Plant and method for storing and dispensing cryogenic fluids - Patents.com

Abstract

A plant and method for storing and distributing pressurized liquefied cryogenic fluid, comprising a liquefied gas source (3, 4) and a distribution member (2) with a first fluid inlet connected to the liquefied gas source (3, 4) and a second end (6) intended to be connected to a user of the pressurized liquefied gas supplied by the distribution member (2), wherein the source (3, 4) comprises a first liquefied gas reservoir (3) configured to store and supply liquefied gas to the distribution member (2) at a first specified pressure, and the source (3, 4) comprises a second specified pressure lower than the first pressure. A plant and method comprising: a second liquefied gas storage (4) configured to store liquefied gas under pressure; a plant (1) comprising a connecting pipe (8) having a valve assembly (18) connecting the first (3) and second (4) liquefied gas storages; a filling pipe (11) having a valve assembly (12) and having a first end connected to the second liquefied gas storage (3) and a second end intended to be connected to a mobile storage (20) for supplying liquefied gas to fill the sources (3, 4).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for storing and dispensing cryogenic fluids.

[0002] The present invention relates in particular to an installation for storing and dispensing pressurized liquefied cryogenic fluid, in particular liquefied hydrogen, the installation comprising a liquefied gas source and a dispenser, the dispenser having a first fluid inlet connected to the liquefied gas source via a set of pipes and a second end intended to be attached to a user of the pressurized liquefied gas supplied by the dispenser, the source comprising a first liquefied gas reservoir configured to store and supply liquefied gas to the dispenser at a first particular pressure. [Background technology]

[0003] Due to its greater density, hydrogen in the liquid state is preferred over hydrogen in the gaseous state when large quantities of product must be transported over long distances.

[0004] On the other hand, the low density of the liquid compared to water limits the available pressure, e.g., by hydrostatic height, and therefore the low temperature of the liquid hydrogen can result in significant evaporative losses during transport.

[0005] Thus, truck unloading systems and tanks at hydrogen refueling stations can result in losses that can amount to 15% of production. These truck pressurization losses can of course be wasted at each station or captured, reheated, recompressed, and reinjected into the liquefier (but this would require investment in loss recirculation systems and oversizing of the liquefaction system).

[0006] Typically, the truck transporting the mobile storage from the liquefaction system must be pressurized to discharge the liquid hydrogen from the truck to the station's fixed storage, which is kept pressurized to ensure operation of the liquid pumps it supplies (or for the delivery of pressurized hydrogen to users).

[0007] Pressurization of the mobile storage is typically achieved by evaporation and heating of hydrogen from the truck (pressure build-up unit "PBU") which is re-injected into the tank, thus introducing energy into the truck.

[0008] Once a quantity of liquid has been transferred to a fixed station, the delivery truck may continue to supply another station or return to the liquefier for resupply. The movement of the truck allows for a reduction in pressure due to the movement of the liquid in the reservoir and its contact with the vapor phase. On the other hand, the resulting pressure is always greater than the initial pressure due to the addition of energy in the system.

[0009] Ultimately, the number of fills made by the truck and the required pressure for these stations will determine the amount of hydrogen that is wasted or re-liquefied in the liquefier after each trip. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] One object of the present invention is to overcome all or some of the disadvantages of the prior art set out above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To that end, the installation according to the invention is according to its general definition given in the preamble above and is essentially characterised in that the supply source comprises a second liquefied gas storage configured to store liquefied gas at a second specified pressure lower than the first specified pressure of the first liquefied gas storage, the installation comprises a connecting pipe comprising a set of valves connecting the first and second liquefied gas storages so as to allow the transfer of fluid between the two liquefied gas storages, the installation comprises a filling pipe comprising a set of valves and having a first end connected to the second liquefied gas storage (3) and a second end intended to be connected to a mobile storage for supplying liquefied gas to fill the supply source.

[0012] Moreover, embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features. - the dispenser comprises a second fluid inlet attached to the top of the first and second liquefied gas storages via respective vapour transfer pipes, said vapour transfer pipes comprising a set of valves, said vapour transfer pipes being configured to allow the transfer of pressurised fluid, in particular vapour, between the dispenser and the first and / or second liquefied gas storages, - the installation comprises a vapour collecting pipe provided with a set of valves and having a first end adapted to be attached to the second fluid inlet of the dispenser and a second end intended to be attached to the upper end of the mobile storage for supplying liquefied gas to transfer vapour from the mobile storage to the dispenser (2); - the two liquefied gas reservoirs are arranged relative to one another to allow the liquefied fluid to be transferred by gravity from the second reservoir to the first reservoir; - the second liquefied gas reservoir is located above the first reservoir; - the first liquefied gas storage and the second liquefied gas storage comprise two superimposed compartments having a common base, the second storage being formed by an upper compartment and the first storage being formed by a lower compartment, and are contained in one and the same tank; - the dispenser comprises a cryogenic fluid pumping mechanism configured to pump liquefied gas from a liquefied gas at a first identified pressure; - the first liquefied gas storage and the second liquefied gas storage (4) each form part of a respective basic container comprising a first fluid transfer pipe having a first end attached to the upper end of the storage and a second fluid transfer pipe having a first end attached to the lower end of the storage, the first and second transfer pipes each comprising a set of respective valves, the first transfer pipe comprising two branches forming two second ends attached in parallel to the first end of the first transfer pipe, the first and second ends of the second transfer pipe each have a respective fluid connection fitting, the second transfer pipe has two branches forming two second ends that are attached in parallel to the first end of the second transfer pipe, the two second ends of the second transfer pipe each have a respective fluid connection fitting, the third connecting pipe has a first end that is attached to the first transfer pipe and a second end that is attached to the second transfer pipe, the third connecting pipe has a set of valves, the basic containers (1) are fluidly attached to each other, - at least one of the basic containers comprises a third connecting pipe having a first end attached to the upper end of the tank, e.g. via a first transfer pipe, and a second end attached to the lower end of the tank, e.g. via a second transfer pipe, said third connecting pipe being provided with a set of valves, the first end of the third connecting pipe being connectable to the first end of the first transfer pipe and the second end of the third connecting pipe being connectable to the first end of the second transfer pipe.

[0013] The invention also relates to a method for storing and dispensing a pressurized liquefied cryogenic fluid, in particular liquefied hydrogen, by means of an installation according to any one of the above or below characteristics, comprising the step of filling a second cryogenic fluid reservoir with liquefied cryogenic fluid from a mobile supply reservoir via a filling pipe.

[0014] According to other possible distinctive features: - the method includes increasing a pressure in the mobile supply reservoir prior to filling of the second cryogenic fluid reservoir, the second cryogenic fluid reservoir being filled from the mobile reservoir by fluidly connecting the mobile supply reservoir and the second cryogenic fluid reservoir with a pressure differential; - the method includes the step of transferring a liquefied fluid from a second liquefied gas storage to a first liquefied gas storage by fluidly connecting the latter with a pressure differential; - the method includes equalizing pressure between the first liquefied gas storage and the second liquefied gas storage prior to the step of transferring the liquefied fluid from the second liquefied gas storage to the first liquefied gas storage; - the method includes, after the step of equalizing pressure between the first liquefied gas storage and the second liquefied gas storage, reducing the pressure in the second liquefied gas storage; - reducing the pressure in the second liquefied gas storage comprises at least one of: pressure equalization between the second liquefied gas storage and a mobile or fixed storage; transferring pressurized gas from the second gas storage to a gas user, such as a fuel cell; - the method includes transferring a liquefied cryogenic fluid at a first pressure from a first liquefied gas storage to a dispenser; The method includes transferring pressurized vapor from the dispenser (2) to the first gas storage simultaneously with or after transferring liquefied cryogenic fluid at a first pressure from a first liquefied gas storage to the dispenser.

[0015] The invention may also relate to any alternative apparatus or method including any combination of the above or below features within the scope of the invention.

[0016] Other features and advantages will become apparent from reading the following description, given with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 shows a partial schematic diagram illustrating the construction and operation of an installation according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a first operational configuration; [Diagram 2] 2 shows a partial schematic diagram illustrating the construction and operation of an installation according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a second operational configuration; [Diagram 3] 13 shows a partial schematic diagram illustrating the construction and operation of an installation according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a third operational configuration; [Figure 4] 13 shows a partial schematic diagram illustrating the construction and operation of an installation according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a fourth operational configuration; [Diagram 5] 13 shows a partial schematic diagram illustrating the construction and operation of an installation according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a fifth operational configuration; [Figure 6] 13 shows a partial schematic diagram illustrating the structure and operation of an apparatus according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a sixth operational configuration. [Figure 7] 13 shows a partial schematic diagram illustrating the construction and operation of an apparatus according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a seventh operational configuration. [Figure 8] 3 shows a schematic partial view showing details of a possible variant embodiment of the source of the installation according to the invention; [Figure 9] 4 shows a partial schematic diagram illustrating the construction and operation of an installation according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The diagrammatically illustrated installation 1 for storing and dispensing a pressurized liquefied cryogenic fluid, in particular liquefied hydrogen, comprises a liquefied gas source 3, 4 and a dispenser 2. The dispenser 2 comprises a first fluid inlet connected to the liquefied gas source 3, 4 via a set of pipes and a second end intended to be attached to at least one user of the pressurized liquefied gas supplied by the dispenser 2. The dispenser 2 comprises a cryogenic fluid pumping mechanism, for example a pump configured to pump the liquefied gas in the source (at a first predetermined pressure) to transfer this pressurized fluid to the user (for example to supply fluid at high pressure, for example between 200 and 1000 bar, in particular between 200 and 800 bar, to a vehicle tank to be filled). The dispenser 2 may also comprise a system for evaporating (heating) the pumped cryogenic liquid.

[0019] The supply source comprises at least one first liquefied gas storage 3 configured to store liquefied gas and supply it to the dispenser 2 at a first specified pressure, i.e. the first storage 3 is connected to a first inlet of a pumping member of the dispenser 2 so as to supply the cryogenic liquid under specified thermodynamic, in particular pressure, conditions. For example, the first storage 3 is connected to the first inlet of the dispenser (and pumping member) 2 via a pipe 5 provided with a set of valves 15.

[0020] The supply source comprises at least one second liquefied gas storage 4 configured to store liquefied gas under second thermodynamic conditions, in particular at a second specified pressure generally lower than the first specified pressure of the first liquefied gas storage 3.

[0021] Finally, the installation 1 comprises a connecting pipe 8 equipped with a set of valves 18 connecting the first liquefied gas storage 3 and the second liquefied gas storage 4 so as to allow a fluid to be transferred between the two liquefied gas storages 3, 4. In addition, the installation 1 comprises a filling pipe 11 equipped with a set of valves 12 and having a first end connected to the second liquefied gas storage 4 and a second end intended to be connected to a mobile storage 20 for supplying liquefied gas to fill the supply.

[0022] This source architecture with two liquefied gas reservoirs 3, 4 (or two sets of liquefied gas reservoirs) with separate respective storage pressures makes it possible to limit the build-up of pressure in the mobile reservoir 20 while the source is being filled, since the second reservoir 4 can be configured not to feed the dispenser 2 directly. In this way, this second liquefied gas reservoir 4 can be configured to store liquefied gas at a second pressure (e.g. between 1 bar and 8 bar, in particular between 1.5 bar and 6 bar, e.g. 2 bar) that is lower than the first pressure (e.g. between 1 bar and 12 bar, in particular between 2 bar and 8 bar, e.g. 6 bar) required for proper operation of the dispenser 2. For example, the second pressure may be lower than the first pressure by a value between 0.5 and 10 bar.

[0023] This makes it possible to limit the pressure of the mobile delivery storage 20 that must be supplied to the installation 1, since the mobile storage 20 must comply with the relatively low second specified pressure. This makes it possible to limit losses of gaseous product when filling the supply, since the mobile storage 20 can be kept at a relatively low pressure when transported (e.g. 1 bar higher than the pressure in the second liquefied gas storage 4), requiring fewer pressurization steps (injection of heat).

[0024] The second liquefied gas storage 4 (relatively lower pressure) can be supplied by the mobile storage 20 and then transferred in a slower process to the first liquefied gas storage 3 (relatively higher pressure).

[0025] The two liquefied gas reservoirs 3, 4 are preferably arranged relative to one another so as to allow the transfer of the liquefied fluid from the second reservoir 4 to the first reservoir 3 by gravity. For example, the second reservoir 4 is located above the first reservoir 3. According to a possible embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the first reservoir 3 and the second reservoir 4 may even comprise two superimposed compartments with a common base and be contained in one and the same tank, with the second reservoir 4 formed by the upper compartment and the first reservoir 3 formed by the lower compartment.

[0026] In addition, the capacity (storage volume) of the first liquefied gas storage unit 3 and the second liquefied gas storage unit 4 may be different, which makes it possible to optimize the capacity depending on their application.

[0027] As shown, the dispenser 2 preferably comprises a second fluid inlet attached to the top of the first liquefied gas reservoir 3 and the second liquefied gas reservoir 4 via vapour transfer pipes 17, 27 equipped with a pair of valves 7, 9, 10.

[0028] For example, the tops of the first liquefied gas storage 3 and the second liquefied gas storage 4 are connected to the second inlet of the dispenser 2 via two vapor transfer pipes 17, 27 arranged in parallel and each equipped with a valve 9, 10. In addition, a common valve 7 may be provided in the common part of the two transfer pipes 17, 27 attached to the second inlet. These vapor transfer pipes 17, 27 are configured to allow the transfer of pressurized fluid, in particular vapor, between the dispenser 2 and the first liquefied gas storage 3 and / or the second liquefied gas storage 4 (preferably in both directions).

[0029] The installation 1 also preferably comprises a vapour collection pipe 13 equipped with a set of valves 23 and with a first end attached to the second fluid inlet of the dispenser 2 and with a second end intended to be attached to the upper end of a mobile reservoir 20 for supplying liquefied gas. This vapour collection pipe 13 allows the transfer of vapour from the mobile reservoir 20 to the dispenser 2 or to the reservoirs 3, 4 (and vice versa).

[0030] The figures illustrate various possible use configurations (storage, dispensing, and dispensing). Valves are shown in black or white depending on whether they are closed or open, respectively.

[0031] In the configuration of Figure 1, the first liquefied gas reservoir 3 can supply liquefied gas at a first pressure to the dispenser 2 (valve 5 open). Any vapour generated in the dispenser 2 (pumped vapour, e.g. vapour from a pump, or any other "boil-off" vapour) can be returned to the first liquefied gas reservoir 3 (via vapour transfer pipe 27 with the corresponding valves 7, 10 open).

[0032] In the configuration of Fig. 2, the mobile storage 20 for supplying liquefied gas fills the second liquefied gas storage 4. The second end of the filling pipe 11 is connected to the mobile storage 20 for supplying liquefied gas. In addition, the second end of the vapour collection pipe 13 is attached (preferably via the common valve 7 of the vapour transfer pipes 17, 27) to the top of the mobile storage 20 for supplying liquefied gas.

[0033] In a first stage, the pressure between the mobile supply storage 20 and the second liquefied gas storage 4 can be equalized, for example, by opening valves 23 and 9 of the corresponding vapor collection pipe 13 and vapor transfer pipe 17.

[0034] In order to transfer liquid by pressure differential between the mobile supply reservoir 20 and the second liquefied gas reservoir 4 (without pumping), the pressure in the mobile supply reservoir 20 must be higher than the pressure in the second liquefied gas reservoir 4, or else the mobile reservoir 20 must be equipped with a pump.

[0035] Pressure within the mobile reservoir 20 can be built up as needed by self-pressurization (conventionally by withdrawing, heating, and refilling the fluid within the mobile reservoir 20).

[0036] This pressure can also be built up by transferring the pressurized fluid provided by the dispenser 2 (through the gas collection pipe 13, by opening the corresponding valves 23, 7) or by the first reservoir 3 instead of the second reservoir 4 (through pipes 13, 27, by opening the corresponding valve 10 and closing valve 9). As shown in Figure 3, the gas under evaporation pressure generated in the dispenser 2 can be transferred simultaneously or sequentially into the first liquefied gas reservoir 3 through the vapor transfer pipe 27 (by opening the corresponding valves 7 and 10).

[0037] If the pressure in the mobile storage 20 is greater than the pressure in the second gas storage 4, the liquefied gas can be transferred from the mobile storage 20 to the second liquefied gas storage 4 by the pressure difference, by opening the valve 12 of the filling pipe 11. This is shown in Figure 3. As shown, the second liquefied gas storage 4 is preferably filled by its top.

[0038] As mentioned above, the gas under evaporation pressure generated in the dispenser 2 can be simultaneously or sequentially transferred into the first liquefied gas storage 3 via the vapor transfer pipe 27 (by opening the corresponding valves 7 and 10). Similarly, the gas under evaporation pressure generated in the dispenser 2 can be simultaneously or sequentially transferred into the mobile storage 20 via the vapor collection pipe 13 by opening the corresponding valves 7, 23.

[0039] Once the second liquefied gas store 4 has been filled, the mobile supply store 20 can be disconnected after closing the valves 12, 23 of the vapor collection pipe 13 and of the filling pipe 11, as shown in FIG.

[0040] If the pressure in the first liquefied gas storage 3 is not low enough to accept liquid liquefied gas from the second liquefied gas storage 4, it may be necessary to pressurize the second liquefied gas storage 4 to the pressure in the first liquefied gas storage 3 (or above the pressure in the first liquefied gas storage 3).

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, in a first step, provision may be made for pressure equalization between the first liquefied gas reservoir 3 and the second liquefied gas reservoir 4. This can be achieved by opening the valves 9, 10 of the vapor transfer pipes 17, 27 connecting the tops of the two reservoirs 3, 4.

[0042] If the second liquefied gas storage 4 is positioned higher than the first liquefied gas storage 3, the liquid liquefied gas can be transferred from the second liquefied gas storage 4 to the first liquefied gas storage 3 by gravity.

[0043] Otherwise (or in addition), the second liquefied gas storage 4 may be pressurized to a pressure higher than the pressure in the first liquefied gas storage 3. This may be achieved by closing the valve 9 in the vapour transfer pipe 17 connected to the second liquefied gas storage 4, increasing the pressure in the second liquefied gas storage 4. For example, this pressure increase may be achieved by any known means (via an evaporator and / or heater).

[0044] Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment for filling the first liquefied gas storage 3 with liquefied gas from the second liquefied gas storage 4. The valve 18 of the connecting pipe 8 is open. In case of top feed, the liquefied gas enters the first liquefied gas storage 3 from the top and there cools the vapour present at the top. This reduces the pressure in the first liquefied gas storage 3. This pressure reduction accelerates the movement of the liquid (pressure difference).

[0045] This liquid transfer can be carried out for as long as necessary depending on the relative volumes and configurations of the two liquefied gas reservoirs 3,4.

[0046] When the second liquefied gas store 4 is empty, this valve 18 of the connecting pipe 8 is closed. The first liquefied gas store 3 and the second liquefied gas store 4 are brought to the same pressure again by opening the valve 10 of the vapour transfer pipe 27 connected to the first liquefied gas store 3.

[0047] The pressure in the second liquefied gas storage 4 can then again be reduced to a low pressure compatible with the pressure of the mobile supply storage 20 to allow for the next filling of the second liquefied gas storage 4, as shown in FIG.

[0048] This pressure drop can be achieved by transferring pressurized gas to the fixed storage 21 or mobile storage 20 by pressure equalization. This advantageously allows to increase the pressure in such mobile supply storage 20, which requires pressure (opening valves 9 and 23 in the vapor transfer pipe 17 and vapor collection pipe 13), if necessary. This allows to replace the self-pressurizing system of the mobile supply storage 20, if necessary.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 9, at least one of the liquefied gas storages 3, 4 of the liquefied gas source may be composed of a tank of a modular basic container. Said container comprises a first fluid transfer pipe 30 having a first end attached to the upper end of the tank 3, 4. The tank 3, 4 comprises a second fluid transfer pipe 40 having a first end attached to the lower end of the tank 3, 4. The first transfer pipe 30 and the second transfer pipe 40 each comprise a set of respective valves. The first transfer pipe 30 comprises two branches forming two second ends attached in parallel to the first end of the first transfer pipe 30, each of the two second ends of the first transfer pipe 30 comprises a respective fluid connection fitting 90, 110. The second transfer pipe 40 comprises two branches forming two second ends which are attached in parallel to the first end of the second transfer pipe 40, each of the two second ends of the second transfer pipe 40 comprising a respective fluid connection fitting 100, 120. The fluid connection fittings 90, 100, 110, 120 located at the second ends of the transfer pipes are preferably quick-connect type fittings.

[0050] The first transfer pipe 30, for example, comprises a first valve 50 located near its first end and a second valve 70 located at one of its two second ends. The second transfer pipe 40, for example, similarly comprises a first valve 60 located near its first end and a second valve 80 located at one of its two second ends.

[0051] Each elementary container may comprise a third connecting pipe 130 having a first end attached to the upper end of the tank, e.g. via the first transfer pipe 30, and a second end attached to the lower end of the tank, e.g. via the second transfer pipe 40, said third connecting pipe 130 comprising a set of valves 140. The first end of the third connecting pipe 130 is connected to the first end of the first transfer pipe 30. The second end of the third connecting pipe 13 is connected to the first end of the second transfer pipe 4.

[0052] The two elementary containers are connected together, thus making it possible to mount two corresponding reservoirs 3, 4 in series or in parallel.

[0053] In this embodiment, a first elementary container (on the right) is attached in series to a second container (on the left). The second end 110 of the first transfer pipe 30 of the second storage 4 is attached to the second end 90 of the first transfer pipe 30 of the first storage 3. The second end 120 of the second transfer pipe 40 of the second storage 4 is attached to the second end 100 of the second transfer pipe 40 of the first storage 3.

[0054] Thus, the two reservoirs 3, 4 of the elementary container may be mounted in series and / or parallel with sources and / or receivers attached to the free ends 90, 100 (left side) of the second reservoir 4.

[0055] The second ends 110 and 120 of the first transfer pipe 30 and the second transfer pipe 40 of the first storage section 3 (right side) can be connected to the upper and lower ends, respectively, of a mobile supply tank 20 for liquefied gas.

[0056] In the configuration of FIG. 9, pressure can be equalized between the top of the mobile tank 20 and the top of the first reservoir 3 (via the first pipe 30, by opening the relevant valves 70, 50 of the first reservoir 3 and closing the other valves 80, 140, 50).

[0057] Liquid can be transferred from the mobile tank 20 to the first reservoir 3 (from the top) by connecting the lower end of the mobile tank 20 to only the top of the first reservoir 3 (e.g., via the relevant pipes 40 and 130 and by opening the appropriate valves 80, 60, 140). At the same time, the top of the mobile tank 20 can be placed in fluid connection only with the top of the second reservoir 4 (via the relevant pipes 30 and by opening the appropriate valves 70, 50).

[0058] To disconnect the mobile reservoir from the primary reservoir, all valves 70, 50, 60, 80, 140 in the primary reservoir can be closed.

[0059] This structure also allows the transfer of gas from the user through pipe 30 (gas source attached to left end 90) to the upper ends of one or two reservoirs 3, 4, with the valve open. At the same time, the lower part of the reservoir 3, 4 may or may not be disconnected from end 100, so that valve 140 is closed to supply or not supply liquid to the user (attached to left end 100).

[0060] One or two reservoirs 3, 4 can supply liquid through the pipe 40 at end 100 (left side) by opening the appropriate valves 60, 80, while the upper ends of the reservoirs 3, 4 can be isolated (the appropriate valves 50, 70 are closed). The following is a summary of the claims as originally filed: [1] An installation for storing and dispensing pressurized liquefied cryogenic fluid, in particular liquefied hydrogen, said installation (1) comprising a liquefied gas source (3, 4) and a dispenser (2) with a first fluid inlet connected to said liquefied gas source (3, 4) via a set of pipes (5) and a second end (6) intended to be attached to a user of the pressurized liquefied gas supplied by said dispenser (2), said sources (3, 4) being connected to a storage The installation (1) comprises a first liquefied gas storage (3) configured to store liquefied gas at a first specified pressure and supply it to the dispenser (2) at the first specified pressure, the supply source (3, 4) comprises a second liquefied gas storage (4) configured to store liquefied gas at a second specified pressure lower than the first specified pressure of the first liquefied gas storage (3), and the installation (1) comprises a first liquefied gas storage (4) configured to store liquefied gas at a second specified pressure lower than the first specified pressure of the first liquefied gas storage (3), and the installation (1) comprises a second liquefied gas storage (4) configured to store liquefied gas at a second specified pressure lower than the first specified pressure of the first liquefied gas storage (3), and The dispenser (2) comprises a connecting pipe (8) with a set of valves (18) connecting the reservoir (3) and a second liquefied gas reservoir (4), the installation (1) comprises a filling pipe (11) with a set of valves (12) and having a first end connected to the second liquefied gas reservoir (4) and a second end intended to be connected to a mobile reservoir (20) for supplying liquefied gas to fill the sources (3, 4), the dispenser (2) comprises a respective vapor transfer pipe (1 and a second fluid inlet attached to the top of the first liquefied gas storage (3) and to the top of the second liquefied gas storage (4) via a second fluid inlet (17, 27) and the vapour transfer pipe (17, 27) is provided with a set of valves (9, 10), the vapour transfer pipe (17, 27) being configured to allow the transfer of a pressurised fluid, in particular vapour, between the dispenser (2) and the first liquefied gas storage (3) and / or the second liquefied gas storage (4) (3, 4). [2] The installation according to [1], characterized in that it comprises a vapor collection pipe (13) provided with a set of valves (23) and having a first end adapted to be attached to the second fluid inlet of the dispenser (2) and a second end intended to be attached to an upper end of the mobile storage (20) for supplying liquefied gas to transfer vapor from the mobile storage (20) to the dispenser (2). [3] The installation described in [1] or [2], characterized in that the two liquefied gas storage units (3, 4) are arranged relative to one another so as to enable the transfer of liquefied fluid from the second storage unit (4) to the first storage unit (3) by gravity. [4] The facility described in any one of [1] to [3], characterized in that the second liquefied gas storage section (4) is located above the first storage section (3). [5] The equipment described in any one of [1] to [4], characterized in that the first liquefied gas storage section (3) and the second liquefied gas storage section (4) comprise two stacked compartments having a common base and are contained in one and the same tank, the second storage section (4) being formed by an upper compartment and the first storage section (3) being formed by a lower compartment. [6] The equipment described in any one of [1] to [5], characterized in that the dispenser (2) is provided with a cryogenic fluid pumping mechanism configured to pump liquefied gas from a liquefied gas at a first specified pressure. [7] The first liquefied gas storage (3) and the second liquefied gas storage (4) each form part of a respective basic container comprising a first fluid transfer pipe (30) having a first end attached to the upper end of the storage (3, 4) and a second fluid transfer pipe (40) having a first end attached to the lower end of the storage (3, 4), the first transfer pipe (30) and the second transfer pipe (40) each comprising a respective set of valves, the first transfer pipe (30) comprising two branches forming two second ends attached in parallel to the first end of the first transfer pipe (30), the two second ends of the first transfer pipe (30) each comprising a respective set of valves. the second transfer pipe (40) has two branches forming two second ends attached in parallel to the first end of the second transfer pipe (40), the two second ends of the second transfer pipe (40) each having a respective fluid connection fitting (100, 120); a third connecting pipe (130) has a first end attached to the first transfer pipe (30) and a second end attached to the second transfer pipe (40), the third connecting pipe (130) is provided with a set of valves (14), and the basic containers (1) are fluidly attached to each other. [8] A method for storing and dispensing pressurized liquefied cryogenic fluid, in particular liquefied hydrogen, by means of an installation (1) as described in any one of [1] to [7], comprising filling the second cryogenic fluid reservoir (4) with liquefied cryogenic fluid from a mobile supply reservoir (20) via a filling pipe (11). [9] The method according to [8], further comprising a step of increasing the pressure in the mobile supply reservoir (20) prior to filling of the second cryogenic fluid reservoir (4), characterized in that the second cryogenic fluid reservoir (4) is filled from the mobile reservoir (20) by fluidly connecting the mobile supply reservoir (20) and the second fluid reservoir (4) with a pressure differential.

[10] The method according to [8] or [9], characterized in that it comprises a step of transferring liquefied fluid from the second liquefied gas storage (4) to the first liquefied gas storage (3) by fluidly connecting the latter by a pressure differential.

[11] The method according to

[10] , characterized in that it comprises a step of equalizing the pressure between the first liquefied gas storage (3) and the second liquefied gas storage (4) prior to the step of transferring liquefied fluid from the second liquefied gas storage (4) to the first liquefied gas storage (3).

[12] The method according to

[11] , characterized in that after the step of equalizing the pressure between the first liquefied gas storage portion (3) and the second liquefied gas storage portion (4), it comprises a step of reducing the pressure in the second liquefied gas storage portion (4).

[13] The method according to

[12] , characterized in that the step of reducing the pressure in the second liquefied gas storage (4) includes at least one of pressure equalization between the second liquefied gas storage (4) and a mobile or fixed storage (20, 21), and transfer of pressurized gas from the second gas storage (4) to a gas user, such as a fuel cell.

[14] A method according to any one of [8] to

[13] , characterized in that it includes a step of transferring liquefied cryogenic fluid at the first pressure from the first liquefied gas storage section (3) to the dispenser (2).

[15] A method according to any one of [8] to

[13] , characterized in that it comprises a step of transferring pressurized steam from the dispenser (2) to the first gas storage section (3) simultaneously with or after the step of transferring liquefied cryogenic fluid at the first pressure from the first liquefied gas storage section (3) to the dispenser (2).

Claims

1. An installation for storing and dispensing a pressurized liquefied cryogenic fluid, said installation (1) comprising a liquefied gas source (3, 4) and a dispenser (2), said dispenser (2) comprising a first fluid inlet connected to said liquefied gas source (3, 4) via a pipe (5) and a second end (6) intended to be attached to a user of the pressurized liquefied gas supplied by said dispenser (2), said liquefied gas source (3, 4) comprising a first liquefied gas storage (3) configured to store liquefied gas and supply it to said dispenser (2) at a first specified pressure, said liquefied gas source (3, 4) being adapted to store liquefied gas and supply it to said dispenser (2) at a first specified pressure of said first liquefied gas storage (3). a second liquefied gas storage (4) configured to store liquefied gas at a second specified pressure lower than the pressure of the first liquefied gas storage (3), said installation (1) comprising a connecting pipe (8) equipped with a valve (18) connecting said first liquefied gas storage (3) and said second liquefied gas storage (4) to allow a fluid to be transferred between said two liquefied gas storages (3, 4), said installation (1) comprising a filling pipe (11) equipped with a valve (12) and having a first end connected to said second liquefied gas storage (4) and a second end intended to be connected to a mobile storage (20) for supplying liquefied gas to fill said liquefied gas source (3, 4), the dispenser (2) comprises a second fluid inlet attached to the top of the first liquefied gas storage (3) and the second liquefied gas storage (4) via respective vapor transfer pipes (17, 27), the vapor transfer pipes (17, 27) comprising a set of valves (9, 10), the vapor transfer pipes (17, 27) being configured to allow the transfer of pressurized fluid between the dispenser (2) and the first liquefied gas storage (3) and / or the second liquefied gas storage (4).

2. The equipment described in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a vapor collection pipe (13) having a valve (23), a first end attached to the second fluid inlet of the dispenser (2), and a second end intended to be attached to an upper end of a mobile storage unit (20) for supplying liquefied gas to transfer vapor from the mobile storage unit (20) to the dispenser (2).

3. 3. Installation according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the two liquefied gas reservoirs (3, 4) are arranged relative to each other so as to allow the transfer of liquefied fluid from the second liquefied gas reservoir (4) to the first liquefied gas reservoir (3) by gravity.

4. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second liquefied gas storage (4) is located above the first liquefied gas storage (3).

5. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first liquefied gas storage (3) and the second liquefied gas storage (4) comprise two superimposed compartments having a common base and are contained in one and the same tank, the second liquefied gas storage (4) being formed by an upper compartment and the first liquefied gas storage (3) being formed by a lower compartment.

6. The installation according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the dispenser (2) comprises a cryogenic fluid pumping mechanism configured to pump liquefied gas from a liquefied gas at a first specified pressure.

7. The first liquefied gas storage (3) and the second liquefied gas storage (4) each form part of a respective basic container comprising a first fluid transport pipe (30) having a first end attached to the upper end of the liquefied gas storage (3, 4) and a second fluid transport pipe (40) having a first end attached to the lower end of the liquefied gas storage (3, 4), the first fluid transport pipe (30) comprising a first valve (50) and a second valve (70), the second fluid transport pipe (40) comprising a first valve (60) and a second valve (80), the first fluid transport pipe (30) comprising two branches forming two second ends attached in parallel to the first end of the first fluid transport pipe (30), the first flow 7. The installation according to claim 1, wherein the two second ends of the fluid transfer pipe (30) each comprise a fluid connection joint (90, 110), the second fluid transfer pipe (40) comprises two branches forming two second ends attached in parallel to the first end of the second fluid transfer pipe (40), the two second ends of the second fluid transfer pipe (40) each comprise a fluid connection joint (100, 120), a third connecting pipe (130) has a first end attached to the first fluid transfer pipe (30) and a second end attached to the second fluid transfer pipe (40), the third connecting pipe (130) comprises a valve (140), and the basic containers are fluidically attached to each other.

8. A method for storing and dispensing pressurized liquefied cryogenic fluid by means of an installation (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising filling the second liquefied gas store (4) with liquefied cryogenic fluid from a mobile supply store (20) via the filling pipe (11).

9. 9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising increasing the pressure in the mobile storage (20) prior to filling the second liquefied gas storage (4), characterized in that the second liquefied gas storage (4) is filled from the mobile storage (20) by fluid communication between the mobile storage (20) and the second liquefied gas storage (4) with a pressure differential therebetween.

10. 10. A method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that it comprises the step of transferring liquefied fluid from the second liquefied gas storage (4) to the first liquefied gas storage (3) by placing the latter in fluid communication with a pressure differential between them.

11. 11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a step of equalizing the pressure between the first liquefied gas storage (3) and the second liquefied gas storage (4) before the step of transferring liquefied fluid from the second liquefied gas storage (4) to the first liquefied gas storage (3).

12. 12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that after the step of equalizing the pressure between the first liquefied gas storage (3) and the second liquefied gas storage (4), it comprises a step of reducing the pressure in the second liquefied gas storage (4).

13. 13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the step of reducing the pressure in the second liquefied gas storage (4) comprises pressure equalization between the second liquefied gas storage (4) and a mobile or fixed storage (20, 21).

14. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterised in that it comprises the step of transferring the liquefied cryogenic fluid at a first pressure from the first liquefied gas store (3) to the dispenser (2).

15. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that it comprises the step of transferring pressurized steam from the dispenser (2) to the first liquefied gas store (3) simultaneously with or after the step of transferring the liquefied cryogenic fluid at a first pressure from the first liquefied gas store (3) to the dispenser (2).

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