[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2011092560A1 - Station de gaz, système et procédé de ravitaillement en gaz - Google Patents

Station de gaz, système et procédé de ravitaillement en gaz Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2011092560A1
WO2011092560A1 PCT/IB2011/000035 IB2011000035W WO2011092560A1 WO 2011092560 A1 WO2011092560 A1 WO 2011092560A1 IB 2011000035 W IB2011000035 W IB 2011000035W WO 2011092560 A1 WO2011092560 A1 WO 2011092560A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
gas
filling
fuel tank
amount
control device
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2011/000035
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Natsuru Miyazaki
Tomoyuki Mori
Original Assignee
Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha filed Critical Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
Publication of WO2011092560A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011092560A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C5/00—Methods or apparatus for filling containers with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases under pressures
    • F17C5/002—Automated filling apparatus
    • F17C5/007—Automated filling apparatus for individual gas tanks or containers, e.g. in vehicles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C5/00—Methods or apparatus for filling containers with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases under pressures
    • F17C5/06—Methods or apparatus for filling containers with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases under pressures for filling with compressed gases
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0123—Mounting arrangements characterised by number of vessels
    • F17C2205/013—Two or more vessels
    • F17C2205/0134—Two or more vessels characterised by the presence of fluid connection between vessels
    • F17C2205/0142—Two or more vessels characterised by the presence of fluid connection between vessels bundled in parallel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0326—Valves electrically actuated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0332—Safety valves or pressure relief valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/012—Hydrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2223/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/036—Very high pressure (>80 bar)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/01—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2225/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2225/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/03—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2225/036—Very high pressure, i.e. above 80 bars
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/01—Propulsion of the fluid
    • F17C2227/0128—Propulsion of the fluid with pumps or compressors
    • F17C2227/0157—Compressors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/03—Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/0337—Heat exchange with the fluid by cooling
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/03—Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/0367—Localisation of heat exchange
    • F17C2227/0388—Localisation of heat exchange separate
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/01—Intermediate tanks
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/03—Control means
    • F17C2250/032—Control means using computers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/043—Pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0439—Temperature
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0486—Indicating or measuring characterised by the location
    • F17C2250/0491—Parameters measured at or inside the vessel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/06—Controlling or regulating of parameters as output values
    • F17C2250/0605—Parameters
    • F17C2250/0636—Flow or movement of content
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/06—Controlling or regulating of parameters as output values
    • F17C2250/0689—Methods for controlling or regulating
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/02—Improving properties related to fluid or fluid transfer
    • F17C2260/023—Avoiding overheating
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/02—Improving properties related to fluid or fluid transfer
    • F17C2260/025—Reducing transfer time
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2265/00—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling
    • F17C2265/06—Fluid distribution
    • F17C2265/065—Fluid distribution for refuelling vehicle fuel tanks
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0134—Applications for fluid transport or storage placed above the ground
    • F17C2270/0139—Fuel stations
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0165—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road
    • F17C2270/0168—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road by vehicles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0165—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road
    • F17C2270/0184—Fuel cells
    • 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
    • Y02E60/32—Hydrogen storage

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a gas station, a gas filling system and a gas filling method that fill a gas into, for example, a vehicle-mounted fuel tank.
  • Known gas stations as mentioned above include a hydrogen station that fills hydrogen gas into a hydrogen tank of a fuel cell vehicle (see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-364397 (JP-A-2002-364397)), and a gas station that fills a gaseous fuel and a liquid fuel into a vehicle-mounted fuel tank (see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-138973 (JP-A-2007-138973)).
  • JP-A-2007-138973 Japanese Patent Application Publication No.
  • 2007-138973 JP-A-2007-138973
  • the pressure in the fuel tank and the like are measured to find the remaining amounts of the gaseous fuel and the liquid fuel in the fuel tank, and the feasible filling amounts of the gaseous and liquid fuels commensurate with the proportions of the remaining amounts of the fuels are calculated, and are then filled into the fuel tank.
  • JP-A-2007-138973 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-138973
  • an optimum filling speed to fill the fuel tank to its full state is optimum as a filling speed that is used in the case where the tank is not filled to the full state, if the state in the fuel tank remains the same.
  • the filling speed optimum to the filling to the full state is selected for use, the filling speed that is significantly to the safe side of a reference value of the fuel tank is used for the filling. This results in a long filling time.
  • the invention provides a gas station, a gas filling system and a gas filling method that are capable of shortening the gas filling time.
  • a gas station that fills a gas into an external fuel tank in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention includes a control device which calculates a feasible filling amount that is an amount of the gas that is able to be filled into the fuel tank based on a state quantity of the gas present in the fuel tank, and which specifically determines a designated filling amount that is an amount of the gas that is designated from outside as an amount of the gas that needs to be filled into the fuel tank, and which selects a greater gas filling speed when the designated filling amount is less than the feasible filling amount at a start of filling the gas into the fuel tank than when the designated filling amount is greater than or equal to the feasible filling amount at the start of filling the gas.
  • the feasible filling amount is sufficiently large relative to the designated filling amount, that is, in the case where the gas filling to be performed will not reach the completely filled state of the fuel tank, quick gas filling can be performed from the start of filling the gas, so that the filling time can be shortened.
  • the control device may vary the gas filling speed selected when the designated filling amount is less than the feasible filling amount, according to a magnitude of the designated filling amount relative to the feasible filling amount.
  • the control device may be equipped beforehand with a group of filling speed maps in which filling speed maps each of which prescribes a plurality of gas filling speeds separately for different state quantities of the gas in the fuel tank are provided separately for different magnitudes of the designated filling amount relative to the feasible filling amount, and, at the start of filling the gas, selects from the group of filling speed maps a filling speed map that corresponds to a magnitude of the designated filling amount relative to the feasible filling amount, and selects from the selected filling speed map a gas filling speed that corresponds to the state quantity of the gas in the fuel tank.
  • the state quantity of the gas in the fuel tank which the control device uses when selecting the gas filling speed from the filling speed map may be the state quantity occurring at the start of filling the gas.
  • the control device may vary the gas filling speed selected when the designated filling amount is less than the feasible filling amount, according to a characteristic regarding the fuel tank.
  • the characteristic regarding the fuel tank may include a heat dissipation characteristic of the fuel tank, and the control device may select a greater gas filling speed as the heat dissipation characteristic of the fuel tank increases.
  • the filling time can be made shorter the higher the heat dissipation characteristic of a fuel tank. Specifically, the filling time can be made shorter when the characteristic regarding the fuel tank is taken into account than when a fixed gas filling speed is used irrespective of the characteristic regarding the fuel tank.
  • the characteristics regarding the fuel tank include specifications of the fuel tank (e.g., the materials that constitute the fuel tank, the physical makeup of the fuel tank, etc.), and also include characteristics that affect the fuel tank (e.g., the effect of the vehicle drive wind caused on the fuel tank in the case where the fuel tank is mounted in a mobile unit, the existence of a heat source around the fuel tank, etc.).
  • the gas station may further include a communication instrument that receives the characteristic regarding the fuel tank by communication.
  • the gas station can grasp characteristics regarding individual fuel tanks provided outside the gas station, at the time of gas filling, without a need to pre-store at the gas station characteristics regarding fuel tanks provided outside the station.
  • the gas station may further include: a pre-cooler that cools the gas that is filled into the fuel tank; and an outside air temperature acquisition portion that acquires outside air temperature information, and the control device may vary the gas filling speed selected when the designated filling amount is less than the feasible filling amount, according to at least one of a cooling capability of the pre-cooler and an outside air temperature provided as a result of acquisition by the outside air temperature acquisition portion.
  • the control device may perform gas filling at the gas filling speed selected at the start of filling the gas, and may perform the gas filling while changing the gas filling speed based on the state quantity of the gas in the fuel tank during the gas filling.
  • the gas station may further include: a temperature acquisition portion that acquires temperature information regarding an interior of the fuel tank; and a pressure acquisition portion that acquires pressure information regarding the interior of the fuel tank, and the control device may recognize the state quantity of the gas in the fuel tank based on the temperature information and the pressure information acquired by the temperature acquisition portion and the pressure acquisition portion, respectively.
  • the state quantity of the gas in the fuel tank provided outside the gas station can be grasped on the basis of actually acquired information at the gas station side.
  • the temperature acquisition portion and the pressure acquisition portion may acquire a temperature and a pressure detected by a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor that are provided outside the gas station as the temperature information and the pressure information, respectively, by communication, and the control device may recognize the temperature and the pressure detected by the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor as state quantities of the gas present in the fuel tank.
  • a gas station that fills a gas into an external fuel tank in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention includes: a control device which calculates a first SoC that is a filling percentage of the fuel tank, and which specifically determines an amount of the gas that is designated from outside as an amount of the gas that needs to be filled into the fuel tank, and which calculates a second SoC that is a filling percentage of the fuel tank that occurs when the specifically determined amount of the gas is filled into the fuel tank with the calculated first SoC, and which selects a greater gas filling speed when the second SoC is less than 100% at a start of filling the gas into the fuel tank than when the second SoC is greater than or equal to 100% at the start of filling the gas.
  • the control device may vary the gas filling speed selected when the second SoC is less than 100%, according to at least one of a magnitude of the second SoC and a characteristic regarding the fuel tank.
  • control device may be equipped beforehand with a group of filling speed maps in which filling speed maps each of which prescribes a plurality of gas filling speeds separately for different state quantities of the gas in the fuel tank are provided separately for different magnitudes of the second SoC, and, at the start of filling the gas into the fuel tank, may select from the group of filling speed maps a filling speed map that corresponds to a magnitude of the second SoC, and may select from the selected filling speed map a gas filling speed that corresponds to the state quantity of the gas in the fuel tank.
  • control device may vary the gas filling speed selected when the second SoC is less than 100%, according to at least one of a cooling capability of a pre-cooler and an outside air temperature obtained as a result of detection by an outside air temperature acquisition portion.
  • a gas filling system in accordance with a third aspect of the invention includes a vehicle equipped with a fuel tank, and any one of the foregoing gas stations.
  • a gas filling system in accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention includes: a vehicle equipped with a fuel tank; a gas station that supplies a fuel gas to the fuel tank; a calculation portion that calculates a feasible filling amount that is mentioned above; a specific determination portion that specifically determines a designated filling amount that is mentioned above; a selection portion that selects a greater gas filling speed when the designated filling amount is less than the feasible filling amount at a start of filling the gas into the fuel tank than when the designated filling amount is greater than or equal to the feasible filling amount at the start of filling the gas into the fuel tank; and an operation control portion that controls gas filling so as to achieve the gas filling speed selected by the selection portion, wherein the gas station has at least the operation control portion, among the calculation portion, the specific determination portion, the selection portion and the operation control portion.
  • At least one of the calculation portion, the specific determination portion and the selection portion can be provided in the vehicle, instead of at the gas station.
  • the vehicle may have the calculation portion, and may also have a vehicle-side communication instrument
  • the gas station may have the specific determination portion and the selection portion, and may also have a station-side communication instrument that receives information about the feasible filling amount calculated by the calculation portion, from the vehicle-side communication instrument.
  • information about the feasible filling amount of the fuel tank that is calculated at the vehicle side can be transferred to the gas station side, and can be utilized for the selection of a gas filling speed that is performed by the selection portion of the gas station.
  • a gas filling method in accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention that fills a gas from a gas station into a fuel tank that is provided outside the gas station includes: calculating an amount of the gas that is able to be filled into the fuel tank, based on a state quantity of the gas present in the fuel tank; specifically determining the amount of the gas that is designated from outside as an amount of the gas that needs to be filled into the fuel tank; selecting a greater gas filling speed when the specifically determined amount of the gas is less than the calculated amount of the gas at a start of filling the gas into the fuel tank than when the specifically determined amount of the gas is not less than the calculated amount of the gas at the start of filling the gas; and performing gas filling so as to achieve the selected gas filling speed.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a gas filling system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a construction diagram of a gas filling system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a control device of a gas station in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a procedure of filling gas in the gas filling system in accordance with an embodiment
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a group of filling speed maps for use in the gas filling procedure in accordance with an embodiment
  • FIG. 6 is a table regarding a group of filling speed maps in accordance with an embodiment, which shows a summary of relationships among the SOC and the filling speed, etc. in a condition that the tank pressure and the tank temperature are the same;
  • FIG. 7 A and FIG. 7B are diagrams showing relationships between the filling time and the filling amount when the gas filling is performed following the filling procedure in accordance with the embodiment, FIG. 7A showing the case where the gas filling is started in a state in which there is no fuel remaining in the fuel tank, and FIG. 7B showing the case where the gas filling is started in a state in which there is an amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank;
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a filling procedure in accordance with a first modification of the foregoing embodiment.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a relationship between the filling time and the filling amount when the gas filling is performed in a state in which there is an amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank.
  • the fuel cell system includes a fuel cell that generates electricity by electrochemical reaction between a fuel gas (e.g., hydrogen gas) and an oxidizing gas (e.g., air).
  • a fuel gas e.g., hydrogen gas
  • an oxidizing gas e.g., air
  • the filling of hydrogen gas is one manner of supplying hydrogen gas from the hydrogen station into the fuel tank.
  • a gas filling system 1 includes, for example, a hydrogen station 2 as a gas station, and a vehicle 3 that is supplied with hydrogen gas from the hydrogen station 2.
  • the vehicle 3 includes a fuel tank 30, a receptacle 32, a pressure sensor 36, a temperature sensor 38, a display device 42, a communication instrument 44, and a control device 46.
  • the fuel tank 30 is a fuel gas supply source for the fuel cell, and, for example, is a high-pressure tank that is capable of storing hydrogen gas at 35 MPa or 70 MPa. In the case where a plurality of fuel tanks 30 are mounted in the vehicle 3, the fuel tanks 30 are connected in parallel to the fuel cell. The hydrogen gas in the fuel tank 30 is supplied to the fuel cell through a supply channel (not shown).
  • the supply of hydrogen gas to the fuel tank 30 is carried out by the hydrogen station 2 releasing hydrogen gas into a filling channel 34 through a receptacle 32.
  • the filling channel 34 is made up of a gas piping provided outside the fuel tank 30, and a channel portion that is provided in a valve assembly (not shown) that is attached to an opening portion of the fuel tank 30.
  • the filling channel 34 is provided with a check valve 35 for restraining reverse flow of the hydrogen gas.
  • the pressure sensor 36 detects the pressure of the hydrogen gas released from the hydrogen station 2, and is provided in the filling channel 34.
  • the pressure sensor 36 is provided in the foregoing gas piping that is provided at a downstream side of the check valve 35 and that is immediately upstream of the fuel tank 30, and detects a pressure that substantially reflects the pressure of the hydrogen gas within the fuel tank 30 (hereinafter, referred to as "tank pressure").
  • the temperature sensor 38 is provided in a channel portion in the valve assembly, and is disposed within the fuel tank 30. The temperature sensor 38 detects a temperature that reflects the temperature of hydrogen gas within the fuel tank 30 (hereinafter, referred to as "tank temperature").
  • the pressure sensor 36 may also be disposed within the fuel tank 30.
  • the position in the fuel tank 30 at which the temperature sensor 38 is disposed is not particularly limited as long as the position allows the tank temperature to be substantially detected. It is preferable that the temperature sensor 38 be provided near a blowout opening that leads hydrogen gas into the fuel tank 30.
  • the display device 42 is able to be used, for example, as a portion of a car navigation system, and displays various kinds of information in its display screen.
  • the communication instrument 44 is provided for communicating with the hydrogen station 2, and, for example, as a communication interface for wireless communication such as an infrared communication and the like.
  • the communication instrument 44 is built in the receptacle 32 or is fixed within a lidded box of the vehicle 3 so as to be capable of communication when a filling nozzle 12 of the hydrogen station 2 is connected to the receptacle 32.
  • the control device 46 is constructed as a microcomputer that has therein a CPU, a ROM and a RAM, and controls the vehicle 3.
  • the control device 46 is connected to the pressure sensor 36, the temperature sensor 38, the display device 42, the communication instrument 44, etc., and sends information that is obtainable at the vehicle 3, for example, information detected by the pressure sensor 36 and the temperature sensor 38, to the hydrogen station 2 through the use of the communication instrument 44.
  • the hydrogen station 2 includes a control device 5 that controls various appliances and the like that are provided at the hydrogen station 2, a communication instrument 6 for communicating with the vehicle 3, a display device 7 that displays various kinds of information in its display screen, and an outside air temperature sensor 8 that detects the outside air temperature at the location where the hydrogen station 2 is installed.
  • the communication instrument 6 is of a type that is pursuant with the communication instrument 44 of the vehicle 3, and sends and receives various kinds of information to and from the communication instrument 44.
  • the display device 7 displays information such as the filling speed (filling flow rate) and the filling amount during the filling operation, and the like.
  • the display screen of the display device 7 is equipped with an operation panel on which an operating person or a user (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "user") is allowed to input a desired filling condition. That is, the user is allowed to designate a complete filling of the tank (complete filling), a desired filling amount, a desired amount of money to be paid for a single operation of filling, etc., as desired filling conditions, via the operation panel of the display device 7.
  • the hydrogen station 2 has a cluster of tanks (a gas supply source) 11 that stores hydrogen gas, a filling nozzle 12 that releases hydrogen gas toward the fuel tank 30 mounted in the vehicle 3, and a gas channel 13 that connects the cluster of tanks 11 and the filling nozzle 12.
  • the filling nozzle 12 is also called filling coupling, and is connected to the receptacle 32 of the vehicle 3 when hydrogen gas is filled into the vehicle 3.
  • the filling nozzle 12 and the receptacle 32 form a connecting unit that connects the hydrogen station 2 and the fuel tank 32.
  • the filling nozzle 12 is provided with a pressure sensor 9 and a temperature sensor 10 that detect the pressure and the temperature of hydrogen gas that the hydrogen station 2 supplies to the fuel tank 30.
  • the gas channel 13 is provided with a compressor 14, a pressure accumulator 15, a pre-cooler 16, a flow control valve 17, a flow meter 18 and a dispenser 19.
  • the compressor 14 compresses hydrogen gas from the cluster of tanks 11, and discharges it.
  • the pressure accumulator 15 stores hydrogen gas whose pressure has been raised to a predetermined pressure by the compressor 14.
  • the pre-cooler 16 cools the hydrogen gas from the pressure accumulator 15 whose temperature is approximately equal to room temperature to a predetermined low temperature (e.g., -20°C or -40°C).
  • the flow control valve 17 is an electrically driven valve, and adjusts the amount of flow of hydrogen gas from the pressure accumulator 15 in accordance with a command from the control device 5. Due to this, the filling flow rate (filling speed) of hydrogen gas to the fuel tank 30 is controlled. This controlled filling flow rate is measured by the flow meter 18. In response to a result of the measurement, the control device 5 performs a feedback control of the flow control valve 17 so as to achieve a desired filling flow rate. Incidentally, it is also possible to use a flow rate control device other than the flow control valve 17.
  • the dispenser 19 is sends out hydrogen gas to the filling nozzle 12. For example, if a trigger lever of the filling nozzle 12 is pulled, the dispenser 19 is actuated to become able to discharge hydrogen gas from the filling nozzle 12 toward the fuel tank 30.
  • a shutoff valve that opens the gas channel 13 during the filling operation is provided in the pressure accumulator 15 or at a downstream side of the pressure accumulator 15.
  • the control device 5 is constructed as a microcomputer that has therein a CPU, a ROM and a RAM.
  • the CPU executes desired computations according to control programs so as to perform various processes and controls.
  • the ROM stores control programs and control data that are processed by the CPU.
  • the RAM is used mainly as various workspaces for control processes.
  • the control device 5 is electrically connected to the communication instrument 6, the display device 7, the outside air temperature sensor 8, the pressure sensor 9, the temperature sensor 10, the flow control valve 17, the flow meter 18, the pressure accumulator 15, etc., which are connected by a control line shown by a dashed one-dotted line in FIG. 2.
  • the control device 5 recognizes the pressure and the temperature that the pressure sensor 36 and the temperature sensor 38 detect, as the pressure and the temperature in the fuel tank 30 (i.e., the tank pressure and the tank temperature) of the vehicle 3, and accordingly controls the filling of hydrogen gas. Specifically, the control device 5 controls the degree of opening of the flow control valve 17 on the basis of the information regarding the tank pressure and the tank temperature of the vehicle 3 side which the control device 5 receives from the communication instrument 6. Besides, the control device 5 sends information that is obtainable at the hydrogen station 2 to the vehicle 3, by using the communication instrument 6. Incidentally, the communication instrument 6 functions as a temperature acquisition portion and a pressure acquisition portion that are described later.
  • the control device 5 includes a storage portion 61, a calculation portion 62, a specific determination portion 63, a selection portion 64 and an operation control portion 65 as functional blocks provided for realizing the control of the filling speed.
  • the storage portion 61 is made up of the ROM or the RAM mentioned above, or the like, and pre-stores, for example, group of filling speed maps (a plurality of filling speed maps) described later.
  • the calculation portion 62 calculates the amount of hydrogen gas that can be filled into the fuel tank 30 on the basis of state quantities of the hydrogen gas within the fuel tank 30.
  • the specific determination portion 63 specifically determines the hydrogen gas amount to be filled into the fuel tank 30 that is designated by a user.
  • the selection portion 64 selects an appropriate filling speed from a filling speed map that is stored in the storage portion 61.
  • the operation control portion 65 controls the filling of hydrogen gas into the fuel tank 30. Specifically, the operation control portion 65 sends control commands to various appliances and therefore controls the various appliances to perform the filling of hydrogen gas in such a manner that the filling speed selected by the selection portion 64 is achieved.
  • the filling nozzle 12 is firstly connected to the receptacle 32, and while this state is kept, the dispenser 19 is actuated. Then, hydrogen gas is released from the filling nozzle 12 toward the fuel tank 30, so that the fuel tank 30 is filled.
  • the filling time is shortened by, at the time of starting the filling, grasping the amount of hydrogen gas remaining in the fuel tank 30, or the like, and selecting a filling speed suitable for the filling condition that is designated by the user.
  • step SI When a user connects the filling nozzle 12 and the receptacle 32 (step SI), wireless communication between the hydrogen station 2 and the vehicle 3 is established. After that, in the vehicle 3, the tank pressure and the tank temperature are input (hereinafter, referred to as “initial tank pressure” and “initial tank temperature”, respectively) are input as state quantities of hydrogen gas in an initial state of the fuel tank 30. The initial tank pressure and the initial tank temperature are detected by the pressure sensor 36 and the temperature sensor 38, respectively. The thus-detected information is temporarily stored in, for example, the RAM of the control device 46.
  • the information regarding the initial tank pressure and the initial tank temperature is sent from the vehicle 3 to the hydrogen station 2 (step S2). This is performed by the control device 46 transferring the information to the control device 5 through the use of communication between the communication instrument 44 and the communication instrument 6. Due to this, the control device 5 grasps the initial tank pressure and the initial tank temperature of the vehicle 3 side.
  • the tank data that is sent is not necessarily only the initial tank pressure and the initial tank temperature, but may also include information regarding the number of fuel tanks 30 mounted in the vehicle 3, the maximum amount of hydrogen loadable in each fuel tank 30 (the amount of hydrogen gas in the tank in the full state, the capacity of each fuel tank), and the total amount of hydrogen loaded in the fuel tank 30 if a plurality of fuel tanks 30 are provided.
  • the control device 5 of the hydrogen station 2 calculates the amount Mi of hydrogen remaining in the fuel tank 30 on the basis of the initial tank pressure and the initial tank temperature that have been received (step S3). This calculation is performed by the calculation portion 62 of the control device 5. Incidentally, the remaining amount of hydrogen Mi can be calculated by substituting the initial tank pressure value and the initial tank temperature value in a predetermined calculating formula.
  • the calculation portion 62 can also calculate the amount of hydrogen that can be filled into the fuel tank 30 (hereinafter, referred to as "feasible filling amount Ma”) (step S3).
  • the feasible filling amount Ma is calculated by subtracting the remaining amount of hydrogen Mi from the capacity of the fuel tank 30.
  • the capacity of the fuel tank 30 can be grasped at the hydrogen station 2 through the use of the foregoing communication.
  • the calculation portion 62 can also calculate the filling percentage of hydrogen gas in the fuel tank 30, that is, the soak of charge (SoC) (step S3). Strictly speaking, the SoC is calculated on the basis of the gas density.
  • SoC soak of charge
  • the SoC can be represented by a value that is obtained by dividing the remaining amount of hydrogen Mi by the capacity of the fuel tank 30.
  • the SoC at this time will be referred to as "initial SoC" (first SoC).
  • step S4 the user designates a desired filling condition. This is carried out by using the display device 7 of the hydrogen station 2, or the like, as an interface. If the complete filling is designated as a filling condition, the selection portion 64 selects a filling speed map X, so that the hydrogen filling is controlled so as to achieve a filling speed that is prescribed by the filling speed map X (step S5).
  • the designated filling amount of hydrogen that is to be filled into the fuel tank 30 is specifically determined (step S6).
  • This specific determination is carried out by the specific determination portion 63 of the control device 5.
  • the amount of hydrogen that corresponds to the amount of money is specifically determined as the filling amount of hydrogen that needs to be filled into the fuel tank 30.
  • that amount of hydrogen is specifically determined as the filling amount that needs to be filled into the fuel tank 30.
  • the foregoing filling amounts that are specifically determined are collectively referred to as "designated filling amount Mb".
  • expected amount of hydrogen M 2 the amount of hydrogen in the fuel tank 30 expected after the designated filling amount Mb has been filled into the fuel tank 30 (hereinafter, referred to as "expected amount of hydrogen M 2 ") is calculated (step S7).
  • the expected amount of hydrogen M 2 can be expressed as shown below. This calculation can be carried out also by the foregoing calculation portion 62.
  • the expected amount of hydrogen M 2 remaining amount of hydrogen Mi + designated filling amount Mb.
  • the calculation portion 62 is also able to calculate an SoC in the fuel tank 30 that is expected after the designated filling amount Mb has been filled in the fuel tank 30 (hereinafter, referred to as "expected SoC" (second SoC)) (step S7).
  • the expected SoC can be expressed in a simplified manner as follows.
  • the expected SoC (expected amount of hydrogen M 2 )/(capacity of fuel tank 30).
  • step S8 it is determined whether or not the fuel tank 30 will become full if the designated filling amount Mb is filled into the fuel tank 30 (step S8). Concretely, it is determined whether or not the designated filling amount Mb is greater than or equal to the feasible filling amount Ma. If the designated filling amount Mb is greater than or equal to the feasible filling amount Ma, it is determined that the fuel tank 30 will become full (YES in step S8). On the other hand, if the designated filling amount Mb is less than the feasible filling amount Ma, it is determined that the fuel tank 30 will not become full (NO in step S8).
  • the determination in step S8 can be carried out by, for example, the selection portion 64.
  • the filling map to be selected differs (step S5 or S9) depending on the result of the determination.
  • step S8 As for the determination as to whether or not the fuel tank 30 will become full (step S8), it is also permissible to use a method other than comparing the designated filling amount Mb with the feasible filling amount Ma. For example, in the case where the expected amount of hydrogen M 2 is calculated in step S7, it may also be determined whether or not the expected amount of hydrogen M 2 is greater than or equal to the capacity of the fuel tank 30. If the expected amount of hydrogen M 2 is less than the capacity of the fuel tank 30, it means that the fuel tank 30 will not become full after the designated filling amount Mb has been filled.
  • step S7 whether or not the fuel tank 30 will become full may be determined on the basis of whether or not the expected SoC is greater than or equal to 100%. If the expected SoC is less than 100%, it means that the filling of the designated filling amount Mb will not completely fill the fuel tank 30.
  • step S8 If it is determined that the fuel tank 30 will become full as a result of the determination in step S8 (YES in step S8), a filling speed map X is selected to perform the filling of hydrogen as in the case where the complete filling-up is performed (step S5). On the other hand, if it is determined that the fuel tank 30 will not become full (NO in step S8), a filling speed map Yn that allows a quicker filling than the filling speed map X is selected to perform the hydrogen filling (step S9).
  • the filling speed maps X and Yn will be described.
  • the filling speed maps X and Yn are stored beforehand in the storage portion 61 of the control device 5 as members of the group of filling speed maps.
  • An example of the group of filling speed maps is shown in FIG. 5.
  • the group of filling speed maps MM includes filling speed maps each of which prescribes a plurality of filling speeds by using the vertical axis that expresses the tank pressure and the horizontal axis that expresses the tank temperature, and has filling speed maps separately for different SoCs.
  • the filling speed map that corresponds to an SoC of 100% is the filling speed map X
  • filling speed maps that correspond to SoCs less than 100% are filling speed maps Yn (Y 1 ? Y 2 , Y 3 , ...) that are provided at intervals of 10% in SoC.
  • the manner of division into intervals in terms of SoC which determines the number of filling speed maps Yn can be arbitrarily set. Besides, instead of the division into intervals in SoC, it is also permissible to use filling speed maps Yn (Yi, Y 2 , Y 3 , ...) that are provided for different designated filling amounts Mb relative to the feasible filling amount Ma.
  • a filling speed map Yi is prepared as a map that corresponds to 90% in the proportion of the designated filling amount Mb to the feasible filling amount Ma
  • a filling speed map Y 2 is prepared as a map that corresponds to 80% in the proportion of the designated filling amount Mb to the feasible filling amount Ma.
  • Each one of the filling speeds in a given filling speed map is a filling speed that achieves substantially as quick filling as possible (that is substantially as large as possible) on condition that the temperature in the fuel tank 30 does not exceed a predetermined reference value (e.g., 85 °C in this example) at the corresponding tank pressure and a corresponding tank temperature.
  • a predetermined reference value e.g. 85 °C in this example
  • the filling speed can be made larger the greater the tank pressure, or the lower the tank temperature.
  • the filling speed HI (at a tank pressure of 80 MPa and a tank temperature of -30°C) is the largest, and the filling speed A8 (at a tank pressure of 10 MPa and a tank temperature of 40°C) is the smallest.
  • the tank pressures are set at intervals of 10 MPa, it should be apparent that the widths of such intervals can be arbitrarily set.
  • the value of the filling speed prescribed by the filling speed maps X and Yn is larger the smaller the SoC.
  • the tank pressure is 40 MPa and the tank temperature is 0°C
  • a corresponding filling speed D4 prescribed in the filling speed map X prepared for an SoC of 100% is smaller than a corresponding filling speed D4 Y1 prescribed in the filling speed map Yi prepared for an SoC of 90%.
  • the filling speed D4 Y1 is smaller than a corresponding filling speed D4 Y2 prescribed in the filling speed map Y 2 prepared for an SoC of 80%.
  • the use of a filling speed map Yn that corresponds to the magnitude of SoC allows the filling to be done more quickly at a greater filling speed than the use of the filling speed map X that corresponds to the full state (100% in SoC) under the condition in which the tank pressure and the tank temperature are the same. This will be further described with reference to FIG. 7.
  • the filling method of this embodiment is adopted and the filling is performed to achieve the expected amount of hydrogen M 2 as a target through the use of the filling speed map Yn that corresponds to the magnitude of the expected SoC, the filling is performed along the straight line L and the filling time taken until the expected amount of hydrogen M 2 is achieved is ti. That is, according to this embodiment, since the filling is performed on the basis of the filling speed map Yn that defines a filling speed that is greater than the filling speed described in the filling speed map X, the filling time is shortened by an amount that corresponds to the time t c m-ti.
  • the filling method of this embodiment is adopted and the filling to an expected amount of hydrogen M 2 as a target is performed through the use of a filling speed map Yn that corresponds to the magnitude of the expected SoC, then the filling time taken until the expected amount of hydrogen M 2 is achieved can be shortened by an amount of time that corresponds to the time tcom-ti.
  • the use of a filling speed map Yn that corresponds to the magnitude of the expected SoC means, for example, to use the filling speed map Yi when the magnitude of the expected SoC is greater than or equal to 80% and less than 90%, and to use the filling speed map Y 2 when the magnitude of the expected SoC is greater than or equal to 70% and less than 80%.
  • the filling speed map to be used varies depending on the number of filling speed maps Yn, the intervals between the filling speed maps Yn, and the like. Besides, if a plurality of filling speed maps commensurate with magnitudes of designated filling amount Mb relative to the feasible filling amount Ma have been prepared, a filling speed map that corresponds to the magnitude thereof is selected as appropriate.
  • step S9 the selection portion 64 firstly selects a filling speed map Yn that corresponds to the magnitude of the expected SoC from the group of filling speed maps MM. Subsequently, the selection portion 64 looks up the initial tank pressure and the initial tank temperature that are received in step S2 in the selected filling speed map Yn to select a filling speed that corresponds to the initial tank pressure and the initial tank temperature. Then, the operation control portion 65 starts the filling and controls the degree of opening of the flow control valve 17 so as to achieve the selected filling speed.
  • the operation control portion 65 monitors the tank pressure and the tank temperature, and changes the filling speed through the control of the degree of opening of the flow control valve 17 according to need by looking up the monitored tank pressure and the monitored tank temperature in the filling speed map Yn selected at the start of the filling operation.
  • the filling operation achieves the expected SoC or the expected amount of hydrogen M 2 , the filling ends.
  • step S5 the selection portion 64 selects the filling speed map X from the group of filling speed maps MM, and look up the initial tank pressure and the initial tank temperature in the filling speed map X to select a corresponding filling speed.
  • the operation control portion 65 starts filling the gas so as to achieve the selected filling speed.
  • the operation control portion 65 monitors the tank pressure and the tank temperature, and looks up the pressure and the temperature in the filling speed map X, and changes the filling speed as needed.
  • the filling achieves the full state of the fuel tank 30, the filling ends.
  • the determination as to whether or not the full state has been reached can be made merely by calculating the SoC of the fuel tank 30 or the amount of hydrogen filled in the fuel tank 30 from the tank pressure and the tank temperature.
  • a filling speed map Yn suitable for the filling can be used to select as great a filling speed as possible. Therefore, the quick filling can be performed even at the start of filling the gas, in comparison with the case where the filling is performed by using the filling speed map X, which is excessively to the safe side in this case. Therefore, the filling time can be shortened. In particular, since a plurality of filling speed maps Yn suitable for different SoCs are prepared and a filling speed map Yn corresponding to the magnitude of a given expected SoC is selected, the filling time can be further shortened.
  • a filling speed that is as great as possible can be selected by using the filling speed map X, which is suitable for the filling to the full state, it is possible to complete the filling in as short a time as possible.
  • step 19 is performed instead of step S9. Since steps Sll to S18 are the same as steps SI to S8 shown in FIG. 4, detailed description of these steps will be omitted below. [0077] In step S19, besides the magnitude of the expected SoC, a characteristic regarding the fuel tank 30 and an environmental condition of the hydrogen station 2 are also taken into account in order to select an appropriate one of filling speed maps Yn.
  • the characteristics of the fuel tank 30 include the heat dissipation characteristic of the fuel tank 30.
  • the heat dissipation characteristic of the fuel tank 30 varies depending on the specifications of the fuel tank 30 such as the materials that form the fuel tank 30, the physical makeup of the fuel tank 30 (the length, the diameter, the capacity, the surface area, etc.), etc.
  • the heat dissipation characteristic of the fuel tank 30 is better than in the case where a resin (polyethylene or the like) is used as a liner of the fuel tank 30.
  • the heat dissipation characteristic also varies depending on the characteristic of the resin or the compounding proportion thereof in a resin liner. Furthermore, the heat dissipation characteristic of the fuel tank 30 varies depending on the physical makeup of the fuel tank 30, for example, the ratio of the length to the diameter of the fuel tank 30, and the ratio of the capacity to the surface area. Besides, the heat dissipation characteristic of the fuel tank 30 also varies depending on a cooling factor that affects the fuel tank 30. Examples of the foregoing cooling factor include the degree of influence of the vehicle drive wind commensurate with the mounting position of the fuel tank 30 in the vehicle 3, the existence of a heat source on or near the fuel tank 30, etc.
  • the rate or amount of temperature rise in the fuel tank 30 caused by the filling of the fuel tank 30 can be made lower than in the case where the heat dissipation characteristic of the fuel tank 30 is not good. Therefore, in the case where the heat dissipation characteristic of the fuel tank 30 is good, it is possible to use a greater filling speed than in the case where the heat dissipation characteristic of the fuel tank 30 is not good.
  • Conceivable environmental conditions in this case are the outside air temperature in the environment where the hydrogen station 2 is installed, and the cooling capability of the pre-cooler 16e of the hydrogen station 2.
  • the outside air temperature is low, the rate or amount of temperature rise in the fuel tank 30 which is caused by the filling of the fuel tank 30 can be made lower than when the outside air temperature is high. Therefore, it is possible to use a filling speed that is greater the lower the outside air temperature.
  • the rate of temperature rise or the like in the fuel tank 30 which is caused by the filling can be made lower than without such provision (i.e., with the cooling capability being zero).
  • the rate of temperature rise or the like in the fuel tank 30 caused by the filling can be made lower the lower the temperature of the hydrogen gas that is cooled by the pre-cooler 16. That is, the rate of temperature rise or the like in the fuel tank 30 caused by the filling of the fuel tank 30 is variable depending on the cooling capability of the pre-cooler 16. Therefore, it is possible to use a filling speed that is greater the higher the cooling capability of the pre-cooler 16.
  • the maps used in this step are maps of a plurality of dimensions obtained by adding the axis of a characteristic regarding the fuel tank 30 (heat dissipation characteristic thereof) and the axis regarding an environmental condition of the hydrogen station 2 (the outside air temperature or the cooling capability of the pre-cooler 16) to the maps that are provided at intervals in the SoC as shown in FIG. 5.
  • a concrete example of these maps are described with reference to FIG. 9.
  • FIG. 9 shows a case where the filling of the fuel tank 30 is performed, starting in a state where the fuel tank 30 has a remaining amount of fuel (the remaining amount of hydrogen M ⁇ O, the initial SoC ⁇ 0), as in FIG. 7B.
  • the filling speed map X is used to perform the filling of the fuel tank 80 so as to achieve the full state of the fuel tank or an expected amount of hydrogen M 2 as a target
  • the filling is performed along a straight line Li shown in FIG. 9.
  • the time taken until the full state of the fuel tank or the expected amount of hydrogen M is achieved is tfuii or t com .
  • a line I (case I) shown in FIG.
  • the filling is performed by using a filling speed map Yn that corresponds to the magnitude of the expected SoC, without taking into account the characteristic regarding the fuel tank 30 and the environmental conditions of the hydrogen station 2.
  • the filling time taken until the expected amount of hydrogen M 2 is achieved is shortened by an amount of time that corresponds to the time tom-t ⁇
  • Lines II to IV (cases II to IV) in FIG. 9 show cases where the characteristic regarding the fuel tank 30 and the environment condition of the hydrogen station 2 are taken into account.
  • the case II is different from the case I only in the environmental condition of the hydrogen station 2, that is, the outside air temperature is lower or the cooling capability of the pre-cooler 16 is higher in the case II than in the case I. Therefore, in the case II, a filling speed map that prescribes greater filling speeds than the filling speed map used in the case I is used to perform the filling to the expected amount of hydrogen M 2 as a target.
  • the filling time is made shorter than in the case I by an amount of time that corresponds to the time t ⁇ .
  • the case III is different from, for example, the case I, only in the characteristic regarding the fuel tank 30, that is, the case III uses a fuel tank 30 that is better in heat dissipation characteristic than the fuel tank 30 used in the case I. Therefore, the case III uses a filling speed map that prescribes greater filling speeds than the filling speed map used in the case I. As a result, the filling time is made shorter than in the case I by an amount of time that corresponds to the time t t 3 .
  • the relationship between the case IV and the case III is a relation in which the two cases are different from each other only in the environmental condition of the hydrogen station 2, similar to the relationship between the case II and the case I.
  • the filling time is made shorter than in the case III by an amount of time that corresponds to the time t 3 -t 4 .
  • the information about the characteristic regarding the fuel tank 30 which is used for the selection of a filling speed map Yn in step S19 information stored beforehand in the storage portion 61 of the hydrogen station 2 can be used.
  • the characteristic regarding the fuel tank 30 does not necessarily remain the same as it is at the present time, due to time-dependent changes about the vehicle or the fuel tank. Therefore, as for the information about the characteristics regarding the fuel tank 30, it is desirable that the information be stored in the storage portion of the control device 46 of the vehicle 3, and that the information be transferred from the control device 46 to the control device 5 by the communication between communication instrument 44 and the communication instrument 6 in step S12. Therefore, information about the characteristics regarding the fuel tank 30 can be utilized in step S19 even in the case where such information regarding the fuel tank 30 is not stored at the hydrogen station 2 side.
  • the outside air temperature used in this modification may be the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 8 at the start of filling.
  • the outside air temperature sensor 8 functions as an outside air temperature acquisition portion.
  • the communication instrument 6 of the hydrogen station 2 functions as an outside air temperature acquisition portion.
  • the cooling capability of the pre-cooler 16 used in this modification may be the cooling capability that is stored beforehand in the storage portion 61 of the hydrogen station 2.
  • step S19 it is also possible to make a modification such that one of the characteristic regarding the fuel tank 30 and the environmental condition of the hydrogen station 2 is omitted from being taken into consideration, or a modification such that one of the cooling capability of the pre-cooler 16 and the outside air temperature is omitted from being taken into consideration.
  • One or more of the functional blocks of the control device 5 shown in FIG. 3 can be provided in the control device 46 of the vehicle 3.
  • the calculation portion 62 is provided in the control device 46
  • the calculation portion of the control device 46 performs the calculation of the feasible filling amount Ma and the like shown in step S3 in FIG. 4 and in step S13 in FIG. 8.
  • results of the calculation are transferred from the control device 46 to the control device 5 by the communication between the communication instrument 44 and the communication instrument 6, it becomes possible for the control device 5 to determine whether or not the fuel tank 30 will become full if the designated filling amount Mb is to be filled into the fuel tank 30 (step S8 in FIG. 4, and step S18 in FIG. 8).
  • the gas station, the gas filling system, and the gas filling method of the invention can be applied not only to hydrogen gas, but also to other fuel gases such as natural gas and the like.
  • the invention is also applicable not only to wheeled vehicles but also to other mobile units equipped with fuel tanks as an object of the filling of a fuel gas from outside, such as aircrafts, ships and boats, robots, etc.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
  • Hydrogen, Water And Hydrids (AREA)
  • Fuel Cell (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif de commande d'une station de gaz, qui calcule une quantité Ma de gaz susceptible d'être introduite dans un réservoir de carburant, sur la base de variables d'état du gaz présent dans le réservoir de carburant, et plus précisément qui détermine une quantité Mb de gaz qui est désignée à partir de l'extérieur en tant que quantité de gaz qu'il est nécessaire d'introduire dans le réservoir de carburant. Le dispositif de commande sélectionne une plus grande vitesse de ravitaillement en gaz lorsque la quantité Mb de gaz est inférieure à la quantité Ma de gaz au début du ravitaillement en gaz du réservoir de carburant que lorsque la quantité Mb de gaz est supérieure ou égale à la quantité Ma de gaz au début du ravitaillement en gaz.
PCT/IB2011/000035 2010-01-28 2011-01-12 Station de gaz, système et procédé de ravitaillement en gaz WO2011092560A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2010016376A JP2011153681A (ja) 2010-01-28 2010-01-28 ガスステーション、ガス充填システム、ガス充填方法
JP2010-016376 2010-01-28

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2011092560A1 true WO2011092560A1 (fr) 2011-08-04

Family

ID=43875583

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2011/000035 WO2011092560A1 (fr) 2010-01-28 2011-01-12 Station de gaz, système et procédé de ravitaillement en gaz

Country Status (2)

Country Link
JP (1) JP2011153681A (fr)
WO (1) WO2011092560A1 (fr)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011132063A3 (fr) * 2010-04-23 2012-01-05 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Procédé de remplissage d'essence, système de remplissage d'essence, station-service et unité mobile
WO2012010260A1 (fr) * 2010-07-20 2012-01-26 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Station-service dotée de communication
EP2799757A4 (fr) * 2011-12-20 2015-11-25 Kobe Steel Ltd Procédé de fourniture de gaz et équipement de fourniture de gaz
DE102017204672A1 (de) * 2017-03-21 2018-09-27 Robert Bosch Gmbh Verfahren und System zur Betankung eines Fahrzeugs mit Wasserstoff
DE102019110877A1 (de) * 2019-04-26 2020-10-29 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Ladesystem und Verfahren zur Steuerung von Wasserstoff-Tankvorgängen
WO2022245427A3 (fr) * 2021-03-31 2023-03-02 Zeroavia Ltd. Système de ravitaillement en combustible pour aéronef à pile à combustible à hydrogène
US20230194296A1 (en) * 2021-12-16 2023-06-22 Hyundai Motor Company Gas fuel-based moving object capable of checking the amount of gas filling according to filling specification and method for providing filling amount using the same
US20240027028A1 (en) * 2020-11-17 2024-01-25 Mirae EHS-code Research Institute Method For Performing Real-Time Response Hydrogen-Charging Process, And Device Therefor

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP5901608B2 (ja) * 2013-12-26 2016-04-13 本田技研工業株式会社 燃料充填システム
JP6083535B2 (ja) * 2014-03-11 2017-02-22 株式会社タツノ 水素充填装置
JP6001600B2 (ja) * 2014-06-26 2016-10-05 株式会社日本自動車部品総合研究所 ガス供給部を制御するシステムおよびガス充填方法
JP6332705B2 (ja) * 2016-06-16 2018-05-30 株式会社タツノ 水素充填装置
JP7581179B2 (ja) * 2021-12-24 2024-11-12 本田技研工業株式会社 水素充填装置、および水素充填方法
CN116357882A (zh) * 2021-12-28 2023-06-30 本田技研工业株式会社 气体填充方法
WO2025013263A1 (fr) * 2023-07-12 2025-01-16 本田技研工業株式会社 Dispositif de remplissage de gaz combustible

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0356377A1 (fr) * 1988-08-15 1990-02-28 GebràœDer Sulzer Aktiengesellschaft Appareil d'approvisionnement de gaz pour véhicules automobiles
US20020053365A1 (en) * 2000-11-08 2002-05-09 Greenfield Ag Method for filling a vehicle fuel tank with gas
JP2002364397A (ja) 2001-06-05 2002-12-18 Tokico Ltd 燃料混合充填システム
EP1291575A2 (fr) * 2001-08-31 2003-03-12 MESSER GRIESHEIM GmbH Appareil et méthode de ravitaillement en fuel pour véhicules fonctionnant au fuel cryogénique
US20050178463A1 (en) * 2004-02-12 2005-08-18 Kountz Kenneth J. Control method for high-pressure hydrogen vehicle fueling station dispensers
EP1593905A2 (fr) * 2002-09-25 2005-11-09 Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation Dispositif et methode pour remplir un reservoir de carburant avec un gaz comprime, comme de l'hydrogene, en controlant le debit et la temperature
EP1790904A1 (fr) * 2005-11-29 2007-05-30 HONDA MOTOR CO., Ltd. Appareil et procédé de remplissage d'un réservoir à hydrogène avec de l'hydrogène
JP2007138973A (ja) 2005-11-15 2007-06-07 Japan Steel Works Ltd:The 水素貯蔵容器への水素充填方法および水素充填監視装置
DE102006034791A1 (de) * 2006-07-27 2008-01-31 Linde Ag Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Betanken eines Druckspeichers, insbesondere des Druckspeichers eines Fahrzeuges mit unter Druck stehendem Wasserstoff
WO2008012630A2 (fr) * 2006-07-20 2008-01-31 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil de stockage d'hydrogène à bord d'un véhicule

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0356377A1 (fr) * 1988-08-15 1990-02-28 GebràœDer Sulzer Aktiengesellschaft Appareil d'approvisionnement de gaz pour véhicules automobiles
US20020053365A1 (en) * 2000-11-08 2002-05-09 Greenfield Ag Method for filling a vehicle fuel tank with gas
JP2002364397A (ja) 2001-06-05 2002-12-18 Tokico Ltd 燃料混合充填システム
EP1291575A2 (fr) * 2001-08-31 2003-03-12 MESSER GRIESHEIM GmbH Appareil et méthode de ravitaillement en fuel pour véhicules fonctionnant au fuel cryogénique
EP1593905A2 (fr) * 2002-09-25 2005-11-09 Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation Dispositif et methode pour remplir un reservoir de carburant avec un gaz comprime, comme de l'hydrogene, en controlant le debit et la temperature
US20050178463A1 (en) * 2004-02-12 2005-08-18 Kountz Kenneth J. Control method for high-pressure hydrogen vehicle fueling station dispensers
JP2007138973A (ja) 2005-11-15 2007-06-07 Japan Steel Works Ltd:The 水素貯蔵容器への水素充填方法および水素充填監視装置
EP1790904A1 (fr) * 2005-11-29 2007-05-30 HONDA MOTOR CO., Ltd. Appareil et procédé de remplissage d'un réservoir à hydrogène avec de l'hydrogène
WO2008012630A2 (fr) * 2006-07-20 2008-01-31 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil de stockage d'hydrogène à bord d'un véhicule
DE102006034791A1 (de) * 2006-07-27 2008-01-31 Linde Ag Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Betanken eines Druckspeichers, insbesondere des Druckspeichers eines Fahrzeuges mit unter Druck stehendem Wasserstoff

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011132063A3 (fr) * 2010-04-23 2012-01-05 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Procédé de remplissage d'essence, système de remplissage d'essence, station-service et unité mobile
US9109750B2 (en) 2010-04-23 2015-08-18 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Gas filling method, gas filling system, gas station and mobile unit
WO2012010260A1 (fr) * 2010-07-20 2012-01-26 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Station-service dotée de communication
EP2799757A4 (fr) * 2011-12-20 2015-11-25 Kobe Steel Ltd Procédé de fourniture de gaz et équipement de fourniture de gaz
DE102017204672A1 (de) * 2017-03-21 2018-09-27 Robert Bosch Gmbh Verfahren und System zur Betankung eines Fahrzeugs mit Wasserstoff
DE102019110877A1 (de) * 2019-04-26 2020-10-29 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Ladesystem und Verfahren zur Steuerung von Wasserstoff-Tankvorgängen
US20240027028A1 (en) * 2020-11-17 2024-01-25 Mirae EHS-code Research Institute Method For Performing Real-Time Response Hydrogen-Charging Process, And Device Therefor
WO2022245427A3 (fr) * 2021-03-31 2023-03-02 Zeroavia Ltd. Système de ravitaillement en combustible pour aéronef à pile à combustible à hydrogène
US20230194296A1 (en) * 2021-12-16 2023-06-22 Hyundai Motor Company Gas fuel-based moving object capable of checking the amount of gas filling according to filling specification and method for providing filling amount using the same
US12276517B2 (en) * 2021-12-16 2025-04-15 Hyundai Motor Company Gas fuel-based moving object capable of checking the amount of gas filling according to filling specification and method for providing filling amount using the same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2011153681A (ja) 2011-08-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2011092560A1 (fr) Station de gaz, système et procédé de ravitaillement en gaz
CA2788404C (fr) Systeme de remplissage d'essence et vehicule
US9222621B2 (en) Gas filling system
CN102667302B (zh) 气体充填系统、气体充填方法和车辆
JP5489573B2 (ja) ガス充填システム及びガス充填装置
JP5261408B2 (ja) 燃料ガスステーション、燃料ガス充填システム、燃料ガス供給方法
US8708005B2 (en) Gas filling system
US9604535B2 (en) Vehicle
US6779568B2 (en) Gas distribution system
US8534327B2 (en) Gas charging apparatus and gas charging method
US20040163731A1 (en) Self-contained mobile fueling station
KR20230130753A (ko) 가스 충전 장치
JP7256735B2 (ja) 水素充填方法
JP5299855B2 (ja) 車両

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 11710856

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

DPE1 Request for preliminary examination filed after expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed from 20040101)
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 11710856

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1