Device for providing a cryogenic liquid and tank filling system

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for supplying cryogenic fluid and a tank filling installation.

[0002] US7069730B2 discloses such a device.

[0003] The invention relates more particularly to a device for supplying cryogenic fluid under pressure comprising a thermally insulated container and composed of an internal reservoir delimiting a volume configured for storing cryogenic liquid to be pumped, for example liquid hydrogen, and an external reservoir arranged around the internal reservoir by delimiting a sealed volume around the internal reservoir, in the configuration of use of the device, the internal and external reservoirs extending vertically and being closed at their upper end by a set of cover(s), the device comprising a pumping system mounted on the set of cover(s) and comprising a lower end housed in the volume delimited by the internal reservoir and configured to pump the cryogenic liquid therein,the device further comprising a cryogenic liquid supply circuit configured to supply the internal tank with cryogenic fluid and a discharge circuit configured to transfer the cryogenic liquid pumped by the pumping system out of the internal tank.,

[0004] Projects to refuel vehicles with pressurized liquid hydrogen pose challenges in achieving the expected performance in terms of temperature, pressure and flow rate.

[0005] Currently known solutions consist of pumping liquid hydrogen into industrial refueling applications (liquid transfer) or pumping liquid hydrogen which is then vaporized at very high pressure.

[0006] An aim of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art noted above.

[0007] To this end, the device according to the invention, moreover in accordance with the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that the pumping system comprises at least one piston pump actuated by an actuator, preferably linear. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics: the pumping system comprises two piston pumps connected in parallel to the discharge circuitry and configured to be actuated in a staggered manner to ensure a continuous flow of cryogenic liquid pumped into the discharge circuitry, the set of cover(s) comprises a first cover and a second cover, the second cover closing an opening in the first cover, the second cover forming a support for the pumping system and being mounted in a sealed and removable manner on the second cover, the pumping system being configured to be mounted or dismounted vertically relative to the container with the mounting or dismounting of the second cover, the discharge circuitry comprises a discharge pipe having a lower end connected to the lower end of the pumping system and an upper end connected to the set of cover(s), in the configuration for use of the device,a portion of the discharge pipe being immersed in the cryogenic liquid to be pumped, the upper end of the discharge pipe is connected to the second cover and opens onto the latter, the cryogenic liquid supply circuitry comprises a set of valve(s) and passes through the sealed volume delimited around the internal tank by the external tank, the set of cover(s) comprises at least one degassing outlet passage connected to a set of degassing pipe(s) passing through the sealed volume delimited around the internal tank by the external tank, the set of degassing pipe(s) comprises a first degassing pipe having a first end connected to an upper end of the internal tank and a second end opening at a connection to the outside of the container, the first degassing pipe comprises a valve,the degassing pipe(s) assembly comprises at least one second degassing pipe having a first end connected to the first degassing pipe and a second end opening at a connection or passage outside the container, the device comprises at least one second degassing pipe provided with a valve and / or connected to a pressure-sensitive safety valve and located outside the container, the pumping system comprises a piston rod which extends vertically in the internal reservoir, the device comprising a support and guide structure for the pumping system mounted around the piston rod inside the internal reservoir, the device further comprising a thermal insulation structure interposed around the support and guide structure, the thermal insulation structure is mounted integral with the second cover between the second cover and a lower end of the support and guide structure,the thermal insulation structure comprises a vertical stack of a set of insulating foam layer(s) and / or a set of thermal screen(s), the device comprises a purge circuit comprising at least one pipe having a first end opening at a connection or passage outside the container and a second end connected to the supply circuit, the internal tank has a system for controlling and regulating the liquid level comprising at least one of: a pressure sensor measuring the pressure in the internal tank, a temperature sensor measuring the temperature in the internal tank, a liquid level sensor measuring the liquid level in the internal tank, all of the valves and members for measuring and processing the pumped fluid flow are housed in the sealed volume delimited around the internal tank by the external tank.

[0008] The invention also relates to an installation for filling tanks of pressurized cryogenic fluid, in particular liquefied hydrogen, comprising at least one fluid supply device conforming to any one of the characteristics above or below, in which the cryogenic liquid supply circuit is configured to be connected to at least one source of liquefied cryogenic fluid, the installation comprising at least one pressurized cryogenic fluid distributor provided with a transfer pipe having one end configured to be connected to a tank to be filled, the installation comprising a distribution circuit connecting the delivery circuit of at least one fluid supply device to at least one fluid distributor.

[0009] According to other possible particularities: the installation comprises several fluid supply devices connected in parallel to one or more fluid distributors via the distribution circuit, the distribution circuit comprising a common distribution pipe and a set of distribution valve(s) configured to allow the transfer of fluid selectively from one or more fluid supply device(s) to the fluid distributor(s), the installation comprises at least one source of cryogenic liquid connected to the cryogenic liquid supply circuit of the at least one fluid supply device, the fluid distributor comprises a pressurized gas recovery circuit connected to the transfer pipe and a gas recovery member, for example the source of cryogenic liquid,the fluid distributor comprises a gas recovery circuit having one end connected to the transfer pipe and one end connected to a gas recovery member, for example the cryogenic liquid source and / or connected to the chimney, the installation comprises a reserve of sweeping gas, for example nitrogen, and a purge network connecting the reserve of sweeping gas to the transfer pipe of the fluid distributor and to the supply device(s).

[0010] The invention may also relate to any alternative device or method comprising any combination of the above or below features within the scope of the claims.

[0011] Other features and advantages will appear on reading the description below, made with reference to the figures in which: Brief description of the figures

[0012] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which: [ Fig. 1 ] is a schematic and partial vertical sectional view illustrating an example of a device for supplying cryogenic fluid according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, [ Fig. 2 ] is a schematic and partial vertical sectional view illustrating a detail of a pumping system of the cryogenic fluid supply device according to a possible exemplary embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 3 ] is a schematic and partial view illustrating an example of a tank filling installation using such a cryogenic fluid supply device, [ Fig. 4 ] is a schematic and partial view illustrating an example of a fluid distributor of such a filling installation. Detailed description

[0013] In all figures, the same references refer to the same elements.

[0014] In this detailed description, the following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not mean that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined and / or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0015] The device 1 for supplying pressurized cryogenic fluid comprises a thermally insulated container composed of an internal cryogenic tank 2 delimiting a volume configured for storing cryogenic liquid to be pumped, for example liquid hydrogen. The container further comprises an external tank 3 arranged around the internal tank 2 by delimiting a sealed volume around the internal tank 2 (preferably a vacuum volume). For example, the internal tank 2 is housed in the volume of the external tank 3.

[0016] In the configuration of use of the device 1, the internal 2 and external 3 reservoirs extend vertically from respective lower bottoms and are closed at their upper end by a set of common cover(s) 11, 12, 13.

[0017] For example, a main cover 11 closes the external tank 3 (for example by welding). This main cover 11 has an opening for the passage of the internal tank 2 and this opening is closed in a sealed manner by another intermediate cover 12 which closes the internal tank 2. For example, the intermediate cover 12 is fixed by welding to the main cover 11. Finally, the device 1 may comprise a third support cover 13 mounted on the intermediate cover 12 to close in a sealed manner a passage within the intermediate cover 12. This support cover 13 may be mounted in a sealed manner in a removable (removable) manner on the intermediate cover 12 and may serve as a support for a pumping system of the device 1 and described in more detail below.

[0018] The pumping system 9, 10 mounted on the cover assembly(s) has a lower end housed in the volume delimited by the internal tank 2 and configured to pump the cryogenic liquid therein and an upper end located above the cover assembly (outside the container) comprising the hot actuation system (motor(s)).

[0019] The device 1 comprises a cryogenic liquid supply circuit 4 configured to supply the internal tank 2 with cryogenic fluid (supplied by a source). The device 1 further comprises a discharge circuit 7 configured to transfer the cryogenic liquid pumped by the pumping system 9, 10 out of the internal tank 2.

[0020] The pumping system comprises at least one piston pump 9, 10 actuated by a preferably linear actuator 19. As illustrated, the pumping system preferably comprises two piston pumps connected in parallel to the discharge circuit 7 and configured to be actuated in a staggered manner to ensure a continuous flow of cryogenic liquid pumped into the discharge circuit 7. That is to say, the two alternative pumps 9, 10 are used in parallel and form a single compression stage delivering a flow at constant pressure and continuously. This makes it possible to provide controlled mass flow profiles.

[0021] Each piston can be driven by a respective linear motor 19, 20. This allows precise control of the piston position and heading. This allows, for example, an average stroke of 5 cm to 50 cm, a moderate frequency in the range of 0.1 to 5 Hz and moderate forces of 2 to 20 kN. The linear motor drive allows a non-sinusoidal cycle such as a square profile for a constant mass flow or operation at low speed during the intake phase and at high speed during the compression phase.

[0022] The arrangement features two separate heads operating 180 degrees apart in phase.

[0023] Each piston pump comprises, for example, a piston mounted at the end of a shaft and which slides in a reciprocating motion in a cylinder to perform compression and admission phases in a compression chamber. Preferably, each piston is movable in translation in a single-body cylinder. This limits parts and assembly costs. The piston head is preferably screwed onto the rod for easy replacement.

[0024] Each lower pumping end may include a respective inlet valve 119, 110 and a respective discharge valve 219, 210.

[0025] The inlet valves 119, 110 and discharge valves 219, 210 may be arranged relatively to optimize the pressure drop upon injection into the compression chamber to limit the generation of vaporization gas (flash) upon injection and thus optimize the volumetric efficiency of the pump. For example, each pump comprises a set of slot(s) located at the axis and / or the piston configured to ensure gas evacuation during movements of the piston.

[0026] The discharge circuit 7 comprises a discharge pipe having a lower end connected to the lower end of the pumping system 9, 10 and an upper end connected to the support covers 13. For example, the discharge valves 219, 210 are connected in parallel to a lower end of the discharge pipe.

[0027] The discharge pipe extends from bottom to top and in the operating configuration of the device 1, a portion of this discharge pipe is immersed in the cryogenic liquid to be pumped. This configuration ensures a heat exchange with the reserve of cold liquid to be pumped, keeping the pumped fluid cold before it leaves the container. This ensures that the exhaust temperature is maintained under cryogenic conditions.

[0028] As illustrated in [ Fig. 2 ], each pump 9, 10 may comprise a piston rod 42 which extends vertically in the internal reservoir 2 and a structure 21 for supporting and guiding the rod 42 and piston 43 assembly. This support and guide structure 21 is mounted around the piston rod 42 inside the internal reservoir 2. The support and guide structure 21 comprises, for example, a tubular guide provided with shoulders at its ends.

[0029] In addition, the device 1 preferably comprises a thermal insulation structure 22, 23 interposed around the support and guide structure 21.

[0030] This thermal insulation structure 22, 23 is for example mounted integrally with the support cover 13 between this cover 13 and a lower end of the support and guide structure 21. The thermal insulation structure comprises for example a vertical stack of a set of layer(s) 22 of thermal insulation foam and / or a set of thermalized thermal screen(s) 23 (cooled for example by cryogenic fluid from the internal tank 2). Alternatively or in combination, the thermal insulation structure may comprise an additional vacuum separation space.

[0031] Thus, the pumping system can be simply lifted vertically with its support cover 13 for maintenance, giving direct and rapid access to the repairable parts. In particular, at least one of: the discharge valves 219, 210, the inlet valves 119, 110, the discharge pipe, the support and guide structure 21, the thermal insulation structure 22, 23 can be integral with the support cover 13. Lifting the latter gives direct access to the repairable parts of the pumping part.

[0032] The volume of liquid in which the pumping ends are immersed is vacuum-insulated by the volume of the external tank 3 and which is used for the integration of the circuitry (valves and fluid coupling in particular). Thus, the cryogenic liquid supply circuitry 4 may comprise a set of valve(s) 14 and may pass through the sealed volume delimited around the internal tank 2 by the external tank 3.

[0033] The assembly of cover(s) comprises at least one degassing outlet passage 6 connected to a set of degassing pipe(s) 8, 120, 140, 15 passing through the sealed volume delimited around the internal reservoir 2 by the external reservoir 3. For example, a first degassing pipe 8 may extend between a first end connected to an upper end of the internal reservoir 2 and a second end opening at a connection 17 to the outside of the container. The first degassing pipe 8 comprises for example a degassing valve 14. As illustrated, the set of degassing pipes may comprise at least one second degassing pipe 120, 140, 15 having a first end connected to the first degassing pipe 8 and a second end opening at a connection or passage to the outside of the container.Preferably, at least one degassing line 15 is provided with a valve 18 and / or connected to a pressure-sensitive safety valve 16 located outside the container (the discharged gas passing through a cover 11). Preferably, a redundant safety pressure relief valve 16 is provided for the internal tank 2. In addition, preferably, a thermal expansion protection valve is also provided for each circuit node.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment illustrated, the cryogenic liquid supply circuit 4 does not have a valve in the external tank 3 but may only comprise a self-sealing valve 40 at a connection opening onto the external wall of the external tank 3.

[0035] As illustrated, the device 1 preferably comprises a purge circuit 24 comprising at least one pipe having a first end opening at a connection or passage outside the container and a second end connected to the supply circuit 4. This simplified structure can thus use only two valves 14, 18, a valve 14 on the degassing pipe 8 to control the pressure level in the internal tank 2 and a valve 18 on another degassing pipe 15 for forced discharge at the vent 16 and / or for an inerting and conditioning procedure of the circuitry.

[0036] Thus, the volume of the external tank 3 forms a valve box.

[0037] As illustrated, the internal tank 2 preferably has a system 38 for controlling and regulating the liquid level in the internal tank 2. This control and regulation system 38 may comprise, for example, at least one of: a pressure sensor measuring the pressure in the internal tank 2, a temperature sensor 37 measuring the temperature in the internal tank 2, a liquid level sensor 39 measuring the liquid level in the internal tank 2. The measurements from the sensor(s) may be processed by an electronic member 38 comprising a microprocessor for, for example, automated filling of the internal tank 2.

[0038] One or more devices 1 for supplying cryogenic fluid under pressure may be used in tank filling stations.

[0039] There [ Fig. 3] illustrates an installation 100 for filling tanks with pressurized cryogenic fluid, in particular liquefied hydrogen, comprising three fluid supply devices 1.

[0040] The circuitry 4 of the fluid supply devices 1 is connected to at least one source 25 of liquefied cryogenic fluid (here a cryogenic liquid storage). A source consisting of a static tank makes it possible to recover a significant quantity of the boiling gas generated by the pumping system or any other part of the installation 100. Of course, as a variant, this source 2 could also comprise or consist of a mobile delivery tank.

[0041] The installation 100 comprises three pressurized cryogenic fluid distributors 26, each provided with a transfer pipe 27 having one end configured to be connected to a tank 28 to be filled (quick coupling). The installation 100 comprises a distribution circuit 29 connecting the discharge circuit 7 of the fluid supply device 1 to the distributors 26.

[0042] In this example, the fluid supply devices 1 are connected in parallel to the fluid distributors 26 via the cryogenic distribution circuitry 29. This distribution circuitry 29 may comprise a single common distribution line and a set of distribution valve(s) 30, 31 configured to allow the transfer of fluid selectively from one or more fluid supply devices 1 to the fluid distributor(s) 27. The set of distribution valves 30, 31 may comprise one or more three-way valves and / or several two-way valves arranged to allow the fluid to be distributed from any one of the supply devices to any one of the distributors 26.

[0043] The installation 100 may comprise a gas evacuation chimney 32 connected to the set of pipe(s) 8, 120, 140, 15 for degassing the fluid supply devices 1.

[0044] Each dispenser 26 includes a liquid transfer line 27, the downstream end of which may include a hose with a quick-connect coupling configured to connect to a reservoir to be filled. A hose support arm may be provided to lower the felt mass and translational forces for the flexible cryogenic lines and a connecting nozzle if applicable. A heater may be mounted at the base of the dispenser 26 hose system to defrost and remove dust from the nozzle before / after use.

[0045] As illustrated, the transfer line 27 may include an isolation valve 127 and possibly a flow meter 227.

[0046] Likewise, each fluid distributor 26 may comprise a circuit 33 for recovering pressurized gas connected to the transfer pipe 27 and a gas recovery member, for example towards the source 25 of cryogenic liquid.

[0047] The distributor 26 may comprise a first gas recovery pipe 34 having an upstream end located at a flexible hose and intended to be connected to the tank to be filled (to depressurize it). A second downstream end of this first gas recovery pipe 34 is provided, for example, to be connected to the source or any other gas collection system (vaporization gas). Between these upstream and downstream ends, the gas recovery pipe 34 may comprise a valve 134 and / or a pressure reducer 234.

[0048] A second gas recovery line 33 connected to a valve 133 can be connected to the transfer line 27.

[0049] A transverse pipe 41 (equipped with a valve 141) may be provided to connect the transfer pipe 27 and the first gas recovery pipe 34.

[0050] One or more purge lines may be connected to the gas recovery line 34 and / or the transfer line 27 to supply and recover a flow of purge gas during a purging / sweeping operation of the circuits. This scavenging gas, for example nitrogen, may be supplied by a reserve 35 of scavenging gas of the installation 100. This purge gas may also preferably supply the circuits of the fluid transfer devices 1 via a purge network 36.

[0051] This conditioning and inerting system allows gas (N2, H2, He) and the appropriate quantity to be sent to specific locations in the circuits.

[0052] The parallel arrangement of the distribution devices 1 and the distributors 26 allows in particular their separate maintenance without stopping the installation 100 as a whole.

[0053] All or part of the valves and / or components can be controlled by an electronic control component comprising a microprocessor and which communicates with the installation 100.

Claims

1. Device for supplying pressurized cryogenic fluid comprising a thermally insulated container consisting of an inner tank (2) delimiting a volume designed to store cryogenic liquid to be pumped, for example liquid hydrogen, and an outer tank (3) arranged about the inner tank (2) and delimiting a sealed volume about the inner tank (2), when the device (1) is in the usage state, the inner tank (2) and the outer tank (3) extending vertically and being closed at the top end thereof by a set of covers (11, 12, 13), the device (1) comprising a pumping system (9, 10) mounted on the set of covers (11, 12, 13) and comprising a lower end seated in the volume delimited by the inner tank (2) and designed to pump the cryogenic liquid therein, the device (1) further comprising a cryogenic liquid feed circuit (4) designed to supply the inner tank (2) with cryogenic fluid and a delivery circuit (7) designed to transfer the cryogenic liquid pumped by the pumping system (9, 10) out of the inner tank (2), characterized in that the pumping system comprises two piston pumps (9, 10) actuated by an actuator (19), preferably a linear actuator, the two piston pumps being connected in parallel to the delivery circuit (7) and designed to be actuated in an offset manner to ensure a continuous flow of cryogenic liquid pumped through the delivery circuit (7), i.e. the two reciprocating pumps (9, 10) are used in parallel and form a single compression stage delivering a constant continuous pressurized flow.

2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the set of covers (11, 12, 13) comprises a first cover (12) and a second cover (13), the second cover (13) closing an opening in the first cover (12), the second cover (13) forming a support for the pumping system (9, 10) and being mounted sealingly and removably on the second cover (13), the pumping system being designed to be mounted or removed vertically in relation to the container when the second cover (13) is mounted or removed.

3. Device according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the delivery circuit (7) comprises a delivery line having a lower end connected to the lower end of the pumping system (9, 10) and an upper end connected to the set of covers (12, 13), when the device (1) is in the usage state, a part of the delivery line being immersed in the cryogenic liquid to be pumped.

4. Device according to Claims 2 and 3 taken in combination, characterized in that the upper end of the delivery line (7) is connected to the second cover (13) and opens in the latter.

5. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cryogenic liquid feed circuit (4) comprises a set of valves and passes through the sealed volume delimited about the inner tank (2) by the outer tank (3).

6. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the set of covers (11, 12, 13) comprises at least one degassing outlet passage (6) connected to a set of degassing lines (8, 120, 140, 15) passing through the sealed volume delimited about the inner tank (2) by the outer tank (3).

7. Device according to Claim 6, characterized in that the set of degassing lines (8, 120, 140, 15) comprises a first degassing line (8) having a first end connected to an upper end of the inner tank (2) and a second end leading to a coupling (17) outside the container.

8. Device according to Claim 6, characterized in that the first degassing line (8) comprises a valve (14).

9. Device according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the set of degassing lines (8, 120, 140, 15) comprises at least one second degassing line (120, 140) having a first end connected to the first degassing line (8) and a second end leading to a coupling or passage outside the container.

10. Device according to Claim 9, characterized in that it includes at least one second degassing line (15) provided with a valve (18) and / or connected to a pressure-sensitive safety valve (16) located outside the container.

11. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the pumping system (9, 10) comprises a piston rod that extends vertically in the inner tank (2), the device (1) comprising a support and guidance structure (21) for the pumping system (9, 10) mounted about the piston rod inside the inner tank (2), the device (1) further comprising a thermal insulation structure (22, 23) interposed about the support and guidance structure (21).

12. Device according to Claim 11 combined with Claim 3 or 5, characterized in that the thermal insulation structure (22, 23) is rigidly connected to the second cover (13) between the second cover (13) and a lower end of the support and guidance structure (21).

13. Device according to Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the thermal insulation structure (22, 23) comprises a vertical stack of a set of insulating foam layers and / or a set of thermal shields.

14. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises a purge circuit (24) comprising at least one line having a first end leading to a coupling or passage outside the container and a second end connected to the feed circuit (4).

15. Installation for filling tanks with pressurized cryogenic fluid, in particular liquefied hydrogen, comprising at least one fluid supply device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, wherein the cryogenic liquid feed circuit (4) is designed to be connected to at least one source (25) of liquefied cryogenic fluid, the installation (100) comprising at least one pressurized cryogenic fluid distributor (26) provided with a transfer line (27) having one end designed to be connected to a tank (28) to be filled, the installation (100) comprising a distribution circuit (29) connecting the delivery circuit (7) of at least one fluid supply device (1) to at least one fluid distributor (26).

16. Installation according to Claim 15, characterized in that it comprises several fluid supply devices (1) connected in parallel to one or more fluid distributors (26) via the distribution circuit (29), the distribution circuit (29) comprising a common distribution line and a set of distribution valves (30, 31) designed to enable the selective transfer of fluid from one or more fluid supply devices (1) to the fluid distributor or distributors (26).

17. Installation according to either of Claims 15 and 16, characterized in that it comprises at least one source (25) of cryogenic liquid connected to the cryogenic liquid feed circuit (4) of the at least one fluid supply device (1).

18. Installation according to any one of Claims 15 to 17, comprising at least one fluid supply device (1) according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it comprises a gas discharge flue (32) connected to the set of degassing lines (8, 120, 140, 15) of the fluid supply device (1).

19. Installation according to Claims 17 and 18, characterized in that the fluid distributor (26) comprises a pressurized gas recovery circuit (33) connected to the transfer line (27) and a gas recovery member, for example the source (25) of cryogenic liquid.

20. Installation according to Claims 18 and 19, characterized in that the fluid distributor (26) comprises a gas recovery circuit (33, 34) having one end connected to the transfer line (27) and one end connected to a gas recovery member, for example the source (25) of cryogenic liquid and / or connected to the flue (32).

21. Installation according to any one of Claims 15 to 20, characterized in that it comprises a reserve (35) of flushing gas, for example nitrogen, and a purge network (36) connecting the reserve (35) of flushing gas to the transfer line (27) of the fluid distributor (26) and to the supply device or devices (1).