Device for filling a hydrogen tank

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for filling one or more pressurised hydrogen tanks, the filling device comprising a transfer line (1) configured to convey a flow of hydrogen from a hydrogen source (2) to a tank to be filled, the transfer line (1) comprising: - a bypass path for bypassing the purification system, configured to cause the hydrogen flow to bypass at least part of the purification system; - a fluidic switching device configured to circulate the hydrogen flow through the purification system and / or through the bypass path; - a data-acquisition device (19); and - a control unit (20) configured to control the fluidic switching device according to data from the data-acquisition device (19).

Description

Hydrogen tank filling device.

[0001] The invention relates to a device for filling pressurized hydrogen tank(s) and a method for filling such a tank with hydrogen. The invention also relates to a hydrogen tank(s) filling station comprising the filling device. The tank is in particular that of a vehicle.

[0002] In particular, it is a device comprising a transfer line configured to convey hydrogen from a hydrogen source to the tank to be filled.

[0003] Fuel cells installed on board vehicles that use hydrogen fuel need to be supplied with very pure hydrogen.

[0004] A large body of literature has described the impacts of impurities (such as water, CO, H2S) in hydrogen on the performance and lifetime of fuel cells. Strict standards have been developed to ensure that hydrogen delivered to the tanks does not damage the cells (see, for example, ISO14687-2019).

[0005] Known industrial hydrogen production processes cannot ensure such a level of purity continuously.

[0006] To ensure a level of hydrogen purity, it may be necessary to add a hydrogen purification system to the filling station, such as adsorbent bed purification. The hydrogen to be treated then permanently undergoes the pressure losses related to the purification system, which is penalizing if the gas must be re-compressed afterwards.

[0007] Therefore, there appears to be a need to develop a device for filling hydrogen tank(s) making it possible to resolve the limitations of the prior art.

[0008] The invention relates to a device for filling pressurized hydrogen tank(s), the filling device comprising a transfer line configured to convey a hydrogen flow from a hydrogen source to a tank to be filled, the transfer line comprising: - a system for purifying the hydrogen flow supplied by the source (hydrogen flow supplied), configured to eliminate at least in part an impurity contained in the hydrogen flow supplied and thus produce purified hydrogen, the filling device comprising: - a bypass path of the purification system, configured to bypass at least part of the purification system to the hydrogen flow, - a fluidic switching device configured to circulate the hydrogen flow through the purification system and / or through the bypass path, - a data acquisition device,- a control unit configured to control the fluidic switching device, based on data from the data acquisition device.,

[0009] If there are no impurities in the hydrogen from the source, the bypass route allows the hydrogen flowing through the filling device to bypass the purification system. The hydrogen flow is thus no longer subject to pressure losses related to the purification system and the delivery of the hydrogen flow to the tank consumes less energy.

[0010] According to the embodiment considered, the invention may comprise one or more of the following features: - the transfer line comprises an upstream end intended to be connected to the hydrogen source to supply the hydrogen filling device, - the transfer line comprises a downstream end intended to be connected to a pipe or a filling orifice of the tank, - the bypass path is configured to bypass the purification system with the hydrogen flow without subjecting the bypassing hydrogen flow to purification, - the bypass path comprises at least one bypass branch fluidly connected to the transfer line so as to bypass at least a portion of the purification system with the hydrogen flow, - the fluidic switching device comprises a bypass valve arranged on the bypass branch to authorize,prohibit or regulate the circulation of the hydrogen flow through the bypass branch,- the data acquisition device is configured to measure an impurity concentration in the hydrogen flow supplied by the source, in particular circulating in the transfer line, upstream of the purification system. For example, the data acquisition device is configured to measure a carbon monoxide concentration. In particular, the data acquisition device comprises at least one analyzer for measuring the impurity concentration in the hydrogen flow supplied. The acquisition device comprises in particular at least one sensor for measuring the impurity concentration, for example a carbon monoxide sensor, an oxygen sensor and / or an aqueous compound sensor.- the data acquisition device is configured to receive data predicting an impurity concentration(s) in the hydrogen flow supplied by the source,in particular data relating to a probability that the concentration of impurity(ies) in the flow of hydrogen supplied by the source exceeds a given concentration level.- the data acquisition device is configured to receive environmental data, such as a condition external to the filling device, for example atmospheric pressure or temperature,- the data acquisition device is configured to receive an instruction relating to hydrogen filling the tank(s), in particular an instruction for the purity of the filling hydrogen,- the data acquisition device is configured to receive data relating to a malfunction of the source, in particular the data acquisition device is configured to receive an alert on the operation of the source,- the data acquisition device is configured to receive data relating to a malfunction or maintenance of the purification system,- the control unit is configured to control the fluidic switching device, as a function of said concentration measurement, as a function of said prediction data, as a function of said environmental data, as a function of said setpoint, and / or as a function of the data relating to a malfunction of the source or relating to a malfunction or maintenance of the purification system,- the filling device comprises a fluidic connection connector between the transfer line and the bypass line, the connector being arranged on the transfer line, upstream of the purification system,- the transfer line comprises a device for removing sulfur and / or halogenated compounds comprising at least one guard bed configured to retain said compounds,in particular by adsorption. In particular, the bypass path is configured to cause the device for removing sulfur and / or halogenated compounds to bypass the hydrogen flow.- the device for removing sulfur and / or halogenated compounds is arranged upstream of the purification system. The device for removing sulfur and / or halogenated compounds is in particular arranged upstream of the connection.- the fluidic switching device comprises a shutter arranged on the transfer line upstream of the purification system and in particular downstream of the connection or downstream of the first junction, to authorize, prohibit or regulate the circulation of the hydrogen flow through the purification system,- the at least one impurity concentration measuring sensor is arranged on the transfer line, upstream of the shutter,- the at least one impurity concentration measuring sensor and the shutter delimit a so-called upstream portion of the transfer line,- the upstream portion comprises the device for removing sulfur and / or halogenated compounds,- the upstream portion, in particular the guard bed(s), is sized such that the travel time of the hydrogen flow in the upstream portion is longer than the measurement time of the impurity concentration by the data acquisition device, added to the operating time of the shutter between a position where said shutter allows circulation of the hydrogen flow through the purification system and a position where said shutter prohibits such circulation,- the purification system is configured to produce hydrogen purified to more than 98% purity, preferably more than 99% purity,- the purification system comprises at least one adsorbent bed and / or at least one catalytic bed,- the purification system comprises a deoxygenation and / or drying unit,- the deoxygenation and drying unit comprises a catalytic deoxygenation reactor (deoxo unit) followed by a dryer. The dryer comprises in particular a temperature-modulated adsorption unit (TSA unit) which comprises at least two adsorbers configured to operate according to a sequence of adsorption and regeneration steps. In particular, the temperature-modulated adsorption unit is configured to remove at least in part aqueous compounds and / or carbon dioxide contained in the hydrogen stream and to obtain a hydrogen stream depleted in aqueous compounds and / or carbon dioxide.- the at least one bypass branch comprises a bypass branch of the deoxygenation and drying unit fluidly connected to the transfer line so as to cause the deoxygenation and drying unit to bypass the hydrogen stream,- the connector is a first connector and the filling device comprises a second fluid connection connector between the bypass line and the transfer line, the second connector being arranged on the transfer line, downstream of the deoxygenation and / or drying unit, and the bypass branch of the deoxygenation and drying unit is fluidically connected to the transfer line between the first connector and the second connector,- the bypass valve is arranged on the bypass branch of the deoxygenation and drying unit and configured to authorize, prohibit or regulate the circulation of the hydrogen flow in the bypass branch of the deoxygenation and drying unit,- the purification system comprises an adsorption separation device configured to remove at least part of the carbon monoxide contained in the hydrogen flow,in particular in the hydrogen stream depleted in aqueous compounds and / or carbon dioxide, and to obtain a hydrogen stream depleted in carbon monoxide. The adsorption separation device is in particular configured to be modulated in pressure and / or temperature and comprises at least two adsorbers configured to operate according to a sequence of adsorption and regeneration steps.- the adsorption separation device is arranged on the transfer line downstream of the deoxygenation and / or drying unit,- the at least one bypass branch comprises a bypass branch of the adsorption separation device fluidly connected to the transfer line so as to bypass the adsorption separation device with the hydrogen stream,- the at least one bypass branch is configured to bypass the deoxygenation and drying unit and / or the adsorption separation device with the hydrogen stream,- the filling device comprises a first fluid connection junction between the bypass path and the transfer line and comprises a second fluid connection junction between the bypass path and the transfer line, the first junction being arranged on the transfer line upstream of the adsorption separation device, the second junction being arranged on the transfer line downstream of the adsorption separation device, and the bypass branch of the adsorption separation device is fluidically connected to the transfer line between the first junction and the second junction. The first junction is in particular arranged on the transfer line downstream of the deoxygenation and / or drying unit.- the fluid switching device comprises a bypass valve arranged on the bypass branch of the adsorption separation device and configured to authorize,prohibit or regulate the circulation of the hydrogen flow in the bypass branch of the adsorption separation device,- the shutter is a first shutter and the fluidic switching device comprises a second shutter arranged on the transfer line downstream of the first junction and upstream of the adsorption separation device, to authorize, prohibit or regulate the circulation of hydrogen through the adsorption separation device,- the connection is an upstream connection and the filling device comprises a downstream connection for fluidic connection between the bypass path and the transfer line, the downstream connection being arranged on the transfer line downstream of the adsorption separation device, and the bypass branch of the adsorption separation device is fluidically connected to the transfer line between the upstream connection and the downstream connection,- the filling device comprises a vent fluidically connected to the transfer line upstream of the purification system, the control unit being configured to control the vent and discharge the hydrogen stream to the atmosphere through the vent, when the characteristics of the hydrogen stream supplied by the source, in particular its composition, deviate from a specification for hydrogen for filling the tank by more than a critical threshold value. In particular, the control unit is configured to discharge the hydrogen stream when a measured impurity concentration, for example a concentration of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aqueous compounds and / or oxygen, of the hydrogen stream exceeds a given concentration level.- the data acquisition device is configured to measure, upstream of the vent,an impurity concentration in the hydrogen stream. The data acquisition device notably comprises at least one sensor arranged to measure the impurity concentration, notably the carbon monoxide concentration, in the hydrogen stream upstream of the vent.- the filling device comprises an isolation valve arranged on the transfer line downstream of the fluid connection of the vent with the transfer line and upstream of the purification system and configured to authorize or prohibit the circulation of the hydrogen stream. The control unit is notably configured to control the vent and discharge the hydrogen stream when the characteristics of the hydrogen stream deviate from a specification for hydrogen for filling the tank by more than a critical threshold value.- the transfer line comprises a module for compressing the hydrogen between the source and the tank,the compression module being configured to compress the purified hydrogen to a pressure greater than 350 bar, preferably a pressure greater than 700 bar, preferably a pressure greater than 1000 bar. Preferably, the compression module is configured to fill the tank to a pressure of between 350 and 700 bar.- the compression module is arranged on the transfer line downstream of the purification system,- the transfer line comprises a module for liquefying the purified hydrogen, configured to fill the tank with liquid hydrogen,- the hydrogen liquefaction module is arranged on the transfer line downstream of the purification system, in particular downstream of the compression module.,

[0011] The invention also relates to a station for filling hydrogen tank(s) of vehicles, the filling station comprising a filling device as described above. It may be, for example, a filling station for semi-trailer type vehicles, in particular hydrogen storage trailers.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the filling station comprises a filling pipe connected to the downstream end of the transfer line of the filling device, the filling pipe being intended to be removably connected to a tank, to fill said tank with hydrogen.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the upstream end of the transfer line of the filling device is connected to a hydrogen source to supply the filling device with hydrogen.

[0014] The invention also relates to a method for filling pressurized hydrogen tank(s), comprising the steps of: - supplying a flow of hydrogen from a hydrogen source, the flow of hydrogen possibly comprising at least one impurity such as sulfur and / or halogenated compounds, oxygen, aqueous compounds, carbon dioxide and / or carbon monoxide, - supplying a device for filling hydrogen tank(s) with the flow of hydrogen supplied, the filling device comprising a system for purifying the flow of hydrogen supplied and a fluidic switching device, - acquiring data for determining an absence of need for purification of the flow of hydrogen supplied or data relating to a malfunction or maintenance of the purification system,- controlling the fluidic switching device so as to bypass at least part of the purification system with at least part of the flow of hydrogen supplied.,

[0015] According to one embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: - acquisition of data for determining a need for purification of the supplied hydrogen flow, - control of the fluidic switching device so as to circulate the supplied hydrogen flow through the purification system, - purification of the hydrogen flow circulating through the purification system and production of purified hydrogen.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the step of controlling the fluidic switching device comprises controlling said device so as to cause at least part of the purification system to bypass at least part of the supplied hydrogen flow without causing the bypassing hydrogen flow to undergo purification.

[0017] The method comprises in particular a step of filling a tank with the supplied hydrogen stream or with purified hydrogen. The tank is filled with filling hydrogen. The method may also comprise, before the filling step, a step of compressing the supplied hydrogen stream or the purified hydrogen to a pressure greater than 350 bar, preferably greater than 700 bar, preferably greater than 1000 bar, thus obtaining compressed hydrogen. The compression is preferably carried out at a pressure of between 350 and 700 bar. The method may also comprise, before the filling step, a step of liquefying the supplied hydrogen stream or the purified hydrogen, in particular a step of liquefying the compressed hydrogen. The filled tanks are, for example, bulk hydrogen transport tanks, also called "trailers", or the fuel reserve of a vehicle such as a truck or a boat.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: - measuring an impurity concentration in the supplied hydrogen stream or in the supplied hydrogen stream, - calculating a difference between the measured concentration and a set value of impurity concentration, - determining an absence of need for purification of the supplied hydrogen stream if the calculated difference is less than a predetermined threshold value, - determining a need for purification of the supplied hydrogen stream if the calculated difference is greater than the predetermined threshold value. In particular, the method comprises a step of measuring a concentration of carbon monoxide (CO), oxygen and / or aqueous compounds in the supplied hydrogen stream or in the supplied hydrogen stream.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: - acquisition of a prediction data item for an impurity concentration in the supplied hydrogen stream, - calculation of a difference between the predicted concentration and a set value for the impurity concentration, - determination of an absence of need for purification of the supplied hydrogen stream if the calculated difference is less than a predetermined threshold value, - determination of a need for purification of the supplied hydrogen stream if the calculated difference is greater than the predetermined threshold value. In particular, the step of acquiring a prediction data item comprises determining a probability that the impurity concentration exceeds a given concentration level. The concentration of carbon monoxide (CO), oxygen and / or aqueous compounds is in particular predicted.

[0020] In particular, the step of measuring an impurity concentration takes place continuously. Alternatively, the step of measuring an impurity concentration takes place punctually depending on the probability that the impurity concentration exceeds a given concentration level.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: - acquisition of environmental data, such as a condition external to the filling device, - calculation of a difference between the acquired environmental data and a reference environmental condition, - determination of an absence of need for purification of the supplied hydrogen flow if the calculated difference is less than a predetermined threshold value, - determination of a need for purification of the supplied hydrogen flow if the calculated difference is greater than the predetermined threshold value. The environmental data is for example a measured atmospheric pressure or temperature, and the difference is calculated between the measured atmospheric pressure or temperature and a reference atmospheric pressure or temperature.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: - acquisition of a setpoint relating to the filling hydrogen, in particular a setpoint for the purity of the filling hydrogen, - measurement of a purity of the filling hydrogen, - calculation of a difference between the measured purity and the setpoint, - determination of an absence of need for purification of the flow of hydrogen supplied if the calculated difference is less than a predetermined threshold value, - determination of a need for purification of the flow of hydrogen supplied if the calculated difference is greater than the predetermined threshold value.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: - acquisition of data relating to a malfunction of the source, in particular an alert on the operation of the source, - determination of a need for purification of the flow of hydrogen supplied.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the method comprises a step of eliminating at least a portion of sulfur and / or halogen compounds from the flow of hydrogen supplied.

[0025] According to a characteristic of the method, the purification step comprises the following steps:- deoxygenation and / or drying of the supplied hydrogen stream, in particular deoxygenation and / or drying by temperature-modulated adsorption,- production of a hydrogen stream depleted in oxygen and / or aqueous compounds.In particular, the drying step by temperature-modulated adsorption comprises a step of eliminating at least a portion of the carbon dioxide from the hydrogen circulating through the purification system.

[0026] According to a characteristic of the method, the purification system comprises at least one adsorption separation device configured to remove at least part of the carbon monoxide contained in the hydrogen stream, in particular in the hydrogen stream depleted in aqueous compounds and / or carbon dioxide, and to obtain a hydrogen stream depleted in carbon monoxide. The adsorption separation device is in particular configured to be modulated in pressure and / or temperature and comprises at least two adsorbers configured to operate according to a sequence of adsorption and regeneration steps. In particular, the step of controlling the fluidic switching device comprises controlling said device so as to cause at least part of the supplied hydrogen stream to bypass the adsorption separation device.

[0027] According to a characteristic of the method, the purification step comprises the following steps: - elimination of at least a portion of the carbon monoxide from the hydrogen flow circulating through the purification system, in particular from the hydrogen flow depleted in oxygen and / or aqueous compounds. The step of eliminating at least a portion of the carbon monoxide is carried out in particular by temperature and / or pressure modulated adsorption, in particular in said adsorption separation device.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: - calculation of a difference between the measured concentration and a set value of impurity concentration, - opening of a vent if the calculated difference is greater than a predetermined critical threshold value, - discharge, upstream of the purification system, of the flow of hydrogen supplied through the open vent.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: - measuring a concentration of oxygen (O2) and / or aqueous compounds in the supplied hydrogen stream or in the supplied hydrogen stream, - calculating a difference between the measured oxygen (O2) concentration and a set value of oxygen (O2) concentration and / or calculating a difference between the measured concentration of aqueous compounds and a set value of aqueous compound concentration, - determining an absence of need for purification of the supplied hydrogen stream if the calculated differences are less than a predetermined threshold value, closing the first shutter and opening the bypass valve, - determining a need for purification of the supplied hydrogen stream if a calculated difference is greater than the predetermined threshold value, opening the first shutter and closing the bypass valve.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: - measuring a carbon monoxide (CO) concentration in the supplied hydrogen stream or in the supplied hydrogen stream, - calculating a difference between the measured carbon monoxide concentration and a set carbon monoxide concentration value, - determining an absence of need for purification of the supplied hydrogen stream if the calculated difference is less than a predetermined threshold value, closing the second shutter and opening the bypass valve, - determining a need for purification of the supplied hydrogen stream if the calculated difference is greater than the predetermined threshold value, opening the second shutter and closing the bypass valve.

[0031] The method is notably implemented with the filling device described previously.

[0032] Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description below, given with reference to the single figure which represents a schematic and partial view illustrating a possible example of implementation of the invention.

[0033] As illustrated in the, the invention relates to a device for filling hydrogen tank(s). The device comprises a transfer line 1, the upstream end of which is connected to a hydrogen source 2, which makes it possible to supply the filling device with hydrogen (fed hydrogen). The downstream end is connected to bulk hydrogen transport tanks 3, also called "trailers" to be filled with hydrogen (filling hydrogen). The hydrogen source may conventionally be of the hydrogen gas network type at a pressure of between 1.3 bar abs (absolute bar) and 200 bar abs, a hydrogen production device such as an electrolyzer, natural gas reformer ("SMR"), methanol or ammonia cracking device, autothermal reforming device ("ATR"), or partial oxidation device ("POX").The hydrogen source 2 provides a hydrogen stream which may include at least one impurity such as sulfur and / or halogen compounds, oxygen, aqueous compounds, carbon dioxide and / or carbon monoxide.

[0034] The transfer line 1 comprises a device for removing sulfur and / or halogenated compounds. The device for removing sulfur and / or halogenated compounds comprises a first bottle 4 comprising a first guard bed and a second bottle 5 comprising a second guard bed. During operation of the filling device, the first and second bottles remove the sulfur and / or halogenated compounds upstream of the purification system, the first and second guard beds gradually becoming saturated with said compounds until it is appropriate to change them.

[0035] The purification system is configured to at least partially remove an impurity contained in the hydrogen stream supplied by the source, thereby producing purified hydrogen, for example by separating said impurity from the hydrogen stream supplied by the source, possibly after reaction of the impurity, for example using a catalyst.

[0036] The purification system comprises a unit for deoxygenating and drying hydrogen freed from these sulfur and / or halogenated compounds. The deoxygenating and drying unit comprises a catalytic deoxygenating reactor 6, in which a dioxygen impurity will react with a portion of the hydrogen in contact with a catalyst, thus generating water. The deoxygenating and drying unit also comprises a temperature-controlled adsorption unit (TSA unit) 7 which separates carbon dioxide and aqueous compounds, including water generated by the deoxygenating reactor, from the hydrogen supplied by the source. The TSA unit 7 thus functions as a dryer. The TSA unit 7 thus produces a residual gas enriched in carbon dioxide. The TSA unit 7 comprises at least two adsorbers configured to operate according to a sequence of adsorption and regeneration steps. Part of the hydrogen supplied by the source is consumed for the regeneration of the adsorber.

[0037] The purification system comprises an adsorption separation device 8 configured to separate at least a portion of the carbon monoxide from the stream of hydrogen depleted in aqueous compounds and / or depleted in carbon dioxide. The adsorption separation device 8 thus produces a residual gas enriched in carbon monoxide. The adsorption separation device 8 is modulated in pressure and / or temperature and comprises at least two adsorbers configured to operate according to a sequence of adsorption and regeneration steps.

[0038] The purification system is, in the embodiment shown, configured to produce purified hydrogen with a purity of more than 99%. The purified hydrogen is in particular compliant with grade D of the ISO14687-2019 standard, corresponding to the use of hydrogen for mobility.

[0039] The filling device comprises a bypass branch 9 and a bypass branch 10 which constitute, with a portion of the transfer line 1 located between the deoxygenation and drying unit and the adsorption separation device 8, a bypass path to allow, if necessary, at least a portion of the hydrogen to bypass the deoxygenation and drying unit and / or the adsorption separation device 8. The bypass branch 9 comprises a bypass valve 11 which makes it possible to at least partially open or close the bypass branch 9. The bypass branch 9 is fluidically connected to the transfer line 1 at a connector 13 and a connector 14. The bypass branch 10 comprises a bypass valve 12 which makes it possible to at least partially open or close the bypass branch 10.The bypass branch 10 is fluidically connected to the transfer line 1 at a junction 15 and a junction 16.

[0040] A first shutter 17 is arranged on the transfer line 1 and makes it possible to prevent the circulation of hydrogen through the purification system. Furthermore, a second shutter 18 is arranged on the transfer line 1 and makes it possible to prevent the circulation of hydrogen through the adsorption separation device 8.

[0041] The shutters, the diverter valve and the bypass valve constitute a fluid switching device controllable by a control unit 20.

[0042] Thanks to these bypass branches, the filling device can operate, according to a setpoint from the control unit 20, sequentially with the deoxygenation and drying unit or with the adsorption separation device 8, or with this unit and this device combined in series or without this unit and this device.

[0043] The filling device comprises a data acquisition device 19 capable of measuring a concentration of various impurities in the hydrogen supplied by the source and circulating in the transfer line 1. The data acquisition device 19 comprises an analyzer for measuring the concentration of impurities in the supplied hydrogen, as well as a set of sensors including a carbon monoxide sensor 21, an aqueous compound sensor 22 and an oxygen sensor 23. The sensors are arranged upstream of the purification system. The analyzer may typically comprise a chromatograph, a spectrometer or a laser. Carbon monoxide (CO) typically serves as a quality marker for hydrogen intended for fuel cells.

[0044] The impurity measurement sensor and the first shutter 17, or the impurity measurement sensor and the second shutter 18, delimit an upstream portion 24 of the transfer line 1, said upstream portion 24 comprising the device for eliminating sulfur and / or halogen compounds. In other words, the device for eliminating sulfur and / or halogen compounds is arranged downstream of the impurity measurement sensor and upstream of the first shutter 17 and / or the second shutter 18.

[0045] The data acquisition device 19 may receive a setpoint relating to the filling hydrogen, such as a purity setpoint of the filling hydrogen. When a setpoint relating to a lower degree of purity is received, the purity level of the supplied hydrogen may be measured and compared to the purity setpoint. The bypass path makes it possible to at least partially bypass the purification system so as not to excessively purify the hydrogen supplied by the source and create excess quality.

[0046] The data acquisition device 19 can also receive data predicting a concentration of impurities in the hydrogen supplied by the source, for example during a phase during which the probability that the hydrogen supplied by the source comprises too many impurities is high, such as a risky phase. The data acquisition device 19 can thus receive an indication on the nature of the hydrogen source 2, in particular an indication on the change of a source of a given type, for another source of another type: the prediction can thus be made according to the origin of the hydrogen.

[0047] The filling device comprises a vent 25 arranged to be opened or closed by the control unit 20 and discharge the supplied hydrogen when, for example, the composition of the hydrogen supplied by the source deviates too much from a specification for filling the tank. The vent 25 is fluidically connected to the transfer line 1 upstream of the purification system and comprises a discharge line 28 provided with a discharge valve 26 capable of opening or closing the discharge line 28. The filling device comprises an isolation valve 27 arranged on the transfer line 1 downstream of the vent 25 and making it possible to block the circulation of the hydrogen supplied upstream of the purification system. The vent 25 can thus discharge, upstream of the purification system, the hydrogen supplied to the filling device, when its carbon monoxide content becomes unacceptable because it has exceeded a critical threshold value.Carbon monoxide is indeed a standard quality marker for hydrogen intended for fuel cells.

[0048] The data acquisition device 19 can receive data relating to a malfunction of the source which may cause an abnormally high presence of impurity. In this case, the data acquisition device 19 can receive an alert on the operation of the source and the data acquisition device 19 controls the fluidic switching device so as to circulate the hydrogen through at least a portion of the purification system and thus purify the hydrogen.

[0049] The data acquisition device 19 can also receive data relating to a malfunction of the purification system, such as an indication that the adsorption separation device 8 is pressure-modulated. The data acquisition device 19 can alternatively receive data relating to scheduled maintenance of the purification system. In these cases, the data acquisition device 19 controls the fluidic switching device so as to bypass the purification system that is malfunctioning or that is due to undergo a hydrogen maintenance operation. The vent 25 can also be opened in order to discharge the hydrogen supplied to the filling system and no longer fill the tanks with it when it is established that the quality of the hydrogen supplied by the source is insufficient due to the presence of too much impurity.

[0050] The control unit 20 is programmed to implement the following steps: - calculation of a difference (in absolute value) between the measured concentration and a set value of impurity concentration, - determination of an absence of need for purification of the supplied hydrogen if the difference is less than a predetermined threshold value. Regardless of the type of determination data acquired, the predetermined threshold value can be equal to zero. - determination of a need for purification of the supplied hydrogen if the difference is greater than the predetermined threshold value. The control unit 20 is also programmed to implement similar steps for the other types of data received, such as a malfunction of the source or the purification system, a purity setpoint of the filling hydrogen, or a prediction data.

[0051] Depending on whether a need or an absence of need for purification is determined, the control unit 20 controls the fluid switching device so as to bypass at least a portion of the purification system to at least a portion of the supplied hydrogen or at least a portion of this supplied hydrogen or on the contrary to circulate the supplied hydrogen through at least a portion of the purification system, in order to purify the supplied hydrogen or not. In particular, when a need for purification of aqueous compounds and / or oxygen is established, the shutter 17 is open and the bypass valve 11 is closed. Conversely, the shutter 17 is closed and the bypass valve 11 is open if an absence of need is established. Furthermore, when a need for purification of carbon monoxide is established, the shutter 18 is open and the bypass valve 12 is closed.Conversely, the shutter 18 is closed and the bypass valve 12 is opened if an absence of need is established.

[0052] The upstream portion 24 and the guard beds are dimensioned such that the travel time of the hydrogen in the upstream portion 24 is longer than the measurement time of the impurity concentration by the data acquisition device 19, added to the operating time of the shutter 17, 18 between a position where said shutter 17, 18 allows circulation of hydrogen through the purification system and a position where said shutter 17, 18 prohibits such circulation.

[0053] The sensors, the data acquisition device 19, the pilot device and the valves and shutters are connected together by electrical and / or digital connection means (shown in dotted lines in the figure), where appropriate of the “wireless” type.

[0054] Furthermore, the transfer line 1 is provided with a compression module 29 for the purified hydrogen or the supplied hydrogen. In an embodiment not shown, the transfer line 1 comprises a hydrogen liquefaction module arranged on the transfer line 1 downstream of the purification system. It is thus possible to fill the tank of a transport vehicle with liquid hydrogen, when said vehicle has to travel longer distances. The compression module 29 comprises two compressors in parallel. The compressors can be chosen from a membrane compressor or a piston compressor. A bypass line allows, if necessary, at least a portion of the supplied hydrogen or the purified hydrogen to bypass the compression module. The bypass line comprises an actuatable valve to, if necessary, bypass the hydrogen compression module.

[0055] The invention introduces greater flexibility. The TSA unit and the adsorption separation device 8 may need to consume hydrogen for their regeneration. When priority is given to preserving the hydrogen product, the bypass route allows the hydrogen flowing through the filling device to bypass the TSA unit and / or the adsorption separation device 8 and these can remain shut down. Thus, no hydrogen is lost in the regeneration of the TSA unit and / or the adsorption separation device 8.

Claims

Device for filling pressurized hydrogen tank(s), the filling device comprising a transfer line (1) configured to convey a hydrogen flow from a hydrogen source (2) to a tank to be filled, the transfer line (1) comprising: - a system for purifying the hydrogen flow supplied by the source, configured to at least partially remove an impurity contained in the supplied hydrogen flow and thus produce purified hydrogen, the filling device comprising: - a bypass path of the purification system, configured to bypass at least part of the purification system to the hydrogen flow, - a fluidic switching device configured to circulate the hydrogen flow through the purification system and / or through the bypass path, - a data acquisition device (19), - a control unit (20) configured to control the fluidic switching device,based on data from the data acquisition device (19)., Device according to the preceding claim, in which the bypass path comprises at least one bypass branch fluidly connected to the transfer line (1) so as to cause at least part of the purification system to bypass the hydrogen flow. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the fluid switching device comprises a bypass valve (11) arranged on the bypass branch to allow, prohibit or regulate the circulation of the hydrogen flow through the bypass branch. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the fluid switching device comprises a shutter (17, 18) arranged on the transfer line (1) upstream of the purification system to authorize, prohibit or regulate the circulation of the hydrogen flow through the purification system. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the data acquisition device (19) is configured to measure an impurity concentration in the hydrogen flow supplied by the source, upstream of the purification system, and comprises at least one sensor (21, 22, 23) for measuring the impurity concentration. Device according to claims 4 and 5, in which the at least one sensor (21, 22, 23) for measuring the impurity concentration and the shutter (17, 18) delimit a so-called upstream portion (24) of the transfer line (1), the upstream portion (24) comprising a device for removing sulfur and / or halogenated compounds comprising at least one guard bed configured to retain said compounds, the upstream portion, in particular the guard bed(s), is dimensioned such that the travel time of the hydrogen flow in the upstream portion (24) is longer than the measurement time of the impurity concentration by the data acquisition device (19), added to the operating time of the shutter (17, 18) between a position where said shutter (17, 18) allows circulation of the hydrogen flow through the purification system and a position where said shutter (17, 18) prohibits such circulation. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the purification system comprises at least one adsorbent bed and / or at least one catalytic bed. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the purification system comprises a deoxygenation and / or drying unit. Device according to one of claims 1 or 3 to 7 and according to claims 2 and 8, in which the at least one bypass branch comprises a bypass branch of the deoxygenation and drying unit (9) fluidically connected to the transfer line (1) so as to bypass the deoxygenation and drying unit with the hydrogen flow. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the purification system comprises an adsorption separation device (8) configured to remove at least part of the carbon monoxide contained in the hydrogen flow. Device according to one of claims 1 or 3 to 9 and according to claims 2 and 10, wherein the at least one bypass branch comprises a bypass branch of the adsorption separation device (10) fluidly connected to the transfer line (1) so as to cause the hydrogen flow to bypass the adsorption separation device (8). Filling station for hydrogen tank(s) of vehicles, the filling station comprising a filling device according to one of the preceding claims. Method for filling pressurized hydrogen tank(s), comprising the steps of:- supplying a hydrogen flow from a hydrogen source (2), the hydrogen flow possibly comprising at least one impurity such as sulfur and / or halogenated compounds, oxygen, aqueous compounds, carbon dioxide and / or carbon monoxide- supplying a device for filling hydrogen tank(s) with the supplied hydrogen flow, the filling device comprising a system for purifying the supplied hydrogen flow and a fluid switching device,- acquiring data for determining an absence of need for purification of the supplied hydrogen flow or data relating to a malfunction or maintenance of the purification system,- controlling the fluid switching device so as to cause at least part of the supplied hydrogen flow to bypass at least part of the purification system. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising the following steps: - acquisition of data for determining a need for purification of the flow of hydrogen supplied, - control of the fluidic switching device so as to circulate the flow of hydrogen supplied through the purification system, - purification of the flow of hydrogen circulating through the purification system and production of purified hydrogen. Method according to one of claims 13 or 14, comprising the following steps: - measuring an impurity concentration in the supplied hydrogen flow or in the supplied hydrogen flow, - calculating a difference between the measured concentration and a set value of impurity concentration, - determining an absence of need for purification of the supplied hydrogen flow if the calculated difference is less than a predetermined threshold value, - determining a need for purification of the supplied hydrogen flow if the calculated difference is greater than the predetermined threshold value.

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