Intelligent switching hydrogen gas drive type pressurization system

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of hydrogen compression parts, and discloses an intelligent switching hydrogen gas-driven pressurization system which is characterized by comprising a low-pressure hydrogen inlet, a driving gas inlet, two gas-driven pumps, a control valve, a hydrogen buffer tank, a hydrogen cooling tank and a high-pressure hydrogen outlet. According to the utility model, a compact structural layout is adopted, and equipment related to pressurization is integrated in the skid, so that the occupied area is reduced, and the skid is easy to transport. The problem that an existing single-pump pressurizing gas-driven system is short in service life is solved, the abrasion degree of easily-damaged parts in the two gas-driven pumps is reduced through intelligent switching of the two gas-driven pumps, and the service life of the system is prolonged. Compared with other common single-pump pressurization gas drive systems, the two gas drive pumps can work at the same time under the high-pressure working condition in the later stage of compression, and the compression efficiency in the later stage of compression is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of hydrogen gas-driven booster, and more particularly to an intelligent switching hydrogen gas-driven booster system. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen booster systems are generally suitable for use in small hydrogen refueling stations. Their compression efficiency and lifespan determine the hydrogen compression capacity and equipment maintenance costs of the refueling station. Common hydrogen booster systems use a single gas-driven pump, which has the following basic problems:

[0003] (1) Frequent start-stop of the booster system equipment;

[0004] (2) The turbocharging system requires frequent maintenance and has high maintenance costs;

[0005] (3) The intake pressure and exhaust pressure are unstable.

[0006] The hydrogen gas-driven booster systems used in hydrogen refueling stations on the market may have the following defects: the design does not take into account the characteristics of hydrogen refueling stations, the gas-driven pump may not switch intelligently during operation, and the intake and exhaust pressures may be unstable.

[0007] These problems with hydrogen-driven systems can ultimately lead to damage to pipelines or other equipment. Therefore, the design of hydrogen-driven booster systems should take into account the operating characteristics of both the hydrogen refueling station and the pump itself to avoid or mitigate these problems. Utility Model Content

[0008] (a) Solving technical problems

[0009] To address the problems of short pump lifespan and easy damage to pipelines or other equipment in existing hydrogen-driven booster systems, this improved system reduces wear on internal vulnerable components by intelligently switching between two gas-driven pumps, thereby extending the service life of the system's internal equipment and pipelines. Compared to other ordinary single-pump booster systems, this invention allows both gas-driven pumps to operate simultaneously under high-pressure conditions in the later stages of compression, improving compression efficiency. This invention enables intelligent switching and incorporates a hydrogen buffer tank upstream of the gas-driven pumps to balance the internal pressure of the pipelines, preventing damage to pipelines or other equipment.

[0010] (II) Technical Solution

[0011] This invention relates to an intelligent switching hydrogen-driven booster system. By intelligently switching and alternating the operation of two gas-driven pumps, the lifespan of the booster system can be extended, and the system's compression performance can be improved. The intelligent switching hydrogen-driven booster system includes a low-pressure hydrogen inlet, a driving gas inlet, two gas-driven pumps, control valves, a hydrogen buffer tank, a hydrogen cooling tank, and a high-pressure hydrogen outlet. This novel system design ensures both high efficiency and safety during the operation of the hydrogen booster system.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment, the hydrogen supply system is connected in the following sequence: a low-pressure hydrogen inlet, a hydrogen buffer tank, two parallel gas-driven pumps connected to the buffer tank, and two hydrogen cooling tanks connected in series with the pumps. The buffer tank ensures that the hydrogen pressure entering the system from the low-pressure inlet remains balanced, eliminating the problem of unstable inlet and outlet pressures in the low-pressure pipeline. A safety valve is installed on the buffer tank to ensure the safety of the low-pressure hydrogen pipeline. In the event of overpressure in the low-pressure pipeline, the hydrogen can be immediately unloaded through the safety valve, preventing accidents.

[0013] As a preferred option, the hydrogen compressor uses a gas-driven pump, with compressed air as the driving gas and a pressure set at 0.6 MPa. A pressure regulating valve, filter, pressure gauge, and pressure sensor are installed at the inlet of the compressed air pipeline to ensure that the pressure of the driving gas source is stable and free of impurities.

[0014] As a preferred solution, to achieve intelligent control, control valves are installed at each inlet and outlet of the two parallel gas-driven pumps. During normal system operation, the two pumps switch positions periodically. When one pump is running, the control valves on the hydrogen and gas source pipelines connected to the other gas-driven pump are closed. After the designated running time is reached, the two pumps switch operating states.

[0015] As a preferred option, during the compression process, when the hydrogen on the high-pressure side approaches the target pressure, i.e., when the pressure is high, two gas-driven pumps can operate together to improve compression efficiency.

[0016] As a preferred solution, pressure gauges and pressure sensors are installed at both ends of the two air-driven pumps to monitor pressure data and provide control basis for the control valves on the branch line. When the pressure is increased to the specified pressure or when the pressure is abnormal, the control valves of the air-driven pumps in operation will be automatically closed, and the air-driven pumps will automatically stop working.

[0017] As a preferred option, a filter 18 is installed at the hydrogen source inlet to filter out any impurities that may be present in the input hydrogen, ensuring the purity of the hydrogen and preventing impurities from damaging other equipment in the system.

[0018] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0019] Compared with existing technologies, this invention provides an intelligent switching hydrogen-driven pressurization system with the following advantages: It adopts a compact structural layout, integrating all relevant equipment within a skid, resulting in a small footprint and easy transportation. The intelligent switching between two gas-driven pumps reduces wear on internal vulnerable components, improving system lifespan. This invention enables simultaneous operation of both gas-driven pumps under high-pressure conditions in the later stages of compression, increasing the compression rate under high pressure. Addressing the issue of unstable inlet and outlet pressures in the hydrogen-driven pump, this invention incorporates a hydrogen buffer tank at the front end to ensure safe operation and prevent damage to the pump due to partial vacuum or excessive hydrogen accumulation in the inlet pipeline. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system configuration of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 2 Hydrogen booster system compression process 1

[0022] Figure 3 Hydrogen booster system compression process 2

[0023] The labels and their corresponding names in the attached diagram:

[0024] 1. Hydrogen buffer tank; 2. Hydrogen gas-driven pump a; 3. Hydrogen gas-driven pump b; 4. Hydrogen cooling tank a; 5. Hydrogen cooling tank b; 6. Pressure sensor a; 7. Pressure sensor b; 8. Pressure sensor c; 9. Pressure gauge a; 10. Pressure gauge d; 11. Pressure gauge c; 12. Control valve a; 13. Control valve b; 14. Control valve c; 15. Control valve d; 16. Control valve e; 17. Control valve f; 18. Filter a; 19. Filter b; 20. Pressure regulating valve; 21. Hydrogen safety valve a; 22. Hydrogen safety valve b; 23. Hydrogen safety valve c. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model, but the implementation of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Example

[0026] This invention discloses an intelligent switching hydrogen-driven pressurization system with a compact installation. The system comprises a low-pressure hydrogen inlet, a drive gas inlet, two gas-driven pumps, control valves, a hydrogen buffer tank, a hydrogen cooling tank, and a high-pressure hydrogen outlet. The system can intelligently switch the operation of the two gas-driven pumps. Switching between the two pumps reduces fatigue wear on internal vulnerable components, thereby extending the system's service life. This invention allows both gas-driven pumps to operate simultaneously during the later stages of compression, improving compression efficiency under high pressure conditions.

[0027] The outputs of the two hydrogen cooling tanks are connected to the high-pressure hydrogen outlet to form a high-pressure pipeline; the inputs of the two sets of gas-driven pumps are both connected to the drive gas inlet.

[0028] In this embodiment of the invention, a hydrogen-driven pressurization system with intelligent switching capability comprises two parallel gas-driven pumps, each connected to a hydrogen and compressed drive gas pipeline equipped with control valves. During normal operation, the two pumps are set to switch at set times; that is, when one gas-driven pump is running, the control valves on the pipeline connected to the other gas-driven pump are closed. After the designated running time is reached, the two pumps switch their operating states. Figure 2 As shown, if air-driven pump 02 is in operation, its control valves 12, 13, and 16 are open, while control valves 14, 15, and 17 on the pipeline connected to air-driven pump 03 are all closed. The operating circuit after switching between the two air-driven pumps is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, control valves 12, 13, and 16 are in the closed state, while control valves 14, 15, and 17 are in the open state.

[0029] In this embodiment of the invention, the gas-driven pump 02 and gas-driven pump 03 can operate simultaneously to compress hydrogen, requiring all control valves to be opened.

[0030] The control valve is a pneumatic shut-off valve, and there are multiple sets, which are respectively installed between the hydrogen buffer tank and the gas-driven pump, the driving gas inlet and the gas-driven pump, and the hydrogen cooling tank and the high-pressure hydrogen outlet.

[0031] This system is equipped with pressure gauges and pressure sensors on the low-pressure hydrogen pipeline, drive gas pipeline, and high-pressure hydrogen pipeline to monitor pipeline pressure data and provide pressure signals to the control valves. When the pressure reaches a specified value or an abnormal pressure condition occurs, the system can intelligently close the control valves, causing the gas-driven pumps to automatically stop operating. Specifically, the monitoring objects are as follows: Pressure gauge 09 and pressure sensor 06 on the low-pressure hydrogen pipeline monitor the hydrogen pressure in the status pipeline from the hydrogen inlet to the inlet of the two gas-driven pumps. Pressure gauge 11 and pressure sensor 08 on the drive gas pipeline monitor the drive gas pressure in the status pipeline from the drive gas inlet to the inlet of the gas-driven pumps. Pressure gauge 10 and pressure sensor 07 on the high-pressure hydrogen pipeline monitor the hydrogen pressure in the status pipeline connecting the outlets of the two gas-driven pumps to the high-pressure hydrogen outlet.

[0032] In this embodiment of the invention, the pressure sensor 06 collects pressure data as the basis for the logical control of the low-pressure control valve 12 and control valve 14 at the front end of the two gas-driven pumps. Besides normal valve opening and closing, when the collected pressure is too low or too high, the system automatically closes the control valve at the low-pressure hydrogen outlet and simultaneously closes the high-pressure control valve on the same pipeline, protecting the system equipment and pipeline safety. The pressure sensor 07 collects data as the basis for the logical control of the high-pressure control valve 13 and control valve 15. Besides normal valve opening and closing, when the pressure is too low or too high, the system automatically closes the control valve at the high-pressure hydrogen outlet and simultaneously closes the low-pressure control valve on the same pipeline, protecting the system and pipeline safety.

[0033] In this embodiment of the invention, a safety valve 21 is installed on the hydrogen buffer tank. This valve prevents excessive pressure in the hydrogen buffer tank 01 and its upstream and downstream pipelines, and automatically discharges hydrogen from the system when the pressure exceeds the limit. A filter 18 is installed at the rear end of the buffer tank 01 to filter out any impurities that may be present in the hydrogen, protecting the equipment on the pipeline.

[0034] In this embodiment of the invention, the hydrogen gas driven by the gas pump experiences a temperature increase after pressurization. This temperature needs to be reduced to a suitable level by passing through a hydrogen cooling tank, with the cooling gas source being the driving gas. The cooling gas in cooling tank 04 is the driving gas from gas pump 02, and the cooling gas in cooling tank 05 is the driving gas from gas pump 03. Their function is to cool the compressed high-pressure hydrogen to a suitable temperature, preventing excessively high temperatures from entering externally connected equipment.

[0035] In this embodiment of the invention, the safety valves on the two branch lines are positioned between the gas-driven pump and the hydrogen cooling tank to prevent excessively high hydrogen pressure after pressurization. When the pressure exceeds a set value, overflow can be discharged, ensuring the safety of pipelines, equipment, valves, and instruments. Safety valve 23 ensures the pressure when the flow path between the outlet of gas-driven pump 02 and the high-pressure hydrogen outlet is open, and safety valve 22 ensures the pressure when the flow path between the outlet of gas-driven pump 03 and the high-pressure hydrogen outlet is open.

[0036] In this embodiment of the invention, the driving gas source for the hydrogen-driven pump is compressed air. The inlet end of the compressed air pipeline is equipped with a pressure regulating valve 20, a filter 19, a pressure gauge 11, and a pressure sensor 08. The compressed air then splits into two streams, each leading to one of the two pumps. Each stream has a control valve: control valve 17 controls the driving gas for pump 03, and control valve 16 controls the driving gas for pump 02. The data collected by the pressure sensor 08 serves as the basis for the logic control of control valves 17 and 16. In addition to the normal opening and closing of the valves, the valves automatically close when an abnormal driving gas pressure is detected, protecting downstream valves and instruments. The regulating valve 20 needs to be pressure-set before system startup to maintain this safe pipeline pressure after system startup. The filter 19 filters out impurities present during the input of the driving gas, ensuring gas purity and preventing impurities from damaging system equipment.

[0037] Work steps:

[0038] Before starting the formal hydrogen pressurization operation, the air inside each pipeline must be replaced. Inject 1 MPa of nitrogen into the low-pressure hydrogen inlet, connect the driving gas inlet to the gas source, open all control valves, and start the two gas-driven pumps to allow nitrogen to flow out of the high-pressure hydrogen outlet. After the replacement is complete, close all control valves, and switch the nitrogen source to the low-pressure hydrogen input source.

[0039] When low-pressure hydrogen enters the system from the gas source inlet, it first enters the hydrogen buffer tank. When the pressure in the buffer tank reaches the designated low pressure, the control valves before and after the gas-driven pump 02, as well as control valves 12, 13, and 16 on the drive gas pipeline, are opened, causing the gas-driven pump 02 to start working, and the pressurized hydrogen is cooled in the cooling tank 04. After the gas-driven pump 02 has been working for a certain period of time, the control valves can be intelligently closed, and the control valves 14 and 15 before and after the gas-driven pump 03, as well as control valve 17 on the drive gas pipeline, can be opened, causing the gas-driven pump 03 to start working, and the pressurized hydrogen is cooled in the cooling tank 05. The system will intelligently switch according to the above steps according to the set time until all the input hydrogen has been pressurized.

[0040] The optimal pressure setting for the pressurized hydrogen is 35 MPa. High-pressure hydrogen meeting this standard is then discharged from the high-pressure hydrogen outlet to the next stage outside the system. Measurement data provided by pressure sensor 07 ensures the pressure safety of the high-pressure section of the system.

[0041] This invention enables two gas-driven pumps to operate simultaneously. All control valves need to be opened to allow the driving gas and low-pressure hydrogen to enter the two gas-driven pumps. At this time, the compression efficiency of hydrogen in the system will be greatly improved.

[0042] Of course, the low pressure and high pressure mentioned in this embodiment are examples of the defined range in this embodiment, and this utility model is not limited to this range.

[0043] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A hydrogen-driven booster system with intelligent switching capability, characterized in that, It comprises a driving gas inlet, a gas-driven pump, a control valve, a hydrogen buffer tank, a hydrogen cooling tank, and a high-pressure hydrogen outlet; the gas-driven pump has two sets connected in parallel with the hydrogen buffer tank to form a low-pressure pipeline, the hydrogen cooling tank has two sets connected in series with the two gas-driven pumps respectively, and the output ends of the two hydrogen cooling tanks are connected to the high-pressure hydrogen outlet to form a high-pressure pipeline; the input ends of the two sets of gas-driven pumps are all connected to the driving gas inlet; the cooling gas input ends of the two sets of hydrogen cooling tanks are all connected to the driving gas output port of the gas-driven pump.

2. The intelligent switching hydrogen-driven booster system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compressed air power source for the driving air inlet is compressed air, and the power source pressure is set to 0.6 MPa. The driving air inlet is also equipped with a pressure regulating valve, a filter, a pressure gauge, and a pressure sensor.

3. The intelligent switching hydrogen-driven booster system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Safety valves are installed on both the low-pressure and high-pressure pipelines.

4. The intelligent switching hydrogen-driven booster system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The safety valves are respectively located at the upper end of the hydrogen buffer tank and the rear end of the gas-driven pump.

5. The intelligent switching hydrogen-driven booster system according to claim 3, characterized in that, A pressure gauge is installed on the low-pressure pipeline near the hydrogen buffer tank, and pressure gauges and pressure sensors are also connected to the front and rear of the gas-driven pump.

6. A hydrogen-driven pressurization system with intelligent switching according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The control valve is a pneumatic shut-off valve, and there are multiple sets, which are respectively installed between the hydrogen buffer tank and the gas-driven pump, the driving gas inlet and the gas-driven pump, and the hydrogen cooling tank and the high-pressure hydrogen outlet.

7. The intelligent switching hydrogen-driven booster system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen buffer tank and the gas-driven pump are also equipped with a pressure regulating valve, a filter, a pressure gauge and a pressure sensor.

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