Apparatus and process for cooling pressurized gas for fueling

Abstract

To provide an apparatus and process for cooling a pressurized gas for fueling.SOLUTION: An apparatus and process for cooling a pressurized gas for feeding to one or more vehicle fuel tanks for fueling a vehicle can be configured such that a pressurized gas (e.g., hydrogen or natural gas) for fueling one or more vehicles can be cooled prior to dispensing via a heat transfer fluid that cools the pressurized gas and transfers the heat of the pressurized gas toward a heat sink source fluid. The transfer of the heat to the heat sink source fluid can occur via a refrigerant in some embodiments.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a process, apparatus, and system for cooling pressurized gas for feeding to one or more vehicle fuel tanks for fueling a vehicle. Fueling can also be regarded as refueling the vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Examples of hydrogen generation and / or supply systems can be understood from U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,401,767, 6,474,078, 6,619,336, 6,708,573, 6,745,801, 6,786,245, 7,028,724, 7,328,726, 7,793,675, 7,921,883, 8,020,589, 8,286,675, 8,365,777, 8,453,682, 8,899,278, 9,074,730, 9,151,448, 9,261,238, 9,279,541, 9,404,620, 9,863,583, 10,502,649, 10,508,770, and 11,167,732. Examples of hydrogen storage and / or distribution systems can also be understood from U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2023 / 0137335 and 2023 / 0107342 and International Publication No. WO2023 / 095604. Such systems can provide hydrogen to a vehicle for use as fuel for the vehicle.

[0003] Natural gas-based storage and distribution systems can provide natural gas for fueling vehicles that utilize natural gas as fuel. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0202585 discloses an example of such a system.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] We have determined that in situations where each gas stream fed to a vehicle fuel tank via a dispenser can be cooled by different heat exchangers using different cooling media or refrigerants, the fueling operation can often become complex. Different cooling processes may require independent monitoring and management of multiple different cooling operations, which can make the fueling operation inefficient and relatively complex. We have found that this type of approach can result in a relatively complex process control where multiple variables are monitored and changed without fully considering, for example, that overall cooling is provided. This can lead to inefficient process decisions that result in energy waste and other losses. These losses can lead to a decrease in operating profit and can also result in energy and / or electrical losses from such inefficiencies.

[0005] We have identified that a pressurized gas cooling device for fueling can help reduce such complexity and enable a more efficient overall process for cooling pressurized gas for fueling (e.g., distributing pressurized gas to one or more vehicle fuel tanks for fueling). In some embodiments, a common cooling system can be provided that allows a heat transfer fluid to flow through one or more heat exchangers to cool the pressurized gas as needed, enabling the provision of a low-temperature heat transfer fluid. In some embodiments, a refrigerant can be provided from a refrigerant source to provide cooling to the heat transfer fluid for cooling the pressurized gas via the heat exchanger and the heat transfer fluid, facilitating the transfer of heat from the pressurized gas to a common heat sink. In other embodiments, instead of using a refrigerant for cooling the heat transfer fluid, the fluid of a heat sink source can be used directly to provide a heat sink for pressurized gas cooling.

[0006] In some embodiments, a variable frequency drive (VFD) pump can be positioned to adjust the flow of the heat transfer fluid. In some embodiments, also, variable speed control can be provided for a cooling system compressor or pump to help maintain the temperature of a desired preselected heat transfer fluid for the cooling of the pressurized gas. To facilitate temperature control of the pressurized gas and the heat transfer fluid, one or more valves can also be controlled to adjust the flow of the heat transfer fluid to one or more heat exchangers for cooling the pressurized gas and / or the heat transfer fluid.

[0007] Embodiments can also enable straightforward control of the pressurized gas cooling. For example, the temperature of one or more of the heat exchangers (e.g., pressurized gas cooler or pressurized gas cooling device) used to cool the pressurized gas can be monitored. If the temperature of the pressurized gas cooling heat exchanger is too high, the associated heat transfer fluid valve for feeding heat transfer fluid to that heat exchanger can be opened or further opened to allow sufficient flow of the low-temperature heat transfer fluid to the pressurized gas cooling heat exchanger. This can enable independent control of the temperature of the distribution gas for each vehicle being fueled within an acceptable range in a relatively straightforward manner that, in addition to enabling improved efficient operation, can reduce the complexity of process control.

[0008] In some embodiments, a variable speed controller for the heat transfer fluid pump can be adjusted to adjust the flow of the heat transfer fluid based on the number of open valves and / or the open positions of those valves to keep the flow of the heat transfer fluid through each heat exchanger consistent.

[0009] A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heat transfer fluid returning from one or more pressurized gas cooling heat exchangers can be positioned, and the temperature information from the temperature sensor is utilized to control the flow of the refrigerant provided for cooling the heat transfer fluid such that, after the refrigerant is heated from cooling the pressurized gas and output from the pressurized gas cooling heat exchanger, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid sent to the heat exchanger is maintained at a preselected heat transfer fluid feed temperature for feeding the heat transfer fluid to the pressurized gas cooling heat exchanger for cooling the pressurized gas. The refrigerant can be a heat sink fluid that can function as the ultimate heat sink for the heat of the pressurized gas to be cooled, and the heat transfer fluid can function as an intermediate heat transfer fluid for facilitating the transfer of heat from the pressurized fluid to the refrigerant. Alternatively, the refrigerant can be provided in the refrigerant system to facilitate the exchange of heat absorbed from the heat transfer fluid to the heat sink fluid from the heat sink source such that the heat sink source fluid ultimately absorbs the heat from the pressurized gas cooled via the heat transfer fluid.

[0010] In a first aspect, an apparatus for cooling a pressurized gas for fueling is provided. Embodiments of the apparatus can include a first pressurized gas cooler positioned to receive a first flow of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas storage unit or a compressor and to cool the first flow of pressurized gas to a preselected fueling temperature. The first pressurized gas cooler can be positioned to receive a first portion of the heat transfer fluid from a heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the first flow of pressurized gas. The first pressurized gas cooler can be connected to an output conduit for outputting the first flow of pressurized gas at the preselected fueling temperature for feeding to at least one vehicle for fueling of at least one vehicle.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first pressurized gas cooler can be positioned to receive the first flow of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas storage unit. In other embodiments, the first pressurized gas cooler can be positioned to receive the first flow of pressurized gas from the compressor.

[0012] In a second aspect, at least one vehicle can include the first vehicle. In some embodiments, at least one vehicle can also include at least one other vehicle (e.g., a second vehicle, a third vehicle, a fourth vehicle, etc.). The output conduit can be connected to a first supply conduit for feeding a first portion of the first flow of pressurized gas to the first vehicle after the first flow of pressurized gas has been cooled to a preselected combustion supply temperature. In some embodiments, the output conduit can be connected to a second supply conduit for feeding a second portion of the first flow of pressurized gas to the second vehicle after the first flow of pressurized gas has been cooled to a preselected combustion supply temperature. The output conduit can be connected to a third supply conduit for feeding a third portion of the first flow of pressurized gas to the third vehicle after the first flow of pressurized gas has been cooled to a preselected combustion supply temperature.

[0013] In still other embodiments, there can be a first vehicle and at least one second vehicle (e.g., only one second vehicle, a plurality of second vehicles, etc.), and the output conduit can be connected to a first supply conduit for feeding a first portion of the first flow of pressurized gas to the first vehicle after the first flow of pressurized gas has been cooled to a preselected combustion supply temperature, and can also be connected to at least one second supply conduit for feeding at least one second portion of the first flow of pressurized gas to at least one second vehicle after the first flow of pressurized gas has been cooled to a preselected combustion supply temperature.

[0014] In a third aspect, the apparatus may also include a second pressurized gas cooler positioned to receive a second flow of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas storage unit or compressor and to cool the second flow of pressurized gas to a preselected combustion feed temperature. The second pressurized gas cooler can be positioned to receive a second portion of the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the second flow of pressurized gas. The second pressurized gas cooler can be connected to an output conduit for outputting the second flow of pressurized gas at the preselected combustion feed temperature for (i) feeding to at least one third vehicle for combustion of the at least one third vehicle or (ii) feeding to at least one second vehicle for combustion of the at least one second vehicle.

[0015] For example, in an embodiment where the first pressurized gas cooler can feed pressurized gas to at least the first vehicle and at least one second vehicle, the second pressurized gas cooler can be configured such that the output conduit to which the second pressurized gas cooler is connected can output the second flow of pressurized gas at the preselected combustion feed temperature for feeding to at least one third vehicle for combustion of the at least one third vehicle.

[0016] As another example, in an embodiment where the first pressurized gas cooler can feed pressurized gas to at least the first vehicle, the second pressurized gas cooler can be configured such that the output conduit to which the second pressurized gas cooler is connected can output the second flow of pressurized gas at the preselected combustion feed temperature for feeding to at least one second vehicle for combustion of the at least one second vehicle.

[0017] In a fourth aspect, the apparatus can include elements for the storage and supply of a heat transfer fluid. For example, the apparatus can include a heat transfer fluid storage unit and a heat transfer fluid pump positioned between the heat transfer fluid storage unit and a first pressurized gas cooler to feed a first portion of the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler. The heat transfer fluid storage unit can include, for example, one or more storage tanks or vessels for the storage of the heat transfer fluid.

[0018] In a fifth aspect, the apparatus can include elements that can facilitate the cooling of the heat transfer fluid. For example, in some embodiments, the apparatus can include a heat transfer fluid storage unit and a heat transfer fluid pump positioned between the heat transfer fluid storage unit and a first pressurized gas cooler to feed a first portion of the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler. To cool the heat transfer fluid, a heat transfer fluid cooler can be positioned to receive the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit. The heat transfer fluid cooler can be positioned to receive a refrigerant or heat sink fluid from a heat sink source for the cooling of the heat transfer fluid.

[0019] As another example, the apparatus can include a heat transfer fluid cooler positioned to receive the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid cooler can be positioned to receive a refrigerant as a cooling medium for the cooling of the heat transfer fluid. An expansion valve can be positioned to receive and expand the refrigerant and reduce the temperature of the refrigerant before the refrigerant is fed to the heat transfer fluid cooler.

[0020] As yet another example, the apparatus can include a heat transfer fluid cooler positioned to receive heat transfer fluid from a heat transfer fluid storage unit to cool the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid cooler can be positioned to receive a refrigerant as a cooling medium for cooling the heat transfer fluid. The refrigerant cooler can be positioned to receive the refrigerant output from the heat transfer fluid cooler as a heated refrigerant and to cool the heated refrigerant, and the refrigerant cooler can also be positioned to receive a heat sink fluid as a cooling medium for cooling the heated refrigerant from a heat sink source. The expansion valve can be positioned to receive and expand the refrigerant and reduce the temperature of the refrigerant before the refrigerant is fed to the heat transfer fluid cooler. The expansion valve can be positioned between the refrigerant cooler and the heat transfer fluid cooler.

[0021] In a sixth aspect, the pressurized gas can be composed of hydrogen or natural gas. For example, the pressurized gas can be hydrogen gas for fueling a hydrogen fuel vehicle. As another example, the pressurized gas can be natural gas for fueling a natural gas powered vehicle.

[0022] In a seventh aspect, the apparatus of the first aspect can include one or more features of the second, third, fourth, fifth, and / or sixth aspects to provide other embodiments. Thus, it should be understood that other embodiments of the apparatus can include other features. Examples of such features can be understood from the exemplary embodiments discussed herein.

[0023] For example, one embodiment of an apparatus for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply can be provided to receive a first flow of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas storage unit or a compressor and include a first pressurized gas cooler positioned to cool the first flow of pressurized gas to a preselected fuel supply temperature. The first pressurized gas cooler can be positioned to receive a first portion of a heat transfer fluid from a heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the first flow of pressurized gas. The first pressurized gas cooler can be connected to an output conduit for outputting the first flow of pressurized gas at the preselected fuel supply temperature for supply to at least one first vehicle for fuel supply of the at least one first vehicle. A controller having a processor connected to a non-transitory memory can be communicatively connected to a temperature sensor of the first pressurized gas cooler to receive temperature data from the temperature sensor to adjust the flow of the first portion of the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler.

[0024] In some configurations, the apparatus having the controller can also include a second pressurized gas cooler positioned to receive a second flow of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas storage unit or a compressor and cool the second flow of pressurized gas to a preselected fuel supply temperature. The second pressurized gas cooler can be positioned to receive a second portion of the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the second flow of pressurized gas. The second pressurized gas cooler can be connected to an output conduit for outputting the second flow of pressurized gas at the preselected fuel supply temperature for supply to at least one second vehicle for fuel supply of the at least one second vehicle. The controller can be communicatively connected to a temperature sensor of the second pressurized gas cooler to receive temperature data from the temperature sensor to adjust the flow of the second portion of the heat transfer fluid to the second pressurized gas cooler.

[0025] Some embodiments of such devices having a controller can also include other features. For example, the device can include a heat transfer fluid storage unit and a heat transfer fluid pump positioned between the heat transfer fluid storage unit and a first pressurized gas cooler to receive heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit and feed a first portion of the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler and a second portion of the heat transfer fluid to a second pressurized gas cooler. The controller can be communicably connectable to the heat transfer fluid pump to adjust the operation of the heat transfer fluid pump. Also, the heat transfer fluid cooler can be positioned to receive heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit to cool the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid cooler can be positioned to receive refrigerant or a heat sink fluid from a heat sink source for cooling the heat transfer fluid.

[0026] In an eighth aspect, a process for cooling pressurized gas for fueling is provided. Embodiments of the process can be configured such that embodiments of our device can implement the process. Some embodiments of our process include feeding a heat transfer fluid to at least one pressurized gas cooling device to cool the pressurized gas to a preselected temperature for feeding to at least one vehicle fuel tank, outputting the heat transfer fluid from the at least one pressurized gas cooling device after the heat transfer fluid has been heated through cooling of the pressurized gas, for feeding the heat transfer fluid towards a heat transfer fluid cooler for cooling the heat transfer fluid, feeding refrigerant or a heat sink fluid to the heat transfer fluid cooler to cool the heat transfer fluid to a preselected heat transfer fluid temperature, and adjusting the flow of the heat transfer fluid to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device based on the temperature of the pressurized gas output from the at least one pressurized gas cooling device for feeding to at least one vehicle fuel tank.

[0027] In a ninth aspect, the process can be configured such that feeding a heat transfer fluid to at least one pressurized gas cooling device to cool the pressurized gas to a preselected temperature for feeding to at least one vehicle fuel tank includes feeding a first portion of the heat transfer fluid to a first pressurized gas cooling device of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device. In some embodiments, feeding a heat transfer fluid to at least one pressurized gas cooling device to cool the pressurized gas to a preselected temperature for feeding to at least one vehicle fuel tank can also include feeding a second portion of the heat transfer fluid to a second pressurized gas cooling device of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device.

[0028] In a tenth aspect, adjusting the flow of the heat transfer fluid to at least one pressurized gas cooling device based on the temperature of the pressurized gas output from the at least one pressurized gas cooling device for feeding to at least one vehicle fuel tank can include adjusting the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid based on temperature data from at least one temperature sensor of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device.

[0029] For example, the process can be configured such that adjusting the flow of the heat transfer fluid to at least one pressurized gas cooling device based on the temperature of the pressurized gas output from the at least one pressurized gas cooling device for feeding to at least one vehicle fuel tank includes adjusting the flow rate of a first portion of the heat transfer fluid based on temperature data from a temperature sensor of a first pressurized gas cooling device. In some embodiments, it can utilize a second portion of the heat transfer fluid that can be fed to a second pressurized gas cooling device, and adjusting the flow of the heat transfer fluid to at least one pressurized gas cooling device based on the temperature of the pressurized gas output from the at least one pressurized gas cooling device for feeding to at least one vehicle fuel tank can also include adjusting the flow rate of the second portion of the heat transfer fluid based on temperature data from a temperature sensor of the second pressurized gas cooling device.

[0030] In the 11th aspect, the process can also include adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant or heat sink fluid to the heat transfer fluid cooler. For example, some embodiments can include adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant or heat sink fluid to the heat transfer fluid cooler based on temperature data from at least one temperature sensor of at least one pressurized gas cooling device and / or temperature data from a heat transfer fluid temperature sensor.

[0031] In the 12th aspect, embodiments of the process can include adjusting the position of an expansion valve for the expansion of the refrigerant and / or heat sink fluid based on temperature data from at least one temperature sensor of at least one pressurized gas cooling device and / or temperature data from a heat transfer fluid temperature sensor. For example, some embodiments of the process can include adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant or heat sink fluid to the heat transfer fluid cooler and / or adjusting the position of an expansion valve for the expansion of the refrigerant and / or heat sink fluid based on temperature data from at least one temperature sensor of at least one pressurized gas cooling device and / or temperature data from a heat transfer fluid temperature sensor.

[0032] In the 13th aspect, embodiments of the process can also include feeding a first flow of pressurized gas to a first pressurized gas cooling device to cool the first flow of pressurized gas to a preselected temperature for feeding to at least one first vehicle. In embodiments where a second flow of pressurized gas can be fed to a second pressurized gas cooling device, embodiments of the process can also include feeding the second flow of pressurized gas to the second pressurized gas cooling device to cool the second flow of pressurized gas to a preselected temperature for feeding to at least one second vehicle.

[0033] In a 14th aspect, the process of the 8th aspect can include one or more features of the 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, and / or 13th aspects to provide other embodiments of the process. Thus, embodiments of the process can further include other features. Examples of such features can be understood from the exemplary embodiments of the process discussed herein. For example, some embodiments of the process can be adapted such that the pressurized gas includes hydrogen or natural gas.

[0034] It should be understood that embodiments of the process and apparatus can utilize various conduit arrangements and process control elements. Embodiments can utilize sensors (e.g., pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow sensors, concentration sensors, etc.), piping, controllers, valves, and other process control elements. Some embodiments can utilize, for example, an automatic process control system and / or a distributed control system (DCS). Various different conduit arrangements and process control systems can be utilized to meet a particular set of design criteria. A DCS or an automatic process control system can include one or more computer devices including a processor connected to a non-transitory computer-readable medium and at least one transceiver configured to monitor, supervise, and / or control processing according to at least one predefined algorithm defined by code stored in the computer-readable medium and executable by the processor.

[0035] Other details, objects, and advantages of our process, apparatus, and system for cooling pressurized gas for fueling, hydrogen fuel cooling devices for hydrogen fueling stations, natural gas fuel cooling devices for natural gas fueling stations, and methods of making and using them will become apparent as the following description of the specific exemplary embodiments proceeds.

[0036] Exemplary embodiments of our processes, apparatus, and systems for cooling pressurized gas for fueling, as well as methods of making and using them, are shown in the drawings included herein. It is to be understood that like reference characters used in the drawings may identify like components.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0037]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] As can be understood from FIGS. 1-7 and the disclosure provided herein, the exemplary embodiments of our apparatus 1 for cooling pressurized gas for fueling can be positioned and arranged for improved fueling operation to facilitate the delivery of pressurized gas as fuel to one or more vehicle fuel tanks. The embodiments can be adapted for use, for example, at hydrogen fueling stations or natural gas fueling stations.

[0039] The device 1 can include a pressurized gas storage unit or a compressor for providing the pressurized gas 2 (pressurized gas). The pressurized gas storage unit or compressor for providing the pressurized gas 2 can be positioned between the flow control manifold and the dispenser, or can be positioned upstream of the dispenser for feeding the pressurized gas to the dispenser for feeding to the fuel tank of the vehicle 4, or can include at least one storage tank or container that can be integrated with the dispenser for feeding the pressurized gas from the dispenser to the fuel tank of the vehicle 4. In a situation where the pressurized gas is output from a compressor for feeding more directly to the dispenser 7 (for example, there are no one or more intermediate storage tanks or buffer tanks between the compressor and the dispenser), the pressurized gas compressor can be upstream of the flow control manifold and the dispenser, or can be positioned upstream of the dispenser for feeding the pressurized gas to the dispenser for feeding to the fuel tank of the vehicle 4. The dispenser can facilitate connection with the vehicle fuel tank for feeding the pressurized gas to the fuel tank for fueling the vehicle 4 using a hose and a nozzle.

[0040] A pressurized gas storage unit capable of providing the pressurized gas 2 can store the pressurized gas at a preselected storage pressure for providing the pressurized gas 2 to at least one pressurized gas cooler 3 and feeding it to one or more vehicles 4. For example, the preselected storage pressure can be, in some embodiments, 35 MPa, 70 MPa, or 30 MPa to 75 MPa. Other embodiments can utilize different preselected storage pressures. In a situation where the pressurized gas 2 is output more directly from the compressor, the compressor can output the pressurized gas at a preselected feed pressure (for example, 30 MPa to 75 MP, or 0.5 MPa to 100 MPa, etc.) for feeding to one or more pressurized gas coolers 3 for outputting the cooled pressurized gas for feeding to one or more vehicles 4.

[0041] The pressurized gas stored in the pressurized gas storage unit or output from the compressor as the pressurized gas 2 can be, in some embodiments, hydrogen or natural gas. For example, the pressurized gas can be at least 99 mole percent (mol%) hydrogen gas (H2), or hydrogen gas that is 98 mol% H2 to 100 mol% H2. As another example, the pressurized gas can be natural gas that is at least 99 mol% methane (CH4), or 95 mol% CH4 to 100 mol% CH4.

[0042] At least one vehicle 4 can receive the pressurized gas 2 from the pressurized gas storage unit or the compressor to fill the fuel tank of each vehicle 4. In some embodiments, the first vehicle 4a can receive the pressurized gas for fueling. In other embodiments, the first vehicle 4a and the second vehicle 4b can receive the pressurized gas for fueling simultaneously from different dispensers. In still other embodiments, three or more vehicles 4 can receive the pressurized gas. For example, the first vehicle 4a, the second vehicle 4b, and the third vehicle 4c can receive the pressurized gas 2 for fueling from the pressurized gas storage unit or the compressor.

[0043] Before the pressurized gas 2 output from the pressurized gas storage unit or the compressor is fed to one or more vehicles, the pressurized gas can be cooled via at least one pressurized gas cooler 3 (PG cooler). Each pressurized gas cooler 3 can be configured to cool the pressurized gas to a preselected fueling temperature for feeding the gas to the vehicle fuel tank. The preselected fueling temperature can be, for example, -33°C or less, -17°C or less, or other suitable fueling temperatures within a preselected fueling temperature range (e.g., -30°C to -35°C, -17°C to -40°C, etc.). Each pressurized gas cooler 3 can be positioned at the dispenser or in fluid communication with the dispenser to receive the pressurized gas for cooling the gas before the dispenser distributes the gas to the vehicle (e.g., via a nozzle connected to the dispenser through a hose connected between the nozzle and the dispenser).

[0044] For example, the pressurized gas 2 can be output from a pressurized gas storage unit or a compressor via a first output conduit 2a connected between a first pressurized gas cooler 3a and a first dispenser for feeding fuel to a first vehicle 4a. The pressurized gas can be cooled via a heat transfer fluid fed as a cooling medium within the first pressurized gas cooler 3a to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a to cool the pressurized gas to a preselected fuel supply temperature. The cooled pressurized gas can be output from the first pressurized gas cooler 3a for feeding to the first vehicle 4a via a first pressurized gas cooler output conduit 3o. The first pressurized gas cooler output conduit 3o can be connected to a first feed conduit 4f for feeding a first portion of the cooled pressurized gas to the first vehicle 4a. In a situation where the cooled pressurized gas is fed towards a plurality of different vehicles, the first pressurized gas cooler output conduit 3o can also be connected to a second feed conduit 4g for feeding a second portion of the cooled pressurized gas to a second vehicle 4b. In some embodiments, additional feed conduits (e.g., at least one third feed conduit connected to the first pressurized gas cooler output conduit 3o for feeding at least one third portion of the pressurized gas to at least one third vehicle) for feeding other portions of the cooled pressurized gas to other vehicles may also be present. Each vehicle can receive the portion of the pressurized gas fed to that vehicle via a respective dispenser that can be connected between the vehicle and the respective feed conduit.

[0045] For example, the first feed conduit 4f can be connected to or integrated with the first dispenser for feeding a first portion of the pressurized gas to the first vehicle 4a. The second feed conduit 4g can be connected to or integrated with the second dispenser for feeding a second portion of the pressurized gas to the second vehicle 4b. The at least one third feed conduit can be connected to or integrated with at least one third dispenser for feeding at least one third portion of the pressurized gas to the third vehicle 4a in a similar manner.

[0046] The heat transfer fluid fed to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a can be output as heated heat transfer fluid via a heat transfer fluid output conduit 3hw connected between the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and a heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 (HTF (heat transfer fluid) unit). The heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 can include one or more storage containers or tanks for storage of the heat transfer fluid at a preselected storage pressure and for providing sufficient heat transfer fluid to one or more of the pressurized gas coolers 3 of the apparatus 1.

[0047] The heat transfer fluid stored in the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 is output from the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 in order to cool the heat transfer fluid so as to maintain the heat transfer fluid at a desired temperature for cooling of the pressurized gas, and can be fed to a heat transfer fluid cooler 15 (HTF cooler) via a heat transfer fluid output conduit 9a connected between the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 and the heat transfer fluid cooler 15. The cooled heat transfer fluid is output from the heat transfer fluid 15 and can be fed to the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 via a cooled heat transfer fluid feed conduit 15o connected between the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 and the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9.

[0048] Refrigerant can be fed to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 to cool the heat transfer fluid to a preselected heat transfer fluid temperature that can be selected to cool the pressurized gas to a preselected feed combustion temperature within a preselected feed combustion temperature range. The refrigerant utilized to cool the heat transfer fluid can be any suitable refrigerant for cooling the heat transfer fluid. The refrigerant fed to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 can be cooled before being fed to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 via a refrigerant cooler 12 (refrigerant cooler) positioned between the refrigerant pump 11 (refrigerant pump) and the heat transfer fluid cooler 15. For example, the refrigerant output from the refrigerant pump 11 can be fed to the refrigerant cooler 12 via a refrigerant cooler feed conduit 11o connected between the refrigerant pump 11 and the refrigerant cooler 12. The cooled refrigerant can be output from the refrigerant cooler 12 for feeding to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 at a preselected refrigerant feed temperature via a heat transfer fluid cooler feed conduit 15f positioned between the refrigerant cooler 12 and the heat transfer fluid cooler 15.

[0049] The refrigerant cooler 12 can receive a cooling medium from a heat sink source 14 (HS source) that can function as a heat sink for cooling the pressurized gas. The heat sink source 14 can be a suitable process gas or other low-temperature fluid source that can function as a final heat sink for removing the heat of the pressurized gas brought about via the heat transfer fluid for cooling to the preselected feed combustion temperature of the pressurized gas.

[0050] The heat sink source 14 can be, for example, hydrogen gas or natural gas at or near cryogenic temperatures, and this gas can be output from a storage tank of liquid hydrogen gas or liquid natural gas for use as a refrigerant before discharging the gas. For example, the gas from a pressurized storage tank for storing cryogenic liquids can be output to maintain the pressure of the storage tank below a desired storage pressure. The output gas can be used as a heat sink fluid fed to a refrigerant cooler 12 to cool the refrigerant before venting the gas or before feeding the gas to another element of the device (such as a buffer tank for storing the gas before other uses of the gas).

[0051] Alternatively (and additionally), the heat sink source can be another fluid from another process element. As another example, the heat sink source can be a cryogenic fluid that is pressurized and output from a compressor. For example, a cryogenic fluid from a storage tank can be fed to a compressor to pre-cool the compressor for use and / or output at a pre-selected pressure for feeding towards a dispenser. The fluid output from the compressor can be utilized as a heat sink source to help heat the fluid for feeding towards a dispenser (such as upstream of a buffer tank or flow control manifold).

[0052] The heated heat sink gas can be output from the refrigerant cooler 12 via a heated heat sink fluid conduit 12o connected to the refrigerant cooler 12. This conduit can be used for venting the fluid or for feeding the heated heat sink fluid to another plant element or device element.

[0053] In other embodiments, the heat sink source 14 can be the cooling medium utilized by the refrigerant cooler 12. For example, the refrigerant cooler can be, in some embodiments, an electric chiller or an adsorption chiller, and the heat sink source can be the cooling medium utilized by that chiller to cool a heat transfer fluid refrigerant used to cool a heat transfer fluid.

[0054] The heated refrigerant used as a cooling medium to cool the heat transfer fluid can be output from the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 for feeding to the refrigerant pump 11 via the refrigerant pump feed conduit 11f positioned between the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 and the refrigerant pump 11. The refrigerant pump 11 can increase the pressure of the refrigerant for feeding to the refrigerant cooler 12 and then back to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 for the heat transfer fluid cooling system. Also, a refrigerant buffer tank (not shown) can be connected to this system to feed the refrigerant, which may be required to account for refrigerant replenishment that may be needed when the refrigerant system is utilized for cooling the heat transfer fluid.

[0055] In some embodiments, a valve V can be included in the heat transfer fluid cooler feed conduit 15f between the refrigerant cooler 12 and the heat transfer fluid cooler 15. The valve V in the heat transfer fluid cooler feed conduit 15f can be an expansion valve configured to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant to the heat transfer fluid cooler feed pressure. The pressure reduction can further cool the refrigerant to a desired preselected refrigerant feed temperature.

[0056] The heat transfer fluid stored in the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 can be maintained at a desired temperature via a heat transfer cooling circuit that utilizes the refrigerant for cooling the heat transfer fluid. This also enables the heat transfer fluid to be provided from a centralized source to one or more of the pressurized gas coolers 3, allowing for the temperature control of the pressurized gas to be monitored and managed in an efficient manner such that the monitoring and management of the cooling of the pressurized gas is made easier and more efficient.

[0057] The heat transfer fluid can be output from the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 and fed to one or more pressurized gas coolers 3 via a heat transfer fluid pump 8 (HTF pump) positioned between the one or more pressurized gas coolers 3 and the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9. The heat transfer fluid can be fed from the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 to the heat transfer fluid pump 8 via a heat transfer fluid pump feed conduit 8f connected between the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 and the heat transfer fluid pump 8. The heat transfer fluid pump 8 can output the heat transfer fluid at a suitable pressurized gas cooler feed pressure for feeding to at least one pressurized gas cooler 3 via a heat transfer fluid pump output conduit 8o connected between the one or more pressurized gas coolers 3 and the heat transfer fluid pump 8. Examples of suitable pressurized gas cooler feed pressures can include pressures of 35 MPa to 70 MPa, 0.5 MPa to 100 MPa, or other suitable pressures. For example, when the fuel to be cooled is hydrogen, the preselected pressurized gas cooler feed pressure for the heat transfer fluid can be 20 MPa to 100 MPa. For other types of fuels, the pressure can be within different preselected ranges (e.g., the use of one or more pressurized gas coolers 3 for natural gas cooling can utilize different pressure ranges).

[0058] For example, a first portion of the heat transfer fluid output from the heat transfer fluid pump 8 can be fed to a first pressurized gas cooler 3a to function as a cooling medium within the first pressurized gas cooler 3a for cooling the pressurized gas via a first heat transfer fluid feed conduit 3fa connected between the heat transfer fluid pump output conduit 8o and the first pressurized gas cooler 3a. A first portion of the cooled pressurized gas output from the first pressurized gas cooler 3a can be fed to a first vehicle 4a for fuel supply via the first feed conduit 4f as discussed above. A second portion of the cooled pressurized gas output from the first pressurized gas cooler 3a can also be fed to a second vehicle 4b for fuel supply via a second feed conduit 4g as discussed above, for embodiments where the first pressurized gas cooler 3a is adapted to cool pressurized gas for supply to a plurality of different vehicles with different distributors.

[0059] Additionally, a second portion of the heat transfer fluid output from the heat transfer fluid pump 8 functions as a cooling medium within the second pressurized gas cooler 3b to cool another flow of pressurized gas 2 output from a pressurized gas storage unit or compressor via a second heat transfer fluid supply conduit 3fb connected between the heat transfer fluid pump output conduit 8o and the second pressurized gas cooler 3b, and can be fed to the second pressurized gas cooler 3b. The pressurized gas cooled via the second pressurized gas cooler 3b can be fed to the second pressurized gas cooler 3b via a second output conduit 2b connected between the second pressurized gas cooler 3b and the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor that provides the pressurized gas 2. The second output conduit 2bt can be positioned between the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor and the second pressurized gas cooler 3b. This second output conduit 2b can be a separate conduit or can be connected to the first output conduit 2a such that a first portion of the pressurized gas 2 output from the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor is fed to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a as a first flow of pressurized gas and a second portion of the pressurized gas 2 output from the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor is fed to the second pressurized gas cooler 3b as a second flow of pressurized gas.

[0060] A first portion of the cooled pressurized gas output from the second pressurized gas cooler 3b can be fed to another vehicle for fuel supply via a cooled pressurized gas output conduit 4h connected between the second pressurized gas cooler 3b and the other vehicle.

[0061] In an embodiment where the first pressurized gas cooler 3a can supply only the cooled pressurized gas to the first vehicle 4a, the other vehicle receiving the cooled pressurized gas from the second pressurized gas cooler 3b can be regarded as the second vehicle. In another embodiment where the first pressurized gas cooler 3a can supply the cooled pressurized gas to the first vehicle 4a and the second vehicle 4b, the other vehicle receiving the cooled pressurized gas from the second pressurized gas cooler can be regarded as the third vehicle 4c.

[0062] A controller CTRL can be provided to control the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid supplied to one or more pressurized gas coolers 3 for cooling the pressurized gas to a preselected supply combustion temperature. The controller CTRL can have a communication connection CC with a valve, a temperature sensor, a pump, and other elements to provide such control for monitoring and / or managing the flow of the heat transfer fluid to the pressurized gas cooler.

[0063] For example, the controller 10 can be communicatively connected to a pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor Tx for each pressurized gas cooler 3 to monitor the temperature of the pressurized gas cooler 3 or the temperature of the pressurized gas output from the pressurized gas cooler 3. In some embodiments, the temperature of the pressurized gas cooler 3 can be utilized, for example, to monitor the temperature of the pressurized gas output from the cooler. The temperature data can be fed from the temperature sensor Tx to the controller CTRL so that the controller can adjust the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid to the pressurized gas cooler 3 based on the temperature data to ensure that the cooled pressurized gas output from the pressurized gas cooler 3 is output at a suitable temperature (e.g., a preselected supply combustion temperature).

[0064] For example, in response to detecting that the temperature of the first pressurized gas cooler 3a exceeds a preselected threshold based on the temperature data received from the temperature sensor Tx, the controller 10 can communicate with at least one valve V connected to the heat transfer fluid pump 8 and / or the heat transfer pump output conduit 8o to adjust the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid to the pressurized gas cooler for further cooling of the pressurized gas. For example, the first valve V1 connected to the first heat transfer fluid supply conduit 3fa can be further opened or adjusted from a closed position to an open position to increase the speed of the heat transfer fluid supplied or supplied to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a to provide additional cooling to the pressurized gas to cool the gas to a preselected supply combustion temperature.

[0065] As another example, in response to detecting that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Tx of the second pressurized gas cooler 3b exceeds a preselected threshold value, the controller CTRL can communicate with the heat transfer fluid pump 8 and / or at least one valve V connected to the heat transfer pump output conduit 8o to adjust the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid to the pressurized gas cooler to further cool the pressurized gas. For example, the second valve V2 connected to the second heat transfer fluid supply conduit 3fb can be further opened or adjusted from the closed position to the open position to supply the gas for the supply of the heat transfer fluid or to increase the velocity of the heat transfer fluid fed to the second pressurized gas cooler 3b, so as to provide additional cooling to the pressurized gas to cool the gas to a preselected combustion supply temperature.

[0066] In addition, the controller CTRL can communicate with the valve V of the heat transfer fluid supply conduit 15f and / or the refrigerant pump 11 to adjust the operation of the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 for further cooling of the heat transfer fluid stored in the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9. The controller CTRL can also receive heat transfer fluid temperature data from the heat transfer fluid temperature sensor Thtf positioned to monitor the temperature of the heat transfer fluid stored in the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 so as to adjust the cooling provided via the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 such that increased cooling is provided when the heat transfer fluid temperature exceeds a preselected high threshold value and reduced cooling is provided when the heat transfer fluid temperature falls below a preselected low threshold value. The preselected low and high threshold values can define tolerance values for a suitable range of heat transfer fluid temperatures with respect to the preselected desired heat transfer fluid temperature for the cooling of the pressurized gas.

[0067] The adjustment of the cooling can include adjustment of the position of the expansion valve V of the heat transfer fluid supply conduit 15f, adjustment of the refrigerant pump operation to increase or decrease the flow of the refrigerant fed to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15, and / or other adjustments.

[0068] The controller CTRL can be adapted to more quickly and easily account for the pressurized gas feed combustion temperature through the use of a centralized heat transfer fluid arrangement for providing a heat transfer fluid for cooling the pressurized gas. Using a refrigerant through a refrigerant cooling system and a heat sink source 14 to ultimately absorb heat from the pressurized gas from the heat transfer fluid for cooling the pressurized gas can enable simpler control criteria that can more quickly adapt to temperature differences that may occur during operation. Also, the use of a centralized heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 can enable more refined control of the temperature of the pressurized gas coolant used to cool the pressurized gas. Embodiments can provide improved operational flexibility by enabling other heat sink sources to be utilized in a manner that allows for a wide range of flexibility in the operation and design for providing cooling of the pressurized gas while maintaining a simpler process that can focus the ultimate control of the pressurized gas feed combustion temperature on one or several process variables.

[0069] An exemplary implementation of the apparatus 1 for cooling a pressurized gas for combustion, illustrated in FIG. 1, can be better understood from FIGS. 2 - 4. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus 1 can include a first pressurized gas cooler 3a including a pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor Tx communicatively connected to a controller CTRL. A pressurized gas storage unit or compressor (pressurized gas 2) can feed a pressurized gas 2 including hydrogen or natural gas to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a via a first output conduit 2a connected between the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor. The pressurized gas can be cooled to a preselected feed combustion temperature through the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and output via a first pressurized gas cooler output conduit 3o. The first pressurized gas cooler output conduit 3o can be connected to a first feed conduit 4f for feeding a first portion of the cooled pressurized gas to a first vehicle 4a. This first portion of the cooled pressurized gas fed to the first vehicle 4a can be the entirety of the cooled pressurized gas.

[0070] The cooling of the pressurized gas through the first pressurized gas cooler 3a can be provided via the first heat transfer fluid supply conduit 3fa connected between the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 and the first pressurized gas cooler 3a, through the heat transfer fluid fed from the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a. The heat transfer fluid pump 8 can be positioned between the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 and the first pressurized gas cooler 3a to help feed the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a. The heat transfer fluid can be at a desired preselected heat transfer fluid temperature for feeding to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a in order to cool the pressurized gas to a preselected fuel supply temperature.

[0071] The heated heat transfer fluid that has cooled the pressurized gas can be output via the heat transfer fluid output conduit 3hw connected between the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 (HTF unit) for feedback to the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9. The heat transfer fluid can be cooled such that the heat transfer fluid output for feeding to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a reaches a desired temperature to cool the pressurized gas to a preselected fuel supply temperature.

[0072] For example, the heat transfer fluid can be output from the heat transfer storage unit 9 for feeding to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 to maintain the temperature of the stored heat transfer fluid within a desired temperature or desired temperature range. The heat transfer fluid is fed to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 via the heat transfer fluid output conduit 9a connected between the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 and the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 for cooling within the heat transfer fluid cooler 15, and then output for feedback to the heat transfer unit 9 via the heat transfer fluid supply conduit 15o connected between the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 and the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 to provide the heat transfer fluid to the pressurized gas cooler 3 at a desired preselected temperature later.

[0073] As discussed above, the cooling of the heat transfer fluid can be provided via a refrigerant that is cooled to a preselected refrigerant temperature for cooling the heat transfer fluid and then fed to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 for cooling the heat transfer fluid. The cooling of the refrigerant can also be provided via an expansion valve V that can be connected to a heat transfer fluid supply conduit 15f positioned between the refrigerant cooler 12 and the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 (for example, the expansion valve V can be integrated into this conduit). The cooling of the refrigerant can be provided via the fluid from the heat sink source 14 fed to the refrigerant cooler 12, as discussed above. The fluid of the heat sink source can provide a final heat sink for absorbing the heat of the pressurized gas cooled via the heat transfer fluid within the first pressurized gas cooler 3a.

[0074] The controller 10 can be connected to the first valve V1 of the first heat transfer fluid supply conduit 3fa and the heat transfer fluid pump 8 to adjust the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid fed to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a based on the temperature of the compressed gas within the first pressurized gas cooler 3a or the output from the first pressurized gas cooler 3a detected via the compressed gas cooler temperature sensor Tx of the first pressurized gas cooler 3a. The controller CTRL can also be communicably connected to the heat transfer fluid temperature sensor Thtf to receive data identifying the temperature of the heat transfer fluid stored in the heat transfer storage unit 9 and / or data outputtable from the heat transfer cooler 15 to adjust the operation of the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 and / or the refrigerant cooling system connected to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 for supplying the refrigerant to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 to cool the heat transfer fluid. The controller CTRL can be communicably connected to the expansion valve V and / or the refrigerant pump 11 of the heat transfer fluid supply conduit 15f to adjust, for example, the flow and / or the temperature of the refrigerant fed to the heat transfer fluid supply conduit 15f for cooling the heat transfer fluid fed to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15.

[0075] FIG. 3 illustrates an implementation mode similar to that of FIG. 2. However, the first pressurized gas cooler 3a in the implementation mode of FIG. 3 provides cooled pressurized gas to a plurality of vehicles 4 including the first vehicle 4a and the second vehicle 4b via the respective first supply conduits 4f and second supply conduits 4g connected to the first pressurized gas cooler output conduit 3o. In the implementation mode of FIG. 3, the first portion of the cooled pressurized gas output from the first pressurized gas cooler 3a is fed to the first supply conduit 4f for fuel supply to the first vehicle, and the second portion of the cooled pressurized gas output from the first pressurized gas cooler 3a is fed to the second supply conduit 4g for fuel supply to the second vehicle 4b.

[0076] The controller CTRL, the refrigerant loop, and the heat transfer loop of the apparatus 1 for cooling pressurized gas for combustion can be arranged and configured in the same manner as the implementation mode of FIG. 2. For example, the controller receives temperature data from the pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor Tx of the first pressurized gas cooler 3a, and based on whether the temperature is below a preselected low temperature threshold and / or above a preselected high temperature threshold, it can adjust the flow of the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a. Also, the operation of the expansion valve V of the refrigerant cooling system and / or the heat transfer fluid coolers 15 and / or 15f can be adjusted based on the temperature of the heat transfer fluid detected via the temperature data of the heat transfer fluid temperature sensor Thtf and / or the temperature data of the pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor Tx of the first pressurized gas cooler 3a. For example, when the heat transfer fluid is too warm (e.g., above a preselected high temperature threshold for the heat transfer fluid), the position of the expansion valve can be further opened to provide further cooling, or when the heat transfer fluid is too cold (e.g., below a preselected low temperature threshold for the heat transfer fluid), it can be adjusted to provide less expansion. Also, or alternatively, the refrigerant fluid flow rate can be increased when the heat transfer fluid is too warm (e.g., above a preselected high temperature threshold) or decreased when the heat transfer fluid is too cold (e.g., below a preselected low temperature threshold). Such flow rate adjustments can be provided via valve adjustments and / or adjustments of the speed of the refrigerant pump 11.

[0077] FIG. 4 illustrates another implementation mode of a first exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for cooling pressurized gas for combustion, in which a plurality of pressurized gas coolers 3 can be utilized to cool the pressurized gas supplied to each vehicle. The plurality of pressurized gas coolers 3 includes a first pressurized gas cooler 3a and a second pressurized gas cooler 3b. Each pressurized gas cooler 3 can be positioned and configured to cool the pressurized gas for feeding the cooled pressurized gas to one or more vehicles 4 at one or more distributors.

[0078] For example, the first pressurized gas cooler 3a can include a pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor Tx communicably connected to the controller CTRL. The pressurized gas storage unit or compressor (pressurized gas) can feed the pressurized gas 2 containing hydrogen or natural gas to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a via a first output conduit 2a connected between the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor. The pressurized gas can be cooled to a preselected supply combustion temperature via the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and output via a first pressurized gas cooler output conduit 3o. The first pressurized gas cooler output conduit 3o can be connected to a first supply conduit 4f for feeding a first portion of the cooled pressurized gas to the first vehicle 4a. This first portion of the cooled pressurized gas fed to the first vehicle 4a can be the entire cooled pressurized gas.

[0079] The second pressurized gas cooler 3b includes a pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor Tx communicably connected to the controller CTRL. The pressurized gas storage unit or compressor (pressurized gas) can feed the pressurized gas 2 containing hydrogen or natural gas to the second pressurized gas cooler 3b via a second output conduit 2b connected between the second pressurized gas cooler 3b and the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor. The pressurized gas can be cooled to a preselected supply combustion temperature via the second pressurized gas cooler 3b and output via a cooled pressurized gas output conduit 4h connected between the second pressurized gas cooler 3b and one or more vehicles 4. These one or more vehicles can be regarded as one or more second vehicles.

[0080] The cooling medium fed to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and the second pressurized gas cooler 3b to cool the fed pressurized gas can be from the same heat transfer fluid storage unit 9. For example, a first portion of the heat transfer fluid output from the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 can be fed to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a to function as a cooling medium within the first pressurized gas cooler 3a for cooling the pressurized gas via a first heat transfer fluid feed conduit 3fa connected between the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 and the first pressurized gas cooler 3a. A second portion of the heat transfer fluid output from the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 can be fed to the second pressurized gas cooler 3b to function as a cooling medium for cooling the pressurized gas fed to the second pressurized gas cooler via the second output conduit 2b. The second portion of the heat transfer fluid can be fed to the second pressurized gas cooler 3b via a second heat transfer fluid feed conduit 3fb connected between the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 and the second pressurized gas cooler 3b.

[0081] The heated heat transfer fluid can be output from each of the pressurized gas coolers 3 for feeding to the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9. For example, the heated heat transfer fluid output from the first pressurized gas cooler 3a can be fed to the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 via a first heat transfer fluid output conduit 3hw connected between the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9, and the heated heat transfer fluid output from the second pressurized gas cooler 3b can be fed to the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 via a second heat transfer fluid output conduit 3hw connected between the second pressurized gas cooler 3b and the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9. The heat transfer fluid output conduit 3hw can be interconnected between the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 and the pressurized gas cooler 3 to combine the heated heat transfer fluid from different pressurized gas cooling devices 3 before feeding the fluid to the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9, or can be a completely separate conduit arrangement based on the device design criteria and other design considerations.

[0082] The first heat transfer fluid supply conduit 3fa can include a first valve V1, and the second heat transfer fluid supply conduit 3fb can include a second valve V2. Adjusting the positioning of the first valve V1 and the second valve V2 can adjust the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid fed to different pressurized gas coolers 3. In some embodiments, the first valve V1 and the second valve V2 can be on / off valves that can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position. In other implementations, the first valve V1 and the second valve V2 can have a plurality of different open positions between a fully open position and a closed position. The valve V can be communicably connected to a controller CTRL such that the controller can operate to adjust the position of the valve based on temperature data from the temperature sensors Tx of the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and the second pressurized gas cooler 3b.

[0083] For example, the controller CTRL can receive temperature data from the pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor Tx of the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and adjust the flow of the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a based on whether the temperature is below a preselected low temperature threshold and / or above a preselected high temperature threshold. Such adjustment can be provided via adjustment of the position of the first valve V1 and / or adjustment of the speed of the heat transfer fluid pump 8 as discussed above. Also, the controller CTRL can receive temperature data from the pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor Tx of the second pressurized gas cooler 3b and adjust the flow of the heat transfer fluid to the second pressurized gas cooler 3b based on whether the temperature is below a preselected low temperature threshold and / or above a preselected high temperature threshold. Such adjustment can be provided via adjustment of the position of the second valve V2 and / or adjustment of the speed of the heat transfer fluid pump 8 as discussed above.

[0084] The controller CTRL, the refrigerant loop, and the heat transfer loop for cooling the pressurized gas for combustion can be arranged and configured in the same manner as the implementation modes of FIGS. 2 and 3. For example, the controller CTRL receives temperature data from the pressurized gas cooler temperature sensors Tx of the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and the second pressurized gas cooler 3b, and based on whether the temperature is below a preselected low temperature threshold and / or above a preselected high temperature threshold, it can adjust the flow of the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and / or the second pressurized gas cooler. Also, the operation of the expansion valve V of the refrigerant cooling system and / or the heat transfer fluid coolers 15 and / or 15f can be adjusted based on the temperature of the heat transfer fluid detected via the temperature data of the heat transfer fluid temperature sensor Thtf and / or the temperature data of the pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor Tx. For example, the position of the expansion valve of the refrigerant cooling system can be further opened to provide further cooling when the heat transfer fluid is too warm (e.g., above a preselected high temperature threshold for the heat transfer fluid), or adjusted to provide less expansion when the heat transfer fluid is too cold (e.g., below a preselected low temperature threshold for the heat transfer fluid). Also, or alternatively, the refrigerant fluid flow rate can be increased when the heat transfer fluid is too warm (e.g., above a preselected high temperature threshold for the heat transfer fluid), or decreased when the heat transfer fluid is too cold (e.g., below a preselected low temperature threshold). Such flow rate adjustments can be provided via valve adjustments and / or adjustments to the speed of the refrigerant pump 11.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 7, an embodiment of the apparatus 1 for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply can be arranged so as not to require a refrigerant system for cooling the heat transfer fluid. Instead, a heat sink fluid can be utilized to more directly absorb the heat of the heat transfer fluid obtained from the pressurized process gas. For example, the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 can directly receive fluid from the heat sink source 14 via a heat sink source feed conduit 13f connected between the heat sink source 14 and the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 for cooling the heat transfer fluid. The heated heat sink fluid that has absorbed heat from the heat transfer fluid can be output via a heat sink fluid output conduit 13o connected to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15. The heat sink fluid output conduit 13o can send the heated heat sink fluid to another process unit, return it to the heat sink source 14, or vent this heat sink fluid as may be desired for a particular set of design criteria.

[0086] Such an embodiment can also optionally include an expansion valve V in the heat sink source feed conduit 13f for expanding and further cooling the heat sink fluid before the heat sink fluid is fed to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15. The controller CTRL can be connected to the expansion valve V to adjust the position of the expansion valve V based on the temperature of the heat transfer fluid detected via the heat transfer fluid temperature sensor Thtf as discussed above when the expansion valve V is utilized.

[0087] Some embodiments can be configured such that the fuel supplied to the vehicle includes other pressurized gas from a supply source other than the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor. For example, a flow of bypass fluid BF (shown by the dashed line in FIGS. 1 and 7) can be fed to the vehicle. The bypass fluid BF can be a fluid that is a pressurized gas formed by the vaporization of a liquid cryogenic fluid (e.g., liquid hydrogen or liquid natural gas) at a suitable fuel supply pressure and temperature for feeding to the vehicle. The utilization of such a bypass fluid BF can help reduce the cooling demand for cooling the pressurized gas 2 from the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor.

[0088] As best understood from FIG. 6, the controller 10 (CTRL) that can be used in an embodiment of the apparatus 1 for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply can be a computer device CD. The controller can include a processor 10a (processor) connected to a non-transitory memory 10b (memory) in which one or more applications (apps) are stored and several data stores (DS) are stored. The controller can also include one or more interfaces 10c (interface). Each interface 10c can include a transceiver for communication connection with one or more input devices 10id, one or more output devices 10od, one or more sensors S (such as a pressurized gas cooling device temperature sensor Thx and / or a heat transfer fluid temperature sensor Thtf, etc.), one or more other computer devices CD, and / or one or more valves V. The transceiver of the interface 10c can include at least one local area network connection transceiver, at least one wide area network connection transceiver, and / or at least one short-range wireless communication transceiver. The transceiver can be configured for communication that can be facilitated via wireless communication and / or hardwired communication connections.

[0089] It should be understood that at least some communication connections can utilize other elements for the communication connection. For example, some wireless communication connections can involve the use of an access point, a router, or an intermediate node.

[0090] Examples of input devices 10id that can be connected to the controller 10 can include buttons, keypads, keyboards, styli, microphones, or touchscreens. Examples of output devices 10od that can be connected to the controller 10 can include displays, printers, and / or speakers. For example, the controller 10 can be configured to show a GUI on a display to facilitate a user providing input to the controller 10 for use of the input provided by the user's interaction with a graphical user interface (GUI) via a touchscreen display, a pointer device, and / or a keyboard.

[0091] In some embodiments, the controller 10 can be a controller communicably connectable to an operator device 21, and the operator device 21 can be a computer device CD configured to execute an automatic process control system or other type of process control scheme that includes the controller 10 and various elements of the device 1 to which the controller 10 is connected. The automatic process control system of the operator device 21 can, for example, monitor and / or be useful in monitoring the operation of a fuel supply and / or related operations.

[0092] Embodiments of our process for cooling pressurized gas for fueling can be utilized in embodiments of our apparatus 1 and / or embodiments of a pressurized gas fueling station (e.g., a hydrogen fueling station or a natural gas fueling station, etc.). Examples of such processes can be understood from the exemplary embodiments illustrated above and in FIG. 5. For example, in an exemplary embodiment of our process shown in FIG. 5, the process can include a first step S1 that can include feeding a heat transfer fluid to at least one pressurized gas cooling device (PG cooler) to cool the pressurized gas to a preselected distribution temperature for feeding to at least one vehicle fuel tank. An example of such a first step S1 can be understood from the above considerations of feeding the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and / or the second pressurized gas cooler 3b.

[0093] In a second step S2, the cooled pressurized gas output from one or more pressurized gas cooling devices can be fed to one or more vehicle fuel tanks at a preselected distribution temperature. The preselected distribution temperature can be the preselected fueling temperature, or a temperature provided based on the pressurized gas at the preselected fueling temperature being slightly warmed as the pressurized gas is fed to at least one dispenser for feeding to one or more vehicle fuel tanks. An example of such a feeding of the cooled pressurized gas can be understood from the above considerations of the output of the cooled pressurized gas from the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and / or the second pressurized gas cooler 3b for feeding to one or more vehicles 4.

[0094] In the third step S3, the heated heat transfer fluid can be output from one or more pressurized gas cooling devices to a heat transfer fluid cooler for cooling the heat transfer fluid to a preselected heat transfer fluid feed temperature. For example, the heated heat transfer fluid is output from one or more pressurized gas coolers 3, fed to the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9, and then, as discussed above, in order to feed the heat transfer fluid to one or more pressurized gas coolers 3, it can be cooled via the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 to maintain the temperature of the heat transfer fluid at a preselected desired heat transfer fluid supply temperature.

[0095] As an alternative, the fluid from the heat sink source 14 can be directly supplied to the heat transfer cooler 15 in the third step S3 to function as a cooling medium within the heat transfer cooler 15 for more directly cooling the heat transfer fluid together with the fluid of the heat sink source 14. In such an arrangement, the refrigerant system including the refrigerant pump 11 and the refrigerant cooler 12 may not be used and may not be required.

[0096] In the fourth step S4, the refrigerant can be fed to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 to cool the heat transfer fluid to a desired temperature (e.g., a preselected heat transfer fluid feed temperature). The refrigerant output from the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 can be the heated refrigerant that is later fed to the refrigerant cooler 12 because it is cooled via the heat sink fluid from the heat sink source 14 as discussed above. The refrigerant can also be further cooled via the expansion valve V as discussed above in order to be returned to the desired refrigerant feed temperature for feeding to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 for cooling the heat transfer fluid. An example of the treatment of the refrigerant in the refrigerant system can be understood from the exemplary implementation options discussed above for the first exemplary embodiment of the device 1 for cooling the pressurized gas for fuel supply.

[0097] In the fifth step S5, the flow of the heat transfer fluid fed to one or more pressurized gas cooling devices can be adjusted. Also, the flow of the refrigerant to the heat transfer cooler 15 can be adjusted. These adjustments can be based on the temperature of the heat transfer fluid fed to one or more pressurized gas cooling devices and the temperature of the cooled pressurized gas fed to one or more vehicles 4. Examples of these types of adjustments were discussed above.

[0098] Embodiments of the process can also include other steps or features. For example, the process can include the controller 10 receiving data from one or more temperature sensors for adjusting the flow of the heat transfer fluid to one or more pressurized gas cooling devices (e.g., pressurized gas cooler 3), and / or actuating the adjustment of the heat transfer fluid pump and / or one or more valves V to adjust the flow rate or heat transfer fluid to one or more pressurized gas cooling devices based on the temperature data from one or more temperature sensors. As another example, the operation of the refrigerant pump 11 and / or the expansion valve V can be adjusted via the controller CTRL based on such temperature data.

[0099] It should be understood that additional modifications or other modifications to the embodiments explicitly shown and considered in this specification can be made to meet a particular set of design goals or a particular set of design criteria. For example, it should be understood that the heat sink source 14 (HS source) can be any of a number of different suitable options. For example, the heat sink source 14 can be a cooling tower, a secondary cooling loop, and / or other process gases, as considered above. As another example, the type of refrigerant used as the refrigerant and the type of heat transfer fluid used as the heat transfer fluid can be any of several suitable fluids. For example, the refrigerant in the refrigerant loop used to cool the heat transfer fluid through the fluid of the heat sink source 14 that absorbs the heat of the heat transfer fluid absorbed by the refrigerant can include nitrogen, carbon dioxide, D-limonene, potassium formate solution (e.g., FP40, etc.), or silicone polymer-based fluid (e.g., Syltherm XLT, etc.), or another suitable refrigerant. Preferably, the selected refrigerant can be cooled to a preselected heat transfer fluid feed temperature that can be -20°C or less than -20°C (e.g., -20°C to -70°C or -20°C to -50°C, etc.) through the fluid of the heat sink source and / or the expansion valve V. The heat transfer fluid can be nitrogen, carbon dioxide, D-limonene, potassium formate solution (e.g., FP40, etc.), silicone polymer-based fluid (e.g., Syltherm XLT, etc.), R404a, R449a, R507a, or other suitable fluids.

[0100] Each pressurized gas cooler 3 can be any type of suitable heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the pressurized gas cooler 3 can be a diffusion bonded heat exchanger. Alternatively, the pressurized gas cooler 3 can be a countercurrent heat exchanger, a tube and shell heat exchanger, a plate fin heat exchanger, or other type of suitable heat exchanger.

[0101] Also, each heat transfer fluid cooler 15 and refrigerant cooler 12 can be a suitable type of heat exchanger. For example, the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 can be a countercurrent heat exchanger, a cocurrent heat exchanger, a tube and shell heat exchanger, a plate fin heat exchanger, or other suitable type of heat exchanger. The refrigerant cooler 12 can be a countercurrent heat exchanger, a cocurrent heat exchanger, a tube and shell heat exchanger, a plate fin heat exchanger, a mechanical chiller, an adsorption chiller, or other suitable type of heat exchanger.

[0102] The heat transfer fluid pump 8 and / or refrigerant pump 11 can each be a pump or a compressor. In some embodiments, the heat transfer fluid pump 8 and / or refrigerant pump 11 can utilize a variable frequency drive that can be communicatively connected to the controller CTRL for adjustment of operation to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant and / or heat transfer fluid, as discussed above.

[0103] The pressurized gas storage unit that can provide the pressurized gas 2 can store the gas at a high pressure (e.g., a pressure greater than 1 atmosphere). The storage pressure can be any suitable pressure for that particular gas to be fed to a vehicle fuel tank in embodiments configured to utilize the pressurized gas storage unit as a source of the pressurized gas 2.

[0104] The apparatus 1 can also include a dispenser having a hose and a nozzle for connection to the vehicle fuel tank for feeding the pressurized gas to the vehicle fuel tank. The fuel fed to the pressurized fuel tank can also include a pressurized gas formed by evaporating a cryogenic liquid into a gas and then heating the gas so that the gas reaches a suitable pressure and temperature for feeding to the dispenser for fueling the vehicle fuel tank. This type of supply can be performed via a bypass arrangement such that this supply can be performed subsequent to or in parallel with the provision of the pressurized gas after the pressurized gas has been cooled via the pressurized gas cooler 3.

[0105] In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the heat transfer fluid can be directly cooled via the heat sink source fluid as discussed above with reference to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7. In such embodiments, the refrigerant cooler and the refrigerant pump may not be utilized. Instead, the heat sink source can feed fluid to the heat transfer cooler 15 for use as a refrigerant to cool the heat transfer fluid in a more direct relationship.

[0106] As yet another example, the arrangement of valves, piping, and other conduit elements (e.g., conduit connection mechanisms, tubes, seals, valves, etc.) for interconnecting different units of the apparatus for fluid communication of the flow of fluid between different elements (e.g., pumps, heat exchangers, compressors, storage vessels, etc.) can be arranged to meet a particular plant layout design taking into account the available floor space of the plant, the sized equipment of the plant, and other design considerations. As another example, the flow rate, pressure, and temperature of the fluid passing through various device elements or system elements can vary to take into account different design configurations and other design criteria.

[0107] Each of our process, apparatus, and system embodiments can be configured to include process control elements (e.g., temperature and pressure sensors, flow sensors, an automatic process control system having at least one workstation, the at least one workstation including a processor, a non-transitory memory, and at least one transceiver, the at least one transceiver for communicating with sensor elements, valves, and controllers, and the controller for providing a user interface for an automatic process control system that can be implemented on a plant workstation and / or another computer device) arranged and configured to monitor and control the operation. Embodiments can similarly utilize a distributed control system (DCS) for the implementation of one or more processes and / or to control the operation of the apparatus. It should be understood that this is possible.

[0108] As another example, it is contemplated that specific features, whether individually recited or recited as part of an embodiment, can be combined with other individually recited features or other parts of other embodiments. Accordingly, elements and operations of the various embodiments described herein can be combined to provide further embodiments. Thus, while specific exemplary embodiments of our processes, apparatus, systems, and methods of making and using them have been illustrated and described above, it should be clearly understood that the invention is not limited thereto and can be variously embodied in other ways and practiced within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply, said apparatus comprising: a first pressurized gas cooler positioned to receive a first flow of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas storage unit or compressor and cool the first flow of pressurized gas to a preselected fuel supply temperature; the first pressurized gas cooler is positioned to receive a first portion of a heat transfer fluid from a heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the first flow of the pressurized gas; The apparatus, wherein the first pressurized gas cooler is connected to an output conduit for outputting the first flow of the pressurized gas at the preselected fueling temperature for delivery to at least one vehicle for fueling the at least one vehicle.

2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one vehicle includes a first vehicle, and the output conduit is connected to a first delivery conduit for delivering a first portion of the first flow of pressurized gas to the first vehicle after the first flow of pressurized gas has cooled to the preselected fuel supply temperature.

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one vehicle also includes a second vehicle, and the output conduit is connected to a second delivery conduit for delivering a second portion of the first flow of pressurized gas to the second vehicle after the first flow of pressurized gas has cooled to the preselected fuel supply temperature.

4. a second pressurized gas cooler positioned to receive a second flow of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas storage unit or the compressor and cool the second flow of pressurized gas to the preselected fuel supply temperature; the second pressurized gas cooler is positioned to receive a second portion of heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the second flow of the pressurized gas; 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second pressurized gas cooler is connected to an output conduit for outputting the second flow of the pressurized gas at the preselected fueling temperature for delivery to at least one third vehicle for fueling the at least one third vehicle.

5. a second pressurized gas cooler positioned to receive a second flow of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas storage unit or the compressor and cool the second flow of pressurized gas to the preselected fuel supply temperature; the second pressurized gas cooler is positioned to receive a second portion of heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the second flow of the pressurized gas; 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the second pressurized gas cooler is connected to an output conduit for outputting the second flow of the pressurized gas at the preselected fueling temperature for delivery to at least one second vehicle for fueling the at least one second vehicle.

6. the heat transfer fluid storage unit; 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a heat transfer fluid pump positioned between the heat transfer fluid storage unit and the first pressurized gas cooler for pumping the first portion of the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler.

7. a heat transfer fluid cooler positioned to receive heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit to cool the heat transfer fluid; The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the heat transfer fluid cooler is positioned to receive a refrigerant or heat sink fluid from a heat sink source for cooling the heat transfer fluid.

8. a heat transfer fluid cooler positioned to receive heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit to cool the heat transfer fluid, a heat transfer fluid cooler, the heat transfer fluid cooler being positioned to receive a refrigerant as a cooling medium for cooling the heat transfer fluid; 7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: an expansion valve positioned to receive the refrigerant and expand the refrigerant to reduce a temperature of the refrigerant before it is delivered to the heat transfer fluid cooler.

9. a heat transfer fluid cooler positioned to receive heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit to cool the heat transfer fluid, a heat transfer fluid cooler, the heat transfer fluid cooler being positioned to receive a refrigerant as a cooling medium for cooling the heat transfer fluid; and a refrigerant cooler positioned to receive a refrigerant output from the heat transfer fluid cooler as a warmed refrigerant to cool the warmed refrigerant, the refrigerant cooler also positioned to receive a heat sink fluid from a heat sink source as a cooling medium for cooling the warmed refrigerant; 7. The apparatus of claim 6, comprising: an expansion valve positioned to receive the refrigerant and expand it and reduce a temperature of the refrigerant before it is delivered to the heat transfer fluid cooler, the expansion valve being positioned between the refrigerant cooler and the heat transfer fluid cooler.

10. 1. A process for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply, the process comprising: delivering the heat transfer fluid to at least one pressurized gas cooling device to cool the pressurized gas to a preselected temperature for delivery to the at least one vehicle fuel tank; outputting the heat transfer fluid from the at least one pressurized gas cooling device after the heat transfer fluid has been warmed via cooling the pressurized gas for delivering the heat transfer fluid towards a heat transfer fluid cooler for cooling the heat transfer fluid; delivering a refrigerant or heat sink fluid to the heat transfer fluid cooler to cool the heat transfer fluid to a preselected heat transfer fluid temperature; and and adjusting a flow of the heat transfer fluid to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device based on a temperature of the pressurized gas output from the at least one pressurized gas cooling device for delivery to the at least one vehicle fuel tank.

11. delivering the heat transfer fluid to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device to cool the pressurized gas to the preselected temperature for delivery to the at least one vehicle fuel tank; The process of claim 10 including delivering a first portion of the heat transfer fluid to a first of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device.

12. adjusting the flow of the heat transfer fluid to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device based on the temperature of the pressurized gas output from the at least one pressurized gas cooling device for delivery to the at least one vehicle fuel tank; The process of claim 11 including adjusting a flow rate of the first portion of the heat transfer fluid based on temperature data from a temperature sensor of the first pressurized gas cooling device.

13. Delivering the heat transfer fluid to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device to cool the pressurized gas to the preselected temperature for delivery to the at least one vehicle fuel tank also comprises: The process of claim 12 including delivering a second portion of the heat transfer fluid to a second one of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device.

14. adjusting the flow of the heat transfer fluid to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device based on the temperature of the pressurized gas output from the at least one pressurized gas cooling device for delivery to the at least one vehicle fuel tank also includes: The process of claim 13 including adjusting a flow rate of the second portion of the heat transfer fluid based on temperature data from a temperature sensor of the second pressurized gas cooling device.

15. adjusting the flow of the heat transfer fluid to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device based on the temperature of the pressurized gas output from the at least one pressurized gas cooling device for delivery to the at least one vehicle fuel tank; The process of claim 10 including adjusting a flow rate of the heat transfer fluid based on temperature data from at least one temperature sensor of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device.

16. 16. The process of claim 15, comprising adjusting a flow rate of the refrigerant or the heat sink fluid to the heat transfer fluid cooler based on the temperature data from the at least one temperature sensor of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device and / or temperature data from a heat transfer fluid temperature sensor.

17. 16. The process of claim 15, comprising adjusting a flow rate of the refrigerant or the heat sink fluid to the heat transfer fluid cooler and / or adjusting a position of an expansion valve for expansion of the refrigerant and / or the heat sink fluid based on the temperature data from the at least one temperature sensor of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device and / or temperature data from a heat transfer fluid temperature sensor.

18. delivering the heat transfer fluid to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device to cool the pressurized gas to the preselected temperature for delivery to the at least one vehicle fuel tank; delivering a first portion of the heat transfer fluid to a first one of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device; and delivering a second portion of the heat transfer fluid to a second one of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device; The process also comprises: delivering the first flow of pressurized gas to the first pressurized gas cooling device to cool the first flow of pressurized gas to the preselected temperature for delivery to at least one first vehicle; and 11. The process of claim 10, further comprising: delivering the second flow of pressurized gas to the second pressurized gas cooling device to cool the second flow of pressurized gas to the preselected temperature for delivery to at least one second vehicle.

19. 1. An apparatus for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply, said apparatus comprising: a first pressurized gas cooler positioned to receive a first flow of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas storage unit or compressor and cool the first flow of pressurized gas to a preselected fuel supply temperature; the first pressurized gas cooler is positioned to receive a first portion of a heat transfer fluid from a heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the first flow of the pressurized gas; a first pressurized gas cooler connected to an output conduit for outputting the first flow of the pressurized gas at the preselected fuel supply temperature for delivery to the at least one first vehicle for fueling the at least one first vehicle; 1. An apparatus comprising: a controller having a processor connected to a non-transitory memory, the controller communicatively connected to a temperature sensor of the first pressurized gas cooler to receive temperature data from the temperature sensor to regulate a flow of the first portion of the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler.

20. a second pressurized gas cooler positioned to receive a second flow of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas storage unit or the compressor and cool the second flow of pressurized gas to the preselected fuel supply temperature; the second pressurized gas cooler is positioned to receive a second portion of heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the second flow of the pressurized gas; the second pressurized gas cooler is connected to an output conduit for outputting the second flow of the pressurized gas at the preselected fuel supply temperature for delivery to at least one second vehicle for fueling the at least one second vehicle; a second pressurized gas cooler, the controller being communicatively connected to a temperature sensor of the second pressurized gas cooler to receive temperature data from the temperature sensor for regulating the flow of the second portion of the heat transfer fluid to the second pressurized gas cooler; the heat transfer fluid storage unit; a heat transfer fluid pump positioned between the heat transfer fluid storage unit and the first pressurized gas cooler to receive heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit for delivering the first portion of the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler and for delivering the second portion of the heat transfer fluid to the second pressurized gas cooler; a heat transfer fluid pump, the controller being communicatively connectable to the heat transfer fluid pump for regulating operation of the heat transfer fluid pump; a heat transfer fluid cooler positioned to receive heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit to cool the heat transfer fluid, 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the heat transfer fluid cooler comprises a heat transfer fluid cooler positioned to receive a refrigerant or heat sink fluid from a heat sink source for cooling the heat transfer fluid.

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