Hydrogen compressor

Abstract

The invention relates to a compression arrangement (1) for compressing hydrogen, comprising at least eight compressors of a first type (2) which, on the inlet side, are fluidically connected to a hydrogen inlet line, at least two compressors of a second type (3) which, on the inlet side, are fluidically connected to the outlet of the compressors of the first type (2), at least one compressor of a third type (4) which, on the inlet side, is fluidically connected to the outlet of the compressors of the second type (3), at least one compressor of a fourth type (5) which, on the inlet side, is fluidically connected to the outlet of the compressor of the third type (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a compression arrangement for compressing hydrogen, comprising a first number of compressors of a first type, wherein the compressors of the first type each have a first inlet region configured for a first partial inlet volume flow, wherein the compressors of the first type each have a first outlet region configured for an outlet flow of a first partial outlet volume flow, further comprising a compressor of a second type, wherein the compressor of the second type has a second inlet region configured for a second partial inlet volume flow, and wherein the compressor of the second type has a second outlet region configured for an outlet flow of a second partial outlet volume flow.wherein the second inlet area of ​​the compressor of the second type is fluidically connected to the first outlet areas of the compressors of the first type.

[0002] The density of hydrogen in the atmosphere is very low, at approximately 90 g / m³. Therefore, hydrogen must be compressed to achieve a usable energy density.

[0003] However, the efficient compression of hydrogen presents a technical challenge due to its low molecular weight. Depending on the compression ratio, numerous compressor stages are required, each needing intercooling and housed in a correspondingly large number of compressor casings. This results in a multitude of trains with a corresponding number of drive motors and intermediate gearboxes.

[0004] Starting from the known problems and disadvantages of the prior art, the invention aims to provide a system and a method with which a cost advantage can be achieved.

[0005] The problem is solved by a compression arrangement having the features as defined by the subject matter of claim 1.

[0006] A key aspect of the invention is to design the compression arrangement as compactly as possible, thereby minimizing the use of drive motors and housings. This is achieved by keeping the volume flow rate as constant as possible and the losses as low as possible. To this end, the compressors are connected in a cascade, with the number of compressor housings decreasing as the pressure ratio increases.

[0007] Depending on the pressure ratio across a housing, a corresponding number of volume flows are combined, with the sum of the partial volume flows corresponding to the original inlet volume flow. The housings are arranged in space in such a way that they can be equipped with appropriate piping and operated with a single drive. This requires a gearbox with multiple drive ends, similar to those used in geared compressors.

[0008] The dependent and cross-referenced subclaims relating to claim 1 concern advantageous further developments of the invention.

[0009] In a first advantageous further development, the compressors of the first type, the compressors of the second type, the compressors of the third type, and the compressors of the fourth type differ in their pressure ratio. Thus, the compressors can be optimally configured to fulfill the compression task.

[0010] According to the invention, the compressors of the first type are identical in construction.

[0011] For the purposes of the invention, "identical design" means that the manufacturing, assembly, and physical compression task are virtually identical for the individual compressors of the first type. Such a uniform design of the compressors of the first type saves costs, as individual modifications are negligible.

[0012] In a further advantageous development, the compressors of the second type are identical in construction.

[0013] For the purposes of the invention, "identical design" means that the manufacturing, assembly, and physical compression task are virtually identical for the individual compressors of the second type. Such a uniform design of the compressors of the second type saves costs, as individual modifications are negligible.

[0014] In an advantageous further development, the compressors of the first type, the compressors of the second type, the compressors of the third type and / or the compressors of the fourth type are designed in multiple stages.

[0015] This allows the compression task of each individual compressor to be optimized.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment, a cooling arrangement for cooling the flow medium is arranged between the outlet of a compressor of the first type and the inlet of a compressor of the second type, wherein a cooling arrangement for cooling the flow medium is arranged between the outlet of a compressor of the second type and the inlet of a compressor of the third type and / or wherein a cooling arrangement for cooling the flow medium is arranged between the outlet of a compressor of the third type and the inlet of a compressor of the fourth type.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the compression arrangement comprises a geared compressor with a large gear tooth and several planetary gears, wherein the compressors of the first type are torque-transmitting coupled to a first planetary gear and a second planetary gear, wherein the compressors of the second type are torque-transmitting coupled to a third planetary gear, and wherein the compressors of the third type and the compressors of the fourth type are torque-transmitting coupled to a fourth planetary gear.

[0018] This makes it possible, in particular, to use only one drive unit, thereby saving costs.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, four compressors of the first type are arranged along a first axis on the first planetary gear, wherein four compressors of the first type are arranged along a second axis on the second planetary gear, with two compressors of the first type being arranged on each side of the first planetary gear and the second planetary gear.

[0020] This advantageous further development builds upon the concept of cascading. The arrangement of the compressors of the first type thus saves space and costs.

[0021] The compression assembly has a comparatively high number of identical housings, so costs can be reduced by using repeat parts.

[0022] The properties, features and advantages of this invention described above, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more easily understood in connection with the following description of the exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail in conjunction with the drawings.

[0023] Identical components or components with the same function are marked with the same reference numerals.

[0024] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings. These drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale; rather, where helpful for explanation, they are presented in a schematic and / or slightly distorted form. For further details regarding the teachings directly apparent from the drawings, reference is made to the relevant prior art.

[0025] They show: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the compression arrangement according to the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the compression arrangement; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a side view of the compression arrangement; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a top view of the compression arrangement; Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the compression arrangement according to the invention.

[0026] The Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a compression arrangement 1 according to the invention. Such a compression arrangement 1 makes it possible to carry out the compression of hydrogen cost-effectively. The compression of the hydrogen is carried out in a cascade manner.

[0027] The Figure 1Figure 1 shows a compression arrangement 1 for compressing hydrogen, comprising a first number of compressors of a first type 2, wherein the compressors of the first type 2 each have a first inlet region configured for a first partial inlet volume flow, wherein the compressors of the first type 2 each have a first outlet region configured for an outlet flow with a first partial outlet volume flow, further comprising a compressor of a second type 3, wherein the compressor of the second type 3 has a second inlet region configured for a second partial inlet volume flow, and wherein the compressor of the second type 3 has a second outlet region configured for an outlet flow with a second partial outlet volume flow.wherein the second inlet area of ​​the compressor of the second type 3 is fluidically connected to the first outlet areas of the compressors of the first type 2, wherein the number and pressure ratio of the compressors of the first type 2 and the second type 3 are such that the sum of the first partial outlet volume flows corresponds to the first partial inlet volume flow.

[0028] The compression arrangement 1 for compressing hydrogen comprises at least eight compressors of a first type 2, which are fluidically connected on the inlet side to a hydrogen inlet line (not shown).

[0029] The compressor of the first type 2 is designed to convert a specific input pressure into an output pressure.

[0030] The hydrogen compressed in the compressors of the first type 2 is fed to a cooling arrangement (not shown), in which the temperature of the hydrogen, which has heated up due to the compression work in compressor 2, is cooled down again.

[0031] After the hydrogen has been cooled in the cooling system, it is fed to at least two compressors of a second type 3. The second type 3 compressor is also designed to convert a specific inlet pressure into an outlet pressure. However, the pressure conditions here are different from those of the type 1 compressor.

[0032] The two compressors of the second type 3 are fluidically connected on the inlet side to the outlet of the compressors of the first type 2.

[0033] The hydrogen compressed in the compressors of the second type 3 is fed to a further cooling arrangement (not shown), in which the temperature of the hydrogen, which has heated up due to the compression work in compressor 3, is cooled down again.

[0034] After the hydrogen has been cooled in the subsequent cooling arrangement, it is fed to at least one compressor of a third type 4. This third type 4 compressor is also designed to convert a specific inlet pressure into an outlet pressure. However, the pressure conditions here are different from those of the first type 2 compressor and the second type 3 compressor.

[0035] The compressor of the third type 4 is thus fluidically connected on the inlet side to the outlet of the compressor of the second type 3.

[0036] The hydrogen compressed in the compressors of the third type 4 is fed to a further cooling arrangement (not shown), in which the temperature of the hydrogen, which has heated up due to the compression work in the compressor of the third type 4, is cooled down again.

[0037] After the hydrogen has been cooled in the subsequent cooling arrangement, it is fed to at least one compressor of a fourth type 5. This fourth compressor of type 5 is also designed to convert a specific inlet pressure into an outlet pressure. However, the pressure conditions here are different from those of the first compressor of type 2, the second compressor of type 3, and the third compressor of type 4.

[0038] The compressor of the fourth type 5 is fluidically connected on the inlet side to the outlet of the compressor of the third type 4.

[0039] The compressors of the first type 2 are identical in design. This means that all compressors of the first type 2 installed in the compression arrangement 1 have the same dimensions, the same pressure ratios, and were manufactured using the same production process. This significantly reduces the costs for such a compression arrangement.

[0040] Similarly, the compressors of the second type 3 are identical in design. This means that all compressors of the second type 3 installed in the compression arrangement 1 have the same dimensions, the same pressure ratios, and were manufactured using the same production process. This significantly reduces the cost of such a compression arrangement.

[0041] The compressors of the first type 2, the compressors of the second type 3, the compressors of the third type 4 and / or the compressors of the fourth type 5 are designed in multiple stages (not shown in Figure 1 ).

[0042] The compressors of the first type 2, the compressors of the second type 3, the compressors of the third type 4 and the compressors of the fourth type 5 are coupled to a drive unit 6 in a torque-transmitting manner.

[0043] For this purpose, the compression arrangement is equipped with a geared compressor 7 with a large gear tooth 8 and several planetary gears (in Figure 1 trained (not shown).

[0044] As in the Figure 1 The illustration shows two compressors of the first type 2 arranged on one side of the large gear tooth 8 to transmit torque to a planetary gear, forming an axis.

[0045] The compressors of the second type 3 are arranged to transmit torque on a planetary gear, with one compressor of the second type 3 being arranged on one side and one on the other side of the large gear.

[0046] The compressors of the third type 4 and the fourth type 5 are arranged to transmit torque on a planetary gear, with one compressor of the third type 4 on one side and one compressor of the fourth type 5 on the other side of the large gear.

[0047] The Figure 2 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a lateral arrangement of the compression assembly 1. The geared compressor is arranged in a housing 10. The planetary gears driven via the large gear 8 are symbolically represented by the letters A, B, and C. Here, the letter A represents the compression work of the first type 2 compressor, the letter B represents the compression work of the second type 3 compressor, and the letter C represents the compression work of the third type 4 compressor and the fourth type 5 compressor.

[0048] With the Figures 3 and 4The configuration according to the invention should be described in more detail. Figure 3 shows a side view of the compaction arrangement 1. Figure 4 shows a top view of the compaction arrangement 1.

[0049] The letters A, B, C, and D symbolize the individual compressors. A represents a compressor of the first type 2. B represents a compressor of the second type 3. C represents a compressor of the third type 4. D represents a compressor of the fourth type 5.

[0050] The Figure 5 This schematically illustrates how the compression process unfolds. The compression sequence is shown from left to right. First, eight compressors of type 2 are supplied with hydrogen via a hydrogen inlet line, where the hydrogen is compressed. This is shown in the Figure 5represented by the symbols in the first column.

[0051] After compression in the first type 2 compressors, further compression takes place in the second type 3 compressors, in the third type 4 compressor, and in the fourth type 5 compressor. The numbers 1 to 6 symbolize that the compressors can be designed with multiple stages.

Claims

1. A compression arrangement (1), adapted for compressing hydrogen, comprising a first number of compressors of a first type (2), wherein the compressors of the first type each have a housing and a first inflow region, which are designed for inflow with a first partial inlet volume flow, wherein the compressors of the first type (2) each have a first outflow region, which are designed for outflow with a first partial outflow volume flow, further comprising a compressor of a second type (3), wherein the compressor of the second type (3) has a housing and a second inflow region, which is designed for inflow of a second partial inlet volume flow, wherein the compressor of the second type (3) has a second outflow region, which is designed for outflow with a second partial outflow volume flow, wherein the second inflow region of the compressor of the second type (3) is fluidically connected to the first outflow regions of the compressors of the first type (2), wherein the compressors of the first type (2) are constructed identically, characterised in that the compression arrangement is adapted to be operated at an operating point with a constant volume flow, at which the number and the pressure ratio of the compressors of the first type (2) and of the second type (3) are such that, in the case of compression of hydrogen, the sum of the first partial outflow volume flows corresponds to the first partial inlet volume flow.

2. The compression arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the pressure ratio of the compressor of the second type (3) is substantially identical to the pressure ratio of the compressor of the first type (2).

3. The compression arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least eight compressors of the first type (2) of identical construction, which are fluidically connected on the inlet side to a hydrogen inlet line, at least two compressors of the second type (3) of identical construction, which are fluidically connected on the inlet side to the outlet of the compressors of the first type (2), wherein four compressors of the first type (2) are fluidically connected to a compressor of the second type, at least one compressor of a third type (4) which is fluidically connected on the inlet side to the outlet of the compressors of the second type (3), wherein the two compressors of the second type are connected to the one compressor of the third type, at least one compressor of a fourth type (5), which is fluidly connected on the inlet side to the outlet of the compressor of the third type (4).

4. The compression arrangement (1) according to claim 3, wherein the compressors of the first type (2), the compressors of the second type (3), the compressors of the third type (4) and the compressors of the fourth type (5) differ with respect to their pressure ratio.

5. The compression arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the compressors of the first type (2), the compressors of the second type (3), the compressors of the third type (4) and / or the compressors of the fourth type (5) are of multi-stage construction.

6. The compression arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cooling arrangement for cooling the flow medium is arranged between the outlet of a compressor of the first type (2) and the inlet of a compressor of the second type (3), wherein a cooling arrangement for cooling the flow medium is arranged between the outlet of a compressor of the second type (3) and the inlet of a compressor of the third type (4), and / or wherein a cooling arrangement for cooling the flow medium is arranged between the outlet of a compressor of the third type (4) and the inlet of a compressor of the fourth type (5).

7. The compression arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, with a transmission compressor (7) having a large-wheel tooth (8) and several planetary gears, wherein the compressors of the first type (2) are coupled in a torque-transmitting manner to a first planetary gear and to a second planetary gear, wherein the compressors of the second type (3) are coupled in a torque-transmitting manner to a third planetary gear, wherein the compressors of the third type (4) and the compressors of the fourth type (5) are coupled in a torque-transmitting manner to a fourth planetary gear.

8. The compression arrangement (1) according to claim 7, wherein four compressors of the first type (2) are arranged along a first axis on the first planetary gear, wherein four compressors of the first type (2) are arranged along a second axis on the second planetary gear, wherein two compressors of the first type (2) each are arranged on each side of the first planetary gear and the second planetary gear.

9. The compression arrangement (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein one compressor of the second type (3) each is arranged on each side of the third planetary gear.

10. The compression arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein a compressor of the third type (4) is arranged on the one side of the fourth planetary gear and a compressor of the fourth type (5) is arranged on the other side of the fourth planetary gear.

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