Quick inflation and deflation system and method for pressurized gas cylinder and carrier rocket

Abstract

The invention provides a rapid inflation and deflation system and method for a pressurized gas cylinder and a carrier rocket. The system comprises a gas source, the gas cylinder and a pressure-adjustable inflation and deflation unit communicated with the gas source and the gas cylinder. The pressure-adjustable inflating and deflating unit comprises a plurality of valves, a pressure reducing unit and a pressure increasing unit, and inflating and deflating and pressure-adjusting inflating and deflating are carried out on the gas cylinder by switching switches of the valves; wherein the pressure reducing unit is used for reducing the pressure of the gas to meet the inlet pressure of the pressurizing unit, and the pressurizing unit is used for pressurizing the gas in a gas source or a gas cylinder. According to the embodiment of the invention, rapid inflation and deflation are carried out through a combined mode of pressure balance and pressurization of the pressurization unit, the inflation and deflation speed and efficiency are improved, and the pressurization time is shortened for ground test or rocket launching preparation; the gas inflation and deflation recovery process can be achieved only by switching the switch combination state of the valve, pipeline switching is not needed, the test or operation complexity is reduced, and the pressurization safety and efficiency are improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of launch vehicle launching, in particular to a pressurized gas cylinder rapid charging and discharging system and method and a launch vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a liquid launch vehicle, the pressurized gas cylinder plays a very key role, guaranteeing the starting of the rocket engine and the flight of the rocket. In the process of starting the engine, high-pressure nitrogen is often used as the turbine starting energy source to supply the engine for initial starting, and the high-pressure nitrogen is often stored in a ground high-pressure nitrogen cylinder or a rocket high-pressure nitrogen cylinder. In the process of rocket flight, due to the continuous consumption of propellant, high-pressure helium cylinders are often used to output helium to the storage tank to deliver pressurized helium. The above two kinds of pressurized gas cylinders are charged and supplemented by the ground charging system to ensure that the pressure reaches the rated pressure. When the launch of the rocket is delayed due to unexpected circumstances, the pressurized gas is usually discharged to ensure the safety of the rocket. For high-value gases such as helium, recycling is usually used for recycling, and the helium recycling is usually performed by pressing the rocket pressurized gas cylinder to the ground gas cylinder. When the pressure of the rocket pressurized gas cylinder and the ground gas cylinder is balanced, the recycling cannot continue, and the remaining gas in the rocket pressurized gas cylinder can only be discharged into the atmosphere, causing gas waste. Therefore, the rapid charging and discharging and effective recycling of the pressurized gas cylinder are particularly important for reducing the launch cost, ensuring the launch period of the rocket, and shortening the launch process.

[0003] Moreover, in the ground test of a liquid launch vehicle, there are also many steps of charging and discharging high-pressure gas cylinders, such as ground engine starting gas cylinders. The pressurization process, discharging process and charging and discharging pipeline switching process of the ground high-pressure gas cylinder usually consume a lot of test time, and the pipeline switching process brings many problems such as sealing and safety, which seriously affect the test efficiency. When helium is used for testing, helium recycling is usually required to reduce test costs.

[0004] In addition, the high-pressure helium cylinder, as a key component of the space propulsion system, is widely used in rockets, launch vehicles and other spacecraft, mainly used for pressurizing the propellant in the storage tank, driving the valve actuator or as a heat exchange medium. In order to improve the storage quality of helium per unit volume and reduce the dry mass ratio of the rocket, the high-pressure helium cylinder is usually stored in a low-temperature medium. However, storage and operation in an extremely low-temperature environment have very high requirements for the thermal stability, sealing performance and charging and discharging response capability of the structural material.

[0005] In actual tasks, the cold helium cylinder often needs to work in the low-temperature propellant (for example, liquid oxygen) environment for a long time, so it must be subjected to strict ground environment simulation test before launch. Among them, the cylinder is completely immersed in liquid oxygen, which can effectively simulate the real working condition of the cylinder in contact with the propellant in the on-orbit environment, so as to comprehensively verify the low-temperature adaptability, structural integrity and working performance of the cylinder under high-pressure working condition. The traditional test method has problems of low test efficiency, low environment reduction degree, insufficient gas regulation precision, imperfect safety guarantee mechanism and difficult low-temperature helium recovery and utilization. Therefore, the rapid charging and discharging of the high-pressure cylinder and the gas recovery have important significance for shortening the test process, improving the test safety and reducing the test cost. SUMMARY

[0006] Therefore, the embodiments of the present application aim to provide a pressurized cylinder rapid charging and discharging system and method and a launch vehicle to solve at least one of the above technical problems.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, in a first aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a pressurized cylinder rapid charging and discharging system, which comprises a gas source and a cylinder, and an adjustable pressure charging and discharging unit connected with the gas source and the cylinder respectively. The adjustable pressure charging and discharging unit comprises a plurality of valves, a pressure reducing unit and a pressure increasing unit, and the cylinder is charged and discharged and pressure-regulated by switching the switches of the plurality of valves; wherein the pressure reducing unit is used to reduce the pressure of the gas to meet the inlet pressure of the pressure increasing unit, and the pressure increasing unit is used to increase the pressure of the gas in the gas source or the cylinder.

[0008] In some possible implementation manners, the plurality of valves comprises: a first valve, a second valve, a third valve and a fourth valve; The gas source is connected in series with the cylinder through the first valve, the pressure reducing unit, the pressure increasing unit and the second valve; The third valve is connected in parallel with the first valve, the pressure reducing unit and the pressure increasing unit; The fourth valve is connected in parallel with the pressure reducing unit, the pressure increasing unit and the second valve.

[0009] In some possible implementation manners, the system further comprises a first pressure measuring component, a second pressure measuring component and a third pressure measuring component. The first pressure measuring component is used to measure the gas pressure of the gas source; The second pressure measuring component is used to measure the gas pressure at the inlet of the pressure increasing unit; The third pressure measuring component is used to measure the gas pressure of the cylinder.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the system further includes a solenoid valve assembly disposed between the gas cylinder and the fourth valve.

[0011] In some possible implementations, the solenoid valve assembly includes a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve, wherein the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are connected in parallel.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the system further includes a gas flow restrictor plate disposed between the solenoid valve assembly and the fourth valve for limiting the flow rate when the gas cylinder is released.

[0013] In some possible implementations, the system further includes a fifth valve and a vaporizer; The fifth valve is disposed between the fourth valve and the solenoid valve assembly; The vaporizer is located between the fifth valve and the fourth valve.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the system further includes a fourth temperature measuring device and a fourth pressure measuring component, both disposed between the fourth valve and the vaporizer.

[0015] In some possible implementations, the system further includes a first temperature measuring device disposed on the gas cylinder for monitoring the temperature of the gas inside the gas cylinder during filling and degassing.

[0016] In some possible implementations, the system further includes a liquid storage tank containing a cooling medium, and the gas cylinder is disposed inside the liquid storage tank.

[0017] In some possible implementations, the liquid storage tank is provided with a second temperature measuring device and a third temperature measuring device, wherein the third temperature measuring device is installed at a higher height on the liquid storage tank than the second temperature measuring device.

[0018] In some possible implementations, the system further includes a filling tanker connected to the storage tank for adding a cooling medium to the storage tank; An adjustment valve is installed between the refueling tanker and the storage tank.

[0019] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for rapid filling and discharging of a pressurized gas cylinder, the method being applicable to the rapid filling and discharging system for a pressurized gas cylinder described in the first aspect, the method comprising: Open the third valve and the second valve to fill the gas cylinder with gas through the gas source; When the pressure of the gas source and the gas cylinder are balanced, the third valve is closed; Open the first valve and adjust the pressure reducing unit until the inlet pressure requirement of the pressure boosting unit is met; The pressurization unit is activated to fill the gas cylinder from the gas source; When the pressure inside the gas cylinder reaches the preset pressure, the pressurization unit is shut down, the first valve is closed, and the filling process ends. Thirdly, the present invention provides a method for rapid filling and discharging of a pressurized gas cylinder, the method being applicable to the rapid filling and discharging system for a pressurized gas cylinder described in the first aspect, the method comprising: Close the second valve, open the fourth valve, and open the first valve; Monitor the pressure of the gas source and the gas cylinder; when the pressure of the gas source and the gas cylinder are balanced, close the first valve. Open the third valve and adjust the pressure reducing unit until the inlet pressure requirement of the pressure boosting unit is met; The pressurization unit is activated to draw air from the gas cylinder to the gas source; When the pressure inside the gas cylinder is lower than the inlet pressure requirement of the booster unit, the booster unit, the fourth valve, and the third valve are closed, and the venting ends.

[0020] Fourthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a launch vehicle, wherein the launch vehicle employs a rapid inflation and deflation system for a pressurized gas cylinder as described in the first aspect.

[0021] The embodiments of the present invention have the following beneficial effects: This invention utilizes a combination of pressure balancing and booster pump pressurization to achieve rapid inflation and deflation, thereby increasing inflation and deflation speed and efficiency and shortening pressurization time for ground tests or rocket launch preparations.

[0022] The rapid charging and discharging system of this invention achieves rapid charging and discharging of pressurized gas through only one pressurization pipeline, reducing system cost and complexity. Moreover, charging and discharging can be achieved by switching valves without disassembling the pipeline, avoiding the risk of gas contamination. The gas charging and discharging recovery process can be achieved simply by switching the on / off state of the valves, without the need for pipeline switching, reducing the complexity of testing or operation, and improving pressurization safety and efficiency. It can achieve full recovery of gas from the pressurized cylinder, without gas waste, saving testing and launch costs.

[0023] This invention utilizes a storage tank to immerse and cool a cold helium cylinder, and a loading tanker, in conjunction with an electric regulating valve, automatically replenishes the storage tank with cooling medium. This achieves automatic control of liquid oxygen addition during the filling and releasing cycle of the cold helium cylinder, preventing the liquid oxygen level from becoming too low or too high. A vaporizer heats the cryogenic helium to restore its temperature, enabling control of the cold helium cylinder's release rate and system redundancy, thus solving the problem of recovering helium at extremely low temperatures during liquid oxygen immersion. Temperature and pressure sensors collect data for automated control, freeing up manpower and improving experimental efficiency and safety. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the first type of rapid filling and discharging system for pressurized gas cylinders according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the second type of rapid filling and discharging system for pressurized gas cylinders according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 A flowchart of a rapid inflation method for a pressurized gas cylinder according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a pressure-regulating inflation path according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 A flowchart of a rapid venting method for a pressurized gas cylinder according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a pressure regulating and venting path according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Explanation of icon numbers: 1. Gas source; 2. First pressure measuring component; 3. First valve; 4. Third valve; 5. Pressure reducing unit; 6. Second pressure measuring component; 7. Fourth valve; 8. Pressure boosting unit; 9. Second valve; 10. Third pressure measuring component; 11. First temperature measuring device; 12. Gas cylinder; 13. Liquid storage tank; 14. Second temperature measuring device; 15. Third temperature measuring device; 19. Fifth valve; 20. Vaporizer; 21. Fourth temperature measuring device; 22. Fourth pressure measuring component; 23. Filling tanker; 24. Regulating valve. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will now be described in detail. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without requiring some of these specific details. The following description of embodiments is merely intended to provide a better understanding of the invention by illustrating examples of the invention. In the accompanying drawings and the following description, at least some well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention; and, for clarity, the dimensions of some structures may be exaggerated. Furthermore, the features, structures, or characteristics described below may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this embodiment provides a rapid filling and discharging system for a pressurized gas cylinder. The system includes: a gas source 1 and a gas cylinder 12, and an adjustable pressure filling and discharging unit connected to the gas source 1 and the gas cylinder 12 respectively; the adjustable pressure filling and discharging unit includes several valves, a pressure reducing unit 5 and a pressure increasing unit 8, and the gas cylinder 12 is filled and discharged and pressure-regulated filled and discharged by switching the opening and closing of several valves; wherein, the pressure reducing unit 5 is used to reduce the pressure of the gas to meet the inlet pressure of the pressure increasing unit 8, and the pressure increasing unit 8 is used to increase the pressure of the gas in the gas source or the gas cylinder.

[0030] This invention achieves rapid inflation, deflation, and recovery of pressurized gas using only a single adjustable pressure inflation / deflation unit, reducing system cost and complexity. The gas deflation and recovery process is achieved simply by switching the states of a few valves, eliminating the need for pipeline switching, thus reducing testing or operational complexity and improving pressurization safety and efficiency. It also enables complete recovery of gas from the pressurized cylinder, preventing gas waste and saving on testing and launch costs. Furthermore, the pressure reducing unit 5 can be a pressure reducing valve, and the pressure increasing unit 8 can be a pressure increasing pump.

[0031] In some embodiments, the plurality of valves include: a first valve 3, a second valve 9, a third valve 4 and a fourth valve 7; the gas source 1 is connected in series with the gas cylinder 12 through the first valve 3, the pressure reducing unit 5, the pressure increasing unit 8 and the second valve 9; the third valve 4 is connected in parallel with the first valve 3, the pressure reducing unit 5 and the pressure increasing unit 8; and the fourth valve 7 is connected in parallel with the pressure reducing unit 5, the pressure increasing unit 8 and the second valve 9.

[0032] In this embodiment, each valve can be a manual ball valve, and the components are connected by pipelines to achieve gas delivery. During the filling process, gas source 1 is the gas supply source, which provides the gas medium to the pressurized gas cylinder 12. During the venting (gas recovery) process, gas source 1 is used to recover the gas medium in the pressurized gas cylinder 12. The first valve 3, the second valve 9, the third valve 4, and the fourth valve 7 are all room temperature valves. By using different opening and closing combinations of the first valve 3, the second valve 9, the third valve 4, and the fourth valve 7, rapid filling and venting of gas can be achieved without switching pipelines. The pressure reducing unit 5 is used to reduce the pressure of the gas in gas source 1 to the inlet pressure required by the pressurizing unit 8 when the first valve 3 is opened. The pressurizing unit 8 is used to pressurize the low pressure of the gas in gas source 1 to the high pressure and deliver it to the pressurized gas cylinder 12. In this system, the first valve 3, the second valve 9, the third valve 4, and the fourth valve 7 can be selected according to the maximum pressurization pressure requirement of the pressurized gas cylinder 12. Select a hand valve with a corresponding pressure resistance range to save costs. Before starting to fill, the pressure of the gas in the gas source 1 must be higher than the pressure in the pressurized gas cylinder 12. Similarly, before releasing gas, the pressure of the gas in the pressurized gas cylinder 12 must be much higher than the pressure in the gas source 1. The rapid filling and releasing system provided in this embodiment first performs pressure balancing filling. When the pressure reaches balance, the pressurizing unit 8 is activated to pressurize. During the filling process, the pressurizing unit 8 is used to extract low-pressure gas from the pressurized gas source 1 after pressure balance and pressurize it before sending it into the gas cylinder 12. During the releasing process, it is used to extract low-pressure gas from the gas cylinder 12 after pressure balance and pressurize it before sending it into the pressurized gas source 1.

[0033] This embodiment utilizes a combination of pressure balancing and pressurization via a pressurization unit for rapid charging and discharging, improving charging and discharging speed and efficiency, and shortening pressurization time for ground tests or rocket launch preparations. The rapid charging and discharging system in this embodiment achieves rapid charging and discharging of pressurized gas through only one pressurization pipeline, reducing system cost and complexity. Furthermore, charging and discharging can be achieved simply by switching valves, eliminating the need to disassemble pipelines and avoiding the risk of gas contamination. The gas charging and discharging recovery process can be achieved simply by switching the on / off states of the valves, without pipeline switching, reducing testing or operational complexity and improving pressurization safety and efficiency. It also allows for the full recovery of gas from the pressurized cylinder 12, preventing gas waste and saving on testing and launch costs.

[0034] In some embodiments, the system further includes: a first pressure measuring component 2, a second pressure measuring component 6, and a third pressure measuring component 10; the first pressure measuring component is used to measure the air pressure of the air source; the second pressure measuring component is used to measure the air pressure at the inlet of the booster unit 8; and the third pressure measuring component 10 is used to measure the air pressure of the gas cylinder 12.

[0035] In this embodiment, the pressure inside the gas source 1 is monitored by the first pressure measuring component 2. During the inflation process, when the reading of the first pressure measuring component 2 drops below the rated pressure of the booster unit 8 (the rated pressure of the booster unit 8 depends on the capacity of the booster unit 8), the boosting is stopped and a new gas source 1 is switched. During the deflation process, when the reading of the first pressure measuring component 2 rises to near the pressure carrying capacity of the gas source 1, the boosting is stopped and an empty gas source 1 is switched, allowing continued gas recovery. The pressure carrying capacity of the gas source 1 depends on the pressure carrying capacity of the gas source 1 container and the gas recovery temperature. The inlet pressure of the booster unit 8 is monitored by the second pressure measuring component 6. When the pressure is about to or exceeds the operating range, an alarm is issued to remind the operator to adjust the pressure reducing unit 5 so that the inlet pressure of the booster unit 8 meets the operating range requirements. The actual pressure of the booster cylinder 12 is monitored by the third pressure measuring component 10. When the pressure inside the cylinder 12 is boosted to the target pressure, the control system receives the feedback signal from the third pressure measuring component 10 and issues a command to shut down the booster unit 8, stopping the boosting.

[0036] In this embodiment, the pressure measurement component can be a pressure sensor or a pressure transmitter with a corresponding range, and it transmits the pressure data to the measurement system to realize remote pressure monitoring.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the system further includes a solenoid valve assembly disposed between the gas cylinder 12 and the fourth valve 7. In this embodiment, the solenoid valve assembly includes a first solenoid valve 16 and a second solenoid valve 17, which are connected in parallel.

[0038] The first solenoid valve 16 and the second solenoid valve 17 are both low-temperature high-pressure solenoid valves, which serve as backups for each other. When the gas cylinder 12 is being filled, the flow of gas to the recovery path is stopped (the gas flow path of the recovery path is in sequence: gas cylinder 12, electrical test valve assembly, fourth valve 7, pressure reducing unit 5, pressure boosting valve, third valve 4, and empty gas source 1). When the gas cylinder 12 is being released, the first solenoid valve 16 and / or the second solenoid valve 17 are opened by remote control, and the gas flows through the recovery path to the empty gas source 1.

[0039] In some embodiments, the system further includes a gas flow restrictor plate 18 disposed between the solenoid valve assembly and the fourth valve 7, for limiting the flow rate when the gas cylinder 12 is vented.

[0040] In this embodiment, the gas flow restrictor 18 is used to limit the flow rate when the gas cylinder 12 is vented, while making the gas recovery rate controllable. The pressure increase of all valves, pipelines and recovery gas source 1 after the gas flow restrictor 18 can be controlled, providing system safety.

[0041] In some embodiments, the system further includes a fifth valve 19 and a vaporizer 20; the fifth valve 19 is disposed between the fourth valve 7 and the solenoid valve assembly; the vaporizer 20 is disposed between the fifth valve 19 and the fourth valve 7.

[0042] In this embodiment, the ambient temperature fourth valve 7 is located at the outlet of the vaporizer 20. When the pressurized gas source 1 charges the cold helium cylinder 12, the fourth valve 7 is in the closed state to prevent the pressurized gas from entering the vaporizer 20 and causing gas waste. When the cold helium cylinder 12 releases gas from the pressurized gas source 1 for recovery, it is in the normally open state. The cryogenic valve is located at the inlet of the vaporizer 20 and is in the normally open state. It is only temporarily activated when the solenoid valve or the valve is abnormally closed to prevent the high-pressure gas from flowing to the recovery path. The vaporizer 20 is a high-pressure gas heater, which is used to heat the cryogenic helium flowing out of the cold helium cylinder 12 when the cold helium cylinder 12 is released, so that it returns to the ambient temperature before entering the pressurized gas source 1.

[0043] In some embodiments, the system further includes a fourth temperature measuring device 21 and a fourth pressure measuring component 22, both disposed between the fourth valve 7 and the vaporizer 20.

[0044] In this embodiment, the fourth temperature measuring device 21 and the fourth pressure measuring component 22 are both located at the outlet of the vaporizer 20. They monitor the temperature and pressure of the gas after it has been heated by the vaporizer 20 during the gas release and recovery process. The control system determines the maximum recovery pressure that the booster gas source 1 can ultimately achieve based on the signal feedback from the fourth temperature measuring device 21 and the fourth pressure measuring component 22, and controls the solenoid valve to open or close. The relationship between pressure and temperature is as follows: According to the state equation PV=mRT (P is the gas pressure, V is the gas volume, m is the gas mass, and R is the gas constant), under the condition that the volume of the booster gas source 1 is constant, temperature and pressure are directly proportional. If the gas temperature at the outlet of the vaporizer 20 is too low, when the pressure of the booster gas source 1 increases to the rated pressure during recovery, the booster gas source 1 will exchange heat with the outside air and its temperature will rise when it is left to stand still in the air. At this time, the pressure will increase accordingly, which will cause an overpressure hazard.

[0045] In some embodiments, the system further includes a first temperature measuring device 11, disposed on the gas cylinder 12, for monitoring the temperature of the gas inside the gas cylinder 12 during the filling and degassing process.

[0046] In this embodiment, the temperature change of the gas inside the cold helium cylinder 12 during the filling and releasing process is monitored by the first temperature measuring device 11 to obtain the temperature characteristics of the filling and releasing gas.

[0047] In some embodiments, the system further includes a liquid storage tank 13 containing a cooling medium, and a gas cylinder 12 disposed inside the liquid storage tank 13.

[0048] In this embodiment, the gas cylinder 12 is a cold helium cylinder 12. The cold helium cylinder 12 is placed in the liquid storage tank 13. The liquid storage tank 13 reduces the temperature of the cold helium stored in the cold helium cylinder 12, which is a stainless steel liquid storage tank. The stainless steel tank contains a low-temperature medium (such as liquid oxygen). The low-temperature medium is used to cool the cold helium cylinder 12 stored in it, thereby increasing the gas storage capacity inside the gas cylinder 12.

[0049] In some embodiments, a second temperature measuring device 14 and a third temperature measuring device 15 are provided on the liquid storage tank 13, and the installation height of the third temperature measuring device 15 on the liquid storage tank 13 is higher than that of the second temperature measuring device 14.

[0050] In this embodiment, the second temperature measuring device 14 is located approximately 3 cm above the vertical height of the cold helium cylinder 12, and the third temperature measuring device 15 is located approximately 30 cm above the vertical height of the temperature measuring device. By measuring the temperature at these two locations, the consumption of the cooling medium (liquid oxygen) can be monitored, facilitating the determination of the start and end times for liquid oxygen replenishment. The 3 cm position ensures that the liquid oxygen does not leak from the body of the cold helium cylinder 12 to the minimum required level. If the second temperature measuring device 14 is positioned below this 3 cm height, its temperature will not have decreased before the liquid oxygen level drops below the body of the cylinder 12, introducing interference factors, increasing experimental risk, and preventing the achievement of the experimental objective. The temperature measuring device can be a temperature sensor.

[0051] In some embodiments, the system further includes a filling tanker 23 connected to a storage tank 13 for adding cooling medium to the storage tank 13; a regulating valve 24 is provided between the filling tanker 23 and the storage tank 13.

[0052] In this embodiment, the filling tanker 23, the electric cryogenic regulating valve, and the storage tank 13 are connected via a liquid oxygen filling pipeline. The filling tanker 23 contains a cryogenic cooling medium (such as liquid oxygen) for extruding liquid oxygen into the stainless steel storage tank. The filling outlet shut-off valve of the filling tanker 23 is normally open. The electric cryogenic regulating valve is opened and closed by the control system to control the filling or stopping of liquid oxygen. In this embodiment, during the initial filling process, the liquid oxygen filling tanker 23 self-pressurizes to a predetermined pressure, and then maintains a certain air cushion pressure through self-pressurization. The control system opens the regulating valve 24 to fill the stainless steel storage tank with liquid oxygen for the first time. When the temperature display of the second temperature measuring device 14 reaches -183°C, the control system closes the regulating valve 24. The regulating valve 24 can be an electric regulating valve.

[0053] During the subsequent filling and discharging of the cold helium cylinder 12, the control system collects temperature data from the second temperature measuring device 14 and the third temperature measuring device 15 in real time. When the reading displayed by the second temperature measuring device 14 begins to drop below -183℃ (-183℃ is the temperature of liquid oxygen under normal pressure, which is an inherent property of liquid oxygen), it indicates that the liquid oxygen is about to evaporate and leak out of the cylinder. At this time, the control system automatically controls the regulating valve 24 to open to a certain degree to add liquid oxygen to the stainless steel storage tank. When the reading displayed by the third temperature measuring device 15 reaches -183℃, the control system automatically controls the regulating valve 24 to close and stop adding liquid oxygen to the stainless steel storage tank.

[0054] Example 2

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a method for rapid filling and defilling of a pressurized gas cylinder. This method is applicable to a rapid filling and defilling system for a pressurized gas cylinder, as described in the first aspect. The method is a filling process, including the following steps: S11, open the third valve 4 and the second valve 9, and fill the gas cylinder 12 with gas through the gas source 1; S12, when the pressure of gas source 1 and gas cylinder 12 is balanced, close the third valve 4; S13, open the first valve 3, and adjust the pressure reducing unit 5 until the inlet pressure requirement of the pressure boosting unit 8 is met; S14, start the pressurization unit 8 to fill the gas cylinder 12 from the gas source 1; S15, when the pressure inside the gas cylinder 12 reaches the preset pressure, shut down the booster unit 8, close the first valve 3, and the filling ends.

[0056] This embodiment describes a rapid inflation method. Specifically, the third valve 4 is opened, followed by the second valve 9, allowing the gas supply source 1 to supply gas to the pressurized cylinder 12 for balanced inflation. The pressures displayed by the first pressure measuring component 2 and the third pressure measuring component 10 are monitored until they are balanced. Once the pressures are balanced, pressure regulation inflation is performed, following the pressure regulation inflation path as follows: Figure 4 As shown (the path indicated by the bold line with arrows), specifically, close the third valve 4, open the first valve 3, observe the pressure displayed by the second pressure measuring component 6 and adjust the opening of the pressure reducing unit 5 until it meets the inlet pressure requirement of the pressure boosting unit 8; start the pressure boosting unit 8 to fill the pressure boosting cylinder 12 with gas, and observe the pressure displayed by the third pressure measuring component 10. After the pressure reaches the design pressure, close the pressure boosting unit 8; close the second valve 9 and the first valve 3, and adjust the opening of the pressure reducing unit 5 to the closed state to complete the filling process.

[0057] Example 3

[0058] like Figure 5As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a method for rapid filling and discharging of a pressurized gas cylinder. This method is applicable to a rapid filling and discharging system for a pressurized gas cylinder according to a first aspect. The method is a discharging process, including the following steps: S21, close the second valve 9, open the fourth valve 7, open the first valve 3, and release gas from the gas cylinder 12 to the gas source 1 in a balanced manner; S22, monitor the pressure of gas source 1 and gas cylinder 12, and close the first valve 3 when the pressure of gas source 1 and gas cylinder 12 is balanced; S23, open the third valve 4, and adjust the pressure reducing unit 5 until the inlet pressure requirement of the pressure boosting unit 8 is met; S24, start the pressurization unit 8 to draw gas from the gas cylinder 12 to the gas source 1; S25, when the pressure inside the gas cylinder 12 is lower than the inlet pressure requirement of the booster unit 8, the booster unit 8, the fourth valve 7 and the third valve 4 are closed, and the gas release ends.

[0059] This embodiment describes a rapid venting method. Specifically, the fourth valve 7 is opened, followed by the first valve 3, allowing the pressurized gas cylinder 12 to charge the air source 1 in a balanced manner. The pressure displayed by the first pressure measuring component 2 and the third pressure measuring component 10 is monitored until the pressure is balanced. Once the pressures are balanced, pressure regulation venting is performed. The pressure regulation venting path is as follows: Figure 6 As shown (the path indicated by the bold line with arrows), specifically, close the first valve 3, then open the third valve 4, observe the pressure displayed by the second pressure measuring component 6, and adjust the opening of the pressure reducing unit 5 until it meets the inlet pressure requirement of the pressure boosting unit 8; after the balancing venting is completed, the gas flow sequence is as follows: gas cylinder 12, fourth valve 7, pressure reducing unit 5, second pressure measuring component 6, pressure boosting unit 8, third valve 4, and empty gas source 1. Start the pressure boosting unit 8, extract gas from the pressure boosting gas cylinder 12 to fill the empty gas source 1, monitor the displayed pressure of the third pressure measuring component 10, when the display of the third pressure measuring component 10 is normal pressure, close the pressure boosting unit 8, close the third valve 4 and the fourth valve 7, adjust the opening of the pressure reducing unit 5 to the closed state, and the venting is completed.

[0060] In addition, when the gas cylinder 12 in this embodiment is a cold helium cylinder 12, the cold helium cylinder 12 needs to be placed in the liquid storage tank 13, and a cooling medium needs to be placed in the liquid storage tank 13 to cool down the cold helium cylinder 12. At this time, the rapid inflation process is as follows: open the third valve 4 and the second valve 9, and first, the pressurized gas source 1 will charge the cold helium cylinder 12 to achieve equilibrium; monitor the pressure changes of the first pressure measuring component 2 and the third pressure measuring component 10, and when the pressure of the pressurized gas source 1 and the cold helium cylinder 12 are balanced, close the third valve 4; open the first valve 3, monitor the pressure of the second pressure measuring component 6, and adjust the pressure reducing unit 5 until the pressure value measured by the second pressure measuring component 6 meets the inlet pressure requirement of the pressurization unit 8; the control system starts the pressurization unit 8 and begins to extract gas from the pressurized gas source 1 to charge the cold helium cylinder 12; monitor the pressure value measured by the third pressure measuring component 10 and the temperature value measured by the first temperature measuring device 11. The temperature of the gas inside the cylinder 12 is an important monitoring parameter in the field of liquid rocket pressurization, which directly determines the mass of pressurized gas per unit volume inside the cylinder 12. When the displayed pressure and temperature values ​​reach the predetermined pressure and temperature, the control system closes the pressurization unit 8 and stops pressurization.

[0061] During the inflation process, when the reading displayed by the first pressure measuring component 2 drops below the rated pressure of the booster unit 8, the control system shuts down the booster unit 8 to stop boosting, closes the first valve 3, and switches to a new air source 1, repeating the above steps to continue inflation.

[0062] The rapid venting process is as follows: close the second valve 9 and open the fourth valve 7; open the solenoid valve assembly to start venting and helium recovery from the pressurized gas cylinder 12; monitor the measurement parameters of the fourth temperature measuring device 21, the fourth pressure measuring component 22 and the first pressure measuring component 2, and the control system calculates the maximum recovery pressure P of the pressurized gas source 1 (P=MRT / V, where P is the gas pressure, V is the gas volume, m is the number of gas molecules and R is the gas constant) based on the reading of the fourth temperature measuring device 21 and the pressure-bearing capacity of the pressurized gas source 1, which serves as the venting and recovery stop condition. When the pressures of the fourth pressure measuring component 22, the first pressure measuring component 2, and the third pressure measuring component 10 are balanced, i.e., when the pressures of the cold helium cylinder 12 and the pressurizing gas source 1 are balanced, the first valve 3 is closed; the third valve 4 is opened, the second pressure measuring component 6 is monitored, and the pressure reducing unit 5 is adjusted until the pressure value measured by the second pressure measuring component 6 meets the inlet pressure requirement of the pressurizing unit 8; the control system starts the pressurizing unit 8 and begins to extract helium from the cold helium cylinder 12 into the pressurizing gas source 1 for gas recovery; when the pressure displayed by the first pressure measuring component 2 reaches the maximum withstand pressure of the gas source 1, the control system closes the pressurizing unit 8, stops gas recovery, closes the third valve 4, switches to an empty pressurizing gas source 1, and then reopens the third valve 4, and the control system opens the pressurizing unit 8 to continue gas recovery; when the pressure displayed by the third pressure measuring component 10 is lower than the rated pressure of the pressurizing unit 8 (the rated power of the pressurizing unit 8 depends on the capacity of the pressurizing unit 8 itself, and different models of pressurizing units 8 have different rated power), the control system closes the pressurizing unit 8, and gas recovery ends; the solenoid valve assembly, the fourth valve 7, and the third valve 4 are closed. When it is necessary to cyclically inflate and deflate, the inflation and deflation processes can be repeated.

[0063] The rapid charging and discharging method provided in this invention can switch between charging and discharging functions through different valve switching combinations, while simultaneously achieving lossless recovery of pressurized gas. The cold helium cylinder 12 is cooled by immersion in the storage tank 13, and the filling tank 23, in conjunction with the regulating valve 24, automatically replenishes the cooling medium in the storage tank 13, achieving automatic liquid oxygen filling control during the charging and discharging cycle of the cold helium cylinder 12, preventing the liquid oxygen level from being too low or too high. The low-temperature helium is heated and rewarmed by the vaporizer 20, achieving control of the discharging rate of the cold helium cylinder 12 and system redundancy, solving the problem of recovering helium at extremely low temperatures under liquid oxygen immersion. Data is collected through temperature measuring devices and pressure sensors to facilitate automated control through the control system, freeing up manpower and improving experimental efficiency and safety.

[0064] The cryogenic immersion and rapid charging / discharging system for cold helium cylinder 12 provided by this invention features high automation and reliability, simple and convenient operation and maintenance, and high recycling rate of the charging medium. It effectively reduces ground testing costs and improves the system's realistic performance simulation capabilities, charging / discharging control accuracy, and testing safety. It is suitable for performance verification and status assessment of cold helium cylinder 12 before various aerospace missions. The rapid charging / discharging system and method provided in this invention are also applicable to immersion in cryogenic media such as liquid nitrogen and methane, as well as to charging / discharging in pressurized media such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

[0065] Example 4

[0066] This invention provides a launch vehicle that employs a rapid inflation and deflation system for a pressurized gas cylinder as described in Embodiment 1.

[0067] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," or "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0068] Unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" in this invention embodiment should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integrated connections; similarly, they can refer to mechanical connections, electrical connections, or direct connections, or indirect connections through an intermediate medium, or internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0069] Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner as long as there is no structural conflict. The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A rapid filling and discharging system for pressurized gas cylinders, characterized in that, The system includes: a gas source (1) and a gas cylinder (12), and an adjustable pressure filling and discharging unit connected to the gas source (1) and the gas cylinder (12) respectively; The adjustable pressure filling and discharging unit includes several valves, a pressure reducing unit (5), and a pressure increasing unit (8). Switching the switches of several valves allows for automatic filling and discharging and pressure-regulated filling and discharging of the gas cylinder (12). The pressure reducing unit (5) is used to reduce the gas pressure at the inlet of the pressure increasing unit (8) to a level that meets the inlet pressure of the pressure increasing unit (8). The pressure increasing unit (8) is used to increase the pressure of the gas in the gas source (1) or the gas cylinder (12).

2. The rapid filling and discharging system for a pressurized gas cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valves include: First valve (3), second valve (9), third valve (4) and fourth valve (7); The gas source (1) is connected in series with the gas cylinder (12) through the first valve (3), the pressure reducing unit (5), the pressure increasing unit (8) and the second valve (9); The third valve (4) is connected in parallel with the first valve (3), the pressure reducing unit (5), and the pressure boosting unit (8); The fourth valve (7) is connected in parallel with the pressure reducing unit (5), the pressure increasing unit (8), and the second valve (9).

3. The rapid filling and discharging system for a pressurized gas cylinder according to claim 2, characterized in that, The system further includes: a first pressure measuring component (2), a second pressure measuring component (6), and a third pressure measuring component (10); The first pressure measuring component (2) is used to measure the air pressure of the air source (1); The second pressure measuring component (6) is used to measure the air pressure at the inlet of the booster unit (8); The third pressure measuring component (10) is used to measure the gas pressure of the gas cylinder (12).

4. The rapid filling and discharging system for a pressurized gas cylinder according to claim 2, characterized in that, The system also includes a solenoid valve assembly disposed between the gas cylinder (12) and the fourth valve (7).

5. The rapid filling and discharging system for a pressurized gas cylinder according to claim 4, characterized in that, The solenoid valve assembly includes a first solenoid valve (16) and a second solenoid valve (17), wherein the first solenoid valve (16) and the second solenoid valve (17) are connected in parallel.

6. The rapid filling and discharging system for a pressurized gas cylinder according to claim 4, characterized in that, The system also includes a gas flow limiting orifice plate (18), which is disposed between the solenoid valve assembly and the fourth valve (7) to limit the flow rate when the gas cylinder (12) is vented.

7. The rapid filling and discharging system for a pressurized gas cylinder according to claim 4, characterized in that, The system also includes a fifth valve (19) and a vaporizer (20). The fifth valve (19) is disposed between the fourth valve (7) and the solenoid valve assembly; The vaporizer (20) is located between the fifth valve (19) and the fourth valve (7).

8. A rapid filling and discharging system for a pressurized gas cylinder according to claim 7, characterized in that, The system also includes a fourth temperature measuring device (21) and a fourth pressure measuring component (22), both of which are located between the fourth valve (7) and the vaporizer (20).

9. A rapid filling and discharging system for a pressurized gas cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system also includes a first temperature measuring device (11), which is installed on the gas cylinder (12) to monitor the temperature of the gas inside the gas cylinder (12) during the filling and defilling process.

10. A rapid filling and discharging system for a pressurized gas cylinder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system also includes a liquid storage tank (13) containing a cooling medium, and the gas cylinder (12) is located inside the liquid storage tank (13).

11. A rapid filling and discharging system for a pressurized gas cylinder according to claim 10, characterized in that, The liquid storage tank (13) is provided with a second temperature measuring device (14) and a third temperature measuring device (15), and the installation height of the third temperature measuring device (15) on the liquid storage tank (13) is higher than that of the second temperature measuring device (14).

12. The rapid filling and discharging system for a pressurized gas cylinder according to claim 10, characterized in that, The system also includes a filling tanker (23), which is connected to the liquid storage tank (13) and is used to add cooling medium to the liquid storage tank (13); A regulating valve (24) is provided between the filling tanker (23) and the storage tank (13).

13. A method for rapidly filling and discharging a pressurized gas cylinder, characterized in that, The method is applicable to a rapid filling and discharging system for a pressurized gas cylinder as described in any one of claims 2-12, and the method includes: Open the third valve (4) and the second valve (9) to fill the gas cylinder (12) with gas through the gas source (1); When the pressure of the gas source (1) and the gas cylinder (12) is balanced, the third valve (4) is closed. Open the first valve (3) and adjust the pressure reducing unit (5) until the inlet pressure requirement of the pressure boosting unit (8) is met; The pressurization unit (8) is activated to fill the gas cylinder (12) from the gas source (1); When the pressure inside the gas cylinder (12) reaches the preset pressure, the pressurization unit (8) is turned off, the first valve (3) is turned off, and the inflation ends.

14. A method for rapidly filling and discharging a pressurized gas cylinder, characterized in that, The method is applicable to a rapid filling and discharging system for a pressurized gas cylinder as described in any one of claims 2-12, and the method includes: Close the second valve (9), open the fourth valve (7) and open the first valve (3) to release gas from the gas cylinder (12) to the gas source (1) in a balanced manner; Monitor the pressure of the gas source (1) and the gas cylinder (12). When the pressure of the gas source (1) and the gas cylinder (12) is balanced, close the first valve (3). Open the third valve (4) and adjust the pressure reducing unit (5) until the inlet pressure requirement of the pressure boosting unit (8) is met; The pressurization unit (8) is activated to draw air from the gas cylinder (12) into the gas source (1); When the pressure inside the gas cylinder (12) is lower than the inlet pressure requirement of the booster unit (8), the booster unit (8), the fourth valve (7) and the third valve (4) are closed, and the gas release ends.

15. A launch vehicle, characterized in that, The launch vehicle employs a rapid inflation and deflation system for a pressurized gas cylinder as described in any one of claims 1-12.

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