Apparatus and method for storing and dispensing pressurized liquefied cryogenic fluid

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for storing and dispensing pressurized liquefied cryogenic fluid are disclosed, the apparatus comprising a source (3, 4) of liquefied gas and a dispenser (2) comprising a first fluid inlet connected to the source (3, 4) of liquefied gas and a second end (6) intended to be connected to a user of pressurized liquefied gas supplied by the dispenser (2), the source (3, 4) comprising a first liquefied gas reservoir (3) configured to store the liquefied gas at a first determined pressure and to supply the dispenser (2) with the liquefied gas, the source (3, 4) comprising a second liquefied gas reservoir (4) configured to store the liquefied gas at a second determined pressure lower than the first pressure, the apparatus (1) comprising a connection duct (8) having a valve assembly (18) connecting the first liquefied gas reservoir (3) and the second liquefied gas reservoir (4), the apparatus (1) comprising a filling duct (11) having a valve assembly (12) and having a first end connected to the second liquefied gas reservoir (3) and a second end intended to be connected to a mobile reservoir (20) for supplying liquefied gas to fill the source (3, 4).

Description

Equipment and methods for storing and dispensing pressurized liquefied cryogenic fluids

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus and method for storing and dispensing cryogenic fluids.

[0002] The present invention relates more particularly to an apparatus for storing and dispensing pressurized liquefied cryogenic fluids, particularly liquefied hydrogen, the apparatus comprising a liquefied gas source and a dispenser, the dispenser comprising a first fluid inlet connected via a set of conduits to the liquefied gas source and a second end intended to be attached to a user of pressurized liquefied gas supplied by the dispenser, the source comprising a first liquefied gas reservoir configured to store liquefied gas at a first determined pressure and supply the liquefied gas to the dispenser.

[0003] When large quantities of products must be transported over long distances, liquid hydrogen is superior to gaseous hydrogen due to its greater density.

[0004] On the other hand, for example, the low density of liquids compared to water limits the pressure achievable through hydrostatic height. Therefore, liquid hydrogen at low temperatures can suffer considerable losses due to evaporation during transport.

[0005] Therefore, truck unloading systems and storage tanks at hydrogen supply stations can result in losses of up to 15% of production. These truck pressurization losses could, of course, be wasted at each station or recycled, reheated, recompressed, and re-injected into the liquefier (however, this would require investment in loss recycling systems and oversizing of the liquefaction systems).

[0006] Typically, trucks transporting mobile storage units from liquefied hydrogen plants must be pressurized to discharge liquid hydrogen from the trucks to stationary storage units. These stationary storage units are kept pressurized to ensure the operation of the liquid pumps supplying (or used to supply pressurized hydrogen to users).

[0007] Pressurization of mobile storage units is typically achieved by evaporating and heating hydrogen that has been re-injected into the storage tank from the truck (pressure buildup unit "PBU"). This thus introduces energy into the truck.

[0008] Once a certain amount of liquid has been delivered to a station, the delivery truck can continue supplying another station or return to the liquefier for resupply. The movement of the truck, through the movement of the liquid in the reservoir and its contact with the gas phase, allows for a pressure reduction. On the other hand, due to the addition of energy to the system, the resulting pressure will always be greater than the initial pressure.

[0009] Ultimately, the number of fills carried out by trucks and the necessary pressure for these stations will determine the amount of hydrogen wasted after the round trip or to be reliquefied in the liquefier.

[0010] One object of the present invention is to overcome all or some of the defects of the prior art described above.

[0011] Therefore, a substantial feature of the device according to the invention, which in other respects also conforms to the general definition given in the preceding preamble, is that the source includes a second liquefied gas reservoir configured to store liquefied gas at a second determined pressure lower than a first determined pressure of the first liquefied gas reservoir, the device includes a connecting conduit having a set of valves connecting the first liquefied gas reservoir and the second liquefied gas reservoir to allow fluid to be transported between the two liquefied gas reservoirs, the device includes a filling conduit having a set of valves and having a first end connected to the second liquefied gas reservoir (3) and a second end intended to be connected to a movable reservoir for supplying liquefied gas to fill the source.

[0012] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may have one or more of the following features:

[0013] The applicator includes a second fluid inlet attached to the upper portion of a first liquefied gas reservoir and the upper portion of a second liquefied gas reservoir via a corresponding vapor delivery conduit. The vapor delivery conduit is equipped with a set of valves and is configured to allow the delivery of pressurized fluid, particularly vapor, between the applicator and the first and / or second liquefied gas reservoirs.

[0014] - The device includes a vapor collection conduit having a set of valves and including a first end attached to a second fluid inlet of the applicator and a second end intended to be attached to the upper end of a mobile storage unit for supplying liquefied gas, so as to deliver vapor from the mobile storage unit to the applicator (2).

[0015] The two liquefied gas storage tanks are arranged opposite each other to allow the liquefied fluid to be transported from the second storage tank to the first storage tank by gravity.

[0016] - The second liquefied gas storage tank is located above the first storage tank.

[0017] - A first liquefied gas storage unit and a second liquefied gas storage unit are housed in the same tank comprising two stacked compartments having a common base, wherein the second storage unit is formed by the upper compartment and the first storage unit is formed by the lower compartment.

[0018] - The applicator includes a cryogenic fluid pumping mechanism configured to pump liquefied gas from liquefied gas at a first determined pressure.

[0019] - The first liquefied gas storage tank and the second liquefied gas storage tank (4) each form part of a corresponding basic container, each of the corresponding basic containers including a first fluid delivery pipe having a first end attached to the upper end of the storage tank and a second fluid delivery pipe having a first end attached to the lower end of the storage tank. The first delivery pipe and the second delivery pipe each include a set of corresponding valves. The first delivery pipe includes two branches that form two second ends and are attached in parallel to the first end of the first delivery pipe. Each of the two second ends of the first delivery pipe has a corresponding fluid connection fitting. The second delivery pipe includes two branches that form two second ends and are attached in parallel to the first end of the second delivery pipe. Each of the two second ends of the second delivery pipe has a corresponding fluid connection fitting. A third connecting pipe has a first end attached to the first delivery pipe and a second end attached to the second delivery pipe. The third connecting pipe includes a set of valves. The basic containers (1) are fluidly attached to each other.

[0020] - At least one of the basic containers includes a third connecting pipe having a first end attached to the upper end of the tank, for example via a first conveying pipe, and a second end attached to the lower end of the tank, for example via a second conveying pipe. The third connecting pipe includes a set of valves, the first end of the third connecting pipe being connectable to the first end of the first conveying pipe, and the second end of the third connecting pipe being connectable to the first end of the second conveying pipe.

[0021] The present invention also relates to a method for storing and dispensing pressurized liquefied cryogenic fluid, particularly liquefied hydrogen, by means of an apparatus according to any of the features described above or below, the method comprising filling a second cryogenic fluid reservoir with liquefied cryogenic fluid from a mobile supply reservoir via a filling conduit.

[0022] Based on other possible different characteristics:

[0023] The method includes the step of building pressure in a mobile supply reservoir before filling a second cryogenic fluid reservoir, by filling the second cryogenic fluid reservoir from the mobile reservoir by positioning the mobile supply reservoir and the second fluid reservoir in fluid communication via a pressure difference.

[0024] The method includes the step of conveying liquefied fluid from a second liquefied gas storage unit to the first liquefied gas storage unit by placing the first liquefied gas storage unit in fluid communication via a pressure difference.

[0025] The method includes a step of equalizing the pressure between the first and second liquefied gas storage tanks prior to the step of transferring the liquefied fluid from the second liquefied gas storage tank to the first liquefied gas storage tank.

[0026] The method includes a step of reducing the pressure in the second liquefied gas storage tank after a step of equalizing the pressure between the first and second liquefied gas storage tanks.

[0027] - The steps of reducing the pressure in the second liquefied gas storage tank include at least one of the following: pressure equalization between the second liquefied gas storage tank and a stationary or mobile storage tank; delivery of pressurized gas from the second gas storage tank to a gas user, such as a fuel cell.

[0028] - The method includes the step of delivering a liquefied cryogenic fluid from a first liquefied gas storage tank to a dispenser under a first pressure.

[0029] -The method includes the step of delivering pressurized vapor from the distributor (2) to the first gas storage unit simultaneously with or after the step of delivering liquefied cryogenic fluid from the first liquefied gas storage unit to the distributor at a first pressure.

[0030] The present invention may also relate to any alternative apparatus or method that includes any combination of the features described above or below within the scope of the claims.

[0031] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] [Figure 1] shows a schematic partial view illustrating the structure and operation of a device in a first operating configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] [Figure 2] shows a schematic partial view illustrating the structure and operation of a device in a second operating configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] [Figure 3] shows a schematic partial view illustrating the structure and operation of a device in a third operating configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] [Figure 4] shows a schematic partial view illustrating the structure and operation of a device in a fourth operating configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] [Figure 5] shows a schematic partial view illustrating the structure and operation of a device in a fifth operating configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] [Figure 6] shows a schematic partial view illustrating the structure and operation of a device in a sixth operating configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] [Figure 7] shows a schematic partial view illustrating the structure and operation of a device in a seventh operating configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] [Figure 8] shows a schematic partial view illustrating details of possible variant embodiments of the source of the device according to the invention.

[0040] [Figure 9] shows a schematic partial view illustrating the structure and operation of a device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] The schematically illustrated device 1 for storing and dispensing pressurized liquefied cryogenic fluids, particularly liquefied hydrogen, includes liquefied gas sources 3 and 4 and a dispenser 2. The dispenser 2 includes a first fluid inlet connected via a set of pipes to the liquefied gas sources 3 and 4, and a second end intended to be attached to at least one user of the pressurized liquefied gas supplied by the dispenser 2. The dispenser 2 includes, for example, a cryogenic fluid pumping mechanism, such as a pump, configured to pump the liquefied gas from the source (at a first determined pressure) to deliver this pressurized fluid to the user (e.g., supplying fluid to a vehicle storage tank to be filled at a high pressure, for example, between 200 bar and 1000 bar, particularly between 200 bar and 800 bar). The dispenser 2 may also have a system for evaporating (heating) the pumped cryogenic liquid.

[0042] The source includes at least one first liquefied gas reservoir 3, which is configured to store liquefied gas at a first determined pressure and supply liquefied gas to the applicator 2. That is, the first reservoir 3 is connected to a first inlet of the pumping component of the applicator 2 to supply cryogenic liquid to the applicator under determined thermodynamic conditions, particularly under pressure conditions. For example, the first reservoir 3 is connected to the first inlet of the applicator (and pumping component) 2 via a conduit 5 equipped with a set of valves 15.

[0043] The source includes at least one second liquefied gas reservoir 4, which is configured to store liquefied gas under second thermodynamic conditions and particularly at a second determined pressure, which is generally lower than the first determined pressure of the first liquefied gas reservoir 3.

[0044] Finally, the device 1 includes a connecting pipe 8 equipped with a set of valves 18, which connects the first liquefied gas storage tank 3 and the second liquefied gas storage tank 4 to allow fluid to be transported between the two liquefied gas storage tanks 3 and 4. Furthermore, the device 1 includes a filling pipe 11 equipped with a set of valves 12 and having a first end connected to the second liquefied gas storage tank 4 and a second end intended to connect to a mobile storage tank 20 for supplying liquefied gas for filling.

[0045] This source architecture, with two liquefied gas reservoirs 3 and 4 (or two sets of liquefied gas reservoirs) each having their own corresponding storage pressure, allows for the limitation of pressure buildup in the mobile reservoir 20 during source filling. This is because the second reservoir 4 can be configured not to supply directly to the applicator 2. In this way, the second liquefied gas reservoir 4 can be configured to store liquefied gas at a second pressure (e.g., between 1 bar and 8 bar, and particularly between 2 bar and 8 bar, e.g., 6 bar) lower than the first pressure (e.g., between 1 bar and 8 bar, and particularly between 1.5 bar and 6 bar, e.g., 2 bar) necessary for the proper operation of the applicator 2. For example, the second pressure can be a value between 0.5 bar and 10 bar lower than the first pressure.

[0046] This allows for limiting the pressure that must be supplied to the mobile transport reservoir 20 of device 1, as the mobile reservoir 20 must be adapted to a relatively low second determined pressure. This allows for limiting gas product loss during filling of the source, as the mobile reservoir 20 can be maintained at a relatively lower pressure (e.g., one bar higher than the pressure in the second liquefied gas reservoir 4) and requires fewer pressurization steps (heat injection) during transport.

[0047] The second liquefied gas storage tank 4 (relatively low pressure) can be supplied by the mobile storage tank 20 and delivered to the first liquefied gas storage tank 3 (relatively high pressure) in a slower process.

[0048] The two liquefied gas storage tanks 3 and 4 are preferably arranged opposite each other to allow the liquefied fluid to be transported from the second storage tank 4 to the first storage tank 3 by gravity. For example, the second liquefied gas storage tank 4 is located above the first storage tank 3. According to the possible embodiment shown in [Figure 7], the first liquefied gas storage tank 3 and the second liquefied gas storage tank 4 can even be housed in the same tank, which includes two stacked compartments with a common base, wherein the second storage tank 4 is formed by the upper compartment and the first storage tank 3 is formed by the lower compartment.

[0049] Furthermore, the capacities (storage volumes) of the first liquefied gas storage tank 3 and the second liquefied gas storage tank 4 can differ. This allows for capacity optimization depending on their intended use.

[0050] As shown, the applicator 2 preferably includes a second fluid inlet, which is attached to the upper portion of the first liquefied gas storage tank 3 and the upper portion of the second liquefied gas storage tank 4 via a steam delivery pipe 17, 27 having a set of valves 7, 9, 10.

[0051] For example, the upper portions of the first liquefied gas storage tank 3 and the second liquefied gas storage tank 4 are respectively connected to the second inlet of the applicator 2 via two steam delivery pipes 17 and 27 arranged in parallel and each equipped with valves 9 and 10. Furthermore, a common valve 7 attached to the second inlet can be provided in the shared portion of the two delivery pipes 17 and 27. These steam delivery pipes 17 and 27 are configured to allow the delivery (preferably in both directions) of pressurized fluid, particularly steam, between the applicator 2 and the first liquefied gas storage tank 3 and / or the second liquefied gas storage tank 4.

[0052] The device 1 preferably also includes a vapor collection conduit 13 having a set of valves 23 and including a first end attached to a second fluid inlet of the applicator 2 and a second end intended to be attached to the upper end of a mobile storage tank 20 for supplying liquefied gas. This vapor collection conduit 13 allows vapor to be supplied from the mobile storage tank 20 to the applicator 2 or storage tanks 3, 4 (and vice versa).

[0053] The accompanying diagram illustrates various possible usage configurations (storage, dispensing, and supply). Valves are shown in black or white, depending on whether they are closed or open.

[0054] In the configuration of [Figure 1], the first liquefied gas reservoir 3 can supply liquefied gas to the dispenser 2 at a first pressure (valve 5 is open). Any vapor generated in the dispenser 2 (pumped vaporized gas, e.g., vaporized gas from a pump or any other “vaporized” vaporized gas) can be returned to the first liquefied gas reservoir 3 (via vapor delivery line 27, where the corresponding valves 7, 10 are open).

[0055] In the configuration shown in [Figure 2], a mobile storage tank 20 for supplying liquefied gas fills the second liquefied gas storage tank 4. The second end of the filling pipe 11 is connected to the mobile storage tank 20 for supplying liquefied gas. In addition, the second end of the vapor collection pipe 13 (preferably via a common valve 7 of the vapor delivery pipes 17, 27) is attached to the upper portion of the mobile storage tank 20 for supplying liquefied gas.

[0056] In the first stage, the pressure between the mobile supply storage unit 20 and the second liquefied gas storage unit 4 can be equalized by, for example, opening valves 23 and 9 of the corresponding vapor collection pipe 13 and vapor delivery pipe 17.

[0057] In order to deliver liquid via the pressure difference between the mobile supply reservoir 20 and the second liquefied gas reservoir 4 (without pumping), the pressure in the mobile supply reservoir 20 must be higher than the pressure in the second liquefied gas reservoir 4. Alternatively, if this is not possible, the mobile reservoir 20 must be equipped with a pump.

[0058] If necessary, the pressure in the mobile reservoir 20 can be increased by self-pressurization (conventionally by pumping back, heating and re-injecting the fluid in the mobile reservoir 20).

[0059] This pressure can also be increased by supplying pressurized fluid from the applicator 2 (via gas collection pipe 13 and with valves 23 and 7 in question open) or from the first reservoir 3 instead of the second reservoir 4 (via pipes 13 and 27 and with valve 10 open and valve 9 in question closed). As shown in [Figure 3], the gas generated in the applicator 2 at the evaporation pressure can be simultaneously or sequentially delivered to the first liquefied gas reservoir 3 via the vapor delivery pipe 27 (with corresponding valves 7 and 10 open).

[0060] When the pressure in the mobile storage tank 20 is greater than the pressure in the second gas storage tank 4, liquefied gas can be transferred from the mobile storage tank 20 to the second liquefied gas storage tank 4 by opening the valve 12 of the filling pipe 11 through the pressure difference. This is illustrated in [Figure 3]. As shown, the second liquefied gas storage tank 4 is preferably filled through its upper portion.

[0061] As described above, the gas generated at the evaporation pressure in the applicator 2 can be simultaneously or sequentially delivered to the first liquefied gas storage tank 3 via the vapor delivery pipe 27 (with the corresponding valves 7 and 10 open). Similarly, the gas generated at the evaporation pressure in the applicator 2 can be simultaneously or sequentially delivered to the mobile storage tank 20 via the vapor collection pipe 13 and with the valves 7 and 23 discussed in question open.

[0062] When the second liquefied gas storage tank 4 is filled, the mobile supply storage tank 20 can be disconnected after the valves 12 and 23 of the vapor collection pipe 13 and the filling pipe 11 are closed, as shown in [Figure 4].

[0063] If the pressure in the first liquefied gas reservoir 3 is not low enough to receive liquid liquefied gas from the second liquefied gas reservoir 4, it may be necessary to pressurize the second liquefied gas reservoir 4 to the pressure in the first liquefied gas reservoir 3 (or higher than the pressure in the first liquefied gas reservoir 3).

[0064] As shown in [Figure 5], in the first step, pressure equalization can be provided between the first liquefied gas storage tank 3 and the second liquefied gas storage tank 4. This can be achieved by opening valves 9 and 10 of the vapor delivery pipes 17 and 27 that connect the upper parts of the two storage tanks 3 and 4.

[0065] If the second liquefied gas storage unit 4 is positioned at a higher height than the first liquefied gas storage unit 3, the liquefied gas can be transported from the second liquefied gas storage unit 4 to the first liquefied gas storage unit 3 by gravity.

[0066] Alternatively (or additionally), the second liquefied gas reservoir 4 can be pressurized to a pressure greater than that in the first liquefied gas reservoir 3. This can be achieved by closing valve 9 in the vapor delivery line 17 connected to the second liquefied gas reservoir 4 and by allowing pressure to build up in the second liquefied gas reservoir. For example, this pressure buildup can be achieved by any known component (via an evaporator and / or heater).

[0067] [Figure 6] illustrates an example of filling the first liquefied gas storage tank 3 with liquefied gas from the second liquefied gas storage tank 4. Valve 18, connecting pipe 8, is open. In the case of top supply: liquefied gas enters the first liquefied gas storage tank 3 from the top and cools the vapor present in the upper part there. This reduces the pressure in the first liquefied gas storage tank 3. This pressure drop accelerates the flow of liquid (pressure differential).

[0068] The liquid transport can be carried out as needed, depending on the relative volume and structure of the two liquefied gas storage tanks 3 and 4.

[0069] When the second liquefied gas storage tank 4 is emptied, the valve 18 connecting pipe 8 is closed. By opening the valve 10 connecting the vapor delivery pipe 27 to the first liquefied gas storage tank 3, the first liquefied gas storage tank 3 and the second liquefied gas storage tank 4 are once again under the same pressure.

[0070] Then, as shown in [Figure 7], in order to make the second liquefied gas storage tank 4 able to be filled again, the pressure in the second liquefied gas storage tank can be reduced again to a low pressure that matches the pressure of the mobile supply storage tank 20.

[0071] This pressure drop can be achieved by supplying pressurized gas to either stationary storage unit 21 or mobile storage unit 20, through pressure equalization. If necessary, this allows pressure to advantageously accumulate in such a mobile supply storage unit 20, which would require pressurization (by opening valves 9 and 23 of the vapor delivery line 17 and the vapor collection line 13). If necessary, this allows for a self-pressurizing system that can replace the mobile supply storage unit 20.

[0072] As shown in [Figure 9], at least one of the liquefied gas storage tanks 3 and 4 of the liquefied gas source can be constructed from a tank of a modular basic container. The container includes a first fluid delivery conduit 30 having a first end attached to the upper end of the tank 3 or 4. The tanks 3 and 4 include a second fluid delivery conduit 40 having a first end attached to the lower end of the tank. Each of the first and second delivery conduits 30 includes a set of corresponding valves. The first delivery conduit 30 includes two branches attached in parallel to the first end of the first delivery conduit 30, forming two second ends, each of the two second ends of the first delivery conduit 30 having corresponding fluid connection fittings 90 and 110. The second delivery conduit 40 includes two branches attached in parallel to the first end of the second delivery conduit 40, forming two second ends, each of the two second ends of the second delivery conduit 40 having corresponding fluid connection fittings 100 and 120. The fluid connection fittings 90, 100, 110, and 120 located at the second ends of the delivery conduits are preferably quick-connect type fittings.

[0073] For example, the first delivery conduit 30 includes a first valve 50 located near its first end and a second valve 70 located at one of its two second ends. For example, the second delivery conduit 40 includes, in the same manner, a first valve 60 located near its first end and a second valve 80 located at one of its two second ends.

[0074] Each basic container may include a third connecting pipe 130 having a first end attached to the upper end of the tank, for example via a first delivery pipe 30, and a second end attached to the lower end of the tank, for example via a second delivery pipe 40. The third connecting pipe 130 includes a set of valves 140. The first end of the third connecting pipe 130 is connected to the first end of the first delivery pipe 30. The second end of the third connecting pipe 130 is connected to the first end of the second delivery pipe 4.

[0075] The two basic containers are connected, and thus two corresponding storage units 3 and 4 can be attached in series or in parallel.

[0076] In this example, the first basic container (on the right) is attached in series to the second container (on the left). The second end 110 of the first delivery pipe 30 of the second storage 4 is attached to the second end 90 of the first delivery pipe 30 of the first storage 30. The second end 120 of the second delivery pipe 40 of the second storage 4 is attached to the second end 100 of the second delivery pipe 40 of the first storage 3.

[0077] Therefore, the two reservoirs 3 and 4 of the basic container can be attached in series and / or in parallel to the source and / or the receiver, which are attached to the free ends 90 and 100 (on the left side) of the second reservoir 4.

[0078] The second end 110 of the first delivery pipe 30 and the second end 120 of the second delivery pipe 40 of the first storage tank 3 (on the right) can be connected to the upper end and the lower end of the mobile supply tank 20 for liquefied gas, respectively.

[0079] In the configuration shown in [Figure 9], the pressure between the upper part of the mobile tank 20 and the upper part of the first storage tank 3 can be balanced (via the first pipe 30 and by opening the valves 70, 50 discussed in the first storage tank 3 and closing the other valves 80, 140, 50).

[0080] Liquid can be transported from the mobile tank 20 to the first reservoir 3 (from the top) by separately connecting the lower end of the mobile tank 20 to the upper part of the first reservoir 3 (e.g., via the discussed pipes 40 and 130 and by opening appropriate valves 80, 60, 140). Simultaneously, the upper part of the mobile tank 20 can be positioned to be fluidly connected separately to the upper part of the second reservoir 4 (via the discussed pipe 30 and by opening appropriate valves 70, 50).

[0081] To disconnect the mobile storage unit from the first storage unit, all valves 70, 50, 60, 80, and 140 of the first storage unit can be closed.

[0082] This architecture also allows gas (with the gas source attached to end 90 on the left) to be delivered from the user via conduit 30 to the upper end of one or both reservoirs 3, 4 when the valve in question is open. Simultaneously, the lower portions of reservoirs 3, 4 can be isolated from end 100 or not, to supply or withhold liquid to the user (attached to end 100 on the left), while valve 140 is closed.

[0083] One or two reservoirs 3, 4 can be supplied with liquid at end 100 (on the left) via the conduit 40 by opening appropriate valves 60, 80 while isolating the upper ends of reservoirs 3, 4 (closing appropriate valves 50, 70).

Claims

1. An apparatus for storing and dispensing pressurized liquefied cryogenic fluid, the apparatus (1) comprising a first liquefied gas reservoir (3), a second liquefied gas reservoir (4), and a dispenser (2), the dispenser (2) comprising a first fluid inlet connected via a set of conduits (5) to the first liquefied gas reservoir (3) and the second liquefied gas reservoir (4), and a second end (6) intended to be attached to a user of pressurized liquefied gas supplied by the dispenser (2), the first liquefied gas reservoir (3) being configured to store liquefied gas at a first determined pressure and supply the liquefied gas to the dispenser (2), the second liquefied gas reservoir (4) being configured to store liquefied gas at a pressure greater than that of the first liquefied gas reservoir. The device (3) stores liquefied gas at a first determined pressure and a second determined pressure. The device (1) includes a connecting pipe (8) equipped with a set of valves (18) connecting the first liquefied gas reservoir (3) and the second liquefied gas reservoir (4) to allow fluid transfer between the first liquefied gas reservoir (3) and the second liquefied gas reservoir (4). The device (1) includes a filling pipe (11) equipped with a set of valves (12) and having a first end connected to the second liquefied gas reservoir (4) and a second end intended to connect to a movable reservoir (20) for supplying liquefied gas to fill the second liquefied gas reservoir (4). The device is characterized by... The applicator (2) includes a second fluid inlet attached to the upper portion of the first liquefied gas reservoir (3) and the upper portion of the second liquefied gas reservoir (4) via corresponding vapor delivery pipes (17, 27), the vapor delivery pipes (17, 27) having a set of valves (9, 10), the vapor delivery pipes (17, 27) being configured to allow the delivery of pressurized fluid between the applicator (2) and the first liquefied gas reservoir (3) and / or the second liquefied gas reservoir (4).

2. The device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pressurized liquefied cryogenic fluid is liquefied hydrogen.

3. The device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pressurized fluid is steam.

4. The device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The device includes a vapor collection conduit (13) having a set of valves (23) and a first end attached to a second fluid inlet of the applicator (2) and a second end intended to be attached to the upper end of a mobile storage unit (20) for supplying liquefied gas, so as to deliver vapor from the mobile storage unit (20) to the applicator (2).

5. The device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first liquefied gas storage tank (3) and the second liquefied gas storage tank (4) are arranged opposite to each other so as to allow the liquefied fluid to be transported from the second liquefied gas storage tank (4) to the first liquefied gas storage tank (3) by gravity.

6. The device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first liquefied gas storage tank (3) and the second liquefied gas storage tank (4) are arranged opposite to each other so as to allow the liquefied fluid to be transported from the second liquefied gas storage tank (4) to the first liquefied gas storage tank (3) by gravity.

7. The device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second liquefied gas storage unit (4) is located above the first liquefied gas storage unit (3).

8. The device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The second liquefied gas storage unit (4) is located above the first liquefied gas storage unit (3).

9. The device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The second liquefied gas storage unit (4) is located above the first liquefied gas storage unit (3).

10. The device as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The second liquefied gas storage unit (4) is located above the first liquefied gas storage unit (3).

11. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first liquefied gas storage unit (3) and the second liquefied gas storage unit (4) are housed in the same tank comprising two stacked compartments having a common base, wherein the second liquefied gas storage unit (4) is formed by the upper compartment and the first liquefied gas storage unit (3) is formed by the lower compartment.

12. The device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, The first liquefied gas storage unit (3) and the second liquefied gas storage unit (4) are housed in the same tank comprising two stacked compartments having a common base, wherein the second liquefied gas storage unit (4) is formed by the upper compartment and the first liquefied gas storage unit (3) is formed by the lower compartment.

13. The device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first liquefied gas storage unit (3) and the second liquefied gas storage unit (4) are housed in the same tank comprising two stacked compartments having a common base, wherein the second liquefied gas storage unit (4) is formed by the upper compartment and the first liquefied gas storage unit (3) is formed by the lower compartment.

14. The device as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The first liquefied gas storage unit (3) and the second liquefied gas storage unit (4) are housed in the same tank comprising two stacked compartments having a common base, wherein the second liquefied gas storage unit (4) is formed by the upper compartment and the first liquefied gas storage unit (3) is formed by the lower compartment.

15. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The applicator (2) includes a cryogenic fluid pumping mechanism configured to pump liquefied gas from liquefied gas at a first determined pressure.

16. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The first liquefied gas storage tank (3) and the second liquefied gas storage tank (4) each form part of a corresponding basic container. Each corresponding basic container includes a first fluid delivery pipe (30) having a first end attached to the upper end of the first liquefied gas storage tank (3) and the second liquefied gas storage tank (4), and a second fluid delivery pipe (40) having a first end attached to the lower end of the first liquefied gas storage tank (3) and the second fluid delivery pipe (40). Each of the first fluid delivery pipe (30) and the second fluid delivery pipe (40) includes a set of corresponding valves. The first fluid delivery pipe (30) includes a second valve formed by two second ends attached in parallel to the first fluid delivery pipe (30). The first fluid delivery pipe (30) has two branches at one end, each of the two second ends of which is provided with corresponding fluid connection fittings (90, 110). The second fluid delivery pipe (40) includes two branches attached in parallel to the first end of the second fluid delivery pipe (40) forming two second ends, each of the two second ends of the second fluid delivery pipe (40) being provided with corresponding fluid connection fittings (100, 120). The third connecting pipe (130) includes a set of valves (140). These basic containers are fluidly attached to each other.

17. The device as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, The first liquefied gas storage tank (3) and the second liquefied gas storage tank (4) each form part of a corresponding basic container. Each corresponding basic container includes a first fluid delivery pipe (30) having a first end attached to the upper end of the first liquefied gas storage tank (3) and the second liquefied gas storage tank (4), and a second fluid delivery pipe (40) having a first end attached to the lower end of the first liquefied gas storage tank (3) and the second fluid delivery pipe (40). Each of the first fluid delivery pipe (30) and the second fluid delivery pipe (40) includes a set of corresponding valves. The first fluid delivery pipe (30) includes a second valve formed by two second ends attached in parallel to the first fluid delivery pipe (30). The first fluid delivery pipe (30) has two branches at one end, each of the two second ends of which is provided with corresponding fluid connection fittings (90, 110). The second fluid delivery pipe (40) includes two branches attached in parallel to the first end of the second fluid delivery pipe (40) forming two second ends, each of the two second ends of the second fluid delivery pipe (40) being provided with corresponding fluid connection fittings (100, 120). The third connecting pipe (130) includes a set of valves (140). These basic containers are fluidly attached to each other.

18. A method for storing and dispensing pressurized liquefied cryogenic fluid by means of the apparatus (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, the method comprising: The second liquefied gas storage tank (4) is filled with liquefied cryogenic fluid from the mobile storage tank (20) via the filling pipe (11).

19. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The pressurized liquefied cryogenic fluid is liquefied hydrogen.

20. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The method includes the step of accumulating pressure in the mobile storage unit (20) before filling the second liquefied gas storage unit (4); and is characterized in that the second liquefied gas storage unit (4) is filled from the mobile storage unit (20) by placing the mobile storage unit (20) and the second liquefied gas storage unit (4) in fluid communication using a pressure difference.

21. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The method includes the step of conveying liquefied fluid from the second liquefied gas storage unit (4) to the first liquefied gas storage unit (3) by placing the first liquefied gas storage unit in fluid communication via a pressure difference.

22. The method as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The method includes the step of conveying liquefied fluid from the second liquefied gas storage unit (4) to the first liquefied gas storage unit (3) by placing the first liquefied gas storage unit in fluid communication via a pressure difference.

23. The method as described in claim 21, characterized in that, The method includes a step of equalizing the pressure between the first liquefied gas storage unit (3) and the second liquefied gas storage unit (4) before the step of conveying the liquefied fluid from the second liquefied gas storage unit (4) to the first liquefied gas storage unit (3).

24. The method as described in claim 22, characterized in that, The method includes a step of equalizing the pressure between the first liquefied gas storage unit (3) and the second liquefied gas storage unit (4) before the step of conveying the liquefied fluid from the second liquefied gas storage unit (4) to the first liquefied gas storage unit (3).

25. The method as described in claim 23, characterized in that, The method includes a step of reducing the pressure in the second liquefied gas storage tank (4) after a step of equalizing the pressure between the first liquefied gas storage tank (3) and the second liquefied gas storage tank (4).

26. The method as described in claim 24, characterized in that, The method includes a step of reducing the pressure in the second liquefied gas storage tank (4) after a step of equalizing the pressure between the first liquefied gas storage tank (3) and the second liquefied gas storage tank (4).

27. The method as described in claim 25, characterized in that, The steps of reducing the pressure in the second liquefied gas storage tank (4) include at least one of the following: pressure equalization between the second liquefied gas storage tank (4) and the mobile storage tank (20) or the stationary storage tank (21); and delivery of pressurized gas from the second liquefied gas storage tank (4) to the gas user.

28. The method as described in claim 27, characterized in that, The gas user is a fuel cell.

29. The method as described in claim 26, characterized in that, The steps of reducing the pressure in the second liquefied gas storage tank (4) include at least one of the following: pressure equalization between the second liquefied gas storage tank (4) and the mobile storage tank (20) or the stationary storage tank (21); and delivery of pressurized gas from the second liquefied gas storage tank (4) to the gas user.

30. The method as described in claim 29, characterized in that, The gas user is a fuel cell.

31. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 27, characterized in that, The method includes the step of delivering a liquefied cryogenic fluid from the first liquefied gas storage tank (3) to the applicator (2) under a first pressure.

32. The method as described in claim 31, characterized in that, The method includes the step of supplying pressurized vapor from the applicator (2) to the first liquefied gas storage unit (3) simultaneously with or after the step of supplying liquefied cryogenic fluid from the first liquefied gas storage unit (3) to the applicator (2) at the first pressure.

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