JP2023179117A - Hydrogen supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a configuration in which high-pressure hydrogen can be depressurized and directly supplied to a fuel cell, in which the supply of hydrogen to the fuel cell can be continued even if the direct supply is stopped for some reason. [Solution] The hydrogen supply system includes a pressure reducing valve to which high-pressure hydrogen is supplied and which reduces the pressure of the high-pressure hydrogen, and a pipe member in which a main flow path is formed to directly supply the low-pressure hydrogen reduced in pressure by the pressure reducing valve to a fuel cell. A branch pipe member is formed in which a branch channel is formed that branches from the middle of the main channel and supplies low-pressure hydrogen to a hydrogen storage section, and a merging channel is formed that joins from the hydrogen storage section to the middle of the main channel. a merging pipe member, a three-way valve provided at the branch point of the branch flow path, another three-way valve provided at the confluence point of the merge flow path, opening/closing of the one three-way valve, and the other three-way valve. and a control section that controls opening and closing of the. [Selection diagram] Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to hydrogen supply systems.

In the hydrogen filling method described in Patent Document 1, a heat exchanger containing a hydrogen storage alloy is provided between a hydrogen storage source and a low-pressure hydrogen tank, and hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage source is transferred through the heat exchanger. A hydrogen filling method for filling a low-pressure hydrogen tank, which includes a step of releasing hydrogen from a hydrogen storage alloy and introducing the released hydrogen into the low-pressure hydrogen tank, and a process of releasing hydrogen stored in a hydrogen storage source into a hydrogen storage alloy. and filling the low-pressure hydrogen tank while being cooled by the hydrogen storage alloy cooled by an endothermic reaction when hydrogen is released from the hydrogen tank.

JP2007-303625A

Conventionally, in an off-site hydrogen system, which is an example of a hydrogen supply system, high-pressure hydrogen stored in a hydrogen station is reduced to low-pressure hydrogen, and the low-pressure hydrogen is stored in a low-pressure hydrogen tank and a hydrogen storage alloy. Then, the low pressure hydrogen stored in the low pressure hydrogen tank and the hydrogen storage alloy is supplied to the fuel cell. Therefore, a large area occupied by the low-pressure hydrogen tank and the hydrogen storage alloy was required.

On the other hand, if you try to reduce the pressure of high-pressure hydrogen stored at a hydrogen station and supply it directly to the fuel cell, if the supply of high-pressure hydrogen stops for some reason, you will not be able to supply low-pressure hydrogen to the fuel cell. .

The problem of this application is to obtain a configuration in which high-pressure hydrogen can be depressurized and directly supplied to a fuel cell, and even if the direct supply is stopped for some reason, the low-pressure hydrogen can continue to be supplied to the fuel cell. .

The hydrogen supply system according to the first aspect includes a pressure reducing valve to which high pressure hydrogen is supplied and which reduces the pressure of the high pressure hydrogen, and a pipe in which a main flow path is formed to directly supply the low pressure hydrogen reduced in pressure by the pressure reducing valve to a fuel cell. a branch pipe member in which a branch channel is formed that branches from an intermediate portion of the main channel to supply low-pressure hydrogen to a hydrogen storage section; and a merging channel that joins from the hydrogen storage section to the middle of the main channel. a merging pipe member in which a merging pipe member is formed, a three-way valve provided at the branch point of the branch flow path, another three-way valve provided at the merging point of the merging flow path, and opening/closing of the one three-way valve. , and a control unit that controls opening and closing of the other three-way valve.

According to the configuration according to the first aspect, high pressure hydrogen is depressurized by the pressure reducing valve, and the depressurized low pressure hydrogen flows through the main flow path and is supplied to the fuel cell.

On the other hand, the control unit controls the opening and closing of the first three-way valve and the other three-way valve, so that low-pressure hydrogen flows through the branch flow path and is supplied to the hydrogen storage unit, and the low-pressure hydrogen that is supplied to the hydrogen storage unit Store hydrogen. Further, the control unit controls the opening and closing of one three-way valve and the other three-way valve, so that the low-pressure hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage unit flows through the merging channel and is supplied to the fuel cell.

As a result, in a configuration in which high-pressure hydrogen can be reduced in pressure and directly supplied to the fuel cell, even if the direct supply is stopped for some reason, the supply of low-pressure hydrogen to the fuel cell can be continued.

The hydrogen supply system according to the second aspect is the hydrogen supply system according to the first aspect, in which high pressure hydrogen is reduced in pressure on the downstream side of the pressure reducing valve in the hydrogen flow direction and on the upstream side of the branch point. A heat exchanger for acquiring the generated heat is provided, the hydrogen storage unit includes a hydrogen storage alloy, and the control unit controls the hydrogen storage alloy whose temperature has been reduced by releasing low-pressure hydrogen to the heat exchanger. It is characterized by heating by the obtained heat.

According to the configuration according to the second aspect, the control unit heats the hydrogen storage alloy whose temperature has decreased by releasing low-pressure hydrogen using the heat acquired by the heat exchanger. In this way, the heat generated by reducing the pressure of high-pressure hydrogen can be effectively utilized.

A hydrogen supply system according to a third aspect is the hydrogen supply system according to the first or second aspect, wherein the hydrogen storage section includes a low-pressure hydrogen tank and a hydrogen storage alloy, and the hydrogen storage section is downstream in the hydrogen flow direction in the branch flow path. A first channel for supplying low-pressure hydrogen to the low-pressure hydrogen tank and a second channel for supplying low-pressure hydrogen to the hydrogen storage alloy are formed in the side portion, and in the merging channel, the flow direction of hydrogen is The upstream portion is characterized in that a third channel through which low-pressure hydrogen from the low-pressure hydrogen tank flows and a fourth channel through which low-pressure hydrogen from the hydrogen storage alloy flows are formed.

According to the configuration according to the third aspect, the low-pressure hydrogen flows through the first flow path of the branch flow path and is supplied to the low-pressure hydrogen tank, and the low-pressure hydrogen tank stores the supplied low-pressure hydrogen. Further, the low-pressure hydrogen flows through the second flow path of the branched flow path and is supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy, and the hydrogen storage alloy stores the supplied low-pressure hydrogen.

On the other hand, the low-pressure hydrogen released from the low-pressure hydrogen tank flows through the third flow path of the merging flow path and is supplied to the fuel cell. Furthermore, the low-pressure hydrogen released from the hydrogen storage alloy flows through the fourth flow path of the merging flow path and is supplied to the fuel cell.

In this way, low-pressure hydrogen can be directly supplied to the low-pressure hydrogen tank and the hydrogen storage alloy, and the low-pressure hydrogen released from the low-pressure hydrogen tank and the low-pressure hydrogen released from the hydrogen storage alloy can be directly supplied to the fuel cell. can be supplied.

According to the present disclosure, in a configuration in which high-pressure hydrogen can be depressurized and directly supplied to a fuel cell, it is possible to obtain a configuration in which the supply of low-pressure hydrogen to the fuel cell is continued even if the direct supply is stopped for some reason. can.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 is a diagram illustrating a flow of hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which high-pressure hydrogen is depressurized and hydrogen is directly supplied to a fuel cell. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a flow of hydrogen that is directly supplied to a fuel cell by reducing the pressure of high-pressure hydrogen, and a flow of hydrogen that is supplied to a hydrogen storage unit. 1 is a diagram illustrating a hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a flow of hydrogen that reduces the pressure of high-pressure hydrogen and supplies it directly to a fuel cell, and a flow of hydrogen that is supplied from a hydrogen storage section to a fuel cell. . 1 is a drawing showing the flow of hydrogen supplied from a hydrogen storage unit to a fuel cell in a hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when direct supply of high-pressure hydrogen is stopped for some reason. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a heat utilization section provided in a hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 is a drawing showing a flow of a heat exchange medium in a heat utilization unit provided in a hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is a flow of the heat exchange medium when heating a hydrogen storage alloy. 1 is a drawing showing a flow of a heat exchange medium in a heat utilization unit provided in a hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is a flow of the heat exchange medium when cooling a hydrogen storage alloy. 1 is a drawing showing the flow of a heat exchange medium in a heat utilization unit provided in a hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is a flow of the heat exchange medium when low-pressure hydrogen is released from a hydrogen storage alloy. 1 is a drawing showing the flow of a heat exchange medium in a heat utilization unit provided in a hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is a flow of the heat exchange medium when low-pressure hydrogen is stored in a hydrogen storage alloy. 2 is a drawing showing the flow of a heat exchange medium in a heat utilization unit provided in a hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is a flow of the heat exchange medium when cooling low-pressure hydrogen flowing through a main channel. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of a control unit included in the hydrogen supply system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

An example of a hydrogen supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described using FIGS. 1 to 12.

(overall structure)
As shown in FIG. 1, the hydrogen supply system 100 includes a pressure reducing valve 12 for reducing the pressure of high pressure hydrogen supplied from a hydrogen station 102, and a pressure reducing valve 12 for directly supplying the low pressure hydrogen reduced in pressure by the pressure reducing valve 12 to a fuel cell 110. A tube member 20 in which a main flow path 14 is formed is provided. Further, the hydrogen supply system 100 includes a branch pipe member 30 in which a branch channel 24 is formed that branches from an intermediate portion of the main channel 14 and supplies low-pressure hydrogen to the hydrogen storage section 60, and a main channel from the hydrogen storage section 60. 14, and a merging pipe member 50 in which a merging channel 44 is formed. The hydrogen supply system 100 also includes a heat utilization section 80 that utilizes heat generated by the Joule-Thomson effect, that is, heat generated by reducing the pressure of high-pressure hydrogen, and a control section 68 (see FIG. 12) that controls each section. ing.

Note that in this embodiment, the fuel cell 110 is used, for example, to supply power to a building. That is, the hydrogen supply system 100 according to this embodiment is a system used for building operation.

[Pipe member 20]
The pipe member 20 in which the main flow path 14 is formed extends from the pressure reducing valve 12 to the fuel cell 110, as shown in FIG. Further, in the pipe member 20, a three-way valve 16 is provided at a branch point where the branch flow path 24 branches. Furthermore, in the pipe member 20, a three-way valve 18 is provided at the confluence point where the confluence channels 44 merge. The three-way valve 16 and the three-way valve 18 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side in the hydrogen flow direction. The three-way valve 16 is an example of one three-way valve, and the three-way valve 18 is an example of another three-way valve.

[Hydrogen storage section 60, branch pipe member 30, merging pipe member 50]
The hydrogen storage section 60 has a function of temporarily storing low-pressure hydrogen, and includes a low-pressure hydrogen tank 62 and a hydrogen storage alloy 64, as shown in FIG. Further, the hydrogen storage section 60 includes a detection section 64a (see FIG. 12) that detects the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy 64.

Further, the branch pipe member 30 in which the branch passage 24 branching from the main passage 14 via the three-way valve 16 is formed is branched at a downstream portion in the hydrogen flow direction. Specifically, a pipe member 34 is formed with a first passage 32 through which low-pressure hydrogen is supplied to the low-pressure hydrogen tank 62, and a second passage 36 is formed through which low-pressure hydrogen is supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy 64. It branches into a pipe member 38.

An on-off valve 72 that opens and closes the first flow path 32 is provided in the middle of the pipe member 34, and an on-off valve 74 that opens and closes the second flow path 36 is provided in the middle of the pipe member 38.

Furthermore, the merging pipe member 50 in which the merging flow path 44 that merges with the main flow path 14 via the three-way valve 18 is formed is branched at an upstream portion in the hydrogen flow direction. Specifically, a pipe member 54 is formed with a third flow path 52 through which low-pressure hydrogen from the low-pressure hydrogen tank 62 flows, and a pipe member is formed with a fourth flow path 56 through which low-pressure hydrogen from the hydrogen storage alloy 64 flows. It is branched into 58.

An on-off valve 76 that opens and closes the third flow path 52 is provided in the middle of the pipe member 54, and an on-off valve 78 that opens and closes the fourth flow path 56 is provided in the middle of the pipe member 58.

[Heat utilization section 80]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the heat utilization section 80 is attached to a portion of the pipe member 20 between the pressure reducing valve 12 and the three-way valve 16, and is a heat utilization section that acquires heat generated by reducing the pressure of high-pressure hydrogen. It includes an exchanger 82 and a cold/hot water chiller 84 (hereinafter referred to as "chiller 84").

Furthermore, the heat utilization section 80 includes a flow path through which a heat exchange medium flows. Specifically, the heat utilization section 80 includes a circulation pipe member 90 in which a circulation flow path 88 flowing between the chiller 84 and the hydrogen storage alloy 64 is formed. The circulation passage 88 includes a circulation passage 88a going from the chiller 84 to the hydrogen storage alloy 64, and a circulation passage 88b going from the hydrogen storage alloy 64 to the chiller 84.

Further, the heat utilization section 80 includes an exchange pipe in which an exchange flow path 92 is formed, which branches off from the middle of the circulation flow path 88a and heads toward the heat exchanger 82, and joins from the heat exchanger 82 to the middle of the circulation flow path 88b. A member 94 is provided. The exchange flow path 92 includes an exchange flow path 92a extending from the middle of the circulation flow path 88a toward the heat exchanger 82, and an exchange flow path 92b extending from the heat exchanger 82 toward the circulation flow path 88b.

Further, a three-way valve 96 is provided at a branch point provided in the middle of the circulation flow path 88a, and a three-way valve 98 is provided at a confluence point provided in the middle of the circulation flow path 88b. Furthermore, a pump 70 is provided between the three-way valve 98 and the chiller 84 in the circulation pipe member 90. Furthermore, a pump 71 is provided between the three-way valve 96 and the heat exchanger 82 in the exchange pipe member 94 .

[Control unit 68]
The control section 68 is configured to control each section, as shown in FIG. 12. Note that the control of each section by the control section 68 will be explained together with the functions described later.

(effect)
Next, the operation of the hydrogen supply system 100 will be explained. Specifically, first, an example of the flow of hydrogen will be explained in different cases, and then an example of the flow of the heat exchange medium using the heat utilization section 80 will be explained in different cases.

[About hydrogen flow]
-First case-
When the low-pressure hydrogen tank 62 is full and hydrogen is sufficiently stored in the hydrogen storage alloy 64, the control unit 68 controls the three-way valve 16 and the three-way valve 18, as shown in FIG. . Specifically, the control unit 68 closes the flow of low-pressure hydrogen from the main flow path 14 to the branch flow path 24 and closes the flow of low-pressure hydrogen from the combined flow path 44 to the main flow path 14 .

Thereby, the pressure of the high-pressure hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen station 102 is reduced by the pressure reducing valve 12. Further, the low pressure hydrogen whose pressure has been reduced by the pressure reducing valve 12 flows through the main flow path 14 and is directly supplied to the fuel cell 110 . The fuel cell 110 generates electricity by being supplied with low-pressure hydrogen, and the generated electricity is supplied to the building.

-Second case classification-
Further, when the low-pressure hydrogen tank 62 is not full, when there is sufficient hydrogen storage capacity by the hydrogen storage alloy 64, and when the electric power used by the fuel cell 110 is not large, the control unit 68: As shown in FIG. 3, each part is controlled.

Specifically, the control unit 68 controls the three-way valve 16 and the three-way valve 18 to open the flow of low-pressure hydrogen from the main channel 14 to the branch channel 24, and to open the flow of low-pressure hydrogen from the merging channel 44 to the main channel 14. shut off the flow of low pressure hydrogen to the Further, the control unit 68 controls the on-off valve 72 and the on-off valve 74 to open the first flow path 32 and open the second flow path 36. Further, the control unit 68 controls the on-off valve 76 and the on-off valve 78 to close the third flow path 52 and close the fourth flow path 56.

Thereby, the pressure of the high-pressure hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen station 102 is reduced by the pressure reducing valve 12. Furthermore, the low-pressure hydrogen whose pressure has been reduced by the pressure reducing valve 12 flows through the main channel 14 and is supplied to the fuel cell 110. The fuel cell 110 generates electricity by being supplied with low-pressure hydrogen, and the generated electricity is supplied to the building.

Furthermore, the low-pressure hydrogen that has flowed into the branch flow path 24 via the three-way valve 16 flows through the first flow path 32 and is supplied to the low-pressure hydrogen tank 62 . The low-pressure hydrogen supplied to the low-pressure hydrogen tank 62 is stored in the low-pressure hydrogen tank 62.

Furthermore, the low-pressure hydrogen that has flowed into the branch flow path 24 via the three-way valve 16 flows through the second flow path 36 and is supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy 64. The low-pressure hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy 64 is stored in the hydrogen storage alloy 64.

-Third case-
In addition, when low-pressure hydrogen is stored in the low-pressure hydrogen tank 62 and stored in the hydrogen-absorbing alloy 64, and when a large amount of electric power is used using the fuel cell 110, the control unit 68 controls each part as shown in FIG.

Specifically, the control unit 68 controls the three-way valve 16 and the three-way valve 18 to close the flow of low-pressure hydrogen from the main channel 14 to the branch channel 24, and to close the flow of low-pressure hydrogen from the merging channel 44 to the main channel 14. of low pressure hydrogen flow. Further, the control unit 68 controls the on-off valve 72 and the on-off valve 74 to close the first flow path 32 and close the second flow path 36. Further, the control unit 68 controls the on-off valve 76 and the on-off valve 78 to open the third flow path 52 and open the fourth flow path 56.

Thereby, the pressure of the high-pressure hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen station 102 is reduced by the pressure reducing valve 12. Furthermore, the low-pressure hydrogen whose pressure has been reduced by the pressure reducing valve 12 flows through the main channel 14 and is supplied to the fuel cell 110.

Further, the low-pressure hydrogen stored in the low-pressure hydrogen tank 62 is released to the third flow path 52, flows through the merge flow path 44, and joins the main flow path 14. The low-pressure hydrogen that has joined the main flow path 14 then flows through the main flow path 14 and is supplied to the fuel cell 110.

Further, the low-pressure hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage alloy 64 is released to the fourth flow path 56, flows through the merge flow path 44, and joins the main flow path 14. The low-pressure hydrogen that has joined the main flow path 14 then flows through the main flow path 14 and is supplied to the fuel cell 110. The fuel cell 110 generates electricity by being supplied with low-pressure hydrogen, and the generated electricity is supplied to the building.

-Fourth case classification-
Further, if the direct supply of high-pressure hydrogen from the hydrogen station 102 is stopped for some reason, the control section 68 controls each section as shown in FIG. 5.

Specifically, the control unit 68 controls the three-way valve 16 to close the flow of low-pressure hydrogen, controls the three-way valve 18, and controls the flow of low-pressure hydrogen from the merging flow path 44 to the portion of the main flow path 14 on the fuel cell 110 side. Open the flow of. Further, the control unit 68 controls the on-off valve 72 and the on-off valve 74 to close the first flow path 32 and close the second flow path 36. Further, the control unit 68 controls the on-off valve 76 and the on-off valve 78 to open the third flow path 52 and open the fourth flow path 56.

As a result, the low-pressure hydrogen stored in the low-pressure hydrogen tank 62 is released into the third flow path 52, flows through the merging flow path 44, and joins the main flow path 14. The low-pressure hydrogen that has joined the main flow path 14 then flows through the main flow path 14 and is supplied to the fuel cell 110.

Furthermore, the low-pressure hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage alloy 64 is released into the fourth flow path 56, flows through the merging flow path 44, and merges into the main flow path 14. The low-pressure hydrogen that has joined the main flow path 14 then flows through the main flow path 14 and is supplied to the fuel cell 110. The fuel cell 110 generates electricity by being supplied with low-pressure hydrogen, and the generated electricity is supplied to the building.

[About the flow of heat exchange medium]
-First case-
When the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy 64 detected by the detection unit 64a is lower than the predetermined temperature range, the control unit 68 controls the three-way valve 96, the three-way valve 98, and the pump 71.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 68 controls the three-way valve 98 to control the flow of the heat exchange medium from the exchange flow path 92b to the portion of the circulation flow path 88b on the hydrogen storage alloy 64 side. and controls the three-way valve 96 to allow the flow of the heat exchange medium from the portion of the circulation flow path 88a on the hydrogen storage alloy 64 side to the exchange flow path 92a. Further, the control unit 68 operates the pump 71.

Thereby, the heat exchange medium warmed by the heat acquired by the heat exchanger 82 flows through each flow path (see arrows in the figure). The heat acquired by the heat exchanger 82 is transferred to the hydrogen storage alloy 64 via the heat exchange medium, whereby the hydrogen storage alloy 64 is heated and the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy 64 is set to a predetermined temperature. Within the range.

-Second case classification-
When the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy 64 detected by the detection unit 64a is higher than the predetermined temperature range, the control unit 68 controls the three-way valve 96, the three-way valve 98, and the pump 70.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 68 controls the three-way valve 96 to flow the heat exchange medium from the circulation passage 88a on the chiller 84 side to the circulation passage 88a on the hydrogen storage alloy 64 side. The three-way valve 98 is controlled to allow the heat exchange medium to flow from the circulation passage 88b on the hydrogen storage alloy 64 side to the circulation passage 88b on the chiller 84 side. Further, the control unit 68 operates the pump 70.

As a result, the cooled heat exchange medium generated by the chiller 84 flows through each flow path (see arrows in the figure), and the hydrogen storage alloy 64 is cooled. Then, the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy 64 falls within a predetermined temperature range.

-Third case-
When low-pressure hydrogen is released from the hydrogen storage alloy 64, the on-off valve 74 is closed and the on-off valve 78 is opened, as shown in FIG. As a result, the pressure applied to the hydrogen storage alloy 64 is reduced, and low-pressure hydrogen is released from the hydrogen storage alloy 64. Further, as low-pressure hydrogen is released from the hydrogen storage alloy 64, the hydrogen storage alloy 64 absorbs heat, and the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy 64 decreases. Therefore, the control unit 68 controls the three-way valve 96, the three-way valve 98, and the pump 71.

Specifically, the control unit 68 controls the three-way valve 98, allows the heat exchange medium to flow from the exchange flow path 92b to the portion of the circulation flow path 88b on the hydrogen storage alloy 64 side, and controls the three-way valve 96. However, the heat exchange medium is allowed to flow from the portion of the circulation flow path 88a on the hydrogen storage alloy 64 side to the exchange flow path 92a. Further, the control unit 68 operates the pump 71.

Thereby, the heat exchange medium warmed by the heat acquired by the heat exchanger 82 flows through each flow path (see arrows in the figure). Then, the heat acquired by the heat exchanger 82 is transferred to the hydrogen storage alloy 64 via the heat exchange medium, so that the hydrogen storage alloy 64, whose temperature has decreased by releasing low-pressure hydrogen, is heated, and the hydrogen storage alloy 64 is heated. The temperature of the storage alloy 64 falls within a predetermined temperature range.

-Fourth case classification-
When storing low-pressure hydrogen in the hydrogen storage alloy 64, as shown in FIG. 10, the on-off valve 74 is opened and the on-off valve 78 is closed. As a result, the pressure applied to the hydrogen storage alloy 64 increases, and low-pressure hydrogen is stored in the hydrogen storage alloy 64. Further, by storing low-pressure hydrogen in the hydrogen storage alloy 64, the hydrogen storage alloy 64 generates heat, and the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy 64 increases. Therefore, the control unit 68 controls the three-way valve 96, the three-way valve 98, and the pump 70.

Specifically, the control unit 68 controls the three-way valve 96 to allow the heat exchange medium to flow from the circulation passage 88a on the chiller 84 side to the circulation passage 88a on the hydrogen storage alloy 64 side. is controlled, and the heat exchange medium is allowed to flow from the circulation passage 88b on the hydrogen storage alloy 64 side to the circulation passage 88b on the chiller 84 side. Further, the control unit 68 operates the pump 70.

As a result, the cooled heat exchange medium generated by the chiller 84 flows through each flow path (see arrows in the figure), and the hydrogen storage alloy 64 is cooled. Then, the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy 64, which has increased in temperature by storing low-pressure hydrogen, falls within a predetermined temperature range.

-Fifth case classification-
When the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy 64 detected by the detection unit 64a is within a predetermined temperature range, the control unit 68 controls the three-way valve 96, the three-way valve 98, and the pump 70.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 68 controls the three-way valve 96 to allow the heat exchange medium to flow from the portion of the circulation flow path 88a on the chiller 84 side to the exchange flow path 92a. , controls the three-way valve 98 to allow the heat exchange medium to flow from the exchange flow path 92b to the portion of the circulation flow path 88b on the chiller 84 side. Further, the control unit 68 operates the pump 70.

As a result, the cooled heat exchange medium generated by the chiller 84 flows through each flow path (see the arrows in the figure), and the low-pressure hydrogen heated to a high temperature by the heat generated by reducing the pressure of the high-pressure hydrogen is transferred to the heat exchanger 82. cooled down.

(summary)
As explained above, in the hydrogen supply system 100, when the supply of high-pressure hydrogen from the hydrogen station 102 is stopped for some reason, the low-pressure hydrogen stored in the low-pressure hydrogen tank 62 is , is discharged into the third flow path 52, flows through the merging flow path 44, and joins the main flow path 14. The low-pressure hydrogen that has joined the main flow path 14 then flows through the main flow path 14 and is supplied to the fuel cell 110. Furthermore, the low-pressure hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage alloy 64 is released into the fourth flow path 56, flows through the merging flow path 44, and merges into the main flow path 14. The low-pressure hydrogen that has joined the main flow path 14 then flows through the main flow path 14 and is supplied to the fuel cell 110.

In this way, even if the direct supply of high-pressure hydrogen is stopped for some reason, the supply of low-pressure hydrogen to the fuel cell 110 can be continued.

Furthermore, in the hydrogen supply system 100, low-pressure hydrogen is released from the hydrogen storage alloy 64, so that the hydrogen storage alloy 64 absorbs heat, and the temperature of the hydrogen storage alloy 64 decreases. Therefore, the control section 68 controls each section and heats the hydrogen storage alloy 64 with the heat generated by reducing the pressure of high-pressure hydrogen, as shown in FIG. In this way, the heat generated by reducing the pressure of high-pressure hydrogen can be effectively utilized.

In addition, in the hydrogen supply system 100, the downstream portion of the branch flow path 24 in the hydrogen flow direction includes a pipe member 34 in which the first flow path 32 through which low-pressure hydrogen to be supplied to the low-pressure hydrogen tank 62 flows, and a hydrogen It branches into a second channel 36 through which low-pressure hydrogen supplied to the storage alloy 64 flows and a pipe member 38 in which a pipe member 38 is formed. Thereby, low pressure hydrogen can be directly supplied to the low pressure hydrogen tank 62 and the hydrogen storage alloy 64.

In addition, in the hydrogen supply system 100, the upstream portion of the merging flow path 44 in the hydrogen flow direction includes a pipe member 54 in which a third flow path 52 into which low-pressure hydrogen from the low-pressure hydrogen tank 62 flows, and a hydrogen storage It branches into a fourth flow path 56 into which low-pressure hydrogen from alloy 64 flows and a pipe member 58 in which a pipe member 58 is formed. Thereby, the low-pressure hydrogen released from the low-pressure hydrogen tank 62 and the low-pressure hydrogen released from the hydrogen storage alloy 64 can be directly supplied to the fuel cell 110.

Note that although the present disclosure has been described in detail with respect to a specific embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiment, and various other embodiments can be taken within the scope of the present disclosure. This is clear to those skilled in the art. Although not specifically described in the above embodiment, the fuel cell 110 may be heated by heat generated by reducing the pressure of high-pressure hydrogen to suppress a decrease in the temperature of the fuel cell 110.

Although not specifically described in the above embodiment, the heat exchange medium may be warmed by the chiller 84, and the hydrogen storage alloy may be heated using the warmed heat exchange medium.

12 Pressure reducing valve 14 Main flow path 16 Three-way valve (an example of one three-way valve)
18 Three-way valve (an example of other three-way valve)
20 Pipe member 24 Branch flow path 30 Branch pipe member 32 First flow path 36 Second flow path 44 Merging flow path 50 Merging pipe member 52 Third flow path 56 Fourth flow path 60 Hydrogen storage section 62 Low pressure hydrogen tank 64 Hydrogen storage alloy 68 Control unit 82 Heat exchanger 100 Hydrogen supply system 110 Fuel cell

Claims (3)

a pressure reducing valve that is supplied with high pressure hydrogen and reduces the pressure of the high pressure hydrogen;
a pipe member in which a main flow path is formed for directly supplying the low-pressure hydrogen reduced in pressure by the pressure reducing valve to the fuel cell;
a branch pipe member in which a branch flow path is formed that branches from an intermediate portion of the main flow path and supplies low-pressure hydrogen to a hydrogen storage section;
a merging pipe member formed with a merging flow path that merges from the hydrogen storage section to the middle of the main flow path;
a three-way valve provided at a branch point of the branch flow path;
another three-way valve provided at the confluence point of the confluence flow path;
a control unit that controls opening and closing of the first three-way valve and opening and closing of the other three-way valve;
A hydrogen supply system equipped with A heat exchanger is provided downstream of the pressure reducing valve in the hydrogen flow direction and upstream of the branch point to obtain heat generated by reducing the pressure of high pressure hydrogen,
The hydrogen storage section includes a hydrogen storage alloy,
The control unit heats the hydrogen storage alloy whose temperature has decreased by releasing low-pressure hydrogen using the heat acquired by the heat exchanger.
The hydrogen supply system according to claim 1. The hydrogen storage unit includes a low-pressure hydrogen tank and a hydrogen storage alloy,
A first flow path through which low-pressure hydrogen is supplied to the low-pressure hydrogen tank, and a second flow path through which low-pressure hydrogen is supplied to the hydrogen storage alloy are formed in a downstream portion of the branch flow path in the hydrogen flow direction. ,
A third flow path through which low-pressure hydrogen from the low-pressure hydrogen tank flows and a fourth flow path through which low-pressure hydrogen from the hydrogen storage alloy flows are formed in the upstream portion of the merged flow path in the hydrogen flow direction. ing,
The hydrogen supply system according to claim 1 or 2.