Hydrogenation system of hydrogen station

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a hydrogenation system of a hydrogenation station, which comprises a liquid hydrogen storage tank and a spray tank, wherein the liquid hydrogen storage tank comprises a cooling pipe, an outer shell, and an inner tank for storing liquid hydrogen arranged in the outer shell, the inner tank comprises a tank liquid outlet, and the cooling pipe is arranged on the outer wall of the inner tank for cooling the inner tank; the spray tank comprises a spray liquid inlet, a spray liquid outlet, and a first spray gas inlet, the spray liquid inlet is communicated with the tank liquid outlet for passing the liquid hydrogen in the inner tank into the spray tank, the spray liquid outlet is communicated with the cooling inlet of the cooling pipe for passing the liquid hydrogen in the spray tank into the cooling pipe, and the first spray gas inlet is communicated with the cooling outlet of the cooling pipe for passing the hydrogen gas gasified from the liquid hydrogen in the cooling pipe into the spray tank. Through the above arrangement, the liquid hydrogen in the spray tank can be passed into the cooling pipe to cool the inner tank, reduce the net heat leakage of the inner tank, and further reduce the evaporation amount of the liquid hydrogen in the inner tank to reduce the risk of overpressure of the liquid hydrogen storage tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of hydrogen refueling system technology, and more specifically, to a hydrogen refueling system for a hydrogen refueling station. Background Technology

[0002] Mature liquid hydrogen refueling station processes, both domestically and internationally, typically involve liquefying gaseous hydrogen at a hydrogen production plant by lowering the temperature to -253°C. The liquid hydrogen is then transported to the refueling station via liquid hydrogen tank trucks, where it is unloaded and stored in liquid hydrogen storage tanks. Liquid hydrogen pumps extract the liquid hydrogen from the storage tanks, with a portion being directly supplied to users as liquid hydrogen via liquid hydrogen dispensers, and the other portion being converted into gaseous hydrogen and supplied to users via gaseous hydrogen dispensers.

[0003] In related technologies, factors such as thermal radiation, thermal transmission of equipment pipelines, and heat leakage of insulation layers can cause liquid hydrogen in liquid hydrogen storage tanks to vaporize and produce hydrogen gas. The production of hydrogen gas will cause the pressure in the liquid hydrogen storage tank to rise, which may lead to the danger of overpressure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a hydrogen refueling system for a hydrogen refueling station that can continuously cool the liquid hydrogen stored in a liquid hydrogen storage tank to reduce the amount of liquid hydrogen vaporization in the liquid hydrogen storage tank, thereby reducing the risk of overpressure in the liquid hydrogen storage tank.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this disclosure provides a hydrogen refueling system for a hydrogen refueling station, comprising:

[0006] A liquid hydrogen storage tank includes a cooling pipe, an outer shell, and an inner tank disposed within the outer shell for storing liquid hydrogen. The inner tank includes a storage outlet, and the cooling pipe is arranged around the outer wall of the inner tank for cooling the inner tank.

[0007] A spray tank includes a spray liquid inlet, a spray liquid outlet, and a first spray air inlet. The spray liquid inlet is connected to the liquid outlet of the storage tank to allow liquid hydrogen in the inner tank to enter the spray tank. The spray liquid outlet is connected to the cooling inlet of the cooling pipe to allow liquid hydrogen in the spray tank to enter the cooling pipe. The first spray air inlet is connected to the cooling outlet of the cooling pipe to allow hydrogen gas vaporized from liquid hydrogen in the cooling pipe to enter the spray tank.

[0008] Optionally, the liquid hydrogen level in the spray tank is higher than that in the liquid hydrogen storage tank in the vertical direction.

[0009] Optionally, the spray tank further includes a second spray air inlet, and the inner tank further includes a storage tank outlet. The storage tank outlet and the second spray air inlet are connected through a first flow path to allow hydrogen from the inner tank to enter the spray tank. The position of the spray liquid inlet is higher in the vertical direction than the positions of the first spray air inlet and the second spray air inlet, so that the liquid hydrogen in the spray tank cools the hydrogen entering the spray tank.

[0010] Optionally, the liquid hydrogen storage tank is equipped with a first pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the inner tank, and a first control valve is provided on the first flow path. The first control valve is communicatively connected to the first pressure sensor and is used to adjust the flow rate of hydrogen flowing through the first flow path according to the pressure value detected by the first pressure sensor.

[0011] Optionally, the hydrogen refueling system further includes a storage heat exchanger, a hydrogen storage cylinder group, and a gaseous hydrogen dispenser. The storage heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange flow path and a second heat exchange flow path. The outlet of the liquid hydrogen storage tank is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchange flow path via the second flow path. The outlet of the first heat exchange flow path is connected to the inlet of the hydrogen storage cylinder group via a third flow path, so that the liquid hydrogen in the liquid hydrogen storage tank is converted into hydrogen gas by the storage heat exchanger and then introduced into the hydrogen storage cylinder group. The outlet of the hydrogen storage cylinder group is connected to the gaseous hydrogen dispenser via a fourth flow path.

[0012] The spray tank also includes a spray outlet. One end of the second heat exchange flow path is connected to the spray outlet through a fifth flow path, and the other end is connected to the fourth flow path through a sixth flow path, so that the hydrogen in the spray tank is introduced into the fourth flow path after heat exchange by the energy storage heat exchanger.

[0013] Optionally, a liquid hydrogen pump for driving the liquid hydrogen in the inner tank to the energy storage heat exchanger is provided on the second flow path, and a seventh flow path is connected between the liquid hydrogen pump and the energy storage heat exchanger, with the end of the seventh flow path away from the second flow path connected to the spray inlet.

[0014] The seventh flow path is equipped with a flow control valve and a flow sensor. The flow sensor is located between the flow control valve and the connection between the seventh flow path and the second flow path. The flow sensor is communicatively connected to the flow control valve so that the flow control valve can adjust the flow rate of liquid hydrogen flowing through the seventh flow path according to the flow value monitored by the flow sensor.

[0015] Optionally, a first shut-off valve for controlling the on / off state of the second flow path is provided on the second flow path. The first shut-off valve is located at the connection between the second flow path and the seventh flow path and between the energy storage heat exchanger.

[0016] Optionally, the inner tank further includes a storage tank inlet, and the hydrogenation system further includes a refrigeration unit. The inlet of the refrigeration unit is connected to the sixth flow path, and the outlet of the refrigeration unit is connected to the storage tank inlet, for liquefying the hydrogen in the spray tank and transporting it to the inner tank.

[0017] The spray tank is equipped with a second pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the spray tank. The refrigeration unit is communicatively connected to the second pressure sensor and is used to control the operating load of the refrigeration unit according to the pressure value detected by the second pressure sensor.

[0018] Optionally, the hydrogen refueling system further includes a mixer and a temperature control valve. The mixer is disposed in the fourth flow path. One of the two inlets of the mixer is connected to the outlet of the hydrogen storage cylinder group, and the other is connected to the second heat exchange flow path through the sixth flow path. The outlet of the mixer is connected to the gaseous hydrogen dispenser. The temperature control valve includes a control valve body and a temperature sensor connected to the control valve body. The control valve body is disposed in the sixth flow path, and the temperature sensor is disposed in the fourth flow path and located between the mixer and the gaseous hydrogen dispenser. The control valve body is used to control the flow rate of hydrogen in the sixth flow path according to the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor.

[0019] Optionally, the cooling outlet of the cooling pipe and the first spray inlet are connected via an eighth flow path, and a vaporization rate analyzer is installed on the eighth flow path to analyze the vaporization rate of liquid hydrogen in the cooling pipe; and / or

[0020] The hydrogen refueling system also includes a liquid hydrogen dispenser, which is connected to the spray outlet.

[0021] The hydrogen refueling system, as described above, includes a liquid hydrogen storage tank and a spray tank. The liquid hydrogen storage tank comprises a cooling pipe, an outer shell, and an inner tank within the outer shell for storing liquid hydrogen. The inner tank includes a liquid outlet, and the cooling pipe is located on the outer wall of the inner tank for cooling it. The spray tank includes a spray inlet, a spray outlet, and a first spray air inlet. The spray inlet is connected to the liquid outlet of the liquid hydrogen storage tank to allow liquid hydrogen from the inner tank to flow into the spray tank. The spray outlet is connected to the cooling inlet of the cooling pipe to allow liquid hydrogen from the spray tank to flow into the cooling pipe. The first spray air inlet is connected to the cooling outlet of the cooling pipe to allow hydrogen vaporized from the liquid hydrogen in the cooling pipe to flow into the spray tank. This configuration allows liquid hydrogen from the spray tank to flow into the cooling pipe, cooling the inner tank, reducing the net heat loss of the inner tank, and thus reducing the evaporation rate of liquid hydrogen in the inner tank, thereby mitigating the risk of overpressure in the liquid hydrogen storage tank.

[0022] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the present disclosure, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the working principle of the hydrogenation system provided in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the working principle of a hydrogenation system provided in yet another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the liquid hydrogen storage tank provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the spray tank provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0029] 1-Liquid hydrogen storage tank; 101-Cooling pipe; 101a-Cooling inlet; 101b-Cooling outlet; 102-Inner tank; 103-Outer shell; 104-Vacuum chamber; 105-Storage tank liquid outlet; 106-Storage tank gas outlet; 107-Storage tank inlet; 2-Spray tank; 201-Spray liquid inlet; 202-Distribution pipe; 203-First spray gas inlet; 204-Second spray gas inlet; 205-Spray liquid outlet; 206-Spray gas outlet; 3-First pressure sensor; 4-First flow path; 5-First control valve; 6-Eighth flow path; 7-Vaporization rate analyzer; 8-Ninth flow path; 9-Tenth flow path; 10-Second flow path; 11-Liquid hydrogen pump; 12-First shut-off valve; 13-Seventh flow path; 14-Flow control valve; 15-Flow sensor; 16- Energy storage heat exchanger; 161-First heat exchange flow path; 162-Second heat exchange flow path; 17-Third flow path; 18-Hydrogen storage tank group; 181-Hydrogen storage tank; 19-Fourth flow path; 20-Mixer; 21-Second shut-off valve; 22-Gasic hydrogen dispenser; 23-Temperature control valve; 231-Control valve body; 232-Temperature sensor; 24-Liquid hydrogen dispenser; 25-Third shut-off valve; 26-Sixth flow path; 27-Fifth flow path; 28-Refrigeration unit; 281-First heat exchanger; 2811-Third heat exchange flow path; 2812-Fourth heat exchange flow path; 282-Compressor unit; 2821-Compressor body; 2822-Motor; 283-Condenser; 284-Expansion valve; 29-Eleventh flow path; 30-Second pressure sensor; 31-Level gauge. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0031] In this disclosure, the vertical direction mentioned refers to the vertical direction of the hydrogenation system under normal operating conditions. Unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of the component or structure itself. Terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish one element from another and do not indicate sequence or importance.

[0032] This disclosure provides a hydrogen refueling system for a hydrogen refueling station, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the hydrogen refueling system includes a liquid hydrogen storage tank 1 and a spray tank 2. The liquid hydrogen storage tank 1 includes a cooling pipe 101, an outer shell 103, and an inner tank 102 for storing liquid hydrogen located inside the outer shell 103. The inner tank 102 includes a storage tank outlet 105. The cooling pipe 101 surrounds the outer wall of the inner tank 102 for cooling the inner tank 102. The spray tank 2 includes a spray liquid inlet 201, a spray liquid outlet 205, and a first spray air inlet 203. The spray liquid inlet 201 is connected to the storage tank outlet 105 to allow liquid hydrogen in the inner tank 102 to enter the spray tank 2. The spray liquid outlet 205 is connected to the cooling inlet 101a of the cooling pipe 101 to allow liquid hydrogen in the spray tank 2 to enter the cooling pipe 101. The first spray air inlet 203 is connected to the cooling outlet 101b of the cooling pipe 101 to allow hydrogen gas vaporized from liquid hydrogen in the cooling pipe 101 to enter the spray tank 2.

[0033] In the above embodiment, the liquid hydrogen in the inner tank 102 of the liquid hydrogen storage tank 1 can be introduced into the spray tank 2. The liquid hydrogen in the spray tank 2 can be introduced into the cooling pipe 101 surrounding the outer wall of the inner tank 102 through the spray outlet 205 to cool the inner tank 102, reduce the net heat loss of the inner tank 102, improve the insulation effect, and thus reduce the evaporation of liquid hydrogen in the inner tank 102, thereby reducing the risk of overpressure in the liquid hydrogen storage tank 1. The liquid hydrogen in the cooling pipe 101 will vaporize after absorbing heat, and the hydrogen gas formed after vaporization can be introduced into the spray tank 2.

[0034] Specifically, the latent heat of vaporization of liquid hydrogen introduced into cooling pipe 101 is much greater than the sensible heat of liquid hydrogen, which can more effectively reduce the net heat leakage in inner tank 102, thereby reducing the evaporation of liquid hydrogen in inner tank 102 of liquid hydrogen storage tank 1 from the source and improving the insulation effect.

[0035] In some embodiments, a vacuum insulation cavity is formed between the outer shell 103 and the inner tank 102 of the liquid hydrogen storage tank 1, and an insulation layer may also be provided in the vacuum insulation cavity to further improve the insulation effect of the liquid hydrogen storage tank 1.

[0036] In some implementations, with 50m 3 Taking liquid hydrogen storage tank 1 with a water volume liquid hydrogen storage capacity as an example, the inner tank is a vertical container with a specification of φ3m×7m. Based on simulation calculations, without the use of cooling pipe 101, the net heat loss of the liquid hydrogen storage tank is 24.1W. However, when cooling pipe 101 is used and the cooling medium is liquid hydrogen, the net heat loss of the liquid hydrogen storage tank is equal to the total heat loss from the outside entering the inner tank 102 through the insulation layer minus the latent heat absorbed by the liquid hydrogen during its phase change to gaseous hydrogen. When the flow rate of liquid hydrogen into the cooling pipe 101 of liquid hydrogen storage tank 1 is 30kg / h, 50kg / h, and 100kg / h, the net heat loss is 7.4W, 6.2W, and 3.1W respectively, showing a significant improvement in insulation performance.

[0037] In some embodiments, the liquid hydrogen level in the spray tank 2 is vertically higher than that in the liquid hydrogen storage tank 1, allowing the liquid hydrogen in the spray tank 2 to flow into the cooling pipe 101 via the height difference. The liquid hydrogen in the cooling pipe 101 vaporizes to form hydrogen gas, which is then drawn back into the spray tank 2 using a thermosiphon effect. This process eliminates the need for pumps or other power equipment, enabling the circulation of liquid hydrogen from the spray tank 2 into the cooling pipe 101, and the return of the vaporized hydrogen gas to the spray tank 2, thus saving costs.

[0038] Of course, in other possible implementations, the liquid hydrogen in the spray tank 2 can also be pumped into the cooling pipe 101, which is not limited here.

[0039] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the spray outlet 205 can be located at the bottom of the spray tank 2 to facilitate the outflow of liquid hydrogen. A level gauge 31 can be installed on the spray tank 2 to monitor the liquid hydrogen level in the spray tank 2. The spray outlet 205 of the spray tank 2 can be connected to the cooling inlet 101a of the cooling pipe 101 through the ninth flow path 8. The cooling outlet 101b of the cooling tank and the first spray air inlet 203 are connected through the eighth flow path 6. A vaporization rate analyzer 7 is installed on the eighth flow path 6 to analyze the vaporization rate of liquid hydrogen in the cooling pipe 101.

[0040] In the above embodiment, the vaporization rate analyzer 7 can measure the vaporization rate of liquid hydrogen in the cooling tube 101, calculate the density difference, and measure the driving force after the liquid hydrogen vaporizes into hydrogen gas. Therefore, the vaporization rate measured by the vaporization rate analyzer 7 can be used to monitor the vaporization of liquid hydrogen into hydrogen gas in the cooling tube 101 in real time. This allows for timely detection of any malfunctions in the cooling tube 101, facilitating subsequent maintenance.

[0041] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the hydrogen refueling system also includes a liquid hydrogen dispenser 24, which is capable of refueling the vehicle with liquid hydrogen. The liquid hydrogen dispenser 24 is connected to the spray outlet 205 so that liquid hydrogen in the spray tank 2 can be introduced into the liquid hydrogen dispenser 24 for refueling the vehicle. Figure 1 As shown, the spray outlet 205 is connected to the liquid hydrogen dispenser 24 via the tenth flow path 9. A third shut-off valve 25 is installed on the tenth flow path 9 to control its opening and closing, thereby selectively introducing liquid hydrogen from the spray tank 2 into the liquid hydrogen dispenser 24. The liquid level in the spray tank 2 can be higher than that in the liquid hydrogen dispenser 24 in the vertical direction, utilizing the height difference to allow the liquid hydrogen in the spray tank 2 to flow into the liquid hydrogen dispenser 24. Of course, other methods can also be used to introduce liquid hydrogen into the liquid hydrogen dispenser 24. For example, a pump can be used to introduce liquid hydrogen from the spray tank 2 into the liquid hydrogen dispenser 24; this is not a limitation.

[0042] As mentioned above, the spray outlet 205 of the spray tank 2 is connected to both the cooling inlet 101a of the cooling pipe 101 and the liquid hydrogen dispenser 24, so that the spray tank 2 can supply liquid hydrogen to both the cooling pipe 101 and the liquid hydrogen dispenser 24 through the spray outlet 205. A tee can be provided at the spray outlet 205 so that the ninth flow path 8 for connecting to the cooling inlet 101a of the cooling pipe 101 and the tenth flow path 9 for connecting to the liquid hydrogen dispenser 24 are respectively connected to the two outlets of the tee.

[0043] In some embodiments, the spray tank 2 further includes a second spray air inlet 204, and the inner tank 102 further includes a storage tank outlet 106. The storage tank outlet 106 and the second spray air inlet 204 are connected through a first flow path 4 so that hydrogen in the inner tank 102 can be introduced into the spray tank 2. The position height of the spray liquid inlet 201 is higher in the vertical direction than the position height of the first spray air inlet 203 and the second spray air inlet 204 so that the liquid hydrogen in the spray tank 2 cools the hydrogen introduced into the spray tank 2.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the storage outlet 106 of the inner tank 102 is connected to the second spray inlet 204 of the spray tank 2 via the first flow path 4. This allows the hydrogen generated from the vaporization of liquid hydrogen in the liquid hydrogen storage tank 1 to be temporarily stored in the spray tank 2, thereby collecting the hydrogen generated in the inner tank 102 of the liquid hydrogen storage tank 1 and avoiding hydrogen waste. Furthermore, the flow of hydrogen generated in the inner tank 102 into the spray tank 2 via the first flow path 4 also prevents excessive hydrogen production in the inner tank 102, thus preventing overpressure and the risk of overpressure in the inner tank 102.

[0045] In addition, the height of the spray inlet 201 is higher in the vertical direction than the height of the first spray air inlet 203 and the second spray air inlet 204, which allows the liquid hydrogen entering the spray tank 2 to directly contact and cool the hydrogen gas entering the spray tank 2, so as to make full use of the cooling capacity of the liquid hydrogen.

[0046] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, a random-packed bed can be installed in the spray tank 2. The spray liquid inlet 201 is located above the random-packed bed, while the first spray air inlet 203 and the second spray air inlet 204 are both located below the random-packed bed. This allows for more thorough contact between liquid hydrogen and hydrogen gas in the random-packed bed, thereby further improving the heat exchange efficiency between them. Of course, a structured packing bed can also be used instead of a random-packed bed; this is not a limitation.

[0047] In some embodiments, the liquid hydrogen storage tank 1 is equipped with a first pressure sensor 3 for detecting the pressure in the inner tank 102. The first pressure sensor 3 can continuously detect the pressure in the inner tank 102. A first control valve 5 is provided on the first flow path 4, which can regulate the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing through the first flow path 4. The first control valve 5 is communicatively connected to the first pressure sensor 3 and is used to regulate the flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing through the first flow path 4 according to the pressure value detected by the first pressure sensor 3, thereby regulating the pressure in the inner tank 102.

[0048] It should be understood that the first control valve 5 described above may include a controller and a valve body. The controller is capable of interacting with the first pressure sensor 3 and controlling the valve body according to the first pressure sensor 3 to regulate the flow rate of hydrogen flowing through the first flow path 4.

[0049] In other embodiments, an external controller (e.g., a PLC controller) may also be used. The first pressure sensor 3 and the first control valve 5 are respectively connected to the external controller. The external controller can control the first control valve 5 according to the pressure value in the inner tank 102 detected by the first pressure sensor 3. This will not be described in detail here.

[0050] In some embodiments, the hydrogen refueling system further includes a storage heat exchanger 16, a hydrogen storage cylinder group 18, and a gaseous hydrogen dispenser 22. The storage heat exchanger 16 includes a first heat exchange flow path 161 and a second heat exchange flow path 162. The outlet of the liquid hydrogen storage tank 1 is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchange flow path 161 through the second flow path 10. The outlet of the first heat exchange flow path 161 is connected to the inlet of the hydrogen storage cylinder group 18 through the third flow path 17, so that the liquid hydrogen in the liquid hydrogen storage tank 1 is converted into hydrogen gas by the storage heat exchanger 16 and then introduced into the hydrogen storage cylinder group 18. The outlet of the hydrogen storage cylinder group 18 is connected to the gaseous hydrogen dispenser 22 through the fourth flow path 19.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the energy storage heat exchanger 16 is a heat exchanger that can exchange heat on one hand and temporarily store heat or cold using an energy storage medium on the other. The energy storage heat exchanger 16 can be a heat pipe heat exchanger, a cold storage device, etc. Liquid hydrogen undergoes heat exchange in the first heat exchange flow path 161 in the energy storage heat exchanger 16 to form hydrogen gas. Then, the cold energy of the liquid hydrogen vaporization is temporarily stored in the energy storage heat exchanger 16. The hydrogen gas is introduced into the hydrogen storage cylinder group 18 for storage through the third flow path 17. The hydrogen storage cylinder group 18 may include multiple hydrogen storage cylinders 181, all of which can be used to store hydrogen gas. The number of hydrogen storage cylinders 181 can be set according to actual needs and is not limited here. The outlet of the hydrogen storage cylinder 181 is connected to the gaseous hydrogen refueling machine 22 through the fourth flow path 19, which can be used to supply hydrogen gas to the gaseous hydrogen refueling machine 22, enabling the gaseous hydrogen refueling machine 22 to refuel vehicles with hydrogen gas.

[0052] In addition, the spray tank 2 also includes a spray outlet 206. One end of the second heat exchange flow path 162 is connected to the spray outlet 206 through the fifth flow path 27, and the other end is connected to the fourth flow path 19 through the sixth flow path 26, so that the hydrogen in the spray tank 2 is introduced into the fourth flow path 19 after heat exchange by the energy storage heat exchanger 16.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the hydrogen in the spray tank 2 undergoes a first-step cooling process by direct contact with liquid hydrogen in the spray tank 2. Then, it enters the second heat exchange path 162 of the accumulator heat exchanger 16, where it exchanges heat and absorbs the cold energy released by the vaporization of liquid hydrogen in the first heat exchange path 161, completing the second-step cooling. After undergoing two cooling processes, the hydrogen can then be introduced into the fourth path 19 through the sixth path 26 to cool the hydrogen entering the hydrogen dispenser 22, ensuring that the hydrogen used for vehicle refueling in the hydrogen dispenser 22 is at a suitable temperature. By using the heat released by the vaporization of liquid hydrogen in the accumulator heat exchanger 16 to cool the hydrogen entering the hydrogen dispenser 22, the cold energy released by the vaporization of liquid hydrogen is utilized more fully, avoiding waste and improving the energy utilization rate of the vaporization of liquid hydrogen.

[0054] It should be noted that the liquid hydrogen flowing into the first heat exchange path 161 of the energy storage heat exchanger 16 and the hydrogen flowing into the second heat exchange path 162 of the energy storage heat exchanger 16 can exchange heat through the energy storage heat exchanger 16, allowing them to utilize each other's released energy. Furthermore, it should be understood that the process of the spray tank 2 introducing hydrogen into the second heat exchange path 162 of the energy storage heat exchanger 16 and the process of the liquid hydrogen storage tank 1 introducing liquid hydrogen into the energy storage heat exchanger 16 can be carried out simultaneously or asynchronously, and can be adjusted according to actual application; no restrictions are placed here.

[0055] Furthermore, the hydrogen gas generated from the vaporization of liquid hydrogen in the liquid hydrogen storage tank 1 can be recovered and reused through the spray tank 2 and the accumulator heat exchanger 16. The hydrogen gas generated from the vaporization of liquid hydrogen in the liquid hydrogen storage tank 1 cools the hydrogen gas introduced into the hydrogen filling machine 22, and the accumulator heat exchanger 16 can also vaporize liquid hydrogen. This reduces the use of equipment such as vaporizers, hydrogen precoolers, liquid nitrogen coolers, and liquid carbon dioxide coolers, resulting in overall cost savings.

[0056] In some embodiments, the hydrogen refueling system further includes a mixer 20 and a temperature control valve 23. The mixer 20 is located in the fourth flow path 19. One of the two inlets of the mixer 20 is connected to the outlet of the hydrogen storage cylinder group 18, and the other is connected to the second heat exchange flow path 162 through the sixth flow path 26. The outlet of the mixer 20 is connected to the gaseous hydrogen dispenser 22. By setting the mixer 20, the hydrogen gas introduced into the gaseous hydrogen dispenser 22 from the hydrogen storage cylinder group 18 can be fully mixed with the hydrogen gas cooled by the spray tank 2 and the accumulator heat exchanger 16, so as to make the temperature of the hydrogen gas introduced into the gaseous hydrogen dispenser 22 more uniform.

[0057] In addition, the temperature control valve 23 includes a control valve body 231 and a temperature sensor 232 connected to the control valve body 231. The control valve body 231 is disposed on the sixth flow path 26, and the temperature sensor 232 is disposed on the fourth flow path 19 and located between the mixer 20 and the gaseous hydrogen dispenser 22. The control valve body 231 is used to control the flow rate of hydrogen in the sixth flow path 26 according to the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor 232, so as to control the amount of hydrogen introduced into the fourth flow path 19 through the sixth flow path 26, thereby automatically adjusting the temperature of the hydrogen introduced into the gaseous hydrogen dispenser 22.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, a second shut-off valve 21 can be installed on the fourth flow path 19. The second shut-off valve 21 can be installed between the mixer 20 and the gas hydrogen dispenser 22 to control the opening and closing of the fourth flow path 19.

[0059] In some embodiments, the inner tank 102 also includes a storage tank inlet 107, and the hydrogenation system also includes a refrigeration unit 28. The inlet of the refrigeration unit 28 is connected to the sixth flow path 26, and the outlet of the refrigeration unit 28 is connected to the storage tank inlet 107, for liquefying the hydrogen in the spray tank 2 and transporting it to the inner tank 102.

[0060] As mentioned above, the spray tank 2 is connected to the fourth flow path 19 through the sixth flow path 26, and the spray pipe is also connected to the refrigeration unit through the sixth flow path 26. That is, the spray tank 2 is connected to both the refrigeration unit 28 and the fourth flow path 19 through the sixth flow path 26. In other words, the hydrogen in the spray tank 2 can be cooled by the energy storage heat exchanger 16 and then liquefied into liquid hydrogen in the refrigeration unit 28. The liquid hydrogen is then transported back to the inner tank 102 for storage. It can also be introduced into the fourth flow path 19 to cool the hydrogen introduced into the hydrogen filling machine 22.

[0061] The spray tank 2 may be equipped with a second pressure sensor 30 for detecting the pressure of the spray tank 2. The second pressure sensor 30 is communicatively connected to the refrigeration unit 28. The refrigeration unit 28 controls its own operating load according to the pressure value detected by the second pressure sensor 30, thereby controlling the amount of hydrogen liquefied by the refrigeration unit 28 into liquid hydrogen, so as to indirectly regulate the gas pressure in the spray tank 2, so that the gas pressure in the spray tank 2 is within an appropriate range, and avoids the operation of the spray tank 2 being affected by excessive or insufficient gas pressure.

[0062] It should be understood that the refrigeration unit 28 is a conventional device capable of liquefying the introduced hydrogen gas into liquid hydrogen.

[0063] In some specific implementation methods, such as Figure 2 As shown, the refrigeration unit 28 may include a first heat exchanger 281, a compressor unit 282, a condenser 283, and an expansion valve 284. The compressor unit 282 includes a compressor body 2821 and an electric motor 2822 that drives the compressor body 2821. The first heat exchanger 281 includes a third heat exchange flow path 2811 and a fourth heat exchange flow path 2812. The inlet of the third heat exchange flow path 2811 is connected to a sixth flow path 26, and the outlet of the third heat exchange flow path 2811 is connected to the inner tank 102 of the liquid hydrogen storage tank 1 via an eleventh flow path 29. The inlet of the fourth heat exchange flow path 2812 is connected to the expansion valve 284, and the outlet of the fourth heat exchange flow path 2812 is connected to the inlet of the compressor body 2821. The outlet of the compressor body 2821 is connected to the inlet of the condenser 283, and the outlet of the condenser 283 is connected to the expansion valve 284. The refrigerant circulates in compressor unit 282, condenser 283, expansion valve 284, and first heat exchanger 281, and is used to cool and liquefy hydrogen passing through the first heat exchanger 281. The refrigerant is compressed in compressor unit 282, then condensed in condenser 283, then expanded in expansion valve 284, and then evaporates and absorbs heat in the first heat exchanger 281 to cool hydrogen in the third heat exchange path 2811 passing through the first heat exchanger 281, so as to liquefy the hydrogen passing through the third heat exchange path 2811.

[0064] It should be noted that, in the above embodiment, the inlet of the refrigeration unit 28 can be the inlet of the third heat exchange flow path 2811 in the first heat exchanger 281, and the outlet of the refrigeration unit 28 can be the outlet of the third heat exchange flow path 2811 in the first heat exchanger 281. The second pressure sensor 30 can be communicatively connected to the compressor unit 282 to control the operating load (power) of the motor 2822 according to the pressure value detected in the spray tank 2 by the second pressure sensor 30. In turn, the operating power of the compressor unit 282 can be controlled according to the pressure value detected in the spray tank 2 by the second pressure sensor 30. By adjusting the operating power of the compressor unit 282, the refrigeration efficiency of the refrigeration unit 28 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the efficiency of hydrogen liquefaction into liquid hydrogen, and indirectly adjusting the gas pressure in the spray tank 2. For example, when the second pressure sensor 30 detects that the gas pressure in the spray tank 2 exceeds a preset threshold and needs to be reduced, the power of the compressor unit 282 can be reduced, the refrigeration efficiency of the refrigeration unit 28 can be reduced, and the amount of hydrogen liquefied can be reduced. This reduces the amount of liquid hydrogen in the third heat exchange flow path 2811 and the flow path connected to the third heat exchange flow path 2811, and the pressure of the hydrogen on the liquid hydrogen in the third heat exchange flow path 2811 and the flow path connected to the third heat exchange flow path 2811 is smaller, thereby reducing the gas pressure in the spray tank 2. When the second pressure sensor 30 detects that the gas pressure in the spray tank 2 is lower than the preset threshold and pressurization is required, the power of the compressor unit 282 can be increased to improve the refrigeration efficiency of the refrigeration unit 28 and increase the amount of hydrogen liquefaction. This results in an increase in the amount of liquid hydrogen in the third heat exchange flow path 2811 and the flow path connected to the third heat exchange flow path 2811. The space of hydrogen is compressed, and the pressure of the liquid hydrogen in the third heat exchange flow path 2811 and the flow path connected to the third heat exchange flow path 2811 is increased, thereby increasing the gas pressure in the spray tank 2.

[0065] It should be understood that the amount entering the fourth flow path 19 through the temperature control valve 23 of the sixth flow path 26 is relatively small. Therefore, the air pressure in the spray tank 2 can be regulated by the refrigeration unit 28 connected to the sixth flow path.

[0066] In some embodiments, a liquid hydrogen pump 11 is provided on the second flow path 10 to drive the liquid hydrogen in the inner tank 102 to the storage heat exchanger 16. A seventh flow path 13 is connected between the liquid hydrogen pump 11 and the storage heat exchanger 16. The end of the seventh flow path 13 away from the second flow path 10 is connected to the spray inlet 201, so that the liquid hydrogen pump 11 can pass the liquid hydrogen stored in the inner tank 102 into the storage heat exchanger 16 and the spray tank 2 respectively.

[0067] The seventh flow path 13 is equipped with a flow control valve 14 and a flow sensor 15. The flow sensor 15 is located between the flow control valve 14 and the connection point between the seventh flow path 13 and the second flow path 10. The flow sensor 15 is communicatively connected to the flow control valve 14, allowing the flow control valve 14 to adjust the flow rate of liquid hydrogen flowing through the seventh flow path 13 based on the flow rate value measured by the flow sensor 15. Through the aforementioned configuration of the flow control valve 14 and flow sensor 15, the flow rate of liquid hydrogen entering the spray tank 2 through the seventh flow path 13 can be automatically controlled.

[0068] In the above embodiments, the flow control valve 14 may include a controller and a valve body. The controller can be used to interact with the flow sensor 15 and control the valve body according to the value of the flow rate of liquid hydrogen in the seventh flow path 13 detected by the flow sensor 15, so as to control the opening and closing of the seventh flow path 13.

[0069] In other embodiments, an external controller (e.g., a PLC controller) may also be used. The flow sensor 15 and the flow control valve 14 are respectively connected to the external controller. The external controller can control the flow control valve 14 according to the flow value of liquid hydrogen in the seventh flow path 13 detected by the flow sensor 15. This will not be described in detail here.

[0070] In addition, a first shut-off valve 12 is provided on the second flow path 10 for controlling the opening and closing of the second flow path 10. The first shut-off valve 12 is located between the connection between the second flow path 10 and the seventh flow path 13 and between the energy storage heat exchanger 16, so as to control the opening and closing of the flow path section from the connection between the second flow path 10 and the seventh flow path 13 to the energy storage heat exchanger 16, and to control whether liquid hydrogen enters the energy storage heat exchanger 16 through the second flow path 10. This will not be described in detail here.

[0071] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 4The working process of this hydrogenation system is briefly described. When the inner tank 102 of the liquid hydrogen storage tank 1 is cooled by liquid hydrogen, the liquid hydrogen pump 11 operates, extracting the liquid hydrogen stored in the inner tank 102 and then introducing it into the spray tank 2 through the second flow path 10 and the seventh flow path 13. The liquid hydrogen in the spray tank 2 can then be introduced into the cooling pipe 101 through the ninth flow path 8 to cool the inner tank 102 of the liquid hydrogen storage tank 1, enhancing the insulation effect of the liquid hydrogen storage tank 1 and reducing the evaporation of liquid hydrogen in the inner tank 102. The vaporized hydrogen in the cooling pipe 101 can be introduced into the spray tank 2 through the eighth flow path 6 using the thermosiphon effect. The liquid hydrogen in the spray tank 2 is introduced into the cooling pipe 101 through the ninth flow path 8, and the vaporized hydrogen in the cooling pipe 101 is introduced into the spray tank 2 through the eighth flow path 6 using the thermosiphon effect, thus forming a cycle. The flow control valve 14 installed on the seventh flow path 13 can control the flow rate of liquid hydrogen through the seventh flow path 13 according to the flow rate of liquid hydrogen detected by the flow sensor 15.

[0072] When a vehicle needs to be refueled with liquid hydrogen through the liquid hydrogen refueling machine 24, the liquid hydrogen in the spray tank 2 can be introduced into the liquid hydrogen refueling machine 24 through the tenth flow path 9. At this time, the third shut-off valve 25 set on the tenth flow path 9 is in the open state.

[0073] Furthermore, the process of vaporizing liquid hydrogen and storing it in hydrogen storage cylinder group 18, and refueling the vehicle with hydrogen through hydrogen refueling machine 22 is as follows:

[0074] Liquid hydrogen pump 11 extracts liquid hydrogen from inner tank 102 and then flows it through second flow path 10 into first heat exchange flow path 161 of accumulator heat exchanger 16. After passing through accumulator heat exchanger 16, the liquid hydrogen is vaporized into hydrogen gas and stored in hydrogen storage cylinder group 18. At this time, first shut-off valve 12 on second flow path 10 is in the open state. When hydrogen needs to be added to the vehicle by hydrogen refueling machine 22, the hydrogen in hydrogen storage cylinder group 18 is introduced into hydrogen refueling machine 22 through mixer 20 and second shut-off valve 21 on fourth flow path 19.

[0075] When the temperature sensor 232 detects that the hydrogen entering the gaseous hydrogen dispenser 22 needs to be regulated, the control valve body 231 of the temperature control valve 23 opens, and the hydrogen in the spray tank 2 is introduced into the mixer 20 through the fifth flow path 27, the second heat exchange flow path 162 of the accumulator heat exchanger 16, and the sixth flow path 26 to cool the hydrogen entering the gaseous hydrogen dispenser 22.

[0076] The refrigeration unit connected to the sixth flow path 26 liquefies the hydrogen gas exiting the spray tank 2 into liquid hydrogen. The outlet of the refrigeration unit 28 is connected to the tank inlet 107 of the inner tank 102 via the eleventh flow path 29, so that the liquid hydrogen formed by the liquefaction of the refrigeration unit can be introduced into the inner tank 102 of the liquid hydrogen storage tank 1 through the eleventh flow path 29. The refrigeration unit 28 can adjust the operating load of the motor 2822 of the compressor unit 282 according to the gas pressure value detected by the second pressure sensor 30 in the spray tank 2, thereby indirectly regulating the gas pressure in the spray tank 2.

[0077] In addition, the gas outlet 106 of the liquid hydrogen storage tank 1 is connected to the second spray inlet 204 through the first flow path 4. The first flow path 4 is equipped with a first control valve 5. The first control valve 5 can adjust its opening degree according to the pressure value detected by the first pressure sensor 3 installed on the inner tank 102, so as to regulate the flow rate of hydrogen from the inner tank 102 to the spray tank 2 through the first flow path 4, thereby regulating the pressure in the inner tank 102 and preventing the pressure in the inner tank 102 from being too high.

[0078] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of the present disclosure, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0079] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, this disclosure will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

[0080] Furthermore, various different embodiments of this disclosure can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this disclosure, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A hydrogen refueling system for a hydrogen refueling station, characterized in that, include: A liquid hydrogen storage tank includes a cooling pipe, an outer shell, and an inner tank disposed within the outer shell for storing liquid hydrogen. The inner tank includes a storage outlet, and the cooling pipe is arranged around the outer wall of the inner tank for cooling the inner tank. A spray tank includes a spray liquid inlet, a spray liquid outlet, and a first spray air inlet. The spray liquid inlet is connected to the liquid outlet of the storage tank to allow liquid hydrogen in the inner tank to enter the spray tank. The spray liquid outlet is connected to the cooling inlet of the cooling pipe to allow liquid hydrogen in the spray tank to enter the cooling pipe. The first spray air inlet is connected to the cooling outlet of the cooling pipe to allow hydrogen gas vaporized from liquid hydrogen in the cooling pipe to enter the spray tank. The liquid hydrogen level in the spray tank is higher than that in the liquid hydrogen storage tank in the vertical direction.

2. The hydrogenation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spray tank further includes a second spray air inlet, and the inner tank further includes a storage tank outlet. The storage tank outlet and the second spray air inlet are connected by a first flow path to allow hydrogen gas in the inner tank to enter the spray tank. The position of the spray liquid inlet is higher in the vertical direction than the positions of the first spray air inlet and the second spray air inlet, so that the liquid hydrogen in the spray tank cools the hydrogen gas entering the spray tank.

3. The hydrogenation system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid hydrogen storage tank is equipped with a first pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the inner tank. A first control valve is provided on the first flow path. The first control valve is communicatively connected to the first pressure sensor and is used to adjust the flow rate of hydrogen flowing through the first flow path according to the pressure value detected by the first pressure sensor.

4. The hydrogenation system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The hydrogen refueling system also includes a storage heat exchanger, a hydrogen storage cylinder group, and a gaseous hydrogen dispenser. The storage heat exchanger includes a first heat exchange flow path and a second heat exchange flow path. The outlet of the liquid hydrogen storage tank is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchange flow path via the second flow path. The outlet of the first heat exchange flow path is connected to the inlet of the hydrogen storage cylinder group via a third flow path, so that the liquid hydrogen in the liquid hydrogen storage tank is converted into hydrogen gas by the storage heat exchanger and then introduced into the hydrogen storage cylinder group. The outlet of the hydrogen storage cylinder group is connected to the gaseous hydrogen dispenser via a fourth flow path. The spray tank also includes a spray outlet. One end of the second heat exchange flow path is connected to the spray outlet through a fifth flow path, and the other end is connected to the fourth flow path through a sixth flow path, so that the hydrogen in the spray tank is introduced into the fourth flow path after heat exchange by the energy storage heat exchanger.

5. The hydrogenation system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second flow path is provided with a liquid hydrogen pump for driving the liquid hydrogen in the inner tank to the energy storage heat exchanger. A seventh flow path is connected between the liquid hydrogen pump and the energy storage heat exchanger. The end of the seventh flow path away from the second flow path is connected to the spray inlet. The seventh flow path is equipped with a flow control valve and a flow sensor. The flow sensor is located between the flow control valve and the connection between the seventh flow path and the second flow path. The flow sensor is communicatively connected to the flow control valve so that the flow control valve can adjust the flow rate of liquid hydrogen flowing through the seventh flow path according to the flow value monitored by the flow sensor.

6. The hydrogenation system according to claim 5, characterized in that, A first shut-off valve for controlling the opening and closing of the second flow path is provided on the second flow path. The first shut-off valve is located at the connection between the second flow path and the seventh flow path and between the energy storage heat exchanger.

7. The hydrogenation system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner tank also includes a storage tank inlet, and the hydrogenation system also includes a refrigeration unit. The inlet of the refrigeration unit is connected to the sixth flow path, and the outlet of the refrigeration unit is connected to the storage tank inlet, for liquefying the hydrogen in the spray tank and transporting it to the inner tank. The spray tank is equipped with a second pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the spray tank. The refrigeration unit is communicatively connected to the second pressure sensor and is used to control the operating load of the refrigeration unit according to the pressure value detected by the second pressure sensor.

8. The hydrogenation system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The hydrogen refueling system also includes a mixer and a temperature control valve. The mixer is located in the fourth flow path. One of the two inlets of the mixer is connected to the outlet of the hydrogen storage cylinder group, and the other is connected to the second heat exchange flow path through the sixth flow path. The outlet of the mixer is connected to the gaseous hydrogen dispenser. The temperature control valve includes a control valve body and a temperature sensor connected to the control valve body. The control valve body is located in the sixth flow path, and the temperature sensor is located in the fourth flow path between the mixer and the gaseous hydrogen dispenser. The control valve body is used to control the flow rate of hydrogen in the sixth flow path according to the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor.

9. The hydrogenation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling outlet of the cooling pipe and the first spray inlet are connected via an eighth flow path, on which a vaporization rate analyzer is installed to analyze the vaporization rate of liquid hydrogen in the cooling pipe; and / or The hydrogen refueling system also includes a liquid hydrogen dispenser, which is connected to the spray outlet.

Images