Hydrogen pressurized storage integrated gas storage and gas extraction method and hydrogenation station system

Abstract

This invention relates to a hydrogen pressurization and storage integrated gas storage and extraction method and a hydrogen refueling station system. The method includes the following steps: receiving transmitted hydrogen gas using a hydrogen storage container, and sealing the gas inlet of the hydrogen storage container after reaching equilibrium; continuously pumping ionic liquid into the hydrogen storage container until the internal hydrogen pressure reaches a set hydrogen storage pressure value, which has multiple pressure levels; when hydrogen needs to be added externally, a low-pressure hydrogen storage container is preferentially selected as the gas source, and ionic liquid is simultaneously pumped into the hydrogen storage container during the extraction process to maintain a constant internal hydrogen pressure; when a pressure switching point is reached, the gas source is automatically switched to a hydrogen storage container of another pressure level until hydrogen refueling is completed. Compared with the prior art, this invention has advantages such as improved hydrogen storage safety and guaranteed hydrogen refueling efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of hydrogen refueling station technology, and in particular relates to an integrated hydrogen pressurization and storage method and hydrogen refueling station system. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen energy has gained widespread attention worldwide as a clean, efficient, and pollution-free alternative energy source. Consequently, countries around the world are vigorously developing hydrogen energy-related technologies. Fuel cell vehicles are an important way to utilize hydrogen energy, and hydrogen refueling stations are an important infrastructure for the promotion and development of fuel cell vehicles.

[0003] Currently, hydrogen refueling stations mainly use a long-tube trailer for hydrogen supply and an on-site compressor for hydrogen storage. This technology is relatively mature, and hydrogen pressurization, storage, and refueling are convenient. However, it has the following problems: 1. The hydrogen in the trailer needs to be compressed by the compressor before entering the high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder group. Due to the limitations of the intake pressure range of traditional diaphragm and liquid-driven pumps, the hydrogen in the trailer cannot be fully unloaded and utilized. 2. Hydrogen refueling relies on the pressure difference between the on-site hydrogen storage container and the vehicle being refueled. This requires the hydrogen storage pressure in the on-site hydrogen storage container to be higher than the actual hydrogen storage pressure in the vehicle's cylinder. For example, in a 35MPa hydrogen refueling station, the hydrogen storage pressure in the on-site hydrogen storage container is 45MPa, resulting in high energy consumption and high equipment investment costs during the pressurization and storage process. 3. The high hydrogen storage pressure and the large pressure difference between it and the initial hydrogen refueling pressure in the vehicle's cylinder pose safety hazards during hydrogen storage and refueling.

[0004] With the rapid increase in the number of hydrogen refueling stations, while accelerating the construction of hydrogen refueling station infrastructure, it is also necessary to continuously develop efficient, energy-saving, and highly safe hydrogen refueling station-related technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the problems of poor hydrogen storage capacity, high energy consumption of hydrogen compression, and poor safety of high-pressure hydrogen storage and refueling in the existing hydrogen refueling station technology, and to provide a hydrogen pressurization and storage integrated gas storage and extraction method and hydrogen refueling station system.

[0006] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0007] A method for integrating hydrogen pressurization and storage with gas extraction includes the following steps:

[0008] The hydrogen storage container receives the transmitted hydrogen gas, and after reaching equilibrium, the hydrogen storage container is sealed.

[0009] Ionic liquid is continuously pumped into the hydrogen storage container until the hydrogen pressure inside the hydrogen storage container reaches the hydrogen storage pressure set value, which has multiple pressure levels.

[0010] When hydrogen needs to be added externally, a low-pressure hydrogen storage container is preferred as the gas source. During the gas extraction process, ionic liquid is pumped into the hydrogen storage container to maintain a constant internal hydrogen pressure.

[0011] When the pressure switching point is reached, the gas source is automatically switched to a hydrogen storage container of another pressure level until hydrogen refueling is completed.

[0012] Furthermore, the method also includes pre-cooling the externally injected hydrogen gas.

[0013] Furthermore, the transmitted hydrogen is delivered via a forward pipeline or supplied by a long-tube trailer.

[0014] Furthermore, when the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage container is exhausted, the ionic liquid in the hydrogen storage container is extracted.

[0015] This invention also provides an integrated hydrogen pressurization and storage hydrogen refueling station system, including an electrical control subsystem, a hydrogen storage and pressure regulation subsystem, and a hydrogen intake and refueling subsystem. The electrical control subsystem is connected to both the hydrogen storage and pressure regulation subsystem and the hydrogen intake and refueling subsystem.

[0016] The hydrogen storage pressure regulating subsystem includes a hydrogen storage container, an ion liquid tank, and a high-pressure plunger pump. The outlet of the ion liquid tank is connected to the hydrogen storage container via the high-pressure plunger pump, and the inlet is directly connected to the hydrogen storage container. When storing the transmitted hydrogen, the hydrogen storage container receives the hydrogen. After reaching equilibrium, the electrical control subsystem controls the hydrogen storage container to close the gas inlet. The electrical control subsystem also controls the high-pressure plunger pump to continuously draw ion liquid from the ion liquid tank and pump it into the hydrogen storage container until the hydrogen pressure inside the hydrogen storage container reaches the set hydrogen storage pressure value. The set hydrogen storage pressure value has multiple pressure levels.

[0017] The gas extraction and refueling subsystem includes a sequential control valve group and a hydrogen refueling machine. The hydrogen refueling machine is connected to the hydrogen storage container through the sequential control valve group. During gas extraction, the electrical control subsystem controls the sequential control valve group to preferentially select the low-pressure hydrogen storage container as the gas source. During the gas extraction process, ionic liquid is simultaneously pumped into the hydrogen storage container to maintain a constant internal hydrogen pressure. When the pressure switching point is reached, the sequential control valve group automatically switches the gas source to a hydrogen storage container of other pressure levels until hydrogen refueling is completed.

[0018] Furthermore, the electrical control subsystem includes a control host with a human-machine interface.

[0019] Furthermore, the hydrogen storage and pressure regulation subsystem is connected to the preceding hydrogen delivery pipeline or a long-tube trailer.

[0020] Furthermore, at least three hydrogen storage containers are provided, and each hydrogen storage container is independently connected to a corresponding ion liquid tank and a high-pressure plunger pump.

[0021] Furthermore, the system also includes a data acquisition subsystem, which includes at least a level acquisition device for acquiring high liquid level signals inside the hydrogen storage container and a pressure sensor for acquiring internal pressure inside the hydrogen storage container. The level acquisition device and the pressure sensor are respectively connected to the electrical control subsystem.

[0022] Furthermore, the system also includes a cooling subsystem comprising a chiller and a heat exchanger connected together, the heat exchanger being installed between the sequential control valve assembly and the hydrogen dispenser.

[0023] Compared with existing technologies, this invention adopts a method that integrates hydrogen storage and pressurization to reduce the compression cost of high-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage in existing hydrogen refueling station systems, and improves problems such as high overall station energy consumption, poor hydrogen storage and refueling safety, and low hydrogen unloading rate. It has the following beneficial effects:

[0024] 1. This invention utilizes a hydrogen storage container to store hydrogen and introduces ionic liquid compression technology to pressurize the hydrogen online within the storage container, ensuring that the maximum hydrogen storage pressure does not exceed the pressure required by the vehicle being refueled. This improves the safety of hydrogen storage, reduces investment in high-pressure hydrogen storage equipment and high-pressure compression energy consumption, and addresses the high cost and high energy consumption issues associated with hydrogen compression in traditional hydrogen refueling stations.

[0025] 2. In this invention, as the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage container is consumed, the pressure in the hydrogen storage container is very low after the ionic liquid is extracted. The hydrogen supplied by the pipeline or long tube trailer is directly pushed into the hydrogen storage container by pressure, which is used to improve the problems of low unloading rate and high unloading energy consumption of tube bundle vehicles in traditional hydrogen refueling stations.

[0026] 3. In this invention, the pressurization pressure of the hydrogen storage container is set in a stepped distribution to reduce the hydrogen storage pressure and the pressure difference between it and the hydrogen addition pressure, thereby improving the safety of hydrogen storage and addition. Each stage of the hydrogen storage container is designed to supply hydrogen at a constant pressure, ensuring hydrogen addition efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the hydrogen refueling station system in the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. These embodiments are based on the technical solution of the present invention and provide detailed implementation methods and specific operating procedures. However, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0030] Example 1

[0031] This embodiment provides a hydrogen storage and extraction method integrating pressurization and storage, comprising the following steps: receiving transmitted hydrogen in a hydrogen storage container, sealing the container after equilibrium is reached; the transmitted hydrogen can be supplied via a pipeline or a long-tube trailer; continuously pumping ionic liquid into the hydrogen storage container until the internal hydrogen pressure reaches a set hydrogen storage pressure value, which has multiple pressure levels; when hydrogen needs to be added externally, a low-pressure hydrogen storage container is preferentially selected as the gas source, and ionic liquid is simultaneously pumped into the storage container during extraction to maintain a constant internal hydrogen pressure; when a pressure switching point is reached, the gas source is automatically switched to a hydrogen storage container of another pressure level until hydrogen addition is complete; when the hydrogen in the storage container is depleted, the ionic liquid is extracted from the container. The above process is repeated for subsequent hydrogen storage and pressurization.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the hydrogen gas being injected is pre-cooled.

[0033] Currently, hydrogen refueling stations largely rely on hydrogen compressors to mechanically compress hydrogen before storing it in storage containers. The aforementioned method, leveraging the extremely low vapor pressure of ionic liquids and their non-contamination properties upon contact with hydrogen, pumps high-pressure ionic liquid into the storage containers to provide real-time online pressurization of the hydrogen. This saves on equipment costs and reduces energy consumption. Traditional hydrogen refueling stations use storage pressures far exceeding the refueling pressure, causing rapid temperature rise in the vehicle's gas cylinders during initial refueling, posing a safety hazard. To address this, the method incorporates multiple stepped pressure settings for hydrogen storage, storing hydrogen in containers at various pressure levels. This reduces the amount of high-pressure hydrogen stored, improving storage safety, and minimizes the pressure difference between the storage and refueling pressures, further enhancing refueling safety. It also reduces energy waste, avoiding the investment and energy waste associated with high-pressure storage equipment exceeding normal operating pressures. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for additional equipment and energy consumption to unload hydrogen from the vehicle to a lower pressure.

[0034] The above method adopts an integrated approach of hydrogen storage and pressurization to reduce the compression cost of high-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage in existing hydrogen refueling station systems, and improve problems such as high energy consumption, poor safety of hydrogen storage and refueling, and low hydrogen unloading rate.

[0035] Example 2

[0036] This embodiment provides an integrated hydrogen pressurization and storage hydrogen refueling station system, referenced... Figure 1 As shown, it includes an electrical control subsystem 10, a hydrogen storage and pressure regulation subsystem 4, and a gas extraction and refueling subsystem. The electrical control subsystem is connected to the hydrogen storage and pressure regulation subsystem and the gas extraction and refueling subsystem, respectively.

[0037] The electrical control subsystem 10 includes a control host with a human-machine interface, which realizes automatic control of the equipment of the whole station, safety supervision and emergency response and handling, and different operation modes can be selected through the human-machine interface;

[0038] The hydrogen storage and pressure regulation subsystem 4 is used to store and pressurize hydrogen through ionic liquid. The hydrogen can be delivered by a front pipeline or supplied by a long tube trailer.

[0039] The gas intake and refueling subsystem is used to deliver hydrogen in stages.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the hydrogen storage pressure regulating subsystem 4 includes a hydrogen storage container, an ion liquid tank, and a high-pressure plunger pump. The outlet of the ion liquid tank is connected to the hydrogen storage container via the high-pressure plunger pump, and the inlet is directly connected to the hydrogen storage container. When storing the transmitted hydrogen, the hydrogen storage container receives the hydrogen. After reaching equilibrium, the electrical control subsystem controls the hydrogen storage container to close its inlet. The electrical control subsystem also controls the high-pressure plunger pump to continuously draw ion liquid from the ion liquid tank and pump it into the hydrogen storage container until the hydrogen pressure inside the storage container reaches the set hydrogen storage pressure value. The set hydrogen storage pressure value has multiple pressure levels. There are at least three hydrogen storage containers, each independently connected to a corresponding ion liquid tank and a high-pressure plunger pump. The pressure of each hydrogen storage container is set in a stepped manner.

[0041] This embodiment is applied to a 35MPa hydrogen refueling station, equipped with three hydrogen storage containers. The maximum hydrogen storage pressures are 35MPa, 25MPa, and 15MPa, respectively, while the minimum pressure inside each container is 1MPa or even lower. This reduces the amount of high-pressure hydrogen stored, improving hydrogen storage safety. It also reduces the pressure difference between the storage and refueling pressures, further enhancing refueling safety and minimizing energy waste. It avoids the investment and energy waste associated with high-pressure hydrogen storage equipment exceeding 35MPa, and eliminates the need for additional equipment and energy consumption to unload hydrogen from the tube bundle vehicle to a lower pressure. Figure 2 As shown, the hydrogen storage pressure regulating subsystem 4 in this embodiment includes a 35MPa hydrogen storage container 41, a 25MPa hydrogen storage container 42, a 15MPa hydrogen storage container 43, a high-pressure plunger pump 44, a high-pressure plunger pump 45, a high-pressure plunger pump 46, an ion liquid tank 47, an ion liquid tank 48, and an ion liquid tank 49.

[0042] The gas extraction and refueling subsystem includes a sequential control valve group 5 and a hydrogen refueling machine 7. The hydrogen refueling machine 7 is connected to the hydrogen storage container through the sequential control valve group. When extracting gas, if a fuel cell vehicle needs to refuel with hydrogen, the electrical control subsystem 10 controls the sequential control valve group 5 to prioritize the low-pressure hydrogen storage container as the gas source. During the gas extraction process, ionic liquid is simultaneously pumped into the hydrogen storage container to maintain a constant internal hydrogen pressure. When the pressure switching point is reached, the sequential control valve group 5 automatically switches the gas source to a hydrogen storage container of other pressure levels until the hydrogen refueling is completed.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the forward hydrogen supply pipeline 1 is connected to the inlet of the hydrogen storage and pressure regulating subsystem 4 via a pipeline. The outlet of the hydrogen storage and pressure regulating subsystem 4 is connected to the sequence control valve group 5 via a pipeline. The sequence control valve group 5 is connected to the hydrogen refueling machine 7 via a pipeline. The unloading column 3, used to connect the long-tube trailer 2, is connected to the pipeline between the forward hydrogen supply pipeline 1 and the hydrogen storage and pressure regulating subsystem 4 via a pipeline, supplying hydrogen from the long-tube trailer.

[0044] In other embodiments, the system further includes a data acquisition subsystem 9, which includes at least a level sensor for acquiring high liquid level signals within the hydrogen storage container and a pressure sensor for acquiring internal pressure within the hydrogen storage container. The level sensor and pressure sensor are respectively connected to the electrical control subsystem. Furthermore, the data acquisition subsystem can interlock signals from the information acquisition devices to collect and store critical information during equipment operation, such as pressure, temperature, and ion liquid level within the hydrogen storage container, and equipment operating status. When abnormal data is detected, a feedback signal is sent to the electrical control subsystem, which then issues an alarm or shutdown signal to the corresponding equipment or the entire station.

[0045] In other embodiments, the system also includes a cooling subsystem 6, which includes a chiller 61 and a heat exchanger 62 connected together. The heat exchanger 62 is installed between the sequential control valve group 5 and the hydrogen dispenser 7 to pre-cool the hydrogen in the pipeline when hydrogen dispensing service is performed.

[0046] In other embodiments, the system also includes a safety monitoring subsystem 8, which includes hydrogen leak detectors, flame detectors, video monitoring devices, etc., deployed at key locations throughout the station. When a hydrogen leak or flame risk occurs, an alarm signal will be immediately uploaded to the electrical control subsystem. The electrical control subsystem will issue a shutdown signal for the entire station or equipment based on the alarm level, and cut off the gas supply, etc.

[0047] The working process of the hydrogen refueling station system described above in this embodiment includes:

[0048] Hydrogen storage and pressurization: Hydrogen in the long-tube trailer 2 is unloaded by the unloading column 3 or transported by the forward hydrogen pipeline 1, and then transported to the three hydrogen storage containers. Once the pressure in both containers reaches equilibrium, the transport stops. The inlet of the hydrogen storage container is closed, and the three high-pressure plunger pumps are activated using the electrical control subsystem 10 to deliver high-pressure ionic liquid into the hydrogen storage container, thereby compressing the internal hydrogen. Simultaneously, the data acquisition subsystem 9 monitors signals such as the internal pressure of the hydrogen storage container in real time. Once the set pressure is reached, the high-pressure plunger pumps immediately stop working, and the hydrogen pressurization in the storage container is complete, ready for hydrogen supply.

[0049] Hydrogen refueling: Upon receiving a hydrogen refueling signal, the electrical control subsystem 10 automatically controls the sequential control valve group 5 to draw hydrogen from the 15MPa hydrogen storage container 43. Simultaneously, it automatically controls the high-pressure plunger pump 46 to start, pumping high-pressure ionic liquid into the 15MPa hydrogen storage container 43 to maintain its internal pressure at 15MPa until the hydrogen storage pressure is balanced with the on-board gas cylinder pressure. Upon reaching the pressure switching point, it switches to the 25MPa hydrogen storage container 42 to continue the above refueling process. After reaching the pressure switching point, it switches to the 35MPa hydrogen storage container 41 to continue the above refueling process until the refueling is completed. Meanwhile, the chiller 61 and heat exchanger 62 in the cooling subsystem 6 operate to pre-cool the hydrogen in the pipeline to meet the hydrogen refueling temperature requirements of fuel cell vehicles and battery vehicles. Each hydrogen storage container is equipped with a high liquid level warning line according to the hydrogen storage pressure level. When the ionic liquid level exceeds the warning line during the operation of the hydrogen refueling station, it indicates that the hydrogen storage is insufficient. After the data acquisition subsystem 9 collects the high liquid level signal, it sends it to the electrical control subsystem 10, which then issues a command to stop the hydrogen supply to the hydrogen storage container, discharge the ionic liquid, and pressurize the hydrogen storage.

[0050] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications and variations based on the concept of the present invention without creative effort. Therefore, all technical solutions that can be obtained by those skilled in the art based on the concept of the present invention through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation on the basis of existing technology should be within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A method for integrated hydrogen pressurization and storage, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The hydrogen storage container receives the transmitted hydrogen gas, and after reaching equilibrium, the hydrogen storage container is sealed. Ionic liquid is continuously pumped into the hydrogen storage container to pressurize the hydrogen gas online until the hydrogen pressure inside the hydrogen storage container reaches the set hydrogen storage pressure value. The set hydrogen storage pressure value has multiple pressure levels, and the highest hydrogen storage pressure is not greater than the pressure required by the vehicle being refueled. When hydrogen needs to be added externally, a low-pressure hydrogen storage container is preferred as the gas source. During the gas extraction process, ionic liquid is pumped into the hydrogen storage container to maintain a constant internal hydrogen pressure, and the hydrogen added externally is pre-cooled. When the pressure switching point is reached, the gas source will be automatically switched to a hydrogen storage container of another pressure level until the hydrogen refueling is completed. When the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage container is exhausted, the ionic liquid in the hydrogen storage container is extracted.

2. The integrated hydrogen pressurization and storage gas extraction method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen gas is delivered via a forward pipeline or supplied by a long-tube trailer.

3. A hydrogen refueling station system integrating hydrogen pressurization and storage, characterized in that, It includes an electrical control subsystem, a hydrogen storage and pressure regulation subsystem, and a gas extraction and refueling subsystem. The electrical control subsystem is connected to both the hydrogen storage and pressure regulation subsystem and the gas extraction and refueling subsystem. The hydrogen storage pressure regulating subsystem includes a hydrogen storage container, an ion liquid tank, and a high-pressure plunger pump. The outlet of the ion liquid tank is connected to the hydrogen storage container via the high-pressure plunger pump, and the inlet is directly connected to the hydrogen storage container. When storing the transmitted hydrogen, the hydrogen storage container receives the hydrogen. After reaching equilibrium, the electrical control subsystem controls the hydrogen storage container to close its inlet. The electrical control subsystem also controls the high-pressure plunger pump to continuously draw ion liquid from the ion liquid tank and pump it into the hydrogen storage container. The hydrogen is pressurized online in the hydrogen storage container until the internal hydrogen pressure reaches the set hydrogen storage pressure value. The set hydrogen storage pressure value has multiple pressure levels, and the highest hydrogen storage pressure does not exceed the pressure required by the vehicle being refueled. There are at least three hydrogen storage containers, and each hydrogen storage container is independently connected to a corresponding ion liquid tank and a high-pressure plunger pump. The gas extraction and refueling subsystem includes a sequential control valve group and a hydrogen refueling machine. The hydrogen refueling machine is connected to the hydrogen storage container through the sequential control valve group. When extracting gas, the electrical control subsystem controls the sequential control valve group to preferentially select the low-pressure hydrogen storage container as the gas source. During the gas extraction process, ionic liquid is simultaneously pumped into the hydrogen storage container to maintain a constant internal hydrogen pressure. When the pressure switching point is reached, the sequential control valve group is controlled to automatically switch the gas source to a hydrogen storage container of other pressure levels until the hydrogen refueling is completed. When the hydrogen in the hydrogen storage container is exhausted, the ionic liquid in the hydrogen storage container is extracted. The system also includes a cooling subsystem comprising a chiller and a heat exchanger connected together. The heat exchanger is installed between the sequential control valve group and the hydrogen dispenser for pre-cooling the hydrogen being dispensed.

4. The integrated hydrogen pressurization and storage hydrogen refueling station system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The electrical control subsystem includes a control host with a human-machine interface.

5. The integrated hydrogen pressurization and storage hydrogen refueling station system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The hydrogen storage and pressure regulation subsystem is connected to the preceding hydrogen delivery pipeline or a long-tube trailer.

6. The integrated hydrogen pressurization and storage hydrogen refueling station system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The system also includes a data acquisition subsystem, which includes at least a level acquisition device for acquiring high liquid level signals inside the hydrogen storage container and a pressure sensor for acquiring internal pressure inside the hydrogen storage container. The level acquisition device and the pressure sensor are respectively connected to the electrical control subsystem.

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