tank is set to a ratio according to the ratio of the maximum hydrogen storage amount of both fuel tanks. Those equipped with setting means. 13. The discharge ratio setting means according to claim 12, wherein the structure of the main fuel tank and the structure of the sub fuel tank are substantially similar to each other, and the main fuel tank and the sub fuel tank are the same. The ratio of the supply amount of the heating medium for hydrogen release to the above is set so as to be a ratio according to the ratio of the maximum hydrogen storage amount of the both fuel tanks. 14. The hydrogen supply path from the main fuel tank to the engine and the hydrogen supply path from the sub fuel tank to the engine according to claim 10, wherein the hydrogen supply path is connected to the engine separately. A communication path connecting the hydrogen supply paths is provided, and an open / close valve that is opened when hydrogen is stored in each of the fuel tanks and is closed after the storage of hydrogen is connected to the communication path. thing. 15. In a hydrogen automobile running with hydrogen as a fuel, a fuel tank for storing hydrogen supplied to an engine is configured by storing hydrogen in a hydrogen storage alloy. A material having a minimum hydrogen desorption temperature of 50 ° C or higher, a maximum hydrogen storage temperature of 20 ° C or lower, and a hydrogen storage efficiency of 90% or more is used. 16. The hydrogen storage alloy according to claim 15, wherein a minimum hydrogen desorption temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy is 50 to 80 ° C.
In the range, the maximum storage temperature of hydrogen is in the range of 10 to 20 ° C. 17. The hydrogen storage alloy according to claim 15, wherein the hydrogen storage alloy is LaNi-based, MmNiAl-based, or T-based.
Any one of the iFe series. 18. The LaNi as the hydrogen storage alloy for the main fuel tank according to claim 10.
System, MmNiAl system, or TiFe system is used, and MmNiM is used as the hydrogen storage alloy for the sub fuel tank.
n-type is used.