A supply device for cryogenic liquefied gas and a method for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas.

Abstract

To provide a cryogenic liquefied gas supply device that can quickly grasp the filling status of cryogenic liquefied gas in a fuel tank at a supply destination and determine the occurrence of overflow. To provide a cryogenic liquefied gas supply method that can quickly grasp the filling status of cryogenic liquefied gas in a fuel tank at a supply destination and determine the occurrence of overflow. [Solution] A cryogenic liquefied gas supply device that supplies cryogenic liquefied gas from a storage tank to a destination. The supply device comprises a first pipe having a first end connected to the storage tank and a second end connected to the destination, for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas from the storage tank to the destination, and a second pipe having a third end connected to the destination, for receiving fluid discharged from the destination. A thermometer is provided in the second pipe.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a cryogenic liquefied gas supply device and a cryogenic liquefied gas supply method. [Background technology]

[0002] Hydrogen gas supply devices are being considered for supplying fuel to vehicles that use hydrogen as fuel. As an example of this type of technology, Patent Document 1 discloses a supply device equipped with a compressor, an accumulator, a precooler, and a filling nozzle. In the supply device shown in Patent Document 1, a hydrogen gas discharge pipe, which is a vent line, branches off from the hydrogen gas supply pipe that runs from the hydrogen storage tank to the filling nozzle. A gas flow meter is also provided in the middle of the hydrogen gas supply pipe. The supply device in Patent Document 1 fills the fuel tank with hydrogen gas by utilizing the differential pressure between the hydrogen gas in the accumulator and the fuel tank to which it is supplied, and the completion of hydrogen gas filling is determined when the output of the gas flow meter falls below a predetermined value.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a supply device for filling a vehicle with liquid hydrogen. The supply device of Patent Document 2 comprises a first transfer pipe for transferring liquid hydrogen from a supply source, such as a tanker truck, to a vehicle, which is the supply destination, and a second transfer pipe for transferring gas discharged from the vehicle to a vent line. The device of Patent Document 2 is disclosed to be able to detect the completion of filling using a flow rate estimation means (e.g., a mass flow meter) provided in the second transfer pipe. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-223589 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-31216 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Currently, hydrogen stations that have been commercialized supply hydrogen gas to vehicles, and the completion of hydrogen gas filling is determined based on measured values from flowmeters and pressure gauges installed in the hydrogen gas supply piping (for example, Patent Document 1). On the other hand, vehicles that store liquefied hydrogen (hydrogen in liquid form) in their fuel tanks, and supply devices for supplying liquefied hydrogen to vehicles, have also been studied (for example, Patent Document 2). Due to the properties of liquefied hydrogen, it easily gasifies, so when supplying liquefied hydrogen to a vehicle, the hydrogen flowing in the piping may become a fluid that is a mixture of liquid and gas. For this reason, it is difficult to accurately grasp the flow rate of hydrogen using a general-purpose flowmeter. In addition, if the fuel tank of the destination vehicle is overfilled with liquefied hydrogen, events such as an increase in the internal pressure of the tank and activation of the safety valve may occur, so it is desirable to be able to prevent overfilling.

[0006] In view of such current circumstances, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a low-temperature liquefied gas supply device that can quickly grasp the filling state of low-temperature liquefied gas in the destination fuel tank and determine the occurrence of overflow. In addition, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a low-temperature liquefied gas supply method that can quickly grasp the filling state of low-temperature liquefied gas in the destination fuel tank and determine the occurrence of overflow. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0007] A low-temperature liquefied gas supply device according to the present disclosure is a low-temperature liquefied gas supply device that supplies low-temperature liquefied gas from a low-temperature liquefied gas storage tank to a supply destination. The supply device includes a first pipe having a first end connected to the storage tank and a second end connected to the supply destination, for supplying low-temperature liquefied gas from the storage tank to the supply destination, and a second pipe having a third end connected to the supply destination, for receiving fluid discharged from the supply destination. The second pipe is provided with a thermometer.

[0008] A method for supplying a low-temperature liquefied gas according to the present disclosure is executed in a low-temperature liquefied gas supply apparatus that supplies the low-temperature liquefied gas to a supply destination. The supply apparatus has a first end connected to a storage tank storing the low-temperature liquefied gas, and a second end connected to the supply destination of the low-temperature liquefied gas, and comprises a first pipe for supplying the low-temperature liquefied gas from the storage tank to the supply destination, and a second pipe having a third end connected to the supply destination and receiving fluid flowing out from the supply destination. A thermometer is provided on the second pipe. The supply method includes the step of measuring, with the thermometer, a first temperature at a first time point and a second temperature at a second time point that is a time point later than the first time point, and comparing the first temperature and the second temperature to determine the occurrence of overflow.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the supply apparatus of the present disclosure, there is provided a low-temperature liquefied gas supply apparatus capable of rapidly grasping the filling state of the low-temperature liquefied gas into the fuel tank at the supply destination and determining the occurrence of overflow. Further, according to the supply method of the present disclosure, there is provided a low-temperature liquefied gas supply method capable of rapidly grasping the filling state of the low-temperature liquefied gas into the fuel tank at the supply destination and determining the occurrence of overflow.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a supply apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an outline of a supply method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a liquefied hydrogen filling step in the supply method shown in Figure 2.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] [Overview of Embodiment] First, an outline of the supply facility and the supply method according to the present disclosure will be listed and described. A cryogenic liquefied gas supply device according to this disclosure is a cryogenic liquefied gas supply device that supplies cryogenic liquefied gas from a cryogenic liquefied gas storage tank to a supply destination. The supply device comprises a first pipe having a first end connected to the storage tank and a second end connected to the supply destination, for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas from the storage tank to the supply destination, and a second pipe having a third end connected to the supply destination, for receiving fluid discharged from the supply destination. A thermometer is provided in the second pipe.

[0012] The supply device according to this disclosure can determine the filling state of the supply destination by measuring the temperature of a second pipe, which is typically a pipe through which fluid discharged from the supply destination of cryogenic liquefied gas, such as a vehicle's fuel tank, flows, and detecting the change in that temperature. In their research on a supply device for supplying liquefied hydrogen to a vehicle's fuel tank, the inventors found that it is difficult to accurately measure the temperature of hydrogen flowing through the pipe using a general-purpose thermometer. On the other hand, they found that by installing a thermometer in the exhaust pipe of the supply device and detecting the change in its temperature, the filling state, especially the occurrence of overfilling, can be reliably and quickly detected. The supply device according to this disclosure can supply liquefied hydrogen to a vehicle and can quickly detect if overfilling occurs.

[0013] In the supply device, at least a portion of the section between the third end of the second pipe and the thermometer may be made of double-insulated piping. This configuration makes it possible to more accurately grasp temperature changes and reliably obtain the effects of this disclosure. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress heat input to the supply destination through the exhaust pipe and suppress the gasification of liquefied hydrogen at the supply destination.

[0014] The supply device includes a control unit, which receives a first temperature signal at a first time point and a second temperature signal at a second time point later than the first time point from the thermometer, and compares the first temperature signal and the second temperature signal to determine if an overflow has occurred. By having the control unit perform this control, a supply device is obtained that can accurately and quickly detect overfilling and refuel safely and quickly.

[0015] In the supply device, the thermometer may be a thermometer with a heater. Hydrogen handled by the supply device is an extremely cold fluid, and it is difficult to quickly and accurately grasp its temperature and temperature changes. By using a thermometer with a heater, the state of the hydrogen flowing through the piping can be accurately grasped, and the occurrence of overflow can be detected more reliably.

[0016] The method for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas according to this disclosure is performed in a cryogenic liquefied gas supply device that supplies cryogenic liquefied gas to a recipient. The supply device includes a first pipe for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas from the storage tank to the recipient, having a first end connected to a storage tank in which cryogenic liquefied gas is stored and a second end connected to a recipient of the cryogenic liquefied gas, and a second pipe for receiving fluid flowing out from the recipient, having a third end connected to the recipient. A thermometer is provided in the second pipe. The supply method includes the step of measuring a first temperature at a first time point and a second temperature at a second time point which is later than the first time point using the thermometer, and comparing the first temperature and the second temperature to determine the occurrence of an overflow.

[0017] The supply method described herein detects the occurrence of overfilling of cryogenic liquefied gas by observing the temperature change in the exhaust pipe that occurs within a predetermined time. Normally, a fuel tank containing liquefied hydrogen is filled with liquefied hydrogen and hydrogen gas, which is its vaporized form. As liquefied hydrogen is replenished into the fuel tank, hydrogen gas is discharged from the exhaust pipe. This hydrogen gas is at a higher temperature than liquefied hydrogen. Furthermore, as the liquefied hydrogen filling progresses and the fuel tank is filled with liquefied hydrogen, the temperature of the hydrogen discharged through the exhaust pipe decreases. In addition, if overfilling (overflow) occurs, the temperature drops rapidly as liquid hydrogen or a fluid containing liquid hydrogen flows through the exhaust pipe. According to the method described herein, the filling status of the receiving tank can be grasped and the completion of filling can be quickly determined.

[0018] In the supply method according to this disclosure, the step of determining the occurrence of overflow may include determining whether the temperature drop per unit time exceeds a predetermined value based on the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature. By detecting the temperature drop per unit time, the occurrence of overflow can be accurately detected.

[0019] In the supply method according to this disclosure, the supply device includes a control unit, which receives a first temperature signal at a first time point and a second temperature signal at a second time point later than the first time point from the thermometer, and compares the first temperature signal and the second temperature signal to determine if an overflow has occurred. By performing this control, the control unit can accurately and quickly detect overflows, resulting in a safer supply device.

[0020] In the supply method according to this disclosure, the first piping is equipped with a first valve that switches between an open state in which cryogenic liquefied gas flows from the storage tank to the supply destination and a closed state in which cryogenic liquefied gas does not flow from the storage tank to the supply destination, and the control unit may perform control to switch the open / closed state of the first valve based on an overflow detection signal. With this configuration, the supply of liquefied hydrogen can be stopped immediately when an overflow is detected, thereby reducing the amount of hydrogen that is discharged without being used as fuel.

[0021] [Specific examples of embodiments] Next, specific embodiments of the cryogenic liquefied gas supply device and supply method according to this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. In this specification, "low temperature" means a temperature range of 100K (-173℃) or lower. In this specification, the side of the cryogenic liquefied gas storage tank is referred to as the "upstream side," and the side to which the cryogenic liquefied gas is supplied is referred to as the "downstream side." In the following examples, the side closer to the storage tank is referred to as the "upstream side," and the side closer to the vehicle is referred to as the "downstream side." However, in actual operation, the direction of fluid flow is not limited to this, and the fluid may flow in the reverse direction due to purging or other operations.

[0022] The cryogenic liquefied gases handled in the cryogenic liquefied gas supply apparatus and supply method according to this disclosure include liquefied hydrogen, liquefied helium, and liquefied deuterium. In particular, the supply method and supply apparatus according to this disclosure are suitable as a method and supply apparatus for supplying liquefied hydrogen to a fuel tank provided in a vehicle.

[0023] (Feeding device) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a supply device according to this disclosure. Referring to Figure 1, the supply device 1 is a device that supplies cryogenic liquefied gas from a storage tank T1 containing liquefied hydrogen as cryogenic liquefied gas to a fuel tank T2 which is the supply destination. The storage tank T1 may be a tank of a tanker truck for transporting liquefied hydrogen, or a fixedly installed storage tank, and is not particularly limited. The supply destination is a tank capable of containing liquefied hydrogen. Specifically, the supply destination may be a fuel tank of a vehicle that uses hydrogen as fuel, and is not limited to a vehicle's fuel tank. These vehicles, etc., are equipped with a vehicle-side device 100. The supply device 1 is detachably attached to the vehicle-side device 100.

[0024] The supply device 1 includes a first pipe 10, which is a supply pipe for supplying liquefied hydrogen from a storage tank T1 to a fuel tank T2, and a second pipe 20, which is an exhaust pipe connected to the fuel tank T2. The liquefied hydrogen contained in the storage tank T1 is supplied to the fuel tank T2 via the first pipe 10 when the inside of the storage tank T1 is pressurized to a predetermined pressure. The method for pressurizing the inside of the storage tank T1 to a predetermined pressure is not particularly limited, and for example, a configuration in which a portion of the liquefied hydrogen contained in the storage tank T1 is taken out to the outside, vaporized, and then returned to the storage tank T1 may be used.

[0025] One end of the first pipe 10, the first end p1, is connected to the storage tank T1. The other end of the first pipe 10, the second end p2, is a first male joint 15, which is detachably connected to the first female joint 115 of the vehicle-side device 100. One end of the second pipe 20, the third end p3, is a second male joint 25, which is detachably connected to the second female joint 125 of the vehicle-side device 100. The end of the second pipe 20 opposite to the third end p3 is connected to the vent pipe 40.

[0026] The first pipe 10 is configured substantially entirely as a double heat-insulated pipe from the first end p1 to the second end p2. The first pipe 10 includes the first valve V which is an air-operated valve 11 . The first end p1 of the first pipe 10 is connected to the pipe end of the lorry-side apparatus including the storage tank T1. The pipe of the lorry-side apparatus is provided with a manual valve V for sealing the pipe 12 and an air-operated valve V 13 . The manual valve V 12 and the air-operated valve V 13 are opened, and by switching the opening and closing of the first valve V 11 , switching is performed between an open state in which liquefied hydrogen flows from the storage tank T1 to the fuel tank T2 and a closed state in which the low-temperature liquefied gas does not flow from the storage tank T1 to the fuel tank T2. The first valve V 11 can be opened and closed by a signal from the control unit 9.

[0027] The first male joint 15 of the first pipe 10 includes the gate valve V 15 and a coupler 18. The first female joint 115 of the vehicle-side apparatus 100 includes a coupler 118 and the gate valve V 115 . The gate valve V 15 may be a manual gate valve, for example, a lever-operated shutoff valve. When the gate valve V 15 is operated in a state where the first male joint 15 and the first female joint 115 are connected, the gate valve V 15 and the gate valve V 115 may be configured such that the opening and closing of both are switched in conjunction with each other.

[0028] Of the second piping 20, the exhaust hose 21 on the third end p3 side is constructed as a double-insulated pipe. The second piping 20 is a pipe for discharging fluid (hydrogen gas and / or liquefied hydrogen) discharged from the fuel tank T2 when liquid hydrogen is filled. By constructing the exhaust hose 21 as a double-insulated pipe, the discharged fluid can be kept at a low temperature, and pressure loss in the pipe can be suppressed. In addition, the temperature drop on the surface of the exhaust hose can be suppressed, and liquefaction of air (liquefaction of oxygen and nitrogen in the air) on the surface of the exhaust hose can be prevented. The length of the exhaust hose 21 can be set appropriately depending on the size and arrangement of the device, but for example it may be 5m or less, and can be about 3m to 4.5m. The second piping 20 may consist of only the exhaust hose 21 as a double-insulated pipe, or it is preferable that the section from the third end p3 to the area where the thermometers 71A and 71B are installed is also a double-insulated pipe.

[0029] The second male joint 25 at the third end p3 has the same configuration as the first male joint 15, and the gate valve V 25 and coupler 28. The second female joint 125 of the vehicle-side device 100 is connected to the coupler 128 and gate valve V 125 Includes gate valve V 25 This may be a manual gate valve, for example, a lever-operated shut-off valve. The gate valve V is connected to the second male joint 25 and the second female joint 125. 25 When you operate it, the gate valve V 25 and gate valve V 125 The configuration may be such that both opening and closing are switched in conjunction.

[0030] The second piping 20 is equipped with thermometers 71A and 71B. It is preferable that thermometers 71A and 71B be installed as close as possible to the third end p3, which is the vehicle-side end of the second piping 20, and close to the end of the exhaust hose 21 (the end of the exhaust hose 21 opposite to the third end p3). Thermometers 71A and 71B may be temperature sensors such as thermocouples, or they may be thermometers with heaters. Using thermometers with heaters allows for more reliable measurement of temperature changes in the low-temperature range. A thermometer with a heater is one in which a thermocouple integrated with a heater is provided within the sheath tube of the measuring section, allowing for temperature measurement while the thermocouple is heated by the heater. Thermometers 71A and 71B may be different types of thermometers or the same type. Furthermore, the number of thermometers is not limited to two; there may be one, or three or more thermometers may be installed.

[0031] The third pipe 30 is connected to the first pipe 10 at end p5 and to the second pipe 20 at end p6. The third pipe 30 is connected to the air-driven valve V 31 The end p5 of the third pipe 30 is connected to the first valve V in the first pipe 10. 11 It is connected between the first male joint 15 and the air-driven valve V. 31 When the gate is open, the first pipe 10 communicates with the vent pipe 40 via the second pipe 20, allowing the fluid (liquefied hydrogen and / or hydrogen gas) inside the first pipe 10 to be exhausted.

[0032] The vent pipe 40 is connected to the vent 41, which is an atmospheric discharge section. The fluid (hydrogen gas) in the first pipe 10 and the second pipe 20 is discharged into the atmosphere through the vent pipe 40 and the vent 41. The vent pipe 40 is equipped with a heater 42 and a flow meter 43 along its path. The heater 42 adjusts the temperature of the liquefied hydrogen or low-temperature hydrogen gas flowing into the vent pipe 40 to a temperature suitable for atmospheric discharge. The vent pipe 40 may be configured in series with the second pipe 20, and the vent pipe 40 and the second pipe 20 may overlap in part or in whole.

[0033] The supply device 1 further includes a fifth pipe 50 connected to the first pipe 10 at its end p4. The fifth pipe 50 is a hydrogen gas supply line. Along the fifth pipe 50 is an air-driven valve V 51 The following is provided. The end p4 and the opposite end of the fifth pipe 50 are connected to a cradle 51 that houses hydrogen cylinders 51A, 51B, and 51C. Hydrogen gas is supplied from the cradle 51 to the first pipe 10 through the fifth pipe 50. The cradle 51 is normally kept at room temperature, and room temperature hydrogen gas is supplied. When the first male joint 15 and the first female joint 115 are connected, hydrogen gas can be sent from the fifth pipe 50 through the first pipe 10 to the fuel tank T2. In addition, after the liquefied hydrogen filling is completed, the first female joint 115 and the air-driven valve V in the vehicle-side device 100 111 To avoid liquid sealing occurring in the area between the two, hydrogen gas may be supplied through the fifth pipe 50 and hydrogen gas purging may be performed.

[0034] The supply device 1 further includes a sixth pipe 60 connected to the coupler 18 of the first male joint 15 and the coupler 28 of the second male joint 25, respectively. The sixth pipe 60 is a helium gas supply line. An air-driven valve V is located in the middle of the sixth pipe 60. 61 The following is provided. The end of the sixth pipe 60 opposite to the connection point to the coupler is connected to a cradle 61 that houses helium gas cylinders 61A, 61B, and 61C. From the cradle 61, helium gas is supplied to the couplers 18 and 28, respectively, through the sixth pipe 60 (branch pipes 62A and 62B).

[0035] The supply device 1 further includes a seventh pipe 70 that connects to the second pipe 20 at its end p7. The end of the seventh pipe 70 opposite to end p7 is equipped with a third female joint 75 that is detachably connected to the first male joint 15 of the first pipe 10. That is, the first male joint 15 can be connected to either the first female joint 115 of the vehicle-side device 100 or the third female joint 75 of the seventh pipe 70. With the first male joint 15 and the third female joint 75 connected, pre-cooling of the first pipe 10 can be performed by supplying liquefied hydrogen from the storage tank T1 to the first pipe 10.

[0036] The supply device 1 includes a control unit 9. The control unit 9 controls each part of the supply device 1, specifically the first valve V, based on a predetermined program. 11 , air-driven valve V 13 , V 31 , V 51 , V 61 The control unit 9 can perform control to switch the opening and closing of the device. The control unit 9 receives measurement signals from thermometers 71A and 71B and other measuring devices (not shown), makes decisions based on the measurement signals, and performs control.

[0037] The vehicle-side device 100 is an external device not included in the supply device 1 according to this disclosure. The vehicle-side device 100 includes a fuel tank T2 capable of containing liquefied hydrogen, a supply line 110 capable of transferring liquefied hydrogen (or hydrogen gas) supplied from the supply device to the fuel tank T2, and an exhaust line 120 capable of discharging hydrogen gas (or liquefied hydrogen) from the fuel tank T2.

[0038] The end of the supply line 110 opposite the fuel tank T2 is a first female joint 115, which can be connected to the first piping 10 of the supply device 1. An air-driven valve V is located along the supply line 110. 111 It is equipped with an air-driven valve V. 111This may be controlled based on a signal from the control unit of the vehicle-side device 100, or it may be controlled based on a signal from the control unit 9. The end of the exhaust line 120 opposite the fuel tank T2 is a second female joint 125, which can be connected to the second piping 20 of the supply device 1. An air-driven valve V is located in the middle of the exhaust line 120. 112 It is equipped with an air-driven valve V. 112 This may be controlled based on a signal from the control unit of the vehicle-side device 100, or based on a signal from the control unit 9. In addition, a line (not shown) that directly connects the supply line 110 and the exhaust line 120 may be provided in order to efficiently purge the piping.

[0039] Figure 1 schematically shows a part of the configuration of the supply device according to this disclosure, and the supply device 1 may include components not shown. For example, it may include an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen gas) supply line for driving each of the air-driven valves in the supply device. The air-driven valves may also be other types of automatic valves, such as hydraulic valves. Some or all of the air-driven valves may be manual valves. Furthermore, the seventh pipe 70 may be equipped with a thermometer, and the progress of pre-cooling may be confirmed by measuring the temperature of the seventh pipe 70. In addition, check valves may be provided at predetermined locations in the piping to restrict the direction of fluid flow.

[0040] (Supply method) The cryogenic liquefied gas supply method described herein is a method for transporting cryogenic liquefied gas contained in a storage tank and supplying it to a recipient. Here, we will describe the case where the recipient is a vehicle having a fuel tank T2 capable of containing liquefied hydrogen. The vehicle may be a passenger car, or a large commercial vehicle such as a truck or bus. Furthermore, the recipient is not limited to a vehicle, but may be an aircraft, a ship, etc. The supply method described herein is particularly suitable when rapid refueling is required, such as at hydrogen stations for general vehicles or refueling equipment at racetracks.

[0041] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the outline of the supply method described herein. The apparatus for implementing the supply method described herein is not necessarily limited to the supply apparatus described herein, but as an example, the case in which the supply method is implemented using the supply apparatus 1 described above will be explained.

[0042] Referring to Figure 2, the fuel supply method begins upon the arrival of the vehicle to be supplied with fuel. Note that pre-cooling of the supply equipment may be performed prior to the start of the supply.

[0043] When the vehicle arrives, the filling preparation process S10 is performed. The filling preparation process S10 may include connecting the coupler 18 of the supply device 1 to the coupler 118 of the vehicle-side device 100 to configure the hydrogen supply system, and similarly connecting the coupler 28 to the coupler 128 to configure the hydrogen exhaust system. These connections may be made by an operator. When connecting the couplers, the connection work may be carried out while supplying helium gas to each of the couplers 18 and 28 through the sixth pipe 60, which is a helium gas supply line. By supplying helium gas to the couplers while making the connections, it is possible to avoid residual air at the connection point and the mixing of air into the fuel tank and piping.

[0044] The filling preparation step S10 may include steps to confirm the airtightness of the connections between the supply device 1 and the vehicle-side device 100 (the connection between the first male joint 15 and the first female joint 115, and the connection between the second male joint 25 and the second female joint 125), to advance the nozzle of the supply device 1 to a predetermined position, and to confirm the nozzle position. After each step of the filling preparation step S10 is completed, the process proceeds to the liquefied hydrogen filling step S20.

[0045] The liquefied hydrogen filling process S20 includes the steps of supplying liquefied hydrogen from storage tank T1 to fuel tank T2, detecting overflow, and confirming the completion of filling. The liquefied hydrogen filling process S20 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 3.

[0046] The liquefied hydrogen filling process S20 is started following the filling preparation process S10 (S200). After predetermined steps in the filling preparation process S10, it is determined whether or not there is a filling permission signal (S201). If no filling permission signal is detected (No in S201), the process returns to S201. If a filling permission signal is detected (Yes in S201), the filling permission lamp lights up (S202) and is held for a predetermined time by the timer (S203). Then, the first valve V 11 The air-driven valve V opens. 31 When the valve is closed (S204), liquefied hydrogen flows into the fuel tank T2. At this time, the control unit 9 controls the air-driven valve V of the vehicle-side device 100. 111 These may be controlled collectively or by separate systems. The liquefied hydrogen filling lamp lights up (S205).

[0047] During the filling of liquefied hydrogen, the presence or absence of overflow (overfilling) is determined (S206). The determination of overflow is explained below. The control unit 9 receives a first temperature signal at a first time point and a second temperature signal at a second time point, which is later than the first time point, from the thermometers 71A and 71B of the second pipe 20, and compares the first temperature signal and the second temperature signal. The interval between the first time point and the second time point can be set appropriately, but for example, it may be between 0.1 seconds and 10 seconds. Based on the difference between the first temperature signal and the second temperature signal, the temperature drop of the second pipe 20 per unit time can be calculated. More specifically, the temperature drop per second can be calculated. Specific determination criteria can be set as appropriate depending on the supply device and conditions, but for example, if the measured value of one or both of the thermometers 71A and 71B is less than -40°C, and the temperature drop per second is 5°C or more, it can be determined that an overflow has occurred (overflow detected).

[0048] When an overflow is detected (No in S206), the overflow processing process is executed (S600). The overflow processing process is performed by valve V 11 Switching from open to closed, and the air-driven valve V 51This may include opening the valve to boil off a portion of the liquefied hydrogen contained in T2. ​​If it is determined that there is no overflow detection (Yes in S206), after predetermined steps not shown, it is confirmed that the filling permission signal is OFF or that the liquid level in fuel tank T2 is at a predetermined level (S207). If it is not confirmed that the filling permission signal is OFF, or that the liquid level in fuel tank T2 is at a predetermined level (No in S207), the process returns to overflow detection (S206). If it is confirmed that the filling permission signal is OFF, or that the liquid level in fuel tank T2 is at a predetermined level (Yes in S207), after predetermined steps not shown, the liquefied hydrogen filling process ends. After each step of the liquefied hydrogen filling process S20 is completed, the process proceeds to the filling completion process S30.

[0049] The filling completion step S30 may include steps of retracting the nozzle of the supply device 1 to a predetermined position and confirming the nozzle position. Also, the first valve V of the supply device 1 11 From the vehicle-side device 100, the air-driven valve V 111 The process may include purging the area up to a certain point with hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is supplied from hydrogen cylinders 51A, 51B, and 51C through the fifth pipe 50. The filling completion step may also include disconnecting the coupler 18 of the supply device 1 from the coupler 118 of the vehicle-side device 100, and similarly disconnecting the coupler 28 from the coupler 128. The removed coupler 18 (first male joint 15) may be connected to the third female joint 75 of the seventh pipe 70. Some or all of these steps may be performed automatically by a control signal from the control unit 9, or some or all may be performed by an operator. After the filling completion step S30, the supply of liquefied hydrogen is terminated.

[0050] The supply method described herein may include various steps in place of or in addition to the steps described above. For example, in the liquefied hydrogen filling process, after filling a predetermined amount by detecting the liquid level, an additional number of hydrogen gas fillings (push fillings) may be performed a predetermined number of times. Alternatively, after filling the liquefied hydrogen to a predetermined level, helium gas may be introduced into the fuel tank at the supply destination to adjust the pressure.

[0051] The embodiments disclosed herein should be understood in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0052] 1 Supply device, 9 Control unit, 10 First piping, 15 First male joint, 18, 28, 118, 128 Coupler, 20 Second piping, 21 Exhaust hose, 25 Second male joint, 28, 30 Third piping, 40 Vent piping, 41 Vent, 42 Heater, 43 Flow meter, 50 Fifth piping, 51, 61 Caddle, 51A, 51B, 51C Hydrogen cylinder, 60 Sixth piping, 61A, 61B, 61C Helium gas cylinder, 62A, 62B Branch piping, 70 Seventh piping, 71A, 71B Thermometer, 75 Third female joint, 100 Vehicle-side equipment, 110 Supply line, 115 First female joint, 120 Exhaust line, 125 Second female joint, T1 Storage tank, T2 Fuel tank, V 11 First valve, V 111 , V 112 , V 13 , V 31 , V 51 , V 61 Air-driven valve, V 15 , V 115 , V 25 , V 125 Gate valve, V 12 Manual valve.

Claims

1. A cryogenic liquefied gas supply device that supplies cryogenic liquefied gas from a cryogenic liquefied gas storage tank to a customer, A first pipe having a first end connected to the storage tank and a second end connected to the supply destination, which supplies cryogenic liquefied gas from the storage tank to the supply destination, A second pipe having a third end connected to the aforementioned supply destination and receiving fluid discharged from the aforementioned supply destination, Equipped with, The second pipe is equipped with a thermometer. A supply device for cryogenic liquefied gas.

2. At least a portion of the second piping between the third end and the thermometer is made of double-insulated piping. A cryogenic liquefied gas supply device according to claim 1.

3. Equipped with a control unit, The control unit receives a first temperature signal at a first time point and a second temperature signal at a second time point that is later than the first time point from the thermometer, compares the first temperature signal and the second temperature signal, and determines when an overflow has occurred. A cryogenic liquefied gas supply device according to claim 1.

4. The thermometer is a thermometer with a heater. A cryogenic liquefied gas supply device according to claim 1.

5. A cryogenic liquefied gas supply device that supplies cryogenic liquefied gas to a recipient, A first pipe for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas from the storage tank to the supply destination has a first end connected to a storage tank in which cryogenic liquefied gas is stored and a second end connected to a destination for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas, The system includes a second pipe having a third end connected to the aforementioned supply destination and receiving fluid flowing out from the aforementioned supply destination, In a cryogenic liquefied gas supply device equipped with a thermometer in the second pipe, The procedure includes measuring a first temperature at a first time point and a second temperature at a second time point that is later than the first time point using the thermometer, and comparing the first temperature and the second temperature to determine the occurrence of an overflow. A method for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas.

6. The step of determining the occurrence of the overflow is: This includes determining whether the temperature drop per unit time exceeds a predetermined value based on the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature. The method for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas according to claim 5.

7. The supply device includes a control unit, The control unit receives a first temperature signal at a first time point and a second temperature signal at a second time point that is later than the first time point from the thermometer, compares the first temperature signal and the second temperature signal, and determines when an overflow has occurred. The method for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas according to claim 5.

8. The first piping is equipped with a first valve that switches between an open state in which cryogenic liquefied gas flows from the storage tank to the supply destination and a closed state in which cryogenic liquefied gas does not flow from the storage tank to the supply destination. The control unit executes control to switch the open / closed state of the first valve based on the result of determining whether an overflow has occurred. The method for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas according to claim 7.

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