Patent ID: 12203603

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A. Embodiment

A1. Configuration of Hydrogen Supply System

FIG.1is an explanatory diagram of a hydrogen management system1according to the present embodiment. The hydrogen management system1includes a point management server100, hydrogen gas supply facilities200A and200B, a service management device300, hydrogen generation facilities500A and500B, and hydrogen gas delivery vehicles600A and600B.

The hydrogen gas supply facility200A is a store that supplies hydrogen gas to users. The hydrogen gas supply facility200A is, in the present embodiment, a so-called hydrogen station that supplies hydrogen gas to a hydrogen vehicle400. The hydrogen gas supply facility200A includes a hydrogen gas storing unit204, a hydrogen gas supply device209, a control device250, communication interfaces262,264, and266, and a display panel270.

The hydrogen gas storing unit204is a tank that stores hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas storing unit204can store hydrogen gas at a maximum amount of 300 liters under a pressure of approximately 82 MPa.

The hydrogen gas supply device209can supply hydrogen gas in the hydrogen gas storing unit204to outside of the hydrogen gas supply facility200. A target to which the hydrogen gas supply device209supplies hydrogen gas is, specifically, the hydrogen vehicle400.

The control device250controls components of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A. The control device250includes a central processing unit (CPU)251serving as a processor, a random access memory (RAM)252, and a read-only memory (ROM)253. The control device250is installed with a control program that controls the components of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A. In the control device250, the CPU251, the RAM252, and the ROM253serving as hardware resources and the control program cooperate with each other. Specifically, the CPU251loads the computer program stored in the ROM253into the RAM252and executes the computer program to achieve various functions. The RAM252stores information obtained or generated by the CPU251.

The CPU251controls the display panel270based on, for example, an amount of hydrogen received by the hydrogen gas storing unit204and burden information Ii and quality information Iq received by the communication interface262. The burden information Ii and the quality information Iq will be described later. The CPU251exchanges various kinds of information with a device outside of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A, and stores in the RAM252the obtained information or information generated from the obtained information.FIG.1illustrates, as262,264, and266, the communication interfaces each allowing the control device250to exchange various kinds of information with a device outside of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A. Information to be exchanged via the communication interfaces will be described later.

The display panel270includes a display provided with a touch panel, as well as includes a speaker. The display panel270outputs information stored by the control device250to a user of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A. The display panel270further delivers information input externally to the control device250.

For example, the display panel270is controlled by the control device250to output the burden information Ii and the quality information Iq with respect to hydrogen to be supplied from the hydrogen gas storing unit204to the user. By performing such processing as described above, the user can utilize information generated based on information on an environmental burden exerted during manufacturing and quality, which is output from the display panel270, to determine whether to accept supply of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204.

The hydrogen generation facility500A allows fossil fuel and water to react with each other to generate hydrogen. More specifically, the hydrogen generation facility500A allows methane and water vapor to react with each other to generate hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The hydrogen generation facility500A further allows the carbon monoxide and water vapor to react with each other to generate hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The generated hydrogen is compressed and liquefied. The hydrogen generation facility500A includes a liquid hydrogen storing unit504A. The liquid hydrogen storing unit504A is a tank that stores hydrogen generated and liquefied by the hydrogen generation facility500A.

The hydrogen gas delivery vehicle600A receives liquid hydrogen from the liquid hydrogen storing unit504A of the hydrogen generation facility500A and delivers the liquid hydrogen to the hydrogen gas supply facility200. The hydrogen gas delivery vehicle600A includes a controller650.

The controller650includes a CPU651serving as a processor, a RAM652, and a ROM653. The CPU651controls components of the hydrogen gas delivery vehicle600A. The CPU651exchanges various kinds of information with a device outside of the hydrogen gas delivery vehicle600A, and stores in the RAM652the obtained information or information generated from the obtained information.

The hydrogen generation facility500B generates hydrogen by allowing water to undergo electrolysis with electric power obtained by utilizing natural energy. The hydrogen generation facility500B includes a single crystal silicon solar battery. With the single crystal silicon solar battery irradiated with solar light, the hydrogen generation facility500B generates electric power. The hydrogen generation facility500B generates hydrogen by allowing water to undergo electrolysis with the generated electric power. The generated hydrogen is compressed and liquefied. The hydrogen generation facility500B includes a liquid hydrogen storing unit504B. The liquid hydrogen storing unit504B is a tank that stores hydrogen generated and liquefied by the hydrogen generation facility500B.

A cost of generating hydrogen in the hydrogen generation facility500B is higher than a cost of generating hydrogen identically in amount in the hydrogen generation facility500A. On the other hand, environmental burdens exerted when hydrogen is generated in the hydrogen generation facility500B are smaller than environmental burdens exerted when hydrogen is generated identically in amount in the hydrogen generation facility500A. Environmental burdens can be assessed based on an amount of carbon dioxide generated and an amount of electric power consumed when a unit amount of hydrogen is produced.

The hydrogen gas delivery vehicle600B receives liquid hydrogen from the liquid hydrogen storing unit504B of the hydrogen generation facility500B and delivers the liquid hydrogen to the hydrogen gas supply facility200. The hydrogen gas delivery vehicle600B is identical in configuration and function to the hydrogen gas delivery vehicle600A.

The hydrogen gas supply facility200B is a store that supplies hydrogen to users. The hydrogen gas supply facility200B is identical in configuration and function to the hydrogen gas supply facility200A. However, a distance from the hydrogen gas supply facility200B to a nearest hydrogen generation facility that utilizes natural energy to generate hydrogen is three or more times of a distance from the hydrogen gas supply facility200A to the hydrogen generation facility500B that utilizes natural energy to generate hydrogen. In the present designation, the hydrogen gas supply facilities200A and200B will each be simply referred to as a hydrogen gas supply facility200unless otherwise required to be separately described.

The service management device300is a device that manages service contents to be provided to users. In the present embodiment, the service management device300is provided in a pay parking lot to manage services of the pay parking lot. More specifically, the service management device300controls a lock plate310provided at each of parking spaces in the pay parking lot to calculate a charge for use of the each of the parking spaces. The service management device300includes a controller350, communication interfaces362and364, and a display panel370.

The controller350controls devices in the pay parking lot including the service management device300. The controller350includes a CPU351serving as a processor, a RAM352, and a ROM353. The controller350is installed with a control program that controls the devices in the pay parking lot including the service management device300. In the controller350, the CPU351, the RAM352, and the ROM353serving as hardware resources and the control program cooperate with each other. Specifically, the CPU351loads the computer program stored in the ROM353into the RAM352and executes the computer program to achieve various functions. The RAM352stores information obtained or generated by the CPU351.

For example, the CPU351exchanges various kinds of information with a device outside of the service management device300, and stores in the RAM352the obtained information or information generated from the obtained information. The communication interfaces each allowing the controller350to exchange various kinds of information with a device outside of the service management device300are respectively illustrated as362and364.

The display panel370includes a display provided with a touch panel, as well as includes a speaker. The display panel370outputs information stored by the controller350to a user utilizing the services. The display panel370delivers information input externally to the controller350.

The lock plate310is a plate provided at each of the parking spaces in the pay parking lot, and is configured to changing its posture with respect to a plane into which a vehicle is to be parked. The lock plate310is controlled by the service management device300to take either of a lock state and an unlock state. In the lock state, the lock plate310is tilted at a predetermined angle relative to the plane into which a vehicle is to be parked. In the unlock state, the lock plate310abuts, i.e., is substantially parallel to, the plane into which a vehicle is to be parked.

While the lock plate310is in the lock state, a vehicle parked in the parking space cannot move off the parking space. On the other hand, while the lock plate310is in the unlock state, a vehicle parked in the parking space can move off the parking space. While the lock plate310is in the unlock state, and no vehicle is parked in the parking space, a vehicle can be parked in the parking space. While the lock plate310is in the lock state, no vehicle can be parked in the parking space even when no other vehicle is parked in the parking space.FIG.1illustrates the lock plate310in the lock state.

The hydrogen vehicle400is a vehicle that uses hydrogen to run. The hydrogen vehicle400includes a hydrogen gas storing unit404, a fuel cell device406, a controller450, communication interfaces462and464, and a display panel470.

The hydrogen gas storing unit404is a tank that stores hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas storing unit404can store hydrogen gas at a maximum amount of approximately 130 liters under a pressure of approximately 70 MPa. The fuel cell device406is supplied with hydrogen gas from the hydrogen gas storing unit404, uses hydrogen, and generates electric power. The hydrogen vehicle400runs by causing an electric motor (not illustrated) to use electric power generated by the fuel cell device406.

The controller450controls devices of the hydrogen vehicle400. The controller450includes a CPU451serving as a processor, a RAM452, and a ROM453. The CPU451exchanges various kinds of information with a device outside of the hydrogen vehicle400, and stores in the RAM452the obtained information or information generated from the obtained information. The communication interfaces each allowing the controller450to exchange various kinds of information with a device outside of the hydrogen vehicle400are respectively illustrated as462and464.

The display panel470includes a display provided with a touch panel, as well as includes a microphone and a speaker. The display panel470outputs information stored by the controller450to a user of the hydrogen vehicle400. The display panel470delivers information input externally to the controller450.

The point management server100manages points issued by the hydrogen gas supply facilities200A and200B. Specifically, the point management server100receives changed-point information ΔIp indicative of points issued by the hydrogen gas supply facilities200A and200B, links the changed-point information ΔIp to individual users, and stores and manages point information Ip indicative of the points. The point management server100includes a controller150.

The controller150includes a CPU151serving as a processor, a RAM152, and a ROM153. The controller150is installed with a control program that processes the point information Ip. In the controller150, the CPU151, the RAM152, and the ROM153serving as hardware resources and the control program cooperate with each other. Specifically, the CPU151loads the computer program stored in the ROM153into the RAM152and executes the computer program to achieve various functions. The RAM152stores information obtained or generated by the CPU151. The communication interfaces each allowing the controller150to exchange various kinds of information with a device outside of the point management server100are respectively illustrated as162and164.

A2. Exchanging Information in Hydrogen Management System

(1) Receiving Hydrogen in Hydrogen Gas Supply Facility:

Hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500A is delivered by the hydrogen gas delivery vehicle600A to the hydrogen gas supply facility200A, and accommodated in the hydrogen gas storing unit204. The hydrogen gas delivery vehicle600A stores, in the RAM652, the burden information Ii indicative of an environmental burden exerted when hydrogen is generated and manufactured in the hydrogen generation facility500A, and the quality information Iq indicative of quality with respect to the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500A.

The burden information Ii with respect to hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500A is referred to as burden information IiA. The quality information Iq with respect to the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500A is referred to as quality information IqA. On the other hand, the burden information Ii with respect to hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500B is referred to as burden information IiB. The quality information Iq with respect to the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500B is referred to as quality information IqB.

The burden information Ii is determined based on an amount of fossil fuel consumed for generating hydrogen at an amount of 1 mol or an amount of carbon dioxide generated for generating hydrogen at an amount of 1 mol. The quality information Iq includes information on whether the hydrogen satisfies (i) ISO14687 1999 Type I, Grade A, (ii) ISO14687-2 2008 Type I, Grade D, or (iii) ISO14687-2 2012 Type I, Grade D.

When hydrogen is received from the hydrogen gas delivery vehicle600A to the hydrogen gas storing unit204, the control device250receives the burden information IiA and the quality information IqA stored in the RAM652of the hydrogen gas delivery vehicle600A. Specifically, the communication interface262receives the burden information Ii with respect to hydrogen received externally by the hydrogen gas storing unit204and the quality information Iq with respect to the hydrogen received externally by the hydrogen gas storing unit204. Each time hydrogen is received from the hydrogen gas delivery vehicle600A to the hydrogen gas storing unit204, the control device250links an amount of the received hydrogen to the burden information IiA and the quality information IqA, and stores in the RAM252the linked information.

An amount of hydrogen received in the hydrogen gas storing unit204can be calculated based on, for example, pressure and temperature in the hydrogen gas storing unit204before and after the hydrogen is received from the hydrogen gas delivery vehicle600A to the hydrogen gas storing unit204. Here assumes that the hydrogen gas storing unit204can store gas at a constant volume. An amount of hydrogen provided to outside of the hydrogen gas storing unit204can be calculated with the identical method.

Hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500B is delivered by the hydrogen gas delivery vehicle600B to the hydrogen gas supply facility200A, and accommodated in the hydrogen gas storing unit204. The hydrogen gas delivery vehicle600B stores, in the RAM652, the burden information IiB indicative of an environmental burden exerted when hydrogen is generated and manufactured in the hydrogen generation facility500B, and the quality information IqB indicative of quality with respect to the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500B.

The burden information IiB with respect to hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500B through photovoltaic power generation is indicative of that an environmental burden is lesser, compared with the burden information IiA with respect to hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500A by using fossil fuel. In the present embodiment, the quality information IqB of quality with respect to hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500B is indicative of that the hydrogen is higher in quality, compared with the quality information IqA of quality with respect to hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500A.

When hydrogen is received from the hydrogen gas delivery vehicle600B to the hydrogen gas storing unit204, the control device250receives the burden information IiB and the quality information IqB via the communication interface262. Each time hydrogen is received from the hydrogen gas delivery vehicle600B to the hydrogen gas storing unit204, the control device250links an amount of the received hydrogen to the burden information IiB and the quality information IqB, and stores in the RAM252the linked information.

The control device250performs processing described below each time hydrogen is received from outside. The control device250calculates a current amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204. The control device250further calculates, in the current amount, a ratio of an amount of hydrogen linked to the burden information IiA and a ratio of an amount of hydrogen linked to the burden information IiB. The control device250then stores the calculated amount and ratios in the RAM252as a part of the burden information Ii. In other words, the RAM252stores, as a part of the burden information Ii, the burden information IiA and the burden information IiB with respect to hydrogen, which are respectively linked to information IvA and information IvB of amounts of hydrogen. As a result, the burden information Ii in the RAM252includes information separately indicative of hydrogen obtained by allowing fossil fuel and water to react with each other and hydrogen obtained by allowing water to undergo electrolysis with electric power obtained by utilizing natural energy. Based on the information, constituting portions G11and G12in the graph inFIG.2, described later, are generated. Unless otherwise required to be separately described per different environmental burden, information on an amount of hydrogen is simply referred to as “information Iv of an amount of hydrogen”.

By generating and storing the burden information Ii described above, the hydrogen gas supply facility200A can satisfy a user willingly accepting supply of, instead of hydrogen obtained by allowing fossil fuel and water to react with each other, hydrogen obtained by allowing water to undergo electrolysis with electric power obtained by utilizing natural energy.

The control device250calculates a current amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204. The control device250further calculates, in the current amount, a ratio of an amount of hydrogen linked to the quality information IqA and a ratio of an amount of hydrogen linked to the quality information IqB. The control device250then stores in the RAM252the calculated amount and ratios as a part of the quality information Iq. In other words, the RAM252stores, as a part of the quality information Iq, the quality information IqA and the quality information IqB with respect to hydrogen, which are respectively linked to the information IvA and the information IvB of amounts of hydrogen. As a result, the quality information Iq includes information separately indicative of hydrogen per a level of quality.

In the example inFIG.1, the hydrogen generation facilities from which hydrogen is supplied to the hydrogen gas supply facility200A are the hydrogen generation facilities500A and500B. However, the hydrogen gas supply facility200A can further be supplied with hydrogen from another hydrogen gas supply facility (not illustrated).

(2) Supplying Hydrogen from Hydrogen Gas Supply Facility to Hydrogen Vehicle:

The hydrogen gas supply facility200A supplies hydrogen gas to the hydrogen vehicle400. The control device250of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A causes the display panel270of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A to provide predetermined display to urge a user of the hydrogen vehicle400to select hydrogen gas.

FIG.2is a diagram of display on the display panel270of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A. The display panel270provides the display inFIG.2when the user of the hydrogen vehicle400enters, via the display panel270, his or her identification information to pay a charge. The display panel270provides, buttons B10, B20, and B30indicative of options, bar graphs G10, G20, and G30indicative of environmental burdens with respect to the options, and a button B50used to switch a screen to “Quality Display”.

The buttons B10, B20, and B30are buttons used to select hydrogen for the hydrogen vehicle400. Before hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen gas storing unit204to the user, the control device250of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A receives, from the user, via one of the buttons B10, B20, and B30displayed on the display panel270, designation of an environmental burden with respect to hydrogen to be supplied to the user.

The button B10provides a “Normal” option to the user. The “Normal” option is an option with which hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A is supplied as is to the hydrogen vehicle400. The button B20provides an “Ecology” option to the user. The “Ecology” option is an option with which, in the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A, hydrogen generated with a smaller environmental burden in the hydrogen generation facility500B is selectively supplied to the hydrogen vehicle400. The button B30provides an “Economy” option to the user. The “Economy” option is an option with which, in the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A, hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500A, which is manufactured at a lower cost and thus is cheaper, is selectively supplied to the hydrogen vehicle400.

The graph G10is a graph indicative of breakdowns of environmental burdens with respect to hydrogen to be provided to a user when the “Normal” option is selected. The breakdowns of the environmental burdens with respect to hydrogen to be provided to a user when the “Normal” option is selected equal to breakdowns of environmental burdens with respect to hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204. The graph G10includes the portion G11and the portion G12.

The portion G11is colored in orange. The portion G11is indicative of, in hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204, a ratio of hydrogen obtained by allowing fossil fuel and water to react with each other. In the present embodiment, the portion G11is indicative of a ratio of hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500A.

The portion G12is colored in blue. The portion G12is indicative of, in the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204, a ratio of hydrogen obtained by allowing water to undergo electrolysis with electric power obtained by utilizing natural energy. In the present embodiment, the portion G12is indicative of a ratio of hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500B.

The graph G20is a graph indicative of breakdowns of environmental burdens with respect to hydrogen to be provided to a user when the “Ecology” option is selected. The graph G20is colored in blue. Hydrogen to be provided to a user when the “Ecology” option is selected is hydrogen wholly obtained by allowing water to undergo electrolysis with electric power obtained by utilizing natural energy. In the present embodiment, hydrogen to be provided to a user when the “Ecology” option is selected is hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500B.

The graph G30is a graph indicative of breakdowns of environmental burdens with respect to hydrogen to be provided to a user when the “Economy” option is selected. The graph G30is colored in orange. Hydrogen to be provided to a user when the “Economy” option is selected is hydrogen wholly obtained by allowing fossil fuel and water to react with each other. In the present embodiment, hydrogen to be provided to a user when the “Economy” option is selected is hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500A.

The buttons B10, B20, and B30each display a price of hydrogen per 1 kg for the hydrogen vehicle400. Hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500B is higher in manufacturing cost than hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500A. Accordingly, the “Ecology” option is higher in unit price than the “Normal” option. The “Economy” option is lower in unit price than the “Normal” option.

A user of the hydrogen vehicle400, who thinks that hydrogen to be consumed by himself or herself should be manufactured through a method offering a smaller environmental burden, as well as thinks that a cost for that purpose should be paid by himself or herself, willingly selects B20, i.e., “Ecology”. A user of the hydrogen vehicle400, who thinks that a cost of hydrogen to be consumed by himself or herself is suppressed as lower as possible, willingly selects B30, i.e., “Economy”. Other users select B10, i.e., “Normal”.

By performing such processing as described above, a user can designate, before accepting supply of hydrogen, for example, as hydrogen to be supplied, hydrogen that has exerted a smaller environmental burden during manufacturing to urge an administrator of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A to utilize hydrogen that has exerted a smaller environmental burden.

Even when the “Ecology” or “Economy” option is selected, in actual cases, not only hydrogen manufactured in a certain hydrogen generation facility, but also hydrogen manufactured in other hydrogen generation facilities, in hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204, will be supplied to the hydrogen vehicle400. That is, hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A will be supplied to the hydrogen vehicle400without any selections.

However, a ratio of an amount of hydrogen linked to the burden information IiA and a ratio of an amount of hydrogen linked to the burden information IiB in an amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204are recalculated in accordance with a selected option. That is, the control device250updates respective pieces of information on environmental burdens different from each other in the burden information Ii, which are respectively linked to pieces of information on amounts of hydrogen and stored in the RAM252, based on a designated environmental burden and an amount Δv1of hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen gas storing unit204to a user.

When the “Ecology” option is selected, it is assumed that hydrogen supplied at an amount to the hydrogen vehicle400, in hydrogen linked to the burden information IiA in hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204, has been used. Then a ratio of an amount of hydrogen linked to the burden information IiA and a ratio of an amount of hydrogen linked to the burden information IiB are recalculated. When the “Economy” option is selected, it is assumed that hydrogen supplied at an amount to the hydrogen vehicle400, in hydrogen linked to the burden information IiB in hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204, has been used. Then a ratio of an amount of hydrogen linked to the burden information IiA and a ratio of an amount of hydrogen linked to the burden information IiB are recalculated. When the “Normal” option is selected, a whole amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204reduces. However, a ratio of an amount of hydrogen linked to the burden information IiA and a ratio of an amount of hydrogen linked to the burden information IiB do not change.

The button B50is a button used to display, instead of the options based on the burden information Ii indicative of environmental burdens, as illustrated inFIG.2, options based on the quality information Iq indicative of quality.

In accordance with an option selected on the screen inFIG.2and the amount Δv1of hydrogen supplied to the hydrogen vehicle400, the control device250of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A issues to the user a point exchangeable with a product or at least a part of a service. No point will be issued to a user who has selected an option on a screen inFIG.3, described later.

The control device250issues one point per an amount of hydrogen of 1 kg to a user selecting, on the screen inFIG.2, as the environmental burden with respect to hydrogen to be supplied, the “Ecology” option designating a smaller environmental burden than an environmental burden with respect to “Economy” or “Normal” to receive supply of the hydrogen. The control device250issues 0.5 points per an amount of hydrogen of 1 kg to a user selecting, as the environmental burden with respect to hydrogen to be supplied, the “Normal” option designating a smaller environmental burden than the environmental burden with respect to “Economy” to receive supply of the hydrogen.

Specifically, the issued points are sent, as the changed-point information ΔIp, via the communication interface264of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A and the communication interface462of the hydrogen vehicle400, to the controller450.

The control device250issues no points to a user selecting, on the screen inFIG.2, as the environmental burden with respect to hydrogen to be supplied, the “Economy” option designating a greater environmental burden than the environmental burden with respect to “Ecology” or “Normal” to receive supply of the hydrogen.

A user can beneficially designate, as an environmental burden with respect to hydrogen to be supplied, a smaller environmental burden. This urges a user to utilize hydrogen that has exerted a smaller environmental burden.

FIG.3is a diagram of display on the display panel270of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A. When the button B50is pressed in the state inFIG.2, the control device250causes, based on the quality information Iq indicative of quality, the display panel270to provide options illustrated inFIG.3. In that case, buttons B15, B25, and B35respectively indicative of “Normal”, “High Quality”, and “Economy” options are provided.

The “Normal” option is an option with which hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A is supplied as is to the hydrogen vehicle400. The “High Quality” option is an option with which, in the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204, hydrogen generated in either of the hydrogen generation facilities500A and500B, whichever is higher in quality, is selectively supplied to the hydrogen vehicle400. In the present embodiment, hydrogen to be provided to a user when the “High Quality” option is selected is hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500B. The “Economy” option is an option with which, in the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204, hydrogen generated in either of the hydrogen generation facilities500A and500B, whichever is lower in manufacturing cost, is selectively supplied to the hydrogen vehicle400. In the present embodiment, hydrogen to be provided to a user when the “Economy” option is selected is hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500A.

Next to the buttons B15, B25, and B35indicative of the options, similar to the case inFIG.2, bar graphs G15, G25, and G35respectively indicative of breakdowns of hydrogen to be supplied under the options are provided.

The graph G15is a graph indicative of breakdowns of environmental burdens with respect to hydrogen to be provided to a user when the “Normal” option is selected. A portion G16in the graph G15is colored in orange. The portion G16is indicative of, in hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204, a ratio of hydrogen obtained by allowing fossil fuel and water to react with each other. A portion G17in the graph G15is colored in blue. The portion G17is indicative of, in the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204, a ratio of hydrogen obtained by allowing water to undergo electrolysis with electric power obtained by utilizing natural energy.

The graph G25is a graph indicative of breakdowns of environmental burdens with respect to hydrogen to be provided to a user when the “High Quality” option is selected. The graph G25is colored in blue. In the present embodiment, hydrogen to be provided to a user when the “High Quality” option is selected is hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500B.

The graph G35is a graph indicative of breakdowns of environmental burdens with respect to hydrogen to be provided to a user when the “Economy” option is selected. The graph G35is colored in orange. In the present embodiment, hydrogen to be provided to a user when the “Economy” option is selected is hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500A.

The display inFIG.3provides, as a button used to switch the screen to the state inFIG.2, an “Environment Display” button B55, instead of the “Quality Display” button B50.

When hydrogen is to be received from the hydrogen gas supply facility200A to the hydrogen gas storing unit404, the controller450of the hydrogen vehicle400receives, from the control device250, the burden information Ii, the quality information Iq, and the changed-point information ΔIp with respect to the hydrogen to be received (seeFIG.1). Specifically, the controller450receives the burden information Ii, the quality information Iq, and the changed-point information ΔIp via the communication interface264of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A and the communication interface462of the hydrogen vehicle400.

Each time hydrogen is received from the hydrogen gas supply facility200A or the hydrogen gas supply facility200B to the hydrogen gas storing unit404, the controller450links the amount Δv1of the hydrogen to the burden information Ii and the quality information Iq, and stores in the RAM452the linked information.

Each time hydrogen is received from the hydrogen gas supply facility200A or the hydrogen gas supply facility200B to the hydrogen gas storing unit204, the controller450sums points indicated by the changed-point information ΔIp and stores in the RAM452the resultant information. The controller450separately sums a number of points added in past 30 days and stores in the RAM452the resultant information.

FIG.4is a front view of the hydrogen vehicle400. The hydrogen vehicle400is provided with an emblem482representing the vehicle or a manufacturer of the vehicle at a center on a front. The emblem can emit light in various colors. The hydrogen vehicle400is provided with a pair of light-emitting portions484respectively on left and right sides of a lower portion with respect to the emblem482inside of a front bumper. The light-emitting portions484can also emit light in various colors.

When a number of points added in past 30 days does not exceed a threshold, the controller450causes the emblem482and the light-emitting portions484to emit light in orange. When a number of points added in past 30 days exceeds the threshold, the controller450causes the emblem482and the light-emitting portions484to emit light in blue. By performing such processing as described above, a user who is willing to bear a cost for reducing environmental burdens can differentiate himself or herself from users who are not willing to do so.

The CPU151of the controller150of the point management server100links identification information on a user to manage points issued to the user. In association with an individual identified by identification information, i.e., a user to which points are issued, the CPU151stores in the RAM152the point information Ip indicative of the points issued to the user. Points issued to a user are obtained by summing points indicated by the changed-point information ΔIp.

When the control devices250of the hydrogen gas supply facilities200A and200B have issued points to a user, the control device250of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A sends, to the point management server100, the changed-point information ΔIp sent to the hydrogen vehicle400, together with identification information identifying the user of the hydrogen vehicle400(seeFIG.1). Specifically, the controller150of the point management server100receives the changed-point information ΔIp and the identification information via the communication interface264of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A and the communication interface162of the point management server100.

The CPU151of the point management server100receives the changed-point information ΔIp indicative of the points issued to the user, from the hydrogen gas supply facilities200A and200B via the communication interface162. Based on the changed-point information ΔIp indicative of the issued points, the CPU151adds the issued points to points indicated by the point information Ip linked to the user and stored in the RAM152.

By performing such processing as described above, a user can obtain benefits in accordance with an amount of supplied hydrogen that has exerted a smaller environmental burden. This urges a user to utilize hydrogen that has exerted a smaller environmental burden.

Upon a request from a user to the point management server100, the CPU151outputs the point information Ip linked to the user and stored in the RAM152via the communication interface164. Specifically, a user provides a request via the controller450and the communication interface464of the hydrogen vehicle400and the communication interface162of the point management server100. The point information Ip output from the point management server100is received by the controller450via the communication interface164of the point management server100and the communication interface462of the hydrogen vehicle400, and is displayed on the display panel470of the hydrogen vehicle400.

The CPU151of the point management server100calculates points issued to a user per month. Information Ipp of points issued to the user in a last-past month is linked to the user and stored in the RAM152. In accordance with a request from an external device such as the service management device300, the CPU151outputs, via the communication interface164, the information Ipp of points issued to the user in the previous month, which is linked to the user and stored in the RAM152.

By performing such processing as described above, a service or a product can be provided to a user in accordance with points issued in a previous month to the user as a predetermined period.

(3) Utilizing Points:

FIG.5is a plan view of a pay parking lot P0provided adjacent to a facility. The pay parking lot P0is provided with entrances En1and En2to the facility, the service management device300, and a plurality of parking spaces P11to P15and P21to P25. The parking spaces P11to P15and P21to P25are each provided with the lock plate310(seeFIG.1).

When the hydrogen vehicle400enters the pay parking lot P0, processing described below is performed. That is, the controller450obtains beforehand identification information on the driver, and stores the identification information in the RAM452, when a driver begins driving. When the hydrogen vehicle400enters the pay parking lot P0, the controller450sends the identification information to the service management device300. Specifically, the controller350of the service management device300receives the identification information on the driver via the communication interface462of the hydrogen vehicle400and the communication interface362of the service management device300.

The CPU351of the controller350of the service management device300sends, via the communication interface364, the identification information on the driver to the point management server100to ask for the information Ipp of points issued in a previous month to the user. The CPU351of the service management device300receives, via the communication interface362, from the point management server100, the information Ipp of the points issued in the previous month to the user.

The CPU351of the service management device300does not permit a user having a smaller number of points issued in the previous month than a threshold to park a vehicle in one of some of parking spaces adjacent to the entrances En1and En2to the facility, i.e., in one of the parking spaces P11to P13and P21to P23. On the other hand, the CPU351permits a user having a greater number of points issued in the previous month than the threshold to park a vehicle in one of the parking spaces P11to P13and P21to P23.

Specifically, the CPU351causes the lock plates310in all parking spaces where no vehicles are parked, among the parking spaces P11to P15and P21to P25, to each be in the unlock state, for a user having a greater number of points issued in the previous month than the threshold. The hydrogen vehicle400driven by such a user can be parked in a desired parking space where the lock plate310is in the unlock state.

On the other hand, when a number of points issued in the previous month is smaller than the threshold, the CPU351of the service management device300causes, to each be in the unlock state, the lock plates310in the parking spaces where no vehicles are parked, among the four parking spaces P14, P15, P24, and P25that are farther from the entrances En1and En2to the facility than the parking spaces P11to P13and P21to P23. The CPU351then causes the lock plates310in the parking spaces P11to P13and P21to P23to each be in the lock state. The hydrogen vehicle400can be parked in one of the parking spaces where the lock plates310are each be in the unlock state among the four parking spaces P14, P15, P24, and P25. The parking spaces P14, P15, P24, and P25are crosshatched inFIG.5.

By constantly accepting supply of hydrogen that has exerted a smaller environmental burden, a user can beneficially park a vehicle in a parking space adjacent to the entrances En1and En2. This urges a user to utilize hydrogen that has exerted a smaller environmental burden.

After a certain period has passed from when the hydrogen vehicle400is parked in the parking space, the lock plate310in the parking space in which the hydrogen vehicle400is parked turns into the lock state.

When the hydrogen vehicle400is about to move off the pay parking lot P0, processing described below is performed. That is, the CPU351of the service management device300calculates points to be subtracted from points possessed by the user in accordance with a period of provision of the parking space to the user.

The CPU351of the service management device300causes, via the communication interface364of the service management device300and the communication interface462of the hydrogen vehicle400, the display panel470of the hydrogen vehicle400to display the points to be subtracted from the points possessed by the user. The display panel370of the service management device300also displays similar information.

When the user of the hydrogen vehicle400makes an entry indicative of agreement of paying the displayed points via the display panel470or the display panel370, the CPU351of the service management device300links the changed-point information ΔIp indicative of the points to be subtracted to the identification information on the user, and sends the linked information, via the communication interface364, to the point management server100.

The CPU151of the point management server100receives, via the communication interface162, from the service management device300, the changed-point information ΔIp indicative of the used points and linked to the identification information on the user. The CPU151subtracts the used points from the points indicated by the point information Ip that is linked to the user corresponding to the identification information and that is stored in the RAM152.

Meanwhile, when the user of the hydrogen vehicle400makes the entry indicative of agreement of paying the displayed points via the display panel470, the CPU351of the service management device300causes the lock plate310in the parking space in which the hydrogen vehicle400is parked to be in the unlock state. As a result, the hydrogen vehicle400can move off the parking space.

With the aspect described above, a user can obtain a service or a product in accordance with an amount of supplied hydrogen that has exerted a smaller environmental burden. This urges a user to utilize hydrogen that has exerted a smaller environmental burden.

(4) Exchanging Burden Information with Hydrogen Gas Supply Facility:

In hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A, a ratio of hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500A and a ratio of hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500B are primitively determined in accordance with an amount of hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500A and supplied to the hydrogen gas storing unit204and an amount of hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500B and supplied to the hydrogen gas storing unit204. However, in the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204, the ratio of the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500A and the ratio of the hydrogen generated in the hydrogen generation facility500B can vary through exchange of burden information among the hydrogen gas supply facilities.

The distance from the hydrogen gas supply facility200B to the nearest hydrogen generation facility that utilizes natural energy to generate hydrogen is three or more times of the distance from the hydrogen gas supply facility200A to the hydrogen generation facility500B that utilizes natural energy to generate hydrogen. Delivering hydrogen from such a hydrogen generation facility that utilizes natural energy to generate hydrogen to the hydrogen gas supply facility200B is inefficient. The hydrogen gas supply facility200B therefore receives supply of hydrogen from other nearer hydrogen generation facilities than the hydrogen generation facility that utilizes natural energy to generate hydrogen.

The hydrogen gas supply facility200B cannot primitively provide the “Ecology” option in supplying hydrogen (seeFIG.2). With processing described below in the present embodiment, however, the “Ecology” option can be provided in supplying hydrogen in the hydrogen gas supply facility200B.

The control device250of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A links information ΔIi including at least some of the burden information Ii that is linked to the information Iv of an amount of hydrogen and that is stored in the RAM252of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A to information ΔIv2of a predetermined amount of hydrogen, and sends the linked information, via the communication interface266of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A, to the hydrogen gas supply facility200B (seeFIG.1). The control device250of the hydrogen gas supply facility200B links the information ΔIi including the at least some of the burden information Ii with respect to the hydrogen gas supply facility200A, which is sent from the hydrogen gas supply facility200A, to the information ΔIv2of the amount of some of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204, and receives the linked information, via the communication interface266of the hydrogen gas supply facility200B, from the hydrogen gas supply facility200A.

On the other hand, the control device250of the hydrogen gas supply facility200B links the information ΔIi including at least some of the burden information Ii that is linked to the information Iv of an amount of hydrogen and that is stored in the RAM252of the hydrogen gas supply facility200B to the information ΔIv2indicative of an amount of hydrogen, which is identical to the amount indicated by the information ΔIv2of the predetermined amount of the hydrogen and is sent from the hydrogen gas supply facility200A, and sends the linked information to the hydrogen gas supply facility200A (seeFIG.1). The control device250of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A links the information ΔIi including the at least some of the burden information Ii with respect to the hydrogen gas supply facility200B, which is sent from the hydrogen gas supply facility200B, to the information ΔIv2of the amount of the some of the hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204of the hydrogen gas supply facility200B, and receives the linked information from the hydrogen gas supply facility200B.

The control device250of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A updates the burden information Ii that is linked to the information Iv of the amount of the hydrogen and that is stored in the RAM252of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A, based on the information ΔIi including the at least some of the burden information and sent to the hydrogen gas supply facility200B and the information ΔIv2of the amount of the hydrogen.

Furthermore, the control device250of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A updates the burden information Ii that is linked to the information Iv of the amount of the hydrogen and that is stored in the RAM252of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A, based on the information ΔIi including the at least some of the burden information and received from the hydrogen gas supply facility200B and the information ΔIv2of the amount of the hydrogen. Before and after the updates, an amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A does not change.

On the other hand, the control device250of the hydrogen gas supply facility200B updates the burden information Ii that is linked to the information Iv of the amount of the hydrogen and that is stored in the RAM252of the hydrogen gas supply facility200B, based on the information ΔIi including the at least some of the burden information and sent to the hydrogen gas supply facility200A and the information ΔIv2of the amount of the hydrogen.

Furthermore, the control device250of the hydrogen gas supply facility200B updates the burden information Ii that is linked to the information Iv of the amount of the hydrogen and that is stored in the RAM252of the hydrogen gas supply facility200B, based on the information ΔIi including the at least some of the burden information and received from the hydrogen gas supply facility200A and the information ΔIv2of the amount of the hydrogen. Before and after the updates, an amount of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204of the hydrogen gas supply facility200B does not change.

That is, under an assumption that hydrogen generated by utilizing natural energy is supplied from the hydrogen gas supply facility200A to the hydrogen gas supply facility200B, and, alternately, hydrogen at an identical amount is supplied from the hydrogen gas supply facility200B to the hydrogen gas supply facility200A, a ratio of an amount of hydrogen linked to the burden information IA and a ratio of an amount of hydrogen linked to the burden information IiB, in hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204, are respectively recalculated in each of the hydrogen gas supply facilities200A and200B. The ratios are stored in the RAM252of the control device250in each of the hydrogen gas supply facilities200A and200B. At that time, no hydrogen gas is actually exchanged.

After that, when hydrogen gas is supplied to the hydrogen vehicle400in each of the hydrogen gas supply facilities200A and200B, the display inFIG.2is provided in accordance with the recalculated ratios. In the display on the display panel270of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A, the display of the graph G10inFIG.2and the display of the graph G15inFIG.3match with each other. After the information is exchanged as described above, however, the display of the graph G10inFIG.2changes. Accordingly, in the display on the display panel270of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A, the display of the graph G10inFIG.2and the display of the graph G15inFIG.3do not match with each other.

By performing such processing as described above, separately from the burden information Ii with respect to hydrogen actually received by the hydrogen gas storing unit204of the hydrogen gas supply facility200B, the burden information Ii with respect to hydrogen can be shared between the plurality of hydrogen gas supply facilities200A and200B. Without actually moving hydrogen, supply of hydrogen that has exerted a smaller environmental burden can be facilitated as a whole among the hydrogen gas supply facilities200A and200B.

In the present embodiment, the hydrogen gas supply facilities200A and200B are each also sometimes referred to as a “hydrogen gas supply system”. The hydrogen gas storing unit204is also sometimes referred to as a “storing unit”. The communication interfaces262,264, and266are each also sometimes referred to as a “communication unit”. The display panel270is also sometimes referred to as a “user interface unit”. The control device250is also sometimes referred to as a “controller”. The RAM252is also sometimes referred to as a “memory”. An environmental burden exerted when hydrogen is generated and manufactured in the hydrogen generation facility500A that allows fossil fuel and water to react with each other to generate the hydrogen is also sometimes referred to as a “first environmental burden”. An environmental burden exerted when hydrogen is generated and manufactured in the hydrogen generation facility500B that allows water to undergo electrolysis with electric power obtained by utilizing natural energy to generate the hydrogen is also sometimes referred to as a “second environmental burden”.

In the present embodiment, the point management server100is also sometimes referred to as a “point management system”. The RAM152is also sometimes referred to as a “point memory”. The communication interfaces162and164are each also sometimes referred to as a “point communication unit”. The CPU151is also sometimes referred to as a “point management unit”.

In the present embodiment, the service management device300is also sometimes referred to as a “point management system”. The CPU351is also sometimes referred to as a “service management unit”. The communication interfaces362and364are each also sometimes referred to as a “service communication unit”.

B. Other Embodiments

B1. Another Embodiment 1

(1) In the embodiment described above, the hydrogen gas supply facility200A includes the hydrogen gas storing unit204that stores hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas supply facility200A serving as a hydrogen gas supply system may however include, instead of a storing unit that stores hydrogen gas, or in addition to a storing unit that stores hydrogen gas, a storing unit that stores hydrogen liquid. In such an aspect, it is preferable that a hydrogen gas supply system include a device that vaporizes hydrogen, and externally supply the vaporized hydrogen.

(2) In the embodiment described above, the communication interfaces of the point management server100, the hydrogen gas supply facilities200A and200B, and the service management device300are illustrated by function in the block diagram inFIG.1. The communication interfaces of the point management server100, the hydrogen gas supply facilities200A and200B, and the service management device300may however be achieved by one or more of hardware having two or more functions.

(3) In the embodiment described above, the display panel270outputs the burden information Ii and the quality information Iq with respect to hydrogen to be supplied from the hydrogen gas storing unit204to a user (seeFIGS.1and2). The burden information Ii and the quality information Iq with respect to hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen gas storing unit204to a user may however be sent via the communication interfaces264and462, and displayed on the display panel470of the hydrogen vehicle400. That is, the display panel470of the hydrogen vehicle400may be allowed to function as a user interface unit.

(4) In the embodiment described above, the control device250of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A accepts designation, from a user, of an environmental burden with respect to hydrogen to be supplied to the user, via one of the buttons B10, B20, and B30displayed on the display panel270(seeFIG.2). An environmental burden and quality with respect to hydrogen to be supplied from the hydrogen gas storing unit204to a user may however be designated from the display panel470of the hydrogen vehicle400via either of the communication interfaces464and262. That is, the display panel470of the hydrogen vehicle400may be allowed to function as a user interface unit.

(5) In the embodiment described above, identification information on a user is entered, via the touch panel of the display panel270, into the control device250of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A. Such an aspect can however be applied that the display panel270serving as a user interface unit includes a magnetic card reader, an integrated circuit (IC) card reader, or a two-dimensional barcode reader, for example. Via such a reader, identification information on a user is entered into the control device250of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A.

(6) In the embodiment described above, the controller450of the hydrogen vehicle400is provided in the hydrogen vehicle400. However, a portable device such as a smartphone held by a user may serve as a device that allows the controller450to execute the processing described above to allow information to be exchanged among the hydrogen gas supply facilities200A and200B, the service management device300, and the point management server100.

(7) In the embodiment described above, the hydrogen gas supply facility200A can provide to users hydrogen generated by allowing water to undergo electrolysis with electric power obtained by utilizing natural energy (seeFIGS.1and2). However, the hydrogen gas supply facility200A cannot sometimes be supplied with hydrogen obtained by utilizing natural energy. Furthermore, the hydrogen gas supply facility200A cannot sometimes be supplied in a virtual manner with hydrogen obtained by utilizing natural energy by exchanging the information ΔIi including at least some of the burden information Ii. In such a case, the graph G10displayed on the display panel270of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A does not indicate the portion G12, but only indicates the portion G11. The button B20and the graph G20are each displayed in a lighter color, compared with a case where such hydrogen can be provided.

In such a case, a user can view the display on the display panel270, and can make a selection to not accept supply of hydrogen from the hydrogen gas supply facility200A, but to accept supply of hydrogen from another hydrogen gas supply facility.

(8) In the embodiment described above, the controller450of the hydrogen vehicle400causes, when a number of points added in past 30 days is exceeding the threshold, the emblem482and the light-emitting portions484to emit light in blue (seeFIG.4). A number of days, during which points are accumulated, for comparing with the threshold, may however be another number of days such as 10 days or 20 days. The controller450of the hydrogen vehicle400can change display outside of the hydrogen vehicle400in accordance with designation of an environmental burden with respect to hydrogen supplied immediately before.

(9) In the embodiment described above, the controller450of the hydrogen vehicle400changes, in accordance with a number of points added in past 30 days, a color of light emitted by the emblem482and the light-emitting portions484(seeFIG.4). A target to be changed in accordance with a number of obtained points is not however limited to a light-emitting portion. For example, a color of at least a part of a body of the hydrogen vehicle400may be changed. Otherwise a part of a shape of the hydrogen vehicle400may be changed.

(10) In the embodiment described above, the display panel270that provides information to an individual user of the hydrogen vehicle400to be supplied with hydrogen is controlled by the control device250to output the burden information Ii and the quality information Iq with respect to the hydrogen to be supplied from the hydrogen gas storing unit204to the user. Information on breakdowns of environmental burdens with respect to hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204(see G10inFIG.2) may however be displayed in a real time manner on a signboard of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A for unspecified users, for example. By taking such an action, a user can view environmental burden information displayed on such a signboard to determine whether to use the hydrogen gas supply facility200A.

B2. Another Embodiment 2

(1) In the embodiment described above, as methods for generating hydrogen, the method for using fossil fuel in the hydrogen generation facility500A and the method for using natural energy in the hydrogen generation facility500B are described. Methods for generating hydrogen to be received by hydrogen gas supply systems may however include other methods, in addition to the methods described above, for example, a method for obtaining hydrogen by allowing hydrocarbon obtained from biomass and water vapor to react with each other and a method for obtaining hydrogen as a by-product in iron mills and chemical factories.

For example, a hydrogen generation facility can be a facility that generates hydrogen by allowing water to undergo electrolysis with electric power generated from natural energy such as wind power, wave power, and geothermal heat. A hydrogen generation facility can be an iron mill provided with a coke oven serving as a hydrogen manufacturing apparatus. A hydrogen gas generation facility may be a facility that modifies petroleum to extract hydrogen. A hydrogen gas generation facility may be a chemical factory that generates hydrogen as a by-product.

Such an aspect may be applied that methods for generating hydrogen to be received by hydrogen gas supply systems do not include one or more of the four methods described above. Furthermore, a hydrogen gas supply system can receive supply of hydrogen that is generated with a plurality of separate methods and that is mixed beforehand. In the present designation, a “method for generating hydrogen” includes mixing of generated hydrogen.

The burden information Ii and the quality information Iq with respect to hydrogen generated in a hydrogen generation facility can therefore vary. Each time supply of hydrogen is received from outside, a hydrogen gas supply system links burden information and quality information received from a hydrogen gas delivery vehicle at that time to an amount of the hydrogen received from the hydrogen gas delivery vehicle, and manages the linked information.

(2) In the embodiment described above, the quality information Iq includes information on whether the hydrogen satisfies (i) ISO14687 1999 Type I, Grade A, (ii) ISO14687-2 2008 Type I, Grade D, or (iii) ISO14687-2 2012 Type I, Grade D. Such an aspect can however be applied that quality information includes information on quantitative quality with respect to hydrogen provided by each hydrogen generation facility.

B3. Another Embodiment 3

In the embodiment described above, the hydrogen gas supply facility200A receives, from a user, before hydrogen is supplied from the hydrogen gas storing unit204to the user, designation of an environmental burden with respect to the hydrogen to be supplied to the user via one of the buttons B10, B20, and B30displayed on the display panel270. The environmental burden with respect to hydrogen to be supplied to a user may however be designated after the user is actually supplied with the hydrogen.

In the embodiment described above, designation of an environmental burden can be handled separately from an actual method for manufacturing hydrogen. Even when, in hydrogen stored in a storing unit, hydrogen manufactured through a method that has exerted a designated environmental burden is not actually enough, a request from a user can be satisfied by allowing burden information and information on an amount of the hydrogen to be exchanged among hydrogen gas supply systems.

B4. Another Embodiment 4

(1) In the embodiment described above, the control device250of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A links the information ΔIi including at least some of the burden information Ii that is linked to the information Iv of an amount of hydrogen and that is stored in the RAM252to the information ΔIv2of an amount of some of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204, and sends the linked information, via the communication interface266of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A, to the hydrogen gas supply facility200B (seeFIG.1). A hydrogen gas supply system may however send the information ΔIi indicative of an environmental burden exerted during manufacturing of hydrogen, together with information on an excess amount of hydrogen from an amount of hydrogen stored in a storing unit.

In the embodiment described above, designation of an environmental burden can be handled separately from an actual method for manufacturing hydrogen. Information on an amount of hydrogen that is not actually accommodated in a storing unit, can therefore be exchanged together with burden information among hydrogen gas supply systems.

(2) In the embodiment described above, the control device250of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A updates the burden information Ii that is linked to information on an amount of hydrogen and that is stored in the RAM252of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A, based on the information ΔIi including the at least some of burden information sent to the hydrogen gas supply facility200B and the information ΔIv2of the amount of hydrogen. Such an aspect can however be applied that a hydrogen gas supply system does not update the burden information Ii stored in the RAM252, but stores and updates, separately from information on hydrogen in its storing unit, earning and expense due to exchange of burden information with another hydrogen gas supply system.

(3) In the embodiment described above, the control device250of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A links the information ΔIi including the at least some of the burden information Ii that is linked to the information Iv of the amount of hydrogen and that is stored in the RAM252to the information ΔIv2of the amount of some of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204, and sends the linked information, via the communication interface266of the hydrogen gas supply facility200A, to the hydrogen gas supply facility200B (seeFIG.1). Such an aspect can however be applied that a hydrogen gas supply system does not send such burden information.

B5. Another Embodiment 5

(1) In the embodiment described above, the control device250of the hydrogen gas supply facility200B updates the burden information Ii with respect to the hydrogen gas supply facility200B, which is stored in the RAM252of the hydrogen gas supply facility200B, based on the information ΔIi including at least some of burden information received from the hydrogen gas supply facility200A and the information ΔIv2of an amount of hydrogen. Such an aspect can however be applied that a hydrogen gas supply system does not update the burden information Ii stored in the RAM252, but stores and updates, separately from information on hydrogen in its storing unit, earning and expense due to exchange of burden information with another hydrogen gas supply system.

(2) In the embodiment described above, the control device250of the hydrogen gas supply facility200B links the information ΔIi including the at least some of the burden information Ii with respect to the hydrogen gas supply facility200A, which is sent from the hydrogen gas supply facility200A, to the information ΔIv2of the amount of some of hydrogen stored in the hydrogen gas storing unit204, and receives the linked information, via the communication interface266of the hydrogen gas supply facility200B, from the hydrogen gas supply facility200A. Such an aspect can however be applied that a hydrogen gas supply system does not receive such burden information.

B6. Another Embodiment 6

In the embodiment described above, a number of points to be issued to a user selecting the “Ecology” option is one per an amount of hydrogen of 1 kg. A number of points to be issued to a user selecting the “Normal” option is 0.5 per an amount of hydrogen of 1 kg. The control device250issues no points to a user selecting the “Economy” option to accept supply of the hydrogen. A method for issuing points to a user may however be another method.

For example, points may be issued to a user designating hydrogen generated through a method that has exerted environmental burdens at a highest amount. Such an aspect can be applied that a number of points to be issued is not determined in accordance with an amount of hydrogen, but points determined beforehand are issued each time hydrogen is supplied. Specific values of points to be issued can be specified as desired, such as five points and ten points.

B7. Another Embodiment 7

In the embodiment described above, the point management server100manages points issued by the hydrogen gas supply facilities200A and200B. Such an aspect can however be applied that no such device that collectively manages points is provided, but information is shared in a cloud-computing manner and is updated by each hydrogen gas supply system.

B8. Another Embodiment 8

(1) In the embodiment described above, as a user utilizes a service, the CPU151of the point management server100subtracts points corresponding to the provided service from points indicated by the point information Ip that is linked to the user corresponding to identification information and that is stored in the RAM152. Such an aspect can however be applied that a point management unit of a point management system sends to a service management system the point information Ip with respect to a user, and receives, from the service management system, subtracted points of the user to manage the points of the user.

(2) Charges upon utilization of services and upon receipt of products may be paid by means of, instead of points, another charge paying system, credit cards, and cash, for example.

B9. Another Embodiment 9

(1) In the embodiment described above, the CPU151of the point management server100links, to a user, the information Ipp of points issued to the user in a last-past month, and stores the linked information in the RAM152. A target period for which points issued to a user are calculated and stored in a point memory may however be three months before a last-past month or six months before a last-past month, as well as may be another period such as 30 days before the previous day or 60 days before the previous day.

(2) In the embodiment described above, the CPU151of the point management server100links the point information Ip to identification information on the user, and manages points indicated by the point information Ip (seeFIG.1). Such an aspect can however be applied that a point management unit links point information to a vehicle supplied with hydrogen, and stores in a point memory and manages the linked point information, similar to the embodiments described above. In the hydrogen gas supply facility200and the service management device300, identification information on a vehicle may be obtained through, for example, optical reading of a car registration plate of the vehicle, or obtained when a controller of the vehicle externally sends the identification information on the vehicle.

With such an aspect, an aspect of utilizing a pay parking lot in one of the embodiments described above can be controlled per vehicle. As well as, for example, when an insurance rate for the vehicle is determined or when the vehicle is sold, the insurance rate or a price of the vehicle can be determined by taking into account a number of points linked to the vehicle. Even points linked to a user can be taken into account when an insurance rate is determined or when a vehicle is sold.

(3) Such an aspect can be applied that a point management system does not calculate points issued during a predetermined period to a user. For example, such an aspect can be applied that points issued during a predetermined period to a user are calculated by the controller450of the hydrogen vehicle400, and the calculated points are stored in the RAM452to allow components of a hydrogen management system to utilize the points.

B10. Another Embodiment 10

In the embodiment described above, when the hydrogen vehicle400moves off the pay parking lot P0, the CPU351of the service management device300calculates points to be subtracted from points possessed by a user in accordance with provision of a parking space to the user (seeFIGS.1and5). The CPU351links the changed-point information ΔIp of the points used, which indicates points to be subtracted, to identification information on the user, and sends the linked information, via the communication interface364, to the point management server100. Such an aspect can however be applied that a service management system does not perform such processing. For example, such processing may be performed by the controller450of the hydrogen vehicle400.

B11. Another Embodiment 11

The CPU351of the service management device300does not permit a user having a smaller number of points issued in a previous month than a threshold to park a vehicle in one of some of parking spaces, i.e., the parking spaces P11to P13and P21to P23(seeFIGS.1and5). On the other hand, a user having a greater number of points issued in a previous month than the threshold is permitted to park a vehicle in one of the parking spaces P11to P13and P21to P23.

Such an aspect can however be applied that a service management system does not make such separation, but provides services to a user without any exception regardless of a number of points issued during a predetermined period to the user. Such an aspect can be applied that, in accordance with a number of points issued during a predetermined period to a user, a number of points to be subtracted is changed, and services are provided. Such an aspect can be applied that, for a user having a greater number of points issued during a predetermined period than the threshold, a lesser number of points is subtracted, compared with a user having a smaller number of points issued during the predetermined period than the threshold.

In addition to provision of parking spaces, services to be provided to users may take various aspects such as additional provision of a product. Such an aspect can be applied that, in car-sharing, for example, the higher the number of points issued during a predetermined period to a user, the higher the priority in allocation of a vehicle.

The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the technical features of any of the above embodiments corresponding to the technical features of each of the aspects described in Summary may be replaced or combined appropriately, in order to solve part or all of the problems described above or in order to achieve part or all of the advantageous effects described above. Any of the technical features may be omitted appropriately unless the technical feature is described as essential in the description hereof.

B12. Another Embodiment 12

The disclosure is not limited to any of the embodiment and its modifications described above but may be implemented by a diversity of configurations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the technical features of any of the above embodiments and their modifications may be replaced or combined appropriately, in order to solve part or all of the problems described above or in order to achieve part or all of the advantageous effects described above. Any of the technical features may be omitted appropriately unless the technical feature is described as essential in the description hereof. The present disclosure may be implemented by aspects described below.

(1) According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a hydrogen gas supply system that supplies hydrogen gas to a user is provided. The hydrogen gas supply system comprises a storing unit that stores hydrogen, a communication unit that receives at least either of burden information indicative of an environmental burden exerted during manufacturing of hydrogen externally received by the storing unit and quality information indicative of quality with respect to the hydrogen externally received by the storing unit, a user interface unit that provides an output in accordance with the at least either of the burden information and the quality information with respect to the hydrogen supplied from the storing unit to the user, and a controller that controls the user interface unit based on an amount of the hydrogen received by the storing unit and the at least either of the burden information and the quality information, which is received by the communication unit.

With the aspect described above, a user can utilize information generated based on at least either of an environmental burden exerted during manufacturing of hydrogen stored in the storing unit and quality of the hydrogen, which is output from the user interface unit, to determine whether to accept supply of the hydrogen.

(2) In the hydrogen gas supply system according to the aspect described above, such an aspect is possible that the burden information includes information at least separately indicative of hydrogen obtained by allowing fossil fuel and water to react with each other, and hydrogen obtained by allowing water to undergo electrolysis with electric power obtained by utilizing natural energy.

With the aspect described above, such a user can be satisfied who willingly accepts supply of, instead of hydrogen obtained by allowing fossil fuel and water to react with each other, hydrogen obtained by allowing water to undergo electrolysis with electric power obtained by utilizing natural energy.

(3) In the hydrogen gas supply system according to the aspect described above, such an aspect is possible that the controller includes a memory configured to store the burden information of the hydrogen related to information on an amount of the hydrogen. The controller is configured to accept, from the user, via the user interface unit, before the hydrogen is supplied from the storing unit to the user, designation of the environmental burden with respect to the hydrogen to be supplied to the user, and update, based on the designated environmental burden and an amount of the hydrogen supplied from the storing unit to the user, the burden information linked to the information on the amount of the hydrogen and stored in the memory.

With the aspect described above, a user can designate, before accepting supply of hydrogen, for example, as hydrogen to be supplied, hydrogen that has exerted a smaller environmental burden during manufacturing to urge an administrator of a hydrogen gas supply system to utilize hydrogen that has exerted a smaller environmental burden.

(4) In the hydrogen gas supply system according to the aspect described above, such an aspect is possible that the controller is configured to send, to another hydrogen gas supply system via the communication unit, information including at least some of the burden information related to the information on the amount of the hydrogen in the memory, with information on an amount of hydrogen linked, and update the burden information related to the information on the amount of the hydrogen in the memory, based on the information including the at least some of the burden information sent to the other hydrogen gas supply system and the information on the amount of the hydrogen linked.

With the aspect described above, separately from burden information with respect to hydrogen actually received by the storing unit, burden information with respect to hydrogen can be sent to another hydrogen gas supply system. Without actually moving hydrogen, supply of hydrogen that has exerted a smaller environmental burden can be facilitated as a whole among a plurality of hydrogen gas supply systems.

(5) In the hydrogen gas supply system according to the aspect described above, such an aspect is possible that the controller is further configured to receive, from another hydrogen gas supply system via the communication unit, information including at least some of the burden information related to information on an amount of hydrogen, and update the burden information stored in the memory, based on the information including the at least some of the burden information and the information on the amount of the hydrogen received from the other hydrogen gas supply system.

With the aspect described above, separately from burden information with respect to hydrogen actually received by the storing unit, burden information with respect to hydrogen can be shared among the plurality of hydrogen gas supply systems. Without actually moving hydrogen, supply of hydrogen that has exerted a smaller environmental burden can be facilitated as a whole among a plurality of hydrogen gas supply systems.

(6) In the hydrogen gas supply system according to the aspect described above, such an aspect is possible that the controller further configured to disallow a point exchangeable with at least a part of a product or a service to be issued to a user who has designated a first environmental burden as the environmental burden of the hydrogen to be supplied to accept supply of the hydrogen, and allow the point to be issued, via the communication unit, to a user who has designated a second environmental burden lower than the first environmental burden as the environmental burden of the hydrogen to be supplied to accept supply of the hydrogen.

With the aspect described above, a user can beneficially designate, as an environmental burden with respect to hydrogen to be supplied, a smaller environmental burden. This urges a user to utilize hydrogen that has exerted a smaller environmental burden.

(7) According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a point management system that manages a point to be issued by the hydrogen gas supply system according to the aspect described above is provided. The point management system comprises a point memory that stores information on the point related to a user for which the point is issued, a point communication unit that receives, from the hydrogen gas supply system, the information on the point issued to the user, and a point management unit that adds, based on the information on the issued point, the issued point to points indicated by the point information related to the user in the point memory. The point management unit outputs the point information linked to the user and stored in the point memory, via the point communication unit, in accordance with an external request.

With the aspect described above, a user can beneficially designate hydrogen that has exerted a smaller environmental burden, and can be supplied with the hydrogen. This urges a user to utilize hydrogen that has exerted a smaller environmental burden.

(8) In the point management system according to the aspect described above, such an aspect is possible that the point management unit is further configured to externally receive point information on used points, which is related to a user, via the point communication unit, and subtract the used points from points indicated by the point information related to the user in the point memory.

With the aspect described above, a user can obtain benefits in accordance with an amount of supplied hydrogen that has exerted a smaller environmental burden. This urges a user to utilize hydrogen that has exerted a smaller environmental burden.

(9) In the point management system according to the aspect described above, such an aspect is possible that the point management unit further configured to calculate points issued to a user during a predetermined period, and store in the point memory the points related to the user, and output information on the points issued during the period to the user, which is stored in the point memory related to the user, in accordance with an external request, via the point communication unit.

With the aspect described above, a service or a product can be provided to a user in accordance with a point issued during a predetermined period to the user.

(10) According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a service management system that manages provision of at least either of a service and a product is provided. The service management system comprises a service management unit that calculates, in accordance with provision of at least either of a service and a product to a user, a point to be subtracted from points related to the user, and a service communication unit that send information indicative of the used points to be subtracted related to the user to the point management system according to the aspect described above.

With the aspect described above, a user can obtain a service or a product in accordance with an amount of supplied hydrogen that has exerted a smaller environmental burden. This urges a user to utilize hydrogen that has exerted a smaller environmental burden.

(11) According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a service management system that manages provision of at least either of a service and a product is provided. The service management system comprises a service communication unit configured to receive, from the point management system according to the aspect described above, information on points issued during the period to a user, and a service management unit that does not provide, to a user with a smaller number of points issued during the period to the user than a threshold, at least either of a service and a product determined beforehand, and provides, to a user with a greater number of points issued during the period to the user than the threshold, at least either of the service and the product.

With the aspect described above, a user can beneficially constantly receive supply of hydrogen that has exerted a smaller environmental burden. This further urges a user to utilize hydrogen that has exerted a smaller environmental burden.

The present disclosure can be implemented in various aspects other than those described above. For example, the present disclosure can be implemented in aspects of a method for supplying hydrogen gas, a method for managing points, and a method for managing services, as well as a method for controlling a hydrogen gas supply system, a point management system, or a service management system, a computer program achieving the control method, and a non-transitory storage medium recorded with the computer program.