Apparatus and method for filling a pressurized gas tank

Abstract

To provide a device and a method for filling a pressurized gas tank.SOLUTION: The device for filling a pressurized gas tank is equipped with a gas supply source (2), a transporting circuit (3) equipped with an upstream end portion (122) connected to the gas supply source and a downstream distributing end portion (4), and a set of buffer storage tanks (6 to 8) connected to the transporting circuit in parallel between the upstream end portion and the downstream end portion through connection valves (16 to 18, and 26 to 28). A compressor has a suction inlet connected to the upstream end portion of the transporting circuit through an upstream valve (10), and is equipped with a discharge outlet connected to the butter storage tanks through a set of discharge valves (46 to 48). In the transporting circuit, balance lines (11 to 13) connecting one upstream end portion to the butter storage tanks are equipped with flow restriction members (21 to 23), and the transportation of a fluid flow from the gas supply source to the butter storage tanks is enabled by pressure balancing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for filling a pressurized gas tank.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for filling a pressurized gas tank, particularly a hydrogen gas tank of a motor vehicle, the apparatus comprising at least one gas supply source and a transfer circuit having at least one upstream end connected to the supply source and at least one downstream distribution end adapted to be removably connected to the tank to be filled, the apparatus comprising a set of buffer storage tanks (s) connected in parallel to the transfer circuit between the upstream end and the downstream end via a set of respective connection valves (s), the transfer circuit further comprising at least one compressor, the compressor having a suction inlet connected to the upstream end of the transfer circuit via at least one upstream valve, and the compressor having a discharge outlet connected to the buffer storage tank (s) via a set of discharge valves (s).

Background Art

[0003] Such filling stations typically include a set of permanent buffer tanks filled by a supply source (generally a semi-trailer capable of transporting and typically transporting large high-pressure storage tanks) and / or using one or more compressors. [[ID=**17]]

[0004] It is impossible or undesirable to transfer gas from the supply source to the buffer storage tank through the compressor when the supply source is at a higher pressure than one of the buffer storage tanks. If a higher pressure is applied at the suction of the compressor than during discharge, there is a risk that the compressor valves will open and cause fluttering, quickly damaging the valves. In addition, there is a risk that the transfer in the pipe will become too fast or the speed will increase too much. <******

[0005] By optimizing the use of positive displacement compressors for station performance, specific buffer storage tanks are used when the compressor is drawing in pressure when the source pressure is low. In this type of operation, it has been observed that the pressure in specific buffer storage tanks becomes relatively low as the source approaches the end of its use. After the source is changed (from empty to full), a situation may arise where the source pressure is higher than that of specific buffer storage tanks. This prohibits the use of these buffer storage tanks until the source pressure drops sufficiently to allow transfer through the compressor to these tanks. This occurs particularly with high-pressure sources (300 bar, 450 bar, 650 bar, or higher).

[0006] One object of the present invention is to overcome some or all of the drawbacks of the prior art identified above. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0007] For this purpose, an apparatus according to the present invention, which also satisfies the comprehensive definition given in the above preface, is characterized in that the circuit comprises a balance line connecting at least one upstream end of the circuit to a buffer storage tank(s), the balance line comprising a flow limiting member and configured to enable the transfer of fluid flow from a supply source to a buffer storage tank(s) by pressure balancing.

[0008] By installing a calibration orifice or equivalent (i.e., an element that creates constraints on the fluid passage to restrict flow, e.g., a small-diameter pipe or a regulating needle valve) and optionally a control valve, the present invention enables the safe transfer of gas from the supply source to the buffer storage tank. Thus, if the pressure difference is inappropriate, transfer through the compressor can be avoided.

[0009] The circuit preferably includes one or more check valves. The valves in the circuit may be controlled to direct the flow through these flow-limiting members in order to transfer hydrogen to a buffer storage tank when the pressure of the supply source is relatively high.

[0010] Therefore, if the suction pressure is higher than the exhaust pressure, the use of a compressor to fill the buffer storage tank is prohibited and should be avoided.

[0011] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may include one or more of the following features: - The compressor's intake inlet is also connected to the buffer storage tank(s) via a set of intake valves(s). - The balance line comprises a separate part of at least a portion of the circuit connecting the compressor intake to the buffer storage tank via a set of intake valves(s), -Each balance line is equipped with a shut-off valve and / or a check valve in series with a flow-limiting member. - The supply source comprises at least one of one or more pressurized gas storage tanks, particularly mobile storage tanks, pressurized gas networks, liquefied gas storage tanks associated with heaters and / or pumps, and electrolytic cells. - The device comprises a plurality of buffer storage tanks connected in parallel to at least one upstream end via their respective balance lines and flow limiting members. - The buffer storage tanks are connected in parallel to at least one downstream end via their respective downstream lines and their respective connecting valves(s). - The compressor's intake inlet is connected to each of the buffer storage tanks via a separate intake line, each equipped with an intake valve. - The circuit comprises multiple separate downstream distribution terminals, - The circuit comprises a plurality of upstream ends connected in parallel to the supply source, and a set of controllable valves configured to select one or more gas supply sources to supply to the transfer circuit.

[0012] The present invention also relates to a method for filling a pressurized gas tank, particularly a hydrogen gas tank for an automobile, using an apparatus having any one of the above or below features, the method comprising the step of transferring pressurized gas from a supply source to a buffer storage tank to be filled by pressure balancing via a balance line and a flow limiting member.

[0013] According to one possible specific feature, the method includes the step of comparing the pressure of a supply source with the pressure of a buffer storage tank to be filled, and if the pressure of the supply source is higher than the pressure of the buffer storage tank to be filled by a predetermined value, the pressurized gas is transferred from the supply source to the buffer storage tank to be filled by pressure balancing via a balance line and a flow limiting member, and if the pressure of the gas supply source is lower than the pressure of the buffer storage tank to be filled by a predetermined pressure tolerance, preferably less than 10 MPa, the pressurized gas is transferred from the gas supply source to the buffer storage tank via a compressor.

[0014] The present invention may also be any alternative apparatus or method that includes any combination of the above or below features within the scope of the claims.

[0015] Further specific features and advantages will become clear by reading the following description, which is given with reference to the diagram. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a partial schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration and operation of the apparatus according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] The apparatus 1 for filling the exemplified pressurized gas tank is, for example, a station for filling the hydrogen gas tank of an automobile.

[0018] The device 1 comprises at least one gas supply source 2 and a transfer circuit 3 comprising at least one upstream end 122 connected to the supply source 2 and at least one downstream distribution end 4 suitable for being removably connected to a tank 5 to be filled (for example via a flexible hose provided with a nozzle).

[0019] The supply source 2 typically comprises one or more pressurized gas storage tanks, particularly mobile storage tanks (for example mounted on a semi-trailer). Of course, any other type of supply source (pressurized gas network, liquefied gas storage tank associated with a heater and / or a pump, electrolyzer, etc.) can be envisaged.

[0020] In addition, a plurality of supply sources 2 can be provided and can be connected in parallel to the upstream end 122 or to a plurality of separate upstream ends 122 of the transfer circuit. The device 1 is preferably configured to select from a plurality of supply sources connected in parallel for filling the gas.

[0021] For example, some mobile storage tanks (trailers) or some compartments of the same mobile storage tank can be connected to the suction of the compressor or used for transfer to a buffer storage tank via a set of suitable valve(s).

[0022] The device 1 comprises a set of buffer storage tanks 6 - 8 connected in parallel to the transfer circuit 3 between the upstream and downstream ends via a set of respective connection valve(s) 16 - 18, 26 - 28. In this example, three buffer storage tanks 6, 7, 8 are shown, but only one, two, or more than three can be envisaged. Preferably, these buffer storage tanks 6 - 8 are of the fixed or stationary type.

[0023] The transfer circuit 3 further comprises a compressor 9 provided with a suction inlet connected to the upstream end of the circuit 3 via at least one upstream valve 10. In other words, gas is supplied directly from the supply source 2 to the compressor 9.

[0024] This suction inlet of the compressor 9 can also be connected to the buffer storage tanks 6-8 via a set of respective suction valves 36-38. In other words, gas can be directly supplied from the buffer storage tanks 6-8 to the compressor 9. For example, the suction inlet of the compressor 9 is connected to each of the buffer storage tanks 6-8 via separate suction lines each having suction valves 36-38.

[0025] The compressor 9 has a compressed gas discharge outlet that is connected to the buffer storage tanks (plural) 6-8 via a set of respective valve(s) 46-48. In other words, the compressor can fill the buffer storage tanks 6-8.

[0026] The buffer storage tanks 6-8 are connected in parallel to the downstream end 4. This enables, for example, filling of the tank 5 by pressure balancing (especially using the cascade principle). For example, the buffer storage tanks 6-8 are connected in parallel to the downstream end 4 via respective downstream lines and respective connection valves 16-18, 26-28, enabling each downstream end 4 to be supplied by any one of the buffer storage tanks (optionally, more than one buffer storage tank simultaneously).

[0027] Similarly, preferably, the discharge outlet of the compressor 9 can also be connected to the downstream end 4 of the circuit to transfer pressurized gas directly to the tank 5 (optionally, simultaneously with transfer by the buffer storage tanks 6-8).

[0028] The transfer circuit 3 further includes balance lines 11, 12, 13 that connect the upstream end 122 of the transfer circuit 3 to the buffer storage tanks 6, 7, 8 These balance lines 11, 12, 13 include flow restriction members 21, 22, 23 (calibration orifices or other members) and are configured to enable direct transfer of fluid flow from the source 2 (not passing through the compressor 9) to the buffer storage tanks 6, 7, 8 by pressure balancing.

[0029] As illustrated, the balance lines 11, 12, and 13 preferably comprise separate parts of at least some of the circuit 3 that connect the intake inlet of the compressor 9 to the buffer storage tanks 6-8 via a set of intake valves. For example, a dedicated line is connected in parallel to the upstream end 122 of the transfer circuit 3.

[0030] As illustrated, each balance line 11, 12, 13 associated with the buffer storage tank may include its respective shut-off valve 31, 32, 33 and / or its respective check valve 14 in series with its respective flow limiting member.

[0031] Naturally, as a variation, all or some of these components may be shared in a part of the circuit common to balance lines 11, 12, and 13.

[0032] This arrangement allows buffer storage tanks 6-8 to be filled by pressure balancing with source 2 when the pressure of source 2 is higher than the pressure of the buffer storage tank to be filled. When the pressure of source 2 is equal to or close to the pressure of the buffer storage tank to be filled, transfer and filling can be performed using compressor 9.

[0033] Therefore, when filling buffer storage tanks 6-8, dedicated balance lines 11, 12, and 13 can be used if the pressure of the transportable supply source 2 is higher than the pressure in the buffer storage tanks, and when the pressure of the transportable supply source 2 is close to or lower than the pressure in buffer storage tanks 6-8, transfer through the compressor 9 can be used.

[0034] For example, if the pressure of the supply source 2 is lower than the pressure of the buffer storage tank to be filled, within a predetermined pressure tolerance, preferably less than 10 MPa (100 bar), for example, 1 MPa (10 bar) or less, the transfer is carried out via the compressor 9. In other words, for example, if the supply source is at 30 MPa (300 bar) and the buffer storage tank is at a pressure exceeding 29 MPa (290 bar), the compressor 9 can be used for transfer between the supply source 2 and the buffer storage tank.

[0035] The presence of flow-restricting members 21, 22, and 23 within the balance lines 11, 12, and 13 prevents excessively rapid pressure increases. The presence of check valves within the balance lines 11, 12, and 13 is a preferred embodiment as it prevents the fluid from returning to the compressor 9.

[0036] All or part of these transfers can be automated, for example, through the use of controlled valves.

[0037] If necessary for various optimizations, this logic can be combined with other criteria to control gas transfer within the station.

[0038] This architecture and its use make it possible to safely fill the buffer storage tank, for example, during the non-use mode of the device (without filling tank 5) and / or during the filling of tank 5, if applicable. The buffer storage tank thus filled can be used to transfer pressurized gas during the filling of tank 5. The following is a direct reproduction of the claims as originally filed. [1] Apparatus (1) for filling a pressurized gas tank, particularly a hydrogen gas tank for an automobile, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises at least one gas supply source (2), and a transfer circuit (3) having at least one upstream end (122) connected to the gas supply source (2) and at least one downstream distribution end (4) suitable for detachably connecting to a tank (5) to be filled, the apparatus (1) comprises a set of buffer storage tanks (6-8) connected in parallel to the transfer circuit (3) between the upstream and downstream ends via a set of connecting valves (16-18, 26-28), the transfer circuit (3) further comprises at least one compressor (9), the compressor (9) having an intake inlet connected to the upstream end of the transfer circuit (3) via at least one upstream valve (10), and the compressor (9) having a discharge outlet connected to the buffer storage tanks (6-8) via a set of discharge valves (46-48), in the apparatus (1), The apparatus (1) is characterized in that the transfer circuit (3) comprises balance lines (11, 12, 13) connecting at least one upstream end (122) of the transfer circuit (3) to the buffer storage tanks (6, 7, 8), and the balance lines (11, 12, 13) comprises flow limiting members (21, 22, 23), and is configured to enable the transfer of fluid flow from the gas supply source (2) to the buffer storage tanks (6, 7, 8) by pressure balancing. [2] The apparatus according to [1], characterized in that the suction inlet of the compressor is also connected to the buffer storage tank (6-8) via a set of suction valves (36-38). [3] The apparatus according to [2], characterized in that the balance lines (11, 12, 13) comprise separate parts of at least some of the transfer circuit (3) that connect the intake port of the compressor (9) to the buffer storage tanks (6-8) via the set of intake valves (36-38). [4] The apparatus according to any one of [1] to [3], characterized in that each of the balance lines (11, 12, 13) is provided with a shut-off valve (31, 32, 33) and / or a check valve (14) in series with a flow limiting member (21, 22, 23). [5] The apparatus according to any one of [1] to [4], characterized in that the gas supply source (2) comprises at least one of one pressurized gas storage tanks, particularly mobile storage tanks, pressurized gas networks, liquefied gas storage tanks associated with heaters and / or pumps, and electrolytic cells. [6] The apparatus according to any one of [1] to [5], characterized by comprising a plurality of buffer storage tanks (6 to 8) connected in parallel to the at least one upstream end (122) via their respective balance lines (11, 12, 13) and their respective flow limiting members (21, 22, 23). [7] The apparatus according to [6], characterized in that the buffer storage tanks (6-8) are connected in parallel to the at least one downstream distribution end (4) via their respective downstream lines and their respective connecting valves (16-18, 26-28). [8] The apparatus according to [6] or [7], characterized in that the suction inlet of the compressor (9) is connected to each of the buffer storage tanks (6-8) via separate suction lines each equipped with suction valves (36-38). [9] The apparatus according to any one of [1] to [8], characterized in that the transfer circuit (3) comprises a plurality of separate downstream distribution ends (4).

[10] The apparatus according to any one of [1] to [9], characterized in that the transfer circuit (3) comprises a plurality of upstream ends (122) connected in parallel to the gas supply source (2), and a set of controlled valves configured to select one or more of the gas supply sources (2) to supply to the transfer circuit (3). A method for filling a pressurized gas tank (5), particularly a hydrogen gas tank of an automobile, using the apparatus described in any one of paragraphs [1] to

[10] , comprising the step of transferring pressurized gas to buffer storage tanks (6, 7, 8) to be filled from the gas supply source (2) by pressure balancing, via balance lines (11, 12, 13) and flow limiting members (21, 22, 23) and / or via the compressor (9).

[12] The method according to

[11] , comprising the step of comparing the pressure of the gas supply source (2) with the pressure of the buffer storage tanks (6,7,8) to be filled, wherein if the pressure of the gas supply source (2) is higher than the pressure of the buffer storage tanks (6,7,8) to be filled by a predetermined value, the pressurized gas is transferred from the gas supply source (2) to the buffer storage tanks (6,7,8) to be filled by pressure balancing via balance lines (11,12,13) ​​and flow limiting members (21,22,23), and if the pressure of the gas supply source (2) is lower than the pressure of the buffer storage tanks to be filled by a predetermined pressure tolerance, preferably less than 10 MPa, the pressurized gas is transferred from the gas supply source (2) to the buffer storage tanks (6,7,8) via the compressor (9).

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for filling a pressurized gas tank, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises at least one gas supply source (2), a transfer circuit (3) having at least one upstream end (122) connected to the gas supply source (2) and at least one downstream distribution end (4) suitable for detachably connecting to a tank (5) to be filled, the apparatus (1) comprises a set of buffer storage tanks (6-8) connected in parallel to the transfer circuit (3) between the upstream and downstream ends via a set of connecting valves (16-18, 26-28), the transfer circuit (3) further comprises at least one compressor (9), the compressor (9) having an intake inlet connected to the upstream end of the transfer circuit (3) via at least one upstream valve (10), and the compressor (9) having a discharge outlet connected to the buffer storage tanks (6-8) via a set of discharge valves (46-48), in the apparatus (1), The apparatus (1) is characterized in that the transfer circuit (3) comprises balance lines (11, 12, 13) connecting at least one upstream end (122) of the transfer circuit (3) to the buffer storage tanks (6, 7, 8), and the balance lines (11, 12, 13) comprises flow limiting members (21, 22, 23), and is configured to enable the transfer of fluid flow from the gas supply source (2) to the buffer storage tanks (6, 7, 8) by pressure balancing.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction inlet of the compressor is also connected to the buffer storage tanks (6-8) via a set of suction valves (36-38).

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the balance lines (11, 12, 13) comprise separate portions of at least some of the transfer circuit (3) that connects the intake port of the compressor (9) to the buffer storage tanks (6-8) via the set of intake valves (36-38).

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each of the balance lines (11, 12, 13) is provided with a shut-off valve (31, 32, 33) and / or a check valve (14) in series with a flow limiting member (21, 22, 23).

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the gas supply source (2) comprises at least one of one or more pressurized gas storage tanks, pressurized gas networks, liquefied gas storage tanks associated with heaters and / or pumps, and electrolytic cells.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by comprising a plurality of buffer storage tanks (6 to 8) connected in parallel to the at least one upstream end (122) via their respective balance lines (11, 12, 13) and their respective flow limiting members (21, 22, 23).

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the buffer storage tanks (6-8) are connected in parallel to the at least one downstream distribution end (4) via their respective downstream lines and their respective connecting valves (16-18, 26-28).

8. The apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the suction inlet of the compressor (9) is connected to each of the buffer storage tanks (6 to 8) via separate suction lines each equipped with a suction valve (36 to 38).

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the transfer circuit (3) comprises a plurality of separate downstream distribution ends (4).

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the transfer circuit (3) comprises a plurality of upstream ends (122) connected in parallel to the gas supply source (2), and a set of controlled valves configured to select one or more of the gas supply sources (2) to be supplied to the transfer circuit (3).

11. A method for filling a pressurized gas tank (5) using the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the step of transferring pressurized gas to buffer storage tanks (6, 7, 8) to be filled from the gas supply source (2) by pressure balancing via balance lines (11, 12, 13) and flow limiting members (21, 22, 23) and / or via the compressor (9).

12. The method according to claim 11, comprising the step of comparing the pressure of the gas supply source (2) with the pressure of the buffer storage tanks (6, 7, 8) to be filled, wherein if the pressure of the gas supply source (2) is higher than the pressure of the buffer storage tanks (6, 7, 8) to be filled by a predetermined value, the pressurized gas is transferred from the gas supply source (2) to the buffer storage tanks (6, 7, 8) to be filled by pressure balancing via balance lines (11, 12, 13) and flow limiting members (21, 22, 23), and if the pressure of the gas supply source (2) is lower than the pressure of the buffer storage tanks to be filled by a predetermined pressure tolerance, the pressurized gas is transferred from the gas supply source (2) to the buffer storage tanks (6, 7, 8) via the compressor (9).

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