US20130008533A1 - Apparatus using fuel gas - Google Patents
Apparatus using fuel gas Download PDFInfo
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- US20130008533A1 US20130008533A1 US13/541,977 US201213541977A US2013008533A1 US 20130008533 A1 US20130008533 A1 US 20130008533A1 US 201213541977 A US201213541977 A US 201213541977A US 2013008533 A1 US2013008533 A1 US 2013008533A1
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- hydrogen
- fuel gas
- dispensing
- fuel
- ecu
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L3/00—Electric devices on electrically-propelled vehicles for safety purposes; Monitoring operating variables, e.g. speed, deceleration or energy consumption
- B60L3/0023—Detecting, eliminating, remedying or compensating for drive train abnormalities, e.g. failures within the drive train
- B60L3/0053—Detecting, eliminating, remedying or compensating for drive train abnormalities, e.g. failures within the drive train relating to fuel cells
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L50/00—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle
- B60L50/50—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells
- B60L50/70—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by fuel cells
- B60L50/72—Constructional details of fuel cells specially adapted for electric vehicles
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L58/00—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles
- B60L58/30—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling fuel cells
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L58/00—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles
- B60L58/30—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling fuel cells
- B60L58/31—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling fuel cells for starting of fuel cells
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L58/00—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles
- B60L58/40—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for controlling a combination of batteries and fuel cells
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
- H01M10/48—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M16/00—Structural combinations of different types of electrochemical generators
- H01M16/003—Structural combinations of different types of electrochemical generators of fuel cells with other electrochemical devices, e.g. capacitors, electrolysers
- H01M16/006—Structural combinations of different types of electrochemical generators of fuel cells with other electrochemical devices, e.g. capacitors, electrolysers of fuel cells with rechargeable batteries
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
- H01M8/04201—Reactant storage and supply, e.g. means for feeding, pipes
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04223—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids during start-up or shut-down; Depolarisation or activation, e.g. purging; Means for short-circuiting defective fuel cells
- H01M8/04225—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids during start-up or shut-down; Depolarisation or activation, e.g. purging; Means for short-circuiting defective fuel cells during start-up
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
- H01M8/043—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems applied during specific periods
- H01M8/04302—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems applied during specific periods applied during start-up
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
- H01M8/04313—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by the detection or assessment of variables; characterised by the detection or assessment of failure or abnormal function
- H01M8/0432—Temperature; Ambient temperature
- H01M8/04373—Temperature; Ambient temperature of auxiliary devices, e.g. reformers, compressors, burners
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
- H01M8/04313—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by the detection or assessment of variables; characterised by the detection or assessment of failure or abnormal function
- H01M8/0438—Pressure; Ambient pressure; Flow
- H01M8/04425—Pressure; Ambient pressure; Flow at auxiliary devices, e.g. reformers, compressors, burners
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04298—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems
- H01M8/04313—Processes for controlling fuel cells or fuel cell systems characterised by the detection or assessment of variables; characterised by the detection or assessment of failure or abnormal function
- H01M8/04664—Failure or abnormal function
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K2015/03309—Tanks specially adapted for particular fuels
- B60K2015/03315—Tanks specially adapted for particular fuels for hydrogen
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
- B60L2240/00—Control parameters of input or output; Target parameters
- B60L2240/40—Drive Train control parameters
- B60L2240/54—Drive Train control parameters related to batteries
- B60L2240/545—Temperature
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
- Y02E60/50—Fuel cells
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
- Y02T10/70—Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02T90/10—Technologies relating to charging of electric vehicles
- Y02T90/16—Information or communication technologies improving the operation of electric vehicles
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02T90/40—Application of hydrogen technology to transportation, e.g. using fuel cells
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8158—With indicator, register, recorder, alarm or inspection means
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an apparatus using fuel gas supplied from an external fuel gas supply device.
- a fuel cell vehicle to which air including oxygen, which is an oxidant gas, and hydrogen, which is a fuel gas, are supplied, wherein the air and the hydrogen gas cause electrode reaction in a fuel cell to generate electrical power for driving a motor to move the vehicle.
- a fuel cell vehicle is provided with a hydrogen tank for reserving hydrogen gas and supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell. Further, a meter indicating the remaining amount of hydrogen gas currently reserved in the hydrogen tank is provided beside the driver's seat of the fuel cell vehicle.
- the fuel cell vehicle When hydrogen is supplied to the hydrogen tank of the fuel cell vehicle, the fuel cell vehicle performs communication (hereinafter referred to as dispensing communication) with the dispenser of the hydrogen station. That is, the fuel cell vehicle transmits information on the temperature, the pressure, and the like of the hydrogen having been dispensed into the hydrogen tank, and the dispenser adjusts the pressure, the flow rate, the flow speed, and the like in supplying hydrogen, based on the information received from the fuel cell vehicle.
- dispensing communication communication
- Patent Document 1 JP 2010-198944 A
- an infrared communication device is provided at a hydrogen supply inlet (hydrogen dispensing inlet) on a vehicle side, and when a lid (fuel lid) is opened, an ECU (Electric Control Unit) obtains information on the pressure and the temperature of hydrogen in a hydrogen supply pipe and transfers this information to an external hydrogen supply device (dispenser) via the infrared communication device.
- an ECU Electronic Control Unit
- the ECU monitors the pressure and the temperature in the hydrogen supply pipe, and when the pressure in the hydrogen supply pipe becomes higher than or equal to a predetermined pressure, the ECU transmits a signal to complete dispensing communication. Accordingly, by the technology described in Patent Document 1, even in a case that the fuel cell vehicle is left for a long time in a state that the lid is opened, the ECU continues to obtain information on the pressure and the temperature of the hydrogen in the hydrogen supply pipe and transmits the information to the external hydrogen supply device via the infrared communication device unless the ECU transmits the signal for completion. Consequently, by the technology described in Patent Document 1, when the fuel cell vehicle is left in a state that the lid is opened, the amount of charge of a battery gradually decreases as time elapses.
- Patent Document 1 in case that the fuel cell vehicle is left for a long time in a state that the lid is opened, it is possible that the amount of charge of the battery drops, and the air compressor and the like cannot be operated due to an associated drop in the discharge capacity of the battery when the fuel cell starts operation, which disables starting up of the fuel cell vehicle (in other words, the battery runs out.)
- an object of the invention is to provide an apparatus using fuel gas wherein the apparatus ensures the charge amount of a battery thereof.
- an apparatus using fuel gas supplied from an external fuel gas supply device includes: a battery for supplying power to a device/devices of the apparatus; a fuel gas reservoir unit for reserving fuel gas supplied from the fuel gas supply device; a fuel lid for covering a supply inlet to which fuel gas is supplied from the fuel gas supply device; means for detecting an open/close state of the fuel lid; means for detecting fuel gas condition that is a pressure and/or a temperature of fuel gas reserved in the fuel gas reservoir unit; means for performing communication with the fuel gas supply device; and means for, upon reception of a signal notifying that the fuel lid is in an open state from the means for detecting an open/close state, controlling dispensing communication, using power supplied from the battery, in order to notify the condition of the fuel gas having been input from the means for detecting fuel gas condition to the fuel gas supply device via the means for performing communication, wherein the means for controlling stops the dispensing communication when the means for controlling has determined, according to a
- the means for controlling stops dispensing communication when a predetermined time period has elapsed. It is thereby possible to ensure a necessary charge amount (SOC; State Of Charge) of the battery, and prevent running out of the battery which could be caused by performing continuous dispensing communication for a long time.
- SOC State Of Charge
- the apparatus using fuel gas further includes: means for detecting a charge state of the battery, wherein, upon reception of a signal notifying that the fuel lid is in the open state from the means for detecting an open/close state, the means for controlling decides the predetermined time period, corresponding to a voltage of the battery detected by the means for detecting a charge state.
- the means for controlling is set such that the higher the voltage of the battery detected by the means for detecting a charge state is, the longer the predetermined time period is.
- dispensing communication can be performed for a maximum limit of time period that is allowed in case the voltage of the battery at a time the fuel lid is opened is taken into account.
- the apparatus further includes: means for detecting a charge state of the battery, wherein the means for controlling stops the dispensing communication when the voltage of the battery detected by the means for detecting a charge state is lower than or equal to a predetermined voltage.
- the means for controlling continues the dispensing communication for a predetermined extension time period, when, according to a signal having been input from the means for detecting fuel gas condition, the means for controlling has determined that fuel gas is currently being supplied to the fuel gas reservoir unit after a reference time point or that fuel gas was supplied to the fuel gas reservoir unit within a predetermined past time after the reference time point, the reference time point being a time point at which the predetermined time period has elapsed with the fuel lid remaining in the open state after starting the dispensing communication.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a fuel cell vehicle according to the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process of dispensing communication by the fuel cell vehicle in a first embodiment according to the invention
- FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the time periods up to completion of dispensing hydrogen into the hydrogen tank of the fuel cell vehicle and the frequencies of the respective time periods;
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process of dispensing communication by the fuel cell vehicle in a second embodiment according to the invention
- FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the relationship between the battery voltage and the dispensing communication time period of the fuel cell vehicle in the second embodiment according to the invention.
- FIG. 5B is a diagram showing ON/OFF states of dispensing communication at respective battery voltages
- FIG. 5C is a diagram showing the variation in the battery voltages with respect to the elapsed time after a start of dispensing communication
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process of dispensing communication by the fuel cell vehicle in a third embodiment according to the invention.
- FIG. 7A is a diagram showing the pressure variation in a hydrogen tank with respect to the dispensing time period of hydrogen into the hydrogen tank of the fuel cell vehicle;
- FIG. 7B is a diagram showing the temperature variation of hydrogen gas in the hydrogen tank with respect to the dispensing time period of hydrogen into the hydrogen tank of the fuel cell vehicle;
- FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process of dispensing communication by the fuel cell vehicle in a fourth embodiment according to the invention.
- FIG. 9A is a diagram showing the variation in the battery voltage with respect to the elapsed time after a start of dispensing communication regarding the fuel cell vehicle in the fourth embodiment according to the invention.
- FIG. 9B is a diagram showing ON/OFF states of the dispensing communication at respective battery voltages.
- FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process of dispensing communication by the fuel cell vehicle in a fifth embodiment according to the invention.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a fuel cell vehicle according to the present invention.
- the fuel cell vehicle 100 includes a fuel cell 1 , an ECU 2 , a VCU (chopper) 3 , a battery 4 , a PDU (inverter) 5 , a motor 6 , a compressor 7 , a hydrogen tank 8 , a shutoff valve 9 , an IG (ignition) 10 , a fuel lid opener switch 13 , a fuel lid 14 , a fuel lid opener 15 , a hydrogen dispensing inlet 17 , a check valve 18 , an interface 19 , various sensors, and various pipes.
- IG ignition
- a solid arrow represents the flow of air including oxygen (oxidant gas) or hydrogen (fuel gas).
- a triple solid line represents a three phase alternate current.
- a double solid line represents a direct current.
- a dashed line represents an electrical signal for transmitting certain information.
- the fuel cell 1 is arranged as follows. That is, when the fuel cell 1 is provided with hydrogen (fuel gas) through an anode flow path 10 a , electrode reaction represented by Expression 1 occurs. When the fuel cell 1 is provided with air including oxygen (oxidant gas) through a cathode flow path lob, electrode reaction represented by Expression 2 occurs to generate a potential difference (OCV (Open Circuit Voltage)) in each unit cell.
- OCV Open Circuit Voltage
- the ECU 2 is a control unit for electronic control of the fuel cell vehicle 100 , and includes an electronic circuit (not shown) with a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, various interfaces, and the like.
- the ECU 2 controls various units, according to programs stored therein, to execute various processes. Further, the ECU 2 is provided with power from the battery 4 through the later-described VCU 3 , as necessary.
- the ECU 2 includes a dispensing communication control section 2 c .
- the dispensing communication control section 2 c performs various control processes for dispensing communication with the dispenser (hydrogen dispensing unit) 22 of an external hydrogen station 200 .
- the dispensing communication control section 2 c stores the hydrogen pressure, the hydrogen temperature, and the like inside the hydrogen tank 8 obtained from a pressure sensor 11 and/or a temperature sensor 12 , which will be described later, in the storage section, not shown, of the ECU 2 .
- the dispensing communication control section 2 c reads out the above-described information from the storage section (not shown) and transmits the information to the dispenser 22 via the interface 19 and a communication connecter 24 .
- the dispensing communication control section 2 c stores information on the hydrogen pressure, the hydrogen temperature, and the like inside the hydrogen tank 8 in the storage section (not shown), and updates the information at certain time intervals.
- control unit of the fuel cell vehicle is not limited to the ECU 2 , and may be a control unit that is provided with a mechanical transmission mechanism instead of an electrical unit.
- Information transmitted from the dispensing communication control section 2 c to the dispenser 22 includes, in addition to the hydrogen pressure and the hydrogen temperature inside the hydrogen tank 8 , described above, the material (aluminum alloy, resin, etc.) of the hydrogen tank 8 , the allowable temperature and the allowable pressure of the hydrogen tank 8 depending on the material, the expiration date for use of the hydrogen tank 8 , the number of times of dispensing hydrogen, and the like.
- Information transmitted by the dispensing communication control section 2 c to the dispenser 22 in such a manner will be hereinafter referred to as dispensing communication information.
- the dispensing communication information is stored in the storage section (not shown) of the ECU 2 , and when the ECU 2 performs dispensing communication, the dispensing communication control section 2 c reads out the dispensing communication information from the storage section (not shown) and transmits the information to the dispenser 22 .
- the dispensing communication control section 2 c starts dispensing communication, with a signal notifying that the fuel lid 14 has become into an open state (lock release) as a trigger by a later-described fuel lid open/close sensor 16 , and transmits the above-described various information to outside via the interface 19 .
- the dispensing communication control section 2 c also has a function to obtain the voltage of the battery 4 detected by a voltage sensor 20 and monitor the voltage.
- the VCU (Voltage Control Unit) 3 controls the output current and the output voltage of the fuel cell 1 and controls charging/discharging of the battery 4 .
- the battery 4 is provided with, for example, a plurality of lithium-ion secondary batteries. The battery 4 is charged with an excessive voltage of the fuel cell 1 or a regenerated power from the motor 6 , or assists (compensates) a power shortage of the fuel cell 1 .
- the PDU (Power Drive Unit) 5 is an inverter that, upon instruction from the ECU 2 , converts a direct current that is input from the VCU 3 into a three-phase alternate current and supplies the current to the motor 6 . With a power from the fuel cell 1 and/or the battery 4 , the motor 6 generates drive force for driving the fuel cell vehicle 100 .
- the compressor 7 Upon instruction by the ECU 2 , the compressor 7 operates to take in air including oxygen and supply the air to the cathode flow path 10 b through a pipe lib.
- the hydrogen tank 8 is connected to the inlet of the anode flow path 10 a through a pipe Ha, the shutoff valve 9 , and a pipe 12 a .
- the shutoff valve 9 When the shutoff valve 9 is opened by an instruction from the ECU 2 to open the shutoff valve 9 , hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen tank 8 through the shutoff valve 9 and the like to the anode flow path 10 a .
- the ECU 2 is set such as to open the shutoff valve 9 , upon detection of ON signal of the IG 10 , in order to supply hydrogen to the anode flow path 10 a so that the fuel cell 1 generates power.
- the shutoff valve 9 is connected through the pipe 12 a to the anode flow path 10 a , and adjusts the supply of hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 8 through the pipe 11 a by opening and closing, according to an instruction from the ECU 2 .
- the IG 10 is a start-up switch of the fuel cell vehicle 100 and is provided beside the driver's seat.
- the ECU 2 is connected with the IG 10 to detect an ON/OFF signal of the IG 10 .
- the pressure sensor 11 is a sensor for detecting the hydrogen pressure inside the hydrogen tank 8 , and is arranged inside the hydrogen tank 8 .
- the pressure sensor 11 outputs the detected hydrogen pressure inside the hydrogen tank 8 to the ECU 2 .
- the temperature sensor 12 is a sensor for detecting the hydrogen temperature inside the hydrogen tank 8 , and is arranged in the hydrogen tank 8 .
- the temperature sensor 12 outputs the hydrogen temperature inside the hydrogen tank 8 to the ECU 2 .
- the positions of the pressure sensor 11 and the temperature sensor 12 may be changed, as appropriate.
- the fuel lid opener switch 13 is a switch for opening the fuel lid 14 , and is provided beside the driver's seat.
- the ECU 2 is connected with the fuel lid opener switch 13 , and when the fuel lid opener switch 13 is pressed down, the ECU 2 detects a signal from the fuel lid opener switch 13 .
- the fuel lid 14 is a lid that is rotationally opened when hydrogen is to be dispensed, and is provided at a side of the fuel cell vehicle 100 .
- the fuel lid 14 normally (in other words, when hydrogen is not dispensed) covers the hydrogen dispensing inlet 17 and is locked in a close state.
- the fuel lid opener switch 13 for dispensing hydrogen covers the hydrogen dispensing inlet 17 and is locked in a close state.
- the fuel lid 14 is rotated in the opening direction (lock release) to become into an open state.
- the fuel lid opener 15 performs locking or lock releasing of the fuel lid 14 as described above.
- the method of transmitting an instruction, to open the fuel lid 14 , to the fuel lid opener 15 is not limited to the above-described electrical method.
- a mechanical transmitting method in which the fuel lid opener 15 and a leasing lever (not shown) are connected by a wire cable (not shown) may be employed.
- the fuel lid open/close sensor 16 is a sensor for detecting the open/close state of the fuel lid 14 , and is provided in the vicinity of the fuel lid 14 .
- the fuel lid open/close sensor 16 outputs a signal corresponding to the open/close state of the fuel lid 14 to the ECU 2 .
- the ECU 2 when the ECU 2 has received a signal notifying that the fuel lid 14 has become into the open state (lock release) from the fuel lid open/close sensor 16 , the ECU 2 starts up the dispensing communication control section 2 c to start dispensing communication with the external hydrogen station 200 , and transmits dispensing communication information.
- the hydrogen dispensing inlet 17 is a part to which the hydrogen dispensing nozzle 23 of the external hydrogen station 200 is connected when hydrogen is to be dispensed into the hydrogen tank 8 , and is provided at a side face of the vehicle.
- the check valve 18 has a valve structure that restricts the flow of hydrogen supplied through the hydrogen dispensing inlet 17 so that the hydrogen flows in one direction toward the hydrogen tank 8 . Further, in dispensing hydrogen, the check valve 18 opens when hydrogen is supplied at a certain supply pressure through the hydrogen dispensing inlet 17 and the pipe 13 a , and the check valve 18 thereby dispenses hydrogen into the hydrogen tank 8 through the pipe 14 a.
- the interface 19 is a part to which the communication connecter 24 of the external hydrogen station 200 is connected during dispensing hydrogen, and the interface 19 is provided in the vicinity of the hydrogen dispensing inlet 17 .
- the voltage sensor 20 is connected to the battery 4 , and detects the voltage of the battery 4 and outputs the voltage to the ECU 2 .
- the hydrogen station 200 that supplies hydrogen, which is a fuel gas, to the fuel cell vehicle 100 will be briefly described below.
- the hydrogen station 200 includes a hydrogen reserving tank 21 , the dispenser 22 , the hydrogen dispensing nozzle 23 , and the communication connecter 24 .
- the hydrogen reserving tank 21 reserves hydrogen, which is to be supplied to the fuel cell vehicle 100 , at a high temperature.
- the dispenser (hydrogen dispensing device) 22 is connected with the hydrogen reserving tank 21 , controls start/stop of dispensing hydrogen to be supplied to the hydrogen tank 8 of the fuel cell vehicle 100 , and controls the pressure, the fuel rate, and the like in dispensing hydrogen.
- the dispenser 22 performs dispensing communication with the dispensing communication control section 2 c of the ECU 2 via the interface 19 and the later-described communication connecter 24 .
- the dispenser 22 obtains information on the hydrogen pressure, the hydrogen temperature, and the like inside the hydrogen tank 8 , and adjusts, based on the information, the pressure and the like of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen reserving tank 21 . In such a manner, the dispenser 22 dispenses hydrogen into the hydrogen tank 8 of the fuel cell vehicle 100 .
- the hydrogen dispensing nozzle 23 is connected with the hydrogen reserving tank 21 through the dispenser 22 , and is inserted into the hydrogen dispensing inlet 17 in dispensing hydrogen into the hydrogen tank 8 of the fuel cell vehicle 100 . Then, the hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen reserving tank 21 of the hydrogen station 200 is adjusted with respect to the pressure and the like by the dispenser 22 , and dispensed into the hydrogen tank 8 through the hydrogen dispensing nozzle 23 , the hydrogen dispensing inlet 17 , the pipe 13 a , the check valve 18 , and the pipe 14 a .
- the communication connecter 24 is a tool for connecting wires and is connected with the dispenser 22 . The communication connecter 24 is inserted into the interface 19 when hydrogen is dispensed into the hydrogen tank 8 of the fuel cell vehicle 100 .
- FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of dispensing communication by the fuel cell vehicle in the present embodiment.
- the dispensing communication control section 2 c of the ECU 2 starts dispensing communication when a signal notifying that the fuel lid 14 has become into the open state is input from the fuel lid open/close sensor 16 . Accordingly, a series of processes related to the dispensing communication that starts when the fuel lid 14 has become into the open state is assumed to be performed by the dispensing communication control section 2 c of the ECU 2 in the following description.
- step S 101 in FIG. 2 the ECU 2 determines whether or not the IG 10 is in OFF state. If the IG 10 is in OFF state (step S 101 ⁇ Yes), then the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 102 . If the IG 10 is in ON state (step S 101 ⁇ No), then the ECU 2 repeats the determination in step S 101 .
- step S 102 the ECU 2 determines whether or not the fuel lid 14 is in the open state. If the fuel lid 14 is in the open state (step S 102 ⁇ Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 103 . If the fuel lid 14 is in the close state (step S 102 ⁇ No), then the ECU 2 repeats the determination in step S 102 .
- step S 103 the ECU 2 starts dispensing communication. That is, the ECU 2 reads out, from the storage section not shown, dispensing communication information including the hydrogen pressure and/or the hydrogen temperature inside the hydrogen tank 8 , and transmits the dispensing communication information via the interface 19 .
- step S 104 the ECU 2 determines whether or not the elapsed time after a start of the dispensing communication is longer than or equal to a predetermined time period t 0 .
- the predetermined time period t 0 is a preset value (for example, 60 min).
- FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the time periods up to completion of dispensing hydrogen into the hydrogen tank of the fuel cell vehicle and the frequencies of the respective time periods.
- the value of the remaining amount of hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 8 immediately before the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell vehicle 100 varies depending on cases. For example, even in a state that hydrogen is sufficiently dispensed in the hydrogen tank 8 , hydrogen may be supplied from the hydrogen station 200 , according to determination by a driver. In this case, dispensing of hydrogen is completed in a comparatively short time (for example, time period t A : refer to FIG. 3 ). On the other hand, in a state that the hydrogen tank 8 is almost empty with little hydrogen, it takes a comparatively long time (for example, t B : refer to FIG. 3 ) to complete dispensing of hydrogen.
- Statistical data as Shown in FIG. 3 , is obtained in advance, and the above-described predetermined time period t 0 (refer to FIG. 3 ) is set such as to cover most frequencies (for example, higher than or equal to 99%: refer to the range ⁇ in FIG. 3 ).
- the predetermined time period t 0 is stored in the storage section, not shown, of the ECU 2 .
- step S 104 if it is determined that the predetermined time period t 0 has elapsed after a start of dispensing communication (step S 104 ⁇ Yes), the ECU 2 instructs the dispenser 22 to stop dispensing hydrogen. That is, the ECU 2 transmits a signal to the dispenser 22 via the interface 19 and the communication connecter 24 to stop dispensing of hydrogen.
- step S 105 it is also possible that the fuel cell vehicle 100 is left at a place (for example, in a parking area) other than the hydrogen station 200 in a state, for example, that the fuel lid 14 is left open by mistake.
- the ECU 2 is assumed to transmit to the interface 19 an instruction to stop dispensing.
- the instruction to stop dispensing only requires outputting a predetermined signal. Accordingly, transmitting in itself from the ECU 2 the instruction to stop dispensing affects the charged amount of the battery 4 little.
- step S 106 the ECU 2 stops dispensing communication. After stopping dispensing communication, the ECU 2 stops supplying current to the pressure sensor 11 and the temperature sensor 12 , and also stops obtaining the pressure and temperature in the hydrogen tank 8 .
- step S 107 the ECU 2 blinks a warning lamp (not shown).
- the warning lamp is provided at a position where a driver at the driver's seat can view the warning lamp.
- the ECU 2 blinks the warning lamp to notify the driver that the fuel lid 14 is left open.
- setting is preferably made in the storage section, not shown, of the ECU 2 such as to blink the warning lamp only for a predetermined time period.
- the ECU 2 stops blinking of the warning lamp. Also in the later-described other embodiments, the same thing can be said about the blinking time period of a warning lamp.
- the ECU 2 may notify the driver that the fuel lid 14 is left open, by sound together with blinking of the warning lamp.
- step S 104 if it is determined that the predetermined time period has not yet elapsed after starting dispensing communication (step S 104 ⁇ No), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 108 .
- step S 108 the ECU 2 determines whether or not the fuel lid 14 is in the close state.
- step S 108 if the fuel lid 14 is in the close state (step S 108 ⁇ Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 109 . If the fuel lid 14 is in the open state (step S 108 ⁇ No), the process by the ECU 2 returns to step S 104 .
- step S 109 the ECU 2 stops dispensing communication.
- a state is assumed that hydrogen has been dispensed to the fuel cell vehicle 100 at the hydrogen station 200 to the maximum within the allowable range of the hydrogen tank 8 (dispensing complete), and the fuel lid 14 has been closed.
- a state is assumed that although hydrogen has not been dispensed to the maximum within the allowable range of the hydrogen tank 8 , dispensing hydrogen has been stopped and the fuel lid 14 has been closed when a predetermined amount of hydrogen has been dispensed.
- a state is assumed that although the fuel lid 14 had been once opened, hydrogen was not dispensed and the fuel lid 14 was closed in a predetermined time period t 0 .
- END 1 in FIG. 2 represents a case that the process is terminated without a detection of abnormality of the ECU 2 (the abnormality that the fuel lid 14 is in a state of being left open longer than the predetermined time period t 0 .)
- a state is assumed that the fuel cell vehicle 100 is left at a place (for example, in a parking area) other than the hydrogen station 200 while the fuel lid 14 is left open by some mistake.
- a state is supposed that the fuel lid 14 itself is, for example, in troubled or frozen, and, for example, even when a driver tries to close the fuel lid 14 , the fuel lid 14 does not completely close, and the fuel lid 14 is thereby actually left open.
- END 2 in FIG. 2 is a case that the ECU 2 has detected abnormality, notifies the driver of the abnormality by blinking the warning lamp (not shown) to terminate the process.
- the drive turns the IG 10 , which is in OFF state at END 2 , once into ON state, and then turns the IG 10 into OFF state.
- the process by the ECU 2 returns to step S 102 in FIG. 2 .
- the driver once closes the fuel lid 14 , which is in the open state at END 2 , and then opens the fuel lid 14 .
- the process by the ECU 2 returns to step S 103 in FIG. 2 .
- the ECU 2 (dispensing communication control section 2 c ) stops dispensing communication. After the dispensing communication has stopped, as power is not consumed by the dispensing communication control section 2 c , the charge amount of the battery 4 drops little even when the predetermined time period t 0 has elapsed in a state that the fuel lid 14 is open. That is, by not performing dispensing communication longer than necessary, the charge amount (SOC: State Of Charge) of the battery 4 is ensured, making it possible to prevent the battery 4 from running out.
- SOC State Of Charge
- the ECU 2 stops supplying current to the pressure sensor 11 and the temperature sensor 12 , and also stops obtaining the hydrogen pressure and the hydrogen temperature inside the hydrogen tank 8 . Accordingly, also when the predetermined time period t 0 has elapsed in a state that the fuel lid 14 is left open, as the pressure sensor 11 , the temperature sensor 12 , and the like stops consuming power, the charge amount of the battery 4 drops little. That is, by not performing dispensing communication more than necessary, it is possible to ensure the charge amount (SOC: State Of Charge), and prevent the battery 4 from running out.
- SOC State Of Charge
- the allowable time period t 0 in performing dispensing communication is set such as to cover most frequencies shown in FIG. 3 (for example, higher than or equal to 99%: refer to the range ⁇ ). Accordingly, in case that hydrogen is normally dispensed, it is possible to dispense a sufficient amount of hydrogen into the hydrogen tank 8 .
- a fuel cell vehicle 100 in a second embodiment according to the invention is similar to that shown in FIG. 1 , description of respective elements of the fuel cell vehicle 100 will be omitted. Further, also in describing the operation of the fuel cell vehicle 100 , description of partial operation by processes similar to those described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG. 2 will be briefed or omitted.
- the first embodiment and the second embodiment are different in that while a time period t 0 for continuously performing dispensing communication is set in advance in the first embodiment, a time period of dispensing communication is decided based on the voltage of the battery 4 at a time the fuel lid 14 is opened in the second embodiment.
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process of dispensing communication by the fuel cell vehicle in the second embodiment according to the invention.
- step S 202 in FIG. 4 if it is determined that the fuel lid 14 is in the open state (step S 202 ⁇ Yes), the process by an ECU 2 proceeds to step S 203 .
- step S 203 the ECU 2 decides a time period of performing dispensing communication (hereinafter, referred to as dispensing communication time period t G ), based on the voltage value of the battery 4 .
- FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the relation between the battery voltage and the dispensing communication time period of the fuel cell vehicle.
- the horizontal axis in FIG. 5A represents the voltage of the battery 4 at a time the fuel lid 14 is opened (in other words, a time the ECU 2 receives an opening signal from the fuel lid open/close sensor 16 ).
- the vertical axis represents the dispensing communication time period t G corresponding to the voltage of the battery 4 . As shown in FIG.
- dispensing communication is performed if the voltage of the battery 4 at a time the fuel lid 14 is opened is higher than or equal to a predetermined voltage V 0 (for example, V 2 , V 3 ), and dispensing communication is not performed if the voltage of the battery 4 is lower than a predetermined voltage V 0 (for example, V 1 ).
- V 0 is a threshold as a determination reference in preventing the battery 4 from running out, and is a value that is set in advance.
- the voltage V 0 is a value higher, by a margin of a predetermined voltage, than a boundary voltage at which the battery 4 runs out or not.
- FIG. 5B is a diagram showing ON/OFF of dispensing communication at respective battery voltages.
- the ECU 2 is, as shown in FIG. 5B , performs dispensing communication for a time (t 2 , t 3 ) that corresponds to the voltage (V 2 , V 3 ) of the battery 4 , the voltage (V 2 , V 3 ) being at a time the fuel lid 14 is opened.
- the ECU 2 does not perform dispensing communication.
- FIG. 5C is a diagram showing the variation in the battery voltage with respect to the elapse time after a start of dispensing communication.
- the graph of the solid line shown in FIG. 5C represents a case that the voltage of the battery 4 at a time the fuel lid 14 is opened is V 3 .
- the graph of alternate long and short dashed line represents the case that the voltage of the battery 4 at a time the fuel lid 14 is opened is V 2
- the graph of dashed line represents the case that the voltage of the battery 4 is V 1 .
- the voltage of the battery 4 drops as time elapses after a start of dispensing communication, and drops down to the above-described threshold voltage V 0 in a predetermined time period (t 2 , t 3 ).
- a setting is made in advance in the ECU 2 such that the higher the voltage (V 2 ⁇ V 3 ) of the battery 4 at a time the fuel lid 14 is opened is, the longer the dispensing communication time period t G (t 2 ⁇ t 3 ) is.
- Such information has been experimentally obtained in advance and stored in the storage section, not shown, of the ECU 2 .
- the ECU 2 Upon reception of an opening signal from the fuel lid open/close sensor 16 , the ECU 2 decides a dispensing communication time period t G , as described above, based on the information stored in the above-described storage section and shown in FIG. 5A .
- step S 204 the ECU 2 starts dispensing communication.
- step S 205 the ECU 2 determines whether or not the dispensing communication time period t G has elapsed after the start of dispensing communication. If the dispensing communication time period t G has elapsed after the start of dispensing communication (step S 205 ⁇ Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 206 . If the dispensing communication time period t G has not elapsed after the start of dispensing communication (step S 205 ⁇ No), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 209 .
- the voltage of the battery 4 at a time the fuel lid 14 is opened is detected, and a time period (the dispensing communication time period t G ) of performing dispensing communication is decided, based on the voltage.
- a time period (the dispensing communication time period t G ) of performing dispensing communication is decided, based on the voltage.
- SOC State Of Charge
- the present embodiment has a feature that a process of extending a dispensing communication time period is performed in a certain case. Accordingly, regarding the operation of the fuel cell vehicle 100 in the present embodiment, description of a part of performing similar processes as those in the second embodiment will be omitted.
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of dispensing communication by a fuel cell vehicle in a third embodiment according to the invention.
- step S 305 in FIG. 6 if a dispensing communication time period t G , described above by the use of FIG. 5 , has elapsed after a start of dispensing communication (step S 305 ⁇ Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 306 .
- step S 306 the ECU 2 determines whether or not the hydrogen pressure inside the hydrogen tank 8 is currently increasing.
- This determination can be made, for example, depending on whether or not the hydrogen pressure inside the hydrogen tank 8 has increased by a pressure higher than or equal to 0.5 MPa in 10 sec counted from the time (reference time) when the dispensing communication time period t G has elapsed after the start of dispensing communication.
- the determination in step S 306 may be made depending on whether or not the hydrogen pressure inside the hydrogen tank 8 has increased by a pressure higher than or equal to 5 MPa in past 3 min counted from the time (as reference time point) when the dispensing communication time period t G has elapsed after a start of dispensing communication. That is, in this case, the ECU 2 determines whether or not a history of an increase in the hydrogen pressure inside the hydrogen tank 8 in the past exists.
- step S 306 If the hydrogen pressure inside the hydrogen tank 8 is currently increasing (step S 306 ⁇ Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 307 . On the other hand, if the hydrogen pressure inside the hydrogen tank 8 is not currently increasing (step S 306 ⁇ No), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 310 .
- step S 307 the ECU 2 computes a dispensing communication extension time period t E , based on the increasing rate of the hydrogen pressure of the hydrogen gas dispensed in the hydrogen tank 8 .
- the dispensing communication extension time period t E refers to a time period for further performing dispensing communication, the time period being counted from the time (as reference time point) when the dispensing communication time period t G computed in step S 303 has elapsed after the start of dispensing communication.
- FIG. 7A is a diagram showing the pressure variation in the hydrogen tank with respect to the dispensing time period of hydrogen into the hydrogen tank of the fuel cell vehicle.
- FIG. 7A shows data in a case that hydrogen dispensing has been normally performed from an empty state of the hydrogen tank 8 .
- the ECU 2 computes a dispensing communication extension time period t E [mini], using Expression 3 described below.
- P e [MPa] represents the hydrogen pressure inside the hydrogen tank 8 at a time of completion of dispensing, wherein this hydrogen pressure is experimentally obtained in advance and stored in the storage section, not shown, of the ECU 2 .
- P n [MPa] represents the hydrogen pressure inside the hydrogen tank 8 at the current moment (in other words, at the time the ECU 2 obtains information from the pressure sensor 11 )
- P m [MPa] represents the hydrogen pressure inside the hydrogen tank 8 at a time that is earlier than the current moment by a predetermined time period t C , wherein t ⁇ [min] (not shown) represents a predetermined margin of time period.
- the predetermined time period t C is a value that is set in advance and can be set, for example, to 1 min.
- the margin of time period t ⁇ also is a value that is set in advance and can be set, for example, to 3 min.
- the margin of time period t ⁇ in Expression 3 can be set to the value of the time period t ⁇ that is taken when the current time t n is assumed to be the point where the gradient of the graph, shown in FIG. 7A , is at the maximum.
- dispensing communication extension time period t E may be set to the value of the predetermined time period t 0 described with reference to FIG. 3 in the first embodiment.
- dispensing communication is performed at longest for ‘dispensing communication time period t G +dispensing communication extension time period t E ’.
- the dispensing communication time period t G computed in step S 303 is preferably set to be shorter by a predetermined time period in advance.
- step S 308 the ECU 2 determines whether or not the fuel lid 14 is in the close state. If the fuel lid 14 is in the close state (step S 308 ⁇ Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 314 . On the other hand, if the fuel lid 14 is in the open state (step S 308 ⁇ No), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 309 . In step S 309 , the ECU 2 determines whether or not the extended elapsed time period is longer than or equal to the dispensing communication extension time period t E .
- the extended elapsed time period is counted from the reference time point (time zero) when the dispensing communication time period t G computed in step S 303 has elapsed after a start of dispensing communication. Then, if the extended elapsed time period is longer than or equal to the dispensing communication extension time period t E (step S 309 ⁇ Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 310 . On the other hand, if the extended elapsed time period is shorter than the dispensing communication extension time period t E (step S 309 ⁇ No), the process by the ECU 2 returns to step S 308 .
- step S 306 in FIG. 6 it is determined whether or not the hydrogen pressure inside the hydrogen tank 8 is currently increasing, however, it may be determined whether or not the hydrogen temperature is increasing. This is possible, for example, by determining whether or not the hydrogen temperature inside the hydrogen tank 8 has increased by 1° C. or higher during 10 sec counted from the time (as reference time point) when the dispensing communication time period t 0 has elapsed after the start of dispensing communication.
- the ECU 2 may make determination in step S 306 , depending on whether or not the hydrogen temperature in the hydrogen tank 8 has increased by 10° C. or higher during the past 3 min counted from the time (as reference time point) when the dispensing communication time period t G has elapsed after a start of dispensing communication.
- a method of computing based on a hydrogen pressure that is input from the pressure sensor 11 of the hydrogen tank 8 in addition to a method of computing based on a hydrogen pressure that is input from the pressure sensor 11 of the hydrogen tank 8 , a method of computing based on a hydrogen temperature that is input from the temperature sensor 12 of the hydrogen tank 8 also can be considered.
- FIG. 7B is a diagram showing the temperature variation of hydrogen gas in the hydrogen tank with respect to the dispensing time period of hydrogen into the hydrogen tank of the fuel cell vehicle.
- FIG. 7B shows data in a case that dispensing of hydrogen has been normally performed from an empty state of the hydrogen tank 8 .
- the dispensing communication extension time period t E [min] is computed, using Expression 4 described below.
- T e [° C.] represents a hydrogen temperature in the hydrogen tank 8 at a time when dispensing is completed, wherein this hydrogen temperature is experimentally obtained in advance.
- T n [° C.] represents a hydrogen temperature in the hydrogen tank 8 at the current time (at the time when the ECU 2 receives a hydrogen temperature from the temperature sensor 12 ).
- T m [° C.] represents the hydrogen temperature in the hydrogen tank 8 at a time that is earlier than the current time by the predetermined time period t C .
- the time period t ⁇ [min] (not shown) represents a predetermined margin of time period.
- the predetermined time period t C is a predetermined value, and can be set, for example, to 1 min.
- the margin of time period t ⁇ is also a predetermined value, and can be set, for example, to 3 min.
- a predetermined dispensing communication time period has elapsed while the fuel lid 14 remains in the open state, for example, in a case that hydrogen is currently being supplied at the hydrogen station 200 . It is possible to continue to perform dispensing communication with an extension of dispensing communication by a predetermined time period t E . That is, in case that hydrogen is currently being dispensed (or a history of dispensing hydrogen exists), dispensing communication can be continuously performed.
- dispensing communication time period to in consideration of extending dispensing of hydrogen continuously after the dispensing communication time period t G has elapsed, it is possible to dispense hydrogen for the maximum limit of time period that is allowed depending on the voltage of the battery 4 .
- a fuel cell vehicle 100 in a fourth embodiment according to the invention is similar to that shown in FIG. 1 , description of respective elements of the fuel cell vehicle 100 will be omitted. Further, also in describing the operation of the fuel cell vehicle 100 , description of partial operation by processes similar to those described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG. 2 will be briefed or omitted.
- the fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that, in the fourth embodiment, the ECU 2 (dispensing communication control section 2 c ) monitors the voltage of the battery 4 , and stops dispensing communication if the voltage has become lower than or equal to a predetermined voltage.
- the ECU 2 dispenser communication control section 2 c
- FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of dispensing communication by a fuel cell vehicle in a fourth embodiment according to the invention.
- step S 402 in FIG. 8 if it is determined that the fuel lid 14 is in the open state (step S 402 ⁇ Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 403 .
- step S 403 the ECU 2 starts dispensing communication.
- step S 404 the ECU 2 determines whether or not the voltage of the battery 4 is lower than or equal to a predetermined voltage V 0 .
- FIG. 9A is a diagram showing the variation in the battery voltage with respect to the elapsed time from a start of dispensing communication regarding the fuel cell vehicle in the fourth embodiment according to the invention.
- the voltage of the battery 4 gradually drops.
- the ECU 2 monitors the voltage of the battery 4 at intervals of a predetermined time period, and the ECU 2 determines whether or not the voltage of the battery 4 becomes lower than or equal to the predetermined voltage V 0 .
- the voltage V 0 is a threshold as a determination criterion in preventing the battery 4 from running out.
- the voltage V 0 is set to a value with a margin by a predetermined voltage compared with a voltage on the boundary at which the battery 4 runs out or not.
- FIG. 9B is a diagram showing ON/OFF of dispensing communication at respective battery voltages.
- the ECU 2 is set such as to perform dispensing communication up to a time t 1 when the voltage of the battery 4 drops down to the predetermined voltage V 0 (or lower than V 0 ), and stop dispensing communication thereafter.
- step S 404 if the voltage of the battery 4 is lower than or equal to the predetermined voltage V 0 (step S 404 ⁇ Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 405 .
- the process in steps S 405 to S 407 shown in FIG. 8 is similar to the process in steps S 105 to S 107 shown in FIG. 2 .
- step S 404 determines whether or not a predetermined time period t 0 has elapsed after a start of dispensing communication.
- the predetermined time period t 0 is similar to that described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG. 3 .
- step S 408 determines whether or not the fuel lid 14 is in the close state. If the fuel lid 14 is in the close state (step S 409 ⁇ Yes), the ECU 2 stops dispensing communication (step S 410 ). On the other hand, if the fuel lid 14 is in the open state (step S 409 ⁇ No), the process by the ECU 2 returns to step S 404 .
- the ECU 2 monitors the voltage of the battery 4 , and if the voltage of the battery 4 has become lower than or equal to the predetermined voltage V 0 , the ECU 2 stops dispensing communication regardless of the elapsed time after a start of dispensing communication. Accordingly, a necessary charge amount (SOC: State Of Charge) of the battery 4 can be ensured. Further, even when the charge amount of the battery 4 is higher than the predetermined voltage V 0 , if the open state of the fuel lid 14 has elapsed for the predetermined time period t 0 or longer, the ECU 2 stops dispensing communication. Accordingly, it is also possible to prevent running out of the battery which could be caused by continuous dispensing communication for a long time.
- SOC State Of Charge
- the present embodiment has a feature that a process of extending a dispensing communication time period is performed in a certain case. Accordingly, regarding the operation of the fuel cell vehicle 100 in the present embodiment, description of a part of performing similar processes as those in the fourth embodiment will be omitted.
- FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of dispensing communication by the fuel cell vehicle in a fifth embodiment according to the invention.
- step S 504 in FIG. 10 the ECU 2 determines whether or not the voltage of the battery 4 is lower than or equal to the predetermined voltage V 0 . If the voltage of the battery 4 is lower than or equal to the predetermined voltage V 0 (step S 504 ⁇ Yes), the process of the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 511 . On the other hand, if the voltage of the battery 4 is higher than the predetermined voltage V 0 (step S 504 ⁇ No), the process of the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 505 .
- step S 505 if the predetermined time period t 0 described above with reference to FIG. 3 has elapsed after a start of dispensing communication (step S 505 ⁇ Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 506 . On the other hand, if the predetermined time period t 0 has not yet elapsed after the start of dispensing communication (step S 505 ⁇ No), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 514 .
- step S 506 the ECU 2 determines whether or not the hydrogen pressure (or hydrogen temperature) inside the hydrogen tank 8 is currently increasing. If the hydrogen pressure inside the hydrogen tank 8 is currently increasing (step S 506 ⁇ Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 507 . On the other hands, if the hydrogen pressure inside the hydrogen tank 8 is not increasing (step S 506 ⁇ No), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 511 .
- step S 507 the ECU 2 computes a dispensing communication extension time period t E .
- step S 508 the ECU 2 determines whether or not the fuel lid 14 is in the close state. If the fuel lid 14 is in the close state (step S 508 ⁇ Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 515 . On the other hand, if the fuel lid 14 is in the open state (step S 508 ⁇ No), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 509 .
- step S 509 the ECU 2 determines whether or not the voltage of the battery 4 is lower than or equal to the predetermined voltage V 0 . If the voltage of the battery 4 is lower than or equal to the predetermined voltage V 0 (step S 509 ⁇ Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 511 . On the other hand, if the voltage of the battery 4 is higher than the predetermined voltage V 0 (step S 509 ⁇ No), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 510 .
- step S 510 the ECU 2 determines whether or not the extended elapsed time described above is longer than or equal to the dispensing communication extension time period t E . If the extended elapsed time is longer than or equal to the dispensing communication extension time period t E (step S 510 ⁇ Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S 511 . On the other hand, If the extended elapsed time is shorter than the dispensing communication extension time period t E (step S 510 ⁇ No), the process by the ECU 2 returns to step S 508 .
- steps S 511 to S 513 shown in FIG. 10 is similar to the process in steps S 405 to S 407 shown in FIG. 8 .
- the process in steps S 514 and S 515 shown in FIG. 10 is similar to the process in steps S 409 and S 410 shown in FIG. 8 .
- the fuel cell vehicle 100 in the present embodiment even if a predetermined time period has elapsed while the open state of the fuel lid 14 remains, for example, in case that hydrogen is currently being dispensed at the hydrogen station 200 , it is possible to continue to perform dispensing communication with an extension by the predetermined time period t E . Accordingly, in case that hydrogen is currently being dispensed (or a history of dispensing hydrogen exists), dispensing communication can be continuously performed.
- the ECU 2 monitors the voltage of the battery 4 , and if the voltage of the battery 4 has become lower than or equal to the predetermined voltage V 0 , the ECU 2 stops dispensing communication regardless of the elapsed time after a start of dispensing communication. Accordingly, a necessary charge amount (SOC: State Of Charge) of the battery 4 can be ensured.
- SOC State Of Charge
- Fuel cell vehicles 100 according to the present invention have been concretely described in the respective embodiments, however, the spirit of the invention is not limited thereto, and various changes and modifications can be made.
- the fuel lid opener 15 and the fuel lid open/close sensor 16 shown in FIG. 1 are individually arranged, these may be designed in integration with each other.
- the ECU 2 determines that hydrogen is currently being dispensed (or a history of dispensing hydrogen exists), according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 10 , it has been described about cases of extending dispensing communication by the dispensing communication extension time period t E , however, the invention is not limited thereto. That is, for example, in the case of the first embodiment (the flowchart in FIG. 2 ) in which dispensing communication is stopped when the predetermined time period t 0 has elapsed after a start of dispensing communication, a process can be added to extend dispensing communication by the dispensing communication extension time period t E in a certain case as described above.
- step S 306 in FIG. 6 and step S 506 in FIG. 10 it is determined whether or not hydrogen is currently being dispensed into the hydrogen tank 8 (refer to step S 306 in FIG. 6 and step S 506 in FIG. 10 ), using a hydrogen pressure detected by the pressure sensor 11 (or a hydrogen temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 ), however, the invention is not limited thereto. That is, by combination of the increase amount of the hydrogen pressure detected by the pressure sensor 11 , and the hydrogen temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12 , it may be determined whether or not hydrogen is currently being dispensed into the hydrogen tank 8 (or a history of dispensing exits).
- a sensor may be provided to detect that the hydrogen dispensing nozzle 23 has been inserted into the hydrogen dispensing inlet 17 of the fuel cell vehicle 100 shown in FIG. 1 .
- the ECU 2 can start dispensing communication if the fuel lid 14 is opened and this sensor detects that the hydrogen dispensing nozzle 23 has been inserted into the hydrogen dispensing inlet 17 . Still further, when this sensor detects that the hydrogen dispensing nozzle 23 has been removed from the hydrogen dispensing inlet 17 , the ECU 2 can immediately stop dispensing communication.
- the invention is not limited thereto and can be applied to an apparatus using fuel gas supplied from outside.
- the invention is applicable to a case of supplying hydrogen from a tanker having a hydrogen tank mounted on it to a hydrogen tank installed in a factory or the like.
- the invention is applicable to various fuel cell mobile bodies (for example, a vessel or a space vessel using fuel gas).
- the invention is also applicable to a hydrogen vehicle having a hydrogen engine.
- the invention is also applicable to a case of using natural gas or the like as fuel gas.
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Abstract
An apparatus using fuel gas is provided, ensuring charge amount of a battery. The apparatus includes battery, fuel gas reservoir unit, fuel lid, open/close detection unit for detecting open/close state of fuel lid, fuel gas condition detection unit for detecting pressure and/or temperature being condition of fuel gas reserved in the fuel gas reservoir unit, communication unit for communication with fuel gas supply device, and control unit for, upon reception of signal notifying that fuel lid is in open state from open/close detection unit, performing dispensing communication to notify the fuel gas supply device, via communication unit, of condition of fuel gas having been input from fuel gas condition detection unit. The control unit stops dispensing communication when control unit has determined, according to signal received from open/close detection unit that predetermined time has elapsed with the fuel lid remaining in open state after starting dispensing communication.
Description
- This application claims the priorities of Japanese Application No. 2011-149337, filed on Jul. 5, 2011, the entire specification, claims and drawings of which are incorporated herewith by reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to an apparatus using fuel gas supplied from an external fuel gas supply device.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- In recent years, progress has been made on practical use of a fuel cell vehicle to which air including oxygen, which is an oxidant gas, and hydrogen, which is a fuel gas, are supplied, wherein the air and the hydrogen gas cause electrode reaction in a fuel cell to generate electrical power for driving a motor to move the vehicle. A fuel cell vehicle is provided with a hydrogen tank for reserving hydrogen gas and supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell. Further, a meter indicating the remaining amount of hydrogen gas currently reserved in the hydrogen tank is provided beside the driver's seat of the fuel cell vehicle. When the remaining amount of the hydrogen gas reserved in the hydrogen tank has become small as a result of the drive of the fuel cell vehicle, a driver who is aware of this state by a view of the meter drives and moves the fuel cell vehicle to a hydrogen supply station. Then, hydrogen is supplied (dispensed) into the hydrogen tank of the fuel cell vehicle by a hydrogen supply device provided at the hydrogen supply station.
- When hydrogen is supplied to the hydrogen tank of the fuel cell vehicle, the fuel cell vehicle performs communication (hereinafter referred to as dispensing communication) with the dispenser of the hydrogen station. That is, the fuel cell vehicle transmits information on the temperature, the pressure, and the like of the hydrogen having been dispensed into the hydrogen tank, and the dispenser adjusts the pressure, the flow rate, the flow speed, and the like in supplying hydrogen, based on the information received from the fuel cell vehicle.
- In Patent Document 1 (JP 2010-198944 A), described is a technology by which an infrared communication device is provided at a hydrogen supply inlet (hydrogen dispensing inlet) on a vehicle side, and when a lid (fuel lid) is opened, an ECU (Electric Control Unit) obtains information on the pressure and the temperature of hydrogen in a hydrogen supply pipe and transfers this information to an external hydrogen supply device (dispenser) via the infrared communication device. According to the technology described in
Patent Document 1, as a lid switch is unnecessary, it is possible to downsize the lid. - In the technology disclosed by
Patent Document 1, the ECU monitors the pressure and the temperature in the hydrogen supply pipe, and when the pressure in the hydrogen supply pipe becomes higher than or equal to a predetermined pressure, the ECU transmits a signal to complete dispensing communication. Accordingly, by the technology described inPatent Document 1, even in a case that the fuel cell vehicle is left for a long time in a state that the lid is opened, the ECU continues to obtain information on the pressure and the temperature of the hydrogen in the hydrogen supply pipe and transmits the information to the external hydrogen supply device via the infrared communication device unless the ECU transmits the signal for completion. Consequently, by the technology described inPatent Document 1, when the fuel cell vehicle is left in a state that the lid is opened, the amount of charge of a battery gradually decreases as time elapses. - Accordingly, by the technology described in
Patent Document 1, in case that the fuel cell vehicle is left for a long time in a state that the lid is opened, it is possible that the amount of charge of the battery drops, and the air compressor and the like cannot be operated due to an associated drop in the discharge capacity of the battery when the fuel cell starts operation, which disables starting up of the fuel cell vehicle (in other words, the battery runs out.) - In this situation, an object of the invention is to provide an apparatus using fuel gas wherein the apparatus ensures the charge amount of a battery thereof.
- In order to solve the above-described problem, according to the present invention, an apparatus using fuel gas supplied from an external fuel gas supply device includes: a battery for supplying power to a device/devices of the apparatus; a fuel gas reservoir unit for reserving fuel gas supplied from the fuel gas supply device; a fuel lid for covering a supply inlet to which fuel gas is supplied from the fuel gas supply device; means for detecting an open/close state of the fuel lid; means for detecting fuel gas condition that is a pressure and/or a temperature of fuel gas reserved in the fuel gas reservoir unit; means for performing communication with the fuel gas supply device; and means for, upon reception of a signal notifying that the fuel lid is in an open state from the means for detecting an open/close state, controlling dispensing communication, using power supplied from the battery, in order to notify the condition of the fuel gas having been input from the means for detecting fuel gas condition to the fuel gas supply device via the means for performing communication, wherein the means for controlling stops the dispensing communication when the means for controlling has determined, according to a signal received from the means for detecting an open/close state, that a predetermined time period has elapsed with the fuel lid remaining in the open state after starting the dispensing communication.
- Thus, according to the invention, even if the fuel cell vehicle (apparatus using fuel gas) is left for a long time with the fuel lid remaining in the open state, the means for controlling stops dispensing communication when a predetermined time period has elapsed. It is thereby possible to ensure a necessary charge amount (SOC; State Of Charge) of the battery, and prevent running out of the battery which could be caused by performing continuous dispensing communication for a long time.
- In another aspect according to the invention, the apparatus using fuel gas further includes: means for detecting a charge state of the battery, wherein, upon reception of a signal notifying that the fuel lid is in the open state from the means for detecting an open/close state, the means for controlling decides the predetermined time period, corresponding to a voltage of the battery detected by the means for detecting a charge state.
- Thus, according to the invention, it is possible to decide a dispensing communication time period, corresponding to the voltage of the battery at a time when the fuel lid is opened, and ensure the charge amount (SOC: State Of Charge) of the battery by not performing dispensing communication longer than necessary.
- In still another aspect according to the invention, the means for controlling is set such that the higher the voltage of the battery detected by the means for detecting a charge state is, the longer the predetermined time period is.
- Thus, according to the invention, dispensing communication can be performed for a maximum limit of time period that is allowed in case the voltage of the battery at a time the fuel lid is opened is taken into account.
- In yet another aspect according to the invention, the apparatus further includes: means for detecting a charge state of the battery, wherein the means for controlling stops the dispensing communication when the voltage of the battery detected by the means for detecting a charge state is lower than or equal to a predetermined voltage.
- Thus, according to the invention, regardless of a time period in which the fuel lid has been left remaining in the open state, when the voltage of the battery has become lower than or equal to a predetermined value, dispensing communication is immediately stopped. According to the invention, it is thereby possible to ensure a necessary charge amount (SOC: State Of Charge) of the battery.
- In still another aspect according to the invention, the means for controlling continues the dispensing communication for a predetermined extension time period, when, according to a signal having been input from the means for detecting fuel gas condition, the means for controlling has determined that fuel gas is currently being supplied to the fuel gas reservoir unit after a reference time point or that fuel gas was supplied to the fuel gas reservoir unit within a predetermined past time after the reference time point, the reference time point being a time point at which the predetermined time period has elapsed with the fuel lid remaining in the open state after starting the dispensing communication.
- Thus, according to the invention, even in case that a predetermined time period has elapsed with the fuel lid remaining in the open state, if, for example, fuel gas is currently being supplied from the fuel gas supply device, it is possible to continuously perform dispensing fuel gas while ensuring a necessary charge amount (SOC: State Of Charge) of the battery, by extending dispensing communication for a predetermined time period.
- According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an apparatus using fuel gas wherein the apparatus ensures the charge amount of a battery thereof.
-
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a fuel cell vehicle according to the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process of dispensing communication by the fuel cell vehicle in a first embodiment according to the invention; -
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the time periods up to completion of dispensing hydrogen into the hydrogen tank of the fuel cell vehicle and the frequencies of the respective time periods; -
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process of dispensing communication by the fuel cell vehicle in a second embodiment according to the invention; -
FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the relationship between the battery voltage and the dispensing communication time period of the fuel cell vehicle in the second embodiment according to the invention; -
FIG. 5B is a diagram showing ON/OFF states of dispensing communication at respective battery voltages; -
FIG. 5C is a diagram showing the variation in the battery voltages with respect to the elapsed time after a start of dispensing communication; -
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process of dispensing communication by the fuel cell vehicle in a third embodiment according to the invention; -
FIG. 7A is a diagram showing the pressure variation in a hydrogen tank with respect to the dispensing time period of hydrogen into the hydrogen tank of the fuel cell vehicle; -
FIG. 7B is a diagram showing the temperature variation of hydrogen gas in the hydrogen tank with respect to the dispensing time period of hydrogen into the hydrogen tank of the fuel cell vehicle; -
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process of dispensing communication by the fuel cell vehicle in a fourth embodiment according to the invention; -
FIG. 9A is a diagram showing the variation in the battery voltage with respect to the elapsed time after a start of dispensing communication regarding the fuel cell vehicle in the fourth embodiment according to the invention; -
FIG. 9B is a diagram showing ON/OFF states of the dispensing communication at respective battery voltages; and -
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process of dispensing communication by the fuel cell vehicle in a fifth embodiment according to the invention. - A first embodiment according to the present invention will be described below, referring to the drawings, as appropriate. The same symbol will be assigned to an element common to respective drawings, and overlapping description will be omitted.
-
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a fuel cell vehicle according to the present invention. Thefuel cell vehicle 100 includes afuel cell 1, an ECU 2, a VCU (chopper) 3, a battery 4, a PDU (inverter) 5, amotor 6, acompressor 7, ahydrogen tank 8, ashutoff valve 9, an IG (ignition) 10, a fuellid opener switch 13, afuel lid 14, afuel lid opener 15, ahydrogen dispensing inlet 17, acheck valve 18, aninterface 19, various sensors, and various pipes. - Herein, in
FIG. 1 , a solid arrow represents the flow of air including oxygen (oxidant gas) or hydrogen (fuel gas). A triple solid line represents a three phase alternate current. A double solid line represents a direct current. A dashed line represents an electrical signal for transmitting certain information. - The
fuel cell 1 is arranged as follows. That is, when thefuel cell 1 is provided with hydrogen (fuel gas) through ananode flow path 10 a, electrode reaction represented byExpression 1 occurs. When thefuel cell 1 is provided with air including oxygen (oxidant gas) through a cathode flow path lob, electrode reaction represented by Expression 2 occurs to generate a potential difference (OCV (Open Circuit Voltage)) in each unit cell. -
2H2→4H++4e.Expression 1 -
O2+4H++4e.→2H2O Expression 2 - The ECU 2 is a control unit for electronic control of the
fuel cell vehicle 100, and includes an electronic circuit (not shown) with a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, various interfaces, and the like. The ECU 2 controls various units, according to programs stored therein, to execute various processes. Further, the ECU 2 is provided with power from the battery 4 through the later-describedVCU 3, as necessary. - The ECU 2 includes a dispensing
communication control section 2 c. In dispensing hydrogen to thehydrogen tank 8, the dispensingcommunication control section 2 c performs various control processes for dispensing communication with the dispenser (hydrogen dispensing unit) 22 of anexternal hydrogen station 200. - Concretely, the dispensing
communication control section 2 c stores the hydrogen pressure, the hydrogen temperature, and the like inside thehydrogen tank 8 obtained from apressure sensor 11 and/or atemperature sensor 12, which will be described later, in the storage section, not shown, of the ECU 2. In performing dispensing communication with thedispenser 22 of anexternal hydrogen station 200, the dispensingcommunication control section 2 c reads out the above-described information from the storage section (not shown) and transmits the information to thedispenser 22 via theinterface 19 and acommunication connecter 24. Further, the dispensingcommunication control section 2 c stores information on the hydrogen pressure, the hydrogen temperature, and the like inside thehydrogen tank 8 in the storage section (not shown), and updates the information at certain time intervals. - Herein, the control unit of the fuel cell vehicle is not limited to the ECU2, and may be a control unit that is provided with a mechanical transmission mechanism instead of an electrical unit.
- Information transmitted from the dispensing
communication control section 2 c to thedispenser 22 includes, in addition to the hydrogen pressure and the hydrogen temperature inside thehydrogen tank 8, described above, the material (aluminum alloy, resin, etc.) of thehydrogen tank 8, the allowable temperature and the allowable pressure of thehydrogen tank 8 depending on the material, the expiration date for use of thehydrogen tank 8, the number of times of dispensing hydrogen, and the like. Information transmitted by the dispensingcommunication control section 2 c to thedispenser 22 in such a manner will be hereinafter referred to as dispensing communication information. The dispensing communication information is stored in the storage section (not shown) of the ECU 2, and when the ECU 2 performs dispensing communication, the dispensingcommunication control section 2 c reads out the dispensing communication information from the storage section (not shown) and transmits the information to thedispenser 22. - Further, the dispensing
communication control section 2 c starts dispensing communication, with a signal notifying that thefuel lid 14 has become into an open state (lock release) as a trigger by a later-described fuel lid open/close sensor 16, and transmits the above-described various information to outside via theinterface 19. - Still further, the dispensing
communication control section 2 c also has a function to obtain the voltage of the battery 4 detected by avoltage sensor 20 and monitor the voltage. - Upon instruction from the ECU 2, the VCU (Voltage Control Unit) 3 controls the output current and the output voltage of the
fuel cell 1 and controls charging/discharging of the battery 4. The battery 4 is provided with, for example, a plurality of lithium-ion secondary batteries. The battery 4 is charged with an excessive voltage of thefuel cell 1 or a regenerated power from themotor 6, or assists (compensates) a power shortage of thefuel cell 1. The PDU (Power Drive Unit) 5 is an inverter that, upon instruction from the ECU 2, converts a direct current that is input from theVCU 3 into a three-phase alternate current and supplies the current to themotor 6. With a power from thefuel cell 1 and/or the battery 4, themotor 6 generates drive force for driving thefuel cell vehicle 100. - Upon instruction by the ECU 2, the
compressor 7 operates to take in air including oxygen and supply the air to thecathode flow path 10 b through a pipe lib. Thehydrogen tank 8 is connected to the inlet of theanode flow path 10 a through a pipe Ha, theshutoff valve 9, and apipe 12 a. When theshutoff valve 9 is opened by an instruction from the ECU 2 to open theshutoff valve 9, hydrogen is supplied from thehydrogen tank 8 through theshutoff valve 9 and the like to theanode flow path 10 a. The ECU 2 is set such as to open theshutoff valve 9, upon detection of ON signal of theIG 10, in order to supply hydrogen to theanode flow path 10 a so that thefuel cell 1 generates power. - The
shutoff valve 9 is connected through thepipe 12 a to theanode flow path 10 a, and adjusts the supply of hydrogen from thehydrogen tank 8 through thepipe 11 a by opening and closing, according to an instruction from the ECU 2. TheIG 10 is a start-up switch of thefuel cell vehicle 100 and is provided beside the driver's seat. The ECU 2 is connected with theIG 10 to detect an ON/OFF signal of theIG 10. - As a known method is used by the ECU 2 to control power generation by the
fuel cell 1, detailed description of the control will be omitted. - The
pressure sensor 11 is a sensor for detecting the hydrogen pressure inside thehydrogen tank 8, and is arranged inside thehydrogen tank 8. Thepressure sensor 11 outputs the detected hydrogen pressure inside thehydrogen tank 8 to the ECU 2. - The
temperature sensor 12 is a sensor for detecting the hydrogen temperature inside thehydrogen tank 8, and is arranged in thehydrogen tank 8. Thetemperature sensor 12 outputs the hydrogen temperature inside thehydrogen tank 8 to the ECU 2. - The positions of the
pressure sensor 11 and thetemperature sensor 12 may be changed, as appropriate. - The fuel
lid opener switch 13 is a switch for opening thefuel lid 14, and is provided beside the driver's seat. The ECU 2 is connected with the fuellid opener switch 13, and when the fuellid opener switch 13 is pressed down, the ECU 2 detects a signal from the fuellid opener switch 13. - The
fuel lid 14 is a lid that is rotationally opened when hydrogen is to be dispensed, and is provided at a side of thefuel cell vehicle 100. Thefuel lid 14 normally (in other words, when hydrogen is not dispensed) covers thehydrogen dispensing inlet 17 and is locked in a close state. On the other hand, when a driver presses down the fuellid opener switch 13 for dispensing hydrogen and the later-describedfuel lid opener 15 thereby receives an instruction from the ECU 2 to open thefuel lid 14, thefuel lid 14 is rotated in the opening direction (lock release) to become into an open state. - According to an instruction from the ECU 2, the
fuel lid opener 15 performs locking or lock releasing of thefuel lid 14 as described above. The method of transmitting an instruction, to open thefuel lid 14, to thefuel lid opener 15 is not limited to the above-described electrical method. For example, a mechanical transmitting method in which thefuel lid opener 15 and a leasing lever (not shown) are connected by a wire cable (not shown) may be employed. - The fuel lid open/
close sensor 16 is a sensor for detecting the open/close state of thefuel lid 14, and is provided in the vicinity of thefuel lid 14. The fuel lid open/close sensor 16 outputs a signal corresponding to the open/close state of thefuel lid 14 to the ECU 2. - As described above, when the ECU 2 has received a signal notifying that the
fuel lid 14 has become into the open state (lock release) from the fuel lid open/close sensor 16, the ECU 2 starts up the dispensingcommunication control section 2 c to start dispensing communication with theexternal hydrogen station 200, and transmits dispensing communication information. - The
hydrogen dispensing inlet 17 is a part to which thehydrogen dispensing nozzle 23 of theexternal hydrogen station 200 is connected when hydrogen is to be dispensed into thehydrogen tank 8, and is provided at a side face of the vehicle. - The
check valve 18 has a valve structure that restricts the flow of hydrogen supplied through thehydrogen dispensing inlet 17 so that the hydrogen flows in one direction toward thehydrogen tank 8. Further, in dispensing hydrogen, thecheck valve 18 opens when hydrogen is supplied at a certain supply pressure through thehydrogen dispensing inlet 17 and thepipe 13 a, and thecheck valve 18 thereby dispenses hydrogen into thehydrogen tank 8 through thepipe 14 a. - The
interface 19 is a part to which thecommunication connecter 24 of theexternal hydrogen station 200 is connected during dispensing hydrogen, and theinterface 19 is provided in the vicinity of thehydrogen dispensing inlet 17. Thevoltage sensor 20 is connected to the battery 4, and detects the voltage of the battery 4 and outputs the voltage to the ECU 2. - The
hydrogen station 200 that supplies hydrogen, which is a fuel gas, to thefuel cell vehicle 100 will be briefly described below. - The
hydrogen station 200 includes ahydrogen reserving tank 21, thedispenser 22, thehydrogen dispensing nozzle 23, and thecommunication connecter 24. Thehydrogen reserving tank 21 reserves hydrogen, which is to be supplied to thefuel cell vehicle 100, at a high temperature. The dispenser (hydrogen dispensing device) 22 is connected with thehydrogen reserving tank 21, controls start/stop of dispensing hydrogen to be supplied to thehydrogen tank 8 of thefuel cell vehicle 100, and controls the pressure, the fuel rate, and the like in dispensing hydrogen. Further, in dispensing hydrogen into thehydrogen tank 8 of thefuel cell vehicle 100, thedispenser 22 performs dispensing communication with the dispensingcommunication control section 2 c of the ECU 2 via theinterface 19 and the later-describedcommunication connecter 24. Through the dispensing communication, thedispenser 22 obtains information on the hydrogen pressure, the hydrogen temperature, and the like inside thehydrogen tank 8, and adjusts, based on the information, the pressure and the like of hydrogen supplied from thehydrogen reserving tank 21. In such a manner, thedispenser 22 dispenses hydrogen into thehydrogen tank 8 of thefuel cell vehicle 100. - The
hydrogen dispensing nozzle 23 is connected with thehydrogen reserving tank 21 through thedispenser 22, and is inserted into thehydrogen dispensing inlet 17 in dispensing hydrogen into thehydrogen tank 8 of thefuel cell vehicle 100. Then, the hydrogen supplied from thehydrogen reserving tank 21 of thehydrogen station 200 is adjusted with respect to the pressure and the like by thedispenser 22, and dispensed into thehydrogen tank 8 through thehydrogen dispensing nozzle 23, thehydrogen dispensing inlet 17, thepipe 13 a, thecheck valve 18, and thepipe 14 a. Thecommunication connecter 24 is a tool for connecting wires and is connected with thedispenser 22. Thecommunication connecter 24 is inserted into theinterface 19 when hydrogen is dispensed into thehydrogen tank 8 of thefuel cell vehicle 100. -
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of dispensing communication by the fuel cell vehicle in the present embodiment. As described above, the dispensingcommunication control section 2 c of the ECU 2 starts dispensing communication when a signal notifying that thefuel lid 14 has become into the open state is input from the fuel lid open/close sensor 16. Accordingly, a series of processes related to the dispensing communication that starts when thefuel lid 14 has become into the open state is assumed to be performed by the dispensingcommunication control section 2 c of the ECU 2 in the following description. - In step S101 in
FIG. 2 , the ECU 2 determines whether or not theIG 10 is in OFF state. If theIG 10 is in OFF state (step S101→Yes), then the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S102. If theIG 10 is in ON state (step S101→No), then the ECU 2 repeats the determination in step S101. - In step S102, the ECU 2 determines whether or not the
fuel lid 14 is in the open state. If thefuel lid 14 is in the open state (step S102→Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S103. If thefuel lid 14 is in the close state (step S102→No), then the ECU 2 repeats the determination in step S102. - In step S103, the ECU 2 starts dispensing communication. That is, the ECU 2 reads out, from the storage section not shown, dispensing communication information including the hydrogen pressure and/or the hydrogen temperature inside the
hydrogen tank 8, and transmits the dispensing communication information via theinterface 19. - Next, in step S104, the ECU 2 determines whether or not the elapsed time after a start of the dispensing communication is longer than or equal to a predetermined time period t0. Herein, the predetermined time period t0 is a preset value (for example, 60 min).
-
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the time periods up to completion of dispensing hydrogen into the hydrogen tank of the fuel cell vehicle and the frequencies of the respective time periods. The value of the remaining amount of hydrogen in thehydrogen tank 8 immediately before the supply of hydrogen to thefuel cell vehicle 100 varies depending on cases. For example, even in a state that hydrogen is sufficiently dispensed in thehydrogen tank 8, hydrogen may be supplied from thehydrogen station 200, according to determination by a driver. In this case, dispensing of hydrogen is completed in a comparatively short time (for example, time period tA: refer toFIG. 3 ). On the other hand, in a state that thehydrogen tank 8 is almost empty with little hydrogen, it takes a comparatively long time (for example, tB: refer toFIG. 3 ) to complete dispensing of hydrogen. - Statistical data, as Shown in
FIG. 3 , is obtained in advance, and the above-described predetermined time period t0 (refer toFIG. 3 ) is set such as to cover most frequencies (for example, higher than or equal to 99%: refer to the range α inFIG. 3 ). The predetermined time period t0 is stored in the storage section, not shown, of the ECU 2. - Returning to
FIG. 2 , in step S104, if it is determined that the predetermined time period t0 has elapsed after a start of dispensing communication (step S104→Yes), the ECU 2 instructs thedispenser 22 to stop dispensing hydrogen. That is, the ECU 2 transmits a signal to thedispenser 22 via theinterface 19 and thecommunication connecter 24 to stop dispensing of hydrogen. - In step S105, it is also possible that the
fuel cell vehicle 100 is left at a place (for example, in a parking area) other than thehydrogen station 200 in a state, for example, that thefuel lid 14 is left open by mistake. Even in such a case, in other words, regardless of whether or not thehydrogen dispensing nozzle 23 is inserted in thehydrogen dispensing inlet 17, the ECU 2 is assumed to transmit to theinterface 19 an instruction to stop dispensing. Incidentally, the instruction to stop dispensing only requires outputting a predetermined signal. Accordingly, transmitting in itself from the ECU 2 the instruction to stop dispensing affects the charged amount of the battery 4 little. - Then, in step S106, the ECU 2 stops dispensing communication. After stopping dispensing communication, the ECU 2 stops supplying current to the
pressure sensor 11 and thetemperature sensor 12, and also stops obtaining the pressure and temperature in thehydrogen tank 8. - In step S107, the ECU 2 blinks a warning lamp (not shown). The warning lamp is provided at a position where a driver at the driver's seat can view the warning lamp. The ECU 2 blinks the warning lamp to notify the driver that the
fuel lid 14 is left open. - Herein, though not shown, as a power from the battery 4 is also required for blinking the warning lamp, setting is preferably made in the storage section, not shown, of the ECU 2 such as to blink the warning lamp only for a predetermined time period. In this case, when the predetermined time period has elapsed after starting blinking of the warning lamp, the ECU 2 stops blinking of the warning lamp. Also in the later-described other embodiments, the same thing can be said about the blinking time period of a warning lamp.
- Further, the ECU 2 may notify the driver that the
fuel lid 14 is left open, by sound together with blinking of the warning lamp. - In step S104, if it is determined that the predetermined time period has not yet elapsed after starting dispensing communication (step S104→No), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S108. In step S108, the ECU 2 determines whether or not the
fuel lid 14 is in the close state. In step S108, if thefuel lid 14 is in the close state (step S108→Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S109. If thefuel lid 14 is in the open state (step S108→No), the process by the ECU 2 returns to step S104. In step S109, the ECU 2 stops dispensing communication. - Regarding the
fuel cell vehicle 100 in END1 inFIG. 2 , the following states are assumed. For example, a state is assumed that hydrogen has been dispensed to thefuel cell vehicle 100 at thehydrogen station 200 to the maximum within the allowable range of the hydrogen tank 8 (dispensing complete), and thefuel lid 14 has been closed. Further, a state is assumed that although hydrogen has not been dispensed to the maximum within the allowable range of thehydrogen tank 8, dispensing hydrogen has been stopped and thefuel lid 14 has been closed when a predetermined amount of hydrogen has been dispensed. Still further, a state is assumed that although thefuel lid 14 had been once opened, hydrogen was not dispensed and thefuel lid 14 was closed in a predetermined time period t0. - Accordingly, END1 in
FIG. 2 represents a case that the process is terminated without a detection of abnormality of the ECU 2 (the abnormality that thefuel lid 14 is in a state of being left open longer than the predetermined time period t0.) - On the other hand, for the
fuel cell vehicle 100 in END2 inFIG. 2 , the following states are assumed. For example, a state is assumed that thefuel cell vehicle 100 is left at a place (for example, in a parking area) other than thehydrogen station 200 while thefuel lid 14 is left open by some mistake. Further, a state is supposed that thefuel lid 14 itself is, for example, in troubled or frozen, and, for example, even when a driver tries to close thefuel lid 14, thefuel lid 14 does not completely close, and thefuel lid 14 is thereby actually left open. Still further, a state is assumed that in providing thefuel cell vehicle 100 with hydrogen at thehydrogen station 200, as a failure in communication with thedispenser 22 has occurred, hydrogen is not supplied even if thehydrogen dispensing nozzle 23 is inserted, and a certain time has elapsed in this situation unchanged. - Thus, END2 in
FIG. 2 is a case that the ECU 2 has detected abnormality, notifies the driver of the abnormality by blinking the warning lamp (not shown) to terminate the process. - In a case of END2 and when the driver becomes aware, by blinking of the warning lamp (not shown), that the
fuel lid 14 is left in the open state longer than the predetermined time period t0 and the driver again wants to perform dispensing of hydrogen, the following steps can be taken. - For example, the drive turns the
IG 10, which is in OFF state at END2, once into ON state, and then turns theIG 10 into OFF state. In this case, the process by the ECU 2 returns to step S102 inFIG. 2 . Otherwise, for example, the driver once closes thefuel lid 14, which is in the open state at END2, and then opens thefuel lid 14. In this case, the process by the ECU 2 returns to step S103 inFIG. 2 . - Regarding the
fuel cell vehicle 100 related to the present embodiment, when a state that thefuel lid 14 is open has continued longer than the predetermined time period t0, the ECU 2 (dispensingcommunication control section 2 c) stops dispensing communication. After the dispensing communication has stopped, as power is not consumed by the dispensingcommunication control section 2 c, the charge amount of the battery 4 drops little even when the predetermined time period t0 has elapsed in a state that thefuel lid 14 is open. That is, by not performing dispensing communication longer than necessary, the charge amount (SOC: State Of Charge) of the battery 4 is ensured, making it possible to prevent the battery 4 from running out. - Further, regarding the
fuel cell vehicle 100, after stopping dispensing communication, the ECU 2 stops supplying current to thepressure sensor 11 and thetemperature sensor 12, and also stops obtaining the hydrogen pressure and the hydrogen temperature inside thehydrogen tank 8. Accordingly, also when the predetermined time period t0 has elapsed in a state that thefuel lid 14 is left open, as thepressure sensor 11, thetemperature sensor 12, and the like stops consuming power, the charge amount of the battery 4 drops little. That is, by not performing dispensing communication more than necessary, it is possible to ensure the charge amount (SOC: State Of Charge), and prevent the battery 4 from running out. - Further, regarding the
fuel cell vehicle 100, the allowable time period t0 in performing dispensing communication is set such as to cover most frequencies shown inFIG. 3 (for example, higher than or equal to 99%: refer to the range α). Accordingly, in case that hydrogen is normally dispensed, it is possible to dispense a sufficient amount of hydrogen into thehydrogen tank 8. - As the configuration of a
fuel cell vehicle 100 in a second embodiment according to the invention is similar to that shown inFIG. 1 , description of respective elements of thefuel cell vehicle 100 will be omitted. Further, also in describing the operation of thefuel cell vehicle 100, description of partial operation by processes similar to those described in the first embodiment with reference toFIG. 2 will be briefed or omitted. - The first embodiment and the second embodiment are different in that while a time period t0 for continuously performing dispensing communication is set in advance in the first embodiment, a time period of dispensing communication is decided based on the voltage of the battery 4 at a time the
fuel lid 14 is opened in the second embodiment. -
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process of dispensing communication by the fuel cell vehicle in the second embodiment according to the invention. - As the processes in steps S201 and S202 shown in
FIG. 4 are respectively similar to those in steps S101 and S102 shown inFIG. 2 , description of these processes will be omitted. In step S202 inFIG. 4 , if it is determined that thefuel lid 14 is in the open state (step S202→Yes), the process by an ECU 2 proceeds to step S203. In step S203, the ECU 2 decides a time period of performing dispensing communication (hereinafter, referred to as dispensing communication time period tG), based on the voltage value of the battery 4. -
FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the relation between the battery voltage and the dispensing communication time period of the fuel cell vehicle. The horizontal axis inFIG. 5A represents the voltage of the battery 4 at a time thefuel lid 14 is opened (in other words, a time the ECU 2 receives an opening signal from the fuel lid open/close sensor 16). The vertical axis represents the dispensing communication time period tG corresponding to the voltage of the battery 4. As shown inFIG. 5A , dispensing communication is performed if the voltage of the battery 4 at a time thefuel lid 14 is opened is higher than or equal to a predetermined voltage V0 (for example, V2, V3), and dispensing communication is not performed if the voltage of the battery 4 is lower than a predetermined voltage V0 (for example, V1). That is, the voltage V0 is a threshold as a determination reference in preventing the battery 4 from running out, and is a value that is set in advance. The voltage V0 is a value higher, by a margin of a predetermined voltage, than a boundary voltage at which the battery 4 runs out or not. -
FIG. 5B is a diagram showing ON/OFF of dispensing communication at respective battery voltages. The ECU 2 is, as shown inFIG. 5B , performs dispensing communication for a time (t2, t3) that corresponds to the voltage (V2, V3) of the battery 4, the voltage (V2, V3) being at a time thefuel lid 14 is opened. As described above, if the voltage of the battery 4 is V1 (refer toFIG. 5A ), the ECU 2 does not perform dispensing communication. -
FIG. 5C is a diagram showing the variation in the battery voltage with respect to the elapse time after a start of dispensing communication. The graph of the solid line shown inFIG. 5C represents a case that the voltage of the battery 4 at a time thefuel lid 14 is opened is V3. Similarly, the graph of alternate long and short dashed line represents the case that the voltage of the battery 4 at a time thefuel lid 14 is opened is V2, and the graph of dashed line represents the case that the voltage of the battery 4 is V1. - As shown in
FIG. 5C , the voltage of the battery 4 drops as time elapses after a start of dispensing communication, and drops down to the above-described threshold voltage V0 in a predetermined time period (t2, t3). The higher the voltage (V2<V3) of the battery 4 at a time thefuel lid 14 is opened is, the longer the elapse time (t2<t3) until the voltage reaches the threshold voltage V0 is. - Accordingly, as shown in
FIGS. 5A and 5B , a setting is made in advance in the ECU 2 such that the higher the voltage (V2<V3) of the battery 4 at a time thefuel lid 14 is opened is, the longer the dispensing communication time period tG (t2<t3) is. Such information has been experimentally obtained in advance and stored in the storage section, not shown, of the ECU 2. Upon reception of an opening signal from the fuel lid open/close sensor 16, the ECU 2 decides a dispensing communication time period tG, as described above, based on the information stored in the above-described storage section and shown inFIG. 5A . - Returning to
FIG. 4 , in step S204, the ECU 2 starts dispensing communication. Then, in step S205, the ECU 2 determines whether or not the dispensing communication time period tG has elapsed after the start of dispensing communication. If the dispensing communication time period tG has elapsed after the start of dispensing communication (step S205→Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S206. If the dispensing communication time period tG has not elapsed after the start of dispensing communication (step S205→No), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S209. - As the process in S206 to S210 shown in
FIG. 4 is similar to the process in S105 to S109 shown inFIG. 2 , description of the process in S206 to S210 will be omitted. - Regarding the
fuel cell vehicle 100 in the present embodiment, the voltage of the battery 4 at a time thefuel lid 14 is opened is detected, and a time period (the dispensing communication time period tG) of performing dispensing communication is decided, based on the voltage. The higher the above-described voltage of the battery 4 is, the longer the dispensing communication time period tG is set, and a predetermined threshold voltage V0 is ensured as the voltage of the battery 4 at a time the dispensing communication time period tG has elapsed. That is, regarding thefuel cell vehicle 100, it is possible to dispense hydrogen for a maximum time period allowed corresponding to the voltage of the battery 4 at a time thefuel lid 14 is opened. Further, by not performing dispensing communication longer than necessary, it is possible to ensure the charge amount (SOC: State Of Charge) of the battery 4. - As the configuration of a
fuel cell vehicle 100 in a third embodiment according to the invention is similar to that shown inFIG. 1 , description of respective elements of thefuel cell vehicle 100 will be omitted. - In addition to the feature, of the second embodiment, that a dispensing communication time period tG is computed based on the voltage of the battery 4 at a time the
fuel lid 14 is opened, the present embodiment has a feature that a process of extending a dispensing communication time period is performed in a certain case. Accordingly, regarding the operation of thefuel cell vehicle 100 in the present embodiment, description of a part of performing similar processes as those in the second embodiment will be omitted. -
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of dispensing communication by a fuel cell vehicle in a third embodiment according to the invention. - As the process in S301 to S305 shown in
FIG. 6 is similar to the process in S201 to S205 shown inFIG. 4 , description of the process in S301 to S305 will be omitted. In step S305 inFIG. 6 , if a dispensing communication time period tG, described above by the use ofFIG. 5 , has elapsed after a start of dispensing communication (step S305→Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S306. In step S306, the ECU 2 determines whether or not the hydrogen pressure inside thehydrogen tank 8 is currently increasing. This determination can be made, for example, depending on whether or not the hydrogen pressure inside thehydrogen tank 8 has increased by a pressure higher than or equal to 0.5 MPa in 10 sec counted from the time (reference time) when the dispensing communication time period tG has elapsed after the start of dispensing communication. - Herein, for example, the determination in step S306 may be made depending on whether or not the hydrogen pressure inside the
hydrogen tank 8 has increased by a pressure higher than or equal to 5 MPa in past 3 min counted from the time (as reference time point) when the dispensing communication time period tG has elapsed after a start of dispensing communication. That is, in this case, the ECU 2 determines whether or not a history of an increase in the hydrogen pressure inside thehydrogen tank 8 in the past exists. - If the hydrogen pressure inside the
hydrogen tank 8 is currently increasing (step S306→Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S307. On the other hand, if the hydrogen pressure inside thehydrogen tank 8 is not currently increasing (step S306→No), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S310. - In step S307, the ECU 2 computes a dispensing communication extension time period tE, based on the increasing rate of the hydrogen pressure of the hydrogen gas dispensed in the
hydrogen tank 8. Herein, the dispensing communication extension time period tE refers to a time period for further performing dispensing communication, the time period being counted from the time (as reference time point) when the dispensing communication time period tG computed in step S303 has elapsed after the start of dispensing communication. -
FIG. 7A is a diagram showing the pressure variation in the hydrogen tank with respect to the dispensing time period of hydrogen into the hydrogen tank of the fuel cell vehicle.FIG. 7A shows data in a case that hydrogen dispensing has been normally performed from an empty state of thehydrogen tank 8. - The ECU 2 computes a dispensing communication extension time period tE [mini], using
Expression 3 described below. InExpression 3, Pe [MPa] represents the hydrogen pressure inside thehydrogen tank 8 at a time of completion of dispensing, wherein this hydrogen pressure is experimentally obtained in advance and stored in the storage section, not shown, of the ECU 2. Pn [MPa] represents the hydrogen pressure inside thehydrogen tank 8 at the current moment (in other words, at the time the ECU 2 obtains information from the pressure sensor 11), while Pm [MPa] represents the hydrogen pressure inside thehydrogen tank 8 at a time that is earlier than the current moment by a predetermined time period tC, wherein tα [min] (not shown) represents a predetermined margin of time period. - The predetermined time period tC is a value that is set in advance and can be set, for example, to 1 min. The margin of time period tα also is a value that is set in advance and can be set, for example, to 3 min.
-
t E =t C(P e −P n)/(P n −P m)+t α Expression 3 - In
FIG. 7A , in case that the pressure at the current time tn is Pn, and the pressure at the time tm that is earlier than the time tn by the predetermined time period tc is Pm, the value of tC (Pe−Pn)/(Pn−Pm) in aboveExpression 3 is equal to the time period tD shown inFIG. 7A . That is, it takes the time period tβ more to complete dispensing. - The larger the gradient of a graph at the current time tn shown in
FIG. 7A is, the larger the value of the above tβ is. Accordingly, the margin of time period tα inExpression 3 can be set to the value of the time period tβ that is taken when the current time tn is assumed to be the point where the gradient of the graph, shown inFIG. 7A , is at the maximum. - Incidentally, in dispensing hydrogen, it is not always necessary to dispense hydrogen up to the maximum limit (refer to Pe shown in
FIG. 7A ) of the allowable range of thehydrogen tank 8, and the value of the margin of time period tα may be appropriately adjusted to be set shorter than a value computed by the above-described method. Further, the dispensing communication extension time period tE may be set to the value of the predetermined time period t0 described with reference toFIG. 3 in the first embodiment. - In the present embodiment, dispensing communication is performed at longest for ‘dispensing communication time period tG+dispensing communication extension time period tE’. In consideration of this point, the dispensing communication time period tG computed in step S303 is preferably set to be shorter by a predetermined time period in advance.
- Returning to
FIG. 6 , in step S308, the ECU 2 determines whether or not thefuel lid 14 is in the close state. If thefuel lid 14 is in the close state (step S308→Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S314. On the other hand, if thefuel lid 14 is in the open state (step S308→No), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S309. In step S309, the ECU 2 determines whether or not the extended elapsed time period is longer than or equal to the dispensing communication extension time period tE. Herein, ‘the extended elapsed time period’ is counted from the reference time point (time zero) when the dispensing communication time period tG computed in step S303 has elapsed after a start of dispensing communication. Then, if the extended elapsed time period is longer than or equal to the dispensing communication extension time period tE (step S309→Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S310. On the other hand, if the extended elapsed time period is shorter than the dispensing communication extension time period tE (step S309→No), the process by the ECU 2 returns to step S308. - Description of the process in steps S310 to S314 will be omitted because this process is similar to the process in steps S206 to S210 shown in
FIG. 4 . - In the above description, in step S306 in
FIG. 6 , it is determined whether or not the hydrogen pressure inside thehydrogen tank 8 is currently increasing, however, it may be determined whether or not the hydrogen temperature is increasing. This is possible, for example, by determining whether or not the hydrogen temperature inside thehydrogen tank 8 has increased by 1° C. or higher during 10 sec counted from the time (as reference time point) when the dispensing communication time period t0 has elapsed after the start of dispensing communication. - Otherwise, for example, the ECU 2 may make determination in step S306, depending on whether or not the hydrogen temperature in the
hydrogen tank 8 has increased by 10° C. or higher during the past 3 min counted from the time (as reference time point) when the dispensing communication time period tG has elapsed after a start of dispensing communication. - As the method of computing the dispensing communication extension time period tE in step S307 in
FIG. 6 , in addition to a method of computing based on a hydrogen pressure that is input from thepressure sensor 11 of thehydrogen tank 8, a method of computing based on a hydrogen temperature that is input from thetemperature sensor 12 of thehydrogen tank 8 also can be considered. -
FIG. 7B is a diagram showing the temperature variation of hydrogen gas in the hydrogen tank with respect to the dispensing time period of hydrogen into the hydrogen tank of the fuel cell vehicle.FIG. 7B shows data in a case that dispensing of hydrogen has been normally performed from an empty state of thehydrogen tank 8. - In case of using the hydrogen temperature in the
hydrogen tank 8, the dispensing communication extension time period tE [min] is computed, using Expression 4 described below. In Expression 4, Te [° C.] represents a hydrogen temperature in thehydrogen tank 8 at a time when dispensing is completed, wherein this hydrogen temperature is experimentally obtained in advance. Tn [° C.] represents a hydrogen temperature in thehydrogen tank 8 at the current time (at the time when the ECU 2 receives a hydrogen temperature from the temperature sensor 12). Tm [° C.] represents the hydrogen temperature in thehydrogen tank 8 at a time that is earlier than the current time by the predetermined time period tC. The time period tα [min] (not shown) represents a predetermined margin of time period. - The predetermined time period tC is a predetermined value, and can be set, for example, to 1 min. The margin of time period tα is also a predetermined value, and can be set, for example, to 3 min.
-
t E =t C(T e −T n)/(T n −T m)+t α Expression 4 - Setting of the margin of time period tα and the like are similar to the above, and description will be omitted.
- Regarding the
fuel cell vehicle 100 in the present embodiment, in case that a predetermined dispensing communication time period has elapsed while thefuel lid 14 remains in the open state, for example, in a case that hydrogen is currently being supplied at thehydrogen station 200, it is possible to continue to perform dispensing communication with an extension of dispensing communication by a predetermined time period tE. That is, in case that hydrogen is currently being dispensed (or a history of dispensing hydrogen exists), dispensing communication can be continuously performed. Further, by setting the dispensing communication time period to in consideration of extending dispensing of hydrogen continuously after the dispensing communication time period tG has elapsed, it is possible to dispense hydrogen for the maximum limit of time period that is allowed depending on the voltage of the battery 4. - As the configuration of a
fuel cell vehicle 100 in a fourth embodiment according to the invention is similar to that shown inFIG. 1 , description of respective elements of thefuel cell vehicle 100 will be omitted. Further, also in describing the operation of thefuel cell vehicle 100, description of partial operation by processes similar to those described in the first embodiment with reference toFIG. 2 will be briefed or omitted. - The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that, in the fourth embodiment, the ECU 2 (dispensing
communication control section 2 c) monitors the voltage of the battery 4, and stops dispensing communication if the voltage has become lower than or equal to a predetermined voltage. -
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of dispensing communication by a fuel cell vehicle in a fourth embodiment according to the invention. - As the processes in steps S401 and S402 shown in
FIG. 8 are respectively similar to the processes in steps S101 and S102 shown inFIG. 2 , description of these processes will be omitted. In step S402 inFIG. 8 , if it is determined that thefuel lid 14 is in the open state (step S402→Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S403. In step S403, the ECU 2 starts dispensing communication. In step S404, the ECU 2 determines whether or not the voltage of the battery 4 is lower than or equal to a predetermined voltage V0. -
FIG. 9A is a diagram showing the variation in the battery voltage with respect to the elapsed time from a start of dispensing communication regarding the fuel cell vehicle in the fourth embodiment according to the invention. As shown inFIG. 9A , the voltage of the battery 4 at the time (t=0) when thefuel lid 14 is opened is a voltage represented by V1. As time elapses after the start of dispensing communication by the ECU 2, the voltage of the battery 4 gradually drops. The ECU 2 monitors the voltage of the battery 4 at intervals of a predetermined time period, and the ECU 2 determines whether or not the voltage of the battery 4 becomes lower than or equal to the predetermined voltage V0. That is, the voltage V0 is a threshold as a determination criterion in preventing the battery 4 from running out. Herein, the voltage V0 is set to a value with a margin by a predetermined voltage compared with a voltage on the boundary at which the battery 4 runs out or not. -
FIG. 9B is a diagram showing ON/OFF of dispensing communication at respective battery voltages. As shown inFIG. 9B , the ECU 2 is set such as to perform dispensing communication up to a time t1 when the voltage of the battery 4 drops down to the predetermined voltage V0 (or lower than V0), and stop dispensing communication thereafter. - Returning to
FIG. 8 , in step S404, if the voltage of the battery 4 is lower than or equal to the predetermined voltage V0 (step S404→Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S405. The process in steps S405 to S407 shown inFIG. 8 is similar to the process in steps S105 to S107 shown inFIG. 2 . - On the other hand, if the voltage of the battery 4 is higher than the predetermined voltage V0 (step S404→No), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S408. In step S408, the ECU 2 determines whether or not a predetermined time period t0 has elapsed after a start of dispensing communication. The predetermined time period t0 is similar to that described in the first embodiment with reference to
FIG. 3 . - If a time longer than or equal to the predetermined time period t0 has elapsed after the start of dispensing communication (step S408→Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S405. On the other hand, if the predetermined time period t0 has not yet elapsed after the start of dispensing communication (step S408→No), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S409. In step S409, the ECU 2 determines whether or not the
fuel lid 14 is in the close state. If thefuel lid 14 is in the close state (step S409→Yes), the ECU 2 stops dispensing communication (step S410). On the other hand, if thefuel lid 14 is in the open state (step S409→No), the process by the ECU 2 returns to step S404. - Regarding the
fuel cell vehicle 100 in the present embodiment, the ECU 2 monitors the voltage of the battery 4, and if the voltage of the battery 4 has become lower than or equal to the predetermined voltage V0, the ECU 2 stops dispensing communication regardless of the elapsed time after a start of dispensing communication. Accordingly, a necessary charge amount (SOC: State Of Charge) of the battery 4 can be ensured. Further, even when the charge amount of the battery 4 is higher than the predetermined voltage V0, if the open state of thefuel lid 14 has elapsed for the predetermined time period t0 or longer, the ECU 2 stops dispensing communication. Accordingly, it is also possible to prevent running out of the battery which could be caused by continuous dispensing communication for a long time. - As the configuration of a
fuel cell vehicle 100 in a fifth embodiment according to the invention is similar to that shown inFIG. 1 , description of respective elements of thefuel cell vehicle 100 will be omitted. - In addition to the feature, of the fourth embodiment, that the ECU 2 (dispensing
communication control section 2 c) monitors the voltage of the battery 4 and the ECU 2 stops dispensing communication if the voltage has become lower than or equal to a predetermined voltage, the present embodiment has a feature that a process of extending a dispensing communication time period is performed in a certain case. Accordingly, regarding the operation of thefuel cell vehicle 100 in the present embodiment, description of a part of performing similar processes as those in the fourth embodiment will be omitted. - Further, regarding extension of the dispensing communication time period, description of points that overlap with the description of the third embodiment will be briefed or omitted.
-
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of dispensing communication by the fuel cell vehicle in a fifth embodiment according to the invention. - As the processes in steps S501 to S503 shown in
FIG. 10 are respectively similar to the processes in steps S401 to S403 shown inFIG. 8 , description of these processes will be omitted. In step S504 inFIG. 10 , the ECU 2 determines whether or not the voltage of the battery 4 is lower than or equal to the predetermined voltage V0. If the voltage of the battery 4 is lower than or equal to the predetermined voltage V0 (step S504→Yes), the process of the ECU 2 proceeds to step S511. On the other hand, if the voltage of the battery 4 is higher than the predetermined voltage V0 (step S504→No), the process of the ECU 2 proceeds to step S505. - In step S505, if the predetermined time period t0 described above with reference to
FIG. 3 has elapsed after a start of dispensing communication (step S505→Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S506. On the other hand, if the predetermined time period t0 has not yet elapsed after the start of dispensing communication (step S505→No), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S514. - In step S506, as described above, the ECU 2 determines whether or not the hydrogen pressure (or hydrogen temperature) inside the
hydrogen tank 8 is currently increasing. If the hydrogen pressure inside thehydrogen tank 8 is currently increasing (step S506→Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S507. On the other hands, if the hydrogen pressure inside thehydrogen tank 8 is not increasing (step S506→No), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S511. - Then, in step S507, as described above, the ECU 2 computes a dispensing communication extension time period tE. Then, in step S508, the ECU 2 determines whether or not the
fuel lid 14 is in the close state. If thefuel lid 14 is in the close state (step S508→Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S515. On the other hand, if thefuel lid 14 is in the open state (step S508→No), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S509. - In step S509, the ECU 2 determines whether or not the voltage of the battery 4 is lower than or equal to the predetermined voltage V0. If the voltage of the battery 4 is lower than or equal to the predetermined voltage V0 (step S509→Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S511. On the other hand, if the voltage of the battery 4 is higher than the predetermined voltage V0 (step S509→No), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S510.
- In step S510, the ECU 2 determines whether or not the extended elapsed time described above is longer than or equal to the dispensing communication extension time period tE. If the extended elapsed time is longer than or equal to the dispensing communication extension time period tE (step S510→Yes), the process by the ECU 2 proceeds to step S511. On the other hand, If the extended elapsed time is shorter than the dispensing communication extension time period tE (step S510→No), the process by the ECU 2 returns to step S508.
- The process in steps S511 to S513 shown in
FIG. 10 is similar to the process in steps S405 to S407 shown inFIG. 8 . The process in steps S514 and S515 shown inFIG. 10 is similar to the process in steps S409 and S410 shown inFIG. 8 . - Regarding the
fuel cell vehicle 100 in the present embodiment, even if a predetermined time period has elapsed while the open state of thefuel lid 14 remains, for example, in case that hydrogen is currently being dispensed at thehydrogen station 200, it is possible to continue to perform dispensing communication with an extension by the predetermined time period tE. Accordingly, in case that hydrogen is currently being dispensed (or a history of dispensing hydrogen exists), dispensing communication can be continuously performed. - Further, regarding the
fuel cell vehicle 100 in the present embodiment, the ECU 2 monitors the voltage of the battery 4, and if the voltage of the battery 4 has become lower than or equal to the predetermined voltage V0, the ECU 2 stops dispensing communication regardless of the elapsed time after a start of dispensing communication. Accordingly, a necessary charge amount (SOC: State Of Charge) of the battery 4 can be ensured. -
Fuel cell vehicles 100 according to the present invention have been concretely described in the respective embodiments, however, the spirit of the invention is not limited thereto, and various changes and modifications can be made. - For example, although the
fuel lid opener 15 and the fuel lid open/close sensor 16 shown inFIG. 1 are individually arranged, these may be designed in integration with each other. - Further, for a case that the ECU 2 determines that hydrogen is currently being dispensed (or a history of dispensing hydrogen exists), according to the flowchart shown in
FIG. 6 orFIG. 10 , it has been described about cases of extending dispensing communication by the dispensing communication extension time period tE, however, the invention is not limited thereto. That is, for example, in the case of the first embodiment (the flowchart inFIG. 2 ) in which dispensing communication is stopped when the predetermined time period t0 has elapsed after a start of dispensing communication, a process can be added to extend dispensing communication by the dispensing communication extension time period tE in a certain case as described above. - Further, an example has been described where it is determined whether or not hydrogen is currently being dispensed into the hydrogen tank 8 (refer to step S306 in
FIG. 6 and step S506 inFIG. 10 ), using a hydrogen pressure detected by the pressure sensor 11 (or a hydrogen temperature detected by the temperature sensor 12), however, the invention is not limited thereto. That is, by combination of the increase amount of the hydrogen pressure detected by thepressure sensor 11, and the hydrogen temperature detected by thetemperature sensor 12, it may be determined whether or not hydrogen is currently being dispensed into the hydrogen tank 8 (or a history of dispensing exits). - Further, a sensor may be provided to detect that the
hydrogen dispensing nozzle 23 has been inserted into thehydrogen dispensing inlet 17 of thefuel cell vehicle 100 shown inFIG. 1 . In this case, the ECU 2 can start dispensing communication if thefuel lid 14 is opened and this sensor detects that thehydrogen dispensing nozzle 23 has been inserted into thehydrogen dispensing inlet 17. Still further, when this sensor detects that thehydrogen dispensing nozzle 23 has been removed from thehydrogen dispensing inlet 17, the ECU 2 can immediately stop dispensing communication. - Yet further, although, referring to
FIG. 1 , a case that thefuel cell vehicle 100 is provided with hydrogen at thehydrogen station 200 has been described, the invention is not limited thereto and can be applied to an apparatus using fuel gas supplied from outside. For example, the invention is applicable to a case of supplying hydrogen from a tanker having a hydrogen tank mounted on it to a hydrogen tank installed in a factory or the like. - Further, in addition to fuel cell vehicles, such as a four-wheel vehicle, a motorbike, and the like, the invention is applicable to various fuel cell mobile bodies (for example, a vessel or a space vessel using fuel gas). The invention is also applicable to a hydrogen vehicle having a hydrogen engine.
- Still further, although a case of using hydrogen as fuel gas has been described above, the invention is also applicable to a case of using natural gas or the like as fuel gas.
Claims (5)
1. An apparatus using fuel gas supplied from an external fuel gas supply device, comprising:
a battery for supplying power to a device/devices of the apparatus;
a fuel gas reservoir unit for reserving fuel gas supplied from the fuel gas supply device;
a fuel lid for covering a supply inlet to which fuel gas is supplied from the fuel gas supply device;
means for detecting an open/close state of the fuel lid;
means for detecting fuel gas condition that is a pressure and/or a temperature of fuel gas reserved in the fuel gas reservoir unit;
means for performing communication with the fuel gas supply device; and
means for, upon reception of a signal notifying that the fuel lid is in an open state from the means for detecting an open/close state, controlling dispensing communication, using power supplied from the battery, in order to notify the condition of the fuel gas having been input from the means for detecting fuel gas condition to the fuel gas supply device via the means for performing communication,
wherein the means for controlling stops the dispensing communication when the means for controlling has determined, according to a signal received from the means for detecting an open/close state, that a predetermined time period has elapsed with the fuel lid remaining in the open state after starting the dispensing communication.
2. The apparatus using fuel gas according to claim 1 , further comprising:
means for detecting a charge state of the battery,
wherein, upon reception of a signal notifying that the fuel lid is in the open state from the means for detecting an open/close state, the cmeans for controlling decides the predetermined time period, corresponding to a voltage of the battery detected by the means for detecting a charge state.
3. The apparatus using fuel gas according to claim 2 , wherein the means for controlling is set such that the higher the voltage of the battery detected by the means for detecting a charge state is, the longer the predetermined time period is.
4. The apparatus using fuel gas according to claim 1 , further comprising:
means for detecting a charge state of the battery,
wherein the means for controlling stops the dispensing communication when the voltage of the battery detected by the means for detecting a charge state is lower than or equal to a predetermined voltage.
5. The apparatus using fuel gas according to claim 1 ,
wherein, the means for controlling continues the dispensing communication for a predetermined extension time period, when, according to a signal having been input from the means for detecting fuel gas condition, the means for controlling has determined that fuel gas is currently being supplied to the fuel gas reservoir unit after a reference time point or that fuel gas was supplied to the fuel gas reservoir unit within a predetermined past time after the reference time point, the reference time point being a time point at which the predetermined time period has elapsed with the fuel lid remaining in the open state after starting the dispensing communication.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/135,038 US9917313B2 (en) | 2011-07-05 | 2016-04-21 | Apparatus using fuel gas |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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JP2011149337A JP5271389B2 (en) | 2011-07-05 | 2011-07-05 | Fuel gas utilization device |
JP2011-149337 | 2011-07-05 |
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US15/135,038 Continuation US9917313B2 (en) | 2011-07-05 | 2016-04-21 | Apparatus using fuel gas |
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US20130008533A1 true US20130008533A1 (en) | 2013-01-10 |
Family
ID=47426746
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US13/541,977 Abandoned US20130008533A1 (en) | 2011-07-05 | 2012-07-05 | Apparatus using fuel gas |
US15/135,038 Active US9917313B2 (en) | 2011-07-05 | 2016-04-21 | Apparatus using fuel gas |
Family Applications After (1)
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US15/135,038 Active US9917313B2 (en) | 2011-07-05 | 2016-04-21 | Apparatus using fuel gas |
Country Status (4)
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US (2) | US20130008533A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5271389B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN102887077B (en) |
DE (1) | DE102012211723A1 (en) |
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US20140295305A1 (en) * | 2013-03-27 | 2014-10-02 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Fuel cell vehicle and moving body |
US20180111602A1 (en) * | 2016-10-20 | 2018-04-26 | Subaru Corporation | Control apparatus of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle |
US20180281427A1 (en) * | 2017-03-31 | 2018-10-04 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Image recording apparatus |
US11370651B2 (en) * | 2019-01-16 | 2022-06-28 | Tatsuno Corporation | Hydrogen filling system and hydrogen filling method |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP5271389B2 (en) | 2013-08-21 |
US20160240873A1 (en) | 2016-08-18 |
JP2013016397A (en) | 2013-01-24 |
CN102887077B (en) | 2015-06-03 |
DE102012211723A1 (en) | 2013-01-10 |
US9917313B2 (en) | 2018-03-13 |
CN102887077A (en) | 2013-01-23 |
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