Hydrogen detection apparatus, fuel cell vehicle, hydrogen leak monitoring system, compound sensor module, hydrogen detection method, and recording medium

A hydrogen detection method using a hydrogen sensor in which a resistance value fluctuates in response to a presence of a hydrogen gas,

• wherein the hydrogen sensor includes:
• a first electrode;
• a metal-oxide layer that is disposed on the first electrode, and in which a resistance value changes in response to contacting hydrogen atoms;
• a second electrode disposed on the metal-oxide layer and the first electrode such that the metal-oxide layer is sandwiched in between the first electrode and the second electrode in a thickness direction of the hydrogen sensor;
• and
• an insulating film that covers at least a portion of lateral surfaces of the first electrode, the metal-oxide layer, and the second electrode,
• wherein a portion of at least one of:
• (i) a first interface between the first electrode and the metal-oxide layer;
• and (ii) a second interface between the second electrode and the metal-oxide layer is uncovered by the insulating film and exposed to a detection space, and
• wherein the hydrogen detection method comprises:
• setting an off time that differs depending on an operating environment;
• and
• setting the off time, and intermittently driving a sensor control circuit that senses the resistance value of the hydrogen sensor.

A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having stored thereon a computer program for causing a microcomputer to execute a hydrogen detection method using a hydrogen sensor in which a resistance value fluctuates in response to a presence of a hydrogen gas,

• wherein the hydrogen sensor includes:
• a first electrode;
• a metal-oxide layer that is disposed on the first electrode, and in which a resistance value changes in response to contacting hydrogen atoms;
• a second electrode disposed on the metal-oxide layer and the first electrode such that the metal-oxide layer is sandwiched in between the first electrode and the second electrode in a thickness direction of the hydrogen sensor;
• and
• an insulating film that covers at least a portion of lateral surfaces of the first electrode, the metal-oxide layer, and the second electrode,
• wherein a portion of at least one of:
• (i) a first interface between the first electrode and the metal-oxide layer;
• and (ii) a second interface between the second electrode and the metal-oxide layer is uncovered by the insulating film and exposed to a detection space, and
• wherein the hydrogen detection method comprises:
• setting an off time that differs depending on an operating environment;
• and
• setting the off time, and intermittently driving a sensor control circuit that senses the resistance value of the hydrogen sensor.