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

Abstract

The present invention provides a cryogenic liquefied gas supply device and a cryogenic liquefied gas supply method that can avoid liquid sealing in the filling pipe through which the cryogenic liquefied gas, which is to be filled into a storage tank at the recipient's location, flows. [Solution] The supply device 1 comprises a first storage tank 11, a supply pipe 10, a first male joint 15 that can be connected to a first female joint 115, a second male joint 25 that can be connected to a second female joint 125, a vent pipe 40 to which the second male joint 25 is attached, a second storage tank 51 that stores the first gas, and a purge pipe 50 that connects the second storage tank 51 and the supply pipe 10. The supply device 1 is configured such that after the cryogenic liquefied gas from the first storage tank 11 is filled into the filling-side storage tank 101, the first gas from the second storage tank 51 is supplied to the filling pipe 110, thereby vaporizing the cryogenic liquefied gas remaining in the space between the first female joint 115 and the filling valve V7 in the filling pipe 110.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a low-temperature liquefied gas supply device and a low-temperature liquefied gas supply method.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as a supply device for supplying low-temperature liquefied gas to vehicles using low-temperature liquefied gas such as liquefied hydrogen as fuel, the supply device described in Patent Document 1 has been proposed. The supply device described in Patent Document 1 includes a supply pipe that transfers low-temperature liquefied gas supplied from a lorry or the like, which is a supply source of the low-temperature liquefied gas, to a vehicle that is a supply destination, and a vent pipe that transfers gas discharged from the supply destination to a vent device. In the supply device of Patent Document 1, the timing of completing the filling of the low-temperature liquefied gas into the storage tank at the supply destination is detected using a flow rate estimation means provided in the vent pipe.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When connecting the supply piping and vent piping of the supply device to the destination, refer to Figure 8 and connect the first joint of the supply piping 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "first male joint 15") to the first joint of the filling piping 110 (hereinafter referred to as the "first female joint 115") which is connected to the lower part of the storage tank 101 at the destination 100, and connect the second joint of the vent piping 40 (hereinafter referred to as the "second male joint 25") to the second joint of the exhaust piping 120 (hereinafter referred to as the "second female joint 125") which is connected to the upper part of the storage tank 101 at the destination 100. As a result, cryogenic liquefied gas is supplied from the tanker's storage tank 11 to the storage tank 101 at the destination 100 via the supply piping 10 and the filling piping 110, and the gas in the storage tank 101 at the destination 100 is discharged from the storage tank 101 at the destination 100 via the exhaust piping 120 and the vent piping 40. At the supply destination 100, a filling valve V7 is provided in the filling pipe 110, and an exhaust valve V8 is provided in the exhaust pipe 120.

[0005] Here, each joint 15, 25, 115, 125 includes a valve body that opens and closes the internal flow path, and the valve body is configured to open and close the internal flow path of each joint 15, 25, 115, 125. When cryogenic liquefied gas is supplied from the tanker's storage tank 11 to the supply destination 100, the valve body of each joint 15, 25, 115, 125 is open, and fluids such as cryogenic liquefied gas can pass through each joint 15, 25, 115, 125. On the other hand, when the filling of cryogenic liquefied gas is completed, the valve body of each joint 15, 25, 115, 125 is closed, and fluids such as cryogenic liquefied gas cannot pass through. When the filling of cryogenic liquefied gas is completed, the filling valve V7 and exhaust valve V8 are also closed at the supply destination 100. As a result, cryogenic liquefied gas remains in the space between the first female joint 115 and the filling valve V7 in the filling piping 110. The aforementioned space in the filling pipe 110 is sealed, and if cryogenic liquefied gas is trapped in this sealed space, the subsequent rise in temperature around the pipe will cause the cryogenic liquefied gas to expand and the pressure to rise, which poses a risk of damage to the pipe and surrounding equipment. Therefore, it is important to prevent the pipe from becoming liquid-sealed in this way.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a cryogenic liquefied gas supply device and a cryogenic liquefied gas supply method that can avoid a liquid seal condition in the filling pipe through which the cryogenic liquefied gas, which is to be filled into a storage tank at the destination of the cryogenic liquefied gas, flows. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The cryogenic liquefied gas supply device according to this disclosure is a cryogenic liquefied gas supply device that supplies cryogenic liquefied gas to a destination comprising: a filling-side storage tank filled with cryogenic liquefied gas; a filling pipe through which the cryogenic liquefied gas filling the filling-side storage tank flows; a first filling-side joint attached to the filling pipe and including a valve body for opening and closing the internal flow path; a filling valve provided in the filling pipe; an exhaust pipe through which the gas discharged from the filling-side storage tank flows; a second filling-side joint attached to the exhaust pipe and including a valve body for opening and closing the internal flow path; and an exhaust valve provided in the exhaust pipe. The supply device comprises a first storage tank for storing cryogenic liquefied gas, a supply pipe connected to the first storage tank and through which the cryogenic liquefied gas supplied to the filling-side storage tank flows, a first supply-side joint attached to the supply pipe and connectable to the first filling-side joint, which includes a valve body for opening and closing the internal flow path of the first supply-side joint, a second supply-side joint connectable to the second filling-side joint, which includes a valve body for opening and closing the internal flow path of the second supply-side joint, a vent pipe to which the second supply-side joint is attached, a second storage tank for storing first gas, and a purge pipe connecting the second storage tank and the supply pipe. The supply device is configured such that, after the cryogenic liquefied gas from the first storage tank fills the filling-side storage tank, the first gas from the second storage tank is supplied to the filling pipe, thereby vaporizing the cryogenic liquefied gas remaining in the space between the first filling-side joint and the filling valve in the filling pipe.

[0008] The cryogenic liquefied gas supply method according to this disclosure is a method for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas to a destination comprising: a filling-side storage tank filled with cryogenic liquefied gas; a filling pipe through which the cryogenic liquefied gas filling the filling-side storage tank flows; a first filling-side joint attached to the filling pipe and including a valve body for opening and closing an internal flow path; a filling valve provided in the filling pipe; an exhaust pipe through which the gas discharged from the filling-side storage tank flows; a second filling-side joint attached to the exhaust pipe and including a valve body for opening and closing an internal flow path; and an exhaust valve provided in the exhaust pipe. The supply method comprises a filling step of filling the filling-side storage tank with cryogenic liquefied gas from a first storage tank that stores cryogenic liquefied gas, via a supply pipe and a filling pipe to which a supply-side first joint connected to the filling-side first joint is attached; and a purging step of supplying first gas from a second storage tank that stores first gas to the filling pipe via a purge pipe and a supply pipe after the filling-side storage tank has been filled with cryogenic liquefied gas, thereby vaporizing the cryogenic liquefied gas remaining in the space between the filling-side first joint and the filling valve in the filling pipe. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the cryogenic liquefied gas supply device and cryogenic liquefied gas supply method described herein, it is possible to avoid a liquid seal condition in the filling pipe through which the cryogenic liquefied gas, which is to be filled into the filling-side storage tank at the destination of the cryogenic liquefied gas, flows. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a cryogenic liquefied gas supply device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an overview of the procedure for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart outlining the procedure for the pipe connection process. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for the liquefied hydrogen filling process. [Figure 5]Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an overview of the purging process. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a flowchart outlining the procedure for the pressurization process. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a flowchart outlining the procedure for the pressurization process that follows Figure 6A. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a cryogenic liquefied gas supply device according to a modified example of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a conventional cryogenic liquefied gas supply device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] [Summary of the Embodiment] First, we will list and explain the outlines of the cryogenic liquefied gas supply device and cryogenic liquefied gas supply method related to this disclosure.

[0012] A cryogenic liquefied gas supply device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a cryogenic liquefied gas supply device that supplies cryogenic liquefied gas to a destination comprising: a filling-side storage tank filled with cryogenic liquefied gas; a filling pipe through which the cryogenic liquefied gas filling the filling-side storage tank flows; a first filling-side joint attached to the filling pipe and including a valve body for opening and closing an internal flow path; a filling valve provided in the filling pipe; an exhaust pipe through which gas discharged from the filling-side storage tank flows; a second filling-side joint attached to the exhaust pipe and including a valve body for opening and closing an internal flow path; and an exhaust valve provided in the exhaust pipe. The supply device comprises a first storage tank for storing cryogenic liquefied gas, a supply pipe connected to the first storage tank and through which the cryogenic liquefied gas supplied to the filling-side storage tank flows, a first supply-side joint attached to the supply pipe and connectable to the first filling-side joint, which includes a valve body for opening and closing the internal flow path of the first supply-side joint, a second supply-side joint connectable to the second filling-side joint, which includes a valve body for opening and closing the internal flow path of the second supply-side joint, a vent pipe to which the second supply-side joint is attached, a second storage tank for storing first gas, and a purge pipe connecting the second storage tank and the supply pipe. The supply device is configured such that, after the cryogenic liquefied gas from the first storage tank fills the filling-side storage tank, the first gas from the second storage tank is supplied to the filling pipe, thereby vaporizing the cryogenic liquefied gas remaining in the space between the first filling-side joint and the filling valve in the filling pipe.

[0013] The supply device according to the first embodiment is configured such that, after the cryogenic liquefied gas from the first storage tank is filled into the filling-side storage tank, the first gas from the second storage tank is supplied to the filling pipe at the supply destination, thereby vaporizing any cryogenic liquefied gas remaining in the filling pipe and purging it from the filling pipe. This prevents the space between the filling-side first joint and the filling valve in the filling pipe from becoming liquid-sealed after filling is complete. Therefore, the expansion of the cryogenic liquefied gas and the resulting pressure increase due to the subsequent rise in temperature around the pipe are suppressed, thus preventing damage to the pipe and surrounding equipment.

[0014] As the low-temperature liquefied gas supply apparatus according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the low-temperature liquefied gas supply apparatus according to the first aspect may be configured such that the first gas from the second storage tank is supplied to the exhaust pipe, thereby vaporizing the low-temperature liquefied gas present in the space between the filling-side second joint and the exhaust valve in the exhaust pipe.

[0015] Even in the exhaust pipe on the supply destination side, low-temperature liquefied gas that has overflowed from the filling-side storage tank or low-temperature liquefied gas that has splashed from the filling-side storage tank may be present in the space between the filling-side second joint and the exhaust valve. The supply apparatus according to the second aspect is configured such that after the low-temperature liquefied gas from the first storage tank is filled into the filling-side storage tank, the first gas from the second storage tank is supplied to the exhaust pipe on the supply destination side, so that the low-temperature liquefied gas present in the exhaust pipe is vaporized and purged from the exhaust pipe. This makes it possible to avoid a liquid-sealed state in the space between the filling-side second joint and the exhaust valve in the exhaust pipe after filling is completed. Accordingly, the low-temperature liquefied gas is prevented from expanding and increasing in pressure due to a subsequent temperature rise around the pipe, so that damage to the pipe and peripheral equipment can be suppressed.

[0016] As the low-temperature liquefied gas supply apparatus according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the low-temperature liquefied gas supply apparatus according to the first aspect or the second aspect further includes a third storage tank storing a second gas, and a gas supply pipe that communicates the third storage tank with the internal flow path of the supply-side first joint and the internal flow path of the supply-side second joint, the second gas being a gas whose liquefaction temperature is lower than the boiling point of the low-temperature liquefied gas, and by supplying the second gas to the internal flow path of the supply-side first joint before being connected to the filling-side first joint and the internal flow path of the supply-side second joint before being connected to the filling-side second joint, air in the space between the supply-side first joint and the filling-side first joint, as well as air in the space between the supply-side second joint and the filling-side second joint, may be configured to be purged.

[0017] The supply device according to the third aspect is configured to purge air from the space between the supply-side first joint and the filling-side first joint before they are connected, and before the supply-side second joint and the filling-side second joint are connected. Thereby, it is possible to suppress air from being entrained in the internal flow path of the connected supply-side first joint and filling-side first joint, and in the internal flow path of the connected supply-side second joint and filling-side second joint. Therefore, it is possible to suppress air from entering the filling-side storage tank at the supply destination and mixing into the low-temperature liquefied gas.

[0018] As the low-temperature liquefied gas supply device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the low-temperature liquefied gas supply device according to any one of the first to third aspects may be configured such that the filling pipe and the exhaust pipe are communicated with each other via a bypass pipe at the supply destination.

[0019] According to the supply device of the fourth aspect, after the low-temperature liquefied gas is filled from the first storage tank into the filling-side storage tank, when the first gas is supplied to the exhaust pipe and the exhaust pipe at the supply destination, the first gas passes through the bypass pipe, so that the first gas can be suppressed from flowing into the filling-side storage tank. Thereby, it is possible to suppress evaporation of the low-temperature liquefied gas in the filling-side storage tank as the high-temperature first gas flows into the filling-side storage tank.

[0020] As the low-temperature liquefied gas supply device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the low-temperature liquefied gas supply device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects further includes a supply valve provided in the supply pipe, a purge valve provided in the purge pipe, and a control unit that controls opening and closing operations of the supply valve and the purge valve. The control unit may be configured to control the supply valve and the purge valve such that after the low-temperature liquefied gas from the first storage tank is filled into the filling-side storage tank, the supply valve performs a closing operation and the purge valve performs an opening operation, and the purge valve performs a closing operation after a predetermined time has elapsed since the purge valve performed the opening operation.

[0021] According to the supply device of the fifth aspect, purging of the low-temperature liquefied gas from the filling pipe can be performed automatically.

[0022] As a cryogenic liquefied gas supply device according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure, a cryogenic liquefied gas supply device according to the third or fourth aspect further comprises a supply valve provided in a supply pipe, a purge valve provided in a purge pipe, a gas supply valve provided in a gas supply pipe, and a control unit that controls the opening and closing operations of the supply valve, purge valve, and gas supply valve, wherein the control unit may be configured to control the supply valve, purge valve, and gas supply valve such that the gas supply valve opens before the supply-side first joint and the filling-side first joint are connected and before the supply-side second joint and the filling-side second joint are connected, the gas supply valve closes and the supply valve opens after the supply-side first joint and the filling-side first joint are connected and the supply-side second joint and the filling-side second joint are connected, the supply valve closes and the purge valve opens after the cryogenic liquefied gas from the first storage tank is filled into the filling-side storage tank, and the purge valve closes after a predetermined time has elapsed since the purge valve opened.

[0023] According to the sixth embodiment of the supply device, the air between the supply-side joint and the filling-side joint can be automatically purged to the outside.

[0024] As a cryogenic liquefied gas supply device according to the seventh aspect of this disclosure, a cryogenic liquefied gas supply device according to any one aspect of the first to sixth aspects may be configured such that the cryogenic liquefied gas is liquefied hydrogen and the first gas is hydrogen gas.

[0025] A cryogenic liquefied gas supply method according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a method for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas to a cryogenic liquefied gas supply destination, comprising: a filling-side storage tank filled with cryogenic liquefied gas; a filling pipe through which the cryogenic liquefied gas filled in the filling-side storage tank flows; a first filling-side joint attached to the filling pipe and including a valve body for opening and closing an internal flow path; a filling valve provided in the filling pipe; an exhaust pipe through which gas discharged from the filling-side storage tank flows; a second filling-side joint attached to the exhaust pipe and including a valve body for opening and closing an internal flow path; and an exhaust valve provided in the exhaust pipe. The supply method comprises a filling step of filling the filling-side storage tank with cryogenic liquefied gas from a first storage tank that stores cryogenic liquefied gas, via a supply pipe and a filling pipe to which a supply-side first joint connected to the filling-side first joint is attached; and a purging step of supplying first gas from a second storage tank that stores first gas to the filling pipe via a purge pipe and a supply pipe after the filling-side storage tank has been filled with cryogenic liquefied gas, thereby vaporizing the cryogenic liquefied gas remaining in the space between the filling-side first joint and the filling valve in the filling pipe.

[0026] The supply method according to the first embodiment is configured such that, after the cryogenic liquefied gas is filled from the first storage tank to the filling-side storage tank, the first gas is supplied to the filling pipe at the supply destination, thereby vaporizing any cryogenic liquefied gas remaining in the filling pipe and purging it from the filling pipe. This prevents the space between the filling-side first joint and the filling valve in the filling pipe from becoming liquid-sealed after the filling is completed. Therefore, the expansion of the cryogenic liquefied gas and the resulting pressure increase due to the subsequent rise in temperature around the pipe are suppressed, thus preventing damage to the pipe and surrounding equipment.

[0027] As a method for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas according to a second aspect of this disclosure, the method for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas according to the first aspect may be configured such that the first gas is supplied to the exhaust piping, thereby vaporizing the cryogenic liquefied gas present in the space between the filling-side second joint and the exhaust valve in the exhaust piping.

[0028] The supply method according to the second embodiment is configured such that, after the cryogenic liquefied gas is filled from the first storage tank to the filling-side storage tank, the first gas is supplied to the exhaust piping at the supply destination, thereby vaporizing the cryogenic liquefied gas present in the exhaust piping and purging it from the exhaust piping. This prevents the space between the filling-side second joint and the exhaust valve in the exhaust piping from becoming liquid-sealed after the filling is completed. Therefore, the expansion of the cryogenic liquefied gas and the resulting pressure increase due to the subsequent rise in temperature around the piping are suppressed, thus preventing damage to the piping and surrounding equipment.

[0029] [Specific examples of embodiments] Next, an example of a specific embodiment of the cryogenic liquefied gas supply device and cryogenic liquefied gas supply method relating to this disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In this disclosure, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0030] The cryogenic liquefied gases handled in the cryogenic liquefied gas supply device and cryogenic liquefied gas supply method relating to this disclosure refer to gases in a liquid state that liquefies at a temperature of 100K (approximately -173°C) or lower. Examples of cryogenic liquefied gases include liquefied hydrogen, liquefied deuterium, and liquefied helium, but cryogenic liquefied gases are not limited to those exemplified.

[0031] The cryogenic liquefied gas supply device and cryogenic liquefied gas supply method described herein are preferably used for supplying liquefied hydrogen among cryogenic liquefied gases. Furthermore, the cryogenic liquefied gas supply device and cryogenic liquefied gas supply method described herein are preferably used to supply liquid hydrogen to the fuel tank of a hydrogen-fueled vehicle, such as a fuel cell vehicle, in a hydrogen supply facility.

[0032] Examples of vehicles include passenger cars, trucks, buses, racing cars, and rally cars. Hydrogen supply facilities may be, for example, hydrogen stations for general vehicles or refueling facilities at racetracks. The destinations for cryogenic liquefied gas are not limited to vehicles; other examples include aircraft and ships.

[0033] <Supplier's explanation> Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of a part of a vehicle as a supply destination 100 to which cryogenic liquefied gas is supplied by a supply device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The supply destination 100 is an external device separate from the supply device 1 and includes a filling-side storage tank 101 to which cryogenic liquefied gas is filled, a filling pipe 110 connected to the filling-side storage tank 101, a filling-side first joint 115 attached to the filling pipe 110, a filling valve V7 provided on the filling pipe 110, an exhaust pipe 120 connected to the filling-side storage tank 101, a filling-side second joint 125 attached to the exhaust pipe 120, and an exhaust valve V8 provided on the exhaust pipe 120.

[0034] The filling-side storage tank 101 is capable of storing cryogenic liquefied gas. The filling-side storage tank 101 is, for example, a fuel tank installed in a vehicle that uses hydrogen as fuel. The pressure in the filling-side storage tank 101 is measured by pressure measuring instruments such as pressure gauges and pressure sensors. The measurement results from the pressure measuring instruments are output as electrical signals from the pressure measuring instruments to the filling-side control unit of the supply destination 100, and from the filling-side control unit to the control unit 9. The pressure in the filling-side storage tank 101 is monitored by the control unit 9. The measurement results from the pressure measuring means may also be output directly to the control unit 9. In addition, the liquid level of the cryogenic liquefied gas in the filling-side storage tank 101 is measured by, for example, a level sensor. The measurement results from the level sensor are output as electrical signals from the level sensor to the filling-side control unit of the supply destination 100, and from the filling-side control unit to the control unit 9. The liquid level in the filling-side storage tank 101 is monitored by the control unit 9. The measurement results from the level sensor may also be output directly to the control unit 9.

[0035] The filling pipe 110 is the main flow path for the cryogenic liquefied gas supplied from the supply device 1 and filled into the filling-side storage tank 101. The filling pipe 110 is constructed by connecting multiple pipes, for example. One end of the filling pipe 110, the first end, is connected to the bottom of the filling-side storage tank 101. A first female joint 115 is attached to the second end of the filling pipe 110, which is the opposite end from the first end. A filling valve V7 is provided in the middle of the filling pipe 110.

[0036] The filling valve V7 is an automatic valve that can automatically switch between a line open state, allowing fluid flow through the filling pipe 110, and a line closed state, stopping fluid flow. For example, an air-driven valve may be used as the filling valve V7, but a solenoid valve may also be used. The opening and closing operation of the filling valve V7 is controlled based on an electrical signal output from the filling-side control unit of the supply destination 100. Alternatively, the opening and closing operation of the filling valve V7 may be controlled based on an electrical signal output from the control unit 9 of the supply device 1.

[0037] The filling-side first joint 115 is detachably connected to the supply-side first joint 15 of the supply device 1. This connects the filling pipe 110 of the supply destination 100 with the supply pipe 10 of the supply device 1, enabling fluid flow from the supply pipe 10 to the filling pipe 110.

[0038] In this embodiment, the supply-side first joint 15 is the male joint that is inserted when attaching and detaching, and the filling-side first joint 115 is the female joint that is inserted when attaching and detaching, but this is not particularly limited. Hereinafter, the supply-side first joint 15 will be referred to as the first male joint 15, and the filling-side first joint 115 will be referred to as the first female joint 115.

[0039] The first female joint 115 includes a female coupler having an internal flow path through which fluid flows, and a valve body integrated inside 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.

[0040] The exhaust piping 120 is the main passage for the gas discharged from the filling-side storage tank 101. The exhaust piping 120 is constructed by connecting multiple pipes, for example. One end of the exhaust piping 120, the first end, is connected to the top of the filling-side storage tank 101. A filling-side second joint 125 is attached to the second end of the exhaust piping 120, the end opposite to the first end. An exhaust valve V8 is provided in the middle of the exhaust piping 120.

[0041] The exhaust valve V8 is an automatic valve that can automatically switch between a line open state, allowing fluid flow through the exhaust piping 120, and a line closed state, stopping fluid flow. For example, an air-driven valve is used as the exhaust valve V8, but a solenoid valve may also be used. The opening and closing operation of the exhaust valve V8 is controlled based on an electrical signal output from the filling-side control unit of the supply destination 100. Alternatively, the opening and closing operation of the exhaust valve V8 may be controlled based on an electrical signal output from the control unit 9 of the supply device 1.

[0042] The filling-side second joint 125 is detachably connected to the supply-side second joint 25 of the supply device 1. This connects the exhaust pipe 120 of the supply destination 100 with the vent pipe 40 of the supply device 1, enabling fluid flow from the exhaust pipe 120 to the vent pipe 40.

[0043] In this embodiment, the supply-side second joint 25 is a male joint and the filling-side second joint 125 is a female joint, but this is not particularly limited. Hereinafter, the supply-side second joint 25 will be referred to as the second male joint 25, and the filling-side second joint 125 will be referred to as the second female joint 125.

[0044] The second female joint 125, like the first female joint 115, includes a female coupler having an internal flow path through which fluid flows, and a valve body integrated inside 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.

[0045] <Description of the supply device> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a supply device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The supply device 1 is a device that supplies, for example, liquefied hydrogen as a low-temperature liquefied gas from a first storage tank 11 to a filling-side storage tank 101 of a supply destination 100, for example, a vehicle's fuel tank.

[0046] The supply device 1 includes a first storage tank 11 that stores cryogenic liquefied gas, a supply pipe 10 connected to the first storage tank 11 through which the cryogenic liquefied gas supplied to the filling-side storage tank 101 flows, a first male joint 15 attached to the supply pipe 10 and detachably connected to a first female joint 115 of the supply destination 100, a supply valve V1 provided on the supply pipe 10, a second male joint 25 detachably connected to a second female joint 125 of the supply destination 100, a vent pipe 40 to which the second male joint 25 is attached, and a connection between the supply pipe 10 and the vent pipe 40. The system comprises a branch pipe 30, a branch valve V2 provided on the branch pipe 30, a second storage tank 51 storing the first gas, a purge pipe 50 connecting the second storage tank 51 and the supply pipe 10, a purge valve V3 provided on the purge pipe 50, a third storage tank 61 storing the second gas, a gas supply pipe 60 connecting the third storage tank 61 and the internal flow path of the first male joint 15 and the internal flow path of the second male joint 25, a gas supply valve V4 provided on the gas supply pipe 60, a pre-cooling pipe 70, a third female joint 75 attached to the pre-cooling pipe 70, and a control unit 9.

[0047] The first storage tank 11 is a sealed container capable of storing cryogenic liquefied gas in a low-temperature liquid state. The first storage tank 11 has a highly insulated structure to maintain the cryogenic liquefied gas in a liquid state. An example of a highly insulated storage tank is a tank with a vacuum insulation structure, comprising an inner tank for storing cryogenic liquefied gas and an outer tank housing the inner tank, with the space between the inner and outer tanks being a vacuum insulation layer. The space between the inner and outer tanks may be filled with insulating material. In this disclosure, the interior of the first storage tank basically refers to the interior of the inner tank.

[0048] The first storage tank 11 may be a tank on a tank truck or a fixedly installed tank, and is not particularly limited.

[0049] The cryogenic liquefied gas inside the first storage tank 11 is supplied to the destination 100 via the supply pipe 10, for example, by pressurizing the inside of the first storage tank 11 to a predetermined pressure. For example, the inside of the first storage tank 11 can be pressurized by supplying the first gas from the second storage tank 51 to the inside of the first storage tank 11, or by taking a portion of the cryogenic liquefied gas inside the first storage tank 11 to the outside, vaporizing it, and then returning it to the inside of the first storage tank 11.

[0050] The supply piping 10 is the main flow path for cryogenic liquefied gas supplied from the first storage tank 11 to the destination 100. The supply piping 10 is constructed by connecting, for example, multiple pipes. The first end p1 of the supply piping 10 is connected to the first end p15 of the piping 12 extending from the first storage tank 11, thereby connecting to the lower part of the first storage tank 11 via the piping 12. A first male joint 15 is attached to the second end p2, the end of the supply piping 10 opposite to the first end p1. A supply valve V1 is provided in the middle of the supply piping 10.

[0051] The piping 12 may be equipped with a manual valve V5 and an automatic valve V6 such as an air-driven valve, located upstream of the supply valve V1 and immediately downstream of the first storage tank 11. In the supply piping 10, "upstream side" refers to the side of the first storage tank 11, and "downstream side" refers to the opposite side, the first male joint 15.

[0052] The supply piping 10 has a highly insulated structure so that it can supply the cryogenic liquefied gas to the destination 100 in a low-temperature liquid state. Examples of highly insulated piping include vacuum multi-layer insulated pipes, such as double-insulated pipes with a vacuum insulation layer formed between the outer pipe and the inner pipe. The space between the outer pipe and the inner pipe may be filled with insulating material. In the supply piping 10, a portion on the second end p2 side is made up of a supply hose 20 such as a double-insulated pipe.

[0053] The supply valve V1 is an automatic valve that can automatically switch between a line open state, allowing fluid flow through the supply piping 10, and a line closed state, stopping fluid flow. For example, an air-driven valve can be used as the supply valve V1, but a solenoid valve may also be used. The opening and closing operation of the supply valve V1 is controlled based on an electrical signal output from the control unit 9.

[0054] The first male joint 15 includes a male coupler having an internal flow path through which fluid flows, and a valve body integrated inside the male coupler. The valve body can be manually switched between a line open state, which allows fluid flow through the internal flow path of the male coupler, and a line closed state, which stops fluid flow, by operating the lever 16. A ball valve is an example of the valve body.

[0055] When the first male joint 15 and the first female joint 115 are connected, the valve body of the first male joint 15 switches its internal flow path between an open line state and a closed line state in conjunction with the operation of the lever 16 of the first male joint 15. In other words, when the lever 16 of the first male joint 15 is operated, the internal flow paths of both the connected first male joint 15 and the first female joint 115 become either an open line state or a closed line state. Alternatively, the first female joint 115 may also be provided with a lever, and its internal flow path may be switched between an open line state and a closed line state independently of the first male joint 15.

[0056] The vent piping 40 is connected to the exhaust piping 120 of the supply destination 100 and is the main flow path for gas discharged from the filling-side storage tank 101. The vent piping 40 is constructed by connecting multiple pipes, for example. A second male joint 25 is attached to the first end p3, which is one end of the vent piping 40. In the vent piping 40, a portion on the first end p3 side is made up of an exhaust hose 21 such as a double-insulated pipe. By making the exhaust hose 21 a double-insulated pipe, the gas discharged from the filling-side storage tank 101 can be kept at a low temperature, and pressure loss in the vent piping 40 can be suppressed. In addition, the temperature drop on the surface of the exhaust hose 21 can be suppressed, and the liquefaction of oxygen and nitrogen in the air on the surface of the exhaust hose 21 can be suppressed. The length of the exhaust hose 21 can be set appropriately depending on the size and arrangement of the equipment, but for example it is 5m or less, and preferably 3m to 4.5m. A venting device 41 is connected to the second end p4, which is the opposite end of the venting pipe 40 from the first end p3.

[0057] The vent piping 40 transfers fluids from the filling-side storage tank 101 of the supply destination 100 via the exhaust piping 120, and fluids transferred from the supply piping 10 via the branch piping 30, to the venting device 41. This allows the cryogenic liquefied gas and gas to be released into the atmosphere through the venting device 41. A heater 42 and a flow meter 43 are installed in the middle of the vent piping 40. The heater 42 adjusts the temperature of the cryogenic liquefied gas and gas flowing through the vent piping 40 to a temperature suitable for release into the atmosphere.

[0058] Furthermore, a temperature measuring instrument 44 is provided in the vent piping 40 at a position close to the supply destination 100. In this embodiment, the temperature measuring instrument 44 is provided immediately downstream of the exhaust hose 21. In the vent piping 40, "downstream side" refers to the side of the vent device 41, and "upstream side" refers to the opposite side, the second male joint 25. The temperature measuring instrument 44 may be a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple, or it may be a thermometer with a heater. A thermometer with a heater is a thermometer configured to measure a temperature of, for example, 40°C to 50°C at all times by heating the temperature-measuring part of the thermometer by energizing, for example, a resistance heating element. When a thermometer with a heater is used, temperature changes in the low-temperature range can be grasped with accuracy. The measurement result of the temperature measuring instrument 44 is output to the control unit 9 as an electrical signal. The temperature inside the vent piping 40 is monitored by the control unit 9.

[0059] If the filling-side storage tank 101 of the supply destination 100 is overfilled with cryogenic liquefied gas, the overflowing cryogenic liquefied gas is transferred from the exhaust pipe 120 to the vent pipe 40 of the supply device 1. When the cryogenic liquefied gas flows through the vent pipe 40, the temperature inside the vent pipe 40 drops rapidly. Therefore, by monitoring the temperature inside the vent pipe 40 during the filling of the cryogenic liquefied gas, it is possible to detect overfilling of the filling-side storage tank 101 with cryogenic liquefied gas. It is preferable that the portion of the vent pipe 40 where the temperature measuring instrument 44 is installed is a double-insulated pipe. This allows for accurate measurement of the temperature inside the vent pipe 40.

[0060] The second male joint 25, like the first male joint 15, includes a male coupler having an internal flow path through which fluid flows, and a valve body integrated inside the male coupler. The valve body can be manually switched between a line-open state that allows fluid flow through the internal flow path of the male coupler and a line-closed state that stops fluid flow by operating the lever 26. A ball valve is an example of the valve body.

[0061] When the second male joint 25 and the second female joint 125 are connected, the valve body of the second male joint 25 switches its internal flow path between an open line state and a closed line state in conjunction with the operation of the lever 26 of the second male joint 25. In other words, when the lever 26 of the second male joint 25 is operated, the internal flow paths of both the connected second male joint 25 and the second female joint 125 become either an open line state or a closed line state. Alternatively, the second female joint 125 may also be provided with a lever, and its internal flow path may be switched between an open line state and a closed line state independently of the second male joint 25.

[0062] The branch pipe 30 connects the supply pipe 10 and the vent pipe 40. The branch pipe 30 can transfer the fluid flowing through the supply pipe 10 to the vent pipe 40. The branch pipe 30 is constructed by connecting, for example, multiple pipes. The first end p5, which is one end of the branch pipe 30, is connected to the supply pipe 10 at a position between the supply valve V1 and the first male joint 15. The second end p6, which is the opposite end of the branch pipe 30 from the first end p5, is connected to the vent pipe 40 at a position downstream of the temperature measuring instrument 44. A branch valve V2 is provided in the middle of the branch pipe 30.

[0063] The branch valve V2 is an automatic valve that can automatically switch between a line open state, allowing fluid flow through the branch piping 30, and a line closed state, stopping fluid flow. For example, an air-driven valve can be used as the branch valve V2, but a solenoid valve may also be used. The opening and closing operation of the branch valve V2 is controlled based on an electrical signal output from the control unit 9.

[0064] The second storage tank 51 is a sealed container that stores the first gas. The first gas is, for example, a gas obtained by vaporizing a cryogenic liquefied gas. If the cryogenic liquefied gas is liquefied hydrogen, the first gas is hydrogen gas. An example of the second storage tank 51 is a cradle that houses multiple cylinders 51A, 51B, and 51C. The second storage tank 51 is maintained at room temperature and stores the first gas at room temperature. The temperature of the first gas is not particularly limited, but is preferably between 0°C and 40°C.

[0065] The purge piping 50 is a passage through which the first gas supplied from the second storage tank 51 to the supply piping 10 flows. The purge piping 50 is constructed by connecting, for example, multiple pipes. The purge piping 50 connects the second storage tank 51 and the supply piping 10. One end of the purge piping 50, the first end p7, is connected to the second storage tank 51. The other end of the purge piping 50, the second end p8, is connected to the supply piping 10 at a position between the supply valve V1 and the first male joint 15. A purge valve V3 is provided in the middle of the purge piping 50.

[0066] The purge valve V3 is an automatic valve that can automatically switch the purge piping 50 between a line open state that allows fluid flow and a line closed state that stops fluid flow. For example, an air-driven valve can be used as the purge valve V3, but a solenoid valve may also be used. The opening and closing operation of the purge valve V3 is controlled based on an electrical signal output from the control unit 9.

[0067] The third storage tank 61 is a sealed container that stores the second gas. The second gas is a gas whose liquefaction temperature is lower than the boiling point of the low-temperature liquefied gas. Helium gas, which has a liquefaction temperature lower than the boiling point of liquefied hydrogen and is chemically inert, is a preferred example of the second gas. An example of the third storage tank 61 is a cradle that houses multiple cylinders 61A, 61B, and 61C.

[0068] The gas supply piping 60 is a flow path through which the second gas supplied from the third storage tank 61 to the first male joint 15 and the second male joint 25 flows. The gas supply piping 60 is constructed by connecting, for example, multiple pipes. The first end p9, which is one end of the gas supply piping 60, is connected to the third storage tank 61. In the gas supply piping 60, a portion of the end opposite to the first end p9, the second end p10, is forked. The second end p10 of one of the first pipes 62 is connected to the first male joint 15, and the second end p10 of the other second pipe 63 is connected to the second male joint 25. In the gas supply piping 60, a gas supply valve V4 is provided upstream of the point where it forks. In the gas supply piping 60, "upstream side" refers to the third storage tank 61 side, and "downstream side" refers to the opposite side, the respective male joints 15 and 25.

[0069] The second end p10 of the first pipe 62, which branches off in the gas supply piping 60, is connected to the first male joint 15 so as to face the internal flow path of the first male joint 15. This connects the internal flow path of the first male joint 15 to the third storage tank 61, allowing the second gas to be supplied to the internal flow path of the first male joint 15. Furthermore, the second end p10 of the first pipe 62 is positioned downstream of the valve body that switches the internal flow path of the first male joint 15 between an open line state and a closed line state. In the first male joint 15, "downstream side" refers to the side connected to the first female joint 115, and "upstream side" refers to the opposite side, the first storage tank 11 side.

[0070] The second end p10 of the second pipe 63, which branches off in the gas supply piping 60, is connected to the second male joint 25 so as to face the internal flow path of the second male joint 25. This connects the internal flow path of the second male joint 25 to the third storage tank 61, allowing the second gas to be supplied to the internal flow path of the second male joint 25. Furthermore, the second end p10 of the second pipe 63 is positioned downstream of the valve body that switches the internal flow path of the second male joint 25 between an open line state and a closed line state. In the second male joint 25, "downstream side" refers to the side connected to the second female joint 125, and "upstream side" refers to the opposite side, the vent piping 40 side.

[0071] If the second gas is supplied to the internal passages of the first male joint 15 and the second male joint 25 before they are connected to the first female joint 115 and the second female joint 125, respectively, the air in the space S1 between the first male joint 15 and the first female joint 115, as well as the air in the space S2 between the second male joint 25 and the second female joint 125, can be purged.

[0072] The gas supply valve V4 is an automatic valve that can automatically switch between a line open state, allowing fluid flow in the gas supply piping 60, and a line closed state, stopping fluid flow. For example, an air-driven valve is used as the gas supply valve V4, but a solenoid valve may also be used. The opening and closing operation of the gas supply valve V4 is controlled based on an electrical signal output from the control unit 9.

[0073] The pre-cooling piping 70 is the main flow path for the low-temperature liquefied gas after the supply piping 10 has been pre-cooled. The pre-cooling piping 70 is constructed by connecting multiple pipes, for example. A third female joint 75 is attached to the first end p11, which is one end of the pre-cooling piping 70. The second end p12, which is the opposite end of the pre-cooling piping 70 from the first end p11, is connected to the vent piping 40 at a position downstream of the temperature measuring instrument 44.

[0074] A temperature measuring device 71 is installed in the middle of the pre-cooling pipe 70. The temperature measuring device 71 may be a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple, or it may be a thermometer with a heater. The measurement result of the temperature measuring device 71 is output as an electrical signal to the control unit 9. The temperature inside the pre-cooling pipe 70 is monitored by the control unit 9. By monitoring the temperature inside the pre-cooling pipe 70, the progress of pre-cooling of the supply pipe 10 can be confirmed. If a thermometer with a heater is used for the temperature measuring device 71, the temperature inside the pre-cooling pipe 70 can be measured accurately, and therefore the progress of pre-cooling of the supply pipe 10 can be accurately grasped.

[0075] The third female joint 75 is detachably connected to the first male joint 15 attached to the supply pipe 10. The first male joint 15 can be connected to either the first female joint 115 of the supply destination 100 or the third female joint 75 of the supply device 1. As a result, the supply pipe 10 and the pre-cooling pipe 70 are connected, enabling the flow of fluid from the supply pipe 10 to the pre-cooling pipe 70.

[0076] 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 inside 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.

[0077] The supply pipe 10 and the pre-cooling pipe 70 are connected by linking the first male joint 15 and the third female joint 75, and pre-cooling of the supply pipe 10 can be performed by supplying cryogenic liquefied gas from the first storage tank 11 to the supply pipe 10. The cryogenic liquefied gas used for pre-cooling is transferred to the vent pipe 40 via the pre-cooling pipe 70.

[0078] Pre-cooling the supply pipe 10 allows for rapid filling of the filling-side storage tank 101 at the supply destination 100 with cryogenic liquefied gas, thereby shortening the filling time. Furthermore, if the temperature of the supply pipe 10 is high during filling, the heat from the supply pipe 10 may be transferred to the filling-side storage tank 101 when the cryogenic liquefied gas is supplied to the tank, potentially causing the cryogenic liquefied gas in the tank to evaporate. However, pre-cooling the supply pipe 10 suppresses the evaporation of the cryogenic liquefied gas in the filling-side storage tank 101.

[0079] The control unit 9 is composed of a microcomputer equipped with, for example, a processor and memory. The filling-side control unit and temperature measuring instrument 44 of the supply destination 100 are electrically connected to the control unit 9. Other measuring instruments and switches, not shown in the figures, are also electrically connected to the control unit 9. The control unit 9 receives electrical signals output from these peripheral devices and controls the opening and closing operations of various valves according to a predetermined program.

[0080] <Explanation of the supply method for cryogenic liquefied gas> Figures 2 to 6B are flowcharts illustrating the procedure for a cryogenic liquefied gas supply method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 2 to 6B illustrate an example in which liquefied hydrogen is supplied as a cryogenic liquefied gas to the fuel tank of a hydrogen-fueled vehicle by the supply device 1 described above. Note that the cryogenic liquefied gas supply method according to the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 6B.

[0081] The method for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas comprises, as shown in Figure 2, a piping connection step ST10, a liquefied hydrogen filling step ST20, a purging step ST30, and a pressurizing step ST40.

[0082] The supply method for cryogenic liquefied gas begins when a vehicle arrives at the hydrogen supply facility where the supply device 1 is installed. Prior to the start of supply, it is preferable, however, that the supply piping 10 in the supply device 1 be pre-cooled. At the start of supply, valves V1, V2, V3, and V4 of the supply device 1 are in a closed line state, and valves V7 and V8 of the supply destination 100 are in a closed line state. Additionally, joints 15, 25, 115, and 125 are in a closed line state.

[0083] Referring to Figure 3, in the piping connection process ST10, the supply pipe 10 of the supply device 1 is connected to the filling pipe 110 of the supply destination 100 by connecting the first male joint 15 and the first female joint 115, and the vent pipe 40 of the supply device 1 is connected to the exhaust pipe 120 of the supply destination 100 by connecting the second male joint 25 and the second female joint 125.

[0084] At the supply destination 100 site, when an operator turns on the filling button provided on the supply device 1 (ST11), an electrical signal is output from the filling button to the control unit 9. Upon receiving this electrical signal (ST12 is YES), the control unit 9 opens the gas supply valve V4 (ST13). As a result, a second gas, such as helium gas, is supplied to the internal flow path of the first male joint 15 before it is connected to the first female joint 115, and when the operator connects the first male joint 15 and the first female joint 115, the air in the space S1 between the first male joint 15 and the first female joint 115 is purged by the second gas. In addition, a second gas is supplied to the internal flow path of the second male joint 25 before it is connected to the second female joint 125, and when the operator connects the second male joint 25 and the second female joint 125, the air in the space S2 between the second male joint 25 and the second female joint 125 is purged by the second gas.

[0085] Thus, the supply device 1 is configured to purge air from the spaces S1 and S2 between the first male joint 15 and the first female joint 115 before they are connected, and before the second male joint 25 and the second female joint 125 are connected. This prevents air from being drawn into the internal flow paths of the connected first male joint 15 and the first female joint 115, as well as the internal flow paths of the connected second male joint 25 and the second female joint 125. Therefore, it prevents air from entering the filling-side storage tank 101 of the supply destination 100 and mixing with the liquefied hydrogen.

[0086] Then, when the worker completes the joint connection work and turns on the connection completion button provided on the supply device 1 (ST14), an electrical signal is output from the connection completion button to the control unit 9. Upon receiving this electrical signal (ST15 is YES), the control unit 9 closes the gas supply valve V4 (ST16). The control unit 9 then lights up a lamp provided on the supply device 1, which permits each joint 15, 25, 115, and 125 to be in the line open state (ST17). Upon seeing this lamp light up, the worker operates the levers 16 and 26 on each male joint 15 and 25 to open the ball valves (valve bodies) of each joint 15, 25, 115, and 125, thereby putting each joint 15, 25, 115, and 125 in the line open state (ST18).

[0087] Referring to Figure 4, in the next step, the liquefied hydrogen filling process ST20, liquefied hydrogen is supplied from the first storage tank 11 of the supply device 1 to the filling-side storage tank 101 of the supply destination 100, thereby filling the filling-side storage tank 101 with liquefied hydrogen. For example, the control unit 9 determines whether liquefied hydrogen can be filled (ST21) by checking the airtightness between the connected first male joint 15 and the first female joint 115, and the airtightness between the connected second male joint 25 and the second female joint 125, and / or by confirming that the nozzles have been advanced from the supply hose 20 and exhaust hose 21 of the supply device 1 to the filling pipe 110 and exhaust pipe 120 of the supply destination 100 and reached a predetermined position. If liquefied hydrogen can be filled (ST21 is YES), the control unit 9 outputs an electrical signal to the filling-side control unit of the supply destination 100 to open the filling valve V7 and the exhaust valve V8 (ST22).

[0088] When the filling-side control unit of the supply destination 100 opens the filling valve V7 and the exhaust valve V8 (ST23) and outputs an electrical signal to the control unit 9 that permits filling (ST24, ST25 are YES), the control unit 9 opens the supply valve V1 (ST26). At this time, the control unit 9 may also light up a lamp on the supply device 1 that indicates that liquefied hydrogen is being filled.

[0089] When the filling-side control unit of the supply destination 100 detects that the liquid level of liquefied hydrogen in the filling-side storage tank 101 has reached a predetermined level and outputs an electrical signal to the control unit 9 (ST27, ST28 are YES), the control unit 9 closes the supply valve V1 (ST29).

[0090] Referring to Figure 5, in the next purging step ST30, the liquefied hydrogen remaining in the filling pipe 110 and exhaust pipe 120 of the supply destination 100 is purged with hydrogen gas, which is the first gas. The control unit 9 opens the purge valve V3 (ST31). As a result, room temperature hydrogen gas is supplied to the filling pipe 110 and exhaust pipe 120 of the supply destination 100, and the liquefied hydrogen present in the filling pipe 110 and exhaust pipe 120 of the supply destination 100 is vaporized. The vaporized liquefied hydrogen is purged from the filling pipe 110 and exhaust pipe 120 and recovered by passing through the vent pipe 40 of the supply device 1 to the vent device 41.

[0091] Thus, the supply device 1 is configured such that, after liquefied hydrogen is filled from the first storage tank 11 to the filling-side storage tank 101, room-temperature hydrogen gas is supplied to the filling pipe 110 and exhaust pipe 120 of the supply destination 100, thereby vaporizing the liquefied hydrogen present in the filling pipe 110 and exhaust pipe 120 and purging it from them. This prevents the space between the female joints 115, 125 and valves V7, V8 in the filling pipe 110 and exhaust pipe 120 from becoming liquid-sealed after filling is complete. Therefore, the expansion of liquefied hydrogen due to the subsequent rise in temperature around the piping and the resulting increase in pressure are suppressed, thus preventing damage to the piping and surrounding equipment.

[0092] If a predetermined time has elapsed since the purge valve V3 was opened (ST32 is YES), the control unit 9 closes the purge valve V3 (ST33) and then opens the branch valve V2 (ST34). The time for supplying the first gas with the purge valve V3 open is not particularly limited.

[0093] Referring to Figures 6A and 6B, in the pressurization step ST40, the inside of the filling-side storage tank 101 of the supply destination 100 is pressurized with the second gas. The control unit 9 outputs an electrical signal to the filling-side control unit of the supply destination 100 to close the exhaust valve V8 (ST41). When the filling-side control unit of the supply destination 100 closes the exhaust valve V8 (ST42) and outputs an electrical signal to the control unit 9 to permit pressurization (ST43, ST44 are YES), the control unit 9 closes the branch valve V2 (ST45) and then opens the gas supply valve V4 (ST46). As a result, the second gas is supplied to the filling-side storage tank 101 of the supply destination 100, and the inside of the filling-side storage tank 101 is pressurized.

[0094] At the supply destination 100, the liquefied hydrogen filled in the filling-side storage tank 101 is pumped to the engine using a liquefied gas supply pump. However, when the liquefied gas supply pump draws in gas along with the liquid liquefied hydrogen, cavitation occurs, reducing the pump's performance. Since liquefied hydrogen easily vaporizes, when pumping it using the liquefied gas supply pump, gas from the vaporization of liquefied hydrogen may mix with the liquefied hydrogen. Therefore, it is necessary to suppress the vaporization of the liquefied hydrogen in the filling-side storage tank 101.

[0095] If the supply device 1 is configured such that after liquefied hydrogen is filled into the filling-side storage tank 101 from the first storage tank 11, a second gas is supplied to the filling-side storage tank 101 from the third storage tank 61, thereby pressurizing the inside of the filling-side storage tank 101, the boiling point of the liquefied hydrogen in the filling-side storage tank 101 will rise. This makes it more difficult for the liquefied hydrogen to vaporize. Therefore, cavitation of the liquefied gas supply pump can be prevented.

[0096] By using helium gas as the second gas to pressurize the inside of the filling tank 101, the temperature at which helium gas liquefies is lower than the boiling point of liquefied hydrogen, so the helium gas does not liquefy inside the filling tank 101. Therefore, the inside of the filling tank 101 can be pressurized in a short time. In addition, because the helium gas does not liquefy inside the filling tank 101, a decrease in pressure inside the filling tank 101 can be suppressed.

[0097] After a predetermined time has elapsed since the gas supply valve V4 was opened (ST47 is YES), the control unit 9 closes the gas supply valve V4 (ST48) and then opens the branch valve V2 (ST49).

[0098] For example, the control unit 9 determines whether the liquefied hydrogen filling is complete by confirming that the nozzles have been retracted from the filling pipe 110 and exhaust pipe 120 of the supply destination 100 to the supply hose 20 and exhaust hose 21 of the supply device 1 and reached a predetermined position (ST50). If the liquefied hydrogen filling is complete (ST50 is YES), the control unit 9 lights up a lamp provided on the supply device 1, which allows each joint 15, 25, 115, 125 to be closed (ST51). Upon seeing this lamp light up, the operator operates the levers 16, 26 on each male joint 15, 25 to close the ball valves (valve bodies) of each joint 15, 25, 115, 125, thereby closing each joint 15, 25, 115, 125 to a closed line state (ST52).

[0099] Then, the operator detaches the first male joint 15 from the first female joint 115 and the second male joint 25 from the second female joint 125. After that, the operator turns the filling button OFF (ST53), and an electrical signal is output from the filling button to the control unit 9. Upon receiving this electrical signal (ST54 is YES), the control unit 9 outputs an electrical signal to the filling-side control unit of the supply destination 100 to close the filling valve V7 (ST55), and the filling-side control unit of the supply destination 100 closes the filling valve V7 (ST56). This completes the filling of liquefied hydrogen.

[0100] <Explanation of variations> The above describes a cryogenic liquefied gas supply device 1 and supply method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. However, the embodiment can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the modifications described below are possible. The modifications described below can be combined as appropriate.

[0101] For example, each pipe may be equipped with a check valve at a predetermined location to restrict the direction of fluid flow, as needed.

[0102] For example, the supply device 1 does not necessarily have to include at least one of the gas supply piping 60 and the pre-cooling piping 70.

[0103] For example, as shown in Figure 7, at the supply destination 100, the filling pipe 110 and the exhaust pipe 120 may be connected by a bypass pipe 80. The first end p13, which is one end of the bypass pipe 80, is connected to the filling pipe 110 at a position between the filling valve V7 and the first female joint 115. The second end p14, which is the opposite end of the bypass pipe 80 to the first end p13, is connected to the exhaust pipe 120 at a position between the exhaust valve V8 and the second female joint 125. In the purging process ST30, the first gas supplied to the filling pipe 110 at the supply destination 100 is supplied to the exhaust pipe 120 via the bypass pipe 80, thereby suppressing the inflow of the first gas into the filling-side storage tank 101. This suppresses the evaporation of the low-temperature liquefied gas in the filling-side storage tank 101 as the high-temperature first gas flows into the filling-side storage tank 101.

[0104] For example, the supply method may include various steps in place of or in addition to the steps described above. For example, in the liquefied hydrogen filling step ST20, the control unit 9 may determine whether or not there is an overflow (overfilling), and if an overflow is detected, an overflow processing step may be executed. In the purging step ST30, the second gas in the third storage tank 61 may be supplied to the filling pipe 110 and the exhaust pipe 120 together with the first gas in the second storage tank 51, or the second gas may be supplied instead of the first gas. In the pressurizing step ST40, the first gas may be supplied to the filling-side storage tank 101 instead of the second gas.

[0105] 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 the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1: Supply device, 9: Control unit, 10: Supply piping, 11: First storage tank, 15: First male joint, 16: Lever, 20: Supply hose, 21: Exhaust hose, 25: Second male joint, 26: Lever, 30: Branch piping, 40: Vent piping, 41: Vent device, 42: Heater, 43: Flow meter, 44: Temperature measuring instrument, 50: Purge piping, 51: Second storage tank, 51A: Cylinder, 51B: Cylinder, 51C: Cylinder, 60: Gas supply piping, 61: Third storage tank, 61A: Cylinder, 61 B: Cylinder, 61C: Cylinder, 62: First piping, 63: Second piping, 70: Pre-cooling piping, 71: Temperature gauge, 75: Third female joint, 100: Supply destination, 101: Filling side storage tank, 110: Filling piping, 115: First female joint, 120: Exhaust piping, 125: Second female joint, S1: Space, S2: Space, V1: Supply valve, V2: Branch valve, V3: Purge valve, V4: Gas supply valve, V5: Manual valve, V6: Automatic valve, V7: Filling valve, V8: Exhaust valve

Claims

1. A cryogenic liquefied gas supply device for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas to a destination comprising: a filling-side storage tank filled with cryogenic liquefied gas; a filling pipe through which the cryogenic liquefied gas filling the filling-side storage tank flows; a first filling-side joint attached to the filling pipe and including a valve body for opening and closing an internal flow path; a filling valve provided in the filling pipe; an exhaust pipe through which gas discharged from the filling-side storage tank flows; a second filling-side joint attached to the exhaust pipe and including a valve body for opening and closing an internal flow path; and an exhaust valve provided in the exhaust pipe, wherein the cryogenic liquefied gas supply device supplies the cryogenic liquefied gas to a destination. The first storage tank storing the aforementioned cryogenic liquefied gas, A supply pipe through which the cryogenic liquefied gas, which is connected to the first storage tank and supplied to the filling-side storage tank, A supply-side first joint that can be attached to the supply piping and connected to the filling-side first joint, the supply-side first joint including a valve body that opens and closes the internal flow path of the supply-side first joint, A supply-side second joint that can be connected to the filling-side second joint, comprising a second male joint including a valve body that opens and closes the internal flow path of the supply-side second joint, The vent piping to which the supply-side second joint is attached, The second storage tank that stores the first gas, A purge pipe connecting the second storage tank and the supply piping, Equipped with, A cryogenic liquefied gas supply device configured such that, after the cryogenic liquefied gas from the first storage tank is filled into the filling-side storage tank, the first gas from the second storage tank is supplied to the filling pipe, thereby vaporizing the cryogenic liquefied gas remaining in the space between the filling-side first joint and the filling valve in the filling pipe.

2. The cryogenic liquefied gas supply device according to claim 1, wherein the first gas from the second storage tank is supplied to the exhaust pipe, thereby vaporizing the cryogenic liquefied gas present in the space between the filling-side second joint and the exhaust valve in the exhaust pipe.

3. The third storage tank, which stores the second gas, A gas supply pipe connecting the third storage tank, the internal flow path of the supply-side first joint, and the internal flow path of the supply-side second joint, Furthermore, The second gas is a gas whose liquefaction temperature is lower than the boiling point of the low-temperature liquefied gas. A cryogenic liquefied gas supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second gas from the third storage tank is supplied to the internal flow path of the supply-side first joint before it is connected to the filling-side first joint and to the internal flow path of the supply-side second joint before it is connected to the filling-side second joint, thereby purging the air in the space between the supply-side first joint and the filling-side first joint, and the air in the space between the supply-side second joint and the filling-side second joint.

4. A cryogenic liquefied gas supply device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the filling pipe and the exhaust pipe are connected by a bypass pipe at the supply destination.

5. A supply valve provided in the supply piping, A purge valve is provided in the aforementioned purge piping, A control unit that controls the opening and closing operations of the supply valve and the purge valve, Furthermore, The control unit, After the filling-side storage tank is filled with the cryogenic liquefied gas from the first storage tank, the supply valve closes and the purge valve opens, and A cryogenic liquefied gas supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the supply valve and the purge valve are controlled such that the purge valve closes after a predetermined time has elapsed since the purge valve opened.

6. A supply valve provided in the supply piping, A purge valve is provided in the aforementioned purge piping, A gas supply valve provided in the aforementioned gas supply piping, A control unit that controls the opening and closing operations of the supply valve, the purge valve, and the gas supply valve, Furthermore, The control unit, The gas supply valve opens before the supply-side first joint and the filling-side first joint are connected and before the supply-side second joint and the filling-side second joint are connected. After the supply-side first joint and the filling-side first joint are connected and the supply-side second joint and the filling-side second joint are connected, the gas supply valve closes and the supply valve opens. After the filling-side storage tank is filled with the cryogenic liquefied gas from the first storage tank, the supply valve closes and the purge valve opens, and A cryogenic liquefied gas supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the supply valve, the purge valve, and the gas supply valve are controlled such that the purge valve closes after a predetermined time has elapsed since the purge valve opened.

7. The aforementioned low-temperature liquefied gas is liquefied hydrogen. The cryogenic liquefied gas supply device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first gas is hydrogen gas.

8. A method for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas to a destination comprising: a filling-side storage tank filled with cryogenic liquefied gas; a filling pipe through which the cryogenic liquefied gas filling the filling-side storage tank flows; a first filling-side joint attached to the filling pipe and including a valve body for opening and closing an internal flow path; a filling valve provided in the filling pipe; an exhaust pipe through which gas discharged from the filling-side storage tank flows; a second filling-side joint attached to the exhaust pipe and including a valve body for opening and closing an internal flow path; and an exhaust valve provided in the exhaust pipe, wherein the cryogenic liquefied gas is supplied to a destination. A filling step in which the cryogenic liquefied gas is filled into the filling-side storage tank from a first storage tank that stores cryogenic liquefied gas, via a supply pipe to which a supply-side first joint connected to the filling-side first joint is attached, and the filling pipe, After the filling-side storage tank is filled with the cryogenic liquefied gas, a purging step is performed in which the first gas is supplied from the second storage tank containing the first gas to the filling pipe via the purge pipe and the supply pipe, thereby vaporizing the cryogenic liquefied gas remaining in the space between the filling-side first joint and the filling valve in the filling pipe. A method for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas, comprising the following:

9. The method for supplying cryogenic liquefied gas according to claim 8, wherein in the purging step, the first gas is supplied from the filling pipe to the exhaust pipe via the filling-side storage tank, thereby vaporizing the cryogenic liquefied gas present in the space between the filling-side second joint and the exhaust valve in the exhaust pipe.

Images