Hydrogen filling station

Abstract

The hydrogen filling station comprises a substation vehicle unit, a liquid pressurizing unit and a switching piece, the substation vehicle unit comprises a gas storage container provided with a liquid passing opening and a gas passing opening, the liquid pressurizing unit comprises a hydraulic medium container and a pressurizing pump, the pressurizing pump is connected with a liquid outlet of the hydraulic medium container, and the switching piece is connected with the liquid passing opening. The switching piece is connected with the liquid passing opening, the liquid return opening and the liquid outlet end of the booster pump; when the switching piece controls the liquid passing opening to be communicated with the liquid outlet end of the booster pump, the booster pump can pump a hydraulic medium in the hydraulic medium container into the gas storage container so as to increase the hydrogen pressure in the gas storage container, so that hydrogen in the gas storage container can be discharged from the air passing opening, and it is guaranteed that the hydrogen is at the high pressure; and the gas filling efficiency of the hydrogen refueling station is improved. After gas filling is completed, the switching piece is controlled to be switched to the state that the liquid passing opening is communicated with the liquid returning opening, hydrogen with large pressure is used for pushing the hydraulic medium to flow back to the hydraulic medium container, the booster pump does not need to work in the process that the hydraulic medium flows back to the hydraulic medium container, and therefore the work energy consumption of the whole hydrogen filling station can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hydrogen refueling equipment, and in particular to a hydrogen refueling station. Background Technology

[0002] A hydrogen refueling station is a facility that provides hydrogen to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, similar to a traditional gas station that provides fuel to gasoline vehicles. A hydrogen refueling station typically consists of equipment for hydrogen storage, compression, transportation, and refueling, with its core equipment being a hydrogen compressor and hydrogen storage tanks.

[0003] In traditional hydrogen refueling stations, hydrogen is stored in medium- and high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks. When refueling a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the hydrogen in the medium- and high-pressure storage tanks is pressurized by a diaphragm compressor and then output to the hydrogen fuel cell. However, because the diaphragm inlet pressure of the diaphragm compressor cannot be lower than 5 MPa, and the compressor's pressurization efficiency drops when the diaphragm inlet pressure reaches 7 MPa, the refueling efficiency is low, resulting in high power loss for the compressor. Moreover, traditional hydrogen refueling stations can only fill about 70% of the hydrogen in the medium- and high-pressure storage tanks into the hydrogen fuel cell, leading to low hydrogen utilization of the traditional medium- and high-pressure storage tanks. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problem of low refueling efficiency in traditional hydrogen refueling stations.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a hydrogen refueling station, including a substation unit, a liquid pressurization unit, and a switching component. The substation unit includes a gas storage container and an outlet control valve. The gas storage container is used to store hydrogen and has a vent and a liquid inlet. The vent is positioned higher than the liquid inlet. The outlet control valve is connected to the vent to control its opening and closing. The liquid pressurization unit includes a hydraulic medium container and a booster pump. The hydraulic medium container stores a hydraulic medium that does not react with the hydrogen. The device is equipped with an outlet and a return port. The inlet of the booster pump is connected to the outlet. The switching element is connected to the inlet, the return port, and the outlet of the booster pump. The switching element enables the inlet to connect to the outlet of the booster pump, allowing the booster pump to pump the hydraulic medium in the hydraulic medium container to the gas storage container, thereby increasing the pressure inside the gas storage container and causing the hydrogen to be output. The switching element also enables the inlet to connect to the return port, allowing the hydraulic medium inside the gas storage container to flow back to the hydraulic medium container under the pressure of the hydrogen.

[0006] In some embodiments of this application, the switching component includes a first control valve and a second control valve, wherein the first control valve is connected to the outlet of the booster pump and the inlet; and the second control valve is connected to the return port and the inlet.

[0007] In some embodiments of this application, the substation car unit is configured with multiple sets of gas storage container groups, each set of gas storage container groups including at least one gas storage container. The number of switching components is the same as the number of gas storage container groups, and multiple switching components are configured one-to-one with multiple sets of gas storage container groups. The number of gas outlet control valves is the same as the number of gas storage container groups, and multiple gas outlet control valves are configured one-to-one with multiple sets of gas storage container groups. The substation car unit also includes liquid inlet control valves, the number of which is the same as the number of gas storage container groups, and multiple liquid inlet control valves are configured one-to-one with multiple sets of gas storage container groups. The liquid inlet control valves are connected to the liquid inlets of the gas storage container groups to control the opening and closing of the liquid inlets.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, each group of substation vehicles includes multiple gas storage containers, and each liquid inlet control valve includes multiple liquid inlet valves. The positions of the multiple liquid inlet valves correspond one-to-one with the liquid inlets of the multiple gas storage containers; the multiple liquid inlet valves of the same liquid inlet control valve do not open simultaneously.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the hydrogen refueling station further includes a controller; the substation vehicle unit further includes a first pressure sensor, which is connected to the gas storage container to detect the pressure inside the gas storage container. The first pressure sensor and the booster pump are both electrically connected to the controller, and the controller can control the booster pump to work according to the electrical signal from the first pressure sensor.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the liquid boosting unit further includes an overflow channel and a pressure relief valve. One end of the overflow channel is connected to the outlet of the booster pump, and the other end is connected to the return port. The pressure relief valve is connected in series with the overflow channel and electrically connected to the controller. When the pressure relief valve is in the open state, a self-circulating channel is formed between the hydraulic medium container, the booster pump, and the overflow channel.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the liquid booster unit further includes an outlet flow meter, an overflow flow meter, and a return flow meter. The switching element, the outlet flow meter, the overflow flow meter, and the return flow meter are all electrically connected to the controller. The outlet flow meter is disposed between the booster pump and the outlet port to obtain the flow rate of the hydraulic medium flowing out of the hydraulic medium container. The overflow flow meter is disposed between the pressure relief valve and the return port to obtain the flow rate of the hydraulic medium returning from the overflow channel to the hydraulic medium container. The return flow meter is disposed between the switching element and the return port to obtain the flow rate of the hydraulic medium returning from the gas storage container to the hydraulic medium container. The controller can control the switching element and the inlet valve to operate based on the electrical signals of the outlet flow meter, the overflow flow meter, and the return flow meter.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the return port includes a first return interface and a second return interface, a return flow meter is connected to the first return interface, and an overflow flow meter is connected to the second return interface; the liquid boosting unit further includes a first bypass pipe, a second bypass pipe, a safety valve, and a pressure regulating valve; one end of the first bypass pipe is connected to the outlet of the booster pump, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the overflow flow meter or the external environment, and the safety valve is connected in series on the first bypass pipe; one end of the second bypass pipe is connected to the outlet of the booster pump, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the overflow flow meter, and the pressure regulating valve is connected in series on the second bypass pipe, so that the pressure regulating valve and the pressure relief valve are arranged in parallel, the pressure regulating valve is used to adjust the hydraulic pressure at the outlet of the booster pump, and the pressure value of the pressure regulating valve is less than the pressure value of the safety valve.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the hydrogen refueling station further includes a hydraulic medium buffer tank, which is connected in series between the switching element and the liquid inlet of the gas storage container to buffer the pressure of the hydraulic medium.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the substation vehicle unit further includes a frame, the gas storage container is elongated, the gas storage container includes a first end and a second end along its length, the gas storage container is inclinedly disposed on the frame such that the position of the first end is higher than that of the second end, the vent is disposed at the first end, and the liquid inlet is disposed at the second end.

[0015] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0016] The hydrogen refueling station of this application includes a substation unit, a liquid pressurization unit, and a switching device. The substation unit includes a gas storage container with a liquid inlet and a vent. The liquid pressurization unit includes a hydraulic medium container and a booster pump. The booster pump is connected to the outlet of the hydraulic medium container. The switching device connects the liquid inlet, the return outlet, and the outlet of the booster pump. The switching device can control the connection between the liquid inlet and the outlet of the booster pump, enabling the booster pump to pump the hydraulic medium from the hydraulic medium container into the gas storage container to increase the hydrogen pressure inside the gas storage container. This allows the hydrogen in the gas storage container to be discharged from the vent, thus achieving hydrogen refueling. Furthermore, by occupying part of the volume of the gas storage container with the hydraulic medium, the hydrogen inside the gas storage container is pressurized, ensuring that the hydrogen is at a higher pressure, thereby improving the refueling efficiency of the hydrogen refueling station and increasing the hydrogen utilization rate. Furthermore, after refueling is completed, the switching unit can be switched to a state where the inlet and outlet are connected, so that the higher pressure hydrogen can be used to push the hydraulic medium back to the hydraulic medium container. The process of the hydraulic medium returning to the hydraulic medium container does not require the booster pump to work, which can reduce the energy consumption of the entire hydrogen refueling station. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a hydrogen refueling station in one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid pressurization unit in one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the switching component in one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a three-dimensional structure of the switching component.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a substation vehicle unit in one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of a section at point E.

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of a section at point F.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical connection structure of a hydrogen refueling station in one embodiment.

[0025] The reference numerals in the attached diagram are explained as follows: 1-Liquid booster unit; 11-Hydraulic medium container; 111-Outlet; 112-Return port; 1121-First return port; 1122-Second return port; 12-Booster pump; 131-Overflow channel; 132-Pressure relief valve; 14-Manual outlet valve; 161-First bypass pipeline; 171-Second bypass pipeline; 172-Pressure regulating valve; 162-Safety valve; 181-Outlet flow meter; 182-Overflow flow meter; 183-Return flow meter; 19-... 2-Pressure sensor; 2-Switching component; 21-First control valve; 22-Second control valve; 3-Substation vehicle unit; 31-Frame; 32-Gas storage container; 321-Vent port; 322-Liquid inlet port; 33-Outlet control valve; 331-Outlet valve; 34-Liquid inlet control valve; 341-Liquid inlet valve; 35-First pressure sensor; 36-Outlet manual valve; 37-Liquid inlet manual valve; 38-Rupture disc device; 4-Hydraulic medium buffer tank; 5-Controller; 6-Hydrogen dispenser; 7-Hydrogen buffer tank. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Typical embodiments embodying the features and advantages of this utility model will be described in detail in the following description. It should be understood that this utility model can have various variations in different embodiments, all of which do not depart from the scope of this utility model, and the descriptions and illustrations therein are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit this utility model.

[0027] In the description of this application, it should be understood that, in the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, the indications of direction or positional relationships (such as up, down, left, right, front, and back, etc.) are only for the convenience of describing this application 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. These descriptions are appropriate when these elements are in the positions shown in the accompanying drawings. If the description of the positions of these elements changes, these directional indications also change accordingly.

[0028] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0029] See Figure 1A hydrogen refueling station includes a substation unit 3, a liquid pressurization unit 1, and a switching unit 2. The substation unit 3 injects hydrogen into its storage container 32 at the gas supply unit. The hydrogen injected into the storage container 32 is in a compressed state, thus possessing a high pressure. It is then transported to a designated refueling station location and connected to a hydrogen refueling machine 6 at that location to replenish hydrogen for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. When a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle needs refueling, the substation unit 3 connects to the vehicle via the hydrogen refueling machine 6 and controls the output of hydrogen from the storage container 32 to the hydrogen fuel cell, thus refueling the vehicle. As hydrogen is output from the storage container 32 to the fuel cell, the pressure of the hydrogen in the storage container 32 decreases, leading to a decrease in the hydrogen output efficiency and consequently, a decrease in the efficiency of refueling the fuel cell.

[0030] The liquid boosting unit 1 includes a hydraulic medium container 11 and a booster pump 12. The booster pump 12 is connected to the hydraulic medium container 11 and is connected to the substation unit 3 via a pipeline. A switching element 2 is installed on the pipeline between the booster pump 12 and the substation unit 3, and is also connected to the hydraulic medium container 11 via a pipeline. When the hydrogen pressure stored in the gas storage container 32 of the substation unit 3 is low, the hydraulic medium in the liquid boosting unit 1 is injected into the gas storage container 32 through the booster pump 12 under the control of the switching element 2. This causes the hydraulic medium to occupy part of the storage space of the gas storage container 32 to compress the hydrogen in the gas storage container 32, thereby increasing the internal pressure of the gas storage container 32 and enabling the hydrogen to be output quickly, ensuring the output efficiency of the hydrogen. Moreover, it allows more hydrogen in the gas storage container 32 to be output to the hydrogen fuel cell, improving the utilization rate. In this process, the hydraulic medium in the liquid booster unit 1 is injected into the gas storage container 32 through the booster pump 12 to compress the hydrogen. This ensures that the liquid inlet of the booster pump 12 is always kept at an optimal pressure value, eliminating the pressure lower limit limitation of traditional diaphragm compressors. This allows 95% or even more of the hydrogen in the gas storage container 32 to be output, enabling more efficient output and utilization of the hydrogen in the gas storage container 32 and saving transportation costs. Furthermore, it reduces the power loss of the booster pump 12, thereby lowering the operating energy consumption of the hydrogen refueling station.

[0031] When the hydrogen in the storage container 32 is nearly depleted (i.e., a small amount of hydrogen remains to push the hydraulic medium back into the hydraulic medium container 11 and to prevent the hydraulic medium from entering the hydrogen fuel cell, the same applies below), the hydraulic medium inside the storage container 32 is recirculated back into the hydraulic medium container 11 under the pressure of the hydrogen, controlled by the switching element 2. This eliminates the presence of hydraulic medium inside the storage container 32, allowing it to be transported back to the hydrogen supply unit for refilling. Furthermore, the process of the hydraulic medium recirculating back into the hydraulic medium container does not require the operation of a booster pump, thus reducing the overall energy consumption of the hydrogen refueling station.

[0032] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The liquid pressurization unit 1 includes a hydraulic medium container 11, a booster pump 12, an overflow channel 131, and a pressure relief valve 132. The hydraulic medium container 11 stores a hydraulic medium that does not react with hydrogen. The hydraulic medium can be an ionic liquid or other liquid. The hydraulic medium is heavier than hydrogen, causing it to separate from the hydrogen after entering the storage container 32. The hydraulic medium container 11 has an outlet 111 and a return port 112. The inlet of the booster pump 12 is connected to the outlet 111. The booster pump 12 draws hydraulic medium from the hydraulic medium container 11 and propels the hydraulic medium to flow, allowing it to exit from the outlet.

[0033] The outlet of booster pump 12 is connected to the gas storage container 32 of substation unit 3 via switching element 2, and the outlet of booster pump 12 is connected to the return port 112 of hydraulic medium container 11 via overflow channel 131. That is, one end of overflow channel 131 is connected to the outlet of booster pump 12, and the other end is connected to return port 112. Pressure relief valve 132 is connected in series with overflow channel 131 to control the opening and closing of overflow channel 131. When switching element 2 is switched to the state where the outlet of booster pump 12 is connected to gas storage container 32 and pressure relief valve 132 is in the closed state, the hydraulic medium in hydraulic medium container 11 is pressurized by booster pump 12 and flows into gas storage container 32 to increase the internal pressure of gas storage container 32 and cause hydrogen to be output. When the pressure relief valve 132 is open and the switching element 2 is switched to a state where the outlet of the booster pump 12 is not connected to the gas storage container 32, the hydraulic medium in the hydraulic medium container 11 flows back into the hydraulic medium container 11 after passing through the booster pump 12 and the overflow channel 131, achieving self-circulation. That is, a self-circulation channel is formed between the hydraulic medium container 11, the booster pump 12, and the overflow channel 131.

[0034] In some embodiments, the liquid booster unit 1 may not be provided with an overflow channel 131 and a pressure relief valve 132. In this embodiment, when the switching element 2 switches to a state where the liquid outlet of the booster pump 12 is not connected to the gas storage container 32, the booster pump 12 stops working.

[0035] The return port 112 of the hydraulic medium container 11 is also connected to the inlet port 322 of the gas storage container 32 via the switching element 2. When the switching element 2 is switched to the state where the inlet port 322 is connected to the return port 112, the hydraulic medium inside the gas storage container 32 flows back to the hydraulic medium container 11 under the pressure of hydrogen. The hydraulic medium does not pass through the booster pump 12 during the return flow.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the outlet 111 is located at the bottom of the hydraulic medium container 11, so that the booster pump 12 can draw more hydraulic medium from the hydraulic medium container 11. Moreover, under its own weight, the hydraulic medium at the bottom of the hydraulic medium container 11 has a larger pressure, thereby reducing the suction force required for the booster pump 12 to draw the hydraulic medium, and thus reducing the power of the booster pump 12.

[0037] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the return port 112 includes two ports: a first return port 1121 and a second return port 1122. The first return port 1121 is connected to the gas storage container 32 via a switching component 2, and the second return port 1122 is connected to the end of the overflow channel 131 away from the booster pump 12. The first return port 1121 is located at the top of the hydraulic medium container 11. The pressure of the hydraulic medium at the top of the hydraulic medium container 11 is relatively low, resulting in a smaller thrust required for the hydraulic medium to flow back from the gas storage container 32 to the hydraulic medium container 11. Since the hydraulic medium flowing through the overflow channel 131 is pressurized by the booster pump 12, the second return port 1122 can be located at the top, middle, or bottom of the hydraulic medium container 11.

[0038] In other embodiments, a single return port 112 is provided and located on top of the hydraulic medium container 11, with the pipe and overflow channel 131 connected to the switching element 2 connected to the same return port 112.

[0039] A manual outlet valve 14 is provided at the outlet 111 of the hydraulic medium container 11 to control the opening and closing of the outlet 111. When the hydraulic medium container 11 is not connected to the booster pump 12, the manual outlet valve 14 is in the closed state to prevent the hydraulic medium from flowing out.

[0040] The liquid booster unit 1 also includes a first bypass pipe 161 and a safety valve 162. One end of the first bypass pipe 161 is connected to the outlet of the booster pump 12, and the other end is connected to the second return port 1122, meaning the first bypass pipe 161 is connected in parallel with the overflow channel 131. The safety valve 162 is connected in series with the first bypass pipe 161 and is used to control the working pressure of the liquid booster unit 1 to be within a safe pressure range. When the hydraulic medium pressure at the outlet of the booster pump 12 is greater than the pressure value set by the safety valve 162, part of the hydraulic medium is discharged from the first bypass pipe 161 to relieve pressure, ensuring that the working pressure of the liquid booster unit 1 is within a safe range. It should be noted that the end of the first bypass pipe 161 away from the outlet of the booster pump 12 can also be connected to the external environment or other containers.

[0041] The liquid booster unit 1 also includes a second bypass pipe 171 and a pressure regulating valve 172. One end of the second bypass pipe 171 is connected to the outlet of the booster pump 12, and the other end is connected to the second return port 1122. That is, the second bypass pipe 171 is connected in parallel with the overflow channel 131 and the first bypass pipe 161. The pressure regulating valve 172 is connected in series with the second bypass pipe 171 and is used to regulate the hydraulic pressure at the outlet of the booster pump 12. The set pressure of the pressure regulating valve 172 is less than the set pressure of the safety valve 162, so that the hydraulic pressure at the outlet of the booster pump 12 can be regulated within a safe pressure range. When the hydraulic medium pressure at the outlet of the booster pump 12 is greater than the pressure set by the pressure regulating valve 172, part of the hydraulic medium flows back from the second bypass pipe 171 to the hydraulic medium container 11, so that the hydraulic pressure at the outlet of the booster pump 12 is less than the pressure set by the pressure regulating valve 172. During the injection of liquid into the gas storage container 32, the pressure regulating valve 172 is adjusted to a set pressure, thereby preventing overpressure protection of the system during the injection process. For example, if the set pressure value of the safety valve 162 is 55 MPa, then the pressure regulating valve 172 can adjust the working pressure of the liquid booster unit 1 within the range of 0-55 MPa. The working pressure of the liquid booster unit 1 is equal to or slightly greater than the pressure set for injecting the hydraulic medium into the gas storage container 32.

[0042] The liquid booster unit 1 also includes an outlet flow meter 181, an overflow flow meter 182, and a return flow meter 183. The outlet flow meter 181 is located between the booster pump 12 and the outlet port 111, and is used to obtain the flow rate of the hydraulic medium flowing out of the hydraulic medium container 11. The overflow flow meter 182 is located on the overflow channel 131 and at the second return port 1122, and is used to obtain the flow rate of the hydraulic medium returning to the hydraulic medium container 11 from the overflow channel 131, the first bypass pipe 161, and the second bypass pipe 171. The return flow meter 183 is located between the switching element 2 and the return port 112, and is used to obtain the flow rate of the hydraulic medium returning to the hydraulic medium container 11 from the gas storage container 32. The hydrogen refueling station determines the amount of hydraulic medium injected into the gas storage container 32 based on the flow values ​​of the liquid outlet flow meter 181 and the overflow flow meter 182. Then, it accurately controls the amount of hydraulic medium flowing back from the gas storage container 32 to the hydraulic medium container 11 based on the liquid return flow meter 183, so as to prevent the hydrogen in the gas storage container 32 from flowing to the hydraulic medium container 11.

[0043] It should be noted that hydraulic medium will typically only flow from the first bypass pipe 161 when the pressure regulating valve 172 malfunctions, and the pressure regulating valve 172 needs to be replaced promptly when it malfunctions. Therefore, the overflow flow meter 182 does not need to count the amount of hydraulic medium flowing out of the first bypass pipe 161.

[0044] See Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The switching component 2 includes a first control valve 21 and a second control valve 22. The first control valve 21 connects the outlet of the booster pump 12 to the inlet 322, enabling it to control the flow between the outlet and the inlet 322. The second control valve 22 connects the return port 112 to the inlet 322, enabling it to control the flow between the outlet 111 and the inlet 322. Through the control of the first and second control valves 21 and 22, the switching between injecting liquid into the gas storage container 32 (i.e., hydraulic medium is injected from the hydraulic medium container 11 into the gas storage container 32) and returning liquid (i.e., hydraulic medium flows back from the gas storage container 32 to the hydraulic medium container 11) is achieved. When the gas storage container 32 does not require injection or return, both the first and second control valves 21 and 22 are closed.

[0045] In this system, the pressure relief valve 132, the first control valve 21, and the second control valve 22 are all pneumatic valves. The drive ends of these valves are connected to an inert gas source, and the inert gas source controls their opening and closing. Preferably, solenoid valves are installed on the pipelines between the inert gas source and the pressure relief valve 132, between the inert gas source and the first control valve 21, and between the inert gas source and the second control valve 22. These solenoid valves control the opening and closing of the pressure relief valve 132, the first control valve 21, and the second control valve 22, achieving automatic control. Using pneumatic valves as the actuators that come into direct contact with hydrogen avoids direct contact between hydrogen and the solenoid valves, improving safety. If solenoid valves were used as the actuators that come into direct contact with hydrogen, they would need to be explosion-proof, which is expensive. Therefore, using pneumatic valves as the actuators that come into direct contact with hydrogen also reduces the cost of hydrogen refueling stations.

[0046] In other embodiments, the switching element 2 can be a two-position three-way valve. When the switching element 2 is in the first position, the liquid inlet 322 is connected to the liquid outlet of the booster pump 12. When the switching element 2 is in the second position, the liquid inlet 322 is connected to the first return liquid interface 1121. It should be noted that the switching element 2 can also be other multi-way directional valves.

[0047] See Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 8The substation unit 3 includes a frame 31, a gas storage container assembly, an outlet control valve 33, an inlet control valve 34, and a first pressure sensor 35. Multiple gas storage container assemblies are configured, each assembly including at least one gas storage container 32 for storing hydrogen. All gas storage containers 32 are fixed to the frame 31 and connected to the vehicle carrying the gas storage containers 32 via the frame 31. This allows the vehicle to transport the hydrogen-filled gas storage containers 32 to the refueling station location, and to transport the depleted gas storage containers 32 from the refueling station location to the gas supply unit for refueling.

[0048] Each gas storage container 32 is provided with a vent 321 and a liquid inlet 322, with the vent 321 positioned higher than the liquid inlet 322. For example, the gas storage container 32 is elongated, comprising a first end and a second end along its length. The gas storage container 32 is inclined on the frame 31, with the first end positioned higher than the second end. The vent 321 is located at the first end, and the liquid inlet 322 is located at the second end. The vent 321 is positioned at or near the highest point of the gas storage container 32, allowing for the output of more hydrogen when hydraulic medium is injected to facilitate hydrogen output. The liquid inlet 322 is positioned at or near the lowest point of the gas storage container 32, ensuring that when the gas storage container 32 returns to the liquid pressurization unit 1, all or nearly all of the hydraulic medium is returned to the liquid pressurization unit 1, thus not affecting the hydrogen refilling at the gas supply unit.

[0049] Each gas storage container 32 is connected to a first pressure sensor 35, which can be located at the vent 321 or the liquid inlet 322 of the gas storage container 32. The first pressure sensor 35 is used to detect the gas pressure inside the gas storage container 32 to determine the amount of hydrogen inside the gas storage container 32.

[0050] The number of switching components 2 is equal to the number of gas storage container groups, and multiple switching components 2 are respectively set to correspond one-to-one with multiple gas storage container groups, so that when one gas storage container group is in the state of injecting hydraulic medium, the other gas storage container groups can be in the standby state or the liquid return state, so that the hydrogen refueling station can continuously output hydrogen.

[0051] For example, the substation unit 3 includes two sets of gas storage containers, defined as the first and second sets, respectively. First, hydrogen from the first set of gas storage containers is used to replenish the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. When the hydrogen in the first set is depleted, the system switches to using hydrogen from the second set. At this time, the hydraulic medium in the first set flows back to the hydraulic medium container 11 of the liquid pressurization unit 1, preparing it for the next injection into the gas storage container 32. Therefore, the amount of hydraulic medium required for the hydrogen refueling station can be reduced, thereby reducing the volume of the hydraulic medium container 11 and lowering costs. In other embodiments, the substation unit 3 may also include only one set of gas storage containers. When the hydrogen pressure in the gas storage container is low, hydraulic medium is injected. After the hydrogen in the gas storage container is depleted, the hydraulic medium in the gas storage container flows back to the hydraulic medium container 11.

[0052] The number of gas outlet control valves 33 and liquid inlet control valves 34 is the same as the number of gas storage container groups. Moreover, multiple gas outlet control valves 33 are respectively set to correspond one-to-one with multiple gas storage container groups to control the opening and closing of the vent 321 of each gas storage container group. Multiple liquid inlet control valves 34 are respectively set to correspond one-to-one with multiple gas storage container groups to control the opening and closing of the liquid inlet 322 of each gas storage container group.

[0053] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, each gas storage container group has multiple gas storage containers 32. Each gas outlet control valve 33 includes multiple gas outlet valves 331, the number of which is the same as the number of gas storage containers 32. Each gas outlet valve 331 corresponds one-to-one with a vent 321 of one of the gas storage containers 32, and controls the opening and closing of the vent 321 of the gas storage container 32. The multiple gas outlet valves 331 are not opened simultaneously, so that only a single gas storage container 32 is used to output hydrogen at a time. Each liquid inlet control valve 34 includes multiple liquid inlet valves 341, the number of which is the same as the number of gas storage containers 32. Each liquid inlet valve 341 corresponds one-to-one with a liquid inlet 322 of one of the gas storage containers 32, and controls the opening and closing of the liquid inlet 322 of the gas storage container 32. The multiple liquid inlet valves 341 are not opened simultaneously, so that only a single gas storage container 32 is injected with hydraulic medium at a time.

[0054] In one embodiment, when refueling a hydrogen fuel cell, the hydrogen refueling station uses storage containers 32 from different storage container groups interchangeably, allowing the station to continuously supply hydrogen. Furthermore, when a storage container 32 needs to be injected with hydraulic medium, only one storage container 32 is injected at a time; after the hydraulic medium flows back to the hydraulic medium container 11, it is then injected into other storage containers 32. This ensures that the hydraulic medium container 11 only needs to store a volume equal to that of one storage container 32, thereby reducing the amount of hydraulic medium required by the hydrogen refueling station, thus reducing the volume of the hydraulic medium container 11 and lowering costs.

[0055] For example, there are two sets of gas storage containers, namely the first gas storage container group and the second gas storage container group. Each gas storage container group includes two gas storage containers 32. The two gas storage containers 32 of the first gas storage container group are gas storage container A and gas storage container B, and the two gas storage containers 32 of the second gas storage container group are gas storage container C and gas storage container D.

[0056] When a hydrogen refueling station replenishes hydrogen to a hydrogen fuel cell, it first uses storage container A. When the hydrogen pressure in storage container A falls below a set value, the switching element 2, corresponding to the first storage container group, switches the connection between the outlet of the booster pump 12 and the inlet 322 of storage container A, allowing hydraulic medium to be injected into storage container A to pressurize the hydrogen inside. When the hydrogen in storage container A is depleted, the station switches to use storage container C to replenish the hydrogen fuel cell. Simultaneously, the switching element 2, corresponding to the first storage container group, switches the connection between the inlet 322 and the return port 112, allowing the hydraulic medium inside storage container A to flow back into the hydraulic medium container 11, preparing for injection into storage container C.

[0057] When the hydrogen pressure in storage container C falls below a set value, the switching element 2, corresponding to the second storage container group, switches the connection between the outlet of booster pump 12 and the inlet 322 of storage container C, allowing hydraulic medium to be injected into storage container C to pressurize the hydrogen inside. When the hydrogen in storage container C is depleted, the system switches to use storage container B to replenish hydrogen for the hydrogen fuel cell. Simultaneously, the switching element 2, corresponding to the second storage container group, switches the connection between inlet 322 and return port 112, allowing the hydraulic medium inside storage container C to flow back to hydraulic medium container 11, preparing for injection into storage container B.

[0058] The process of hydraulic medium flowing back from storage container A to hydraulic medium container 11 and the process of injecting hydraulic medium into storage container C to pressurize the hydrogen inside storage container C can be carried out simultaneously, allowing the hydrogen refueling station to continuously output hydrogen. Furthermore, the volume of hydraulic medium stored inside hydraulic medium container 11 only needs to be equal to or close to the volume of a single storage container 32, reducing the amount of hydraulic medium required in the hydrogen refueling station, thereby reducing the volume of hydraulic medium container 11 and lowering equipment costs. Moreover, by using different storage container groups of storage containers 32 interchangeably for refueling, the volume of each storage container 32 can be set even smaller, further reducing the volume of hydraulic medium container 11 and lowering equipment costs.

[0059] When the hydrogen in storage container C is depleted, storage container B is used to replenish the hydrogen fuel cell. When storage container B is depleted, storage container D is used, and so on, until all the hydrogen in storage containers 32 is depleted. The method for switching from using storage container C to using storage container B is the same as the method for switching from using storage container A to using storage container C; similarly, the method for switching from using storage container B to using storage container D is the same as the method for switching from using storage container C to using storage container B.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, two gas storage container groups are provided, each containing multiple gas storage containers 32. This allows for the cross-use of gas storage containers 32 from different gas storage container groups and reduces the number of switching components 2, thereby lowering the cost of the hydrogen refueling station. In other embodiments, three, four, or more gas storage container groups are provided. Each gas storage container group may also have only one gas storage container 32.

[0061] In one embodiment, each group of gas storage containers is provided with multiple gas storage containers 32. When refueling hydrogen fuel cells at a hydrogen refueling station, the multiple gas storage containers 32 in the same group are used sequentially. When a gas storage container 32 needs to be injected with hydraulic medium, hydraulic medium is injected into only one gas storage container 32 at a time; after the hydraulic medium flows back to the hydraulic medium container 11, hydraulic medium is injected into other gas storage containers 32, so that the hydraulic medium container 11 only needs to store hydraulic medium with a volume equal to that of one gas storage container 32, thereby reducing the amount of hydraulic medium required by the hydrogen refueling station, and thus reducing the volume of the hydraulic medium container 11 and reducing costs. The following uses two gas storage containers 32 in a gas storage container group, namely gas storage container A and gas storage container B, as an example to illustrate the sequential use of multiple gas storage containers 32.

[0062] When a hydrogen refueling station replenishes hydrogen to a hydrogen fuel cell, it first uses storage container A. When the hydrogen pressure in storage container A falls below a set value, the switching device 2 switches the connection between the outlet of the booster pump 12 and the inlet 322 of storage container A, allowing hydraulic medium to be injected into storage container A to pressurize the hydrogen inside. When the hydrogen in storage container A is depleted, the station switches to use storage container B to replenish the hydrogen fuel cell. Simultaneously, the switching device 2, corresponding to the first storage container group, switches the connection between the inlet 322 and the return port 112, allowing the hydraulic medium inside storage container A to flow back into the hydraulic medium container 11, preparing for injection into storage container B.

[0063] In this embodiment, since the gas storage containers 32 in the same group of gas storage containers share a common pipeline during the injection and return processes, the process of the hydraulic medium flowing back from gas storage container A to hydraulic medium container 11 cannot be synchronized with the process of injecting hydraulic medium into gas storage container B to pressurize the hydrogen inside gas storage container B. When the hydrogen refueling station needs to continuously output hydrogen, during the process of outputting hydrogen from gas storage container B to a value lower than a set value (a state requiring the injection of hydraulic medium to increase pressure), the hydraulic medium inside gas storage container A has already completely flowed back to hydraulic medium container 11. Therefore, gas storage container 32 needs to have a large volume so that the process of outputting hydrogen from gas storage container B to a value lower than the set value has sufficient time, thereby ensuring that when gas storage container B needs to be injected with hydraulic medium, the hydraulic medium inside gas storage container A has completely flowed back to hydraulic medium container 11.

[0064] In this embodiment, the hydrogen refueling station can be equipped with only one set of gas storage containers to reduce the number of switching components 2, thereby reducing costs.

[0065] Both the outlet valve 331 and the inlet valve 341 are pneumatic valves. The driving ends of the outlet valve 331 and the inlet valve 341 are connected to an inert gas source, and the opening or closing of the outlet valve 331 and the inlet valve 341 is controlled by the inert gas source. Preferably, a solenoid valve is installed on the pipeline between the inert gas source and the driving ends of the outlet valve 331 and the inlet valve 341. The solenoid valve controls the opening or closing of the outlet valve 331 and the inlet valve 341 to achieve automatic control. Using pneumatic valves as the actuators to directly control the opening and closing of the vent 321 and the inlet 322 avoids direct contact between hydrogen and the solenoid valve, improving safety. If a solenoid valve is used as the actuator to directly control the opening and closing of the liquid inlet 322 and the vent 321, then the solenoid valve needs to be an explosion-proof solenoid valve. Explosion-proof solenoid valves are expensive. Therefore, using a pneumatic valve as the actuator to directly control the opening and closing of the liquid inlet 322 and the vent 321 can also reduce the cost of the hydrogen refueling station.

[0066] The substation unit 3 also includes a manual exhaust valve 36 and a manual liquid inlet valve 37. The manual exhaust valve 36 is connected in series between the exhaust valve 331 and the vent 321, and the manual liquid inlet valve 37 is connected in series between the liquid inlet valve 341 and the liquid inlet 322. When the gas storage container 32 is transported between the gas station and the gas supply unit, the exhaust valve 36 and the manual liquid inlet valve 37 are closed, thus keeping the interior of the gas storage container 32 sealed. In other embodiments, the substation unit 3 may not have the manual exhaust valve 36 and the manual liquid inlet valve 37, and the exhaust valve 331 and the liquid inlet valve 341 may be normally closed, so that when the gas storage container 32 is transported between the gas station and the gas supply unit, the exhaust valve 331 and the liquid inlet valve 341 are closed, thereby keeping the interior of the gas storage container 32 sealed.

[0067] A rupture disc device 38 is installed between the manual vent valve 36 and the vent 321 in the gas storage container 32. The rupture disc device consists of two parts: a rupture disc and a clamp. The rupture disc is a component that bursts to release pressure at a calibrated burst pressure, while the clamp is an auxiliary component that is installed at an appropriate location in the container to hold the rupture disc. When the pressure inside the gas storage container 32 exceeds the safe pressure value, hydrogen gas can be released by the bursting of the rupture disc device 38, thus ensuring the safety of the gas storage container 32.

[0068] The hydrogen refueling station also includes a hydraulic medium buffer tank 4, which is connected in series between the switching element 2 and the liquid inlet 322 of the gas storage container 32 to buffer the pressure of the hydraulic medium, making the pressure of the hydraulic medium more stable. In embodiments with multiple gas storage container groups, the number of hydraulic medium buffer tanks 4 is the same as the number of gas storage container groups, and multiple hydraulic medium buffer tanks 4 are configured in a one-to-one correspondence with multiple gas storage container groups, that is, at least one hydraulic medium buffer tank 4 is connected in series between each switching element 2 and each gas storage container group.

[0069] The hydrogen refueling station also includes a hydrogen buffer tank 7, which is connected in series between the outlet valve 331 and the hydrogen refueling machine 6 to buffer the pressure of the hydrogen, so that the hydrogen output from the storage container 32 flows steadily and smoothly into the hydrogen fuel cell.

[0070] See Figure 8The hydrogen refueling station also includes a controller 5, which can be integrated with the hydrogen dispenser 6 or installed separately. The outlet control valve 33, inlet control valve 34, booster pump 12, switching device 2, first pressure sensor 35, pressure relief valve 132, outlet flow meter 181, overflow flow meter 182, and return flow meter 183 are all electrically connected to the controller 5. This allows the controller 5 to control various electrical components of the hydrogen refueling station for automatic control, enabling real-time monitoring of parameters such as pressure, temperature, and flow rate during the hydrogen refueling process. It also allows for remote monitoring of safety conditions from the control room, preventing potential dangers to personnel. Furthermore, it is safer and more intelligent than traditional hydrogen refueling stations. The controller 5 can be a PLC or a microcontroller.

[0071] During operation, the hydrogen refueling station is controlled by the controller 5 program, except for manual operation when changing substation unit 3. After the gas storage container 32 of substation unit 3 is filled with gas, the vent 321 of the gas storage container 32 is connected to the hydrogen dispenser 6, and the liquid inlet 322 of the gas storage container 32 is connected to the switching component 2, allowing the liquid pressurization unit 1 to connect to the liquid inlet 322 of the gas storage container 32 via the switching component 2. Before using the hydrogen refueling station, a working test is required, the specific operation of which is as follows:

[0072] Check if the pressure inside the hydraulic medium container 11 meets the pump inlet pressure requirements. If it does, open the outlet manual valve 14.

[0073] Start the chiller unit with booster pump 12 to ensure that the circulating cooling water is in operation.

[0074] Ensure that the pressure relief valve 132 is in the open state. In this state, all the ionic liquid flows back to the hydraulic medium container 11 through the overflow channel 131, realizing self-circulation.

[0075] Start the booster pump 12 and run it at a low frequency for a period of time, observing the condition of the plunger rod during this period and measuring its temperature with an infrared thermometer. Adjust the motor frequency to a medium frequency and run it stably for a period of time, observing the condition of the plunger rod during this period and measuring its temperature with an infrared thermometer. Adjust the motor frequency to a higher frequency and run it stably for a period of time, observing the condition of the plunger rod during this period and measuring its temperature with an infrared thermometer to ensure that the booster pump 12 is working properly.

[0076] Open all pressure gauge valves, pressure transmitter valves, manual air outlet valve 36, and manual liquid inlet valve 37 in the system.

[0077] The system is started, and it enters automatic operation mode under the control of controller 5. Once in automatic operation mode, the hydrogen refueling station operates in a continuous loop. The automatic operation method of controller 5 includes the following steps:

[0078] S10: Obtain the pressure value of the first pressure sensor 35 and compare it with the first preset pressure value; the first preset pressure value is the pressure value when the gas storage container 32 needs to be injected with hydraulic medium.

[0079] S20: When the pressure value of the first pressure sensor 35 is less than the first preset pressure value, the control switch 2 switches to the state where the liquid inlet 322 is connected to the liquid outlet of the booster pump 12, and controls the inlet valve 341 to open and the pressure relief valve 132 to close, so that the hydraulic medium in the hydraulic medium container 11 is pressurized by the booster pump 12 and enters the gas storage container 32 to increase the internal pressure of the gas storage container 32. At the same time, the flow information of the outlet flow meter 181 and the overflow flow meter 182 is acquired to calculate the amount of hydraulic medium entering the gas storage container 32. The amount of hydraulic medium entering the gas storage container 32, Q1, is equal to the amount of hydraulic medium flowing out of the hydraulic medium container 11, Q2, acquired by the outlet flow meter 181, minus the amount of hydraulic medium flowing into the hydraulic medium container 11, Q3, acquired by the overflow flow meter 182.

[0080] S30: When the internal pressure of the gas storage container 32 is greater than the second preset pressure value, or the amount Q1 of hydraulic medium entering the gas storage container 32 is greater than or equal to the preset amount of hydraulic medium entering the gas storage container 32; control the inlet valve 341 to close and the pressure relief valve 132 to open, stopping the injection of hydraulic medium into the gas storage container 32. The second preset pressure value is greater than the first preset pressure value, and the preset amount of hydraulic medium entering the gas storage container 32 is less than the volume of the gas storage container 32, to prevent the hydraulic medium from being output to the hydrogen fuel cell. In this step, the gas storage container 32 can be injected with hydraulic medium multiple times, so that the hydrogen in the gas storage container 32 can be completely used and the refueling efficiency can be guaranteed.

[0081] S40: When the amount of hydraulic medium Q1 entering the gas storage container 32 is equal to the preset amount of hydraulic medium entering the gas storage container 32, and the internal pressure of the gas storage container 32 is less than the third preset pressure value, the control switching element 2 switches to the state where the liquid inlet 322 and the liquid return outlet 112 are connected, and the control inlet valve 341 is opened, so that the hydraulic medium in the gas storage container 32 flows back to the hydraulic medium container 11 under the push of the residual hydrogen, in preparation for the injection of hydraulic medium into the next gas storage container 32. Among them, the third preset pressure value needs to ensure that the residual hydrogen in the gas storage container 32 can push the hydraulic medium to flow back to the hydraulic medium container 11, so that the hydrogen can be used to push the hydraulic medium to flow back to the hydraulic medium container 11. The process of the hydraulic medium flowing back to the hydraulic medium container 11 does not require the booster pump 12 to work, reducing the working energy consumption of the entire hydrogen refueling station. In this step, when the control switching element 2 is switched to the state where the liquid inlet 322 and the liquid return outlet 112 are connected and the control inlet valve 341 is opened, the outlet valve 331 is also closed to ensure that the residual hydrogen in the gas storage container 32 has sufficient pressure to push the hydraulic medium back into the hydraulic medium container 11.

[0082] S50: When the amount of hydraulic medium obtained by the return flow meter 183 is equal to the amount of hydraulic medium Q1 entering the gas storage container 32, the inlet valve 341 is closed to stop the return flow and prevent the hydrogen in the gas storage container 32 from flowing to the hydraulic medium container 11.

[0083] S60: When the hydrogen in one of the gas storage containers 32 is used up, switch to use the next gas storage container 32 to output hydrogen, and repeat this process until the hydrogen in all the gas storage containers 32 is used up.

[0084] In step S60, when the hydrogen refueling station has multiple sets of gas storage containers, after the hydrogen in one gas storage container 32 is used up, the system switches to use one of the gas storage containers 32 from the next set of gas storage containers to output hydrogen, thus enabling cross-use of gas storage containers 32 from different sets. When the hydrogen refueling station has one set of gas storage containers, after the hydrogen in one gas storage container 32 is used up, the system switches to use the next gas storage container 32 from the same set to output hydrogen, and multiple gas storage containers 32 from the same set are used sequentially.

[0085] For example, each gas storage container 32 has a volume of 1 cubic meter, a pressure of 70 MPa when filled with hydrogen, a first preset pressure value of 35 MPa, a second preset pressure value of 50 MPa, and a third preset pressure value of 25 MPa; the preset amount of hydraulic medium entering the gas storage container 32 is 0.9 cubic meters. When the hydrogen in the gas storage container 32 is used up and the hydraulic medium completely flows back to the hydraulic medium container 11, the gas pressure in the gas storage container 32 is less than 2.5 MPa, which is less than the hydrogen pressure in the gas storage container 32 after the hydrogen is used up in a traditional hydrogen refueling station. That is, the hydrogen refueling station of this application has less residual hydrogen in the gas storage container 32 after the hydrogen is used up, which means that the hydrogen utilization rate is higher, and it can ensure that the hydrogen is always output under a higher pressure, thereby improving the refueling efficiency.

[0086] The first preset pressure value, the second preset pressure value, the third preset pressure value, and the amount of hydraulic medium entering the gas storage container 32 can also be other values.

[0087] In one embodiment, in step S20, while controlling the liquid inlet valve 341 to open and the pressure relief valve 132 to close, the gas outlet valve 331 is also controlled to close, pausing the charging of the hydrogen fuel cell, so that the pressure in the gas storage container 32 can quickly rise to the second preset pressure value. In step S30, while controlling the liquid inlet valve 341 to close and the pressure relief valve 132 to open, the gas outlet valve 331 is also controlled to open, continuing the charging of the hydrogen fuel cell.

[0088] In the above steps, when the gas storage container 32 does not need to be injected with hydraulic medium, the booster pump 12 is in standby mode, or the booster pump 12 is in working mode, and the hydraulic medium pushed by the booster pump 12 flows back into the hydraulic medium container 11 through the overflow channel 131.

[0089] In one embodiment, when recharging the hydrogen fuel cell is not required, the booster pump 12 is shut off to reduce the energy consumption of the hydrogen refueling station. The booster pump 12 is then restarted when recharging the hydrogen fuel cell is needed. A second pressure sensor 19 is installed at the outlet of the booster pump 12. The pressure value of the second pressure sensor 19 indicates the duration of the hydrogen refueling station's self-circulation operation. After the hydrogen refueling station has been running in self-circulation for a period of time, it is determined that recharging the hydrogen fuel cell is not required, and the booster pump 12 is shut off, thus reducing the operating energy consumption of the hydrogen refueling station. Specific steps include:

[0090] The pressure value of the second pressure sensor 19 is acquired. When the pressure value of the second pressure sensor 19 is less than the fourth preset pressure value and the duration is greater than the set time, the booster pump 12 is controlled to shut down. The fourth preset pressure value is the pressure during self-circulation, and its pressure value is greater than the first preset pressure value.

[0091] In embodiments with a large volume of the gas storage container 32, the time elapsed from the start of hydrogen output until the hydrogen pressure in the gas storage container 32 decreases to the first preset pressure value is relatively long. In this embodiment, the hydrogen refueling station has a fifth preset pressure value, which is greater than the first preset pressure value but less than the pressure when the gas storage container 32 is full of gas. When the pressure value of the first pressure sensor 35 is greater than the fifth preset pressure value, the booster pump 12 is controlled to shut down; when the pressure value of the first pressure sensor 35 is equal to the first preset pressure value, the booster pump 12 is controlled to start. This configuration ensures that the booster pump 12 remains off during the time from the start of hydrogen output from the gas storage container 32 until the hydrogen pressure in the gas storage container 32 equals the first preset pressure value, thereby reducing the operating energy consumption of the hydrogen refueling station.

[0092] The hydrogen refueling station of this application includes a substation unit 3, a liquid boosting unit 1, and a switching component 2. The substation unit 3 includes a gas storage container 32 with a liquid inlet 322 and a vent 321. The liquid boosting unit 1 includes a hydraulic medium container 11 and a booster pump 12. The booster pump 12 is connected to the liquid outlet 111 of the hydraulic medium container 11. The switching component 2 connects the liquid inlet 322, the liquid return port 112, and the liquid outlet of the booster pump 12, and can control the connection between the liquid inlet 322 and the liquid outlet of the booster pump 12 or between the liquid inlet 322 and the liquid return port 112. When the liquid inlet 322 is connected to the liquid outlet of the booster pump 12, the booster pump 12 can pump the hydraulic medium in the hydraulic medium container 11 into the gas storage container 32 to increase the hydrogen pressure inside the gas storage container 32, so that the hydrogen in the gas storage container 32 can be discharged from the vent 321, thus realizing hydrogen refueling. Furthermore, by using hydraulic medium to occupy part of the volume of the gas storage container 32, the hydrogen inside the gas storage container 32 is pressurized, ensuring that the hydrogen is at a higher pressure, thereby improving the refueling efficiency of the hydrogen refueling station. After refueling is completed, the control switching element 2 switches to the state where the liquid inlet 322 and the liquid return outlet 112 are connected. The higher pressure hydrogen pushes the hydraulic medium back to the hydraulic medium container 11. The process of the hydraulic medium returning to the hydraulic medium container 11 does not require the booster pump 12 to work, which reduces the overall energy consumption of the hydrogen refueling station.

[0093] Although the present invention has been described with reference to several typical embodiments, it should be understood that the terminology used is descriptive and exemplary, and not restrictive. Since the present invention can be embodied in many forms without departing from the spirit or essence of the invention, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limited to any of the foregoing details, but should be interpreted broadly within the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims. Therefore, all variations and modifications falling within the scope of the claims or their equivalents should be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hydrogen refueling station, characterized in that, include: The substation car unit includes a gas storage container and a gas outlet control valve. The gas storage container is used to store hydrogen. The gas storage container is provided with a vent and a liquid inlet. The vent is positioned higher than the liquid inlet. The gas outlet control valve is connected to the vent to control the opening and closing of the vent. The liquid boosting unit includes a hydraulic medium container and a booster pump. The hydraulic medium container is used to store a hydraulic medium that does not react with the hydrogen. The hydraulic medium container is provided with an outlet and a return port. The inlet of the booster pump is connected to the outlet. A switching element is provided, which is connected to the liquid inlet, the liquid return outlet, and the liquid outlet of the booster pump. The switching element enables the liquid inlet to be connected to the liquid outlet of the booster pump, allowing the booster pump to pump the hydraulic medium in the hydraulic medium container to the gas storage container, thereby increasing the pressure inside the gas storage container and causing the hydrogen to be output. The switching element also enables the liquid inlet to be connected to the liquid return outlet, allowing the hydraulic medium inside the gas storage container to flow back into the hydraulic medium container under the pressure of the hydrogen.

2. The hydrogen refueling station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching device includes a first control valve and a second control valve. The first control valve is connected to the outlet of the booster pump and the inlet. The second control valve is connected to the return port and the inlet.

3. The hydrogen refueling station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The substation car unit is equipped with multiple sets of gas storage container groups. Each set of gas storage container groups includes at least one gas storage container. The number of switching components is the same as the number of gas storage container groups, and multiple switching components are set one-to-one with multiple sets of gas storage container groups. The number of the gas outlet control valves is the same as the number of the gas storage container groups, and multiple gas outlet control valves are set in one-to-one correspondence with multiple gas storage container groups; The substation vehicle unit also includes liquid inlet control valves. The number of liquid inlet control valves is the same as the number of gas storage container groups, and multiple liquid inlet control valves are configured in one-to-one correspondence with multiple gas storage container groups. The liquid inlet control valves are connected to the liquid inlets of the gas storage containers of the gas storage container groups to control the opening and closing of the liquid inlets.

4. The hydrogen refueling station according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each group of substation car units includes multiple gas storage containers, and each liquid inlet control valve includes multiple liquid inlet valves. The positions of the multiple liquid inlet valves correspond one-to-one with the liquid inlets of the multiple gas storage containers. Multiple inlet valves of the same inlet control valve may not open simultaneously.

5. The hydrogen refueling station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen refueling station also includes a controller; The substation vehicle unit also includes a first pressure sensor, which is connected to the gas storage container to detect the pressure inside the gas storage container. Both the first pressure sensor and the booster pump are electrically connected to the controller, which can control the booster pump to work based on the electrical signal from the first pressure sensor.

6. The hydrogen refueling station according to claim 5, characterized in that, The liquid boosting unit also includes an overflow channel and a pressure relief valve. One end of the overflow channel is connected to the liquid outlet of the booster pump, and the other end is connected to the liquid return port. The pressure relief valve is connected in series with the overflow channel and electrically connected to the controller; when the pressure relief valve is in the open state, a self-circulating channel is formed between the hydraulic medium container, the booster pump and the overflow channel.

7. The hydrogen refueling station according to claim 6, characterized in that, The liquid pressurization unit also includes an outlet flow meter, an overflow flow meter, and a return flow meter, and the switching device, the outlet flow meter, the overflow flow meter, and the return flow meter are all electrically connected to the controller; The outlet flow meter is disposed between the booster pump and the outlet to obtain the flow rate of the hydraulic medium flowing out of the hydraulic medium container; the overflow flow meter is disposed between the pressure relief valve and the return port to obtain the flow rate of the hydraulic medium returning from the overflow channel to the hydraulic medium container; the return flow meter is disposed between the switching element and the return port to obtain the flow rate of the hydraulic medium returning from the gas storage container to the hydraulic medium container. The controller can control the switching element and the inlet valve to operate based on the electrical signals from the outlet flow meter, the overflow flow meter, and the return flow meter.

8. The hydrogen refueling station according to claim 7, characterized in that, The return port includes a first return interface and a second return interface. The return flow meter is connected to the first return interface, and the overflow flow meter is connected to the second return interface. The liquid pressurization unit also includes a first bypass pipe, a second bypass pipe, a safety valve, and a pressure regulating valve; One end of the first bypass pipe is connected to the outlet of the booster pump, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the overflow flow meter or the external environment. The safety valve is connected in series to the first bypass pipe. One end of the second bypass pipe is connected to the outlet of the booster pump, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the overflow flow meter. The pressure regulating valve is connected in series on the second bypass pipe, so that the pressure regulating valve and the pressure relief valve are arranged in parallel. The pressure regulating valve is used to adjust the hydraulic pressure at the outlet of the booster pump, and the pressure value of the pressure regulating valve is less than the pressure value of the safety valve.

9. The hydrogen refueling station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen refueling station also includes a hydraulic medium buffer tank, which is connected in series between the switching element and the liquid inlet of the gas storage container to buffer the pressure of the hydraulic medium.

10. The hydrogen refueling station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The substation vehicle unit also includes a frame, the gas storage container is elongated, the gas storage container has a first end and a second end along its length, the gas storage container is inclined on the frame such that the first end is higher than the second end, the vent is located at the first end and the liquid inlet is located at the second end.

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