How to replenish hydrogen in a hydrogen tank

Abstract

A method for supplying gas, particularly hydrogen, to a hydrogen tank (2A), especially a hydrogen tank (2A) belonging to a vehicle (2), comprising: filling a first hydrogen reservoir (4) with gas; filling a working fluid reservoir (7) with working fluid; connecting the first hydrogen reservoir (4) to the hydrogen tank (2A) so that gas is transferred from the first hydrogen reservoir (4) to the hydrogen tank (2A); and connecting the working fluid reservoir (7) to the first hydrogen reservoir ( A method comprising: connecting to (4) so ​​that the working fluid (8) is transferred from the working fluid reservoir (7) to the first hydrogen reservoir (4); and before transferring the working fluid (8) from the working fluid reservoir (7) to the first hydrogen reservoir (4), cooling the gas in the first hydrogen reservoir (4) by isentropic expansion, and transferring the gas cooled by isentropic expansion from the first hydrogen reservoir (4) to the hydrogen tank (2A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for refueling a hydrogen tank, and more particularly to a method for refueling a hydrogen tank belonging to a vehicle. This method comprises providing a first hydrogen reservoir having a hydrogen volume filled with hydrogen, providing a working fluid reservoir having a working fluid, connecting the first hydrogen reservoir to the hydrogen tank so that hydrogen is transferred from the first hydrogen reservoir to the hydrogen tank in a first outflow phase, connecting the working fluid reservoir to the first hydrogen reservoir so that the working fluid is transferred from the working fluid reservoir to the first hydrogen reservoir in a first recompression phase that temporally overlaps with the first outflow phase, and whereby connecting the working fluid reservoir to the first hydrogen reservoir, a hydrogen volume filled with hydrogen in the first hydrogen reservoir decreases and a working fluid volume filled with the working fluid in the first hydrogen reservoir increases.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a refueling system for refueling a hydrogen tank, and more particularly to a mobile refueling system for refueling a hydrogen tank belonging to a vehicle. This refueling system comprises a first hydrogen reservoir for storing hydrogen, a working fluid reservoir for storing a working fluid, a control device having, in particular, a valve controller for controlling a first discharge connection for discharging hydrogen from the first hydrogen reservoir to the hydrogen tank and for controlling an inflow connection between the working fluid reservoir and the first hydrogen reservoir, a pump capable of pumping the working fluid from the working fluid reservoir to the first hydrogen reservoir, and is a system comprising.

[0003] Finally, the present invention relates to a tanker truck equipped with a refueling system as described above, preferably a mobile, i.e., non-localized, refueling system.

Background Art

[0004] International Publication No. 2021 / 191636 discloses a method used for transferring and cooling compressed gas. In this case, a fuel gas, in particular hydrogen (see paragraph 0028), is delivered from a source container to a receiving container. Cooling is carried out in an intermediate container. The source container is connected to the intermediate container via a first fluid path, and this fluid connection is shut off via a valve to separate the intermediate container. The intermediate container includes a positive displacement expander, which may be formed by a fluid column, a piston compressor, or other components responsible for expanding the fluid located therein. The intermediate container is connected to a receiving container via a second fluid path, which may be a fuel tank for a vehicle or machine, and the fluid connection is shut off via a valve.

[0005] In this prior art, the transfer and cooling of the fuel gas are carried out in three phases.

[0006] In the first phase, the source container is fluidly connected to the intermediate container, which is at this point completely filled with fluid, by opening a valve. The fuel gas flows into the intermediate container, pushing out the fluid present in it, which is then discharged from the intermediate container through another valve. In the first phase, the pressure in the source container and the pressure in the intermediate container are substantially the same. As the fuel gas expands into the intermediate container, it is cooled both in the source container and the intermediate container. Once a sufficient amount of fuel gas has been transferred to the intermediate container, the inlet valve is closed, separating the intermediate container from the source container.

[0007] In the second phase, all the fluid is removed from the intermediate container through a valve. As a result, isentropic expansion occurs, and the fuel gas is cooled.

[0008] In the third phase, the valve is opened, and the intermediate vessel and the receiving vessel are fluidly connected to each other. Since the pressure inside the intermediate vessel and the receiving vessel are the same, fluid must be introduced into the intermediate vessel in order to push the cooled fuel into the receiving vessel. No cooling of the hydrogen takes place in this third phase.

[0009] Therefore, this method differs from the method of the present invention described below. [Overview of the project]

[0010] In the present invention described below, hydrogen cooling occurs during the transfer of hydrogen from the first hydrogen reservoir to the hydrogen tank. Depending on the embodiment, hydrogen cooling may occur before and / or during the repressurization phase in which the working fluid is pumped from the working fluid reservoir to the first hydrogen reservoir. According to the present invention, cooling can occur due to a partial pressure balance between the first hydrogen reservoir and the hydrogen tank. Depending on the configuration, cooling can also be continued during the repressurization phase. On the other hand, in International Publication No. 2021 / 191636, hydrogen is cooled only before it is transferred to the receiving vessel. According to International Publication No. 2021 / 191636, no cooling occurs while the hydrogen is being transferred to the receiving vessel. According to the present invention, the working fluid is not used for hydrogen expansion but for repressurization in the first hydrogen reservoir. Furthermore, in the present invention, it is preferable not to provide an intermediate vessel.

[0011] German Patent Application Publication No. 102015016327 describes a refueling station for filling storage containers of mobile vehicles with gas, particularly hydrogen. The hydrogen is stored in one or more constant-pressure reservoirs, and the gas is available at a specific constant pressure. For this purpose, the constant-pressure reservoir has a cylinder, which is divided into two regions by a movable separation piston. The first region absorbs hydrogen. The second region receives a fluid, such as a working fluid. During the injection phase, by displacing the separation piston, the pressure of the hydrogen in the first region is kept constant, the first region expands, and the second region contracts. During the discharge phase, by supplying more liquid to the second region and increasing the volume of the second region, the volume of the first region decreases, thereby keeping the pressure of the first region constant. This configuration is intended to reduce the number of load fluctuations and thereby extend the service life of the refueling station. However, a drawback of this prior art is that it requires a sophisticated gas regulation device to supply gas from a constant-pressure reservoir to the consumer. In practice, it has been found that, in particular, the temperature of the gas from the constant-pressure reservoir needs to be lowered by a cooling device so that it does not exceed the maximum permissible temperature of the vehicle tank.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to mitigate or eliminate at least the individual drawbacks of the prior art. Preferably, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for supplying hydrogen to a hydrogen tank, thereby preventing overheating of the hydrogen tank while simplifying the technical configuration as much as possible.

[0013] This objective is achieved by the method described in claim 1, the replenishment system described in claim 12, and the replenishment vehicle described in claim 15. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0014] According to the present invention, this method is The process includes cooling the hydrogen in the first hydrogen reservoir by isentropic expansion before and / or during the repressurization phase, so that the hydrogen cooled by isentropic expansion is transferred from the first hydrogen reservoir to the hydrogen tank.

[0015] When the first hydrogen reservoir is connected to the hydrogen tank, hydrogen flows from the first hydrogen reservoir to the hydrogen tank due to the pressure difference between the first hydrogen reservoir and the hydrogen tank, particularly by opening the first gas outlet valve. This creates a (partial) pressure equilibrium between the first hydrogen reservoir and the hydrogen tank. The hydrogen in the first hydrogen reservoir is repressurized by replenishing the first hydrogen reservoir with a working fluid other than hydrogen (referred to here as the "working fluid") from the working fluid reservoir during the repressurization phase. As a result, the mass flow rate of hydrogen from the first hydrogen reservoir to the hydrogen tank increases compared to the case where hydrogen is free to overflow due to the pressure difference between the first hydrogen reservoir and the hydrogen tank alone. However, unlike the prior art, the first hydrogen reservoir does not operate as a constant-pressure reservoir; rather, the gas pressure of hydrogen in the first hydrogen reservoir is reduced before and / or during the repressurization phase, preferably over the entire duration of the repressurization phase. The hydrogen tank is heated by the pressure increase when hydrogen is refueled. In conventional technology, where fuel is refueled via a constant-pressure reservoir, special means such as a cooling unit were required to prevent the vehicle tank temperature from exceeding the maximum temperature (80°C to 115°C). In contrast, in the method according to the present invention, the hydrogen in the first hydrogen reservoir is cooled by at least partial isentropic expansion. As a result, after refueling begins, the cooled hydrogen gradually moves from the first hydrogen reservoir to the hydrogen tank due to isentropic expansion. This has the advantageous effect of preventing a rapid rise in the tank temperature during the refueling cycle. Therefore, the present invention utilizes the isentropic expansion of hydrogen in the first hydrogen reservoir to maintain the maximum temperature of the vehicle tank at the end of refueling.

[0016] In the first embodiment, the connection between the working fluid reservoir and the first hydrogen reservoir is opened substantially simultaneously with the connection between the first hydrogen reservoir and the hydrogen tank. In this embodiment, the first repressurization phase begins substantially simultaneously with the first discharge phase in which hydrogen flows from the first hydrogen reservoir into the hydrogen tank. However, since the volumetric delivery of the pump is insufficient to maintain the pressure in the first hydrogen reservoir, partially isentropically expanded hydrogen is transferred from the first hydrogen reservoir to the hydrogen tank during the repressurization phase. The first repressurization phase may end before, simultaneously with, or after the end of the first discharge phase (i.e., before, simultaneously with, or after the closing of the connection between the first hydrogen reservoir and the hydrogen tank).

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first discharge phase is initiated before the start of the first repressurization phase. That is, the connection between the working fluid reservoir and the first hydrogen reservoir is opened only after a waiting period has elapsed since the start of the first discharge phase. Thus, cooling by isentropic expansion of the hydrogen in the first hydrogen reservoir is initiated before the working fluid is transferred from the working fluid reservoir to the first hydrogen reservoir.

[0018] By observing the waiting time before opening the first inflow connection to the working fluid reservoir, various effects can be achieved.

[0019] Even a waiting time of at least 5 seconds, especially at least 10 seconds, or even at least 20 seconds, can mitigate or solve the problem that the first discharge connection (e.g., pipeline) is located between the first hydrogen reservoir and the hydrogen tank and has heat capacity, and therefore needs to be cooled first by the escaping hydrogen. To maximize the effect of the pressure ratio between the first hydrogen reservoir and the hydrogen tank, it is advantageous to start the first repressurization phase (i.e., starting the pump and reducing the pressure drop by pushing out the hydrogen in the first hydrogen reservoir with the working fluid, thereby reducing the absolute temperature difference between the hydrogen in the first hydrogen reservoir and the hydrogen in the hydrogen tank) while the first discharge connection is pre-cooled.

[0020] On the other hand, by extending the waiting time to at least 30 seconds, and especially to at least 60 seconds, the cooling effect resulting from the pressure difference between the first hydrogen reservoir and the hydrogen tank can be utilized even more effectively.

[0021] In these embodiments, the hydrogen in the first hydrogen reservoir is already cooled by isentropic expansion before the start of the first repressurization phase, and the cooled hydrogen flows from the first hydrogen reservoir into the hydrogen tank. This cooling effect counteracts the heating (temperature rise) caused by the pressure increase in the hydrogen tank. After a waiting period, the working fluid is delivered to the first hydrogen reservoir, which is designed as a pressure reservoir, and as a result, the available hydrogen volume in the first hydrogen reservoir decreases. In this case, the volumetric delivery rate of the (high-pressure) pump is not sufficient to maintain the pressure in the first hydrogen reservoir. In a preferred embodiment, preferably while the working fluid continues to flow, the first discharge connection is closed to the first hydrogen reservoir as soon as the pressures in the vehicle tank and the first hydrogen reservoir are adjusted to a pressure difference preferably selected from the range of 20 bar to 200 bar, preferably 30 bar to 100 bar, and particularly 40 bar to 70 bar. This completes the first outflow phase from the first hydrogen reservoir.

[0022] By replenishing the cooled gas, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise in the hydrogen tank caused by the pressure rise during gas replenishment. Advantageously, the final temperature of the hydrogen tank can be lowered at the end of the replenishment process. It is particularly preferable if the final temperature of the hydrogen tank can be kept below a predetermined maximum temperature without additionally cooling the gas flowing out from the first hydrogen reservoir (or the second or third hydrogen reservoir described later). Thereby, in particular, it is not necessary to provide a cooling device between the first hydrogen reservoir and the hydrogen tank. Therefore, preferably, a cooling device is not connected between the first hydrogen reservoir and the hydrogen tank (optionally, as described later, a cooling device is also not connected between the second hydrogen reservoir and the hydrogen tank or between the third hydrogen reservoir and the hydrogen tank).

[0023] In the present disclosure, "hydrogen" always refers to hydrogen molecules (H2).

[0024] In the method according to the present invention, hydrogen can be replenished to the hydrogen tank of a vehicle equipped with a fuel cell, for example, a construction vehicle such as an excavator.

[0025] When the first inflow connection to the working fluid reservoir is opened after the standby time has elapsed, the gas remaining in the first hydrogen reservoir may have a temperature below minus 20 °C, particularly below minus 30 °C, for example below minus 35 °C.

[0026] Preferably, the initial pressure of hydrogen in the first hydrogen reservoir, that is, the nominal pressure of hydrogen before the first discharge connection to the hydrogen tank is opened, is greater than 500 bar, preferably greater than 600 bar, particularly greater than 700 bar, and / or less than 875 bar, for example substantially 800 bar. Preferably, the same also applies to the second hydrogen reservoir and the third hydrogen reservoir described later, respectively.

[0027] In practice, the polytropic expansion of hydrogen occurs within the first hydrogen reservoir (and, naturally, also within the second or third hydrogen reservoirs, which will be discussed later). When isentropic expansion (adiabatic expansion) is referred to herein, it should be understood as the adiabatic portion of the polytropic expansion resulting from the opening of the first discharge connection from the first (...nth) hydrogen reservoir to the hydrogen tank.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, when the first discharge connection is open, the gas is transported from the first pressure reservoir to the hydrogen tank solely based on the pressure difference between the first hydrogen reservoir and the hydrogen tank, i.e., passively, without any additional compressor.

[0029] In the replenishment system according to the present invention, the control device is configured to control the first inlet connection and / or pump such that the hydrogen in the first hydrogen reservoir is cooled by isentropic expansion, and the hydrogen cooled by isentropic expansion is discharged from the first hydrogen reservoir into the hydrogen tank via the first discharge connection.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the control device is configured to open the first inflow connection after a waiting period has elapsed since the first hydrogen reservoir was connected to the hydrogen tank.

[0031] In order to give the gas in the first pressure reservoir sufficient time for isentropic expansion, in a preferred embodiment, the control device maintains a waiting time of at least 5 seconds, particularly at least 10 seconds, and preferably at least 15 seconds from the time the first hydrogen reservoir is connected to the hydrogen tank until the time the working fluid reservoir is connected to the first hydrogen reservoir. In this embodiment, the maximum pressure difference between the first hydrogen reservoir and the hydrogen tank can be used to cool the first discharge connection.

[0032] To ensure that hydrogen is released from the first hydrogen reservoir into the hydrogen tank under more strongly isentropically cooled conditions, the waiting time may be at least 30 seconds, and in particular at least 60 seconds.

[0033] Depending on the embodiment, the waiting time may be less than 15 minutes, particularly less than 10 minutes, and preferably less than 5 minutes.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the working fluid in the first hydrogen reservoir is in direct contact with the hydrogen. Thus, the working fluid is designed to function as a liquid piston. Consequently, the working fluid forms a liquid volume, particularly a liquid column, inside the first hydrogen reservoir, which is directly adjacent to the hydrogen. That is, the first hydrogen reservoir is directly adjacent to the hydrogen without any intermediate mechanical parts, and especially without a solid piston. By replenishing the first hydrogen reservoir with working fluid, the volume of working fluid occupied by the working fluid in the first hydrogen reservoir increases, and the volume of hydrogen occupied by the hydrogen decreases. This is associated with a corresponding increase in hydrogen pressure.

[0035] A poly-α-olefin is preferably used as the working fluid.

[0036] Using poly-α-olefin (PAO) as a working fluid is remarkable because it offers special advantages without having to accept the typical drawbacks of PAO.

[0037] Practical testing has shown that a special advantage of PAO in the applications of the present invention is that it is a dilute liquid, i.e., a low-viscosity liquid. This avoids the problem of foaming of the fluid when gases dissolved in the fluid re-expand due to pressure changes, for example. Such foaming can increase the cavitation tendency of pumps that replenish the working fluid, thereby increasing pump wear. When refueling a vehicle with hydrogen, foaming of the working fluid can further cause fluid carryover into the hydrogen tank, which should be avoided. In the prior art, high-viscosity working fluids, such as ionic liquids, have been proposed, but their strong foaming tendency requires compensating for this drawback by making the gas solubility very low. However, in practice, the required low gas solubility has not been achieved. Other working fluids, such as mineral oil, synthetic oil, and hydraulic fluid, are very viscous, so if foaming occurs, their use in the applications of the present invention becomes very unfavorable or impossible. On the other hand, thermal oil is prone to carryover and is therefore unsuitable for systems that supply hydrogen to fuel cell vehicles. The use of PAO according to the present invention is based on the understanding that foaming can be reliably avoided without requiring extremely low gas solubility, due to PAO's low foaming tendency. In the applications according to the present invention, even if the gas solubility of PAO is considerably low in absolute terms, but higher than that of ionic liquids, the low foaming properties of PAO can be optimally utilized.

[0038] "Poly-α-olefin" is understood to mean poly-1-olefin obtained by polymerization of α-olefins. The term "poly-α-olefin" includes poly-α-olefin homopolymers, polymers composed of two or more different monomer units (e.g., poly-α-olefin copolymers, poly-α-olefin terpolymers, and mixtures thereof).

[0039] The working fluid preferably contains 80% by weight or more, more preferably 90% by weight or more, even more preferably 95% by weight or more, and particularly preferably 99% by weight or more, of the total weight of the working fluid. This allows for effective utilization of the excellent properties of poly-α-olefin, such as low gas solubility and low foaming.

[0040] Depending on the design, the working fluid may contain only one type of poly-α-olefin. In preferred embodiments, the working fluid contains a mixture of two or more poly-α-olefins. The physical properties of the working fluid (e.g., viscosity, boiling point) can be adapted to the respective conditions.

[0041] Poly-α-olefins may have a linear or branched structure (n-alkane or isoalkane). A mixture of linear poly-α-olefins and their isomers, or a mixture of linear poly-α-olefins and poly-α-olefins with different numbers of carbon atoms, can also be used. This allows for adjustment of the boiling point of the working fluid.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, at least 90% by weight of the poly-α-olefin has 19 or fewer carbon atoms per molecule, preferably 14 to 18 carbon atoms per molecule, and more preferably 16 to 18 carbon atoms per molecule, based on the total weight of the poly-α-olefin. Preferably, at least 95% by weight of the poly-α-olefin has such a number of carbon atoms, and more preferably at least 99% by weight has such a number of carbon atoms, based on the total weight of the poly-α-olefin. Poly-α-olefins having such a number of carbon atoms are suitable as working fluids because they tend to have particularly low gas solubility and are less prone to foaming. If the working fluid has two or more types of poly-α-olefins, preferably all of the poly-α-olefins have such a number of carbon atoms.

[0043] Preferably, up to 10% by weight of the poly-α-olefin has 20 or more carbon atoms, particularly 20 to 30 carbon atoms, based on the total weight of the poly-α-olefin. Preferably, up to 5% by weight of the poly-α-olefin has such a number of carbon atoms, and more preferably up to 3% by weight has such a number of carbon atoms, based on the total weight of the poly-α-olefin. As a result, viscosity can be kept low and foaming is less likely to occur.

[0044] The working fluid preferably has an aromatic hydrocarbon content of 1% by weight or less, and more preferably 0.5% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the working fluid. This helps to keep viscosity and, consequently, foaming tendency low.

[0045] The sulfur compound content in the working fluid is preferably 10,000 ppm or less, and more preferably 1,000 ppm or less, based on the total weight of the working fluid. This makes it possible to avoid the effects of sulfur compounds acting as cellular poison, especially in fuel cell-driven vehicles.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the hydrogen in the first hydrogen reservoir is present at a nominal pressure (also called initial pressure) before being connected to the hydrogen tank. The nominal pressure is preferably greater than 500 bar, more preferably greater than 600 bar, particularly greater than 700 bar, and / or less than 875 bar, for example, substantially 800 bar. At the end of the replenishment process, the hydrogen may be repressurized to substantially the nominal pressure by connecting the first (and / or second or third) hydrogen reservoir to the working fluid reservoir, as described later.

[0047] In order to achieve a high filling pressure in the hydrogen tank by sequentially and continuously supplying the hydrogen tank through multiple hydrogen reservoirs, the method in a preferred embodiment is: To provide a second hydrogen reservoir having a second hydrogen volume filled with hydrogen, Preferably, with the first discharge connection closed, the second hydrogen reservoir is connected to the hydrogen tank so that hydrogen is transferred from the second hydrogen reservoir to the hydrogen tank during the second discharge phase. In the second repressurization phase, preferably a second hydrogen reservoir is connected to the first hydrogen reservoir, and the working fluid is transferred from the first hydrogen reservoir to the second hydrogen reservoir to replenish the working fluid in the second hydrogen reservoir, so that the hydrogen in the second hydrogen reservoir is cooled by isentropic expansion before and / or during the second repressurization phase, and the cooled hydrogen is transferred from the second hydrogen reservoir to the hydrogen tank by isentropic expansion.

[0048] The connection between the second hydrogen reservoir and the hydrogen tank is preferably opened 1 to 20 minutes, particularly 2 to 10 minutes, for example substantially 4 minutes, after the first hydrogen reservoir is connected to the hydrogen tank, allowing hydrogen to be discharged from the second hydrogen reservoir towards the hydrogen tank via the second discharge connection.

[0049] In order to achieve an even higher filling pressure by sequentially and continuously supplying hydrogen to the hydrogen tank through multiple hydrogen reservoirs, the method in a preferred embodiment is: To provide a third hydrogen reservoir having a hydrogen volume filled with hydrogen, Preferably, with the first and second discharge connections closed, the third hydrogen reservoir is connected to the hydrogen tank so that hydrogen is transferred from the third hydrogen reservoir to the hydrogen tank during the third discharge phase. In the third repressurization phase, preferably by connecting the third hydrogen reservoir to the second hydrogen reservoir, the working fluid is transferred from the second hydrogen reservoir to the third hydrogen reservoir, thereby replenishing the working fluid in the third hydrogen reservoir so that the hydrogen in the third hydrogen reservoir is cooled by isentropic expansion before and / or during the third repressurization phase, and the cooled hydrogen is transferred from the third hydrogen reservoir to the hydrogen tank by isentropic expansion.

[0050] The connection between the third hydrogen reservoir and the hydrogen tank is preferably opened 1 to 20 minutes, particularly 2 to 10 minutes, for example substantially 4 minutes, after the second hydrogen reservoir is connected to the hydrogen tank, allowing hydrogen to be discharged from the third hydrogen reservoir towards the hydrogen tank via the third discharge connection.

[0051] To achieve effective repressurization of hydrogen in each hydrogen reservoir, in a preferred embodiment, the working fluid is pumped from the working fluid reservoir to the first hydrogen reservoir, preferably from the first hydrogen reservoir to the second hydrogen reservoir, and / or from the second hydrogen reservoir to the third hydrogen reservoir, and / or from the third hydrogen reservoir to the working fluid reservoir, by a high-pressure pump, particularly an axial piston pump, radial piston pump, gear pump, or constant-displacement piston pump, particularly a plunger piston pump. The above-described embodiments of the working fluid high-pressure pump make it possible to achieve hydrogen pressures greater than 500 bar, particularly greater than 600 bar, preferably greater than 700 bar, and / or up to 875 bar, for example, substantially 800 bar, in each hydrogen reservoir.

[0052] The pump is preferably coupled to a drive unit, particularly a drive motor. This drive unit provides the driving force to operate the high-pressure pump, thereby transporting the working fluid under pressure to a first hydrogen reservoir, preferably a second hydrogen reservoir, and particularly a third hydrogen reservoir.

[0053] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the drive unit is coupled to a hydraulic connection of the vehicle, and the drive unit operates via the vehicle's hydraulic connection. Therefore, the driving force for the drive unit can be supplied by a vehicle equipped with a hydraulic connection for supplying hydraulic fluid at a pressure of preferably 50 bar to 420 bar, particularly 100 bar to 300 bar, for example, 150 bar to 250 bar. Such a hydraulic connection is present, for example, in a construction vehicle. Thus, advantageously, the vehicle being refueled can itself provide the driving force for operating the high-pressure pump. As a result, the refueling system itself can be simplified or miniaturized. This advantage is particularly evident when the system is configured as part of a mobile refueling system, preferably as part of a tanker truck.

[0054] To continuously operate a high-pressure pump via a hydraulic circuit, it is advantageous that the drive unit is connected to the vehicle's hydraulic connection via a bidirectional hydraulic coupling, with high-pressure hydraulic fluid supplied to the drive unit and low-pressure hydraulic fluid returned from the drive unit to the vehicle's hydraulic connection.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the hydrogen in the hydrogen tank is pressurized to a filling pressure greater than 500 bar, particularly greater than 600 bar, preferably greater than 650 bar, and more preferably up to 875 bar, at the time of replenishment. All pressure values ​​in this disclosure are for an ambient temperature of 288.15 Kelvin (15°C).

[0056] As described above in relation to the method of replenishing the hydrogen tank with hydrogen, a preferred embodiment of the replenishment system includes a second hydrogen reservoir connectable to the hydrogen tank via a second discharge connection. Particularly preferred is an embodiment comprising a third hydrogen reservoir connectable to the hydrogen tank via a third discharge connection. The second and / or third hydrogen reservoir is preferably identical to the first hydrogen reservoir.

[0057] The first and / or second and / or third hydrogen reservoirs may have a holding capacity of 50 liters (L) to 1,000 L, particularly 200 L to 500 L, for example substantially 400 L. When fully filled, 5 kilograms (kg) to 130 kg of hydrogen, for example substantially 20 kg of hydrogen, can be stored in the first, second, or third hydrogen reservoir.

[0058] In order to allow the gas flow and working fluid flow described above to be released or shut off at different timings, the replenishment system, in a preferred embodiment, A first gas outlet valve located within the first discharge connection, and / or A second gas outlet valve located within the second discharge connection, and / or A third gas outlet valve located within the third discharge connection, and / or A first inlet valve located within the first inlet connection from the working fluid reservoir to the first hydrogen reservoir, and / or A second inlet valve located within the second inlet connection from the working fluid reservoir to the second hydrogen reservoir, and / or A third inlet valve located within the third inlet connection from the working fluid reservoir to the third hydrogen reservoir, and / or A first gas inlet valve for filling a first pressure reservoir with hydrogen, and / or A second gas inlet valve for filling the second pressure reservoir with hydrogen, and / or A third gas inlet valve for filling a third pressure reservoir with hydrogen, and / or A first return valve, positioned in a first return line from a first hydrogen reservoir to a second hydrogen reservoir, for transferring working fluid from the first hydrogen reservoir to the second hydrogen reservoir, and / or A second return valve, located in the second return line from the second hydrogen reservoir to the third hydrogen reservoir, for transferring working fluid from the second hydrogen reservoir to the third hydrogen reservoir, and / or A third return valve is located in the third return line from the third hydrogen reservoir to the working fluid reservoir, and returns the working fluid from the third hydrogen reservoir to the working fluid reservoir. It has.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the replenishment system includes, as a high-pressure pump, an axial piston pump, a radial piston pump, a gear pump, or a constant-capacity piston pump, particularly a plunger piston pump, which pumps the working fluid from the working fluid reservoir to the first hydrogen reservoir, preferably from the first hydrogen reservoir to the second hydrogen reservoir, and / or from the second hydrogen reservoir to the third hydrogen reservoir, and / or from the third hydrogen reservoir to the working fluid reservoir.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment of the replenishment system, the high-pressure pump is coupled to a drive unit, which is preferably coupled to the vehicle's hydraulic connection. As a result, the drive unit can be operated via the vehicle's hydraulic connection, i.e., can be supplied with driving force. In a preferred embodiment of the replenishment system, the drive unit is connected to the vehicle's hydraulic connection via a bidirectional hydraulic coupling. As a result, high-pressure hydraulic fluid can be supplied to the drive unit, and low-pressure hydraulic fluid can be returned from the drive unit to the vehicle's hydraulic connection.

[0061] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a supply vehicle having a luggage space for housing a mobile supply system, in one of the embodiments described above.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the refueling vehicle provided is a hydrogen vehicle, particularly a fuel cell vehicle, and is equipped with a hydrogen vehicle tank from which propulsion energy is supplied to the refueling vehicle. It is particularly advantageous that the hydrogen vehicle tank of the refueling vehicle is also connected to a first hydrogen reservoir, optionally a second hydrogen reservoir and / or a third hydrogen reservoir, particularly via a fluid line equipped with an openable and closable valve. In this way, the range of the refueling vehicle can be extended by transferring hydrogen from the first hydrogen reservoir and optionally from the second or third hydrogen reservoir to the hydrogen vehicle tank of the refueling vehicle. In this embodiment, the refueling vehicle may self-supply hydrogen as needed. Alternatively, the refueling vehicle can also refuel another vehicle with hydrogen at the site.

[0063] The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0064] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mobile refueling system for supplying fuel to a hydrogen tank belonging to a vehicle. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the various steps involved in refueling a hydrogen tank; individual inert gas lines and working fluid lines are not shown for clarity. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the various steps involved in refueling a hydrogen tank; individual inert gas lines and working fluid lines are not shown for clarity. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the various steps involved in refueling a hydrogen tank; individual inert gas lines and working fluid lines are not shown for clarity. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the various steps involved in refueling a hydrogen tank; individual inert gas lines and working fluid lines are not shown for clarity. [Figure 6] Figure 6 schematically shows several characteristic curves for a method of refueling a hydrogen tank. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0065] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a refueling system 1 for supplying hydrogen to a hydrogen tank 2A ​​(symbolically shown in Figure 1) belonging to a vehicle 2. The vehicle 2 to be refueled may be equipped with a fuel cell 2B that operates on hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen tank 2A. Figure 1 shows a mobile configuration of the refueling system 1, which can be mounted in the cargo space of a refueling vehicle 3 (different from the vehicle 2 to be refueled). The mobile refueling system 1 comprises a first hydrogen reservoir 4, a second hydrogen reservoir 5, and a third hydrogen reservoir 6, which are filled with hydrogen, i.e., have a first hydrogen volume, a second hydrogen volume, and a third hydrogen volume, respectively. Furthermore, the refueling system 1 comprises a working fluid reservoir 7, which is filled with a working fluid 8 (in this case, poly-α-olefin). The first hydrogen reservoir 4, the second hydrogen reservoir 5, and the third hydrogen reservoir 6 and the working fluid reservoir 7 are arranged substantially vertically (i.e., their longitudinal axes extend vertically). All indications of position and orientation in this disclosure relate to the intended operating state of the refueling system 1 in the cargo space of a tank vehicle 3 placed on a horizontal plane. The fill level of the working fluid reservoir 7 is monitored by a fill level measuring element 9. The pressure and temperature of the working fluid reservoir 7 are monitored by a pressure / temperature measuring element 10.

[0066] The first hydrogen reservoir 4 is connected to the gas inlet 12 via the first injection connection 11. The second hydrogen reservoir 5 is connected to the gas inlet 12 via the second injection connection 13. The third hydrogen reservoir 6 is connected to the gas inlet 12 via the third injection connection 14. The first injection connection 11 has a first gas inlet valve 15, the second injection connection 13 has a second gas inlet valve 16, and the third injection connection 14 has a third gas inlet valve 17. When these first gas inlet valves 15, 2, and 3 are open, the gas supplied to the gas inlet 12 is transferred to the first hydrogen reservoir 4, the second hydrogen reservoir 5, and the third hydrogen reservoir 6, respectively. As a result, hydrogen is stored in the first hydrogen reservoir 4, the second hydrogen reservoir 5, and the third hydrogen reservoir 6, for example, at a nominal pressure of substantially 800 bar (80 MPa).

[0067] The first hydrogen reservoir 4, the second hydrogen reservoir 5, or the third hydrogen reservoir 6 can be connected to a gas outlet 21 to which the vehicle to be refueled 2 can connect, via the first discharge connection 18, the second discharge connection 19, or the third discharge connection 20. The first gas outlet valve 22, the second gas outlet valve 23, and the third gas outlet valve 24 are located at the first discharge connection 18, the second discharge connection 19, and the third discharge connection 20, respectively. The first discharge connection 18, the second discharge connection 19, and the third discharge connection 20 are combined into a common outlet line 25. Within this outlet line 25 are a temperature measuring element 26 for measuring gas temperature and a gas pressure measuring element 27 for measuring gas pressure. The outlet line 25 is connected to the gas outlet 21 via a fuse 28, a gas line 29, and a tank fitting 30.

[0068] The working fluid reservoir 7 has a supply line 51 equipped with a supply valve 52, which is connected to the first hydrogen reservoir 4 via a first inlet connection 31, to the second hydrogen reservoir 5 via a second inlet connection 32, and to the third hydrogen reservoir 6 via a third inlet connection 33. The first inlet connection 31, the second inlet connection 32, and the third inlet connection 33 each open to the lower side of the first hydrogen reservoir 4, the second hydrogen reservoir 5, and the third hydrogen reservoir 6, respectively, so that the working fluid 8 is filled into the first hydrogen reservoir 4, the second hydrogen reservoir 5, and the third hydrogen reservoir 6 from below. The first inlet valve 34, the second inlet valve 35, and the third inlet valve 36, along with the first inlet check valve 37, the second inlet check valve 38, and the third inlet check valve 39, are arranged in the first inlet connection 31, the second inlet connection 32, and the third inlet connection 33, respectively.

[0069] The first hydrogen reservoir 4 is connected to the second inlet connection 32 via the first return line 40, which has a first return valve 41, and the working fluid is supplied to the second hydrogen reservoir 5. The second hydrogen reservoir 5 is connected to the third inlet connection 33 via the second return line 42, which has a second return valve 43, and the working fluid is supplied to the third hydrogen reservoir 6. The third hydrogen reservoir 6 is connected to the return line 53, which runs parallel to the supply line 51, via the third return line 44, which has a third return valve 45. The return valve 54 and orifice 55 are located on the return line 53. The return line 53 is connected to the working fluid reservoir 7, which can return the working fluid 8 from the third hydrogen reservoir 6 to the working fluid reservoir 7.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the replenishment system 1 has a (high-pressure) pump 46, which can be embodied in particular as an axial piston pump, a radial piston pump, a gear pump, or a plunger piston pump. The high-pressure pump 46 pumps the working fluid from the working fluid reservoir 7 to the first hydrogen reservoir 4, from the first hydrogen reservoir 4 to the second hydrogen reservoir 5, from the second hydrogen reservoir 5 to the third hydrogen reservoir 6, and from the third hydrogen reservoir 6 to the working fluid reservoir 7. The high-pressure pump 46 is connected to a drive unit 47. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive unit 47 is connected to a hydraulic connection 48 of the vehicle 2. The supply hose 50 is connected to the drive unit 47 via a bidirectional hydraulic coupling 49. When hydraulic fluid is supplied through the drive unit 47, the drive unit 47 converts the volumetric flow rate into mechanical work, thereby driving the high-pressure pump 46. After operation, the expanded hydraulic fluid flow is returned to the bidirectional hydraulic coupling 49 via the return hose 51 and finally to the hydraulic connection 48.

[0071] The valve described above can be switched magnetically, hydraulically, or pneumatically, that is, particularly between the open and closed positions. Pneumatic operation of the valve is particularly preferred. In this embodiment, a compressed air compressor 56 may be provided, which supplies supply air for switching the pneumatically operated valve. An electrical unit 57 can store electrical energy and exchange electrical energy between the drive unit 47 and the compressed air compressor 56.

[0072] Furthermore, the supply system 1 is equipped with an (electronic) control device 58, which controls the aforementioned valves, and in particular can open and close them. The control device 58 is equipped with a timer 59 (details will be described later).

[0073] In this replenishment system 1, compressed gas (in this case, hydrogen) can be supplied to vehicle 2 as follows. At least the following steps are performed.

[0074] In the first step, the first hydrogen reservoir 4, the second hydrogen reservoir 5, and the third hydrogen reservoir 6 are filled with gas through the gas inlet 12.

[0075] In the next step, the supply vehicle 3, equipped with the supply system 1, is moved to the location where the vehicle to be supplied 2 (e.g., an excavator) is parked.

[0076] In the next step, vehicle 2 is connected to the refueling system 1 via the tank fitting 30.

[0077] In the next step, energy is supplied to the drive unit 47 via a hydraulic connection 48 or an electrical unit 57.

[0078] In the next step, the control device 58 opens the first gas outlet valve 22, connecting the first hydrogen reservoir 4 to the gas outlet 21. As a result, in the first discharge phase, hydrogen is transferred into the hydrogen tank of the vehicle 2. The isentropic portion of the expansion in the first hydrogen reservoir 4 cools the hydrogen being transferred to the vehicle 2. The timer 59 of the control device 58 can detect the waiting time since the opening of the first gas outlet valve 22. This allows the first repressurization phase, in which the high-pressure pump 46 sends the working fluid 8 from the working fluid reservoir 7 to the first hydrogen reservoir 4, to start after the start of the first discharge phase. Depending on the design, the first repressurization phase and the first discharge phase may overlap in time for a period selected from 5 seconds to 4 minutes.

[0079] Before pressure equalization is achieved between the first hydrogen reservoir 4 and the vehicle 2 at the gas outlet 21, the control device 58 switches a valve and shuts off the first discharge connection 18. The working fluid 8 may continue to be supplied from the working fluid reservoir 7 to the first hydrogen reservoir 4 via the high-pressure pump 46 for a certain period of time (in particular, until the second discharge phase, described later, begins).

[0080] In the next step, the control device 58 opens the second gas outlet valve 23, connecting the second hydrogen reservoir 5 to the gas outlet 21 and initiating the second discharge phase. The timer 59 of the control device 58 can maintain a second waiting time from the opening of the second gas outlet valve 23. This ensures that the second repressurization phase, in which the high-pressure pump 46 delivers the working fluid 8 to the second hydrogen reservoir 5, begins only after the start of the second discharge phase. Depending on the design, the second repressurization phase and the second discharge phase may overlap in time for a period selected from 5 seconds to 4 minutes.

[0081] Before pressure equilibrium is achieved between the second hydrogen reservoir 5 and the vehicle 2 at the gas outlet 21, the control device 58 switches a valve and shuts off the second discharge connection 19. The working fluid 8 may continue to be supplied from the first hydrogen reservoir 4 to the second hydrogen reservoir 5 via the high-pressure pump 46 for a certain period of time (in particular, until the third discharge phase described later begins).

[0082] In the next step, the control device 58 opens the third gas outlet valve 24, connecting the third hydrogen reservoir 6 to the gas outlet 21 and initiating the third discharge phase. The timer 59 of the control device 58 can maintain a third waiting time from the opening of the third gas outlet valve 24. This ensures that the third repressurization phase, in which the high-pressure pump 46 delivers the working fluid 8 to the third hydrogen reservoir 6, begins only after the start of the third discharge phase. Depending on the design, the third repressurization phase and the third discharge phase may overlap in time for a period selected from 5 seconds to 4 minutes.

[0083] Before pressure equilibrium is achieved between the third hydrogen reservoir 6 and the vehicle 2 at the gas outlet 21, the control device 58 switches the valve and closes the third discharge connection 20.

[0084] In the next step, referring to Figure 5, the control device 58 switches the valve, and the working fluid 8 is returned from the third hydrogen reservoir 6 to the working fluid reservoir 7.

[0085] Finally, by replenishing the working fluid 8, the nominal or initial pressure in the first hydrogen reservoir 4 and / or the second hydrogen reservoir 5 and / or the third hydrogen reservoir 6 can be restored.

[0086] Figure 6 is a diagram containing several characteristic curves that symbolically illustrate the effect of the method described above. The first characteristic curve 60 shows the hydrogen mass flow rate in g / s. The second characteristic curve 61 shows the filling pressure of the hydrogen tank 2A ​​in barA. The third characteristic curve 62 shows the temperature of the hydrogen tank 2A ​​in °C. At the start of the first discharge phase, the temperature inside the hydrogen tank 2A ​​rises rapidly and reaches the first (local) maximum value. The subsequent cooling effect is due to the isentropic expansion of hydrogen, which is particularly pronounced in the first discharge phase. This is because the pressure difference between the initial pressure of the first hydrogen reservoir 6 and the low initial pressure of the hydrogen tank 2A ​​is large. In the second and third discharge phases, the cooling due to the isentropic expansion of hydrogen is significantly smaller. Importantly, the temperature inside the hydrogen tank 2A ​​does not rise (quasi)continuously during the hydrogen replenishment process, but rather the cooling occurs intermittently due to the isentropic expansion of hydrogen. This intermittent cooling helps maintain the hydrogen temperature in hydrogen tank 2A ​​at a specified maximum temperature, for example, 110°C. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1. Supply System 2 vehicles 2A Hydrogen Tank 2B fuel cell 3 Tank cars 4. First hydrogen reservoir 5. Second hydrogen reservoir 6. Third Hydrogen Reservoir 7 Working fluid reservoir 8 Working fluid 9. Filling level measuring element 10 Temperature measurement elements 11 First injection connection 12 Gas Inlet 13. Second injection connection 14. Third injection connection 15. First gas inlet valve 16. Second gas inlet valve 17. Third gas inlet valve 18 First discharge connection 19 Second discharge connection 20 Third discharge connection 21 Gas outlet 22 First gas outlet valve 23 Second gas outlet valve 24 Third gas outlet valve 25 Common Exit Line 26 Temperature measurement elements 27 Gas pressure measurement elements 28 Tear-off protection 29 Gas lines 30 Tank fittings 31. First Inflow Connection 32 Second Inflow Connection 33 Third Inflow Connection 34 First inlet valve 35 Second inlet valve 36 Third inlet valve 37 First inlet check valve 38 Second inflow check valve 39 Third inlet check valve 40. First return line 41 First return valve 42. Second return line 43. Second return valve 44. The third return line 45 Third return valve 46 High-pressure pump 47 Drive system 48 Hydraulic connection 49 Hydraulic fittings 50 supply hoses 51 Supply Line 52 Supply valve 53 Return Line 54 Return valve 55 Orifice 56 Compressed air compressor 57 Electrical Unit 58 Electronic control unit 59 timer

Claims

1. A method for supplying hydrogen to a hydrogen tank (2A), particularly a hydrogen tank (2A) belonging to a vehicle (2), To provide a first hydrogen reservoir (4) having a hydrogen volume filled with hydrogen, To provide a working fluid reservoir (7) equipped with a working fluid, The first hydrogen reservoir (4) is connected to the hydrogen tank (2A) so that hydrogen is transferred from the first hydrogen reservoir (4) to the hydrogen tank (4) during the discharge phase. The working fluid reservoir (7) is connected to the first hydrogen reservoir (4), and in the repressurization phase which coincides with the outflow phase, the working fluid (8) is pumped from the working fluid reservoir (7) to the first hydrogen reservoir (4) under pressure, thereby reducing the hydrogen volume filled with hydrogen in the first hydrogen reservoir (4). Includes, A method characterized in that, before and / or during the repressurization phase, the hydrogen in the first hydrogen reservoir (4) is cooled by isentropic expansion, and the hydrogen cooled by isentropic expansion is transferred from the first hydrogen reservoir (4) to the hydrogen tank (2A).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a waiting time of at least 30 seconds, preferably at least 60 seconds, and especially at least 2 minutes, for example at least 3 minutes, is observed between connecting the first hydrogen reservoir (4) to the hydrogen tank (2A) and connecting the working fluid reservoir (7) to the first hydrogen reservoir (4).

3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the working fluid in the first hydrogen reservoir (4) is in direct contact with the gas.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that poly-α-olefin is used as the working fluid.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the hydrogen is present in the first hydrogen reservoir (4) before it is connected to the hydrogen tank (2A) at a pressure greater than a nominal pressure of 500 bar, preferably greater than 600 bar, particularly greater than 700 bar, and / or less than 875 bar, for example substantially at 800 bar.

6. To provide a second hydrogen reservoir (5) having a hydrogen volume filled with hydrogen, The second hydrogen reservoir (5) is connected to the hydrogen tank so that hydrogen is transferred from the second hydrogen reservoir (5) to the hydrogen tank (2A) during the second discharge phase. In the second repressurization phase, which overlaps in time with the second discharge phase, preferably the second hydrogen reservoir (5) is connected to the first hydrogen reservoir (4) to replenish the second hydrogen reservoir (5) with working fluid so that the hydrogen in the second hydrogen reservoir (5) is cooled by isentropic expansion before and / or during the second repressurization phase, and the cooled hydrogen is transferred from the second hydrogen reservoir (5) to the hydrogen tank (2A) by isentropic expansion. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the above.

7. To provide a third hydrogen reservoir (6) having a hydrogen volume filled with hydrogen, The third hydrogen reservoir (6) is connected to the hydrogen tank (2A) so that hydrogen is transferred from the third hydrogen reservoir (6) to the hydrogen tank (2A) during the third discharge phase. In the third repressurization phase, which overlaps in time with the third discharge phase, preferably the third hydrogen reservoir (6) is connected to the second hydrogen reservoir to replenish the third hydrogen reservoir (6) with working fluid so that the hydrogen in the third hydrogen reservoir (6) is cooled by isentropic expansion before and / or during the third repressurization phase, and the cooled hydrogen is transferred from the third hydrogen reservoir (6) to the hydrogen tank (2A) by isentropic expansion. The method according to claim 6, characterized by the above.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the working fluid (8) is pumped from the working fluid reservoir (7) to the first hydrogen reservoir (4) by a high-pressure pump (46), particularly an axial piston pump, a radial piston pump, a gear pump, or a constant-capacity piston pump, particularly a plunger piston pump, and preferably further pumped from the first hydrogen reservoir (4) to the second hydrogen reservoir (5), and / or from the second hydrogen reservoir (5) to the third hydrogen reservoir (6), and / or from the third hydrogen reservoir (6) to the working fluid reservoir (7).

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the high-pressure pump (46) is coupled to a drive unit (47).

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the drive unit (47) is coupled to a hydraulic connection (48) of the vehicle (2), and the drive unit (47) is operated via the hydraulic connection (48) of the vehicle (2).

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the drive unit (47) is connected to the hydraulic connection (48) of the vehicle (2) via a bidirectional hydraulic coupling (49), high-pressure hydraulic fluid is supplied to the drive unit (47), and low-pressure hydraulic fluid is returned from the drive unit (47) to the hydraulic connection (48) of the vehicle (2).

12. A refueling system (1) for supplying hydrogen to a hydrogen tank (2A), particularly a hydrogen tank (2A) belonging to a vehicle (2), particularly a mobile refueling system, A first hydrogen reservoir (4) containing the aforementioned hydrogen, A working fluid reservoir (7) containing the working fluid (8), A control device (58) having a valve controller in particular controls a first discharge connection (18) for discharging hydrogen from the first hydrogen reservoir (4) to the hydrogen tank (2A), and controls a first inflow connection (31) between the working fluid reservoir (7) and the first hydrogen reservoir (4), A pump (46) capable of pressurizing the working fluid from the working fluid reservoir (7) to the first hydrogen reservoir (4), Equipped with, The replenishment system (1) is characterized in that the control device (58) is configured to control the first inlet connection (31) and / or the pump (46) such that the hydrogen in the first hydrogen reservoir (4) is cooled by isentropic expansion, and the hydrogen cooled by isentropic expansion is discharged from the first hydrogen reservoir (4) into the hydrogen tank (2A) via the first discharge connection (18).

13. A second hydrogen reservoir (5) that can be connected to the hydrogen tank (2A) via a second discharge connection (19), Preferably, a third hydrogen reservoir (6) that can be connected to the hydrogen tank (2A) via a third discharge connection (20), The supply system (1) according to claim 12, characterized by comprising:

14. A first gas outlet valve (22) located within the first discharge connection (18), and / or A second gas outlet valve (23) located within the second discharge connection (19), and / or A third gas outlet valve (24) located within the third discharge connection (20), and / or A first inlet valve (34) located in the first inlet connection (2) from the working fluid reservoir (7) to the first hydrogen reservoir (4), and / or A second inlet valve (35) located within the second inlet connection (32) from the working fluid reservoir (7) to the second hydrogen reservoir (5), and / or A third inlet valve (36) located in the third inlet connection (33) from the working fluid reservoir (7) to the third hydrogen reservoir, and / or A first gas inlet valve (15) for filling the first pressure reservoir (4) with hydrogen, and / or A second gas inlet valve (16) for filling the second pressure reservoir (5) with hydrogen, and / or A third gas inlet valve (17) for filling the third pressure reservoir (6) with hydrogen, and / or A first return valve (41) is located in the first return line (40) from the first hydrogen reservoir (4) to the second hydrogen reservoir (5) and / or transfers the working fluid (8) from the first hydrogen reservoir (4) to the second hydrogen reservoir (5). A second return valve (43) is located in the second return line (42) from the second hydrogen reservoir (5) to the third hydrogen reservoir (6) and / or transfers the working fluid (8) from the second hydrogen reservoir (5) to the third hydrogen reservoir (6). A third return valve (45) is located in the third return line (44) from the third hydrogen reservoir (6) to the working fluid reservoir (7) and returns the working fluid (8) from the third hydrogen reservoir (6) to the working fluid reservoir (7). A supply system (1) according to claim 12 or claim 13, characterized by comprising:

15. A supply vehicle (3) having a luggage space in which a mobile supply system (1) according to claim 13 or claim 14 is housed, Preferably, the vehicle tank is connected to the first hydrogen reservoir (4) via a fluid line, and more preferably, also connected to the second hydrogen reservoir (5) and / or the third hydrogen reservoir (6) via at least one further fluid line. Supply vehicle (3).

Images