Device and method for filling a pressurised-gas tank

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for filling pressurised-gas tanks, comprising a distributor (2) intended to supply a tank (3) with pressurised gas from a fluid source (4), the device (1) comprising a refrigeration system (IA) for cooling a flow of gas from the distributor (2), the refrigeration system (IA) comprising a circuit (5) for coolant, such as brine, comprising the following elements disposed in series in the stated order: - a coolant store (6) comprising an upper part (61) configured to accommodate a hot mass of the coolant and a lower part (62) configured to accommodate a cold mass of the coolant, - at least one first heat exchanger (7) having an inlet connected to an outlet of the lower part (62) of the store (6) by a first duct (51), the at least one first heat exchanger (7) being configured to exchange heat between the coolant and a cold source (8), and - a second heat exchanger (9) having an inlet connected to the first heat exchanger (7) by a second duct (52) of the coolant circuit (5), and an outlet connected to an inlet of the upper part (61) of the store (6) by a third duct (53) of the coolant circuit (5), the second heat exchanger (9) being configured to exchange heat between the coolant and the flow of gas from the filling device (1), characterised in that the circuit (5) comprises a first bypass portion (10) connecting the second duct (52) to the lower part (62) of the store (6) in order to allow coolant to be transferred either from the at least one first heat exchanger (7) to the lower part (62) of the store (6) or from the lower part (62) of the store (6) to the second heat exchanger (9) without passing through the at least one first heat exchanger (7).

Description

Device and method for filling a pressurized gas tank

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for filling a pressurized gas tank.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a device for filling a pressurized gas tank comprising a distributor intended to supply the tank with pressurized gas from a fluid source, the device comprising a refrigeration system for cooling a gas flow from the distributor, the refrigeration system comprising a refrigerant circuit, such as brine, the refrigerant circuit comprising the following elements arranged in series in this order: - a refrigerant reserve, comprising an upper part configured to house a hot mass of the refrigerant and a lower part configured to house a cold mass of the refrigerant, - at least a first heat exchanger having an inlet connected to an outlet of the lower part of the reserve by a first pipe,the at least one first heat exchanger being configured to ensure a heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and a cold source, and- a second heat exchanger having an inlet connected to the at least one first heat exchanger by a second pipe of the refrigerant fluid circuit, and an outlet connected to an inlet of the upper part of the reserve by a third pipe of the refrigerant fluid circuit, the second heat exchanger being configured to ensure a heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the gas flow from the distributor.,

[0003] In a filling device as described above, the intermediate position of the at least one first heat exchanger between the reserve and the second heat exchanger ensures, for a given temperature of the refrigerant fluid at the outlet of the reserve, a lower temperature at the inlet of the second exchanger. Furthermore, this intermediate position of the first heat exchanger makes it possible to increase the coefficient of performance of the refrigeration unit associated with the filling device.

[0004] However, with the device described above, the temperature of the refrigerant in the reserve and at the outlet of the reserve remains difficult to control. Therefore, the temperature of the refrigerant at the inlet and outlet of at least one first heat exchanger also remains difficult to control.

[0005] An aim of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art noted above.

[0006] To this end, the device according to a first aspect of the invention, moreover in accordance with the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that the refrigerant fluid circuit comprises a first branch portion connecting the second pipe to the lower part of the reserve to allow a transfer of refrigerant fluid selectively from the at least one first heat exchanger to the lower part of the reserve, or from the lower part of the reserve to the second heat exchanger without passing through the at least one first heat exchanger.

[0007] By providing a first bypass portion connecting the second pipe to the lower part of the reserve, the device according to this first aspect of the invention makes it possible to return to the lower part of the reserve at least a portion of a flow of refrigerant fluid having passed through the at least one first heat exchanger. The return of the refrigerant fluid to the lower part of the reserve makes it possible to accumulate frigories there and to (re)constitute at least in part the cold mass of the refrigerant fluid, independently of the frigories requirements at the distributor. Thus, the device according to this first aspect of the invention promotes and / or makes it possible to maintain in the reserve a separation between the cold mass of the refrigerant fluid located in the lower part, and the hot mass of the refrigerant fluid located in the upper part.

[0008] In addition, a partial return of the refrigerant fluid from the at least one first heat exchanger to the lower part of the reserve has the effect of limiting the flow of refrigerant fluid transferred to the second heat exchanger from said at least one first heat exchanger. Thus, the device according to this first aspect of the invention makes it possible to control (reduce) the cooling power supplied to the second heat exchanger from the at least one first heat exchanger.

[0009] Furthermore, by providing a first bypass portion connecting the second pipe to the lower part of the reserve, the device according to this first aspect of the invention makes it possible to supply the second heat exchanger with a flow of cold mass coming directly from the lower part of the reserve. This flow of cold mass coming directly from the lower part of the reserve to the second heat exchanger can be in addition to or in substitution for a flow of coolant fluid cooled after passing through the at least one first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger. Thus, in the event of the at least one first heat exchanger being stopped, the flow of cold mass coming directly from the lower part of the reserve to the second heat exchanger ensures continuity of operation of the filling device.

[0010] It should be noted that with two cold mass flows available at the inlet of the second heat exchanger, namely a first flow coming directly from the lower part of the reserve, and a second flow passing through the at least one first heat exchanger, the device according to this first aspect of the invention introduces more latitude in the control of the temperature of the refrigerant fluid at this inlet.

[0011] The device according to a second aspect of the invention, moreover in accordance with the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that the refrigerant fluid circuit comprises a fourth pipe connecting an outlet of the upper part of the reserve to the inlet of at least one first heat exchanger.

[0012] By providing a fourth pipe in addition to the first pipe for connecting the at least one first heat exchanger to the reserve, the device according to this second aspect of the invention offers more latitude for controlling / regulating the quantity of hot mass and the quantity of cold mass contained in the reserve. Similarly, the device according to this second aspect of the invention offers more latitude for controlling / regulating the temperature of the refrigerant fluid at the inlet and / or outlet of the at least one first heat exchanger, thanks to different possible mixtures between a flow of hot mass leaving the upper part of the reserve and a flow of cold mass leaving the lower part of the reserve.

[0013] Furthermore, embodiments of the device according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics:- the first pipe, the second pipe and the third pipe of the refrigerant circuit define a first refrigeration loop of the device;- the fourth pipe, the second pipe and the third pipe of the refrigerant circuit define a second refrigeration loop of the device;- the first refrigeration loop and the second refrigeration loop are configured to be put into service simultaneously or sequentially;- the first branch portion connects the first pipe to the second pipe;- the reserve comprises at least one perforated transverse plate configured to separate the upper and lower parts of the reserve so as to limit the transfers of refrigerant fluid between the hot mass located at the upper part and the cold mass located at the lower part;- the refrigerant circuit comprises a second bypass portion connecting the second pipe to the third pipe to allow all or part of the refrigerant fluid leaving the at least one first heat exchanger to return to the reserve without passing through the second heat exchanger;- the refrigerant circuit comprises a third bypass portion connecting the third pipe to the second pipe to allow all or part of the refrigerant fluid leaving the second heat exchanger to return to said second exchanger without passing through the reserve or through the at least one first heat exchanger;- the refrigerant circuit comprises at least one member for circulating the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit and / or at least one member for controlling the temperature of the refrigerant;- the refrigerant circuit comprises at least one set of valve(s) configured to control the flows in the circuit, for example one or more three-way valves arranged at a junction between two or more of the pipes and / or the branch portions;- the first branch portion and the second branch portion are connected to the second pipe by the same set of valves, for example a three-way valve.;

[0014] The invention also relates to a method for filling a pressurized gas tank by means of a device according to the first aspect above and any one of the characteristics above or below, in which a flow of refrigerant fluid is transferred through the first bypass portion selectively from the at least one first heat exchanger to the lower part of the reserve, or from the lower part of the reserve to the second heat exchanger without passing through the at least one first heat exchanger.

[0015] According to possible particularities, the flow of refrigerant fluid transferred from the lower part of the reserve to the second heat exchanger without passing through the at least one first heat exchanger is in addition to or in substitution for a flow of refrigerant fluid transferred from the at least one first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger.

[0016] According to possible particularities, the method comprises a step of circulating a flow of hot mass and a flow of cold mass of the refrigerant fluid from the reserve to the at least one first heat exchanger through respectively the first pipe and the fourth pipe to regulate the temperature of the refrigerant fluid at the inlet and / or outlet of the at least one first heat exchanger.

[0017] Finally, the invention relates to a method for filling a pressurized gas tank by means of a device according to the second aspect above and any one of the characteristics above or below, comprising a step of circulating a flow of hot mass and a flow of cold mass of the refrigerant fluid from the reserve to the at least one first heat exchanger through respectively the first pipe and the fourth pipe to regulate the temperature of the refrigerant fluid at the inlet and / or outlet of the at least one first heat exchanger.

[0018] 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.

[0019] Other features and advantages will appear on reading the description below, made with reference to the following figures in which:

[0020] represents a schematic and partial view illustrating a possible example of structure and operation of a device of the invention according to a first embodiment;

[0021] represents a schematic and partial view illustrating a possible example of structure and operation of a device of the invention according to a second embodiment.

[0022] The illustrated device 1 for filling pressurized gas tanks is, for example, a station for filling pressurized hydrogen tanks. This device 1 comprises a distributor 2 (flexible with a nozzle, for example) intended to supply a tank 3 with pressurized gas from a fluid source 4 (storage(s) and / or compressor(s) and / or other). The device 1 also comprises a refrigeration system 1A for cooling the gas flow from the distributor 2.

[0023] In particular, the refrigeration system 1A comprises a circuit 5 of refrigerant fluid, such as brine for example. This circuit 5 comprises a reserve 6 of refrigerant fluid, at least one first heat exchanger 7 ensuring a heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and a cold source 8, and at least one second heat exchanger 9 ensuring a heat exchange between the flow of refrigerant fluid and a flow of gas from the distributor 2. The reserve 6, the at least one first heat exchanger 7 and the at least one second heat exchanger 9 are arranged in series in a closed loop and define in this order the direction of circulation of the refrigerant fluid inside the loop.

[0024] The reservoir 6 comprises an upper portion 61 configured to house a relatively warmer mass of the refrigerant fluid and a lower portion 62 configured to house a relatively colder mass of the refrigerant fluid. The hot mass has an average temperature higher than that of the cold mass.

[0025] The upper part 61 and the lower part 62 of the reservoir 6 each have at least one opening allowing the refrigerant fluid to flow through the reservoir 6. In the example illustrated, the upper part 61 has a separate inlet and outlet for the flow of the hot mass of the refrigerant fluid through the reservoir 6. The lower part 62 has an inlet and an outlet which are formed by the same opening for the flow of the cold mass of the refrigerant fluid through the reservoir 6.

[0026] Furthermore, the reserve 6 may comprise in its volume at least one perforated transverse plate configured to separate the upper part 61 and the lower part 62 of the reserve 6 so as to limit the transfers of refrigerant fluid between the hot mass located at the level of the upper part 61 and the cold mass located at the level of the lower part 62. Such a plate promotes a temperature stratification of the refrigerant fluid in the reserve 6.

[0027] In the example illustrated, the reserve 6 comprises two perforated plates which define between them an intermediate part 63 located between the upper part 61 and the lower part 62. The refrigerant fluid located at the level of the intermediate part 63 has an average temperature between that of the cold mass and that of the hot mass.

[0028] The at least one first heat exchanger 7 comprises an inlet which is connected to the outlet of the lower part 62 of the reserve 6 by a first pipe 51 of the refrigerant circuit 5. Advantageously, the at least one first heat exchanger 7 is an evaporator.

[0029] In a non-limiting manner, the cold source 8 associated with the at least one first heat exchanger 7 may comprise a circuit (not illustrated) of a refrigerant, which comprises in a loop: a pump, an evaporator, a reserve of refrigerant then a passage in the at least one first heat exchanger 7. This passage is configured to cool the refrigerant fluid (here the brine) circulating in the refrigerant circuit 5.

[0030] The second heat exchanger 9 has an inlet connected to an outlet of the first heat exchanger 7 by a second pipe 52 of the refrigerant circuit 5. In addition, the second heat exchanger 9 has an outlet connected to the inlet of the upper part 61 of the reserve 6 by a third pipe 53 of the refrigerant circuit 5.

[0031] It should be noted that the second heat exchanger 9 may comprise a conductive mass which may be pre-cooled by the refrigerant fluid to increase the thermal inertia of the cooling (and where appropriate cool even without simultaneous passage of refrigerant fluid).

[0032] The first pipe 51, the second pipe 52 and the third pipe 53 form a first refrigeration loop of the refrigerant circuit 5.

[0033] According to a first aspect of the invention, the refrigerant circuit 5 comprises a first branch portion 10 connecting the second pipe 52 to the lower part 62 of the reserve 6. Thus, the first branch portion 10 allows a transfer of refrigerant selectively from the first heat exchanger 7 to the lower part 62 of the reserve 6, or from the lower part 62 of the reserve 6 to the second heat exchanger 9 without passing through the first heat exchanger 7.

[0034] By providing a first bypass portion 10 connecting the second pipe 52 to the lower part 62 of the reserve 6, the device 1 according to this first aspect of the invention makes it possible to return to the lower part 62 of the reserve 6 at least part of a flow of refrigerant fluid having passed through the first heat exchanger 7.

[0035] The return of the refrigerant fluid to the lower part 62 of the reserve 6 makes it possible to accumulate frigories there and to (re)constitute at least in part the cold mass of the refrigerant fluid, independently of the frigories requirements at the distributor 2. The upper part 61 of the reserve 6 remains little affected by this return of refrigerant fluid.

[0036] Thus, the device 1 according to this first aspect of the invention promotes and / or makes it possible to maintain in the reserve 6 a separation between the cold mass of the refrigerant fluid located in the lower part 62, and the hot mass of the refrigerant fluid located in the upper part 61.

[0037] Furthermore, the return of the refrigerant fluid to the lower part 62 of the reserve 6 has the effect of limiting the flow of refrigerant fluid transferred to the second heat exchanger 9 from the first heat exchanger 7. Thus, the device 1 according to this first aspect of the invention makes it possible to control (reduce) the cold power supplied to the second heat exchanger 9 from the first heat exchanger 7 without losing frigories.

[0038] Furthermore, by providing a first bypass portion 10 connecting the second pipe 52 to the lower part 62 of the reserve 6, the device 1 according to this first aspect of the invention makes it possible to supply the second heat exchanger 9 with a flow of cold mass coming directly from the lower part 62 of the reserve 6. This flow of cold mass coming directly from the lower part 62 of the reserve 6 to the second heat exchanger 9 can be in addition to or in substitution for a flow of coolant fluid cooled after passing through the first heat exchanger 7 to the second heat exchanger 9. Thus, in the event of the first heat exchanger 7 being stopped, the flow of cold mass coming directly from the lower part 62 of the reserve 6 to the second heat exchanger 9 ensures continuity of operation of the filling device 1.

[0039] It should be noted that with two cold mass flows available at the inlet of the second heat exchanger 9, namely a first flow coming directly from the lower part 62 of the reserve 6, and a second flow passing through the first heat exchanger 7, the device 1 according to this first aspect of the invention introduces more latitude in the control of the temperature of the refrigerant fluid at this inlet. Indeed, the two cold mass flows can be at different temperatures, and their mixing in judiciously chosen proportions makes it possible to obtain an intermediate temperature at the inlet of the second heat exchanger 9.

[0040] Advantageously, the first branch portion 10 connects the first pipe 51 to the second pipe 52. This arrangement makes it possible to distribute a flow of cold mass leaving the lower part 62 of the reserve 6 between these two pipes 51, 52.

[0041] According to a second aspect of the invention in combination or not with the first aspect above, the refrigeration circuit 5 comprises a fourth pipe 54 which connects the outlet of the upper part 61 of the reserve 6 to the inlet of the first heat exchanger 7. Thus, according to this second aspect of the invention, the refrigerant circuit 5 comprises two pipes 51, 54 which connect the inlet of the first heat exchanger 7 respectively to the outlet of the lower part 62 of the reserve 6 and to the outlet of the upper part 61 of the reserve 6.

[0042] By providing a fourth pipe 54 in addition to the first pipe 51 for connecting the first heat exchanger 7 to the reserve 6, the device 1 according to this second aspect of the invention offers more latitude for controlling / regulating the quantity of hot mass and the quantity of cold mass contained in the reserve 6. Similarly, the device 1 according to this second aspect of the invention offers more latitude for controlling / regulating the temperature of the refrigerant fluid at the inlet and / or outlet of the first heat exchanger 7, thanks to different possible mixtures between a flow of hot mass leaving the upper part 61 of the reserve 6 and a flow of cold mass leaving the lower part 62 of the reserve 6.

[0043] Advantageously, the fourth pipe 54 is connected to the first pipe 51. The two pipes 51, 54 have a common segment 55 connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger 7. The mixing between the flow of cold mass passing through the first pipe 51 and the flow of hot mass passing through the fourth pipe 54 is carried out at the level of the common segment 55.

[0044] The fourth pipe 54 forms with the second pipe 52 and the third pipe 53 a second refrigeration loop. Thus, the refrigerant circuit 5 according to this second aspect of the invention comprises two refrigeration loops which cooperate with each other.

[0045] It should be noted that the above refrigeration loops can be put into service selectively. Each of these loops can then be associated with the first bypass pipe 10 to form a filling device in accordance with the spirit of the first aspect of the invention.

[0046] Advantageously, the refrigerant circuit 5 may comprise a second bypass portion 11 connecting the second pipe 52 to the third pipe 53. This second bypass portion 11 is configured to allow all or part of the refrigerant leaving the first heat exchanger 7, in particular in the event of the latter being stopped, to return to the reserve 6 without passing through the second heat exchanger 9. More specifically, the refrigerant returns to the upper part 61 of the reserve 6 to form the hot mass. This return does not reach the lower part 62 of the reserve 6, thus making it possible to maintain a separation between the hot mass and the cold mass therein.

[0047] Advantageously, the refrigerant circuit 5 may comprise a third bypass portion 12 connecting the third pipe 53 to the second pipe 52. The third bypass portion 12 is configured to allow all or part of the refrigerant leaving the second heat exchanger 9 to return to said second exchanger 9 without passing through the reserve 6 or through the first heat exchanger 7.

[0048] Advantageously, the refrigerant circuit 5 preferably comprises at least one member 13, 14 for circulating the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 5 and / or at least one member 15, 16 for controlling the temperature of the refrigerant. The at least one member 13, 14 for circulating the refrigerant in the circuit 5 may be, for example, a pump. In the example illustrated, a first circulation member 13 and a first temperature control member 15 are positioned at the segment 55 common to the pipes 51, 54.

[0049] Advantageously, the refrigerant circuit 5 preferably comprises at least one set of valve(s) 17, 18, 19 configured to control the flows in the circuit 5. The at least one set of valve(s) 17, 18, 19 consists, for example, of one or more three-way valves arranged at a junction between two or more of the pipes 51, 52, 53, 54 and / or the bypass portions 10, 11, 12.

[0050] In the illustrated example, a first set of valves 17, for example a three-way valve, connects the first pipe 51, the fourth pipe 54, and their common segment 55. A second set of valves 18, for example a three-way valve, connects the first branch portion 10 and the second branch portion 11 to the second pipe 52.

[0051] In an embodiment illustrated in , the device 1 may comprise several distributors (here two distributors 2a, 2b) intended to supply separate tanks 3a, 3b, simultaneously or not. To do this, the device 1 comprises several second heat exchangers (here two heat exchangers 9a, 9b) each associated with a distributor 2a, 2b. The second heat exchangers are arranged in parallel on the circuit 5. In the example illustrated, the device 1 may also comprise several first heat exchangers 7a, 7b arranged in parallel on the circuit 5.

[0052] In order to integrate the different first heat exchangers 7a, 7b into the circuit 5, the common segment 55 has a first set of parallel branches passing respectively through the different first heat exchangers 7a, 7b.

[0053] Furthermore, in order to integrate the various second heat exchangers 9a, 9b into the circuit 5, the second pipe 52 has a second set of parallel branches (here two branches) each connecting an inlet of a second heat exchanger 9a, 9b to an outlet of the assembly formed by the first heat exchangers 7a, 7b. Similarly, the third pipe 53 has a third set of parallel branches (here two branches) each connecting an outlet of a second heat exchanger 9a, 9b to the inlet of the reserve 6.

[0054] In other words, in this second embodiment, the second pipe 52 and the third pipe 53 together form a series of pairs of parallel branches passing respectively through the second heat exchangers 9a, 9b. Each pair of this series comprises a branch belonging to the second pipe 52 and a branch belonging to the third pipe 53.

[0055] Between a branch of the second pipe 52 and a branch of the third pipe 53 which pass through a given second exchanger 9a, 9b, the device 1 may comprise a bypass portion 12a, 12b. This bypass portion 12a, 12b is configured to allow all or part of the refrigerant fluid leaving the second exchanger 9 in question to return to the latter without passing through the reserve 6 or through the assembly formed by the first heat exchangers 7a, 7b. Alternatively, this bypass portion 12a, 12b may be configured to allow all or part of the refrigerant fluid leaving the assembly formed by the first exchangers 7a, 7b to return to the reserve 6 without passing through the second exchanger 9 in question.

[0056] As in the first embodiment, here also the circuit 5 comprises a set of fluid circulation members 14a, 14b and a set of valve(s) 19a, 19b configured to control the flows in the circuit 5. In particular, distribution valve(s) (not shown) may be provided to control the flow of refrigerant fluid to the different second heat exchangers 9a, 9b.

Claims

A device (1) for filling pressurized gas tanks comprising a distributor (2) for supplying a tank (3) with pressurized gas from a fluid source (4), the device (1) comprising a refrigeration system (1A) for cooling a gas flow from the distributor (2), the refrigeration system (1A) comprising a circuit (5) of refrigerant fluid, such as brine, the circuit (5) comprising the following elements arranged in series in this order: a reserve (6) of refrigerant fluid, comprising an upper part (61) configured to house a hot mass of the refrigerant fluid and a lower part (62) configured to house a cold mass of the refrigerant fluid, at least one first heat exchanger (7) having an inlet connected to an outlet of the lower part (62) of the reserve (6) by a first pipe (51),the at least one first heat exchanger (7) being configured to ensure a heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and a cold source (8), and a second heat exchanger (9) having an inlet connected to the first heat exchanger (7) by a second pipe (52) of the refrigerant circuit (5), and an outlet connected to an inlet of the upper part (61) of the reserve (6) by a third pipe (53) of the refrigerant circuit (5), the second heat exchanger (9) being configured to ensure a heat exchange between the refrigerant fluid and the gas flow from the distributor (2), characterized in that the circuit (5) comprises a first bypass portion (10) connecting the second pipe (52) to the lower part (62) of the reserve (6) to allow a transfer of refrigerant fluid selectively from the at least one first heat exchanger (7) to the lower part (62) of the reserve (6),or from the lower part (62) of the reserve (6) to the second heat exchanger (9) without passing through the at least one first heat exchanger (7)., Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the inlet of the at least one first heat exchanger (7) is also connected to an outlet of the upper part (61) of the reserve (6) by a fourth pipe (54) of the refrigerant circuit (5). Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the first pipe (51), the second pipe (52) and the third pipe (53) of the refrigerant circuit (5) define a first refrigeration loop of the device. Device according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the fourth pipe (54), the second pipe (52) and the third pipe (53) of the refrigerant circuit (5) define a second refrigeration loop of the device. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first refrigeration loop and the second refrigeration loop are configured to be put into service simultaneously or sequentially. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first branch portion (10) connects the first pipe (51) to the second pipe (52). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reserve (6) comprises at least one perforated transverse plate configured to separate the upper (61) and lower (62) parts of the reserve (6) so as to limit the transfers of refrigerant fluid between the hot mass located at the level of the upper part (61) and the cold mass located at the level of the lower part (62). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the refrigerant circuit (5) comprises a second bypass portion (11) connecting the second pipe (52) to the third pipe (53) to allow all or part of the refrigerant leaving the at least one first heat exchanger (7) to return to the reserve (6) without passing through the second heat exchanger (9). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the refrigerant circuit (5) comprises a third bypass portion (12) connecting the third pipe (53) to the second pipe (52) to allow all or part of the refrigerant leaving the second heat exchanger (9) to return to said second exchanger (9) without passing through the reserve (6) or through the at least one first heat exchanger (7). Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the refrigerant circuit (5) comprises at least one member (13, 14) for circulating the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (5) and / or at least one member (15, 16) for controlling the temperature of the refrigerant. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the refrigerant circuit (5) comprises at least one set of valve(s) (17, 18, 19) configured to control the flows in the circuit (5), for example one or more three-way valves arranged at a junction between two or more of the pipes (51, 52, 53, 54) and / or the bypass portions (10, 11, 12). Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first branch portion (10) and the second branch portion (11) are connected to the second pipe (52) by the same set of valves (18), for example a three-way valve. Method for filling a pressurized gas tank by means of a device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which a flow of refrigerant fluid is transferred through the first bypass portion (10) selectively from the at least one first heat exchanger (7) to the lower part (62) of the reserve (6), or from the lower part (62) of the reserve (6) to the second heat exchanger (9) without passing through the at least one first heat exchanger (7). Method according to the preceding claim, in which the flow of refrigerant fluid transferred from the lower part (62) of the reserve (6) to the second heat exchanger (9) without passing through the at least one first heat exchanger (7) is in addition to or in substitution for a flow of refrigerant fluid transferred from the at least one first heat exchanger (7) to the second heat exchanger (9). Method according to the preceding claim, comprising a step of circulating a flow of hot mass and a flow of cold mass of the refrigerant fluid from the reserve (6) to the at least one first heat exchanger (7) through respectively the first pipe (51) and the fourth pipe (54) to regulate the temperature of the refrigerant fluid at the inlet and / or outlet of the at least one first heat exchanger (7).

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