Device and method for filling pressurized gas cylinders

Abstract

A device for filling pressurized gas tanks, in particular hydrogen tanks, of vehicles, comprising a fluid transfer circuit, the upstream end of which is connected to a plurality of sources (2-10) of pressurized fluid and the downstream end of which comprises at least one distributor (11, 12, 13) intended to be connected to the tanks to be filled, the sources (2-10) being connected in parallel to the at least one distributor (11, 12, 13), each source (2-10) comprising a fluid outlet connected to a respective outlet valve (22-30), the sources (2-10) being connected in parallel to respective transfer lines (35-37) in different subgroups, i.e. all the sources of a same subgroup being connected in parallel to a dedicated transfer line (35-37), each of several subgroups, preferably all the source subgroups, comprising a plurality of sources, the transfer lines (35-37) being connected in parallel to the at least one distributor (11, 12, 13) and each comprising a respective transfer valve (32-34), the at least one distributor (11, 12, 13) comprising a set of control valves, the at least one distributor (11, 12, 13) and the set of control valves thereof being sized to transfer a predetermined maximum filling gas flow, the outlet valves (22-30), the transfer lines (35-37) and the transfer valves (32-34) being sized to transfer a maximum transfer gas flow that is less than the maximum filling gas flow, the sum of the maximum transfer gas flows provided by the plurality of outlet valves (22-30) and the plurality of transfer lines (35-37) being greater than or equal to the maximum filling gas flow.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for filling pressurized gas tanks.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for filling pressurized gas tanks, in particular hydrogen tanks, of vehicles, comprising a fluid transfer circuit, the upstream end of which is connected to a plurality of pressurized fluid sources and the downstream end of which comprises at least one distributor intended to be connected to the tanks to be filled, these sources being connected in parallel to the at least one distributor. BACKGROUND

[0003] High-pressure hydrogen storage vehicles are used to supply various filling stations. In order to supply the stations under optimal conditions, the storage units in these vehicles can be evacuated using a cascade principle.

[0004] The known solutions ensure the filling of the tanks from pressurized gas sources by controlling the gas transfer speed and the load losses acting in the circuit. This can be achieved using a number of valves connected in parallel in order to adjust the flow rate.

[0005] In certain cases, the transfer flow rate must be very high, while the equipment available on the market does not allow to provide a circuit compatible with these flow rates.

[0006] The aim of the present invention is to overcome all or some of the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above. SUMMARY

[0007] To this end, the essential characteristics of the device according to the invention, which also complies, in other respects, with the general definition given in the preamble, are that each source comprises a fluid outlet connected to a respective outlet valve, that the sources are connected in parallel to respective transfer lines in different subgroups, i.e. all the sources of the same subgroup are connected in parallel to a dedicated transfer line, that each of several subgroups, preferably all the source subgroups, comprises a plurality of sources, that the transfer lines are connected in parallel to the at least one distributor and each comprise a respective transfer valve, that the at least one distributor comprises a set of control valves, that the at least one distributor and its set of control valves are sized to transfer a predetermined maximum filling gas flow rate, that the outlet valves, the transfer lines and the transfer valves are sized to transfer a maximum transfer gas flow rate less than the maximum filling gas flow rate, and that the sum of the maximum transfer gas flow rates provided by the plurality of outlet valves and the plurality of transfer lines is greater than or equal to the maximum filling gas flow rate.

[0008] Furthermore, the embodiments of the invention can have one or more of the following characteristics:

[0009] - the source subgroups each comprise two, three or more than three sources connected in parallel to a dedicated transfer line,

[0010] - the device comprises two, three or more than three subgroups of sources,

[0011] - the flow coefficient of the set of control valves of the at least one distributor is between 3 and 6, preferably equal to 4.5, the flow coefficient of each outlet valve and of the valves of the transfer lines is between one and two, preferably equal to 1.5,

[0012] - the device comprises a plurality of distributors connected in parallel to the transfer lines via separate lines, allowing simultaneous transfer of gas to the distributors from the same or different sources and at the same or different pressures or flow rates,

[0013] - at least some of the valves are controlled valves, the device comprising electronic elements for data storage and processing configured to control said controlled valves,

[0014] - the electronic elements for data storage and processing are configured to control the opening and closing of the valves by using the cascade principle for successive pressure equalization adjustments between the sources and the tank to be filled, in order to fill the tank connected to the at least one distributor,

[0015] - the electronic elements for data storage and processing are configured to use the cascade principle for successive pressure equalization adjustments between the sources and the tank to be filled, wherein the sources belong to the same subgroup or are sources belonging to different subgroups,

[0016] - the electronic elements for data storage and processing are configured to transfer to the tank a predetermined reference gas flow greater than the maximum transfer gas flow of each outlet valve and of each transfer line, by simultaneous pressure equalization adjustments between a plurality of sources and the tank,

[0017] - the electronic elements for data storage and processing are configured to perform simultaneous pressure equalization adjustments between a plurality of sources belonging to different subgroups on one side and the tank on the other side.

[0018] The invention also relates to a method for filling at least one pressurized gas tank, in particular at least one hydrogen tank, of a vehicle using a device having any of the features described above or below, the method comprising pressure equalization adjustments between the sources and the tank to be filled.

[0019] According to other possible specific features:

[0020] - the method comprises a step of delivering to the at least one tank a predetermined reference gas flow rate, greater than the maximum delivered gas flow rate for each outlet valve and each delivery line, said reference gas flow rate being obtained by the cumulation of the gas flow rates simultaneously provided by a plurality of sources belonging to the same or different subgroups,

[0021] - the method comprises a step of delivering to the at least one tank a predetermined reference gas flow rate, greater than the maximum delivered gas flow rate for each outlet valve and each delivery line, said reference gas flow rate being obtained by the cumulation of the gas flow rates simultaneously provided by two, three or more than three sources belonging to the same or different subgroups.

[0022] The present application can also relate to any alternative means or method comprising any combination of the above or below features within the scope of the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] Further specific features and advantages will become apparent on reading the description given below, with reference to the drawings in which:

[0024] [ Figure 1 ] shows a schematic partial view illustrating the structure and operation of a filling device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the application,

[0025] [ Figure 2 ] shows a schematic partial view illustrating the structure and operation of a filling device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The device 1 for filling pressurized gas tanks illustrated comprises a fluid delivery circuit, the upstream end of which is connected to a plurality of sources 2 to 10 of pressurized fluid. These sources 2 to 10 can comprise, for example, high-pressure gas storage units (for example between 150 and 1000 bars). In particular, these storage units can be mobile, for example installed on the same semi-trailer or on different semi-trailers.

[0027] The circuit comprises at least one dispenser intended to be connected to the tanks to be filled, for example via a nozzle on a quick-release coupling. In the example illustrated, the device comprises two dispensers 11, 12, one of which 12 is symbolically depicted in dotted lines. It is also conceivable to have a single dispenser (or more than two, in particular three). Figure 1 The dispensers 11, 12 can comprise at least one of the following: a shutter or valve 15, a pressure release valve and / or a flow regulator 105, a quick-release coupling.

[0028] Sources 2 to 10 are connected in parallel to dispensers 11, 12, 13 via suitable pipes. Each source 2 to 10 comprises a fluid outlet connected to at least one respective outlet valve 22 to 30. It should be noted that, for simplicity, the orifice of each source and the associated valve of this source are hereinafter denoted by the adjective "outlet". Obviously, this outlet orifice and this associated outlet valve can be used to admit fluid when the source must be refilled, if necessary, in particular if the source does not have a distinct filling orifice.

[0029] Sources 2 to 10 are connected in parallel to respective transfer lines 35 to 37 in different subgroups. In other words, all the sources of the same subgroup are connected in parallel to a dedicated transfer line 35 to 37. Preferably, the source subgroups are each constituted by a plurality of sources. In these non-limiting examples, the device comprises nine sources, which are divided into three subgroups, which are respectively connected to three transfer lines 35 to 37. Of course, the device 1 can comprise more or less than nine sources, which are divided into more or less subgroups.

[0030] Further downstream (in the direction of dispensers 11, 12), transfer lines 35 to 37 are connected in parallel to dispensers 11, 12, 13.

[0031] As illustrated, preferably, each transfer line 35 to 37 comprises at least one respective transfer valve 32 to 34. Further downstream, dispensers 11, 12, 13 can comprise a set of control valves, for example at least one fluid element among: a valve (preferably a controlled valve), a flow and / or pressure regulator, a flexible portion, a quick release coupling, a nozzle.

[0032] The dimensions of dispensers 11, 12, 13 and of the associated elements ((plural) valves, etc.) are determined to allow a predetermined maximum filling gas flow rate, which can be a relatively high flow rate, for example of the order of 1000 kg / h (whereas for the transfer lines, the flow rate can be of the order of a half or a tenth, in particular of the order of a fifth, of this value).

[0033] This can be necessary in particular for transferring relatively large flow rates into high-capacity tanks, in particular tanks of trucks or trains.

[0034] Preferably, all or part of the circuit upstream of dispensers 11, 12, 13 is dimensioned to transfer a maximum transfer gas flow rate which is less than this maximum filling gas flow rate. In other words, outlet valves 22 to 30, transfer lines 35 to 37 and respective transfer valves 32 to 34 (and the pipes connecting the outlet valves to the transfer lines) can be slightly smaller in size, since the maximum transfer gas flow rate is less than the maximum filling gas flow rate.

[0035] However, the sum of the several maximum delivered gas flows supplied through the several outlet valves 22-30 and the several delivery lines 35-37 is configured to be greater than or equal to the maximum filling gas flow. In other words, to achieve this, the maximum filling gas flow can be achieved using several sources and corresponding delivery lines simultaneously.

[0036] Therefore, by associating the sources 2-10 and combining them when necessary, it is possible to supply relatively large flows while supplying relatively small flows for the dispensers 11, 12, 13, without having to size the entire circuit for the second case (larger flow). This reduces the cost and constraints of producing the circuit, without limiting the possible applications. For example, the diameters or flow coefficients (Cv) of the upstream pipes, lines and valves can be 1.5, instead of valves or pipes with larger diameters or flow coefficients Cv of 4.5 (these larger sizes are reserved for the dispensers 11, 12, 13).

[0037] In particular, this allows the use of smaller lines, pipes, hoses and valves.

[0038] Said predetermined maximum gas flow can be defined by at least one of the following: the gas passage diameter (section), the flow-through coefficient (Cv) in the defined part of the circuit, or any other flow-limiting element.

[0039] Therefore, all other conditions being equal (pressure, speed, etc.), said maximum flow can be defined by the internal diameter of the dispensers, valves and / or line(s) mentioned above.

[0040] For example, in the case of three dispensers (hoses) with a maximum speed of 100 m / s in the pipe, a supply pressure of 635 bar and an internal diameter of 10 mm, it is theoretically possible to obtain a flow of around 3500 Nm3 / h for each hose or a total of around 11,000 Nm3 / h (three hoses) alone.

[0041] A conventional installation (single hose) would require a hose with an internal diameter of 17.5 mm to obtain the same flow as assumed.

[0042] However, this is a non-limiting example. In fact, the benefits would even be greater using larger diameter hoses (for example, three hoses with a diameter of 12 mm, equivalent to a diameter of 21 mm, thus allowing 3 x 5000 Nm3 / h delivery), since this is measured in passage section and therefore increases proportionally to the square of the diameter.

[0043] Of course, in addition to this non-limiting example, two, four or any number of dispensers (hoses) can be provided.

[0044] To supply high flow rates (e.g., maximum filling gas flow rates), gas can be supplied simultaneously from two, three, or more than three sources belonging to, for example, three subgroups. For example, depending on the pressure in the sources, first sources 2, 5, and 8 (in top-to-bottom order in the attached diagram) can be used simultaneously to provide a larger flow rate. Alternatively, second sources 3, 6, and 9 (or the last three sources 4, 7, and 10) of the three subgroups can be associated simultaneously.

[0045] To increase lower traffic volumes, alternative sources can be considered, depending on the required downstream traffic and the pressure in the source.

[0046] All possible combinations can be considered.

[0047] This device allows for the transfer of a large volume of gas between the source and the distributor used to fill the downstream tank as quickly as possible.

[0048] Sources 2 through 10 can be used sequentially with increasing pressure to always maximize the pressure difference between the source used and the tank to be filled.

[0049] The grouping of sources used depends on the pressure in each of these sources. Therefore, while the transfer is being carried out, the generation of cryogenic temperatures in one of the sections under the Joule-Thomson effect is limited (a large pumping flow rate is accompanied by a large pressure change in the section, resulting in cryogenic temperatures).

[0050] Preferably, when the device 1 includes a plurality of distributors 11, 12, 13, these distributors (where appropriate, via parallel pipes) are connected in parallel to delivery lines 35 to 37 so as to allow simultaneous and differentiated supply to the plurality of distributors 11, 12, 13, possibly at different pressure levels.

[0051] Therefore, depending on the pressure in the source, the subgroups can be rearranged by associating different subgroup sources. These rearranged subgroups (e.g., consisting of three sources)

[0052] Preferably, all or some of the valves are controlled valves, wherein the device 1 may include or be associated with an electronic component 14 (including a calculator, computer, or microprocessor) for data storage and processing, the electronic component being configured to control the controlled valves.

[0053] Specifically, this electronic component 14 can be configured to control the opening and closing of the valve by continuously adjusting the optimal pressure balance between the source and the tank to be filled using a cascading principle, so as to fill the tank connected to at least one dispenser 11, 12, 13.

[0054] like Figure 2As shown, at least one source in each subgroup may be provided with a line 122 that bypasses the outlet valve and includes a valve and a flow restrictor. This allows the downstream pressure to gradually increase when the pressure difference between this source and the downstream is too large.

[0055] Furthermore, transfer lines 35 to 37 can be connected in parallel to the common balancing pipe 16 via corresponding check valves. Connecting lines 17, 18, and 19 can also be connected in parallel to this balancing pipe 16. These connecting lines 17, 18, and 19 can be equipped with baffles, valves, restrictors, or pressure relief devices upstream of the connecting joints. This allows for the performance of gas analysis, pressure reduction, and pipeline purging functions.

[0056] As shown, connectors 135, 136, and 137 can be located at the end of each of the delivery lines 35 to 37 for connection to distributors 11, 12, and 13 (e.g., individually or in parallel, such as...). Figure 1 (same as in the embodiments).

Claims

1. An apparatus for filling a pressurized gas tank, the apparatus comprising a fluid transfer circuit, an upstream end of which is connected to a plurality of sources of pressurized fluid and a downstream end of which includes at least one distributor (11, 12, 13) intended to be connected to the tank to be filled, the sources being connected in parallel to the at least one distributor (11, 12, 13), each source including a fluid outlet connected to a corresponding outlet valve, the sources being connected in parallel to a corresponding transfer line in different subgroups, i.e., all sources in the same subgroup being connected in parallel to a dedicated transfer line, each subgroup comprising a plurality of sources. These transfer lines are connected in parallel to the at least one distributor (11, 12, 13) and each includes a corresponding transfer valve. The at least one distributor (11, 12, 13) includes a set of control valves. The dimensions of the at least one distributor (11, 12, 13) and its set of control valves are determined to transfer a predetermined maximum filling gas flow rate. The dimensions of the outlet valves, the transfer lines, and the transfer valves are determined to transfer a maximum transfer gas flow rate less than the maximum filling gas flow rate. The sum of the multiple maximum transfer gas flow rates provided by the multiple outlet valves and the multiple transfer lines is greater than or equal to the maximum filling gas flow rate.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The pressurized gas tank is the vehicle's hydrogen tank.

3. The apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of all subgroups includes multiple sources.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The maximum filling gas flow rate and the maximum transfer gas flow rate are limited by at least one of the following: gas passage diameter and flow coefficient (Cv).

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Each of these subgroups comprises two, three, or more sources, which are connected in parallel to a dedicated delivery pipeline.

6. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The device comprises two, three, or more than three subgroups.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The flow coefficient of the control valves of the at least one distributor (11, 12, 13) is between three and six, and the flow coefficient of each outlet valve and these transfer valves is between one and two.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The flow coefficient of the control valve group of at least one distributor is equal to 4.

5.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The flow coefficient of each outlet valve and these transfer valves is equal to 1.

5.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The device includes multiple distributors (11, 12, 13) connected in parallel to the delivery line via separate lines, thereby allowing gas to be delivered to these distributors simultaneously from the same or different sources and at the same or different pressures or flow rates.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, At least some of these valves are controlled valves, and the device (1) includes electronic components (14) for data storage and processing, which are configured to control the controlled valves.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The electronic component (14) for data storage and processing is configured to control the opening and closing of the valves by using a cascading principle to continuously adjust the pressure balance between the sources and the tank to be filled, so as to fill the tank connected to the at least one distributor (11, 12, 13).

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that, The electronic component (14) for data storage and processing is configured to deliver a predetermined reference gas flow rate to the tank by simultaneously adjusting the pressure balance between multiple sources and the tank, the predetermined reference gas flow rate being greater than the maximum delivery gas flow rate of each outlet valve and each delivery line.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, The electronic component (14) used for data storage and processing is configured to perform simultaneous pressure balancing between multiple sources belonging to different subgroups on one side and the tank on the other side.

15. A method for filling at least one pressurized gas tank using the apparatus (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The method includes pressure balancing adjustments between these sources and the tanks to be filled.

16. The method as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The pressurized gas tank is the vehicle's hydrogen tank.

17. The method as described in claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The method includes the step of delivering a predetermined reference gas flow rate to the at least one pressurized gas tank, the predetermined reference gas flow rate being greater than the maximum delivery gas flow rate of each outlet valve and each delivery line, the reference gas flow rate being obtained by accumulating the gas flow rates simultaneously provided by multiple sources belonging to the same or different subgroups.

18. The method as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The reference gas flow rate is obtained by accumulating the gas flow rates simultaneously provided by two, three, or more sources belonging to the same or different subgroups.

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