Liquefied gas coupler

Abstract

The liquefied gas connector (1) includes a male portion (10) and a second portion (40) that are coupled together by insertion of the first portion (10) into the second portion (40). An internal liquefied gas conduit is fluidly connected for the transfer of liquefied gas through the connector (1). A valve (42) is movable between a first position in which the transfer of liquefied gas through the connector is blocked and a second position in which the transfer of liquefied gas through the connector is permitted. The interconnected portions (10, 40) cause the connector to have a first operational state in which liquefied gas does not transfer through the connector and a second operational state in which liquefied gas is permitted to flow through the connector. Providing at least one sensor (14, 16, 20) configured to sense the state of the connector and enable control of the fuel delivery process results in an automated process.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a connector, and more particularly to a connector having a vacuum insulated pipe or hose line with a poppet for transferring a cryogenic medium. The cryogenic medium can be moved axially to a connecting plug by air or hydraulic supply, which is provided outside the vacuum insulated pipe or hose line with any gas or liquid medium. Therefore, the conduit opens on the other side of the conduit at the connecting plug, e.g., single or multiple poppets, for transferring the cryogenic medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Considering the goal of zero emissions or a CO2-neutral future for global environmental issues, clean energy sources such as hydrogen and natural gas are playing a more important role and are in increasing demand. For example, clean liquefied gases, especially hydrogen, produced by solar, wind, and other clean energy sources have a small volume and therefore need to be transported in a liquefied state. On the other hand, liquefied gases are considered to be fuels for long-distance transportation such as trucks, ships, aircraft, and rockets because they are high-energy and high-density fuels.

[0003] In cryogenic applications, temperature changes can quickly become dangerous, especially for liquefied gases, which expand rapidly once they reach their boiling temperature. One example is liquid hydrogen (LH2), which, at atmospheric pressure, must be maintained at temperatures below -253°C to remain in a liquid state. At its boiling point, LH2 expands in volume by approximately 800 times, becoming hydrogen gas (GH2) at ambient temperatures, which can create dangerous pressures. It is widely known that such cryogenic media are only feasible with proper insulation, such as vacuum-insulated pipes or hose lines for transport or fuel supply.

[0004] Specifically, connectors for supplying cryogenic liquefied gases, especially LH2, are critical and vulnerable components, and the presence of heat escapes and dead spaces, such as air, can lead to dangerous changes. For example, at atmospheric pressure, LNG condenses into a liquid at temperatures below approximately -160°C; for oxygen (for liquid oxygen), liquid nitrogen (for liquid nitrogen), and nitrogen (for liquid N2), the temperature is approximately -195°C; and for liquid hydrogen (for liquid H2), the temperature is approximately -253°C. To maintain this, when transporting liquefied gases as fuel, it is extremely important to prevent the introduction of foreign materials, including concentrated liquid or solid oxygen and nitrogen, into storage, such as fuel cells. Potential leakage of H2 in dead spaces containing concentrated liquid oxygen could also lead to an explosion.

[0005] Liquefied gases are used for a variety of purposes, but regardless of the purpose, efficiency and safety are key factors. To take one of many examples, liquefied gases may be used as fuel and must be transferred from a fueling station, for example, to a truck. While the transfer itself is known in the art, technical drawbacks exist that reduce efficiency. For example, there are open connectors that lack poppets. This type of connector requires the conduit to be thoroughly purged with inert gas, first to check for leaks and then to check for emptiness.

[0006] Insulation is one way to avoid heat loss during cryogenic medium transport, and also means that less "cold" is transferred outside the operating area. Effective insulation means that the system does not have to work as hard to maintain the unit's operating temperature, thereby reducing energy consumption. One known form of vacuum insulation is by using multiple insulating materials, such as aluminum foil wrapped around the inside of a vacuum chamber. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a liquefied gas coupler for quickly connecting and disconnecting hoses without additional tools and without gas leakage, where reliability and safety are paramount concerns.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a liquefied gas coupler comprises a first male part and a second female part coupled to one another by insertion of the first part into the second part (40), each having an internal liquefied gas conduit fluidly connected for the movement of liquefied gas through the coupler, and a valve movable between a first position in which the movement of liquefied gas through the coupler is blocked and a second position in which the movement of liquefied gas through the coupler is permitted, the interconnected first and second parts causing the coupler to have a first operational state in which liquefied gas does not move through the coupler and a second operational state in which liquefied gas is permitted to flow through the coupler, the coupler being characterized by at least one sensor configured to sense the state of the coupler and enable the fuel supply process to be controlled.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the state of the coupler includes whether the first portion and the second portion are interconnected.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the state of the coupler includes whether the first and second portions are locked together.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the state of the connector includes the position of the valve.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor is one of an inductive sensor, a proximity sensor, and a magnetic sensor.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, insulation is provided, preferably vacuum insulation.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor is located outside the insulation.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a nozzle for a coupler according to the present invention, the nozzle comprising a first male part connectable to a second female part of the coupler, the first part and the second part being coupled to one another by insertion of the first part into the second part, the first part comprising an internal liquefied gas conduit fluidly connected for movement of liquefied gas through the coupler, the interconnected first and second parts causing the coupler to have a first operational state in which liquefied gas does not move through the coupler and a second operational state in which liquefied gas is permitted to flow through the coupler, the nozzle being characterised by at least one sensor provided in the first male part configured to sense a state of the coupler and enable control of the fuel supply process.

[0016] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the coupler of FIG. 1 in a connected position with nothing flowing therethrough. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the coupler of FIG. 1 after the portions of the coupler are connected and locked together when purging begins. [Figure 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the coupler of FIG. 1 after connection and at full flow. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Detailed descriptions of various embodiments of the solution are disclosed below with reference to the accompanying drawings. All examples described herein should be viewed as part of a general description, and therefore general terms can be combined in any manner. Individual characteristics of the various embodiments and aspects can be combined or exchanged, unless such combination or exchange clearly contradicts the overall function of the device or method.

[0019] In this description, the term coupler refers to a two-part connecting unit with an internal valve, comprising a receptacle-like female part, also called a tank unit or adapter, and a nozzle-like male part, also called a hose unit or coupler. The receptacle is installed in a near-vacuum manner on a transport unit such as a tank truck, rail car or receiving ship, while the nozzle is installed in a near-vacuum manner on a supply unit such as a flexible hose from a fuel station, a storage tank, a supply tanker or a loading arm from a fuel ship.

[0020] 1, there is shown a coupler, generally designated 1, comprising a first male portion in the form of a nozzle 10 and a second female portion in the form of a receptacle 40, which are joined together by insertion of the nozzle 10 into the receptacle 40. The interconnection between the nozzle 10 and the receptacle 40 is achieved by first inserting the nozzle 10 into the receptacle 40 and then rotating the nozzle 10 about its central axis by turning a handle 12 attached to the nozzle 10. Because the receptacle 40 is rotationally fixed by its attachment to the receiving vessel, mutual rotation between the nozzle 10 and the receptacle 40 occurs.

[0021] An interconnect sensor 14 is provided on the nozzle 10 to sense the position of the nozzle 10 relative to the receptacle 40. In the preferred embodiment, the interconnect sensor 14 is provided within or attached to the nozzle 10 which engages the receptacle 40. As is known in the art, the locking device and groove together form a bayonet joint. The interconnect sensor 14 may be an inductive sensor, although other options are possible, such as a proximity sensor or a magnetic sensor.

[0022] 1 , the nozzle 10 and receptacle 40 are unlocked from one another. In other words, an operator can remove the nozzle 10 from the receptacle 40 by reversing the interconnection procedure. For safe operation, a lock sensor 16 is provided that senses whether the locking mechanism 18 is activated. This locking mechanism ensures that the nozzle 10 cannot be removed from the receptacle 40. However, in another embodiment, the locking mechanism is normally closed, i.e., the nozzle 10 and receptacle 40 are locked to one another by default.

[0023] A valve sensor 20 is provided for detecting the position of a valve arrangement 42 disposed within the receptacle and movable between a first position in which movement of liquefied gas through the connector 1 is blocked and a second position in which movement of liquefied gas through the connector is permitted. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve arrangement 42 comprises poppet valves arranged next to each other in the flow path. For safety reasons, it is essential that liquefied gas cannot flow out before the nozzle 10 and receptacle 40 are locked together.

[0024] In FIG. 2, the coupler is shown with the nozzle 10 and receptacle 40 locked together by the locking mechanism 18. This means that the operation of transferring liquefied gas can begin. This operation is initiated by flushing a suitable gas, such as H2, into the chamber between the nozzle 10 and the receptacle 40 to remove any oxygen, a so-called purge operation. In this regard, the valve sensor 20 generates a positive signal for the purge position, in which the cold seal does not engage the receptacle 40. Only when gas is flushed into the space 24 between the nozzle 10 and the receptacle 40 is the liquefied gas in the gas conduit 26 of the nozzle 10 permitted to flow into the receptacle 40.

[0025] 3, the coupler 1 is shown as liquefied gas flows through the gas conduit 26 of the nozzle 10 and the gas conduit 46 of the receptacle 40. As can be seen from this figure, the valve 42 is pushed from a position that leaves the valve piston engaged with its valve seat, thereby allowing flow into the gas conduit 46 of the receptacle 40. This displacement of the receptacle valve 42 is affected by the displacement of the displacement piston 28 provided within the nozzle 10.

[0026] Displacement of the piston 28 is achieved by increasing the pressure in a displacement chamber 30 located outside the gas conduit 26 of the nozzle 10, preferably outside the insulation, in this case, a vacuum insulation. In other words, a pneumatic or hydraulic supply is provided outside the vacuum-insulated pipe or hose line containing any gas or liquid medium. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure of the gas in the displacement chamber 30 is increased to 15-20 bar to achieve displacement. The gas in the displacement chamber 30 exerts pressure on the shoulder 28a in a rigid mechanical connection with the displacement piston 28, moving the shoulder 28a and thus the displacement piston 28 to the left in the figure. The fact that the driving force is completely outside the gas conduit 26 prevents the risk of liquid gas mixing with other gases. Instead of a pneumatic solution with gas in the displacement chamber 30, a hydraulic solution is also possible.

[0027] Returning to sensors 14, 16, 20, their provision allows the operator to fully automate the gas flow process once the nozzle 10 is connected to the receptacle 40. This automated process essentially involves the following steps: - manually interconnecting the nozzle 10 and the receptacle 40 so that the nozzle 10 and the receptacle 40 are in an interconnected state; - detecting interconnected states; - automatically locking the nozzle 10 into the receptacle 40; - optionally detecting the position of the valve; - automatically purging the space 24 between the nozzle 10 and the receptacle 40; - automatically moving the valve 42 from a first position in which the movement of liquefied gas through the connector 1 is blocked to a second position in which the movement of liquefied gas through the connector 1 is permitted.

[0028] When the flow of liquefied gas is to be stopped, the process is reversed. In one embodiment of reversed operation, pressure is released in chamber 30, and then a spring pushes the valve to the closed position. In this embodiment, the cold seal remains in the sealing position, allowing for the safe purging of trapped gas in the coupling. Pressure is then applied to the other side of chamber 30, and the cold seal is removed.

[0029] Preferred embodiments of a connector according to the present invention and a method for operating such a connector have been described. It will be understood that these embodiments can be modified within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the inventive idea. By way of example, a connector with a double valve solution is shown. It will be understood that the present invention is also applicable to other types of valves, such as a single valve solution.

Claims

1. A connector (1) for liquefied gas, A first part (10) and a second part (40) which are connected to each other by insertion of the first part (10) into the second part (40), each having an internal liquefied gas conduit which is fluidly connected for the movement of liquefied gas through the connector (1), A valve (42) that is movable between a first position in which the movement of liquefied gas through the connector is blocked and a second position in which the movement of liquefied gas through the connector is permitted. Equipped with, The interconnected first portion (10) and second portion (40) give the coupler a first operating state in which liquefied gas does not move through the coupler and a second operating state in which liquefied gas is permitted to flow through the coupler. A coupler characterized by at least one sensor (14, 16, 20) configured to sense the state of the coupler and enable control of the fuel supply process.

2. The coupler according to claim 1, wherein the state of the coupler includes whether the first part (10) and the second part (40) are interconnected.

3. The coupler according to claim 1, wherein the state of the coupler includes whether the first part (10) and the second part (40) are locked to each other.

4. The coupler according to claim 2, wherein the state of the coupler includes whether the first part (10) and the second part (40) are locked to each other.

5. The state of the coupler includes the position of the valve, as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensors (14, 16, 20) are one of an induction sensor, a proximity sensor, and a magnetic sensor.

7. A coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising an insulating body, preferably a vacuum insulating body.

8. The coupler according to claim 7, wherein the sensor is located on the outside of the heat insulating body.

9. A nozzle for a coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a first part (10) connectable to a second part (40) of the coupler, wherein the first part and the second part are connected to each other by insertion of the first part (10) into the second part (40), The first part (10) comprises an internal liquefied gas conduit that is fluidly connected for the movement of liquefied gas through the connector (1), The interconnected first portion (10) and second portion (40) give the coupler a first operating state in which liquefied gas does not move through the coupler and a second operating state in which liquefied gas is permitted to flow through the coupler. A nozzle characterized in that the first portion (10) is provided with at least one sensor configured to sense the state of the coupler and enable control of the fuel supply process.

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