Gas filling system

Abstract

A system and method for supplying a gas from a supply of compressed gas to a receiving vessel by measuring the pressure of gas being directed into the receiving vessel in successive selected time intervals to determine the actual ramp rate of gas being directed into the receiving vessel and providing means for comparing the actual ramp rate with a desired ramp rate and controlling the gas flow rate in response to that comparison. In a preferred embodiment the pressure of the gas at an upstream end of the system is monitored and directed into a controller and this latter pressure is employed in determining the mass flow of gas into the receiving vessel.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to a system and method for filling a receiving vessel or tank from a source of compressed gas, and more specifically to a system and method for filling a receiving tank or vessel, e.g., a receiving tank in a vehicle, in a manner that aids in preventing excess heating of the tank and also in eliminating excess fill time, particularly when filling large receiving tanks. [0002] In a system for filling a receiving tank or vessel with compressed gas it is necessary to control the flow rate of the gas so that the receiving tank does not overheat. Overheating occurs as a result of both adiabatic compression of the gas, and, when the gas is hydrogen or helium, by the reverse Joule-Thompson effect. The heat of compression is partially offset by the isentropic expansion cooling within the storage vessel. Moreover, for gases other than hydrogen and helium, a conventional Joule-Thompson effect takes place, which can further mitigate agai...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] In the preferred embodiments of this invention the flow controller increases the flow rate of gas when the actual ramp rate is lower than the desired ramp rate and decreases the flow rate of gas when the actual ramp rate is higher than the desired ramp rate.

Problems solved by technology

However, even when charging a receiving tank or vessel with gases other than hydrogen and helium, the adiabatic compression of gas in the receiving tank does create an overheating concern.

This latter system is believed to lack desired reliability, due to the potential for malfunctions associated with the control valve, the PLC, and / or the I / P controller.

Although the prior art does disclose various techniques for attempting to control flow rate of gases, none of the systems have recognized the benefit of controlling, or the desire to control the ramp rate of the gas to limit the temperature rise in a receiving tank, or vessel, and also, to avoid prolonged fill times, particularly when filling large tanks or vessels.

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