Liquefaction hydrogen supply facility, and liquefaction hydrogen supply method

Abstract

To provide a liquefaction hydrogen supply facility and a liquefaction hydrogen supply method which can quickly supply liquefaction hydrogen to a liquefaction hydrogen tank provided on a vehicle or the like.SOLUTION: A liquefaction hydrogen supply facility 1 includes: a storage tank 10 in which liquefaction hydrogen can be stored; a dispenser 31 connected to the storage tank 10; a common line 41 for connecting the storage tank 10 and the dispenser 31; and a filling line 42 having a coupler 52 connected to the dispenser 31 and capable of being connected to a liquefaction hydrogen supply target. The common line 42 includes: a first measuring instrument for measuring a flow rate, a density, and a temperature of a fluid circulating the common line 41; and a first vent line 46 provided on a downstream of the first measuring instrument. The dispenser 31 includes a second measuring instrument for measuring a flow rate and a density of a fluid circulating in the dispenser 31.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquefied hydrogen supply facility and a liquefied hydrogen supply method. [Background technology]

[0002] Methods and devices for filling the fuel tank of a hydrogen vehicle with liquefied hydrogen are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a liquefied hydrogen supply device that includes a bank for temporarily storing liquefied hydrogen between a liquefied hydrogen storage tank and a dispenser for supplying liquefied hydrogen to the fuel tank of the hydrogen vehicle. The dispenser is equipped with a liquid integrating flow meter that measures the amount of liquefied hydrogen supplied from the bank to the fuel tank of the hydrogen vehicle, and a gas volumetric flow meter that measures the amount of gas recovered from the fuel tank. The amount of liquefied hydrogen filled into the fuel tank can be calculated from the amount of liquefied hydrogen supplied determined by the liquid integrating flow meter and the amount of recovered hydrogen gas determined by the gas volumetric flow meter.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a gas filling device for supplying LNG to a tank of an LNG-fueled vehicle. The gas filling device of Patent Document 2 forms a circulation path between a tank that stores LNG and a piping of the filling device, and circulates LNG through the piping during times when LNG filling is not being performed, thereby pre-cooling the LNG. It discloses that the pre-cooling operation is controlled by measuring the density of the fluid with a flow meter installed in the piping. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-71266 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-220426 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is desirable for fuel to be supplied to vehicles at fuel stations quickly, even when the fuel is liquefied hydrogen. One of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide a liquefied hydrogen supply system and a liquefied hydrogen supply method that can quickly supply liquefied hydrogen to a liquefied hydrogen tank installed in a vehicle or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The liquefied hydrogen supply facility according to the present disclosure comprises a storage tank capable of storing liquefied hydrogen, a dispenser connected to the storage tank, a common line connecting the storage tank and the dispenser, and a filling line connected to the dispenser and having a coupler connectable to a liquefied hydrogen supply target. The common line comprises a first measuring instrument that measures the flow rate, density, or temperature of a fluid flowing through the common line, and a first vent line provided downstream of the first measuring instrument. The dispenser comprises a second measuring instrument that measures the flow rate and density of the fluid flowing through the dispenser. The filling line comprises a first on-off valve switchable between an open state in which liquefied hydrogen can be supplied to the liquefied hydrogen supply target through the filling line and a closed state in which communication between the dispenser and the liquefied hydrogen supply target is blocked, a second vent line, and a second on-off valve switchable between opening and closing the second vent line.

[0007] The liquefied hydrogen supply method according to the present disclosure is a method carried out in a liquefied hydrogen supply facility, the supply facility including a storage tank capable of storing liquefied hydrogen, a dispenser connected to the storage tank, and a common line connecting the storage tank and the dispenser. a filling line connected to the dispenser and having a coupler connectable to a liquefied hydrogen supply target; The common line includes a first measuring instrument that measures the flow rate, density, or temperature of a fluid flowing through the common line, and a first vent line that is provided downstream of the first measuring instrument. The dispenser includes a second measuring instrument that measures the flow rate and density of a fluid flowing through the dispenser. The supply method includes a common line cooling step of cooling the common line, a filling line cooling step of cooling the filling line, and a filling step of supplying liquefied hydrogen to the liquefied hydrogen supply target. Switching between the filling line cooling step and the filling step is performed based on the measurement values ​​of the first measuring instrument and the second measuring instrument. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the liquefied hydrogen supply equipment of the present disclosure, liquefied hydrogen can be quickly supplied to a liquefied hydrogen tank provided in a vehicle, etc. According to the liquefied hydrogen supply method of the present disclosure, liquefied hydrogen can be quickly supplied to a liquefied hydrogen tank provided in a vehicle, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a liquefied hydrogen supply facility according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a flow of the common line cooling step in the liquefied hydrogen supply method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of the filling line cooling step in the liquefied hydrogen supply method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a flow of the filling step in the liquefied hydrogen supply method according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [Outline of the embodiment] First, an overview of the liquefied hydrogen supply facility and supply method according to the present disclosure will be listed and described. The liquefied hydrogen supply facility according to the present disclosure comprises a storage tank capable of storing liquefied hydrogen, a dispenser connected to the storage tank, a common line connecting the storage tank and the dispenser, and a filling line connected to the dispenser and having a coupler connectable to a liquefied hydrogen supply target. The common line comprises a first measuring instrument that measures the flow rate, density, or temperature of a fluid flowing through the common line, and a first vent line provided downstream of the first measuring instrument. The dispenser comprises a second measuring instrument that measures the flow rate and density of the fluid flowing through the dispenser. The filling line comprises a first on-off valve switchable between an open state in which liquefied hydrogen can be supplied to the liquefied hydrogen supply target through the filling line and a closed state in which communication between the dispenser and the liquefied hydrogen supply target is blocked, a second vent line, and a second on-off valve switchable between opening and closing the second vent line.

[0011] Many studies are being conducted toward the practical application of vehicles fueled by liquefied hydrogen. One of these studies is a technology for rapidly supplying liquefied hydrogen to vehicle fuel tanks at fuel stations. Liquefied hydrogen has a low boiling point and vaporizes easily, but hydrogen in a gas-liquid mixture is supplied to the fuel tank slowly and accurate flow measurement is difficult. For this reason, it is known to pre-cool the piping of hydrogen supply equipment. However, it is not reasonable to constantly pre-cool all points at fuel stations, from the outlet of the liquefied hydrogen storage tank to the tip of the filling nozzle of the dispenser, which may be installed multiple times.

[0012] The liquefied hydrogen supply facility according to the present disclosure includes a common line connecting a liquefied hydrogen storage tank and a dispenser, the common line being equipped with a first measuring instrument for measuring the flow rate, density, or temperature of the fluid flowing through the common line, and a first vent line located downstream of the first measuring instrument. The dispenser is also equipped with a second measuring instrument for measuring the flow rate and density of the fluid flowing through the dispenser. Furthermore, a filling line connected to the dispenser and having a coupler connectable to a liquefied hydrogen supply target, such as a vehicle fuel tank, is equipped with a first on-off valve for switching the filling line on and off, and a second on-off valve for switching the filling line vent line on and off. This configuration allows the cooling state of the liquefied hydrogen supply facility to be detected based on measurements from either or both of the first and second measuring instruments. The first measuring instrument installed in the common line measures the flow rate, density, or temperature of the fluid flowing through the common line. The second measuring instrument installed in the dispenser measures the flow rate and density of the fluid flowing through the dispenser. With these configurations, once it is determined that cooling of the hydrogen supply device has finished and that a state in which liquid hydrogen with a sufficiently high density can be supplied is reached, the vent line of the filling line can be quickly closed and filling of the supply target with liquefied hydrogen can begin. With these configurations, liquefied hydrogen can be quickly supplied to a liquefied hydrogen tank installed in a vehicle, etc.

[0013] The liquefied hydrogen supply facility may further include a recovery line having a coupler connectable to the liquefied hydrogen supply target, and the recovery line may include a third measuring instrument that measures the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the recovery line. With this configuration, the amount of liquefied hydrogen supplied to the liquefied hydrogen supply target (e.g., the fuel tank of a hydrogen vehicle) can be accurately calculated from the difference between the measurement value of the second measuring instrument provided in the dispenser and the measurement value of the third measuring instrument provided in the recovery line.

[0014] The second measuring instrument may be a Coriolis flowmeter. When the second measuring instrument is a Coriolis flowmeter, it can accurately measure the density and flow rate of hydrogen flowing through the dispenser. This allows for more accurate determination of the transition from the cooling process to the filling process in the supply facility and more accurate calculation of the amount of liquefied hydrogen supplied to the liquefied hydrogen supply target.

[0015] The liquefied hydrogen supply facility may further include a control unit. The control unit may issue a signal to instruct the first on-off valve and the second on-off valve to open or close based on the measurement value of the first measuring instrument or the second measuring instrument. This configuration makes it possible to automate the cooling of the liquefied hydrogen supply facility and the filling of liquefied hydrogen into liquefied hydrogen supply targets, thereby streamlining hydrogen station operations and reducing labor.

[0016] The liquefied hydrogen supply facility may include a plurality of dispensers, and the common line may have branching portions branching off to each of the plurality of dispensers downstream of the connection position of the first vent line to the common line. The liquefied hydrogen supply facility according to the present disclosure can separately control the cooling of the common line and the cooling of the dispensers and filling line. This allows, for example, operation in which only the common line is constantly cooled, shortening the time required for pre-cooling the supply facility and enabling liquefied hydrogen to be quickly supplied to a liquefied hydrogen tank installed in a vehicle, etc.

[0017] A liquefied hydrogen supply method according to the present disclosure is a method carried out in a liquefied hydrogen supply facility. The supply facility includes a storage tank capable of storing liquefied hydrogen, a dispenser connected to the storage tank, a common line connecting the storage tank and the dispenser, and a filling line connected to the dispenser and having a coupler connectable to a liquefied hydrogen supply target. The common line includes a first measuring instrument that measures the flow rate, density, or temperature of a fluid flowing through the common line, and a first vent line provided downstream of the first measuring instrument. The dispenser includes a second measuring instrument that measures the flow rate and density of the fluid flowing through the dispenser. The supply method includes a common line cooling step that cools the common line, a filling line cooling step that cools the filling line, and a filling step that supplies liquefied hydrogen to the liquefied hydrogen supply target. Switching between the filling line cooling step and the filling step is performed based on measurements from the first measuring instrument and the second measuring instrument.

[0018] According to the above supply method, the second measuring device, which measures the flow rate and density of the fluid flowing through the dispenser, can detect when the density of the liquefied hydrogen flowing through the filling line is higher than a predetermined value, and switching between the cooling process and the filling process can be performed quickly. As a result, liquefied hydrogen can be quickly supplied to the liquefied hydrogen tank of the vehicle or other target.

[0019] In the liquefied hydrogen supply facility, the filling line may include a first on-off valve switchable between an open state in which liquefied hydrogen can be supplied to the liquefied hydrogen supply target through the filling line and a closed state in which the communication between the dispenser and the liquefied hydrogen supply target is blocked; a second vent line; and a second on-off valve switchable between opening and closing the second vent line. The switching between the filling line cooling process and the filling process may be a step of switching the first on-off valve from closed to open and the second on-off valve from open to closed based on the measured values ​​of the first and second measuring instruments. With this configuration, when it is determined that cooling of the hydrogen supply device has finished and the supply target is ready for liquefied hydrogen to be supplied, the vent line of the filling line can be quickly closed and the filling of the supply target with liquefied hydrogen can begin. These configurations allow liquefied hydrogen to be quickly supplied to a liquefied hydrogen tank installed in a vehicle or the like.

[0020] In the liquefied hydrogen supply facility, the common line may include a third on-off valve switchable between an open state in which liquefied hydrogen can be supplied to the filling line through the common line and a closed state in which the common line is disconnected from the dispenser, the first vent line, and a fourth on-off valve switchable between opening and closing the first vent line. Switching between the common line cooling process and the filling line cooling process may be a step of switching the third on-off valve from closed to open and the fourth on-off valve from open to closed based on the measurement value of the first measuring instrument. This configuration allows the common line and the filling line to be cooled independently, and allows cooling of the filling line to be started quickly. Furthermore, even when multiple filling lines are provided, cooling of only the necessary filling line can be started quickly.

[0021] The liquefied hydrogen supply facility may further include a recovery line having a coupler connectable to the liquefied hydrogen supply target. The recovery line may include a third measuring instrument that measures the flow rate of a fluid circulating through the recovery line. The liquefied hydrogen supply method may include a step of calculating the amount of liquefied hydrogen supplied to the liquefied hydrogen supply target by comparing the flow rate of the fluid measured by the second measuring instrument with the flow rate of the fluid measured by the third measuring instrument. With this configuration, the amount of liquefied hydrogen supplied to the liquefied hydrogen supply target can be accurately calculated from the difference between the measurement value of the second measuring instrument provided in the dispenser and the measurement value of the third measuring instrument provided in the recovery line.

[0022] In the above-described method for supplying liquefied hydrogen, the common line cooling step and the filling line cooling step may be performed simultaneously. By simultaneously cooling the common line and the filling line, the time required to cool the supply equipment can be further reduced, and liquefied hydrogen can be supplied more quickly.

[0023] In the above-described liquefied hydrogen supply method, the liquefied hydrogen supply facility may include a plurality of the dispensers. The common line may have branching portions branching off to each of the plurality of dispensers downstream of a connection position of the common line to the first vent line. The common line cooling step may include a step of discharging, from the first vent line, liquefied hydrogen supplied from the storage tank to the common line. These configurations make it possible to cool only the common line upstream of the dispensers, and even in a supply facility equipped with a plurality of dispensers, liquefied hydrogen can be supplied quickly while suppressing the consumption of hydrogen for pre-cooling.

[0024] [Specific example of embodiment] Next, an example of a specific embodiment of a liquefied hydrogen supply facility according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts will be designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. In this specification, the "upstream side" and "downstream side" will be referred to based on the flow direction of the fluid circulating through the line when liquefied hydrogen is supplied. In the common line, dispenser, and filling line, the side closer to the liquefied hydrogen storage tank will be referred to as the "upstream side," and the side farther from the liquefied hydrogen storage tank will be referred to as the "downstream side." In the recovery line, the side closer to the connection with the liquefied hydrogen supply target will be referred to as the "upstream side," and the farther side will be referred to as the "downstream side." These names are for explanatory purposes only. In operation of the facility, the flow direction of the fluid circulating through each part of the facility is not limited to this; the flow direction of the fluid may be temporarily switched, or the fluid may not flow at all.

[0025] (liquefied hydrogen supply facility) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a liquefied hydrogen supply facility 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1, the supply facility 1 is a facility for transferring and supplying liquefied hydrogen from a storage tank 10 capable of storing liquefied hydrogen to a fuel tank 7 of a vehicle 6. The supply facility 1 includes the storage tank 10, a common unit 20, and a filling device unit 30. The filling device unit 30 includes a dispenser 31. In the supply facility 1, the common unit 20 is a portion that connects to the storage tank 10, and one common unit 20 is provided for one storage tank 10. One or more filling device units 30 may be provided for one common unit 20. In other words, the supply facility 1 can include one or more filling device units 30.

[0026] The storage tank 10 and the dispenser 31 are connected via a common line 41. The common line 41 is provided with a vent line 46 as a first vent line midway. The common line 41 branches at a branch point p1. The common line 41 is preferably configured as a heat-insulated pipe such as a double pipe. The vent line 46 may be a single pipe.

[0027] The common line 41 is provided with a sensor 21A as a first measuring instrument along the common line 41. The sensor 21A is a measuring instrument that detects and measures the flow rate, density, or temperature of the fluid flowing through the common line 41, and specifically may be a densitometer, a Coriolis flowmeter, a thermometer, or a combination thereof. Specific examples of the densitometer include a void fraction meter, a gamma ray densitometer, and an optical fiber densitometer. The vent line 46 is provided with a sensor 21B. The sensor 21B may be a measuring instrument that detects and measures the flow rate, density, or temperature of the fluid flowing through the vent line 46, and may be the same type of measuring instrument as the sensor 21A or a different type of measuring instrument. The vent line 46 is installed downstream of the sensor 21A. In the common section 20, an on-off valve V1 is provided on the common line 41 upstream of the sensor 21A. The vent line 46 is provided with an on-off valve V2 as a fourth on-off valve.

[0028] The common line 41 has branch points p1, p2, and p3 downstream of the vent line 46, and a filling device unit 30 is provided downstream of each of the branch points p1, p2, and p3. An on-off valve V3 serving as a third on-off valve is provided downstream of the branch points p1, p2, and p3 in the common line 41. At hydrogen stations, the common line from the liquefied hydrogen storage tank to the dispenser is longer than the filling line from the dispenser to the vehicle to be supplied, and is often made up of large-diameter piping. By closing the on-off valve V3, the supply facility 1 can cool the common line 41 independently of cooling the dispenser 31 and the filling line 42.

[0029] The common section 20 may include further components not shown, for example, an intermediate tank for temporarily storing liquefied hydrogen in the common line 41 .

[0030] The filling device unit 30 includes a dispenser 31. The dispenser 31 is equipped with a sensor 32 as a second measuring device and a sensor 33 as a third measuring device. The sensor 32 is a measuring device that detects and measures the flow rate and density of the fluid flowing through the dispenser, and is preferably a Coriolis flowmeter. When the filling device unit 30 is cooled, the hydrogen flowing through the dispenser 31 is hydrogen gas at the start of cooling, and as cooling progresses, it becomes a gas-liquid mixture of liquefied hydrogen and hydrogen gas, and then becomes liquefied hydrogen. If a low-density gas-liquid mixture is supplied to the fuel tank, the internal pressure of the fuel tank increases, causing a slower filling speed. By providing the dispenser 31 with measuring devices that measure density and temperature, the amount of hydrogen flowing through the dispenser can be accurately detected. Furthermore, the progress of cooling of the filling device can be accurately detected to determine the start of filling, and high-density (low-gas) liquefied hydrogen can be supplied to the fuel tank.

[0031] The filling line 42 is a line connected downstream of the dispenser 31. An on-off valve V6 serving as a first on-off valve is provided midway through the filling line 42. When liquefied hydrogen is to be supplied to the fuel tank 7, a coupler 51 of the filling line 42 is connected to the fuel tank 7, and the on-off valve V6 is opened. When the on-off valve V6 is closed, communication between the dispenser 31 and the fuel tank 7 is blocked. The on-off valve V6 is closed to cool the filling line 42. A vent line 47 serving as a second vent line is provided midway through the filling line 42. An on-off valve V4 serving as a second on-off valve is provided midway through the vent line 47. It is desirable that the filling line 42 be composed of insulated piping such as a double pipe. The vent line 47 may be a single pipe.

[0032] The filling device section 30 further includes a recovery line 43. The recovery line 43 has a coupler 52 that can be connected to the fuel tank 7. Hydrogen gas in the fuel tank 7 can be discharged and recovered through the recovery line 43. The hydrogen gas in the fuel tank 7 originates from hydrogen gas generated by vaporization of liquefied hydrogen in the fuel tank 7 and hydrogen gas contained in the liquefied hydrogen supplied to the fuel tank 7. A sensor 33 serving as a third measuring instrument is provided along the recovery line 43. The sensor 33 is provided in the dispenser 31. In another embodiment, the sensor 33 may be provided outside the dispenser 31, independent of the dispenser 31. The sensor 33 is a measuring instrument that detects and measures the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the recovery line 43, and is preferably a gas volumetric flow meter specifically. The hydrogen gas recovered through the recovery line 43 may be returned to the storage tank 10 or another part of the supply facility 1, or may be used in another device.

[0033] By equipping the dispenser 31 with a sensor 32 which is a Coriolis flow meter and a sensor 33 which is a gas volumetric flow meter, it is possible to accurately calculate the amount of hydrogen supplied to the fuel tank 7 and the amount of hydrogen recovered from the fuel tank 7.

[0034] The supply facility 1 according to the present disclosure may include a control unit 50. The control unit 50 is connected to sensors 21A, 21B, 32, and 33 via communication lines (not shown) and collects the measurement values ​​of each sensor. The control unit 50 is also connected to on-off valves V1 to V6 via communication lines (not shown) and issues signals to operate the on-off valves. In particular, the control unit 50 issues signals to instruct the on-off valves V6 and V4 to open or close based on the measurement values ​​of one or both of the sensors 21A and 32.

[0035] Furthermore, the supplying equipment 1 according to the present disclosure may include a control button 60 and an alarm 70, which is, for example, an alarm lamp. The supplying method performed in the supplying equipment 1 includes a common line cooling process, a filling line cooling process, and a filling process, and the completion of each process is determined by the control unit 50, and the alarm 70 is activated based on the determination. Based on the activation of the alarm 70, an operator may operate the control button 60 to issue a start signal for the next process. In another embodiment, some or all of the operations may be controlled by the control unit 50.

[0036] (Liquid hydrogen supply method) The liquefied hydrogen supply method according to the present disclosure is suitably carried out in the supply facility described above. The supply method according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the flow charts of each step shown in Figure 1 and Figures 2 to 4.

[0037] The supply method according to the present disclosure includes a common line cooling step of cooling a common line of the supply facility, a filling line cooling step of cooling a filling line of the supply facility, and a filling step of supplying liquefied hydrogen to a fuel tank to be supplied. These steps may be performed in stages, or the common line cooling step and the filling line cooling step may be performed substantially simultaneously.

[0038] FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of the common line cooling process. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, when cooling of the common line 41 starts, the on-off valves V1, V2, and V3 are all closed. In step S11, it is determined whether the common line pre-cooling switch is ON. To turn the common line pre-cooling switch ON, an operator presses the common line pre-cooling button on the control button 60, and an operation signal is sent from the control button 60 to the control unit 50. If it is not confirmed that the common line pre-cooling switch is ON (step S11; No), the process returns to step S11. If it is confirmed that the common line pre-cooling switch is ON (step S11; Yes), the process proceeds to step S12, where the on-off valves V1 and V2 are opened, and liquefied hydrogen is supplied from the storage tank 10 to the common line 41. The liquefied hydrogen supplied to the common line 41 is released through the vent line 46. At this time, the temperature and density of the hydrogen flowing through the common line and the vent line are measured by sensors 21A and 21B.

[0039] The temperature (T4) and density (ρ4) at the sensors 21A and 21B are set1 ) but not less than a first predetermined density (ρ set1 If the measured values ​​of the sensors 21A and 21B are not equal to or higher than the first predetermined temperature (T set1 ) or less than a first predetermined density (ρ set1 ) or more (Step S13; Yes), the process proceeds to Step S14, where an alarm is sent to inform the user that the common line pre-cooling has ended. Specifically, the control unit 50 sends a signal to the alarm 70, and the common line pre-cooling lamp of the alarm 70 lights up.

[0040] Next, in step S15, it is determined whether the filling line pre-cooling switch is ON. To turn the filling line pre-cooling switch ON, specifically, the operator presses the filling line pre-cooling button provided on the control button 60, and an operation signal is sent from the control button 60 to the control unit 50. As an alternative, the filling line pre-cooling switch can be turned ON mechanically by a predetermined program. If it is not confirmed that the filling line pre-cooling switch is ON (step S15; No), the process proceeds to step S17, where the on-off valve V1 is closed and the supply of liquefied hydrogen from the storage tank 10 is stopped. Next, in S18, the sensors 21A and 21B measure the temperature and density of hydrogen in the common line and the vent line. When the measured values ​​of the sensors 21A and 21B reach a second predetermined temperature (T set2 ) or less, and the second predetermined density (ρ set2 ) or more (Step S18; Yes), the process proceeds to S14, and the notification of the end of common line pre-cooling continues. set2 ) and not less than a second predetermined density (ρ set2 ) or more (Step S18; No), the process returns to Step S12, the on-off valve V1 is opened, and liquefied hydrogen is supplied from the storage tank 10 to the common line 41. The on-off valve V2 is kept open continuously. These steps enable the common line to be kept cooled regardless of whether pre-cooling of the filling line is started or not.

[0041] If it is confirmed in step S15 that the filling line pre-cooling switch is ON (step S15; Yes), cooling of the common line ends and the pre-cooling flow of the filling line starts in step S16. Specifically, the filling line pre-cooling switch ON operation is performed when the operator presses the filling line pre-cooling button provided on the control button 60, and an operation signal is sent from the control button 60 to the control unit 50.

[0042] The first predetermined temperature (T set1 ) is the second predetermined temperature (T set2 ), and is set to, for example, about −253 to −200° C. set2) is the first predetermined temperature (T set1 ), and may be set to, for example, about -200 to -100°C. set1 ) is the second predetermined density (ρ set2 ) and can be, for example, half or more of the liquid density, 20 to 71 kg / m 3 The second predetermined density (ρ set2 ) is the first predetermined density (ρ set1 ) than 10-70kg / m 3 It may have a relatively low density, for example, 1 to 20 kg / m 3 is set to a certain extent.

[0043] Regarding the determination of the temperature and density in the cooling process of the common line, the determination criterion may be that both the temperature and the density simultaneously satisfy the set values, or either the temperature or the density may be a necessary condition and the other may be a sufficient condition. The determination criterion may also be that the temperature and the density satisfy a certain relationship. Furthermore, the flow rate may also be used as the determination criterion.

[0044] Figure 3 shows a flow chart of the filling line cooling process. Referring to Figures 1 and 3, when cooling of filling line 42 starts, on-off valves V1 and V2 are open and on-off valve V3 is closed. In step S21, on-off valve V2 is closed and on-off valves V3 and V4 are open. On-off valve V6 is closed. In this way, liquefied hydrogen is supplied to filling line 42. The liquefied hydrogen supplied to filling line 42 is released through vent line 47. At this time, sensor 32 provided in dispenser 31 measures the temperature and density of the hydrogen circulating through the common line.

[0045] The temperature and density measurements (T5, ρ5) of the sensor 32 are at a third predetermined temperature (T set3 ) but not less than a third predetermined density (ρ set3 ) or more (Step S22; No), the process returns to Step S21, and cooling of the filling line continues. set3 ) or less and a third predetermined density (ρ set3) or more (Step S22; Yes), the process proceeds to Step S23, where an alarm is sent to inform the user that the filling line pre-cooling has been completed. Specifically, a signal is sent from the control unit 50 to the alarm 70, and the filling line pre-cooling lamp of the alarm 70 is turned on. set3 ) is set to, for example, about −253 to −200° C. The third predetermined density (ρ set3 ) is, for example, 20 to 71 kg / m 3 is set to a certain extent.

[0046] Next, in step S24, it is determined whether the filling start switch is ON. To turn the filling start switch ON, specifically, the operator presses the filling start button provided on the control button 60, and an operation signal is sent from the control button 60 to the control unit 50. As an alternative, the filling start switch can be turned ON mechanically by a predetermined program. If it is not confirmed that the filling start switch is ON (step S24; No), the process returns to step S23, and the notification that the filling line pre-cooling is complete continues. If it is confirmed that the filling start switch is ON (step S24; Yes), in step S25, cooling of the filling line ends, and the filling flow starts. To turn the filling start switch ON, specifically, the operator presses the filling start button provided on the control button 60, and an operation signal is sent from the control button 60 to the control unit 50.

[0047] In the filling line cooling flow according to the present disclosure, both temperature and density are measured by a sensor 32, such as a Coriolis flowmeter, and the filling flow is initiated after it is confirmed that the temperature is below a predetermined value and the density is above a predetermined value. This makes it possible to fill the target fuel tank with liquefied hydrogen with high density (low void fraction), allowing for rapid filling and accurate measurement of the amount filled.

[0048] Figure 4 shows the flow of filling liquefied hydrogen into a supply target. With reference to Figures 1 and 4, when filling liquefied hydrogen starts, on-off valves V1, V3, and V4 are open, and on-off valves V5 and V6 are closed. In step S31, on-off valve V4 is closed, and on-off valves V5 and V6 are open. In this way, liquefied hydrogen is supplied to the fuel tank 7 through the filling line 42. The hydrogen gas in the fuel tank 7 is released through the recovery line 43. At this time, the amount of released hydrogen gas is measured by a sensor 33 provided in the dispenser 31.

[0049] In step S32, the amount of fuel M filled in the fuel tank 7 is calculated. tank is calculated. Filling amount M tank is the supply amount M measured by the sensor 32 in and the collected amount M measured by the sensor 33. out In step S33, the amount of fuel filled into the fuel tank 7 is confirmed. tank is the specified filling amount M set If the amount is not more than the above (step S33; No), the process returns to step S31 and the filling continues. tank is the specified filling amount M set If so (step S33; Yes), the completion of filling is notified in step S34. Specifically, a signal is sent from the control unit 50 to the alarm 70, and the filling completion lamp of the alarm 70 lights up.

[0050] Furthermore, in step S35, as a filling end operation, the on-off valves V1, V5, and V6 are closed and the on-off valve V4 is opened. After predetermined operations such as disconnecting the couplers 51 and 52, filling is completed.

[0051] If the supply facility 1 is equipped with multiple filling equipment units 30, one or more filling equipment units 30 can be selected as needed, and the selected supply equipment unit 30 can cool the filling line and fill the supply target with liquefied hydrogen.

[0052] The supply method according to the present disclosure is not limited to the procedure shown in the flow chart above, and cooling of the common line and cooling of the filling line may be performed simultaneously. When cooling of the common line and cooling of the filling line are performed simultaneously, on-off valve V2 is closed, vent line 46 is not used, and on-off valves V1, V3, and V4 are opened. In this case, the completion of cooling of common line 41 and filling line 42 can be determined based on the temperature and density measurements of sensor 32, which is, for example, a Coriolis flowmeter.

[0053] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1 supply equipment, 6 vehicle, 7 fuel tank, 10 storage tank, 20 common part, 21A, 21B, 32, 33 sensor, 30 filling device part, 31 dispenser, 41 common line, 42 filling line, 43 recovery line, 46, 47 vent line, 50 control part, 51, 52 coupler, 60 control button, 70 alarm, V1 to V6 on-off valve.

Claims

1. a storage tank capable of storing liquefied hydrogen; a dispenser connected to the storage tank; a common line connecting the storage tank and the dispenser; a filling line connected to the dispenser and having a coupler connectable to a liquefied hydrogen supply target; and, The common line is a first measuring instrument for measuring a flow rate, a density, or a temperature of a fluid flowing through the common line; a first vent line provided downstream of the first measuring instrument; The dispenser includes a second measuring device that measures the flow rate and density of a fluid flowing through the dispenser; The filling line comprises: a first on-off valve that can be switched between an open state in which liquefied hydrogen can be supplied to the liquefied hydrogen supply target through the filling line and a closed state in which the dispenser is isolated from the liquefied hydrogen supply target; a second vent line; a second on-off valve that can switch between opening and closing the second vent line; having Liquefied hydrogen supply facility.

2. Further, a recovery line having a coupler connectable to the liquefied hydrogen supply target is provided, the recovery line includes a third measuring device that measures the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the recovery line; The liquefied hydrogen supply facility according to claim 1.

3. the second measuring instrument is a Coriolis flowmeter; The liquefied hydrogen supply facility according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Further, a control unit is provided, the control unit issues a signal instructing opening and closing of the first on-off valve and the second on-off valve based on the measurement value of the first measuring instrument or the second measuring instrument. The liquefied hydrogen supply facility according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A plurality of the dispensers are provided, the common line has branching portions branching to the plurality of dispensers, downstream of a connection position of the common line to the first vent line; The liquefied hydrogen supply facility according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A method for supplying liquefied hydrogen carried out in a liquefied hydrogen supply facility, comprising: a storage tank capable of storing liquefied hydrogen; a dispenser connected to the storage tank; a common line connecting the storage tank and the dispenser; a filling line connected to the dispenser and having a coupler connectable to a liquefied hydrogen supply target; and, The common line is a first measuring instrument for measuring a flow rate, a density, or a temperature of a fluid flowing through the common line; a first vent line provided downstream of the first measuring instrument; The dispenser comprises: a second measuring device for measuring the flow rate and density of the fluid flowing through the dispenser; The supply method includes: a common line cooling step of cooling the common line; a filling line cooling step of cooling the filling line; a filling step of supplying liquefied hydrogen to the liquefied hydrogen supply target, The switching between the filling line cooling process and the filling process is performed based on the measurement values ​​of the first measuring device and the second measuring device. Methods for supplying liquefied hydrogen.

7. The filling line comprises: a first on-off valve that can be switched between an open state in which liquefied hydrogen can be supplied to the liquefied hydrogen supply target through the filling line and a closed state in which communication between the dispenser and the liquefied hydrogen supply target is blocked; a second vent line; a second on-off valve that can switch between opening and closing the second vent line; and The switching between the filling line cooling process and the filling process is a step of switching the first on-off valve from closed to open and the second on-off valve from open to closed based on the measurement values ​​of the first measuring instrument and the second measuring instrument. The method for supplying liquefied hydrogen according to claim 6.

8. The common line is a third on-off valve that is switchable between an open state in which liquefied hydrogen can be supplied to the filling line through the common line and a closed state in which communication between the common line and the dispenser is blocked; the first vent line; a fourth on-off valve capable of switching between opening and closing the first vent line; and The switching between the common line cooling process and the filling line cooling process is a step of switching the third on-off valve from closed to open and the fourth on-off valve from open to closed based on the measurement value of the first measuring instrument. The method for supplying liquefied hydrogen according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The liquefied hydrogen supply facility further includes a recovery line having a coupler connectable to the liquefied hydrogen supply target, the recovery line includes a third measuring device that measures a flow rate of the fluid flowing through the recovery line; and calculating the amount of liquefied hydrogen supplied to the liquefied hydrogen supply target by comparing the flow rate of the fluid measured by the second measuring instrument with the flow rate of the fluid measured by the third measuring instrument. The method for supplying liquefied hydrogen according to claim 6 or 7.

10. the common line cooling step and the fill line cooling step are performed simultaneously; The method for supplying liquefied hydrogen according to claim 6 or 7.

11. A plurality of the dispensers are provided, the common line has branching portions branching to the plurality of dispensers, downstream of a connection position of the common line to the first vent line; the common line cooling step includes a step of releasing liquefied hydrogen supplied from the storage tank to the common line from the first vent line. The method for supplying liquefied hydrogen according to claim 6 or 7.

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