Hydrogen tank filling device.

Abstract

A pressurized hydrogen tank filling device, 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 remove at least part of 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 for the hydrogen flow, - a fluid 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 fluid switching device.based on data from the data acquisition device (19). Figure from the abstract: 1,

Description

Title of the invention: 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 filling station comprising the filling device. The tank is, in particular, that of a vehicle.

[0002] This refers in particular to 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 require to be supplied with very pure hydrogen.

[0004] A wealth of literature has described the impacts of impurities (such as water, CO, H2S) in hydrogen on the performance and lifespan of fuel cells. Strict standards have therefore been developed to ensure that the hydrogen delivered to the tanks does not damage the fuel cells (see, for example, ISO 14687:2019).

[0005] Known industrial processes for manufacturing hydrogen do not make it possible to ensure such a level of purity continuously.

[0006] To guarantee a certain 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 being treated is then permanently subjected to the pressure drops associated with the purification system, which is detrimental if the gas subsequently needs to be re-compressed.

[0007] Therefore, there appears to be a need to develop a hydrogen tank(s) filling device that would overcome 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 flow of hydrogen from a hydrogen source to a tank to be filled, the transfer line including: - a system for purifying the hydrogen stream supplied by the source (supplied hydrogen stream), configured to remove at least some of the impurities contained in the supplied hydrogen stream and thus produce purified hydrogen, the filling device comprising: - a bypass route for the purification system, configured to bypass at least part of the hydrogen flow, - a fluid switching device configured to circulate the flow of hydrogen 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 the hydrogen from the source is free of impurities, the bypass allows the hydrogen circulating in the filling device to bypass the purification system. The hydrogen flow thus no longer experiences the pressure losses associated with the purification system, and the delivery of the hydrogen flow to the tank consumes less energy.

[0010] Depending on the embodiment considered, the invention may include one or more of the following features: - the transfer line includes an upstream end intended to be connected to the hydrogen source to supply the hydrogen filling device, - the transfer line includes a downstream end intended to be connected to a pipe or a tank filling port, - the bypass route includes at least one branch fluidically connected to the transfer line so as to bypass at least part of the purification system in the hydrogen flow, - The fluid switching device includes a bypass valve arranged on the bypass branch to allow, prohibit, or regulate the flow of hydrogen through the bypass branch. The data acquisition device is configured to measure the concentration of impurities in the hydrogen stream supplied by the source, specifically in the transfer line upstream of the purification system. For example, the data acquisition device is configured to measure the concentration of carbon monoxide. Specifically, the data acquisition device includes at least one analyzer for measuring the concentration of impurities in the supplied hydrogen stream. The acquisition device includes, 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 a prediction data of a concentration of hnpurity(ies) in the hydrogen stream supplied by the source, in particular a data relating to a probability that the concentration of hnpurity(ies) in the hydrogen stream 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, by for example, atmospheric pressure or temperature, - the data acquisition device is configured to receive a setpoint relating to hydrogen for filling the tank(s), in particular a setpoint 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 fluid switching device, based on said concentration measurement, based on said prediction data, based on said environmental data, based on said setpoint, and / or based on data relating to a malfunction of the source or relating to a malfunction or maintenance of the purification system, - The filling device includes a fluid connection fitting between the transfer line and the bypass channel, the fitting being located on the transfer line, upstream of the purification system, - The transfer line includes a device for removing sulfur and / or halogenated compounds, comprising at least one guard bed configured to retain said compounds, notably by adsorption. In particular, the bypass path is configured to allow the hydrogen flow to bypass the device for removing sulfur and / or halogenated compounds. - The device for removing sulfur and / or halogenated compounds is located upstream of the purification system. Specifically, the device for removing sulfur and / or halogenated compounds is located upstream of the connection. - The fluid switching device includes a shutter arranged on the transfer line upstream of the purification system and in particular downstream of the fitting to allow, prohibit or regulate the flow of hydrogen through the purification system, - at least one sensor for measuring the impurity concentration is placed on the transfer line, upstream of the shutter, - at least one sensor for measuring the impurity concentration and the shutter delimit a portion called the upstream portion of the transfer line, - the upstream portion includes the device for removing sulfur and / or halogenated compounds, - the upstream section, in particular the guard bed(s), is sized such that the travel time of the hydrogen flow in the upstream section is longer than the measurement time of the impurity concentration by the acquisition device data, added to the shutter's operating time between a position where said shutter allows hydrogen flow through the purification system and a position where said shutter prohibits such flow, - The purification system is configured to produce hydrogen purified to over 98% purity, preferably over 99% purity. - the purification system includes at least one adsorbent bed and / or at least one catalytic bed, - The purification system includes a deoxygenation and / or drying unit. - The deoxygenation and drying unit includes a catalytic deoxygenation reactor (deoxo unit) followed by a dryer. The dryer includes, 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 some of the 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. - at least one bypass branch includes a first bypass branch fluidically connected to the transfer line so as to bypass the deoxygenation and drying unit with the hydrogen flow, - The fitting is a first fitting, and the filling device includes a second fluid connection fitting between the bypass channel and the transfer line. The second fitting is located on the transfer line, downstream of the deoxygenation and / or drying unit. The first bypass branch is fluidically connected to the transfer line between the first and second fittings. - The bypass valve is arranged on the first bypass branch and configured to allow, prohibit, or regulate the flow of hydrogen in the first bypass branch. - The purification system includes at least one adsorption separation device configured to remove at least some of the carbon monoxide contained in the hydrogen stream, particularly in the hydrogen stream depleted of aqueous compounds and / or carbon dioxide, and to obtain a hydrogen stream depleted of carbon monoxide. The adsorption separation device is specifically configured to be pressure and / or temperature modulated and includes at least two adsorbers configured to operate according to a sequence of adsorption and regeneration steps. - The adsorption separation device is located on the transfer line downstream of the deoxygenation and / or drying unit, - at least one branch of the branch includes a second branch fluidly connected to the transfer line so as to bypass the hydrogen adsorption separation device, - The filling device includes a third fluid connection fitting between the bypass channel and the transfer line, and a fourth fluid connection fitting between the bypass channel and the transfer line. The third fitting is located on the transfer line upstream of the adsorption separation device, and the fourth fitting is located on the transfer line downstream of the adsorption separation device. The second bypass branch is fluidically connected to the transfer line between the first third fitting and the fourth fitting. The third fitting is specifically located on the transfer line downstream of the deoxygenation and / or drying unit. - the bypass valve is a first bypass valve and the fluid switching device includes a second bypass valve arranged on the second bypass branch and configured to allow, prohibit or regulate the flow of hydrogen in the second bypass branch, - the shutter is a first shutter and the fluid switching device includes a second shutter arranged on the transfer line downstream of the third fitting and upstream of the adsorption separation device, to allow, prohibit or regulate the flow of hydrogen through the adsorption separation device, The filling device includes a vent fluidically connected to the transfer line upstream of the purification system. The control unit is configured to operate the vent and discharge the hydrogen stream to the atmosphere through the vent when the characteristics of the hydrogen stream supplied by the source, particularly its composition, deviate from a specification for tank-filling hydrogen by more than a critical threshold value. Specifically, the control unit is configured to discharge the hydrogen stream when a measured impurity concentration, such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aqueous compounds, and / or oxygen, in the hydrogen stream exceeds a given concentration level. - The data acquisition device is configured to measure, upstream of the vent, the concentration of impurities in the hydrogen stream. The data acquisition device includes, in particular, at least one sensor arranged to measure the concentration of impurities, including the concentration of carbon monoxide, in the hydrogen stream upstream of the vent. - The filling device includes an isolation valve located on the transfer line downstream of the vent fluid connection to the transfer line and upstream of the purification system, configured to allow or prevent the flow of hydrogen flow. The control unit is specifically configured to control the vent and discharge the hydrogen flow when the characteristics of the hydrogen flow deviate from a specification for tank filling hydrogen by more than a critical threshold value. - The transfer line includes a hydrogen compression module between the source and the tank, the compression module being configured to compress the purified hydrogen to a pressure greater than 350 bar, preferably greater than 700 bar, preferably greater than 1000 bar. Preferably, the compression module is configured to fill the tank to a pressure between 350 and 700 bar. - The compression module is arranged on the transfer line downstream of the purification system, - The transfer line includes a purified hydrogen liquefaction module, configured to fill the tank with liquid hydrogen, - the hydrogen liquefaction module is arranged on the transfer line downstream of the purification system, specifically downstream of the compression module.

[0011] The invention also relates to a hydrogen tank filling station for vehicles, the filling station comprising a filling device as described above. This could be, for example, a filling station for semi-trailer type vehicles, particularly hydrogen storage trailers.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the filling station includes a filling line connected to the downstream end of the transfer line of the filling device, the filling line being intended to be removably connected to a tank, for filling 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 following steps: - supplying a hydrogen stream from a hydrogen source, the hydrogen stream possibly comprising at least one impurity such as sulfur and / or halogen compounds, oxygen, aqueous compounds, carbon dioxide and / or carbon monoxide, - supplying a hydrogen tank(s) filling device with the provided hydrogen flow, the filling device comprising a system for purifying the supplied hydrogen flow and a fluidic switching device, - acquisition of data determining the absence of a need for purification of the supplied hydrogen stream or data relating to a malfunction or a maintenance of the purification system, - control of the fluid switching device so as to bypass at least part of the purification system by at least part of the supplied hydrogen flow.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the process comprises the following steps: - Acquisition of data to determine the need for purification of the supplied hydrogen stream, - controlling the fluid switching device to circulate the hydrogen flow supplied through the purification system, - purification of the hydrogen stream circulating through the purification system and production of purified hydrogen.

[0016] The process includes, in particular, a step of filling a tank with the fed hydrogen stream or with purified hydrogen. The tank is filled with hydrogen. The process may also include, prior to the filling step, a step of compressing the fed 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 between 350 and 700 bar. The process may also include, prior to the filling step, a step of liquefying the fed 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 "traders," or the fuel reserve of a vehicle such as a truck or a boat.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the process comprises the following steps: - measurement of impurity concentration in the supplied hydrogen stream or in the hydrogen being fed, - calculation of the difference between the measured concentration and a setpoint for the impurity concentration, - Determination of the absence of a 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 deviation is greater than the predetermined threshold value. In particular, the process includes a step of measuring the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO), oxygen and / or aqueous compounds in the supplied hydrogen stream or in the fed hydrogen stream.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the process comprises the following steps: - Acquisition of a predictive data point for the concentration of impurities in the supplied hydrogen stream, - calculation of the difference between the predicted concentration and a setpoint value for impurity concentration, - Determination of the absence of a 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 deviation is greater than the predetermined threshold value. In particular, the step of acquiring predictive data includes determining the probability that the impurity concentration will exceed a given concentration level. Specifically, the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO), oxygen, and / or aqueous compounds is predicted.

[0019] In particular, the step of measuring an impurity concentration takes place continuously. Alternatively, the step of measuring an impurity concentration takes place intermittently depending on the probability that the impurity concentration exceeds a given concentration level.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the process comprises the following steps: - acquisition of environmental data, such as a condition external to the filling device, - calculation of the difference between the acquired environmental data and a reference environmental condition, - Determination of the absence of a 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 deviation is greater than the predetermined threshold value. 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.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the process 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 the purity of the filling hydrogen, - calculation of the difference between the measured purity and the setpoint, - Determination of the absence of a 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 deviation is greater than the predetermined threshold value.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the process comprises the following steps: - Acquisition of data relating to a malfunction of the source, including an alert on the operation of the source, - determination of a need for purification of the supplied hydrogen stream.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the process includes a step of removing at least some of the sulfur and / or halogenated compounds from the fed hydrogen stream.

[0024] According to one feature of the process, 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 temperature-modulated adsorption drying step includes a step for removing at least some of the carbon dioxide from the hydrogen circulating through the purification system.

[0025] According to one feature of the process, the purification step comprises the following steps: - removal of at least some of the carbon monoxide from the hydrogen stream circulating through the purification system, in particular from the hydrogen stream depleted in oxygen and / or aqueous compounds. The step of removing at least part of the carbon monoxide is done in particular by adsorption modulated by temperature and / or pressure.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the process comprises the following steps: - calculation of the difference between the measured concentration and a setpoint for the impurity concentration, - opening of a vent if the calculated deviation is greater than a predetermined critical threshold value, - discharge, upstream of the purification system, of the hydrogen flow supplied through the open vent.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the process comprises the following steps: - measurement of the concentration of oxygen (O2) and / or aqueous compounds in the supplied hydrogen stream or in the fed hydrogen stream, - calculation of the difference between the measured oxygen (O2) concentration and a setpoint for oxygen (O2) concentration and / or calculation of the difference between the measured concentration of aqueous compounds and a setpoint for aqueous compound concentration, - Determination of no need for purification of the supplied hydrogen stream if the calculated deviations are less than a predetermined threshold value, closure of the first shutter and opening of the first bypass valve, - determination of a need for purification of the supplied hydrogen flow if a calculated deviation is greater than the predetermined threshold value, opening of the first shutter and closing of the first bypass valve.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the process comprises the following steps: - measuring the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) in the supplied hydrogen stream or in the fed hydrogen stream, - calculation of the difference between the measured carbon monoxide concentration and a setpoint for carbon monoxide concentration, - Determination of no need for purification of the supplied hydrogen stream if the calculated deviation is less than a predetermined threshold value, closure of the second shutter and opening of the second bypass valve, - determination of a need for purification of the supplied hydrogen flow if the calculated deviation is greater than the predetermined threshold value, opening of the second shutter and closing of the second bypass valve.

[0029] The process is implemented in particular using the device described above.

[0030] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, made with reference to the single figure [Fig.1] which represents a schematic and partial view illustrating a possible example of implementation of the invention.

[0031] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the invention relates to a hydrogen tank filling device. The device comprises a transfer line 1, the upstream end of which is connected to a hydrogen source 2, thus supplying the filling device with hydrogen (fed hydrogen). The downstream end is connected to bulk hydrogen transport tanks 3, also called "traders," to be filled with hydrogen (filling hydrogen). The hydrogen source can conventionally be a hydrogen gas network with a pressure between 1.3 bar abs (absolute bar) and 200 bar abs, a hydrogen production unit such as an electrolyzer, a natural gas reformer ("SMR"), a methanol or ammonia cracking unit, an autothermal reformer ("ATR"), or a partial oxidation ("POX") unit.Hydrogen source 2 provides a hydrogen stream that may include at least one impurity such as sulfur and / or halogen compounds, oxygen, aqueous compounds, carbon dioxide and / or carbon monoxide.

[0032] The transfer line 1 includes a device for removing sulfur and / or halogenated compounds. The device for removing sulfur and / or halogenated compounds includes a first bottle 4 comprising a first guard bed and a second bottle 5 comprising a second guard bed. During the 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 becoming progressively saturated with said compounds until they need to be changed.

[0033] The purification system is configured to remove at least part of an impurity contained in the hydrogen stream supplied by the source, thus 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 with the aid of a catalyst.

[0034] The purification system includes a unit for deoxygenating and drying hydrogen freed from these sulfur and / or halogenated compounds. The deoxygenation and drying unit includes a catalytic deoxygenation reactor 6, in which an oxygen impurity reacts with a portion of the hydrogen in contact with a catalyst, thus generating water. The deoxygenation and drying unit also includes a temperature-controlled adsorption unit (TSA unit) 7, which separates carbon dioxide and aqueous compounds, including water generated by the deoxygenation reactor, from the hydrogen supplied by the source. The TSA unit 7 thus functions as a dryer. The TSA unit 7 produces a residual gas enriched in carbon dioxide. The TSA unit 7 includes 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.

[0035] The purification system includes an adsorption separation device 8 configured to separate at least a portion of the carbon monoxide from the hydrogen stream 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 pressure and / or temperature modulated and comprises at least two adsorbers configured to operate according to a sequence of adsorption and regeneration steps.

[0036] The purification system in the embodiment shown is configured to produce hydrogen purified to more than 99% purity. The purified hydrogen notably conforms to grade D of ISO 14687:2019, corresponding to hydrogen use for mobility.

[0037] The filling device includes a first bypass branch 9 and a second bypass branch 10 which, together with a portion of the transfer line 1 located between the deoxygenation and drying unit and the adsorption separation device 8, constitute a bypass path to allow, if necessary, at least some of the hydrogen to bypass the deoxygenation and drying unit and / or the adsorption separation device 8. The first bypass branch 9 includes a first bypass valve 11 which allows the first bypass branch 9 to be at least partially opened or closed. The first bypass branch 9 is fluidly connected to the transfer line 1 at a point first fitting 13 and a second fitting 14. The second branch branch 10 includes a second bypass valve 12 which allows the second branch branch 10 to be at least partially opened or closed. The second branch branch 10 is fluidly connected to the transfer line 1 at a third fitting 15 and a fourth fitting 16.

[0038] A first shutter 17 is arranged on the transfer line 1 and prevents the flow of hydrogen through the purification system. Furthermore, a second shutter 18 is arranged on the transfer line 1 and prevents the flow of hydrogen through the adsorption separation device 8.

[0039] The obturators and bypass valves constitute a fluid switching device controllable by a control unit 20.

[0040] By "bypass of the purification system configured to bypass the purification system with hydrogen supplied by the source" or "bypass of the purification system with hydrogen supplied by the source", it must be understood that the hydrogen does not undergo any purification in the bypass or during the bypass.

[0041] Thanks to these branch branches, the filling device can operate, according to a setpoint of 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.

[0042] The filling device includes a data acquisition device 19 capable of measuring the concentration of various impurities in the hydrogen supplied by the source and flowing through the transfer line 1. The data acquisition device 19 includes an analyzer for measuring the impurity concentration in the supplied hydrogen, as well as a set of sensors including a carbon monoxide sensor 21, an aqueous compounds sensor 22, and an oxygen sensor 23. The sensors are arranged upstream of the purification system. The analyzer may typically include a chromatograph, a spectrometer, or a laser. Carbon monoxide (CO) typically serves as a quality marker for hydrogen intended for fuel cells.

[0043] 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 removing sulfur and / or halogenated compounds. In other words, the device for removing sulfur and / or halogenated compounds is disposed downstream of the impurity measurement sensor and upstream of the first shutter 17 and / or the second shutter 18.

[0044] The data acquisition device 19 can receive an instruction relating to The filling hydrogen, such as a setpoint for the purity of the filling hydrogen, is monitored. When a setpoint for a lower purity level is received, the purity level of the supplied hydrogen can be measured and compared to the setpoint. This bypass method allows the purification system to be at least partially circumvented, thus avoiding excessive purification of the hydrogen supplied by the source and producing over-quality hydrogen.

[0045] The data acquisition device 19 can also receive a prediction of the concentration of the impurities in the hydrogen supplied by the source, for example, during a phase in which the probability that the hydrogen supplied by the source contains too many impurities is high, such as a hazardous phase. The data acquisition device 19 can thus receive an indication of the nature of the hydrogen source 2, in particular an indication of a change from one source of a given type to another source of a different type: the prediction can thus be made based on the origin of the hydrogen.

[0046] The filling device includes a vent 25 arranged to be opened or closed by the control unit 20 and to discharge the supplied hydrogen when, for example, the composition of the hydrogen supplied by the source deviates too far from a specification for filling the tank. The vent 25 is fluidly connected to the transfer line 1 upstream of the purification system and includes a discharge line 28 equipped with a discharge valve 26 capable of opening or closing the discharge line 28. The filling device includes an isolation valve 27 located on the transfer line 1 downstream of the vent 25, which allows the flow of the supplied hydrogen upstream of the purification system to be blocked. 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.

[0047] The data acquisition device 19 can receive data relating to a malfunction of the source that could cause an abnormally high presence of impurities. 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 fluid switching device so as to circulate the hydrogen through at least a part of the purification system and thus purify the hydrogen.

[0048] The data acquisition device 19 can also receive data relating to a malfunction of the purification system, such as an indication that the pressure-modulated adsorption separation device 8 is tripping. Alternatively, the data acquisition device 19 can receive data relating to scheduled maintenance of the purification system. In these cases, the The data acquisition device 19 controls the fluid switching device to bypass the malfunctioning purification system or the system requiring hydrogen maintenance. The vent 25 can also be opened to discharge the hydrogen supplied to the filling system and stop refilling the tanks when it is determined that the quality of the hydrogen supplied by the source is insufficient due to an excessive presence of impurities.

[0049] The control unit 20 is programmed to implement the following steps: - calculation of a difference (in absolute value) between the measured concentration and a setpoint value for the impurity concentration, - Determination of the absence of a need for hydrogen purification if the difference is less than a predetermined threshold value. Regardless of the type of data acquired for the determination, the predetermined threshold value can be equal to zero. - determination of a need for purification of the supplied hydrogen if the deviation is greater than the predetermined threshold value. The control unit 20 is also programmed to implement similar steps for other types of data received, such as a malfunction of the source or purification system, a hydrogen filling purity setpoint, or a prediction data.

[0050] Depending on whether a need for purification is determined or not, the control unit 20 controls the fluid switching device so as to bypass at least part of the purification system for at least part of the supplied hydrogen, or conversely, to circulate the supplied hydrogen through at least part of the purification system, in order to purify the supplied or unsupplied hydrogen. In particular, when a need for purification of aqueous compounds and / or oxygen is established, the first shutter 17 is opened and the first bypass valve 11 is closed. Conversely, the first shutter 17 is closed and the first bypass valve 11 is opened if no need is established. Furthermore, when a need for purification of carbon monoxide is established, the second shutter 18 is opened and the second bypass valve 12 is closed.Conversely, the second shutter 18 is closed and the second bypass valve 12 is open if there is no need.

[0051] The upstream portion 24 and the guard beds are dimensioned so that the travel time of 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 a circulation of hydrogen through the purification system and a position where said shutter 17, 18 prohibits such circulation.

[0052] The sensors, the data acquisition device 19, the driver device and the valves and shutters are connected together by means of electrical and / or digital connection (represented by dotted lines in the figure), where appropriate of the "wireless" type.

[0053] Furthermore, the transfer line 1 is provided with a compression module 29 for the purified or fed hydrogen. In an embodiment not shown, the transfer line 1 includes a hydrogen liquefaction module arranged on the transfer line 1 downstream of the purification system. This makes it 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 selected from a diaphragm compressor or a piston compressor. A bypass line allows, if necessary, at least a portion of the fed or purified hydrogen to bypass the compression module. The bypass line includes an actuable valve to, if necessary, bypass the hydrogen compression module.

[0054] The invention introduces greater flexibility. The TSA unit and the adsorption separation device 8 may require hydrogen for their regeneration. When priority is given to preserving the hydrogen product, the bypass pathway allows the hydrogen circulating in the filling device to bypass the TSA unit and / or the adsorption separation device 8, and these can remain stationary. Thus, no hydrogen is lost in the regeneration of the TSA unit and / or the adsorption separation device 8.

Claims

Demands

1. A 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 remove at least part of 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 for the hydrogen flow, - a fluid 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 fluid switching device, based on data from the data acquisition device (19).

2. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the bypass path includes at least one bypass branch fluidically connected to the transfer line (1) so as to bypass at least a part of the purification system in the hydrogen flow.

3. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the fluid switching device includes a bypass valve (11, 12) arranged on the bypass branch to permit, prohibit or regulate the flow of hydrogen through the bypass branch.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluidic switching device includes a shutter (17, 18) arranged on the transfer line (1) upstream of the purification system to allow, prohibit or regulate the flow of hydrogen through the purification system.

5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data acquisition device (19) is configured to measure an impurity concentration in the hydrogen stream supplied by the source, upstream of the purification system, and comprises at least one sensor (21, 22, 23) measurement of impurity concentration.

6. A device according to claims 4 and 5, wherein at least one impurity concentration measurement sensor (21, 22, 23) and the shutter (17, 18) delimit an upstream portion (24) of the transfer line (1), the upstream portion (24) comprising a device for removing sulfur and / or halogenated compounds including at least one guard bed configured to retain said compounds, the upstream portion, in particular the guard bed(s), being dimensioned such that the travel time of the hydrogen flow in the upstream portion (24) is longer than the time required to measure the impurity concentration by the data acquisition device (19), plus the operating time of the shutter (17, 18) between a position where said shutter (17, 18) allows the hydrogen flow to circulate through the purification system and a position where said shutter (17, 18) prohibits such circulation.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the purification system comprises at least one adsorbent bed and / or at least one catalytic bed.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the purification system includes a deoxygenation and / or drying unit.

9. Device according to any one of claims 1 or 3 to 7 and according to claims 2 and 8, wherein at least one bypass branch comprises a first bypass branch (9) connected fluidly to the transfer line (1) so as to bypass the deoxygenation and drying unit with the hydrogen flow.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the purification system comprises at least one adsorption separation device (8) configured to remove at least some of the carbon monoxide contained in the hydrogen stream.

11. Device according to any one of claims 1 or 3 to 9 and according to claims 2 and 10, wherein at least one bypass branch comprises a second bypass branch (10) connected fluidly to the transfer line (1) so as to bypass the adsorption separation device (8) in the hydrogen flow.

12. Vehicle hydrogen tank(s) filling station, the filling station comprising a filling device according to one of the preceding claims.

13. A method for filling pressurized hydrogen tank(s), comprising the steps: - supplying a hydrogen stream from a hydrogen source (2), the hydrogen stream being able to include at least one impurity such as sulfur and / or halogenated compounds, oxygen, aqueous compounds, carbon dioxide and / or carbon monoxide; - supplying a hydrogen tank(s) filling device with the supplied hydrogen stream, the filling device comprising a system for purifying the supplied hydrogen stream and a fluidic switching device; - acquiring data to determine whether there is no need for purification of the supplied hydrogen stream or data relating to a malfunction or maintenance of the purification system.- control of the fluid switching device so as to bypass at least part of the purification system for at least part of the supplied hydrogen flow.

14. A method according to the preceding claim, comprising the following steps: - acquiring data to determine a need for purification of the supplied hydrogen stream, - controlling the fluidic switching device so as to circulate the supplied hydrogen stream through the purification system, - purifying the hydrogen stream circulating through the purification system and producing purified hydrogen.

15. A method according to any one of claims 13 or 14, comprising the following steps: - measuring an impurity concentration in the supplied hydrogen stream or in the fed hydrogen stream, - calculating a difference between the measured concentration and a setpoint value for the impurity concentration, - determining whether there is no need to purify the fed hydrogen stream if the calculated difference is less than a predetermined threshold value, - determining whether there is a need to purify the fed hydrogen stream if the calculated difference is greater than the predetermined threshold value.

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