Fluid supply and storage devices, vehicles comprising such devices and methods

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid supply and storage device, in particular a device on board a vehicle for storing hydrogen and supplying hydrogen to a user member, comprising: a double-walled vacuum-insulated type cryogenic tank for storing a liquefied fluid, comprising an inner shell defining a fluid storage volume and an outer shell surrounding the inner shell, with a vacuum-insulated gap between the two shells; an extraction circuit comprising an extraction line comprising an upstream first end connected to an upper part of the inner shell and a downstream second end connected to the user member and a first heating heat exchanger outside the inner shell and a second heating heat exchanger inside the inner shell, the circuit comprising a set of one or more valves configured to ensure passage of the flow circulating from the first end to the second end either in the course of entering the first exchanger then the second exchanger or in the course of entering the first exchanger without entering the second exchanger. It also relates to a vehicle and a method of supplying a fluid to a user member by means of the device or vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid supply and storage device, a vehicle and method including such a device.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a fluid supply and storage device, particularly an onboard device for storing hydrogen and supplying hydrogen to user components, the device comprising: a double-walled vacuum-insulated cryogenic tank for storing liquefied fluid, the cryogenic tank comprising an inner shell defining a fluid storage volume and an outer shell surrounding the inner shell, the outer shell having a vacuum-insulated gap between the inner shell and the outer shell; an extraction circuit comprising an extraction line comprising a first end connected to an upstream portion of an upper portion of the inner shell and a second end intended to connect to a user component downstream, the extraction line comprising a heated first heat exchanger located outside the inner shell and a heated second heat exchanger located inside the inner shell, the extraction circuit comprising an assembly consisting of one or more valves configured to ensure the passage of fluid circulating from the first end to the second end, either during the process of entering the first heat exchanger and then the second heat exchanger, or during the process of entering the first heat exchanger but not the second heat exchanger. Background Technology

[0003] For example, such a device is described in document DE4329566A.

[0004] Hydrogen is stored in vehicles that are supplied with hydrogen fuel, using either compressed gaseous hydrogen or liquid hydrogen.

[0005] If the required storage capacity is greater than 50 kg, it is preferable to store it in liquid form on the vehicle. Liquid hydrogen is typically stored in tanks at low pressure (less than 13 bar absolute pressure). At equilibrium, the temperature of hydrogen is set by the pressure in the tank via the saturation curve between the liquid and gas phases. This applies to the critical point of hydrogen, which occurs at a pressure slightly less than 13 bar absolute pressure.

[0006] Corresponding to temperatures of 20.8 K to 21.2 K, liquid hydrogen is typically produced at pressures close to atmospheric pressure, generally between 1.15 bar and 1.3 bar absolute pressure. Liquid hydrogen is transported and transferred to onboard storage tanks using cryogenic trucks and filling stations. Because transportation and transfer are sources of heat inrush, the temperature of the hydrogen in the storage tank corresponds to a saturation pressure of approximately 2 bar absolute pressure, or 22.9 K.

[0007] Fuel cells (or potentially hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines, or "ICE") typically operate at an absolute pressure of less than 2 bar at the center of the cell. However, for various operational reasons, most manufacturers require an absolute pressure of 3 to 5 bar at the contact surface with the storage tank.

[0008] Since a full storage tank is initially at a low pressure, it is necessary to increase its pressure to a level higher than that of the fuel cell (ICE) and to control this pressure while the gas is being consumed. Therefore, it is essential to include a mechanism in the storage tank for controlling its pressure.

[0009] The aforementioned literature describes the supply of pressurized gas in the storage tank. This makes the device more complex. Due to the large quantities of gas required, this control method is not used in industry.

[0010] Furthermore, in known devices, the relative arrangement of cold lines, hot lines, cooling exchangers, and heating exchangers results in heat loss, which adversely affects the efficiency of the device. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to overcome all or some of the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0012] Therefore, according to the general definition / definition provided in the preceding section, the basic feature of the device according to the invention is that the inlet of the first heat exchanger, which receives the fluid flow from the first end of the extraction line, is located in the vacuum-insulated gap between the inner shell and the outer shell.

[0013] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may include one or more of the following features:

[0014] - The portion of the first heat exchanger that is at least adjacent to the inlet for receiving fluid flow from the first end of the extraction line is located in a vacuum-insulated gap between the inner housing and the outer housing;

[0015] - The first heat exchanger is housed in an exchanger housing, at least a portion of which is located in a vacuum-insulated gap between the inner housing and the outer housing;

[0016] - The exchanger housing includes a first inlet for receiving fluid flow from a first end of the extraction circuit, the first inlet being located in a vacuum-insulated gap between the inner housing and the outer housing;

[0017] - The heat exchanger housing houses the portion of the extraction circuit that connects the second heat exchanger to the second end, and the heat exchanger housing includes a second inlet for receiving fluid flow from the second heat exchanger, the second inlet being located in a vacuum-insulated gap between the inner housing and the outer housing;

[0018] - The extraction circuit has a third heat exchanger, which is connected in series downstream of the second heat exchanger, such that the third heat exchanger receives the flow that has entered the second heat exchanger;

[0019] - The third heat exchanger is located outside the vacuum insulation gap between the inner shell and the outer shell, particularly at least partially outside the outer shell;

[0020] - The first heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger are housed in the same heat exchanger housing, which is in heat exchange relationship with at least one heat transfer fluid flow;

[0021] - The assembly consisting of one or more valves includes a three-way valve having a port connected to the outlet of the first heat exchanger, a port connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger, and a port connected to a second end of the extraction line via a portion of the extraction circuit that forms a bypass of the third heat exchanger.

[0022] - The portion of the extraction circuit that forms the bypass of the third heat exchanger includes a flow-limiting component, such as a calibration orifice;

[0023] - The device also includes a system for pressurizing the tank, the system including a pressurization line independent of the extraction circuit, the pressurization line including two ends respectively connected to an upper portion and a lower portion of the inner shell, a vaporization heat exchanger, and an assembly consisting of one or more valves configured to allow liquid to be extracted from the tank, heated in the vaporization heat exchanger, and reintroduced into the tank;

[0024] - The first heat exchanger, the third heat exchanger, and the gasification heat exchanger are housed in the same heat exchanger housing;

[0025] - The device has an electronic controller configured to control all or part of the valves of the assembly consisting of one or more valves;

[0026] - The device includes a fuel cell or motor connected to the second end downstream.

[0027] The present invention also relates to a means of transport, particularly a ship, which includes a device according to any one of the features described above or below.

[0028] The present invention also relates to a method for supplying fluid to a user component by means of such a device or such vehicle, wherein the user component is connected to a second end of an extraction circuit, the method comprising a fluid supply step of supplying fluid from a storage tank to the user component by extracting liquefied fluid from the storage tank via a first extraction line, wherein, if the pressure in the storage tank is less than a predetermined threshold, the method comprises, prior to the fluid supply step, a step of pressurizing the storage tank to a predetermined pressure level via a system for pressurizing the storage tank.

[0029] The present invention may also relate to any alternative means or methods that fall within the scope of the claims and include any combination of the above or below features. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following description, which is in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram illustrating the structure and operation of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 2 A partial schematic diagram illustrating the structure and operation of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 3 A schematic partial perspective cross-sectional view of an example of such a device is shown, illustrating the arrangement of the heat exchanger housing on the storage tank;

[0034] Figure 4 A schematic partial perspective side view of an example heat exchanger housing is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The fluid supply and storage device 1 shown may be a device installed on a vehicle (ship or other vehicle) for storing hydrogen and supplying it to user components such as fuel cells or motors.

[0036] The device 1 includes a double-walled vacuum-insulated cryogenic tank 2 for storing liquefied fluids. The cryogenic tank 2 includes an inner shell 22 that defines the fluid storage volume and an outer shell 32 that surrounds the inner shell 22. A vacuum-insulated gap 42 is provided between the two shells.

[0037] The device 1 has an extraction circuit including an extraction line 3, which is provided with a first end 13 connected upstream to the inner housing 22 (and preferably connected to the upper portion of the inner housing 22) and a second end 23 intended to be connected downstream to a user component.

[0038] The extraction line 3 includes a first heat exchanger 4 located outside the inner shell 22 and a second heat exchanger 5 located inside the inner shell 22.

[0039] The extraction circuit also includes an assembly consisting of one or more valves 6 configured to ensure that the fluid flow circulating from the first end 13 to the second end 23 passes through the first heat exchanger 4 and then the second heat exchanger 5, or only through the first heat exchanger 4.

[0040] In other words, the extraction circuit has a pipeline and a bypass section 75 in which a first heat exchanger 4 and a second heat exchanger 5 are connected in series between a first end 13 and a second end 23, and the bypass section 75 connects the outlet of the first heat exchanger 4 to the second end 23 without passing through the second heat exchanger 5.

[0041] The assembly consisting of one or more valves 6 includes, for example, a three-way valve, one of the three ports of which is connected to the outlet of the first heat exchanger 4, one to the inlet of the second heat exchanger 5, and one to the second end 23 via a bypass portion 75 that bypasses the second heat exchanger 5.

[0042] The bypass portion 75 of the extraction circuit preferably includes a flow limiting member 70, such as a calibration orifice or valve.

[0043] The three-way valve 6 can be proportional (e.g., a portion of the fluid flow is directed to the second heat exchanger 5). Of course, any other type of valve can be envisioned to ensure the path or distribution of fluid flow.

[0044] The inlet of the first heat exchanger 4 (the inlet that receives the fluid flow from the first end 13 of the extraction line 3) is located in the vacuum insulation gap 42 between the two shells.

[0045] This allows the cold interface to be positioned in a vacuum-insulated space.

[0046] Advantageously, at least a portion of the first heat exchanger 4 adjacent to the inlet 40 that receives the fluid flow from the first end 13 of the extraction line 3 is located in a vacuum-insulated gap 42. For example, for this purpose, volume can be provided at one end (e.g., the longitudinal end) of a tank (which can be a vertical or horizontal tank).

[0047] As shown in the figure, the entire first heat exchanger 4 can be accommodated in the wall gap 42.

[0048] For example, the first heat exchanger 4 can be housed in a sealed exchanger housing 15, at least a portion of which is located in a vacuum-insulated gap 42 between the two housings.

[0049] Therefore, housing 15 may include a first inlet 40 for receiving fluid flow from a first end 13 of the loop. The first inlet 40 may be located at the end of housing 15, which is located in a vacuum-insulated gap 42 between the two housings.

[0050] As shown in the figure, the housing 15 may also accommodate the portion of the extraction circuit that connects the second heat exchanger 5 to the second end 23. For this purpose, the housing 15 may have a second inlet 50 for receiving fluid flow from the second heat exchanger 5.

[0051] The second inlet 50 may be located near the first inlet 40 in the vacuum insulation gap 42 between the two shells.

[0052] The extraction circuit may have a third heat exchanger 12 connected in series downstream of the second heat exchanger 5, such that the third heat exchanger 12 receives the flow that has entered the second heat exchanger 5.

[0053] The third heat exchanger 12 is located outside the vacuum insulation gap 42 between the two housings, and in particular at least partially outside the outer housing 32.

[0054] As shown in the figure, the third heat exchanger 12 can also be housed within the housing 15. Alternatively, the third heat exchanger can be located outside the housing, particularly downstream of it.

[0055] In the example shown, the first heat exchanger 4 and the third heat exchanger 12 are housed in the same heat exchanger housing 15, which can be in heat exchange relationship with at least one heat transfer fluid flow 14.

[0056] The housing 15 can be a multi-channel plate heat exchanger (different channels are used for the different exchangers mentioned above).

[0057] As shown in the figure, the device 1 preferably further includes a system for pressurizing the storage tank 2, the system having a pressurization line 8 independent of the extraction circuit, and including two ends respectively connected to the upper and lower portions of the inner shell 22. A vaporization heat exchanger 9 and an assembly consisting of one or more valves 10, 11 are provided for the line 8, the assembly being configured to allow liquid to be extracted from the storage tank 2, heated in the vaporization heat exchanger 9, and reintroduced into the storage tank 2. For example, two valves 10, 11 are located on opposite sides of the vaporization heat exchanger 9.

[0058] Therefore, this auxiliary pressurization system allows for the initial pressurization of the tank, particularly for the startup of the fuel cell 123 connected to the second end 23. This pressurization without using an extraction circuit allows for initial pressurization without consuming fluid (especially when the required pressure is greater than the filling pressure).

[0059] exist Figure 1 In one embodiment, the first heat exchanger 4 is located outside the housing 15, while Figure 2 In one embodiment, the third heat exchanger 12 and the vaporization heat exchanger 9 are housed in the same exchanger housing 15.

[0060] As shown in the figure, the housing 15 can be integrated with the mounting plate 19, which can be fixed to the outer surface of the housing 32. Therefore, in the installed position, the housing 15 can pass through the housing 32 in a sealed manner (the cold inlets 40 and 50 for fluid are located in the vacuum-insulated cold section and the hot outlets 140 and 150 are located outside the tank).

[0061] The control valve and / or safety valve 17 is preferably located downstream of the third heat exchanger 12 at the second end 23 (upstream of the user component 123). Temperature and / or pressure sensors may also be located at the outlet of the heat exchanger 12 (similarly at the first end 13 of the extraction circuit).

[0062] Therefore, the assembly consisting of one or more valves 6 allows gas to be extracted from the storage tank 2, which circulates in the first heat exchanger 4, then in the second heat exchanger 5, and subsequently in the third heat exchanger 12 before reaching the second end 23. Alternatively, the assembly consisting of one or more valves 6 allows gas to be extracted from the storage tank 2, with the gas circulating only in the first heat exchanger 4 before reaching the second end 23.

[0063] As described above, the flow regulation and / or limiting member 70 is preferably disposed in the downstream extraction line 3 between the assembly consisting of one or more valves 6 and the second end 23, i.e., disposed in the bypass section that bypasses the third heat exchanger 12.

[0064] This component 70 allows for the compensation of pressure drop in the second heat exchanger 5, in particular.

[0065] As shown in the figure, preferably, a safety device 18 with a pressure reducing valve is provided at the first end 13 to discharge any possible overpressure from the storage tank 2.

[0066] Possible operating modes of the apparatus for supplying fluid to user component 123 will now be described.

[0067] The three-way valve 6 can be configured to, when the pressure in the storage tank 2 (in the inner shell 22) is less than a predetermined threshold, deliver fluid extracted from the storage tank 2 (and heated in the first heat exchanger 4) to the second heat exchanger 5 (so as to supply heat energy in the storage tank 2 and thus increase its pressure). The fluid is then reheated in the third heat exchanger 12 before being supplied to the user component 123.

[0068] The three-way valve 6 can be configured to, when the pressure in the tank is greater than a predetermined level, allow fluid extracted from the tank 2 (and heated in the first heat exchanger 4) to be delivered toward the user component 123 (preferably via the flow restriction component 70) without passing through the second heat exchanger located in the tank 2.

[0069] In this mode, the liquid and gas phases can maintain thermodynamic equilibrium.

[0070] Therefore, in steady-state operation, the extracted gas in tank 2 originates from the vaporization of the liquid caused by the second heat exchanger 5. Since this gas has already bubbled through the liquid present in the tank, it is in thermodynamic equilibrium with the liquid. Therefore, the pressure in tank 2 is determined by the temperatures of the liquid and gas. This operating mode makes it possible for the liquid and gas in tank 2 to be in thermal equilibrium. In this situation, if the tank is shaken, the mixture of liquid and gas phases will not affect the pressure because they are at the same temperature.

[0071] As shown, an electronic controller 16 (including a microprocessor and / or a computer) may be provided, which is configured to control all or part of the valves of the assembly consisting of one or more valves of the device.

[0072] This extraction of the gaseous phase is more advantageous than that of the liquid phase because it allows for better renewal of the gas phase. Furthermore, it limits the thermal gradient of the phase and thus minimizes the equilibrium deviation between the liquid and vapor phases.

[0073] Therefore, if appropriate, the device can control the pressure in tank 2 by extracting gas and utilizing a loop for internal recirculation of the liquid phase. The device can be mobile, and in particular, can withstand pressure relative to three axes (O). xyz Rotation greater than 5° and acceleration greater than 0.5g along these axes (which could result in liquid / gas mixtures and potentially cause pressure instability in existing devices).

[0074] The device can be installed at a fixed station on a ship, airplane, or truck, or it can be used in a "full for empty" mode.

[0075] The device 1 advantageously has an auxiliary pressurizing heater 9 for initial pressurization of the tank and startup of the battery without extracting fluid (before the aforementioned permanent extraction operation mode).

[0076] Therefore, tank 2 is pressurized by a pressurization system independent of the extraction circuit, so that it is preferably used only to ensure startup.

Claims

1. A fluid supply and storage device, the fluid supply and storage device comprising: Double-walled vacuum-insulated cryogenic tank (2) for storing a liquefied fluid, comprising an inner shell (22) defining a fluid storage volume and an outer shell (32) arranged so as to surround the inner shell (22), with a vacuum-insulated gap (42) between the inner shell and the outer shell; a withdrawal circuit comprising a withdrawal line (3) comprising a first end portion (13) connected to an upstream upper portion of the inner shell (22) and a second end portion (23) intended to be connected to a user member, the withdrawal line (3) comprising a heated first heat exchanger (4) located outside the inner shell (22) and a heated second heat exchanger (5) located inside the inner shell (22), the withdrawal circuit comprising an assembly of one or more valves (6) configured to ensure the passage of a fluid flow circulating from the first end portion (13) to the second end portion (23) during its passage into the first heat exchanger (4) and then into the second heat exchanger (5), or during its passage into the first heat exchanger (4) without passing into the second heat exchanger (5), characterized in that the inlet of the first heat exchanger (4) receiving the fluid flow from the first end portion (13) of the withdrawal line (3) is located in the vacuum-insulated gap (42) between the inner shell and the outer shell.

2. The fluid supply and reservoir device of claim 1, wherein, The portion of the first heat exchanger (4) at least adjacent to the inlet (40) receiving the fluid flow from the first end portion (13) of the withdrawal line (3) is located in the vacuum-insulated gap (42) between the inner shell and the outer shell.

3. The fluid supply and reservoir device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first heat exchanger (4) is housed in an exchanger housing (15), at least a portion of which is located in the vacuum-insulated gap (42) between the inner shell and the outer shell.

4. The fluid supply and reservoir apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The exchanger housing (15) comprises a first inlet (40) receiving the fluid flow from the first end portion (13) of the withdrawal circuit, the first inlet (40) being located in the vacuum-insulated gap (42) between the inner shell and the outer shell.

5. The fluid supply and reservoir apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The exchanger housing (15) houses the portion of the withdrawal circuit connecting the second heat exchanger (5) to the second end portion (23), the exchanger housing (15) comprising a second inlet (50) receiving the fluid flow from the second heat exchanger (5), the second inlet (50) being located in the vacuum-insulated gap (42) between the inner shell and the outer shell.

6. The fluid supply and reservoir apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The withdrawal circuit has a third heat exchanger (12) arranged in series downstream of the second heat exchanger (5) so that the third heat exchanger (12) receives a fluid flow that has passed into the second heat exchanger (5).

7. The fluid supply and reservoir apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The third heat exchanger (12) is located outside the vacuum-insulated gap (42) between the inner shell and the outer shell.

8. The fluid supply and reservoir apparatus of claim 7, wherein, The third heat exchanger (12) is at least partially located outside the outer shell (32).

9. The fluid supply and reservoir apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, The first heat exchanger (4) and the third heat exchanger (12) are housed in the same exchanger shell (15) in heat exchange relationship with at least one flow of heat transfer fluid (14).

10. The fluid supply and reservoir apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, The assembly of one or more valves (6) comprises a three-way valve having a port connected to the outlet of the first heat exchanger (4), a port connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger (5) and a port connected to the second end (23) of the extraction line via a portion (75) of the extraction circuit forming a bypass of the third heat exchanger (12).

11. The fluid supply and reservoir apparatus of claim 10, wherein, The portion (75) of the extraction circuit forming a bypass of the third heat exchanger (12) comprises a flow restriction member (70).

12. The fluid supply and reservoir apparatus of claim 11, wherein, The flow restriction member is a calibrated orifice.

13. The fluid supply and reservoir apparatus of any one of claims 6, 7, 8, 11, and 12, wherein, The fluid supply and storage device (1) also comprises a system for pressurizing the tank (2), the system comprising a pressurization line (8) independent of the extraction circuit, the pressurization line comprising two ends connected respectively to an upper portion and a lower portion of the inner casing (22), a gasification heat exchanger (9) and an assembly of one or more valves (10, 11) configured to allow liquid to be extracted from the tank (2), heated in the gasification heat exchanger (9) and reintroduced into the tank (2).

14. The fluid supply and reservoir apparatus of claim 13, wherein, The first heat exchanger (4), the third heat exchanger (12) and the gasification heat exchanger (9) are housed in the same exchanger shell (15).

15. The fluid supply and reservoir apparatus of any one of claims 1, 2, 4-8, 11, 12, and 14, wherein, It has an electronic controller (16) configured to control the valves of all or part of the assembly of one or more valves (6) of the fluid supply and storage device.

16. The fluid supply and reservoir apparatus of any one of claims 1, 2, 4-8, 11, 12, and 14, wherein, It comprises a fuel cell or a motor connected at the downstream second end (23).

17. The fluid supply and reservoir apparatus of any one of claims 1, 2, 4-8, 11, 12, and 14, wherein, The fluid supply and storage device is a device for storing and supplying hydrogen to a user member on board a vehicle.

18. A vehicle comprising a fluid supply and storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein, The vehicle is a boat.

20. A method of supplying fluid to a user member (123) by means of a fluid supply and storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 17 or a vehicle according to claim 18 or 19, wherein, The user member (123) is connected to the second end (23) of the extraction circuit, the method comprising a fluid supply step of supplying fluid from the tank (2) to the user member (123) by extracting liquefied fluid from the tank via the extraction line (3), the method being characterized in that, before the fluid supply step, if the pressure inside the tank (2) is less than a determined threshold, the method comprises a step of pressurizing the tank (2) to a determined pressure level via the system for pressurizing the tank (2). The first heat exchanger (4) and the third heat exchanger (12) are housed in the same exchanger shell (15) in heat exchange relationship with at least one flow of heat transfer fluid (14). The assembly of one or more valves (6) comprises a three-way valve having a port connected to the outlet of the first heat exchanger (4), a port connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger (5) and a port connected to the second end (23) of the extraction line via a portion (75) of the extraction circuit forming a bypass of the third heat exchanger (12). The portion (75) of the extraction circuit forming a bypass of the third heat exchanger (12) comprises a flow restriction member (70). The flow restriction member is a calibrated orifice. The fluid supply and storage device (1) also comprises a system for pressurizing the tank (2), the system comprising a pressurization line (8) independent of the extraction circuit, the pressurization line comprising two ends connected respectively to an upper portion and a lower portion of the inner casing (22), a gasification heat exchanger (9) and an assembly of one or more valves (10, 11) configured to allow liquid to be extracted from the tank (2), heated in the gasification heat exchanger (9) and reintroduced into the tank (2). The first heat exchanger (4), the third heat exchanger (12) and the gasIFICATION heat exchanger (9) are housed in the same exchanger shell (15). It has

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