Installation for the production and distribution of fuel in the form of a cryogenic fluid

Abstract

The invention relates to an installation for the production and distribution of a fuel in the form of a cryogenic fluid, in particular liquefied hydrogen, for filling at least one vehicle tank (7), the installation (1) comprising a gaseous fuel liquefaction unit (2, 3), at least one cryogenic storage unit (4) configured to receive the liquefied fuel from the liquefaction unit (2, 3) via at least one transfer line (5), the installation (1) further comprising at least one liquid filling line (6) having an upstream end connected to the cryogenic storage unit (4) and a downstream end configured to be connected to the tank(s) (7) to be filled, characterized in that the ends of the at least one transfer line (5) are separated from each other by a distance of between 40m and 20km, i.e. that at least part of the unit (2,3) The liquefaction unit is located away from the cryogenic storage (4) at a distance of between 40m and 20km. (Shorthand figure: Fig. 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Installation for the production and distribution of a fuel in the form of cryogenic fluid

[0001] The invention relates to an installation for producing and distributing a fuel in the form of a cryogenic fluid.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to an installation for producing and distributing a fuel in the form of a cryogenic fluid, in particular liquefied hydrogen, for filling at least one vehicle tank, the installation comprising a unit for liquefying a gaseous fuel, at least one cryogenic storage configured to receive the fuel liquefied by the liquefaction unit via at least one transfer pipe, the installation further comprising at least one liquid filling pipe comprising an upstream end connected to the cryogenic storage and a downstream end configured to be connected to the tank(s) to be filled.

[0003] Large hydrogen liquefaction units require a relatively large footprint. In some situations, it is difficult to locate them as close as possible to the vehicle tank filling station (e.g., an airport). One solution is to relocate the liquefaction unit and liquid storage and use liquid fuel transfer trucks to supply the filling station. This solution can also pose problems (difficulty in accepting additional truck flows, costs, greater risks of vaporization, etc.).

[0004] Another solution is to relocate the liquefaction installation and its liquid storage and transfer the liquid via a pipeline. This requires providing an insulated pipeline of sufficiently large diameter to ensure high filling rates.

[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 installation according to the invention, moreover in accordance with the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that the ends of the at least one transfer pipe are separated from each other by a distance of between 40m and 20km, that is to say that at least part of the liquefaction unit is offset from the cryogenic storage by a distance of between 40m and 20km.

[0007] Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: the liquefaction unit comprises a gaseous fuel pre-cooling device configured to cool the gaseous fuel to a first temperature of between 50 and 120K and for example 80K, the pre-cooling device comprising for example at least one of: a cycle fluid refrigerator, for example nitrogen, at least one heat transfer fluid loop supplied by a source of liquefied fluid the liquefaction unit further comprising a gaseous fuel cooling device configured to cool the gaseous fuel from the first temperature to a second lower temperature of between 30 and 10K and for example 20K, the cooling device comprising at least one of: a cycle fluid refrigerator, for example hydrogen and / or helium,the gaseous fuel pre-cooling device is housed in a cold box and configured to receive a flow of gaseous fuel and cool this flow by heat exchange, the installation being configured to bring the flow of gaseous fuel at the outlet of the pre-cooling device to a first temperature of between 70 and 90K and a pressure of between 13 bar and 40 barg, for example between 20 and 30 barg, the gaseous fuel cooling device is housed in a cold box and configured to receive a flow of gaseous fuel and cool this flow by heat exchange, the installation being configured to bring the flow of gaseous fuel to the liquid state at the outlet of the cooling device to a second temperature of between 15 and 25K and a pressure of between 13 barg and 40 barg, for example between 20 and 30 barg,the pre-cooling device and the gaseous fuel cooling device are housed in separate cold boxes located respectively at the two ends of the transfer line, i.e. are separated from each other by a distance of between 40m and 20km, the cooling device being adjacent to the cryogenic storage, the installation is configured to maintain the gaseous fuel circulating in the transfer line between the two cold boxes at a second temperature of between 70 and 90K and a pressure of between 13 bar and 40 barg, the pre-cooling device and the cooling device are located at the same end of the transfer line, i.e. are separated from the cryogenic storage by a distance of between 40m and 20km, , - the pre-cooling device and the cooling device are housed in the same cold box, - the transfer line has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the filling line, - the transfer pipe is a thermally insulated vacuum pipe, - the installation includes a vaporization gas recovery circuit from the liquefied fuel, the recovery circuit comprising a first end connected to the downstream end of the filling line and a second downstream end connected to the liquefaction unit, the recovery circuit being configured to collect and send vaporization gases into the liquefaction unit for liquefaction in the liquefaction unit, - at least part of the recovery circuit is associated with at least part of the transfer pipe in the same envelope, - the recovery circuit comprises at least one of: a buffer tank for storing the recovered vaporization gas, a compressor for the recovered vaporization gas, - the installation comprises several cryogenic storage units connected in parallel to the transfer line via a set of valve(s), each cryogenic storage unit comprising a respective filling line, - the cryogenic storage and filling line form an aircraft tank filling station and are located at an airport terminal.

[0008] According to other possible particularities:

[0009] 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.

[0010] Other features and advantages will appear on reading the description below, given with reference to the figures in which: Brief description of the figures

[0011] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0012] [Fig-1] is a schematic and partial view illustrating according to a first mode of realization lization of the invention,

[0013] [Fig.2] is a schematic and partial view illustrating according to a second mode of realization lization of the invention,

[0014] [Fig.3] is a schematic and partial view illustrating according to a third mode of realization lization of the invention. Detailed description

[0015] In all the figures, the same references refer to the same elements.

[0016] In this detailed description, the following embodiments are examples. Although that the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not mean that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined and / or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0017] The illustrated installation 1 is configured to ensure the production and distribution of a fuel in the form of cryogenic fluid, in particular liquefied hydrogen, to fill at least one tank 7 of a vehicle (airplane, boat, truck or other).

[0018] The installation 1 comprises a unit 2, 3 for liquefying a gaseous fuel, at least one cryogenic storage 4 configured to receive the fuel liquefied by the liquefaction unit 2, 3 via a transfer pipe 5 and a liquid filling pipe 6 to ensure filling from the cryogenic storage 4.

[0019] The hydrogen gas that is liquefied by the liquefaction unit 2, 3 may be supplied by a methane reformer ("SMR"), an electrolyzer or come from a gas network. The hydrogen gas may be purified before being liquefied.

[0020] The liquefaction unit may comprise a device 2 for pre-cooling the gaseous fuel configured to cool the gaseous fuel to a first temperature of between 50 and 120K and for example 80K. This pre-cooling device 2 may comprise for example at least one of: a cycle fluid refrigerator, for example nitrogen or gas mixture, at least one heat transfer fluid loop supplied by a fluid source.

[0021] The liquefaction unit comprises a device 3 for cooling the gaseous fuel configured to cool the gaseous fuel from the first temperature to a second lower temperature and comprised for example between 30 and 10K and for example 20K. This cooling device 3 comprises at least one of: a cycle fluid refrigerator, for example hydrogen and / or helium. The cycle gas is subjected to a thermodynamic cycle to generate, at one end of the cycle (cold end), a cold power which is transmitted by heat exchange with the fluid to be liquefied. This cycle includes a compression of the cycle gas (low then higher pressure), a cooling of the cycle gas, an expansion of the cycle gas then a reheating before restarting the cycle.

[0022] Note that gaseous fuel (hydrogen for example) can be used as a cycle gas (hydrogen cycle).

[0023] The pre-cooling device 2 can be housed in a cold box (insulated thermally, for example under vacuum). The refrigeration device 3 is arranged in the same cold box or a separate cold box.

[0024] According to an advantageous feature, the ends of the transfer pipe 5 are separated from each other by a distance of between 40m and 20km, for example between 100m and 15km and preferably between 1 and 3km. That is to say that the liquefaction unit 2, 3 is offset from the cryogenic storage 4 by a distance of between 40m and 20km. Thus, the pre-cooling device 2 and the cooling device 3 are at the same end of the transfer pipe 5, that is to say are separated from the cryogenic storage 4 by a distance of between 40m and 20km.

[0025] This makes it possible to minimize the diameter of the transfer pipe 5 (i.e. the pipe 5 carrying the fuel fluid, in particular when it is liquefied) between the liquefaction unit 2, 3 and the cryogenic storage 8 (the flow rate in this pipe 3 being able to be an average continuous flow rate defined by the liquefaction capacity of the unit 2, 3). This also makes it possible to minimize the length of the filling pipe 6 and which can be sized for larger ones (maximum filling flow rates greater than the flow rate at the outlet of the liquefaction unit).

[0026] As illustrated, the liquefaction unit is remote, the footprint at the filling station (airport terminal for example) is reduced.

[0027] [Fig. 2] illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the pre-cooling device 2 and the gaseous fuel cooling device 3 are located respectively at the two ends of the transfer pipe 5, i.e. they are separated from each other by a distance of between 40m and 20km, the cooling device 3 being adjacent to the cryogenic storage 4. That is to say that a part of the liquefaction unit is moved away from the filling station (the hydrogen pre-cooling part for example) and the pre-cooled hydrogen is transported by the transfer pipe 5 to the final cooling and liquefaction part (called the “20K cycle”).

[0028] For example, the cooling device 3 may be connected adjacent to the cryogenic storage 4.

[0029] In particular, in the schematic representation of [Fig. 2], the installation 1 comprises a single transfer pipe 5 connecting the pre-cooling device 2 and the cooling device 3. Of course, this configuration is in no way limiting. In particular, the installation 1 could comprise several parallel transfer pipes 5 transferring the pre-cooled gaseous fuel (for example two, three, four, five or more transfer lines 5). An advantage of the embodiment of [Fig. 2] compared to those of [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 3] is that the length of the pipe(s) 5 for transferring the very cold fuel (liquefied produced via the device 3) is greater than that of the transfer pipe(s) 5. cooling) is shortened. The transfer between the pre-cooling device 2 and the cooling device 3 is carried out at a relatively higher temperature than in the variant of [Fig. 1], this requires less insulation compared to [Fig. 1].

[0030] The embodiment variant of [Fig. 3] differs from that of [Fig. 2] essentially in that it comprises several cryogenic storages 4 connected in parallel to the transfer pipe 5 via a set of valve(s) (10). As illustrated, each cryogenic storage 8 may comprise a respective filling pipe 6. For example, each cryogenic storage 8 and its respective filling pipe 6 may be located in a respective distribution terminal.

[0031] In addition, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the installation 1 may comprise a circuit 8 for recovering vaporization gas from the liquefied fuel (“boil-off” in English). The recovery circuit 8 comprises a first end preferably connected to the downstream end of each filling pipe 6 and a second downstream end connected to the liquefaction unit 2, 3. This recovery circuit 8 is configured to collect the vaporization gas (present in the tanks before filling and / or generated during or after filling, in particular in the filling pipe 6) and send these vaporization gases to the liquefaction unit for liquefaction. As illustrated, this vaporization gas may be stored in a buffer tank 11 before being compressed in a compressor on the filling station side and then sent, for example, to the low-pressure part of the cycle of the liquefaction unit.Of course, the compressor 12 and the buffer tank can be located remotely from the storage(s) (for example at the level of the liquefaction unit).

[0032] As illustrated, the transfer of this vaporization gas to the remote liquefaction unit 2, 3 can pass through a pipe housed in a casing or tube 9 (insulated and preferably under vacuum and provided with a heat shield) also housing part of the transfer pipe 5. A heat exchange may in particular be provided or not between these two adjacent pipes.

[0033] As shown schematically, the filling pipes 6 preferably comprise a pump 16.

[0034] Furthermore, a heater 13 (exchanger for example) can be provided between the compressor 11 and the buffer tank 11.

Claims

Claims

1. Installation for producing and distributing a fuel in the form of a cryogenic fluid consisting of liquefied hydrogen, for filling at least one vehicle tank (7), the installation (1) comprising a unit (2, 3) for liquefying a gaseous fuel, at least one cryogenic storage (4) configured to receive the fuel liquefied by the liquefaction unit (2, 3) via at least one transfer pipe (5) comprising two ends, the installation (1) further comprising at least one liquid filling pipe (6) comprising an upstream end connected to the cryogenic storage (4) and a downstream end configured to be connected to the tank(s) (7) to be filled, the ends of the at least one transfer pipe (5) being separated from each other by a distance of between 40m and 20km, i.e. at least part of the liquefaction unit (2, 3) is remote from cryogenic storage (4) by a distance of between 40m and 20km,characterized in that the liquefaction unit (2, 3) comprises a device (2) for pre-cooling the gaseous fuel configured to cool the gaseous fuel to a first temperature of between 50 and 120K and for example 80K, the pre-cooling device (2) comprising for example at least one of: a cycle fluid refrigerator, for example nitrogen, at least one heat transfer fluid loop supplied by a source of liquefied fluid, the liquefaction unit (2, 3) further comprising a device (3) for cooling the gaseous fuel configured to cool the gaseous fuel from the first temperature to a second lower temperature of between 30 and 10K and for example 20K, the cooling device (3) comprising at least one of: a cycle fluid refrigerator,for example hydrogen and / or helium and in that it comprises several cryogenic storages (4) connected in parallel to the transfer pipe (5) via a set of valve(s) (10), each cryogenic storage (8) comprising a respective filling pipe (6).,

2. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (2) for pre-cooling the gaseous fuel is housed in a cold box and configured to receive a flow of gaseous fuel and cool this flow by heat exchange, the installation (1) being configured to bring the flow of gaseous fuel to the outlet of the device (2) for pre- cooling to a first temperature between 70 and 90K and a pressure between 13 bar and 40 barg, for example between 20 and 30 barg.

3. Installation according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the device (3) for cooling the gaseous fuel is housed in a cold box and configured to receive a flow of gaseous fuel and cool this flow by heat exchange, the installation (1) being configured to bring the flow of gaseous fuel to the liquid state at the outlet of the cooling device (3) at a second temperature of between 15 and 25K and a pressure of between 13 barg and 40 barg, for example between 20 and 30 barg.

4. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pre-cooling device (2) and the gaseous fuel cooling device (3) are housed in separate cold boxes located respectively at the two ends of the transfer pipe (5), that is to say are separated from each other by a distance of between 40m and 20km, the cooling device (3) being adjacent to the cryogenic storage (4).

5. Installation according to claim 4 characterized in that it is configured to maintain the gaseous fuel circulating in the transfer pipe (5) between the two cold boxes at a second temperature between 70 and 90K and a pressure between 13 bar and 40 barg.

6. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pre-cooling device (2) and the cooling device (3) are located at the same end of the transfer pipe (5), that is to say are distant from the cryogenic storage (4) by a distance of between 40m and 20km.

7. Installation according to claim 6 characterized in that the pre-cooling device (2) and the cooling device (3) are housed in the same cold box.

8. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the transfer pipe (5) has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the filling pipe (6).

9. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the transfer pipe (5) is a thermally insulated vacuum pipe.

10. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 9 characterized in that it comprises a circuit (8) for recovering vaporization gas from the liquefied fuel, the recovery circuit comprising a first end connected to the downstream end of the filling pipe (6) and a second downstream end connected to the liquefaction unit (2, 3), the recovery circuit (8) being configured to collect and send vaporization gases into the liquefaction unit for the purpose of their liquefaction in the liquefaction unit (2, 3).

11. Installation according to claims 9 and 10 characterized in that at least part of the recovery circuit (8) is associated with at least part of the transfer pipe (5) in the same envelope (9).

12. Installation according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the recovery circuit (8) comprises at least one of: a buffer tank (11) for storing the recovered vaporization gas, a compressor (12) for the recovered vaporization gas.

13. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 12 characterized in that the cryogenic storage (4) and the filling pipe (6) form a filling station for tanks (7) of fuel in the form of cryogenic fluid to fill at least one tank (7) of a vehicle, for example an airplane, boat or truck, for example the cryogenic storage (4) and the filling pipe (6) are located at an airport terminal.

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