Multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flowmeter

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of hydrogen supply and metering technology, and discloses a multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flowmeter. It includes: a first three-way valve whose upper end is connected to a first one-way valve, whose left end is connected to a first hydrogen port, and whose lower end is connected to the upper end of a third shut-off valve and the upper end of a second shut-off valve; the right end of the first one-way valve is connected to two branches, the first branch being connected to the upper end of a second three-way valve, and the second branch being a flowmeter circuit containing a flowmeter; a second three-way valve, which can be opened up and down, whose lower end is connected to the lower end of the second branch, the upper end of the second shut-off valve, and the upper end of the third shut-off valve, and whose right end is connected to the left end of the first shut-off valve; the right end of the first shut-off valve is connected to a solid hydrogen storage tank; the upper end of the second shut-off valve is also connected to the lower end of the second branch and the upper end of the third shut-off valve, and its lower end is connected to a venting port; the lower end of the third shut-off valve is connected to the second hydrogen port. This utility model saves costs and covers all scenarios of multi-source supply, storage, and venting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hydrogen supply and metering technology, and in particular to a multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flow meter. Background Technology

[0002] In the hydrogen supply sector (e.g., industrial hydrogen refueling stations, chemical production, metal heat treatment, and energy systems), traditional multi-source hydrogen supply systems require independent flow metering equipment for different gas sources and hydrogen consumption points to achieve accurate measurement of hydrogen inflow / outflow. For example, when an external hydrogen source fills a solid-state hydrogen storage tank, it needs to be measured by a hydrogen storage flow meter; when the solid-state hydrogen storage tank supplies hydrogen to the hydrogen consumption point, it needs to be measured by a hydrogen supply flow meter. This design leads to the following problems: High cost: High-precision hydrogen flow meters are core precision instruments, and repeated configuration in multiple paths significantly increases the system cost, especially in large-flow industrial scenarios where the cost increase can reach 30%-50%; Complex piping: Multiple flow meters require redundant valves and piping, increasing system complexity and potential failure points; Large space occupation: The layout of multiple devices occupies more installation space, which is not conducive to miniaturization and integration.

[0003] Therefore, as hydrogen energy applications penetrate into multiple industries, there is an urgent need for a multi-source hydrogen supply system that can reuse key metering equipment and simplify pipeline structure in order to reduce costs and improve reliability. Utility Model Content

[0004] To overcome the technical defects of existing technologies, this utility model provides a multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flow meter. Through an original design of the system pipeline, a single flow meter can support metering of the multi-source hydrogen supply system in all scenarios, thereby saving costs.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is: A multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flow meter includes: The first three-way valve TWV001 can be opened upwards or downwards. Its upper end is connected to the first one-way valve CV001, its left end is connected to the first hydrogen port, and its lower end is connected to the upper end of the third shut-off valve BV003 and the upper end of the second shut-off valve BV002, respectively. The first one-way valve CV001 allows airflow to flow only from its left end to its right end. Its right end is connected to two branches. The first branch is connected to the upper end of the second three-way valve TWV002, and the second branch is a flow meter circuit containing a flow meter. The second three-way valve TWV002 can be opened upwards or downwards. Its lower end is connected to the lower end of the second branch, the upper end of the second shut-off valve BV002, and the upper end of the third shut-off valve BV003, respectively. Its right end is connected to the left end of the first shut-off valve BV001. The first shut-off valve BV001 is connected to the solid hydrogen storage tank at its right end. The upper end of the second shut-off valve BV002 is also connected to the lower end of the second branch and the upper end of the third shut-off valve BV003, and its lower end is connected to the venting port. The third shut-off valve BV003 is connected to the second hydrogen port at its lower end.

[0006] Furthermore, the second branch includes a second one-way valve CV002, a flow meter FT001, and a third one-way valve CV003 connected sequentially from top to bottom, enabling unidirectional gas flow from top to bottom.

[0007] Furthermore, the left end of the first hydrogen interface is connected to a hydrogen source and / or a high-pressure hydrogen storage pipeline.

[0008] Furthermore, the left end of the first hydrogen interface is connected to the hydrogen source and the high-pressure hydrogen storage pipeline. The high-pressure hydrogen storage pipeline includes a booster pump and a fourth shut-off valve BV004. The first hydrogen interface is connected to the high-pressure hydrogen storage tank through the booster pump and the fourth shut-off valve BV004. The hydrogen source is connected between the first three-way valve TWC001 and the booster pump.

[0009] Furthermore, the second hydrogen interface is connected to the hydrogen-using end, and the high-pressure hydrogen storage tank is connected between the hydrogen-using end and the third shut-off valve BV003 via the fourth shut-off valve BV004 and a three-way pipe.

[0010] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: This invention reduces the number of flow meter devices and directly lowers system costs by sharing the same flow meter between hydrogen storage and supply processes. It supports nine operating modes (such as solid-state hydrogen storage, high-pressure tank filling, dual-source hydrogen supply, and direct hydrogen supply), covering all scenarios of multi-source supply, storage, and venting, with highly integrated functions. Through the directional combination of a one-way valve and a flow meter, it ensures that the gas flow passes through the flow meter in one direction, avoiding backflow damage and improving metering stability. It optimizes the topology connection of the three-way valve and the shut-off valve, reducing redundant pipelines and lowering leakage risk and maintenance difficulty. It is flexibly expandable, compatible with multiple input sources such as hydrogen source, high-pressure hydrogen storage tank, and solid-state hydrogen storage tank, as well as multiple outputs such as hydrogen consumption and venting ports, adapting to complex application scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0011] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flow meter in Embodiments 1 and 2 of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flow meter according to embodiments three to five of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the gas flow of the multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flow meter in the working mode of this utility model. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the gas flow in working mode two of the multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flow meter of this utility model. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the gas flow in working mode three of the multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flow meter of this utility model. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the gas flow in working mode four of the multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flow meter of this utility model. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the gas flow in working mode five of the multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flow meter of this utility model. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the gas flow of the multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flow meter in working mode six of this utility model. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the gas flow of the multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flow meter in working mode seven of this utility model. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the gas flow of the multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flow meter in working mode eight of this utility model. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the gas flow in working mode nine of the multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flow meter according to this utility model.

[0013] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. First hydrogen port; 2. Second hydrogen port. Detailed Implementation

[0014] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the various embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many technical details have been provided in the various embodiments of this utility model to facilitate a better understanding of this application. However, the technical solutions claimed in the claims of this application can be implemented even without these technical details and with various variations and modifications based on the following embodiments.

[0015] Example 1: like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flow meter, including: The first three-way valve TWV001 can be opened upwards or downwards. Its upper end is connected to the first one-way valve CV001, its left end is connected to the first hydrogen port 1, and its lower end is connected to the upper end of the third shut-off valve BV003 and the upper end of the second shut-off valve BV002 respectively. The first one-way valve CV001 allows airflow to flow only from its left end to its right end. Its right end is connected to two branches. The first branch is connected to the upper end of the second three-way valve TWV002, and the second branch is a flow meter circuit containing a flow meter. The second three-way valve TWV002 can be opened upwards or downwards. Its lower end is connected to the lower end of the second branch, the upper end of the second shut-off valve BV002, and the upper end of the third shut-off valve BV003, respectively. Its right end is connected to the left end of the first shut-off valve BV001. The first shut-off valve BV001 is connected to the solid hydrogen storage tank at its right end. The upper end of the second shut-off valve BV002 is also connected to the lower end of the second branch and the upper end of the third shut-off valve BV003, and its lower end is connected to the venting port. The third shut-off valve BV003 is connected at its lower end to the second hydrogen port 2.

[0016] The three-way valve combination (TWV001 and TWV002) controls the flow direction. By switching the conduction direction of the three-way valves (upward or downward), the hydrogen path is dynamically allocated, realizing the switching of hydrogen storage, hydrogen supply, and venting modes. This replaces the traditional multi-valve system and simplifies the control logic (e.g., in mode two, solid-state hydrogen charging to high pressure only requires operating two valves). The venting port (via the second shut-off valve BV002) is used for safe pressure relief. The shut-off valve network (BV001-BV003) achieves mode isolation, isolating inactive paths through opening and closing combinations to ensure the target flow path is unobstructed.

[0017] In the above embodiment one, optionally, the hydrogen source end and / or the high-pressure hydrogen storage pipeline are connected to the first hydrogen interface 1. When the first three-way valve TWV001 is open upward, the second three-way valve TWV002 is open downward, the first shut-off valve BV001 is open, and the third shut-off valve BV003 and the second shut-off valve BV002 are closed, the hydrogen source end can supply hydrogen to the solid hydrogen storage tank through the first hydrogen interface 1 to achieve solid hydrogen storage, and accurate hydrogen storage metering can be achieved through the flow meter FT001; or the solid hydrogen storage tank can be filled with hydrogen through the first hydrogen interface 1 and the high-pressure hydrogen storage pipeline, and accurate hydrogen filling metering can be achieved through the flow meter FT001.

[0018] Furthermore, when hydrogen is needed, the first shut-off valve BV001 opens, the second three-way valve TWV002 opens upwards, TWV001 opens upwards, the third shut-off valve BV003 opens, and the second shut-off valve BV002 closes. This allows the solid hydrogen storage tank to supply hydrogen to the hydrogen-consuming end via the second hydrogen interface 2, and precise hydrogen metering can also be achieved through the flow meter FT001.

[0019] Therefore, the multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flowmeter in Embodiment 1 of this utility model, through core designs such as three-way valve flow path distribution, unidirectional flowmeter embedding, and coordinated opening and closing of shut-off valve, supports the full functions of storage, supply, and release of multi-source hydrogen with a single flowmeter, and is significantly superior to traditional solutions in terms of cost reduction, integration, and reliability.

[0020] Example 2: like Figure 1 As shown in Embodiment 1, in this multi-source hydrogen metering supply system based on a single flowmeter, the flowmeter path, i.e., the second branch, specifically includes a second one-way valve CV002, a flowmeter FT001, and a third one-way valve CV003 connected sequentially from top to bottom, enabling unidirectional gas flow from top to bottom. In Embodiment 2, in the second branch, i.e., the flowmeter path, by setting the second one-way valve CV002 and the third one-way valve CV003 at both ends of the flowmeter FT001, it can be ensured that hydrogen flows into the flowmeter FT001 in a unidirectional manner, thereby protecting the normal operation of the flowmeter. Forced airflow flows through the flowmeter path in a set direction (CV002→ FT001→ CV003) to prevent hydrogen backflow from impacting the flowmeter, ensuring equipment safety (such as in Mode 8 when directly supplying hydrogen); ensuring consistent metering direction and avoiding metering errors caused by bidirectional flow. Whether storing or supplying hydrogen, the gas flow is uniformly passed from top to bottom through the flow meter, solving the problem of bidirectional metering and achieving full-scenario coverage of a single device, as described later in the working mode one for hydrogen storage and working mode six for hydrogen supply.

[0021] Example 3: like Figure 2 As shown, based on Embodiment 2, the multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flow meter further includes: the left end of the first hydrogen interface 1 is connected to a hydrogen source or a high-pressure hydrogen storage pipeline (including a high-pressure hydrogen storage tank).

[0022] In this embodiment, the system can operate in either operating mode one or operating mode two: Operating mode 1 (solid-state hydrogen storage): like Figure 3As shown, the second three-way valve TWV002 opens downwards, and the first three-way valve TWV001 opens upwards. Hydrogen enters the system through the hydrogen source. After passing through the first one-way valve CV001, the gas passes through the flow meter circuit, namely the second one-way valve CV002, the flow meter FT001, and the third one-way valve CV003. At this time, the third shut-off valve BV003 and the second shut-off valve BV002 are both closed. Therefore, the hydrogen will pass through the second three-way valve TWV002 and enter the solid hydrogen storage tank when the first shut-off valve BV001 is open. In this mode, the inflow mass of solid hydrogen can be calculated by the flow meter FT001.

[0023] Operating mode two (solid gas tank filling high-pressure gas tank with hydrogen): like Figure 4 As shown, when the first shut-off valve BV001 is opened, the second three-way valve TWV002 opens upwards, and the first three-way valve TWV001 opens downwards. The third shut-off valve BV003 and the second shut-off valve BV002 are closed. In this case, hydrogen flows out from the solid hydrogen storage tank, passes through the first shut-off valve BV001 and the second three-way valve TWV002 upwards, and then the first one-way valve CV001 shuts off. The hydrogen then passes through the flow meter circuit, namely the second one-way valve CV002, the flow meter FT001, and the third one-way valve CV003, and then through the first three-way valve TWV001, entering the high-pressure hydrogen storage pipeline. After being pressurized by the booster pump, it flows to the high-pressure hydrogen storage tank.

[0024] Example 4: like Figure 2 As shown, based on Embodiment 3, the multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flow meter further includes: the left end of the first hydrogen interface 1 is connected to the hydrogen source end and the high-pressure hydrogen storage pipeline (including the high-pressure hydrogen storage tank), and the first hydrogen interface 1 is connected to one end of the high-pressure hydrogen storage pipeline through a booster pump and the fourth shut-off valve BV004. The other end of the high-pressure hydrogen storage pipeline is the high-pressure hydrogen storage tank, and the hydrogen source end is connected between the first three-way valve TWC001 and the booster pump.

[0025] In this embodiment, the system can also operate in operating modes three and four: Operating mode 3 (hydrogen source charging high-pressure hydrogen storage tank): like Figure 5 As shown, when the second shut-off valve BV002, the third shut-off valve BV003, and the first shut-off valve BV001 are closed, hydrogen enters the high-pressure hydrogen storage pipeline through the hydrogen source end. After being pressurized by the booster pump, it flows into the high-pressure hydrogen storage tank when the fourth shut-off valve BV004 is open.

[0026] In this mode, by closing the first shut-off valve BV001, the second shut-off valve BV002, and the third shut-off valve BV003, gas can be prevented from entering the solid-state tank or the hydrogen supply end.

[0027] Operating mode four (a combination of hydrogen source-to-high-pressure hydrogen storage tank charging and solid-state hydrogen storage): like Figure 6 As shown, modes one and three operate simultaneously. Specifically: the second three-way valve TWV002 opens downwards, allowing hydrogen to enter the system through the hydrogen source. The first three-way valve TWV001 opens upwards, allowing the gas to pass through the first one-way valve CV001, and then through the flow meter circuit, namely the second one-way valve CV002, flow meter FT001, and the third one-way valve CV003. At this time, both the third shut-off valve BV003 and the second shut-off valve BV002 are closed, so the hydrogen will enter the solid hydrogen storage tank through the second three-way valve TWV002 and when the first shut-off valve BV001 is open. In this mode, the inflow mass of solid hydrogen can be calculated using the flow meter FT001. Hydrogen enters the high-pressure hydrogen storage pipeline through the hydrogen source, and after being pressurized by the booster pump, it flows into the high-pressure hydrogen storage tank when the fourth shut-off valve BV004 is open. This fourth mode is a parallel mode, realizing simultaneous operation of hydrogen storage and hydrogen filling, improving system efficiency.

[0028] Example 5: like Figure 2 As shown, based on Embodiment 4, the multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flow meter further includes: a second hydrogen interface 2 connected to the hydrogen-using end, and a high-pressure hydrogen storage tank connected between the hydrogen-using end and the third shut-off valve BV003 via a fourth shut-off valve BV004 and a three-way pipe.

[0029] In this embodiment, the system can also operate in operating modes five, six, and seven: Operating mode 5 (high-pressure hydrogen storage tank releases hydrogen, solid hydrogen storage tank does not release hydrogen): like Figure 7 As shown, the fourth shut-off valve BV004 is opened, and the first shut-off valve BV001, the second shut-off valve BV002, and the third shut-off valve BV003 are closed, allowing high-pressure hydrogen to flow from the high-pressure hydrogen storage tank to the hydrogen-consuming end. This operating mode enables hydrogen supply from the high-pressure tank.

[0030] Operating mode six (high-pressure hydrogen storage tank does not release hydrogen, solid hydrogen storage tank releases hydrogen): like Figure 8 As shown, the fourth shut-off valve BV004 is closed, the first shut-off valve BV001 is opened, the second three-way valve TWV002 opens upwards, and the third shut-off valve BV003 is opened. In this case, hydrogen flows out from the solid hydrogen storage tank, passes through the first shut-off valve BV001 and the second three-way valve TWV002 upwards, then through the one-way valve CV002, and then through the flow meter circuit, namely the second one-way valve CV002, the flow meter FT001, and the third one-way valve CV003, and finally flows to the hydrogen-using end through the third shut-off valve BV003. This working mode realizes the hydrogen supply from the solid tank.

[0031] like Figure 9As shown, operating mode seven (high-pressure hydrogen release, solid-state hydrogen storage, and hydrogen release simultaneously): This means that operating modes five and six operate simultaneously. Specifically: The fourth shut-off valve BV004 is opened, allowing high-pressure hydrogen to flow from the high-pressure hydrogen storage tank to the hydrogen-consuming end; the first shut-off valve BV001 and the third shut-off valve BV003 are opened, the second three-way valve TWV002 opens upwards, and the second shut-off valve BV002 is closed. In this state, hydrogen flows out from the solid hydrogen storage tank, passes through the first shut-off valve BV001 and the second three-way valve TWV002 upwards, then through the one-way valve CV002, and then through the flow meter circuit (second one-way valve CV002, flow meter FT001, third one-way valve CV003), and finally through the third shut-off valve BV003 to the hydrogen-consuming end. This operating mode is a parallel mode, enabling simultaneous hydrogen release from the high-pressure hydrogen release tank and the solid hydrogen storage tank, improving system efficiency.

[0032] Operating Mode 8 (Direct Hydrogen Source Supply to Hydrogen Utilization): like Figure 10 As shown, the first three-way valve TWV001 is opened upwards, the third shut-off valve BV003 is opened, and the second shut-off valve BV002 and the first shut-off valve BV001 are closed. Hydrogen gas flows upwards through the first three-way valve TWV001, passes through the first one-way valve CV001, and then through the flow meter circuit, namely the second one-way valve CV002, flow meter FT001, and third one-way valve CV003. After the flow meter FT001 accurately measures the hydrogen flow rate, it flows directly to the hydrogen-using end through the third shut-off valve BV003. This working mode achieves direct hydrogen supply.

[0033] Working Mode Nine (Decentralized): like Figure 11 As shown, when the second shut-off valve BV002 is opened, the hydrogen gas in the pipeline will be discharged sequentially through the second shut-off valve BV002 and the vent port, thus releasing the hydrogen gas in the pipeline into the air. In this operating mode, the venting path is independent of the main circuit, ensuring system safety.

[0034] According to the multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flow meter described in embodiments one to five of the present invention, the unique design of the system pipeline enables the sharing of the same flow meter for hydrogen storage and hydrogen consumption. The pipeline structure is simple, the cost is low, and it has high market value.

[0035] Furthermore, in this invention, the driving method of each valve is not specifically limited; any of the following methods can be selected: electric drive, pneumatic drive, hydraulic drive, or manual drive, depending on the application scenario. For example, to adapt to remote control and automated operation, an electric drive method can be selected. This is achieved by integrating the valves into the system's central controller (such as a PLC) and automatically switching operating modes through a preset program, such as linking valve combinations like TWV001+TWV002+BV001 during mode switching. In some explosion-proof scenarios, a pneumatic drive method can be selected. In some high-pressure, high-flow scenarios, high-pressure pipelines such as the high-pressure hydrogen storage tank inlet valve (BV004) can be hydraulically driven. In some situations, for emergency backup, a manual drive method can be selected. For example, BV002 (vent valve) and BV003 (hydrogen end valve) can be equipped with a manual turntable for convenient system debugging and emergency operation in case of controller failure.

[0036] Preferably, in some embodiments of this utility model, the main valve (TWV001 / TWV002 / BV001-BV004) adopts a redundant configuration of electric actuator + critical safety valve (BV002) for pneumatic / manual drive, taking into account both automation and fail-safety.

[0037] Furthermore, any content not described in detail in this specification is existing technology known to those skilled in the art.

[0038] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are specific examples of implementing the present invention, and in practical applications, various changes can be made to them in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flow meter, characterized in that: include: The first three-way valve TWV001 can be opened upwards or downwards. Its upper end is connected to the first one-way valve CV001, its left end is connected to the first hydrogen port (1), and its lower end is connected to the upper end of the third shut-off valve BV003 and the upper end of the second shut-off valve BV002 respectively. The first one-way valve CV001 allows airflow to flow only from its left end to its right end. Its right end is connected to two branches. The first branch is connected to the upper end of the second three-way valve TWV002, and the second branch is a flow meter circuit containing a flow meter. The second three-way valve TWV002 can be opened upwards or downwards. Its lower end is connected to the lower end of the second branch, the upper end of the second shut-off valve BV002, and the upper end of the third shut-off valve BV003, respectively. Its right end is connected to the left end of the first shut-off valve BV001. The first shut-off valve BV001 is connected to the solid hydrogen storage tank at its right end. The upper end of the second shut-off valve BV002 is also connected to the lower end of the second branch and the upper end of the third shut-off valve BV003, and its lower end is connected to the venting port. The third shut-off valve BV003 is connected at its lower end to the second hydrogen port (2).

2. The multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flow meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second branch includes a second one-way valve CV002, a flow meter FT001, and a third one-way valve CV003 connected sequentially from top to bottom, enabling gas to flow unidirectionally from top to bottom.

3. The multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flow meter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The left end of the first hydrogen interface (1) is connected to the hydrogen source and / or the high-pressure hydrogen storage pipeline.

4. The multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flowmeter according to claim 3, characterized in that: The left end of the first hydrogen interface (1) is connected to the hydrogen source and the high-pressure hydrogen storage pipeline. The high-pressure hydrogen storage pipeline includes a booster pump and a fourth shut-off valve BV004. The first hydrogen interface (1) is connected to the high-pressure hydrogen storage tank through the booster pump and the fourth shut-off valve BV004. The hydrogen source is connected between the first three-way valve TWC001 and the booster pump.

5. The multi-source hydrogen metering and supply system based on a single flowmeter according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second hydrogen port (2) is connected to the hydrogen-using end, and the high-pressure hydrogen storage tank is connected between the hydrogen-using end and the third shut-off valve BV003 via the fourth shut-off valve BV004 and the three-way pipe.

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