Hydrogen dispensing and storage system

Abstract

This application discloses a hydrogen unloading and storage system. It comprises an unloading column assembly, a hydrogen storage module, and a hydrogen refueling module. The unloading column assembly includes multiple parallel unloading columns, each connected to a hydrogen transport vehicle and a hydrogen storage module via pipelines on both sides. The hydrogen storage module includes multiple hydrogen storage units connected in series via pipelines. Each storage unit includes at least one hydrogen storage container for storing hydrogen. The hydrogen storage pressure of the multiple storage units decreases sequentially along the hydrogen transport direction. The output side of the hydrogen storage module is connected to the hydrogen transport pipeline of the target object via a pipeline. The hydrogen refueling module is connected to the pipeline between at least some of the unloading columns in the unloading column assembly and the hydrogen storage module, and is used to refuel hydrogen energy equipment. This system can increase system capacity, reduce the footprint of the hydrogen storage unit, reduce hydrogen storage costs, avoid excessive cooling effects from rapid depressurization, and prevent system fatigue caused by frequent depressurization. It also enables long-term stable hydrogen transport and rapid hydrogen refueling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to the field of hydrogen energy technology, and in particular to a hydrogen unloading and storage system. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing demands for clean energy substitution and carbon emission reduction, hydrogen production methods relying on coal or natural gas are gradually being replaced by green hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources. Green hydrogen production plants are mostly concentrated in areas rich in new energy sources, while hydrogen-using enterprises are mostly concentrated in chemical industrial parks. Therefore, as enterprises gradually shift to using externally transported hydrogen, they need to adjust their traditional pipeline hydrogen supply schemes.

[0003] Currently, hydrogen supply for external use is mostly concentrated at hydrogen refueling stations. Equipment such as compressors, hydrogen dispensers, and hydrogen storage cylinders are used to meet different pressure requirements, typically requiring the transported 20MPa hydrogen to be compressed to higher pressures. However, in factory hydrogen environments, the hydrogen pressure needs to be lowered, not increased. External hydrogen supply can be adjusted according to the enterprise's plant configuration requirements; higher-pressure hydrogen storage cylinders are not needed for the storage stage. Additionally, some hydrogen storage scenarios employ solid-state hydrogen storage, gaseous hydrogen storage, fuel cell systems, and thermal cycling systems. Solid-state hydrogen storage and high-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage are combined to achieve comprehensive utilization of the heat generated from compressed hydrogen, as well as high- and low-pressure hydrogen storage arrangements. However, this type of system is suitable for scenarios with less stringent requirements for hydrogen charge / discharge rates and cannot meet the needs of long-term stable hydrogen output and rapid hydrogen refueling. Furthermore, solid-state hydrogen storage is costly, making its practical feasibility poor.

[0004] There is currently no effective solution to the problems of externally supplied hydrogen not being suitable for enterprise application scenarios, having high costs, and being unable to stably output hydrogen for a long time or quickly refill hydrogen. Utility Model Content

[0005] This specification provides an embodiment of a hydrogen unloading and storage system to address the problems of externally supplied hydrogen not being suitable for enterprise application scenarios, high costs, and the inability to stably output hydrogen for extended periods and quickly refill hydrogen.

[0006] This specification provides an embodiment of a hydrogen unloading and storage system, comprising: an unloading column assembly, a hydrogen storage module, and a hydrogen refueling module; wherein,

[0007] The unloading column group includes multiple unloading columns connected in parallel, and each unloading column is connected to a hydrogen transport vehicle and a hydrogen storage module through pipelines on both sides.

[0008] The hydrogen storage module includes multiple hydrogen storage units connected in series via pipelines. Each hydrogen storage unit includes at least one hydrogen storage container for storing hydrogen. The hydrogen storage pressure of the multiple hydrogen storage units decreases sequentially along the hydrogen transmission direction. The output side of the hydrogen storage module is connected to the hydrogen transmission pipeline of the target object via a pipeline.

[0009] The hydrogen refueling module is connected to a pipeline between at least a portion of the unloading columns in the unloading column group and the hydrogen storage module, and the hydrogen refueling module is used to refuel hydrogen energy equipment.

[0010] In some embodiments of this specification, the system further includes a hydrogen unloading area for accommodating a hydrogen transport tube bundle for transporting hydrogen to other vehicles. Each unloading column of the unloading column group is detachably connected to the hydrogen transport tube bundle of the unloading area via a pipe. The hydrogen transport tube bundle is used to store hydrogen, and the hydrogen storage pressure of the hydrogen transport tube bundle is greater than the hydrogen storage pressure of the hydrogen storage module.

[0011] In some embodiments of this specification, the hydrogen refueling module includes at least one hydrogen dispenser, which is directly and / or connected via a compressor to a pipeline between the at least partially unloading column and the hydrogen storage module.

[0012] In some embodiments of this specification, the hydrogen refueling module includes a first hydrogen refueling machine with a compressor and a second hydrogen refueling machine without a compressor. The first and second hydrogen refueling machines are connected to a pipeline between the at least part of the unloading column and the hydrogen storage module. The first hydrogen refueling machine is used to refuel hydrogen energy devices with a hydrogen storage pressure within a first threshold range, and the second hydrogen refueling machine is used to refuel hydrogen energy devices with a hydrogen storage pressure within a second threshold range. The minimum value of the first threshold range is greater than the maximum value of the second threshold range.

[0013] In some embodiments of this specification, the hydrogen storage module includes a medium-pressure hydrogen storage unit and a low-pressure hydrogen storage unit. The medium-pressure hydrogen storage unit includes at least one medium-pressure hydrogen storage container, and the low-pressure hydrogen storage unit includes at least one low-pressure hydrogen storage container. The hydrogen storage pressure of the hydrogen transport pipe bundle of the hydrogen transport vehicle, the hydrogen storage pressure of the medium-pressure hydrogen storage container, and the hydrogen storage pressure of the low-pressure hydrogen storage container decrease sequentially.

[0014] In some embodiments of this specification, the medium-pressure hydrogen storage unit includes a plurality of medium-pressure hydrogen storage containers connected in series, and the low-pressure hydrogen storage unit includes a plurality of low-pressure hydrogen storage containers connected in series, wherein the hydrogen storage pressure of the plurality of medium-pressure hydrogen storage containers and the plurality of low-pressure hydrogen storage containers decreases sequentially along the hydrogen transmission direction.

[0015] In some embodiments of this specification, the medium-pressure hydrogen storage unit includes multiple medium-pressure hydrogen storage containers connected in parallel, and the low-pressure hydrogen storage unit includes multiple low-pressure hydrogen storage containers connected in parallel, wherein the hydrogen storage pressure of each medium-pressure hydrogen storage container is equal, and the hydrogen storage pressure of each low-pressure hydrogen storage container is equal.

[0016] In some embodiments of this specification, the output side of the hydrogen storage module is also connected to a hydrogen fuel cell power generation system via a pipeline, and the output end of the hydrogen fuel cell power generation system is electrically connected to the power supply system of the target object.

[0017] In some embodiments of this specification, the system further includes multiple control valves located on the pipelines connecting the various devices in the hydrogen unloading and storage system. The control valves are used to prevent the flow of hydrogen in the pipelines and to prevent hydrogen backflow.

[0018] In some embodiments of this specification, the system further includes multiple pressure reducing valves, which are located in at least one of the following positions: a first pipeline connecting the unloading column to the hydrogen storage module, a second pipeline connecting each hydrogen storage unit, and a third pipeline connecting the unloading column to the hydrogen refueling module.

[0019] The hydrogen unloading and storage system provided in this specification comprises an unloading column assembly, a hydrogen storage module, and a hydrogen refueling module. The unloading column assembly includes multiple parallel unloading columns, each connected to a hydrogen transport vehicle and a hydrogen storage module via pipelines on both sides. The hydrogen storage module includes multiple hydrogen storage units connected in series via pipelines. Each storage unit includes at least one hydrogen storage container for storing hydrogen. The hydrogen storage pressure of the multiple storage units decreases sequentially along the hydrogen transport direction. The output side of the hydrogen storage module is connected to the target hydrogen transport pipeline via a pipeline. The hydrogen refueling module is connected to the pipeline between at least some of the unloading columns in the unloading column assembly and the hydrogen storage module, and is used to refuel hydrogen energy equipment. This system enables the matching of hydrogen transport pipelines to enterprises supplying hydrogen. Furthermore, the multi-stage series connection of hydrogen storage units with sequentially decreasing storage pressures increases system capacity, reduces the footprint of the storage units, and lowers storage costs. It also avoids excessive cooling effects from rapid depressurization and system fatigue caused by frequent depressurization, allowing for stable hydrogen output and rapid hydrogen refueling over extended periods. In addition, connecting the hydrogen refueling module directly to the hydrogen transport vehicle via the unloading column can reduce the pressure waste of externally supplied hydrogen, reduce the power consumption of the hydrogen refueling module, and improve resource utilization. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application in any way. Furthermore, the shapes and scales of the components in the drawings are merely illustrative to aid in understanding this application and do not specifically limit the shapes and scales of the components. Those skilled in the art, guided by the teachings of this application, can select various possible shapes and scales to implement this application according to specific circumstances.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a hydrogen unloading and storage system as illustrated in an embodiment of this specification is shown.

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a hydrogen unloading and storage system as illustrated in an embodiment of this specification is shown.

[0024] The reference numerals in the above figures are as follows:

[0025] 100. Gas unloading column assembly; 110. Gas unloading column; 200. Hydrogen storage module; 210. Hydrogen storage unit; 211. Hydrogen storage container; 300. Hydrogen refueling module; 400. Hydrogen transport tubing bundle. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The principles and spirit of this specification will now be described with reference to several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are given merely to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement this specification, and are not intended to limit the scope of this specification in any way. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure more thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0027] Currently, hydrogen-using enterprises without pipeline hydrogen transportation capabilities primarily store hydrogen in spherical storage tanks within their factories, using hydrogen only as a raw material or protective gas for production. Enterprises switching to externally supplied hydrogen often only engage in small-scale blending with existing pipeline supply, without fundamentally altering the supply model. Furthermore, they focus on how the externally supplied hydrogen is used, neglecting the multi-purpose nature of hydrogen. Moreover, these enterprise conversions often lack experience and fail to adequately consider the clean energy characteristics of hydrogen usage in comprehensive application solutions. Therefore, promoting the application of clean hydrogen in traditional enterprises requires further addressing issues such as stable supply of externally transported hydrogen, comprehensive energy utilization within industrial parks, and continuous clean energy transformation of industrial parks.

[0028] Existing systems involving hydrogen unloading, storage, and utilization primarily exist in hydrogen refueling station scenarios. Hydrogen fuel cell power generation systems are mainly applied in demonstration hydrogen energy storage scenarios for fuel cell vehicles or power sources, with combined heat and power (CHP) often being a key focus for improving energy efficiency. However, hydrogen has multiple technological applications, and the aforementioned scenarios mostly consider only a single application path. At hydrogen refueling stations, different pressures are typically met through equipment such as compressors, hydrogen dispenser unloading columns, and hydrogen storage cylinders, generally requiring the compression of transported 20MPa hydrogen to higher pressures. However, in factory hydrogen usage environments, hydrogen pressure needs to be reduced rather than increased; external hydrogen refueling can be adjusted according to the enterprise's plant configuration requirements, and higher-pressure hydrogen storage cylinders are not necessary for the storage stage. Furthermore, in some hydrogen storage scenarios, solid-state hydrogen storage, gaseous hydrogen storage, fuel cell systems, and thermal cycling systems are employed. The combined configuration of solid-state and high-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage achieves comprehensive utilization of the heat generated from compressed hydrogen, as well as the arrangement of high and low-pressure hydrogen storage systems. However, this type of system is suitable for scenarios where the requirements for hydrogen charging and discharging rates are not strict. It cannot meet the needs of scenarios with long-term stable hydrogen output and rapid hydrogen refilling. At the same time, configuring solid hydrogen storage is costly and has poor practical feasibility.

[0029] It is evident that current hydrogen refueling and storage solutions are not applicable to enterprises' external hydrogen supply. The technical solutions for enterprises' external hydrogen supply still suffer from the following problems: 1) Enterprises using nearby regional pipeline hydrogen transportation solutions are relatively mature and face carbon reduction pressures, but there are no clear modification plans when switching to externally transported hydrogen, affecting the application of clean hydrogen such as green hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources, and raising issues of modification technology solutions and economic viability. 2) Enterprises using externally transported hydrogen have only installed hydrogen storage spherical tanks, without considering the comprehensive utilization of hydrogen, and cannot adequately adapt to situations where factory vehicles are converted to fuel cell vehicles or backup power supplies are set up. 3) Enterprises that only install hydrogen storage spherical tanks are typically designed to meet small-scale hydrogen consumption and are difficult to adapt to large-scale, uninterrupted hydrogen consumption. The size of the unloading column, hydrogen storage capacity, and emergency backup hydrogen reserves are not suitable for future scenarios where enterprises switch to externally transported hydrogen to achieve large-scale continuous supply, and cannot fully utilize existing hydrogen transportation pipelines and compression equipment.

[0030] Therefore, considering the differences between existing hydrogen refueling and storage applications and enterprise external hydrogen supply scenarios, hydrogen storage container configuration schemes, and comprehensive hydrogen utilization strategies, this application provides a more efficient, economical, and adaptable hydrogen unloading and storage system based on existing hydrogen refueling and storage solutions. The hydrogen unloading and storage system will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] This specification provides an embodiment of a hydrogen unloading and storage system, referencing... Figure 1 As shown, it may include: unloading column assembly 100, hydrogen storage module 200 and hydrogen refueling module 300.

[0032] The unloading column assembly 100 may include multiple unloading columns 110 connected in parallel, and each unloading column 110 may be connected to a hydrogen transport vehicle and a hydrogen storage module 200 via pipelines on both sides; the hydrogen storage module 200 may include multiple hydrogen storage units 210 connected in series via pipelines, and each hydrogen storage unit 210 may include at least one hydrogen storage container 211 for storing hydrogen. Figure 1 Taking a hydrogen storage container as an example, the hydrogen storage pressure of multiple hydrogen storage units 210 can be sequentially reduced along the hydrogen transmission direction. The output side of the hydrogen storage module 200 can be connected to the hydrogen transmission pipeline of the target object through a pipeline. The hydrogen refueling module 300 can be connected to the pipeline between at least a portion of the unloading columns 110 in the unloading column group 100 and the hydrogen storage module 200. The hydrogen refueling module 300 can be used to refuel hydrogen energy equipment.

[0033] It is understandable that hydrogen transport vehicles can be vehicles used to transport hydrogen from areas rich in renewable energy sources to their target locations, such as long-tube trailers. These vehicles can be equipped with containers for storing hydrogen, such as hydrogen tubular containers or hydrogen transport tubular systems. Hydrogen unloading can be achieved by connecting the unloading column to the hydrogen storage container via pipeline. The hydrogen storage pressure inside the storage container on the hydrogen transport vehicle can be greater than the hydrogen storage pressure of the hydrogen storage module.

[0034] It's understandable that, for hydrogen storage containers of the same volume, those with higher storage pressure can store more hydrogen. By using series-connected hydrogen storage units with progressively decreasing pressures within the hydrogen storage module, the hydrogen can be depressurized in a stepped manner during transmission and storage. This avoids the cooling effect and fatigue caused by frequent and rapid depressurization, improving system stability. Furthermore, stepped depressurization buffers hydrogen storage, allowing hydrogen at different storage pressures to be connected to different hydrogen energy devices and systems, enabling comprehensive utilization of the stored hydrogen, expanding the system's application scenarios, and improving hydrogen utilization efficiency. This process eliminates the need for frequent depressurization and repressurization of the stored hydrogen, reducing hydrogen pressure waste.

[0035] It is understandable that a hydrogen refueling module is used to refuel hydrogen energy devices that use hydrogen as their power source, such as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Furthermore, the hydrogen refueling device can pressurize the hydrogen delivered from the unloading column or storage container at different levels to refuel hydrogen energy devices with varying storage pressures.

[0036] It is understandable that the target entities can be enterprises, factories, or hydrogen-using systems that require external hydrogen supply. The hydrogen transmission pipeline can be the existing hydrogen transmission pipeline of the corresponding enterprise, factory, or hydrogen-using system. The other end of the hydrogen transmission pipeline can be connected to the compression equipment or other functional equipment of the enterprise, factory, or hydrogen-using system. Based on the above-mentioned hydrogen unloading and storage system, the input end of the target entity's existing hydrogen transmission pipeline can be expanded, enabling external hydrogen supply based on the target entity's existing system equipment. This eliminates the need to redesign the target entity's existing system, thereby reducing application costs.

[0037] Based on the aforementioned hydrogen unloading and storage system, in practical implementation, the input side of the unloading column assembly 100 can be connected to the hydrogen transport vehicle via pipeline, and the hydrogen storage units in the hydrogen storage module are interconnected. Furthermore, the hydrogen transport vehicle can output hydrogen to the hydrogen storage module through the unloading column. During the hydrogen transport process, the output hydrogen can be depressurized based on the storage pressure of different hydrogen storage containers. The hydrogen storage containers can serve not only as devices for transporting hydrogen but also as devices for storing hydrogen. The hydrogen storage module can transmit the received and depressurized hydrogen to the hydrogen transport pipeline for external hydrogen supply to the target entity. It can also store excess received hydrogen, which can be transported to the target entity's hydrogen supply system via the hydrogen transport pipeline when the target entity needs to supply hydrogen again. In addition, some of the hydrogen output by the hydrogen transport vehicle through the unloading column can be used to replenish hydrogen energy equipment through the hydrogen refueling module. When the hydrogen transport vehicle can no longer output hydrogen, the hydrogen refueling module can also obtain hydrogen from the hydrogen storage module to replenish hydrogen energy equipment connected to the refueling module.

[0038] In the embodiments described in this specification, a hydrogen supply pipeline adapted to enterprises using external hydrogen supply can be implemented. Furthermore, by using multi-stage hydrogen storage units connected in series with progressively decreasing storage pressure, system capacity can be increased, the footprint of the storage units reduced, and hydrogen storage costs lowered. This avoids excessive cooling effects from rapid depressurization and system fatigue caused by frequent depressurization, enabling stable hydrogen output and rapid refilling over extended periods. In addition, connecting the hydrogen refueling module directly to the hydrogen transport vehicle via a degassing column reduces pressure waste from externally supplied hydrogen, lowers the power consumption of the refueling module, and improves resource utilization.

[0039] In some embodiments of this specification, the system may further include a hydrogen unloading area for accommodating a hydrogen transport tube bundle 400 for transporting hydrogen to other vehicles. Each unloading column 110 of the unloading column group 100 is detachably connected to the hydrogen transport tube bundle 400 of the unloading area via a pipe. The hydrogen transport tube bundle 400 is used to store hydrogen, and the hydrogen storage pressure of the hydrogen transport tube bundle 400 is greater than the hydrogen storage pressure of the hydrogen storage module.

[0040] It is understandable that the hydrogen transport tube bundle can be a hydrogen transport tube bundle that stays in the hydrogen unloading and storage hydrogen system corresponding to the target object for a long time. The hydrogen transport tube bundle can be used as a container for storing hydrogen in the system, and the hydrogen storage pressure of this container can be greater than the hydrogen storage pressure of each hydrogen storage container in the hydrogen storage module. By utilizing the hydrogen transport tube bundle-hydrogen storage unit, the need to store more hydrogen in the same volume can be met, and the cascade utilization of unloaded hydrogen pressure can be achieved, which is more economical.

[0041] Furthermore, multiple unloading columns in the unloading column assembly can be respectively installed at the parking area and unloading area of ​​the corresponding hydrogen transport vehicles. That is, some unloading columns can be installed corresponding to the parking area of ​​the hydrogen transport vehicles, and these unloading columns can be connected to the hydrogen transport vehicles in the parking area through pipelines; some unloading columns can be installed corresponding to the unloading area, so that when the hydrogen transport tubing on the hydrogen transport vehicles can be unloaded to the unloading area, and the hydrogen transport tubing in the area can be connected to the corresponding unloading columns, the hydrogen stored in the area can be transported to the hydrogen storage container and / or hydrogen refueling module.

[0042] In practice, after the hydrogen transport vehicle delivers the hydrogen transport tubing to the parking area, the corresponding unloading column in the parking area can be connected to the vehicle. This allows the high-pressure hydrogen from the vehicle to be transferred to the hydrogen storage container of the hydrogen storage module, and then the hydrogen is transported to the target site via the storage container. After unloading, the hydrogen transport vehicle can unload the hydrogen transport tubing into the unloading area, at which point the vehicle can leave. Then, the corresponding unloading column in the unloading area can be connected to the hydrogen transport tubing again, allowing the high-pressure hydrogen from the tubing to be transported to the hydrogen storage container and / or the hydrogen refueling module of the hydrogen storage module, thus achieving the transmission of hydrogen to the target site and / or the refueling of hydrogen energy equipment.

[0043] In some embodiments of this specification, the hydrogen refueling module 300 may include at least one hydrogen refueling machine, which may be directly and / or connected via a compressor to the pipeline between the at least partially unloading column 110 and the hydrogen storage module 200.

[0044] It is understood that different types or models of hydrogen energy devices store hydrogen at different pressures, which may be the same as or higher than the hydrogen storage pressure of the hydrogen transport pipeline. Therefore, the hydrogen refueling machine can be directly connected to the pipeline between the partial unloading column 110 and the hydrogen storage module 200; or the hydrogen output from the hydrogen transport vehicle or hydrogen transport pipeline can be compressed by a compressor to increase the hydrogen pressure, and then the hydrogen can be transported to the hydrogen energy device with a higher hydrogen storage pressure through the hydrogen refueling machine.

[0045] In some embodiments of this specification, the hydrogen refueling module may include a first hydrogen refueling machine with a compressor and a second hydrogen refueling machine without a compressor. The first and second hydrogen refueling machines are connected in pipeline to the pipeline between the at least part of the unloading column and the hydrogen storage module. The first hydrogen refueling machine is used to refuel hydrogen energy devices with a hydrogen storage pressure within a first threshold range, and the second hydrogen refueling machine is used to refuel hydrogen energy devices with a hydrogen storage pressure within a second threshold range. The minimum value of the first threshold range is greater than the maximum value of the second threshold range.

[0046] Specifically, the first and second threshold ranges can be set based on the hydrogen storage pressure of the hydrogen transport vehicle. For example, if the hydrogen transport vehicle stores hydrogen at a pressure of 20 MPa or higher in its hydrogen transport tubing, the first threshold range can be greater than or equal to 35 MPa, and the second threshold range can be less than or equal to 10 MPa, etc.

[0047] In some embodiments of this specification, the hydrogen storage module may include a medium-pressure hydrogen storage unit and a low-pressure hydrogen storage unit. The medium-pressure hydrogen storage unit includes at least one medium-pressure hydrogen storage container, and the low-pressure hydrogen storage unit includes at least one low-pressure hydrogen storage container. The hydrogen storage pressure of the hydrogen transport pipe bundle of the hydrogen transport vehicle, the hydrogen storage pressure of the medium-pressure hydrogen storage container, and the hydrogen storage pressure of the low-pressure hydrogen storage container decrease sequentially.

[0048] Specifically, the hydrogen storage pressure of the hydrogen storage container in the medium-pressure hydrogen storage unit and the hydrogen storage container in the low-pressure hydrogen storage unit can be set based on the design pressure of the hydrogen inlet corresponding to the target and the hydrogen storage pressure of the hydrogen transport vehicle. For example, for high-pressure hydrogen tubing vehicles with hydrogen storage pressures of 20MPa or 30MPa, the medium-pressure hydrogen storage unit can include a medium-pressure hydrogen storage container with a hydrogen storage pressure of 10-15MPa, and the hydrogen storage pressure of the low-pressure hydrogen storage container in the low-pressure hydrogen storage unit can be lower than the minimum hydrogen storage pressure of the medium-pressure hydrogen storage container.

[0049] In some embodiments of this specification, the medium-pressure hydrogen storage unit may include multiple medium-pressure hydrogen storage containers connected in series, and the low-pressure hydrogen storage unit may include multiple low-pressure hydrogen storage containers connected in series, wherein the hydrogen storage pressure of the multiple medium-pressure hydrogen storage containers and the multiple low-pressure hydrogen storage containers decreases sequentially along the hydrogen transmission direction.

[0050] In some embodiments of this specification, the medium-pressure hydrogen storage unit may include multiple medium-pressure hydrogen storage containers connected in parallel, and the low-pressure hydrogen storage unit may include multiple low-pressure hydrogen storage containers connected in parallel, wherein the hydrogen storage pressure of each medium-pressure hydrogen storage container is equal, and the hydrogen storage pressure of each low-pressure hydrogen storage container is equal.

[0051] In some embodiments of this specification, the output side of the hydrogen storage module may also be connected to a hydrogen fuel cell power generation system via a pipeline, and the output end of the hydrogen fuel cell power generation system is electrically connected to the power supply system of the target object.

[0052] It is understandable that a hydrogen fuel cell power generation system can generate electricity based on the input hydrogen and can input the output electrical energy into the power supply system to power the target device.

[0053] In some embodiments of this specification, the system may further include multiple control valves located on pipelines connecting various devices in the hydrogen unloading and storage system. These control valves are used to prevent hydrogen flow within the pipelines and to prevent hydrogen backflow. Specifically, the control valves may be one-way valves, etc.

[0054] In practical implementation, control valves can be installed between the unloading column and the hydrogen storage container, between each hydrogen storage container, between the unloading column and the hydrogen refueling module, between the hydrogen refueling module and the hydrogen storage container, between the hydrogen storage container and the hydrogen transmission pipeline, and between the hydrogen storage container and the hydrogen fuel cell power generation system, etc., to prevent the flow of hydrogen in the pipeline and prevent hydrogen backflow, thereby improving the safety and stability of the system.

[0055] In some embodiments of this specification, the system may further include multiple pressure reducing valves, which may be located in at least one of the following positions: a first pipeline connecting the unloading column to the hydrogen storage module, a second pipeline connecting each hydrogen storage unit, and a third pipeline connecting the unloading column to the hydrogen refueling module.

[0056] It is understandable that pressure reducing valves can be installed between hydrogen-using equipment at higher and lower pressures to control the pressure drop between the equipment.

[0057] In the embodiments described in this specification, multiple unloading columns are set up to meet the demand for batch unloading of hydrogen. The unloading area connected to the long-term stored hydrogen transport pipeline can increase the hydrogen storage capacity under high pressure, ensuring continuous hydrogen supply and supporting the refueling needs of hydrogen energy devices such as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. By setting up medium-pressure and low-pressure hydrogen storage containers, the need to store more hydrogen in the same volume is achieved, realizing the cascade utilization of unloaded hydrogen pressure and demonstrating economic efficiency. The hydrogen fuel cell power generation system can provide a portion of the target plant's electricity as backup, reducing reliance on electrochemical or fuel generator backup power, and offering positive effects on safety, cleanliness, and environmental protection during backup power use. The installation of hydrogen refueling machines provides the foundation for the target plant to convert its internal transportation vehicles to hydrogen fuel cell power, and also provides a basis for the target plant to serve external hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, improving hydrogen energy utilization efficiency.

[0058] refer to Figure 2The diagram shown illustrates the structure of a hydrogen unloading, storage, transportation, and application system for an embodiment provided in this specification. This system addresses the lack of conversion technologies for large-scale, stable hydrogen-consuming enterprises transitioning to externally transported hydrogen. It integrates the characteristics of hydrogen refueling stations and fuel cell power generation systems, providing a system solution that allows enterprises to switch to externally transported hydrogen while ensuring hydrogen usage characteristics, and that leverages hydrogen energy to improve the energy consumption of enterprise transport vehicles and expand the functionality of backup power systems. (Reference) Figure 2 As shown, the system may include: unloading column, hydrogen storage container, compressor, hydrogen refueling machine, long-term hydrogen transport pipeline storage position, hydrogen fuel cell power generation system, etc. The specific pipelines, valves and cooling system can be configured according to the needs of hydrogen storage, hydrogen transportation and hydrogen use.

[0059] The configuration of unloading columns, hydrogen refueling machines, and hydrogen storage containers can be appropriately increased according to the actual scale of hydrogen consumption. The unloading columns are mainly connected to vehicles transporting hydrogen externally, the hydrogen refueling machines are mainly used to refuel hydrogen fuel cell vehicles within the enterprise's plant area and, where permitted, externally. The hydrogen fuel cell power generation system is connected to the plant's power supply system. Considering that the hydrogen usage pressure of general hydrogen-using enterprises is less than 20MPa, the hydrogen storage pressure of the tube bundle of the hydrogen transport vehicle is greater than the pressure of the medium-pressure hydrogen storage container, which is greater than the pressure of the low-pressure hydrogen storage container.

[0060] The configuration process for the above system is as follows:

[0061] Step 1: When an enterprise switches from pipeline hydrogen transportation to external hydrogen transportation, the existing hydrogen transportation pipeline is connected to the newly built hydrogen unloading and storage system, so that the hydrogen storage container can directly supply hydrogen to the enterprise.

[0062] Step 2: Install one or more medium-pressure hydrogen storage containers connected in series. Figure 2 (Illustrated with one medium-pressure hydrogen storage container) is used to store hydrogen unloaded from the tube bundle vehicle transporting hydrogen. It serves to buffer and store relatively high-pressure hydrogen, so as to store more hydrogen in the same volume and save space.

[0063] Step 3: Install one or more low-pressure hydrogen storage containers connected in series. Figure 2 (Illustrated using a low-pressure hydrogen storage container), used to store hydrogen at a lower pressure similar to the hydrogen gas pressure transported by the company's existing pipeline. The front end of the low-pressure hydrogen storage container is connected to the medium-pressure hydrogen storage container, and the rear end is connected to the company's existing hydrogen transport pipeline.

[0064] Step 4: Set up one or more unloading columns ( Figure 2 (The diagram uses three unloading columns for illustration). The unloading columns are connected to the medium-pressure hydrogen storage container. One of the unloading columns (such as unloading column 3) is used to connect the tube bundle that can be stored in the hydrogen unloading area for a long time.

[0065] Step 5: Set up one or more hydrogen refueling units ( Figure 2(Two are shown in the diagram). The hydrogen refueling machines are arranged between the unloading column 3 and the medium-pressure hydrogen storage container. One of the hydrogen refueling machines is equipped with a compressor to enable hydrogen refueling for vehicles with higher pressure hydrogen storage.

[0066] Step 6: Set up a hydrogen fuel cell power generation system and install it at the rear end of the low-pressure hydrogen storage container. The two are connected by hydrogen pipelines. The power generation part of the hydrogen fuel cell system is connected to the power supply system of the enterprise plant to serve as a backup power source.

[0067] Step 7: Install valves (e.g., control valves) on all pipelines between devices to prevent hydrogen flow and backflow, and install pressure reducing valves between higher and lower pressure hydrogen energy devices.

[0068] The above system, in its specific application, includes the following application stages:

[0069] 1) Hydrogen unloading and storage stage. After the high-pressure hydrogen tubing bundles (with a storage pressure of 20MPa or 30MPa) are transported to the enterprise's plant area, the high-pressure hydrogen is transferred and stored in a medium-pressure hydrogen storage container (10-15MPa) via an unloading column. The medium-pressure storage container is connected to the low-pressure storage container and opened simultaneously. Hydrogen is then supplied to the hydrogen-using workshops in the enterprise's plant area according to the input pressure through a pressure reducing valve. Excess hydrogen is stored in the two storage containers through control valves. The hydrogen tubing bundles can leave after unloading. For unloading column locations where the tubing bundles can be parked long-term, the entire hydrogen storage tubing bundle can be unloaded and placed in the parking space. Then, the transport vehicle can leave, and the hydrogen storage tubing bundle can be connected to the unloading column to connect to the hydrogen storage system and perform hydrogen storage. After the hydrogen in the tubing bundle is unloaded, a new tubing bundle can be replaced.

[0070] 2) Hydrogen Refueling Stage. When refueling an external hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, a hydrogen refueling machine with a compressor is connected. Hydrogen gas at 20MPa or higher pressure within the tube bundle is used to directly fill the hydrogen storage tank of the fuel cell vehicle. After pressure equalization, the compressor compresses the hydrogen gas within the tube bundle into the hydrogen storage tank of the fuel cell vehicle until its design pressure (e.g., 35MPa) is reached, at which point refueling stops. When refueling a fuel cell forklift within the factory area, a hydrogen refueling machine without a compressor is connected. The compressor compresses the hydrogen gas within the tube bundle into the hydrogen storage tank of the fuel cell vehicle until its design pressure (e.g., 10MPa) is reached, at which point refueling stops. Currently, the mainstream hydrogen storage pressure for fuel cell vehicles is 35MPa. When the pressure is 70MPa or higher, the pressure of the storage tube bundle can be adjusted based on economic calculations of hydrogen transportation and compression, such as replacing it with a 30MPa hydrogen transport tube bundle or a 50MPa hydrogen transport container.

[0071] 3) Hydrogen fuel cell power generation system power generation stage. When the plant needs backup power, the hydrogen fuel cell power generation system is turned on. Hydrogen gas enters the hydrogen fuel cell power generation system from the low-pressure hydrogen storage container through the pressure reducing valve at the designed hydrogen inlet pressure of the hydrogen fuel cell power generation system (e.g., 0.1-0.3MPa). After generating electricity, it is connected to the plant's power supply system through a DC / DC or DC / AC system. When power is not needed, the power is automatically cut off and the hydrogen supply is stopped.

[0072] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, system embodiments are basically similar to method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions in the method embodiments. In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments in this specification. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0073] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A hydrogen unloading and storage system, characterized in that, include: The system includes a gas unloading column assembly, a hydrogen storage module, and a hydrogen refueling module; among which, The unloading column group includes multiple unloading columns connected in parallel, and each unloading column is connected to a hydrogen transport vehicle and a hydrogen storage module through pipelines on both sides. The hydrogen storage module includes multiple hydrogen storage units connected in series via pipelines. Each hydrogen storage unit includes at least one hydrogen storage container for storing hydrogen. The hydrogen storage pressure of the multiple hydrogen storage units decreases sequentially along the hydrogen transmission direction. The output side of the hydrogen storage module is connected to the hydrogen transmission pipeline of the target object via a pipeline. The hydrogen refueling module is connected to a pipeline between at least a portion of the unloading columns in the unloading column group and the hydrogen storage module, and the hydrogen refueling module is used to refuel hydrogen energy equipment.

2. The hydrogen unloading and storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a hydrogen unloading area for accommodating hydrogen transport tube bundles for transporting hydrogen to other vehicles. Each unloading column of the unloading column group is detachably connected to the hydrogen transport tube bundle of the unloading area via a pipe. The hydrogen transport tube bundle is used to store hydrogen, and the hydrogen storage pressure of the hydrogen transport tube bundle is greater than the hydrogen storage pressure of the hydrogen storage module.

3. The hydrogen unloading and storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen refueling module includes at least one hydrogen refueling machine, which is directly and / or connected via a compressor to the pipeline between the at least partially unloading column and the hydrogen storage module.

4. The hydrogen unloading and storage system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The hydrogen refueling module includes a first hydrogen refueling machine with a compressor and a second hydrogen refueling machine without a compressor. The first and second hydrogen refueling machines are connected to the pipeline between the at least part of the unloading column and the hydrogen storage module. The first hydrogen refueling machine is used to refuel hydrogen energy devices with a hydrogen storage pressure within a first threshold range, and the second hydrogen refueling machine is used to refuel hydrogen energy devices with a hydrogen storage pressure within a second threshold range. The minimum value of the first threshold range is greater than the maximum value of the second threshold range.

5. The hydrogen unloading and storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogen storage module includes a medium-pressure hydrogen storage unit and a low-pressure hydrogen storage unit. The medium-pressure hydrogen storage unit includes at least one medium-pressure hydrogen storage container, and the low-pressure hydrogen storage unit includes at least one low-pressure hydrogen storage container. The hydrogen storage pressure of the hydrogen transport pipe bundle of the hydrogen transport vehicle, the hydrogen storage pressure of the medium-pressure hydrogen storage container, and the hydrogen storage pressure of the low-pressure hydrogen storage container decrease sequentially.

6. The hydrogen unloading and storage system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The medium-pressure hydrogen storage unit includes multiple medium-pressure hydrogen storage containers connected in series, and the low-pressure hydrogen storage unit includes multiple low-pressure hydrogen storage containers connected in series. The hydrogen storage pressure of the multiple medium-pressure hydrogen storage containers and the multiple low-pressure hydrogen storage containers decreases sequentially along the hydrogen transmission direction.

7. The hydrogen unloading and storage system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The medium-pressure hydrogen storage unit includes multiple medium-pressure hydrogen storage containers connected in parallel, and the low-pressure hydrogen storage unit includes multiple low-pressure hydrogen storage containers connected in parallel. The hydrogen storage pressure of each medium-pressure hydrogen storage container is equal, and the hydrogen storage pressure of each low-pressure hydrogen storage container is equal.

8. The hydrogen unloading and storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output side of the hydrogen storage module is also connected to a hydrogen fuel cell power generation system via a pipeline, and the output end of the hydrogen fuel cell power generation system is electrically connected to the power supply system of the target object.

9. The hydrogen unloading and storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, It also includes multiple control valves, which are installed on the pipelines connecting the various devices in the hydrogen unloading and storage system. The control valves are used to prevent the flow of hydrogen in the pipeline and to prevent hydrogen backflow.

10. The hydrogen unloading and storage system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, It also includes multiple pressure reducing valves, which are located in at least one of the following positions: a first pipeline connecting the unloading column to the hydrogen storage module, a second pipeline connecting each hydrogen storage unit, and a third pipeline connecting the unloading column to the hydrogen refueling module.

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