Facility and method for supplying liquefied hydrogen

Abstract

To provide a facility for supplying liquefied hydrogen.SOLUTION: A facility (1) comprises: a liquefier (3) configured to discharge liquefied hydrogen; a first liquefied hydrogen tank (4) configured to receive the liquefied hydrogen discharged from the liquefier (3); a transfer line (7) configured to transfer the liquefied hydrogen to a tank (30) to which the liquefied hydrogen should be charged from the first liquefied hydrogen tank (4); a second liquefied hydrogen tank (5) configured to receive the liquefied hydrogen coming from the first liquefied hydrogen tank (4); a pressurization system (6) configured to enable the second liquefied hydrogen tank (5) to be pressurized; and a vaporizing pipe (28) for connecting the second liquefied hydrogen tank (5) and / or the pressurization system (6) to the transfer line (7).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an installation for supplying liquefied hydrogen and a method for supplying liquefied hydrogen. [Background technology]

[0002] Hydrogen liquefiers are generally configured to produce liquid hydrogen without making it possible to ensure continuous operation. The liquid hydrogen produced by the liquefier is therefore stored in one or more liquefied hydrogen tanks from which the tanks to be filled, such as semi-trailers, are filled. From this, even when the liquefier is stopped, it remains capable of filling one or more tanks to be filled.

[0003] During the filling of the tank to be filled, it is necessary to carry out one or more steps of cleaning and / or purging the transfer lines used to transfer the liquefied hydrogen from the tank to be filled. These cleaning and / or purging steps are carried out using gaseous hydrogen under pressure, which comes from the high pressure cycle of the liquefier.

[0004] A problem arises when the liquefier is shut down, given that it becomes impossible to obtain gaseous hydrogen under pressure to clean and / or purge the transfer lines. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention seeks to effectively overcome these drawbacks by proposing an installation for the supply of liquefied hydrogen, which installation comprises: a source of gaseous hydrogen; a liquefier configured to be supplied with gaseous hydrogen by a supply source and to deliver liquefied hydrogen; a first liquefied hydrogen tank configured to receive liquefied hydrogen coming from a liquefier via a first supply pipe and configured to store this liquefied hydrogen at a pressure that is less than a first predetermined pressure; at least one transfer line configured to allow liquefied hydrogen to be transferred from a first liquefied hydrogen tank to a tank to be filled, where the transfer line is connected to the first liquefied hydrogen tank by at least one transfer pipe; a second liquefied hydrogen tank configured to receive liquefied hydrogen coming from the first liquefied hydrogen tank via a second supply pipe, in particular by gravity, where the second liquefied hydrogen tank is configured to store this liquefied hydrogen, a pressurization system configured to enable the second liquefied hydrogen tank to be pressurized at a second predetermined pressure, the second predetermined pressure being greater than the first predetermined pressure; at least one vaporization pipe connecting the second liquefied hydrogen tank and / or the pressurization system to the transfer line, in order to allow gaseous hydrogen under pressure to be transferred from the second liquefied hydrogen tank and / or the pressurization system to the transfer line, for example for the purpose of operations for purging or cleaning the transfer line; a vaporization system configured to heat gaseous hydrogen flowing through a vaporization pipe; Equipped with.

[0006] The present invention thus makes it possible to carry out cleaning or purging of pieces of equipment in a liquefaction facility, such as transfer lines, in a reliable manner.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the installation comprises a control unit configured to selectively transfer gaseous hydrogen under pressure from the second liquefied hydrogen tank and / or the pressurization system to the transfer line when the liquefier is shut down, e.g., for the purpose of operations to purge or clean the transfer line.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the installation comprises a set of isolation valves configured to fluidly isolate the second liquefied hydrogen tank from the first liquefied hydrogen tank and / or to fluidly isolate the second liquefied hydrogen tank from the transfer line, in particular to allow the second liquefied hydrogen tank to be pressurized.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the pressurization system comprises a pressurization pipe connecting the lower and upper parts of the second liquefied hydrogen tank and comprising an atmosphere heater for converting a portion of the liquefied hydrogen flowing in the pressurization pipe into gaseous hydrogen.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the first predetermined pressure is equal to 2 bara.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the second predetermined pressure is equal to 5 bara.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the transfer line is configured to allow hydrogen vapor to be transferred from the tank to be filled to the liquefier, the transfer line being connected to the liquefier by at least one vapor collecting pipe.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the vaporization pipe is connected to the liquefier, in particular via a purge pipe, to allow gaseous hydrogen under pressure to be transferred from the high pressure cycle of the liquefier to the transfer line, for example for the purpose of purging and / or cleaning the transfer line.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to selectively transfer gaseous hydrogen under pressure from the liquefier to the transfer line when the liquefier is operating, for example for purposes of purging or cleaning the transfer line.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the installation comprises a set of valves, e.g., control valves, each valve of the set mounted in one of the pipes and configured to selectively allow or prevent the passage of a fluid flowing through the pipe in which the valve is mounted.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control a set of valves to allow or prevent the passage of fluid.

[0017] The invention further relates to a method for supplying liquefied hydrogen by means of an installation as described for steam, said method comprising the steps of: -a) transferring liquefied hydrogen from a first liquefied hydrogen tank to a second liquefied hydrogen tank; -b) pressurizing the second liquefied hydrogen tank to a second predetermined pressure; - c) transferring gaseous hydrogen under pressure from a second liquefied hydrogen tank and / or a pressurization system to the transfer line, for example for the purpose of purging or cleaning the transfer line; Equipped with.

[0018] According to one embodiment, step b) is performed before step c), step b) being performed for a predetermined period of time configured in particular to allow the pressure in the second liquefied hydrogen tank to reach a second predetermined pressure.

[0019] According to one embodiment, steps a) and / or b) and / or c) are performed only when the liquefier is stopped.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the method comprises a step d) of transferring gaseous hydrogen under pressure from the liquefier to the transfer line, for example for the purpose of purging and / or cleaning the transfer line.

[0021] According to one embodiment, steps a), b) and c) are carried out consecutively.

[0022] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description and on examining the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of example only and do not limit the invention in any way. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an installation according to the invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the method according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] 1, an installation 1 for supplying liquefied hydrogen comprises a liquefier 3 and a gaseous hydrogen source 2. The liquefier 3 is configured to be supplied with gaseous hydrogen by the source 2 and to discharge liquefied hydrogen.

[0025] The installation 1 comprises a first liquefied hydrogen tank 4 configured to receive liquefied hydrogen coming from the liquefier 3 via a first supply pipe 21 and configured to store this liquefied hydrogen at a pressure that is less than a first predetermined pressure.

[0026] The first predetermined pressure is equal to 2 bara.

[0027] The installation 1 comprises at least one transfer line 7 configured to enable liquefied hydrogen to be transferred from the first liquefied hydrogen tank 4 to a tank 30 to be filled, such as a semi-trailer, the transfer line 7 being connected to the first liquefied hydrogen tank 4 by at least one transfer pipe 22.

[0028] The installation 1 comprises a second liquefied hydrogen tank 5 configured to receive liquefied hydrogen coming from the first liquefied hydrogen tank 4 via a second supply pipe 23, the second liquefied hydrogen tank 5 being configured to store this liquefied hydrogen.

[0029] The first liquefied hydrogen tank 4 and the second liquefied hydrogen tank 5 each have a wall separated by insulation.

[0030] The installation 1 comprises a pressurization system 6 configured to enable the second liquefied hydrogen tank 5 to be pressurized at a second predetermined pressure which is greater than the first predetermined pressure.

[0031] The second predetermined pressure is equal to 5 bara.

[0032] The installation 1 comprises at least one vaporization pipe 28 connecting the second liquefied hydrogen tank 5 and / or the pressurization system 6 to the transfer line 7 to enable gaseous hydrogen under pressure to be transferred from the second liquefied hydrogen tank 5 and / or the pressurization system 6 to the transfer line 7, for example for the purpose of operations to purge or clean the transfer line 7.

[0033] The installation 1 comprises a vaporization system 8 arranged to heat gaseous hydrogen flowing in a vaporization pipe 28 .

[0034] The vaporization system 8 is fluidly connected to a pressurized pipe 26 via a fluid inlet pipe 25 .

[0035] The installation 1 comprises a control unit configured to selectively transfer gaseous hydrogen under pressure from the second liquefied hydrogen tank 5 and / or the pressurization system 6 to the transfer line 7 when the liquefier 3 is shut down, for example for the purpose of purging or cleaning operations of the transfer line 7.

[0036] The installation 1 comprises a set of isolation valves 13, 15 configured to fluidly isolate the second liquefied hydrogen tank 5 from the first liquefied hydrogen tank 4 and / or to fluidly isolate the second liquefied hydrogen tank 5 from the transfer line 7, in particular to allow the second liquefied hydrogen tank 5 to be pressurized.

[0037] The pressurization system 6 includes pressurization pipes 24, 26 that connect the lower and upper parts of the second liquefied hydrogen tank 5 and are equipped with an atmosphere heater 9 for converting a portion of the liquefied hydrogen flowing in the pressurization pipes 24, 26 into gaseous hydrogen.

[0038] The transfer line 7 is configured to allow hydrogen vapor to be transferred from the tank 30 to be filled to the liquefier 3 , the transfer line 7 being connected to the liquefier 3 by at least one vapor collection pipe 29 .

[0039] The vaporization pipe 28 is connected to the liquefier 3, in particular via the purge pipe 27, to enable gaseous hydrogen under pressure to be transferred from the high pressure cycle of the liquefier 3 to the transfer line 7, for example for the purpose of purging and / or cleaning the transfer line 7.

[0040] The control unit is configured to selectively transfer gaseous hydrogen under pressure from the liquefier 3 to the transfer line 7 when the liquefier 3 is operating, for example for the purpose of purging or cleaning the transfer line 7.

[0041] The installation comprises a set of valves (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19), e.g. control valves, and each valve (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19) of the set is mounted in one of the pipes and configured to selectively allow or prevent the passage of a fluid flowing through the pipe in which the valve is mounted.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the set of valves (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19) to allow or prevent the passage of a fluid in the pipes in which the valves of the set are installed.

[0043] Figure 2 shows a method for supplying liquefied hydrogen by means of an installation 1 as described above. The method comprises the steps of: -a) transferring liquefied hydrogen from a first liquefied hydrogen tank 4 to a second liquefied hydrogen tank 5; -b) pressurizing the second liquefied hydrogen tank 5 to a second predetermined pressure; - c) transferring gaseous hydrogen under pressure from the second liquefied hydrogen tank 5 and / or the pressurization system 6 to the transfer line 7, for example for the purpose of purging or cleaning the transfer line 7; Equipped with.

[0044] Step b) is performed before step c).

[0045] Step b) is carried out for a predetermined period of time configured to allow the pressure in the second liquefied hydrogen tank 5 to reach a second predetermined pressure.

[0046] Steps a) and / or b) and / or c) are only performed when the liquefier 3 is shut down. This allows for example cleaning and / or purging of the transfer line 7 to be performed even when the liquefier 3 is shut down or unavailable, or when it is no longer possible to supply liquefied hydrogen as an alternative.

[0047] The method comprises a step d) of transferring gaseous hydrogen under pressure from the liquefier 3 to the transfer line 7, for example for the purpose of an operation of purging and / or cleaning the transfer line 7. This makes it possible to carry out, in a nominal operating mode, for example cleaning and / or purging of the transfer line 7.

[0048] Steps a), b) and c) are carried out consecutively in that order.

[0049] Step a) is carried out as soon as the filling level of the second liquefied hydrogen tank 5 falls below a first predetermined level, for example equal to 30%, preferably equal to 1%.

[0050] Step b) is carried out when the filling level of the second liquefied hydrogen tank 5 is higher than a second predefined level, for example equal to 30%, preferably equal to 50%, which is higher than the first predefined level.

[0051] Step b) is carried out when the pressure in the second liquefied hydrogen tank 5 is below a second predetermined pressure.

[0052] The second predetermined pressure is determined in order to make it possible to carry out a correct cleaning and / or a correct purging of the transfer line 7 .

[0053] Step b) is performed when a cleaning or purging operation is required and when the pressure in the second liquefied hydrogen tank 5 is below the second predetermined pressure. In a variant, step b) is performed so as to permanently maintain the pressure in the second liquefied hydrogen tank at the second predetermined pressure.

[0054] Step c) is carried out as soon as the filling level of the second liquefied hydrogen tank 5 is higher than a second predetermined level.

[0055] Step c) is carried out when a cleaning or purging operation is required and when the pressure in the second liquefied hydrogen tank 5 is equal to or greater than a second predetermined pressure.

Claims

1. A facility (1) for supplying liquefied hydrogen, comprising: a source of gaseous hydrogen (2), a liquefier (3) supplied with gaseous hydrogen by said source (2) and adapted to deliver liquefied hydrogen; a first liquefied hydrogen tank (4) configured to receive liquefied hydrogen coming from said liquefier (3) via a first supply pipe (21) and configured to store this liquefied hydrogen at a pressure that is less than a first predetermined pressure; at least one transfer line (7) configured to allow liquefied hydrogen to be transferred from said first liquefied hydrogen tank (4) to a tank (30) to be filled, said transfer line (7) being connected to said first liquefied hydrogen tank (4) by at least one transfer pipe (22); a second liquefied hydrogen tank (5) adapted to receive liquefied hydrogen coming from said first liquefied hydrogen tank (4) via a second supply pipe (23), in particular by gravity, said second liquefied hydrogen tank (5) being adapted to store this liquefied hydrogen, a pressurization system (6) configured to enable said second liquefied hydrogen tank (5) to be pressurized at a second predetermined pressure, said second predetermined pressure being greater than said first predetermined pressure; at least one vaporization pipe (28) connecting the second liquefied hydrogen tank (5) and / or the pressurization system (6) to the transfer line (7) in order to allow gaseous hydrogen under pressure to be transferred from the second liquefied hydrogen tank (5) and / or the pressurization system (6) to the transfer line (7), for example for the purpose of operations for purging or cleaning the transfer line (7); a vaporization system (8) configured to heat the gaseous hydrogen flowing in the vaporization pipe (28); The facility (1).

2. 2. The installation (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit configured to selectively transfer gaseous hydrogen under pressure from the second liquefied hydrogen tank (5) and / or the pressurization system (6) to the transfer line (7) when the liquefier (3) is stopped, e.g. for the purpose of purging or cleaning operations of the transfer line (7).

3. 3. The installation (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a set of isolation valves (13, 15) configured to fluidically isolate the second liquefied hydrogen tank (5) from the first liquefied hydrogen tank (4) and / or to fluidically isolate the second liquefied hydrogen tank (5) from the transfer line (7), in particular to allow the second liquefied hydrogen tank (5) to be pressurized.

4. The facility (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pressurization system (6) comprises a pressurization pipe (24, 26) connecting a lower portion and an upper portion of the second liquefied hydrogen tank (5) and comprising an atmosphere heater (9) for converting a portion of the liquefied hydrogen flowing in the pressurization pipe (24, 26) into gaseous hydrogen.

5. The installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the transfer line (7) is configured to enable hydrogen vapor to be transferred from the tank (30) to be filled to the liquefier (3), the transfer line (7) being connected to the liquefier (3) by at least one vapor collecting pipe (29).

6. The installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the vaporization pipe (28) is further connected to the liquefier (3), in particular via a purge pipe (27), in order to enable gaseous hydrogen under pressure to be transferred from the high-pressure cycle of the liquefier (3) to the transfer line (7), for example for the purpose of purging and / or cleaning operations of the transfer line (7).

7. A method for supplying liquefied hydrogen by means of an installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the steps of: -a) transferring liquefied hydrogen from the first liquefied hydrogen tank (4) to the second liquefied hydrogen tank (5); -b) pressurizing the second liquefied hydrogen tank (5) to the second predetermined pressure; - c) transferring gaseous hydrogen under pressure from the second liquefied hydrogen tank (5) and / or from the pressurization system (6) to the transfer line (7), for example for the purpose of purging or cleaning the transfer line (7); A method comprising:

8. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein step b) is carried out before step c), step b) being carried out for a predetermined period of time configured in particular to allow the pressure in the second liquefied hydrogen tank (5) to reach the second predetermined pressure.

9. 9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein steps a) and / or b) and / or c) are carried out only when the liquefier (3) is stopped.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, comprising a step d) of transferring gaseous hydrogen under pressure from the liquefier (3) to the transfer line (7), for example for the purpose of purging and / or cleaning the transfer line (7).

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