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

Abstract

To provide a supply device and supply method for cryogenic liquefied gas that enables pre-cooling of piping and rapid supply of cryogenic liquefied gas. [Solution] A cryogenic liquefied gas supply device that supplies cryogenic liquefied gas from a storage tank to a supply destination. The device comprises a first pipe, one end of which is connected to the storage tank and the other end to the supply destination, for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas from the storage tank to the supply destination; a second pipe, one end of which is connected to the supply destination and the other end to a vent line, for receiving fluid discharged from the supply destination; and a pre-cooling pipe, one end of which is connected to the second pipe. A first joint is provided at the supply destination end of the first pipe. A second joint, which is detachable from the first joint, is provided at the end of the pre-cooling pipe opposite to the side connected to the second pipe. A first thermometer is provided in the pre-cooling 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] Devices are being considered for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas from a storage tank to a recipient. As an example of this type of technology, Patent Document 1 describes a system comprising a supply pipeline system, an atmospheric discharge pipeline system, and a circulation pipeline system, and includes a large-capacity supply pump and a small-capacity pump located close to the storage tank. Patent Document 1 discloses a method for efficiently pre-cooling the pump. In the method of Patent Document 1, in order to pre-cool the small-capacity pump, the operation of the small-capacity pump is stopped, and the cold energy of the cryogenic liquefied gas flowing through the small-capacity pump is utilized due to the differential pressure between the storage tank and the pipeline system. This cryogenic liquefied gas is released into the atmosphere. When pre-cooling the supply pump, the small-capacity pump is operated to supply cryogenic liquefied gas to the supply pump. This cryogenic liquefied gas is circulated to the storage tank via the circulation pipeline system.

[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 further comprises a line that connects to the vent line and has an end that can be connected to the end of the first transfer pipe. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-78719 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-31216 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Currently commercialized hydrogen stations supply hydrogen gas to vehicles, and hydrogen gas cooled to about -40°C in the supply device is supplied to the vehicles. In contrast, in order to supply liquefied hydrogen to vehicles, it is desirable to maintain the piping of the supply device at a lower temperature, and pre-cooling of the piping becomes more important. If the pre-cooling of the piping is insufficient, when supplying liquefied hydrogen to the vehicle, the time taken for liquefied hydrogen to start accumulating in the fuel tank of the vehicle will be prolonged. Furthermore, the heat flowing into the fuel tank from the piping may cause problems such as evaporation of the liquefied hydrogen remaining in the fuel tank.

[0006] In view of such current situation, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a low-temperature liquefied gas supply device that performs pre-cooling of piping and enables rapid supply of low-temperature liquefied gas. In addition, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a supply method that performs pre-cooling of piping and enables rapid supply of low-temperature liquefied gas. [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 device includes a first piping, one end of which is connected to the storage tank and the other end of which is connected to the supply destination, for supplying low-temperature liquefied gas from the storage tank to the supply destination, a second piping, one end of which is connected to the supply destination and the other end of which is connected to a vent line, for receiving fluid discharged from the supply destination, and a pre-cooling piping, one end of which is connected to the second piping. A first joint is provided at the end of the first piping on the supply destination side. A second joint that is detachable from the first joint is provided at the end of the pre-cooling piping on the side opposite to the side connected to the second piping. A first thermometer is provided in the pre-cooling piping.

[0008] A method for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas according to this disclosure is a method for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas performed in a cryogenic liquefied gas supply device. In the supply method, a pipe pre-cooling step is performed to pre-cool the first pipe prior to the supply step of supplying cryogenic liquefied gas to a recipient. The pipe pre-cooling step includes the steps of connecting the first joint of the first pipe and the second joint of the pre-cooled pipe, circulating cryogenic liquefied gas through the first pipe, and determining the pre-cooling state by the measurement value of the first thermometer installed in the pre-cooled pipe or by observing the pre-cooled pipe. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The supply device described in this disclosure provides a supply device that enables pre-cooling of piping and rapid supply of cryogenic liquefied gas. Furthermore, a supply method is provided that enables pre-cooling of piping and rapid supply of cryogenic liquefied gas. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an overview of the supply method according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the pre-cooling process in the supply method shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the liquefied hydrogen filling process in the supply method shown in Figure 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] [Summary of the Embodiment] First, we will list and explain the outline of the supply device and supply method related to this disclosure. 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 device comprises a first pipe, one end of which is connected to the storage tank and the other end to the supply destination, for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas from the storage tank to the supply destination; a second pipe, one end of which is connected to the supply destination and the other end to a vent line, for receiving fluid discharged from the supply destination; and a pre-cooling pipe, one end of which is connected to the second pipe. A first joint is provided at the supply destination end of the first pipe. A second joint, which is detachable from the first joint, is provided at the end of the pre-cooling pipe opposite to the side connected to the second pipe. A first thermometer is provided in the pre-cooling pipe.

[0012] The supply device according to this disclosure allows the supply line to be reliably cooled to its end by connecting a first joint, which is provided at the end of the first piping that constitutes the supply line, to a pre-cooling pipe. Furthermore, a thermometer is provided in the pre-cooling pipe, and the progress of pre-cooling can be confirmed by measuring the temperature of this thermometer. With these configurations, pre-cooling of the supply piping can be reliably carried out, and cryogenic liquefied gas can be supplied rapidly.

[0013] In the supply device, a second thermometer may be provided between the end of the second piping connected to the supply destination and the position where the pre-cooling piping is connected. With this configuration, the progress of pre-cooling can be detected by the first thermometer, and the supply status can be detected by the second thermometer. This allows for more accurate and rapid supply of cryogenic liquefied gas.

[0014] The supply device may further include a third pipe, one end of which is connected to the first pipe and the other end of which is connected to the second pipe. The third pipe may be equipped with a valve that can switch between an open state in which the first pipe communicates with the vent line via the third pipe and the second pipe, and a closed state in which the first pipe does not communicate with the second pipe. In other words, the supply device is provided with a pre-cooling pipe and a third pipe, which is a pipe that connects the supply pipe to the vent, as separate components. With this configuration, it is possible to connect the supply pipe to the vent line while the supply pipe and the pre-cooling pipe are connected. Therefore, pressure relief can be performed while maintaining the pre-cooling state, and the filling of cryogenic liquefied gas can be started quickly while maintaining the pre-cooling state.

[0015] The supply device includes a control unit, which receives a temperature signal related to the temperature of the pre-cooling piping from the first thermometer and may determine whether or not pre-cooling is complete based on the temperature signal. By performing this determination, the control unit can accurately and quickly detect the progress of pre-cooling, reduce the amount of gas consumed for pre-cooling, and quickly supply cryogenic liquefied gas.

[0016] The supply method according to this disclosure is a method for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas that is performed in the cryogenic liquefied gas supply device. Prior to the supply process of supplying cryogenic liquefied gas to a recipient, a pipe pre-cooling process is performed to pre-cool the first pipe. The pipe pre-cooling process includes the steps of connecting the first joint of the first pipe and the second joint of the pre-cooling pipe, circulating cryogenic liquefied gas through the first pipe, and determining the pre-cooling state by the measurement value of the first thermometer installed in the pre-cooling pipe or by observing the appearance of the pre-cooling pipe.

[0017] According to the above supply method, the first joint provided at the end of the first piping, which is the supply line, can be connected to the pre-cooling piping, thus ensuring that the supply line is cooled all the way to the end. In addition, a thermometer is provided in the pre-cooling piping, and the progress of pre-cooling can be confirmed by measuring the temperature of this thermometer. With these configurations, pre-cooling of the supply piping can be reliably carried out, and cryogenic liquefied gas can be supplied rapidly.

[0018] The supply method according to this disclosure is a method for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas performed in the cryogenic liquefied gas supply device. In the supply method, a pipe pre-cooling step is performed to pre-cool the first pipe prior to the supply step of supplying cryogenic liquefied gas to a recipient. The pipe pre-cooling step includes the steps of connecting the first joint of the first pipe and the second joint of the pre-cooling pipe; circulating cryogenic liquefied gas through the first pipe; determining the pre-cooling state by the measurement value of the first thermometer installed in the pre-cooling pipe or by observing the pre-cooling pipe; and, when the pre-cooling is completed, opening the valve in the third pipe while the first pipe and the pre-cooling pipe are connected.

[0019] According to the above supply method, after cooling the first supply pipe, it is possible to connect the supply pipe to the vent line while the supply pipe and the pre-cooling pipe are connected. Therefore, pressure relief can be performed while maintaining the pre-cooled state of the supply pipe, and the filling of cryogenic liquefied gas can be started quickly while maintaining the pre-cooled state.

[0020] [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.

[0021] The cryogenic liquefied gases handled in the cryogenic liquefied gas supply apparatus and supply method according to this disclosure refer to gases in a liquid state that liquefies at a temperature of 100K (-173°C) or lower. Cryogenic liquefied gases include, but are not limited to, liquefied hydrogen, liquefied helium, and liquefied deuterium. The supply method and supply apparatus according to this disclosure are particularly suitable as a method for supplying liquefied hydrogen to a fuel tank installed in a vehicle that runs on hydrogen as fuel, and as a liquefied hydrogen supply apparatus.

[0022] (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. A vehicle-side device 100 is provided on the vehicle. The supply device 1 is detachably attached to the vehicle-side device 100. The supply device 1 includes a filling unit U1 and a vent unit U2. In an actual device, the filling unit U1 and the vent unit U2 may be configured as an integral unit or as separate units.

[0023] The supply device 1 includes a first pipe 10, which is a supply pipe for supplying liquefied hydrogen from storage tank T1 to fuel tank T2, and a second pipe 20, which is an exhaust pipe connected to fuel tank T2. The liquefied hydrogen contained in storage tank T1 is supplied to fuel tank T2 via the first pipe 10 when the inside of storage tank T1 is pressurized to a predetermined pressure. The method for pressurizing the inside of storage tank T1 to a predetermined pressure is not particularly limited, and a configuration in which a portion of the liquefied hydrogen contained in storage tank T1 is taken out to the outside, vaporized, and then returned to storage tank T1 is also possible.

[0024] One end of the first pipe 10, the first end p1, is connected to the end of the piping of the tanker truck-side equipment, which includes the storage tank T1. The other end of the first pipe 10, the second end p2, is provided with a first male joint 15, which serves as the first joint. The first male joint 15 is detachably connected to the first female joint 115 of the vehicle-side equipment 100.

[0025] A second male joint 25 is provided at one end of the second pipe 20, which is the third end p3. The second male joint 25 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] In this specification, in a pair of detachable joints, the joint that is inserted when attaching or detaching is referred to as the male joint, and the joint that is inserted into is referred to as the female joint. The male joint may be equipped with a nozzle that can move forward and backward inside. After the male joint and the female joint are connected, the nozzle may move forward and connect to the internal flow path of the female joint. The arrangement of the male joint and the female joint is not limited, and in another embodiment, the first male joint 15 may be replaced with a female joint, and the first female joint 115 may be replaced with a male joint.

[0027] The first pipe 10 has a high heat insulation structure so that low-temperature liquefied gas can be supplied to the supply destination 100 in a low-temperature liquid state. Examples of the pipes with a high heat insulation structure include vacuum multiple heat insulation pipes such as double heat insulation pipes in which a vacuum heat insulation layer is formed between an outer pipe and an inner pipe. Substantially the entire portion of the first pipe 10 from the first end p1 to the second end p2 is constituted by a double heat insulation pipe. The first pipe 10 may be constituted by a series of pipe bodies, or may be constituted by a plurality of pipe bodies and the like connected to each other. The first pipe 10 has a first valve V which is an air-driven valve 11 . The pipe connected to the storage tank T1 of the lorry-side device is connected to the first end p1, and a manual valve V is provided on the pipe 12 and an air-driven valve V 13 . The manual valve V 12 and the air-driven valve V 13 are opened, and by switching the opening and closing of the first valve V 11 , an open state in which liquefied hydrogen flows from the storage tank T1 to the fuel tank T2 and a closed state in which low-temperature liquefied gas does not flow from the storage tank T1 to the fuel tank T2 are switched. The opening and closing of the first valve V 11 can be executed by a signal from the control unit 9.

[0028] The first male joint 15 of the first pipe 10 is constituted by a gate valve V 15 and a coupler 18. The first female joint 115 of the vehicle-side device 100 is constituted by a coupler 118 and a gate valve V 115 . The gate valve V 15 may be a manual gate valve, and may be, for example, a lever-operated shutoff valve (ball valve). When the lever of 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 are interlocked with each other so that the opening and closing of both can be switched.

[0029] The second piping may consist of a series of pipes, or it is preferable that multiple pipes are connected together. Of the second piping 20, the exhaust hose 21 located on the third end p3 side is made of double-insulated piping. The second piping 20 is a pipe for discharging fluid (hydrogen gas and / or liquefied hydrogen) discharged from the fuel tank T2 as liquefied hydrogen is supplied to the fuel tank T2. The length of the exhaust hose 21 can be set appropriately depending on the size and arrangement of the device, but it may be, for example, 5m or less, or about 3m to 4.5m. The second piping 20 may consist of only the exhaust hose 21 being made of double-insulated piping, or it is preferable that the section from the third end p3 to the area where the thermometer 27 is installed is made of double-insulated piping.

[0030] 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 (ball 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.

[0031] The second pipe 20 is equipped with a thermometer 27, which serves as a second thermometer. The thermometer 27 is preferably located as close as possible to the third end p3, which is the vehicle-side end of the second pipe 20, and is located close to the end of the exhaust hose 21 (the end of the exhaust hose 21 opposite to the third end p3). The thermometer 27 may be a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple, or it may be a thermometer with a heater. When a thermometer with a heater is used, temperature changes in the low-temperature range can be grasped more reliably. A thermometer with a heater is a thermometer in which a thermocouple integrated with a heater is provided inside the sheath tube of the measuring section, and temperature measurement can be performed while heating the thermocouple with the heater. The thermometer 27 may be a single temperature measuring device (temperature sensor), or multiple temperature measuring devices may be combined.

[0032] The third pipe 30 is a pipe that connects to the first pipe 10 at end p5 and to the second pipe 20 at end p6. The third pipe 30 may be composed of a series of pipes, or it may be composed of multiple pipes connected together. Along the third pipe 30 is a valve V which is an air-driven valve. 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 valve V and the first male joint 15. 31 When the valve 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) in the first pipe 10 to be exhausted. 31 When it is closed, the connection between the first pipe 10 and the second pipe 20 is blocked.

[0033] 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 or 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. The vent pipe 40, vent 41, heater 42, and flow meter 43 may constitute a hydrogen vent unit U2.

[0034] The supply device 1 further includes a fifth pipe 50 that connects to the first pipe 10 at its end p4. The end p4 of the fifth pipe 50 is connected to the first valve V in the first pipe 10. 11 It is connected between and the first male joint 15. The fifth pipe 50 is a hydrogen gas supply line. Along the fifth pipe 50, there 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.

[0035] 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. 61The 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).

[0036] The supply device 1 includes a seventh pipe 70 as a pre-cooling pipe, which is connected to the second pipe 20 at its end p7. The seventh pipe 70 is connected to the second pipe 20 at a position downstream of the thermometer 27. The seventh pipe 70 is composed of, for example, multiple pipes connected together. At the end of the seventh pipe 70 opposite to end p7, a third female joint 75 is provided as a second joint that is detachably attached to the first male joint 15 of the first pipe 10. That is, the first male joint 15 of the first pipe 10 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. Pre-cooling of the first pipe 10 can be performed by supplying liquefied hydrogen to the first pipe 10 with the first male joint 15 and the third female joint 75 connected. The cryogenic liquefied gas used for pre-cooling is transferred from the seventh pipe 70 through the second pipe 20 to the vent pipe 40, and then released into the atmosphere from the vent 41.

[0037] The third female joint 75, like the first female joint 115, includes a female coupler having an internal flow path through which fluid flows, and a valve body integrated with the female coupler. The valve body can be manually switched between a line-open state that allows fluid flow through the internal flow path of the female coupler and a line-closed state that stops fluid flow. A ball valve is an example of the valve body. With the first male joint 15 and the third female joint 75 connected, the gate valve V of the first male joint 15 By operating this, the gate valve V 15 The valve body of the third female joint 75 may be configured to be in conjunction with the valve body.

[0038] A thermometer 77 is installed in the seventh pipe 70. The thermometer 77 may be a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple. The measurement result of the thermometer 77 is output as an electrical signal to the control unit 9. The temperature inside the seventh pipe 70 is monitored by the control unit 9. By monitoring the temperature inside the seventh pipe 70, the progress of pre-cooling of the supply pipe 10 can be confirmed. The progress of pre-cooling can also be confirmed by observing the appearance of the seventh pipe 70. When pre-cooling has progressed sufficiently, the temperature of the pipe drops, the air around the pipe liquefies, and droplets are formed. The progress of pre-cooling can also be confirmed by checking for the formation of droplets. The thermometer 77 may be a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple, or it may be a thermometer with a heater. When a thermometer with a heater is used, temperature changes in the low-temperature range can be grasped more reliably, so the progress of pre-cooling can be accurately grasped.

[0039] Pre-cooling the first pipe 10 allows for rapid filling of the fuel tank T2 with cryogenic liquefied gas, thereby shortening the filling time. Furthermore, if the temperature of the first pipe 10 is high during filling, the heat contained in the first pipe 10 may be transferred to the fuel tank T2 when the cryogenic liquefied gas is supplied to the fuel tank T2, potentially causing the cryogenic liquefied gas in the fuel tank T2 to evaporate. However, pre-cooling the first pipe 10 suppresses the transfer of heat from the first pipe 10 to the fuel tank T2.

[0040] 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 27, 77 and other measuring devices (not shown), makes decisions based on the measurement signals, and performs control.

[0041] (Vehicle-side equipment) 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.

[0042] 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. Along the supply line 110, there is an air-driven valve V 111 It is equipped with an air-driven valve V. 111 This 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.

[0043] 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 be other types of automatic valves, such as hydraulic valves. Some or all of the air-driven valves may be manual valves. In addition, check valves may be provided at predetermined locations in the piping to restrict the direction of fluid flow. Furthermore, the configuration may consist of multiple filling units U1 arranged in parallel.

[0044] (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 also be an aircraft or a ship. 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.

[0045] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the outline of the supply method relating to this disclosure. The apparatus for implementing the supply method relating to this disclosure is not necessarily limited to the supply apparatus described above, but as an example, we will explain the case in which the supply method is implemented using the supply apparatus 1 described above.

[0046] Referring to Figure 2, in the supply method, a pre-cooling process S00 is first performed. The pre-cooling process S00 includes the steps of connecting the first male joint 15 of the first pipe 10 and the third female joint 75 of the seventh pipe 70, circulating cryogenic liquefied gas through the first pipe 10, and determining the pre-cooling state by reading the measurement value of a thermometer 77 installed in the seventh pipe 70, or by observing the appearance of the seventh pipe 70. The pre-cooling process S00 will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 3.

[0047] The pre-cooling process S00 is started. The pre-cooling process may be started, for example, when an announcement of the arrival of a vehicle requiring refueling is made, or when the supply device is started up. A decision is made as to whether or not to perform pre-cooling (S000). If pre-cooling is not performed (No in S000), the process proceeds to the filling preparation process. If pre-cooling is performed (Yes in S000), joint connection is performed (S001). Joint connection is the step of connecting the first male joint 15 of the first pipe 10 and the third female joint 75 of the seventh pipe 70. When connecting the joint, helium gas may be supplied to the coupler 18 of the first male joint 15 through the sixth pipe 60, which is a helium gas supply line, while the connection work is being performed. Following joint connection, an airtightness check is performed (S002). If airtightness is not confirmed (No in S002), an airtightness check is performed again after a predetermined process not shown. Once airtightness is confirmed (Yes in S002), the connection confirmation lamp lights up (S003).

[0048] Next, the first valve V of the first piping 10 11 The air-driven valve V of the third pipe 30 opens. 31 When the valve is closed (S004), liquefied hydrogen flows throughout the entire first pipe 10, and pre-cooling of the first pipe 10 proceeds. The pre-cooling lamp blinks (S005) to indicate that pre-cooling is in progress. The progress of pre-cooling is determined (S006). Specifically, it is determined whether the measured value (T) of the thermometer 77 installed in the seventh pipe 70 is below a predetermined temperature. Alternatively, the pre-cooling state may be determined by observing the appearance of the seventh pipe 70. If it is determined that pre-cooling has not reached a predetermined level (No in S006), the process returns to determining the progress of pre-cooling. If it is determined that pre-cooling has reached a predetermined level (Yes in S006), the pre-cooling lamp lights up to indicate that pre-cooling is complete (S007).

[0049] Next, it is determined whether or not there is a signal to fill (S008). The signal to fill may be, for example, a ready signal from the vehicle-side device 100, or it may be a signal from the worker or driver. If there is no signal to fill (Yes in S008), it is determined whether to temporarily suspend or continue pre-cooling (S009). If pre-cooling is to be continued (continue in S009), the process returns to checking for a signal to fill. If pre-cooling is to be temporarily suspended (temporarily suspended in S009), the first valve V 11 When closed, air-driven valve V 31 The valve is opened (S010). In this state, the process returns to confirming the filling signal. In addition, in S009, a decision may be made as to whether or not to resume filling. If filling is to be resumed, the process returns to S004.

[0050] If there is a signal to fill (No in S008), valve 1 V 11 The valve is closed, and the air-driven valve V 31 The valve is opened (S011). This action depressurizes the first pipe 10. After certain steps (not shown), such as confirming the depressurization, the connected joint is released (S012). Then the process proceeds to the filling preparation step.

[0051] After the pre-cooling process S00, or if the pre-cooling process S00 is omitted, 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 a hydrogen supply system, and similarly connecting the coupler 28 to the coupler 128 to configure a hydrogen exhaust system. These connections may be made by an operator. When connecting the couplers, the connection work may be performed 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 connecting, residual air at the connection point and the mixing of air into the fuel tank and piping can be avoided.

[0052] The filling preparation step S10 may include steps to confirm the airtightness of the connection 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.

[0053] 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 4.

[0054] 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 this 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).

[0055] During the filling of liquefied hydrogen, the presence or absence of overflow (overfilling) is determined (S206). An example of overflow determination is described 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 thermometer 27 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 fluctuation 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 the thermometer 27 is less than -40℃ and the temperature drop per second is 5℃ or more, it can be determined that an overflow has occurred (overflow detected).

[0056] 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 This may include switching from open to closed. 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.

[0057] 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 111The process may include a step of purging the area up to that point with hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas for purging 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. After the filling completion step S30, the process may proceed to a pre-cooling step or to other steps.

[0058] Some or all of these steps may be performed automatically by control signals from the control unit 9, or some or all of them may be performed by an operator.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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]

[0061] 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 is connected at one end to the storage tank and at the other end to the supply destination, and supplies cryogenic liquefied gas from the storage tank to the supply destination. A second pipe, one end of which is connected to the aforementioned supply destination and the other end to a vent line, receives the fluid discharged from the aforementioned supply destination, A pre-cooling pipe, one end of which is connected to the second pipe, Equipped with, A first joint is provided at the supply destination end of the first piping. The end of the pre-cooling piping opposite to the side connected to the second piping is provided with a second joint that is detachable from the first joint. The pre-cooling piping is equipped with a first thermometer. A supply device for cryogenic liquefied gas.

2. A second thermometer is provided between the end of the second piping that connects to the supply destination and the position where the pre-cooling piping connects. A cryogenic liquefied gas supply device according to claim 1.

3. Furthermore, it includes a third pipe, one end of which is connected to the first pipe and the other end of which is connected to the second pipe. The third piping includes a valve that can switch between an open state in which the first piping communicates with the vent line via the third piping and the second piping, and a closed state in which the first piping does not communicate with the second piping. A cryogenic liquefied gas supply device according to claim 1.

4. Equipped with a control unit, The control unit receives a temperature signal related to the temperature of the pre-cooling pipe from the first thermometer and determines whether or not pre-cooling is complete based on the temperature signal. A cryogenic liquefied gas supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A method for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas, which is performed in the cryogenic liquefied gas supply apparatus described in claim 1, Prior to the supply process in which low-temperature liquefied gas is supplied to the recipient, a pipe pre-cooling process is performed to pre-cool the first pipe. The aforementioned pipe pre-cooling process is, A step of connecting the first joint of the first piping and the second joint of the pre-cooling piping, The steps include: circulating a cryogenic liquefied gas through the first pipe, The steps include determining the pre-cooling state by the measurement value of the first thermometer installed in the pre-cooling piping, or by observing the external appearance of the pre-cooling piping, A method for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas, including [the specified element].

6. A method for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas, which is performed in the cryogenic liquefied gas supply apparatus described in claim 3, Prior to the supply process in which low-temperature liquefied gas is supplied to the recipient, a pipe pre-cooling process is performed to pre-cool the first pipe. The aforementioned pipe pre-cooling process is, A step of connecting the first joint of the first piping and the second joint of the pre-cooling piping, The steps include: circulating a cryogenic liquefied gas through the first pipe, The steps include determining the pre-cooling state by the measurement value of the first thermometer installed in the pre-cooling piping, or by observing the pre-cooling piping, When pre-cooling is completed, the first pipe and the pre-cooling pipe are connected, and the valve in the third pipe is opened. A method for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas, including [the specified element].

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