A gas cooling device

Abstract

This invention relates to a gas cooling device, comprising a container assembly for holding a cooling medium, and a cooling pipe extending within the container assembly. The cooling pipe has an input end and an output end, used for inputting and outputting a target gas, respectively. The container assembly is configured to progressively cool the target gas flowing from the input end to the output end via the cooling medium, thereby safely and reliably reducing the temperature of the target gas to a lower temperature limit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of gas cooling technology, and more specifically to a gas cooling device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, relatively mature and reliable gas storage and transportation methods include long-tube trailers (high-pressure gaseous state) and pipeline transportation (gaseous state). However, these methods suffer from low volumetric density and storage and transportation efficiency, as well as high storage and transportation costs. Liquefying or cryogenically compressing gases can effectively increase their volumetric density and reduce costs during storage and transportation. However, this process requires efficient heat exchange to lower the gas's lower temperature limit as much as possible; for example, liquefying hydrogen requires cooling to around 20K. However, some existing gas cooling devices cannot safely and reliably reduce the gas to its lower temperature limit. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a gas cooling device that can safely and reliably reduce the temperature of the target gas to the lower limit of the temperature range.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is: to provide a gas cooling device, comprising,

[0005] Container assembly for holding cooling media;

[0006] A cooling pipe extends within the container assembly, with its two ends serving as an input and an output, for inputting and outputting the target gas, respectively.

[0007] The container assembly is configured to cool the target gas flowing from the input end to the output end in stages using the cooling medium.

[0008] Furthermore, the container assembly includes a first container, in which a liquid cooling medium is contained, which can be vaporized, and the vaporized cooling medium can pre-cool the target gas entering the cooling pipe.

[0009] Furthermore, a second container is provided inside the first container, and the cooling pipe extends sequentially into the first container and the second container, so that after the cooling medium in the first container cools the target gas, the cooling medium in the second container can further cool the target gas.

[0010] Furthermore, a third container is also provided inside the second container. The cooling pipe extends sequentially within the first container, the second container, and the third container. The third container is connected to the second container, so that the cooling medium in the third container enters the second container after vaporization, so that the target gas is further cooled after passing through the first container.

[0011] Furthermore, a connecting pipe is provided between the second container and the third container so that the cooling medium in the third container can enter the second container after it is vaporized.

[0012] Furthermore, the temperature of the cooling medium in the third container is lower than the temperature of the cooling medium in the first container.

[0013] Furthermore, the gas cooling device also includes a storage container for storing a cooling medium, the storage container being connected to the container assembly to deliver the cooling medium into the container assembly.

[0014] Furthermore, the storage container includes a first storage container connected to the first container and a second storage container connected to the third container, wherein the temperature of the cooling medium stored in the first storage container is lower than the temperature of the cooling medium stored in the second storage container.

[0015] Furthermore, the cooling pipe is arranged in a bent manner within the container assembly.

[0016] Furthermore, a three-way valve is provided at the input end of the cooling pipe. The two input ports of the three-way valve are respectively connected to the target gas source and the purge gas source. After the target gas source stops supplying the target gas to the cooling pipe, the purge gas source supplies purge gas into the cooling pipe to purge the remaining target gas in the cooling pipe.

[0017] Furthermore, a first valve is provided between the three-way valve and the target gas source, and a second valve is provided on the purge pipe between the three-way valve and the purge gas source.

[0018] Furthermore, the output end of the cooling pipe is equipped with a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor to monitor the temperature and pressure of the target gas after cooling.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention provides a gas cooling device comprising a container assembly for holding a cooling medium, and a cooling pipe extending within the container assembly. The cooling pipe has an input end and an output end, used for inputting and outputting a target gas, respectively. The container assembly is configured to progressively cool the target gas flowing from the input end to the output end via the cooling medium, thereby safely and reliably reducing the temperature of the target gas to a lower temperature limit. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0021] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of one embodiment of a gas cooling device.

[0022] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of another embodiment of the gas cooling device.

[0023] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of another embodiment of the gas cooling device.

[0024] In the figure, the following reference numerals are used: 100, gas cooling device; 10, container assembly; 11, first container; 12, second container; 13, third container; 14, connecting pipe; 20, cooling pipe; 21, input end; 22, output end; 23, three-way valve; 231, first valve; 232, second valve; 24, purge gas source; 241, purge pipeline; 25, temperature sensor; 26, pressure sensor; 30, target gas source; 40, storage container; 40a, first storage container; 40b, second storage container; 41, delivery pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the technical problem to be solved, the technical solution, and the beneficial effects of this invention clearer, the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This drawing is a simplified schematic diagram, illustrating only the basic structure of the invention, and therefore only shows the components relevant to the invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] refer to Figure 1-3As shown, the gas cooling device 100 provided by the present invention includes a container assembly 10 for holding a cooling medium and a cooling pipe 20 penetrating the container assembly 10. The input end 21 of the cooling pipe 20 is connected to a target gas source 30 for providing the target gas, and the output end 22 of the cooling pipe 20 is connected to a target device (not shown in the figure). The temperature of the target gas is lower than the temperature of the cooling medium. During the process of the target gas source 30 supplying the target gas to the target device through the cooling pipe 20, the cooling medium in the container assembly 10 exchanges heat with the target gas through the cooling pipe 20, thereby allowing the target gas to enter the target device after its temperature has decreased.

[0028] It is understood that the target device can be a pressurizing device to pressurize the cooled target gas, thereby increasing the bulk density of the target gas. The target device can also be a storage device to store the cooled target gas, thereby increasing the bulk density during storage. The target device can also be a pressurized liquefaction device to pressurize the target gas whose temperature has dropped to a critical temperature, thereby liquefying the target gas.

[0029] A three-way valve 23 is also provided on the input end 21 of the cooling pipe 20. The two input ports of the three-way valve 23 are connected to the target gas source 30 and the purge gas source 24, respectively. A first valve 231 is provided between the target gas source 30 and the three-way valve 23 to control the connection and disconnection between the target gas source 30 and the three-way valve 23. The purge gas source 24 is used to store purge gas so that the target gas remaining in the cooling pipe 20 can be purged after the gas cooling device 100 has cooled the target gas. A second valve 232 is provided on the purge pipe 241 between the purge gas source 24 and the three-way valve 23 to control the connection and disconnection between the purge gas source 24 and the three-way valve 23.

[0030] A temperature sensor 25 and a pressure sensor 26 are installed at the output end 22 of the cooling pipe 20 to measure the temperature and pressure of the target gas when it enters the target device. This allows for adjustment of the flow rate of the target gas in the cooling pipe 20, or the volume or mass of the cooling medium in the container assembly 10, based on the temperature and pressure of the target gas upon entering the target device. This ensures sufficient heat exchange between the target gas and the cooling medium, thereby guaranteeing that the temperature and pressure of the target gas upon entering the target device reach predetermined values.

[0031] Preferably, the cooling pipe 20 is arranged in a bent manner within the container assembly 10 to extend its length within the assembly and increase the contact area between the cooling pipe 20 and the cooling medium in the assembly 10. This extends the time it takes for the target gas to flow from the input end 21 to the output end 22 while maintaining a constant flow rate, thereby ensuring sufficient heat exchange between the target gas and the cooling medium.

[0032] Preferably, the cooling pipe 20 is made of a metal or alloy material with good thermal conductivity in order to improve the efficiency of heat exchange between the target gas in the cooling pipe 20 and the cooling medium in the container assembly 10.

[0033] Combination Figure 1-3 As shown, the gas cooling device 100 also includes a storage container 40 for storing the cooling medium. The storage container 40 is connected to the container assembly 10 via a delivery pipe 41 to deliver the cooling medium into the container assembly 10.

[0034] Preferably, the conveying pipe 41 is also made of metal or alloy material to ensure that the conveying pipe 41 has a certain strength when conveying the cooling medium. The outside of the conveying pipe 41 is provided with a heat insulation layer to ensure that the temperature of the cooling medium does not change significantly during the conveying process.

[0035] Preferably, multiple storage containers 40 can be provided, and different types of cooling media are stored in each of the multiple storage containers 40. The different types of cooling media have different temperatures. The different types of cooling media delivered to the container assembly 10 can sequentially exchange heat with the target gas in the cooling pipe 20 according to their respective temperatures, thereby achieving a step-by-step cooling of the target gas. This can avoid sudden pressure changes in the target gas due to rapid temperature changes, which could damage the cooling pipe 20. This also reduces the structural strength requirements of the cooling pipe 20 to some extent and improves the applicability of the cooling pipe 20.

[0036] Example 2

[0037] refer to Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the gas cooling device 100 includes a container assembly 10 for holding a cooling medium and a cooling pipe 20 penetrating the container assembly 10. The input end 21 of the cooling pipe 20 is connected to a target gas source 30 for providing the target gas, and the output end 22 of the cooling pipe 20 is connected to the target device (not shown in the figure). The temperature of the target gas is lower than the temperature of the cooling medium. During the process of the target gas source 30 supplying the target gas to the target device through the cooling pipe 20, the cooling medium in the container assembly 10 exchanges heat with the target gas through the cooling pipe 20, thereby allowing the target gas to enter the target device after its temperature has decreased.

[0038] It is understood that the target device can be a pressurizing device to pressurize the cooled target gas, thereby increasing the volumetric density of the target gas. The target device can also be a storage device to store the cooled target gas, thereby increasing the volumetric density during storage. The target device can also be a pressurized liquefaction device to pressurize the target gas whose temperature has dropped to a critical temperature, thereby liquefying the target gas. In this embodiment, the target device is a pressurizing device.

[0039] Combination Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the container assembly 10 includes a first container 11. The cooling medium contained in the first container 11 is liquid nitrogen. The target gas supplied by the target gas source 30 to the target device through the cooling pipe 20 is methane.

[0040] In this embodiment, the cryogenic nitrogen gas produced after liquid nitrogen absorbs heat and evaporates is located at the top of the first container 11, and the cryogenic nitrogen gas pre-cools the methane gas entering the cooling pipe 20. This effectively prevents a sudden drop in methane temperature that could cause a pressure surge and damage to the cooling pipe 20, ensuring the safety of the gas cooling device 100. As the methane gas flows towards the output end 22, the liquid nitrogen continues to cool the methane gas until its temperature drops to 80K. This allows it to be pressurized through the target device for storage and transportation.

[0041] A three-way valve 23 is also provided at the input end 21 of the cooling pipe 20. The two input ports of the three-way valve 23 are connected to the target gas source 30 and the purge gas source 24, respectively. A first valve 231 is provided between the target gas source 30 and the three-way valve 23 to control the connection and disconnection between the target gas source 30 and the three-way valve 23. The purge gas source 24 is used to store purge gas so that the methane remaining in the cooling pipe 20 can be purged after the gas cooling device 100 has cooled the methane. A second valve 232 is provided on the purge pipe 241 between the purge gas source 24 and the three-way valve 23 to control the connection and disconnection between the purge gas source 24 and the three-way valve 23. In this embodiment, the purge gas is nitrogen.

[0042] A temperature sensor 25 and a pressure sensor 26 are installed at the output end 22 of the cooling pipe 20 to measure the temperature and pressure of methane when it enters the target device. This allows for adjustment of the methane flow rate in the cooling pipe 20, or the volume or mass of liquid nitrogen in the container assembly 10, based on the temperature and pressure of the methane entering the target device. This ensures sufficient heat exchange between the methane and liquid nitrogen, thereby guaranteeing that the temperature and pressure of the methane entering the target device reach predetermined values.

[0043] In this embodiment, the cooling pipe 20 is arranged in a bent manner within the first container 11 to extend its length within the container assembly 10 and increase the contact area between the cooling pipe 20 and the liquid nitrogen in the container assembly 10. This extends the time it takes for methane to flow from the input end 21 to the output end 22 while maintaining a constant methane flow rate, thereby ensuring sufficient heat exchange between the methane and liquid nitrogen.

[0044] In this embodiment, the cooling pipe 20 is also made of a metal or alloy material with good thermal conductivity in order to improve the efficiency of heat exchange between the methane in the cooling pipe 20 and the liquid nitrogen in the container assembly 10.

[0045] Combination Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the gas cooling device 100 further includes a storage container 40 for storing liquid nitrogen. The storage container 40 is connected to the container assembly 10 via a delivery pipe 41 to deliver liquid nitrogen into the container assembly 10.

[0046] In this embodiment, the conveying pipe 41 is also made of metal or alloy material to ensure that the conveying pipe 41 has a certain strength when conveying the cooling medium. A heat insulation layer is provided on the outside of the conveying pipe 41 to ensure that the temperature of the cooling medium does not change significantly during the conveying process.

[0047] Example 3

[0048] refer to Figure 2 As shown, the gas cooling device 100 in this embodiment includes a container assembly 10 for holding a cooling medium and a cooling pipe 20 penetrating the container assembly 10. The input end 21 of the cooling pipe 20 is connected to a target gas source 30 for providing the target gas, and the output end 22 of the cooling pipe 20 is connected to the target device (not shown in the figure). The temperature of the target gas is lower than the temperature of the cooling medium. During the process of the target gas source 30 supplying the target gas to the target device through the cooling pipe 20, the cooling medium in the container assembly 10 exchanges heat with the target gas through the cooling pipe 20, thereby allowing the target gas to enter the target device after its temperature has decreased.

[0049] It is understood that the target device can be a pressurizing device to pressurize the cooled target gas, thereby increasing the volumetric density of the target gas. The target device can also be a storage device to store the cooled target gas, thereby increasing the volumetric density during storage. The target device can also be a pressurized liquefaction device to pressurize the target gas whose temperature has dropped to a critical temperature, thereby liquefying the target gas. In this embodiment, the target device is a pressurizing device.

[0050] Combination Figure 1As shown, in this embodiment, the container assembly 10 includes a first container 11 and a second container 12 disposed within the first container 11. The cooling medium contained in the first container 11 is liquid nitrogen, and the cooling medium contained in the second container 12 is liquid helium. The target gas supplied by the target gas source 30 to the target device through the cooling pipe 20 is hydrogen.

[0051] In this embodiment, the cryogenic nitrogen gas produced by the liquid nitrogen in the first container 11 after absorbing heat and evaporating is located at the top of the first container 11, and the cryogenic nitrogen gas pre-cools the hydrogen gas entering the cooling pipe 20. Similarly, the cryogenic helium gas produced by the liquid helium in the second container 12 after absorbing heat and evaporating is located at the top of the second container 12, and the cryogenic helium gas further cools the cryogenic nitrogen gas and the hydrogen gas cooled by the liquid nitrogen. This effectively prevents a sudden drop in hydrogen temperature that could cause a pressure surge, thereby preventing damage to the cooling pipe 20 and ensuring the safety of the gas cooling device 100. Furthermore, the first container 11 prevents the second container 12 from directly contacting the external environment, minimizing the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the second container 12, preventing excessive vaporization of liquid helium, and thus improving the utilization rate of liquid helium.

[0052] A three-way valve 23 is also provided at the input end 21 of the cooling pipe 20. The two input ports of the three-way valve 23 are connected to the target gas source 30 and the purge gas source 24, respectively. A first valve 231 is provided between the target gas source 30 and the three-way valve 23 to control the connection and disconnection between the target gas source 30 and the three-way valve 23. The purge gas source 24 is used to store purge gas so that the hydrogen remaining in the cooling pipe 20 can be purged after the gas cooling device 100 has cooled the hydrogen. A second valve 232 is provided on the purge pipe 241 between the purge gas source 24 and the three-way valve 23 to control the connection and disconnection between the purge gas source 24 and the three-way valve 23. In this embodiment, the purge gas is nitrogen.

[0053] A temperature sensor 25 and a pressure sensor 26 are installed at the output end 22 of the cooling pipe 20 to measure the temperature and pressure of hydrogen gas when it enters the target device. This allows for adjustment of the hydrogen flow rate in the cooling pipe 20, or the volume or mass of the cooling medium in the container assembly 10, based on the temperature and pressure of the hydrogen gas upon entering the target device. This ensures sufficient heat exchange between the hydrogen gas and the cooling medium, thereby guaranteeing that the temperature and pressure of the hydrogen gas upon entering the target device reach predetermined values.

[0054] In this embodiment, the cooling pipe 20 is arranged in a bent manner within the container assembly 10 to extend its length within the assembly and increase the contact area between the cooling pipe 20 and the cooling medium in the assembly 10. This extends the time it takes for hydrogen to flow from the input end 21 to the output end 22 while maintaining a constant hydrogen flow rate, thereby ensuring sufficient heat exchange between the hydrogen and the cooling medium.

[0055] In this embodiment, the cooling pipe 20 passes through the first container 11 and the second container 12 in sequence.

[0056] In this embodiment, the cooling pipe 20 is also made of a metal or alloy material with good thermal conductivity in order to improve the heat exchange efficiency between the hydrogen in the cooling pipe 20 and the cooling medium in the container assembly 10.

[0057] Combination Figure 1 As shown, the gas cooling device 100 also includes a storage container 40 for storing the cooling medium. The storage container 40 is connected to the container assembly 10 via a delivery pipe 41 to deliver the cooling medium into the container assembly 10.

[0058] In this embodiment, the conveying pipe 41 is also made of metal or alloy material to ensure that the conveying pipe 41 has a certain strength when conveying the cooling medium. The outside of the conveying pipe 41 is provided with a heat insulation layer to ensure that the temperature of the cooling medium does not change significantly during the conveying process.

[0059] In this embodiment, two storage containers 40 can be provided, and each of the two storage containers 40 stores a different type of cooling medium. The different types of cooling media have different temperatures. The different types of cooling media delivered to the container assembly 10 can sequentially exchange heat with the hydrogen in the cooling pipe 20 according to their respective temperatures, thereby achieving a step-by-step cooling of the hydrogen. This avoids sudden pressure changes in the hydrogen due to rapid temperature fluctuations, which could damage the cooling pipe 20. This also reduces the structural strength requirements of the cooling pipe 20 to some extent, improving its applicability.

[0060] In this embodiment, the cooling medium stored in the first storage container 40a, which is connected to the first container 11, is liquid nitrogen, while the cooling medium stored in the second storage container 40b, which is connected to the second container 12, is liquid helium.

[0061] In this embodiment, during the process of the target gas source 30 supplying hydrogen to the target device through the cooling pipe 20, the cooling medium in the container assembly 10 cools the hydrogen. First, after the hydrogen enters the cooling pipe 20 from the input end 21, the low-temperature nitrogen in the upper part of the first container 11 pre-cools the hydrogen in the cooling pipe 20. As the hydrogen flows to the portion of the cooling pipe 20 immersed in liquid nitrogen, the liquid nitrogen further cools the hydrogen through the cooling pipe 20. As the hydrogen continues to flow in the cooling pipe 20 towards the output end 22, the low-temperature helium and liquid helium in the second container 12 sequentially cool the hydrogen. When the hydrogen flows to the output end 22, the temperature of the hydrogen drops to 40K–80K. At this point, the cooled hydrogen can be pressurized through the target device, thereby achieving cryogenic compression and storage of the hydrogen.

[0062] Example 4

[0063] refer to Figure 3 As shown, the gas cooling device 100 in this embodiment includes a container assembly 10 for holding a cooling medium and a cooling pipe 20 penetrating the container assembly 10. The input end 21 of the cooling pipe 20 is connected to a target gas source 30 for providing the target gas, and the output end 22 of the cooling pipe 20 is connected to a target device. The temperature of the target gas is lower than the temperature of the cooling medium. During the process of the target gas source 30 supplying the target gas to the target device through the cooling pipe 20, the cooling medium in the container assembly 10 exchanges heat with the target gas through the cooling pipe 20, thereby allowing the target gas to enter the target device after its temperature has decreased.

[0064] It is understood that the target device can be a pressurizing device to pressurize the cooled target gas, thereby increasing the volumetric density of the target gas. The target device can also be a storage device to store the cooled target gas, thereby increasing the volumetric density during storage. The target device can also be a pressurized liquefaction device to pressurize the target gas whose temperature has dropped to a critical temperature, thereby liquefying the target gas. In this embodiment, the target device is a pressurized liquefaction device.

[0065] Combination Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the container assembly 10 includes a first container 11, a second container 12 disposed within the first container 11, and a third container 13 disposed within the second container 12. The cooling medium contained in the first container 11 is liquid nitrogen, and the cooling medium contained in the third container 13 is liquid helium. The second container 12 and the third container 13 are connected by a connecting pipe 14 so that the cryogenic helium gas generated after the liquid helium evaporates enters the second container 12. The target gas supplied by the target gas source 30 to the target device through the cooling pipe 20 is hydrogen.

[0066] In this embodiment, by sequentially placing the first container 11, the second container 12, and the third container 13 inside the former, it can be ensured that the third container 13, used to hold liquid helium, is isolated from the outside environment. This effectively reduces the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the third container 13, preventing excessive vaporization of liquid helium and thus improving the utilization rate of liquid helium.

[0067] In this embodiment, the cryogenic nitrogen gas produced by the liquid nitrogen in the first container 11 after absorbing heat and evaporating is located at the top of the first container 11, and the cryogenic nitrogen gas pre-cools the hydrogen gas entering the cooling pipe 20. The cryogenic helium gas produced by the liquid helium in the third container 13 after absorbing heat and evaporating is located at the top of the third container 13, and can enter the second container 12 through the connecting pipe 14. The cryogenic helium gas further cools the cryogenic nitrogen gas and the hydrogen gas cooled by the liquid nitrogen. Furthermore, the cryogenic helium gas in the second container 12 can sufficiently cool the hydrogen gas in the cooling pipe 20, thereby minimizing the consumption of liquid helium.

[0068] A three-way valve 23 is also provided at the input end 21 of the cooling pipe 20. The two input ports of the three-way valve 23 are connected to the target gas source 30 and the purge gas source 24, respectively. A first valve 231 is provided between the target gas source 30 and the three-way valve 23 to control the connection and disconnection between the target gas source 30 and the three-way valve 23. The purge gas source 24 is used to store purge gas so that the hydrogen remaining in the cooling pipe 20 can be purged after the gas cooling device 100 has cooled the hydrogen. A second valve 232 is provided on the purge pipe 241 between the purge gas source 24 and the three-way valve 23 to control the connection and disconnection between the purge gas source 24 and the three-way valve 23. In this embodiment, the purge gas is nitrogen.

[0069] A temperature sensor 25 and a pressure sensor 26 are installed at the output end 22 of the cooling pipe 20 to measure the temperature and pressure of hydrogen when it enters the target device. This allows for adjustment of the hydrogen flow rate in the cooling pipe 20, or the volume or mass of liquid nitrogen and liquid helium in the container assembly 10, based on the temperature and pressure of the hydrogen upon entering the target device. This ensures sufficient heat exchange between the hydrogen and the cooling medium, thereby guaranteeing that the temperature and pressure of the hydrogen upon entering the target device reach predetermined values.

[0070] In this embodiment, the cooling pipe 20 is arranged in a bent manner within the container assembly 10 to extend its length within the assembly and increase the contact area between the cooling pipe 20 and the cooling medium in the assembly 10. This extends the time it takes for hydrogen to flow from the input end 21 to the output end 22 while maintaining a constant hydrogen flow rate, thereby ensuring sufficient heat exchange between the hydrogen and the cooling medium.

[0071] In this embodiment, the cooling pipe 20 passes through the first container 11, the second container 12 and the third container 13 in sequence.

[0072] In this embodiment, the cooling pipe 20 is also made of a metal or alloy material with good thermal conductivity in order to improve the efficiency of heat exchange between the hydrogen in the cooling pipe 20 and the cooling medium in the container assembly 10.

[0073] Combination Figure 3 As shown, the gas cooling device 100 also includes a storage container 40 for storing the cooling medium. The storage container 40 is connected to the container assembly 10 via a delivery pipe 41 to deliver the cooling medium into the container assembly 10.

[0074] In this embodiment, the conveying pipe 41 is also made of metal or alloy material to ensure that the conveying pipe 41 has a certain strength when conveying the cooling medium. A heat insulation layer is provided on the outside of the conveying pipe 41 to ensure that the temperature of the cooling medium does not change significantly during the conveying process.

[0075] In this embodiment, two storage containers 40 can be provided, and each of the two storage containers 40 stores a different type of cooling medium. The different types of cooling media have different temperatures. The different types of cooling media delivered to the container assembly 10 can sequentially exchange heat with the hydrogen in the cooling pipe 20 according to their respective temperatures, thereby achieving a step-by-step cooling of the hydrogen. This avoids sudden pressure changes in the hydrogen due to rapid temperature fluctuations, which could damage the cooling pipe 20. This also reduces the structural strength requirements of the cooling pipe 20 to some extent, improving its applicability.

[0076] In this embodiment, the cooling medium stored in the first storage container 40a, which is connected to the first container 11, is liquid nitrogen, while the cooling medium stored in the second storage container 40b, which is connected to the third container 13, is liquid helium.

[0077] In this embodiment, during the process of the target gas source 30 supplying hydrogen to the target device through the cooling pipe 20, the cooling medium in the container assembly 10 cools the hydrogen. First, after the hydrogen enters the cooling pipe 20 from the input end 21, the low-temperature nitrogen in the upper part of the first container 11 pre-cools the hydrogen in the cooling pipe 20. As the hydrogen flows to the portion of the cooling pipe 20 immersed in liquid nitrogen, the liquid nitrogen further cools the hydrogen through the cooling pipe 20. As the hydrogen continues to flow within the cooling pipe 20, the low-temperature helium in the second container 12 further cools the hydrogen in the cooling pipe 20. As the hydrogen continues to flow towards the output end 22 within the cooling pipe 20, the liquid helium in the third container 13 lowers the temperature of the hydrogen to 20K. At this point, the hydrogen cooled to 20K can be pressurized by the target device, thereby realizing the preparation and storage of liquid hydrogen.

[0078] Example 5

[0079] Combined again Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the gas cooling device 100 includes a container assembly 10 for holding a cooling medium and a cooling pipe 20 penetrating the container assembly 10. The input end 21 of the cooling pipe 20 is connected to a target gas source 30 for providing the target gas, and the output end 22 of the cooling pipe 20 is connected to the target device (not shown in the figure). The temperature of the target gas is lower than the temperature of the cooling medium. During the process of the target gas source 30 supplying the target gas to the target device through the cooling pipe 20, the cooling medium in the container assembly 10 exchanges heat with the target gas through the cooling pipe 20, thereby allowing the target gas to enter the target device after its temperature has decreased.

[0080] It is understood that the target device can be a pressurizing device to pressurize the cooled target gas, thereby increasing the bulk density of the target gas. The target device can also be a storage device to store the cooled target gas, thereby increasing the bulk density during storage. The target device can also be a pressurized liquefaction device to pressurize the target gas whose temperature has dropped to a critical temperature, thereby liquefying the target gas. In this embodiment, the target device is a storage device.

[0081] Combination Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the container assembly 10 includes a first container 11. The cooling medium contained in the first container 11 is cooling water. The target gas supplied by the target gas source 30 to the target device through the cooling pipe 20 is hydrogen or natural gas. In this embodiment, the first container 11 is filled with cooling water to adequately cool the natural gas or hydrogen.

[0082] A three-way valve 23 is also provided at the input end 21 of the cooling pipe 20. The two input ports of the three-way valve 23 are respectively connected to the target gas source 30 and the purge gas source 24. A first valve 231 is provided between the target gas source 30 and the three-way valve 23 to control the connection and disconnection between the target gas source 30 and the three-way valve 23. The purge gas source 24 is used to store purge gas so that the target gas remaining in the cooling pipe 20 can be purged after the gas cooling device 100 has cooled the target gas. A second valve 232 is provided on the purge pipe 241 between the purge gas source 24 and the three-way valve 23 to control the connection and disconnection between the purge gas source 24 and the three-way valve 23. In this embodiment, the purge gas is nitrogen.

[0083] A temperature sensor 25 and a pressure sensor 26 are provided at the output end 22 of the cooling pipe 20 to measure the temperature and pressure of the target gas when it enters the target device. This allows for adjustment of the flow rate of the target gas in the cooling pipe 20, or the volume or mass of the cooling medium in the container assembly 10, based on the temperature and pressure of the target gas upon entering the target device. This ensures sufficient heat exchange between the target gas and the cooling medium, thereby guaranteeing that the temperature and pressure of the target gas upon entering the target device reach predetermined values.

[0084] In this embodiment, the cooling pipe 20 is arranged in a bent manner within the first container 11 to extend its length within the container assembly 10 and increase the contact area between the cooling pipe 20 and the cooling medium in the container assembly 10. This extends the time it takes for the target gas to flow from the input end 21 to the output end 22 while maintaining a constant flow rate, thereby ensuring sufficient heat exchange between the target gas and the cooling medium.

[0085] In this embodiment, the cooling pipe 20 is also made of a metal or alloy material with good thermal conductivity in order to improve the heat exchange efficiency between the target gas in the cooling pipe 20 and the cooling medium in the container assembly 10.

[0086] Combination Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the gas cooling device 100 further includes a storage container 40 for storing the cooling medium. The storage container 40 is connected to the container assembly 10 via a delivery pipe 41 to deliver the cooling medium into the container assembly 10. Since the cooling medium in this embodiment is cooling water, this embodiment is suitable for hydrogen cooling in hydrogen refueling stations or natural gas cooling in gas refueling stations.

[0087] In this embodiment, the conveying pipe 41 is also made of metal or alloy material to ensure that the conveying pipe 41 has a certain strength when conveying the cooling medium. A heat insulation layer is provided on the outside of the conveying pipe 41 to ensure that the temperature of the cooling medium does not change significantly during the conveying process.

[0088] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0089] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "up", "down", "front and back", "left and right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "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 are not intended to 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 limitations on the present invention.

[0090] 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 gas cooling device, comprising: Container assembly (10) for holding cooling medium; A cooling pipe (20) extends within the container assembly (10), with its two ends being an input end (21) and an output end (22) for inputting and outputting the target gas, respectively. in, The container assembly (10) is configured to cool the target gas flowing from the input end (21) to the output end (22) in stages through the cooling medium.

2. The gas cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container assembly (10) includes a first container (11) in which a liquid cooling medium is contained, which can be vaporized, and the vaporized cooling medium can pre-cool the target gas entering the cooling pipe (20).

3. The gas cooling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, A second container (12) is provided inside the first container (11), and the cooling pipe (20) extends sequentially inside the first container (11) and the second container (12) so that after the cooling medium in the first container (11) cools down the target gas, the cooling medium in the second container (12) can further cool down the target gas.

4. The gas cooling device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second container (12) is also provided with a third container (13). The cooling pipe (20) extends sequentially in the first container (11), the second container (12) and the third container (13). The third container (13) is connected to the second container (12), so that the cooling medium in the third container (13) enters the second container (12) after vaporization, so that the target gas is further cooled after passing through the first container (11).

5. The gas cooling device according to claim 4, characterized in that, A connecting pipe (14) is provided between the second container (12) and the third container (13) so that the cooling medium in the third container (13) enters the second container (12) after vaporization.

6. The gas cooling device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The temperature of the cooling medium in the third container (13) is lower than the temperature of the cooling medium in the first container (11).

7. The gas cooling device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The gas cooling device (100) further includes a storage container (40) for storing a cooling medium, the storage container (40) being connected to the container assembly (10) to deliver the cooling medium into the container assembly (10).

8. The gas cooling device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The storage container (40) includes a first storage container (40a) connected to the first container (11) and a second storage container (40b) connected to the third container (13), wherein the temperature of the cooling medium stored in the first storage container (40a) is lower than the temperature of the cooling medium stored in the second storage container (40b).

9. The gas cooling apparatus according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The cooling pipe (20) is arranged in a curved manner within the container assembly (10).

10. The gas cooling apparatus according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The input end (21) of the cooling pipe (20) is provided with a three-way valve (23). The two input ports of the three-way valve (23) are respectively connected to the target gas source (30) and the purge gas source (24). After the target gas source (30) stops supplying the target gas to the cooling pipe (20), the purge gas source (24) supplies purge gas into the cooling pipe (20) to purge the remaining target gas in the cooling pipe (20).

11. The gas cooling device according to claim 10, characterized in that, A first valve (231) is provided between the three-way valve (23) and the target gas source (30), and a second valve (232) is provided on the purge pipe (241) between the three-way valve (23) and the purge gas source (24).

12. The gas cooling apparatus according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The output end (22) of the cooling pipe (20) is equipped with a temperature sensor (25) and a pressure sensor (26) to monitor the temperature and pressure of the target gas after cooling.

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