Apparatus and process for cooling pressurized fuel gas

Abstract

To provide an apparatus and process for cooling a pressurized gas for fueling.SOLUTION: An apparatus and process for cooling a pressurized gas for feeding to one or more vehicle fuel tanks for fueling a vehicle can be configured such that a pressurized gas (e.g., hydrogen or natural gas) for fueling one or more vehicles can be cooled prior to dispensing via a heat transfer fluid that cools the pressurized gas and transfers the heat of the pressurized gas toward a heat sink source fluid. The transfer of the heat to the heat sink source fluid can occur via a refrigerant in some embodiments.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a process, apparatus, and system for cooling pressurized gas for feeding one or more vehicle fuel tanks to fuel a vehicle. Fueling can also be considered as refueling a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Examples of hydrogen generation and / or supply systems can be understood from U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,401,767, 6,474,078, 6,619,336, 6,708,573, 6,745,801, 6,786,245, 7,028,724, 7,328,726, 7,793,675, 7,921,883, 8,020,589, 8,286,675, 8,365,777, 8,453,682, 8,899,278, 9,074,730, 9,151,448, 9,261,238, 9,279,541, 9,404,620, 9,863,583, 10,502,649, 10,508,770, and 11,167,732. Examples of hydrogen storage and / or distribution systems can also be understood from U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2023 / 0137335 and 2023 / 0107342 and International Publication No. WO2023 / 095604. Such systems can provide hydrogen to a vehicle for use as fuel for the vehicle.

[0003] Natural gas-based storage and distribution systems can provide natural gas for fueling vehicles that utilize natural gas as fuel. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0202585 discloses an example of such a system.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] We determined that the fuel delivery operation can often become complex when each gas stream supplied to the vehicle fuel tank via a distributor may be cooled by different heat exchangers using different cooling media or refrigerants. Different cooling processes may require the independent monitoring and management of multiple different cooling operations, which can make the fuel delivery operation inefficient and relatively complex. We found that this type of approach can result in relatively complex process control, where multiple variables are monitored and modified without sufficient consideration of the overall cooling provided. This can lead to inefficient processing decisions that result in energy waste and other losses. These losses can lead to reduced operational profits and also result in energy and / or electrical losses from such inefficiencies.

[0005] We have identified that we can provide a pressurized gas cooling system for fuel that can help reduce such complexity and enable a more efficient overall process for cooling the pressurized gas for fuel (e.g., distributing the pressurized gas to one or more vehicle fuel tanks for fuel). In some embodiments, a low-temperature heat transfer fluid can be provided via a common cooling system that allows the heat transfer fluid to flow through one or more heat exchangers in order to cool the pressurized gas as needed. In some embodiments, a refrigerant can also be provided from a refrigerant source to provide cooling to the heat transfer fluid for cooling the pressurized gas provided through the heat exchangers and heat transfer fluid, thereby facilitating heat transfer from the pressurized gas to a common heat sink. In other embodiments, instead of using a refrigerant to cool the heat transfer fluid, the fluid from a heat sink source can be used directly to provide a heat sink for cooling the pressurized gas.

[0006] In some embodiments, a variable frequency drive (VFD) pump can be positioned to regulate the flow of the heat transfer fluid. In some embodiments, variable speed control can also be provided for the cooling system compressor or pump to help maintain the temperature of a desired pre-selected heat transfer fluid for cooling the pressurized gas. To facilitate temperature control of the pressurized gas and heat transfer fluid, one or more valves can also be controlled to regulate the flow of the heat transfer fluid to one or more heat exchangers for cooling the pressurized gas and / or the heat transfer fluid.

[0007] The embodiment can also enable direct control of pressurized gas cooling. For example, the temperature of one or more heat exchangers (e.g., pressurized gas coolers or pressurized gas cooling devices) used to cool the pressurized gas can be monitored. If the temperature of a pressurized gas-cooled heat exchanger is too high, an associated heat transfer fluid valve for supplying heat transfer fluid to the heat exchanger can be opened or further opened to allow sufficient flow of low-temperature heat transfer fluid to the pressurized gas-cooled heat exchanger. This enables independent control of the temperature of the distribution gas to each vehicle being fueled within an acceptable range in a relatively direct manner, which in addition to enabling improved efficient operation can reduce the complexity of process control.

[0008] In some embodiments, a variable speed controller for a heat transfer fluid pump can be adjusted to regulate the flow of heat transfer fluid based on the number of open valves and / or the open positions of those valves in order to maintain a consistent flow of heat transfer fluid through each heat exchanger.

[0009] A temperature sensor can be positioned to measure the temperature of the heat transfer fluid returning from one or more pressurized gas-cooled heat exchangers, and a variable-speed compressor in the cooling system can be configured to use the temperature information from the temperature sensor to control the flow of refrigerant provided to cool the heat transfer fluid, so that the temperature of the heat transfer fluid supplied to the heat exchanger is maintained at a pre-selected heat transfer fluid supply temperature, after the refrigerant has been heated from cooling the pressurized gas and output from the pressurized gas-cooled heat exchanger, in order to supply the heat transfer fluid to the pressurized gas-cooled heat exchanger for cooling the pressurized gas. The refrigerant can be a heat sink fluid that can act as a final heat sink for the heat of the pressurized gas being cooled, and the heat transfer fluid can act as an intermediate heat transfer fluid to facilitate the transfer of heat from the pressurized fluid to the refrigerant. Alternatively, the refrigerant can be provided in the refrigerant system to facilitate the exchange of heat absorbed from the heat transfer fluid to the heat sink fluid from the heat sink source, so that the heat sink source fluid can ultimately absorb the heat from the pressurized gas being cooled via the heat transfer fluid.

[0010] In a first embodiment, a device is provided for cooling a pressurized gas for fueling. Embodiments of the device may include a first pressurized gas cooler positioned to receive a first flow of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas storage unit or compressor and to cool the first flow of pressurized gas to a pre-selected fueling temperature. The first pressurized gas cooler may be positioned to receive a first portion of heat transfer fluid from a heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the first flow of pressurized gas. The first pressurized gas cooler may be connected to an output conduit for outputting the first flow of pressurized gas at a pre-selected fueling temperature for supply to at least one vehicle for fueling at least one vehicle.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first pressurized gas cooler can be positioned to receive a first flow of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas storage unit. In other embodiments, the first pressurized gas cooler can be positioned to receive a first flow of pressurized gas from a compressor.

[0012] In a second embodiment, at least one vehicle may include a first vehicle. In some embodiments, at least one vehicle may also include at least one other vehicle (e.g., a second vehicle, a third vehicle, a fourth vehicle, etc.). The output conduit may be connected to a first feed conduit for supplying a first portion of a first flow of pressurized gas to the first vehicle after the first flow of pressurized gas has cooled to a pre-selected fuel temperature. In some embodiments, the output conduit may be connected to a second feed conduit for supplying a second portion of a first flow of pressurized gas to a second vehicle after the first flow of pressurized gas has cooled to a pre-selected fuel temperature. The output conduit may be connected to a third feed conduit for supplying a third portion of a first flow of pressurized gas to a third vehicle after the first flow of pressurized gas has cooled to a pre-selected fuel temperature.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, there may be a first vehicle and at least one second vehicle (e.g., one second vehicle, multiple second vehicles, etc.), and the output conduit may be connected to a first feed conduit for supplying a first portion of the first flow of pressurized gas to the first vehicle after the first flow of pressurized gas has cooled to a pre-selected fuel temperature, and may also be connected to at least one second feed conduit for supplying at least one second portion of the first flow of pressurized gas to at least one second vehicle after the first flow of pressurized gas has cooled to a pre-selected fuel temperature.

[0014] In a third embodiment, the apparatus may also include a second pressurized gas cooler positioned to receive a second flow of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas storage unit or compressor and to cool the second flow of pressurized gas to a pre-selected feed temperature. The second pressurized gas cooler may be positioned to receive a second portion of heat transfer fluid from a heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the second flow of pressurized gas. The second pressurized gas cooler may be connected to an output conduit for outputting the second flow of pressurized gas at a pre-selected feed temperature for (i) supplying at least one third vehicle for the feed of at least one third vehicle, or (ii) supplying at least one second vehicle for the feed of at least one second vehicle.

[0015] For example, in an embodiment in which a first pressurized gas cooler can supply pressurized gas to at least a first vehicle and at least one second vehicle, the second pressurized gas cooler may be configured such that the output conduit to which the second pressurized gas cooler is connected can output a second flow of pressurized gas at a pre-selected fuel temperature for supplying at least one third vehicle for fueling the at least one third vehicle.

[0016] As another example, in an embodiment in which a first pressurized gas cooler can supply pressurized gas to at least a first vehicle, the second pressurized gas cooler may be configured such that the output conduit to which the second pressurized gas cooler is connected can output a second flow of pressurized gas at a pre-selected fuel temperature for supplying at least one second vehicle for fueling at least one second vehicle.

[0017] In a fourth embodiment, the apparatus may include elements for storing and supplying the heat transfer fluid. For example, the apparatus may include a heat transfer fluid storage unit and a heat transfer fluid pump positioned between the heat transfer fluid storage unit and the first pressurized gas cooler to supply a first portion of the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler. The heat transfer fluid storage unit may include, for example, one or more storage tanks or storage containers for storing the heat transfer fluid.

[0018] In a fifth embodiment, the apparatus may include elements that facilitate the cooling of the heat transfer fluid. For example, in some embodiments, the apparatus may include a heat transfer fluid storage unit and a heat transfer fluid pump positioned between the heat transfer fluid storage unit and the first pressurized gas cooler to supply a first portion of the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler. A heat transfer fluid cooler may be positioned to receive the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid cooler may be positioned to receive a coolant or heat sink fluid from a heat sink source for cooling the heat transfer fluid.

[0019] As another example, the apparatus may include a heat transfer fluid cooler positioned to receive heat transfer fluid from a heat transfer fluid storage unit in order to cool the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid cooler may be positioned to receive a refrigerant as a cooling medium for cooling the heat transfer fluid. An expansion valve may be positioned to receive and expand the refrigerant before it is supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler, thereby reducing the temperature of the refrigerant.

[0020] As yet another example, the apparatus may include a heat transfer fluid cooler positioned to receive heat transfer fluid from a heat transfer fluid storage unit in order to cool the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid cooler may be positioned to receive a refrigerant as a cooling medium for cooling the heat transfer fluid. A refrigerant cooler may be positioned to receive the refrigerant output from the heat transfer fluid cooler as a heated refrigerant and to cool the heated refrigerant, and the refrigerant cooler may also be positioned to receive a heat sink fluid from a heat sink source as a cooling medium for cooling the heated refrigerant. An expansion valve may be positioned to receive the refrigerant and expand it to reduce the temperature of the refrigerant before it is supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler. The expansion valve may be positioned between the refrigerant cooler and the heat transfer fluid cooler.

[0021] In the sixth embodiment, the pressurized gas may consist of hydrogen or natural gas. For example, the pressurized gas may be hydrogen gas for refueling a hydrogen fuel vehicle. As another example, the pressurized gas may be natural gas for refueling a natural gas-powered vehicle.

[0022] In a seventh embodiment, the apparatus of the first embodiment may include one or more features of the second, third, fourth, fifth, and / or sixth embodiment in order to provide other embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that other embodiments of the apparatus may include other features. Examples of such features can be understood from the exemplary embodiments discussed herein.

[0023] For example, one embodiment of a device for cooling a pressurized gas for fueling can be provided to include a first pressurized gas cooler positioned to receive a first flow of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas storage unit or compressor and to cool the first flow of pressurized gas to a pre-selected fueling temperature. The first pressurized gas cooler can be positioned to receive a first portion of heat transfer fluid from a heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the first flow of pressurized gas. The first pressurized gas cooler can be connected to an output conduit for outputting the first flow of pressurized gas at a pre-selected fueling temperature for supply to at least one first vehicle for fueling at least one first vehicle. A controller having a processor connected to non-temporary memory can be communicated to a temperature sensor of the first pressurized gas cooler to receive temperature data from the temperature sensor in order to regulate the flow of the first portion of heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler.

[0024] In some configurations, the device having a controller may also include a second pressurized gas cooler positioned to receive a second flow of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas storage unit or compressor and cool the second flow of pressurized gas to a pre-selected fuel temperature. The second pressurized gas cooler may be positioned to receive a second portion of heat transfer fluid from a heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the second flow of pressurized gas. The second pressurized gas cooler may be connected to an output conduit for outputting the second flow of pressurized gas at a pre-selected fuel temperature for supply to at least one second vehicle for fueling at least one second vehicle. The controller may be communicatively connected to a temperature sensor of the second pressurized gas cooler to receive temperature data from the temperature sensor in order to regulate the flow of the second portion of heat transfer fluid to the second pressurized gas cooler.

[0025] Some embodiments of such a device having a controller may also include other features. For example, the device may include a heat transfer fluid storage unit and a heat transfer fluid pump positioned between the heat transfer fluid storage unit and the first pressurized gas cooler to receive the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit, to supply a first portion of the heat transfer fluid to a first pressurized gas cooler and a second portion of the heat transfer fluid to a second pressurized gas cooler. The controller may be communicatively connectable to the heat transfer fluid pump to adjust the operation of the heat transfer fluid pump. The heat transfer fluid cooler may also be positioned to receive the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid cooler may also be positioned to receive a coolant or heat sink fluid from a heat sink source for cooling the heat transfer fluid.

[0026] In an eighth aspect, a process is provided for cooling a pressurized gas for fueling. Embodiments of the process can be configured such that embodiments of our apparatus can implement the process. Some embodiments of our process may include supplying a heat transfer fluid to at least one pressurized gas cooling device to cool the pressurized gas to a pre-selected temperature for supply to at least one vehicle fuel tank; outputting the heat transfer fluid from at least one pressurized gas cooling device after the heat transfer fluid has been heated via the cooling of the pressurized gas in order to supply the heat transfer fluid toward a heat transfer fluid cooler for cooling the heat transfer fluid; supplying a refrigerant or heat sink fluid to the heat transfer fluid cooler to cool the heat transfer fluid to a pre-selected heat transfer fluid temperature; and adjusting the flow of the heat transfer fluid to at least one pressurized gas cooling device based on the temperature of the pressurized gas output from at least one pressurized gas cooling device for supply to at least one vehicle fuel tank.

[0027] In a ninth aspect, the process can be configured such that feeding a heat transfer fluid to at least one pressurized gas cooling device to cool the pressurized gas to a preselected temperature for feeding to at least one vehicle fuel tank includes feeding a first portion of the heat transfer fluid to a first pressurized gas cooling device of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device. In some embodiments, feeding a heat transfer fluid to at least one pressurized gas cooling device to cool the pressurized gas to a preselected temperature for feeding to at least one vehicle fuel tank can also include feeding a second portion of the heat transfer fluid to a second pressurized gas cooling device of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device.

[0028] In a tenth aspect, adjusting the flow of the heat transfer fluid to at least one pressurized gas cooling device based on the temperature of the pressurized gas output from the at least one pressurized gas cooling device for feeding to at least one vehicle fuel tank can include adjusting the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid based on temperature data from at least one temperature sensor of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device.

[0029] For example, the process can be configured such that adjusting the flow of the heat transfer fluid to at least one pressurized gas cooling device based on the temperature of the pressurized gas output from the at least one pressurized gas cooling device for feeding to at least one vehicle fuel tank includes adjusting the flow rate of a first portion of the heat transfer fluid based on temperature data from a temperature sensor of the first pressurized gas cooling device. In some embodiments, it can utilize a second portion of the heat transfer fluid that can be fed to the second pressurized gas cooling device, and adjusting the flow of the heat transfer fluid to at least one pressurized gas cooling device based on the temperature of the pressurized gas output from the at least one pressurized gas cooling device for feeding to at least one vehicle fuel tank can also include adjusting the flow rate of the second portion of the heat transfer fluid based on temperature data from a temperature sensor of the second pressurized gas cooling device.

[0030] In the 11th aspect, the process can also include adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant or heat sink fluid to the heat transfer fluid cooler. For example, some embodiments can include adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant or heat sink fluid to the heat transfer fluid cooler based on temperature data from at least one temperature sensor of at least one pressurized gas cooling device and / or temperature data from a heat transfer fluid temperature sensor.

[0031] In the 12th aspect, embodiments of the process can include adjusting the position of an expansion valve for the expansion of the refrigerant and / or heat sink fluid based on temperature data from at least one temperature sensor of at least one pressurized gas cooling device and / or temperature data from a heat transfer fluid temperature sensor. For example, some embodiments of the process can include adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant or heat sink fluid to the heat transfer fluid cooler and / or adjusting the position of an expansion valve for the expansion of the refrigerant and / or heat sink fluid based on temperature data from at least one temperature sensor of at least one pressurized gas cooling device and / or temperature data from a heat transfer fluid temperature sensor.

[0032] In the 13th aspect, embodiments of the process can also include feeding a first flow of pressurized gas to a first pressurized gas cooling device to cool the first flow of pressurized gas to a preselected temperature for feeding to at least one first vehicle. In embodiments where a second flow of pressurized gas can be fed to a second pressurized gas cooling device, embodiments of the process can also include feeding the second flow of pressurized gas to the second pressurized gas cooling device to cool the second flow of pressurized gas to a preselected temperature for feeding to at least one second vehicle.

[0033] In a fourteenth aspect, the process of the eighth aspect may include one or more features of the ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, and / or thirteenth aspects in order to provide other embodiments of the process. Thus, embodiments of the process may include even more features. Examples of such features can be understood from exemplary embodiments of the process considered herein. For example, some embodiments of the process may be adapted so that the pressurized gas includes hydrogen or natural gas.

[0034] It should be understood that the embodiments of the process and apparatus can utilize various conduit arrangements and process control elements. Embodiments may utilize sensors (e.g., pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow sensors, concentration sensors, etc.), piping, controllers, valves, and other process control elements. Some embodiments can utilize, for example, an automated process control system and / or a distributed control system (DCS). Various different conduit arrangements and process control systems can be used to satisfy a particular set of design criteria. A DCS or automated process control system may utilize one or more computer devices including a processor connected to a non-temporary computer-readable medium and at least one transceiver configured to monitor, supervise, and / or control the process according to at least one predefined algorithm which can be defined in code stored on the computer-readable medium executable by the processor.

[0035] Our processes, apparatus, and systems for cooling pressurized gases for refueling, hydrogen fuel cooling systems for hydrogen refueling plants, natural gas fuel cooling systems for natural gas refueling plants, and other details, purposes, and advantages of their manufacturing methods and methods of use will become apparent as the following description of their specific exemplary embodiments progresses.

[0036] Exemplary embodiments of our processes, apparatus, and systems for cooling pressurized gases for combustion, as well as methods for their manufacture and use, are shown in the drawings contained herein. It should be understood that similar reference letters used in the drawings may identify similar components. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of apparatus 1 for cooling pressurized gas for combustion. Figure 1 also illustrates an exemplary embodiment of our process for cooling pressurized gas for combustion. Various optional elements that may be included in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 are indicated by dashed lines. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary implementation of a first exemplary embodiment of the apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 also illustrates an exemplary embodiment of our process for cooling the pressurized gas for combustion. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram of another exemplary implementation of the first exemplary embodiment of the apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 also illustrates an exemplary embodiment of our process for cooling the pressurized gas for combustion. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram of another exemplary implementation of the first exemplary embodiment of the apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 also illustrates an exemplary embodiment of our process for cooling the pressurized gas for combustion. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of our process for cooling pressurized gas for combustion. It should be understood that this embodiment of the process can be used in an embodiment of apparatus 1 for cooling pressurized gas for combustion. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the controller 10 (CTRL) that can be used in the first exemplary embodiment of the device 1 and an exemplary implementation of the first exemplary embodiment of the device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4, and the second exemplary embodiment of the device 1 shown in Figure 7. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of apparatus 1 for cooling pressurized gas for combustion. Figure 7 also illustrates an exemplary embodiment of our process for cooling pressurized gas for combustion. Various optional elements that may be included in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 7 are indicated by dashed lines. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] As can be understood from Figures 1-7 and the disclosures provided herein, exemplary embodiments of our apparatus 1 for cooling pressurized gas for refueling can be positioned and arranged for improved refueling operation to facilitate the supply of pressurized gas as fuel to one or more vehicle fuel tanks. Embodiments can be adapted for use in, for example, hydrogen refueling stations or natural gas refueling stations.

[0039] Apparatus 1 may include a pressurized gas storage unit or compressor for supplying pressurized gas 2 (pressurized gas). The pressurized gas storage unit or compressor for supplying pressurized gas 2 may include at least one storage tank or container that can be located between the flow control manifold and the distributor, or located upstream of the distributor to supply pressurized gas to the distributor for supplying pressurized gas to the fuel tank of the vehicle 4, or integrated with the distributor to supply pressurized gas from the distributor to the fuel tank of the vehicle 4. In situations where the pressurized gas is output from a compressor for supplying pressurized gas more directly to the distributor 7 (for example, when there is no intermediate storage tank or buffer tank between the compressor and the distributor), the pressurized gas compressor may be located upstream of the flow control manifold and the distributor, or located upstream of the distributor to supply pressurized gas to the distributor for supplying pressurized gas to the fuel tank of the vehicle 4. The distributor may be connected to the vehicle fuel tank for supplying pressurized gas to the fuel tank for refueling the vehicle 4 using hoses and nozzles.

[0040] A pressurized gas storage unit capable of providing pressurized gas 2 can store the pressurized gas at a pre-selected storage pressure to supply the pressurized gas 2 to at least one pressurized gas cooler 3 for delivery to one or more vehicles 4. For example, the pre-selected storage pressure may be 35 MPa, 70 MPa, or 30 MPa to 75 MPa in some embodiments. Other embodiments may utilize different pre-selected storage pressures. In situations where the pressurized gas 2 is output more directly from the compressor, the compressor can output the pressurized gas at a pre-selected supply pressure (e.g., 30 MPa to 75 MPa, or 0.5 MPa to 100 MPa, etc.) for supply to one or more pressurized gas coolers 3 for outputting cooled pressurized gas for delivery to one or more vehicles 4.

[0041] The pressurized gas stored in the pressurized gas storage unit, or output from the compressor as pressurized gas 2, may be hydrogen or natural gas in some embodiments. For example, the pressurized gas may be at least 99 mole percent (mol%) hydrogen gas (H2), or hydrogen gas with a concentration of 98 mol% H2 to 100 mol% H2. In another example, the pressurized gas may be at least 99 mol% methane (CH4), or natural gas with a concentration of 95 mol% CH4 to 100 mol% CH4.

[0042] At least one vehicle 4 can receive pressurized gas 2 from a pressurized gas storage unit or compressor to fill the fuel tanks of each vehicle 4. In some embodiments, a first vehicle 4a can receive pressurized gas for refueling. In other embodiments, the first vehicle 4a and the second vehicle 4b can simultaneously receive pressurized gas for refueling from different distributors. In yet another embodiment, three or more vehicles 4 can receive pressurized gas. For example, the first vehicle 4a, the second vehicle 4b, and the third vehicle 4c can receive pressurized gas 2 from a pressurized gas storage unit or compressor for refueling.

[0043] Before the pressurized gas 2 output from a pressurized gas storage unit or compressor is supplied to one or more vehicles, the pressurized gas can be cooled via at least one pressurized gas cooler 3 (PG cooler). Each pressurized gas cooler 3 can be configured to cool the pressurized gas to a pre-selected fuel supply temperature in order to supply the gas to the vehicle fuel tanks. The pre-selected fuel supply temperature may be, for example, -33°C or lower, -17°C or lower, or other suitable fuel supply temperatures within a pre-selected fuel supply temperature range (e.g., -30°C to -35°C, -17°C to -40°C, etc.). Each pressurized gas cooler 3 can be positioned at or in fluid communication with the distributor to receive the pressurized gas to cool the gas before the distributor distributes the gas to the vehicles (e.g., via nozzles connected to the distributor via hoses connected between the nozzles and the distributor).

[0044] For example, pressurized gas 2 can be output from a pressurized gas storage unit or compressor via a first output conduit 2a connected between a first pressurized gas cooler 3a and a first distributor for supplying fuel to a first vehicle 4a. The pressurized gas can be cooled via a heat transfer fluid supplied to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a as a cooling medium within the first pressurized gas cooler 3a to cool the pressurized gas to a pre-selected fuel supply temperature. The cooled pressurized gas can be output from the first pressurized gas cooler 3a for supply to the first vehicle 4a via a first pressurized gas cooler output conduit 3o. The first pressurized gas cooler output conduit 3o can be connected to a first supply conduit 4f for supplying a first portion of the cooled pressurized gas to the first vehicle 4a. In a situation where cooled pressurized gas is supplied to multiple different vehicles, the first pressurized gas cooler output conduit 3o may also be connected to a second supply conduit 4g for supplying a second portion of the cooled pressurized gas to a second vehicle 4b. In some embodiments, there may also be additional supply conduits for supplying other portions of the cooled pressurized gas to other vehicles (for example, at least one third supply conduit connected to the first pressurized gas cooler output conduit 3o for supplying at least one third portion of the pressurized gas to at least one third vehicle). Each vehicle may receive the portion of pressurized gas supplied to it via a distributor that can be connected between the vehicle and its respective supply conduit.

[0045] For example, the first supply conduit 4f can be connected to or integrated into the first distributor to supply a first portion of the pressurized gas to the first vehicle 4a. The second supply conduit 4g can be connected to or integrated into the second distributor to supply a second portion of the pressurized gas to the second vehicle 4b. At least one third supply conduit can be connected to or integrated into at least one third distributor to similarly supply at least one third portion of the pressurized gas to the third vehicle 4a.

[0046] The heat transfer fluid supplied to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a can be output as heated heat transfer fluid via a heat transfer fluid output conduit 3hw connected between the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 (HTF (heat transfer fluid) unit). The heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 may include one or more storage containers or tanks for storing the heat transfer fluid at a pre-selected storage pressure and for providing sufficient heat transfer fluid to one or more pressurized gas coolers 3 of the apparatus 1.

[0047] The heat transfer fluid stored in the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 can be output from the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 and supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 (HTF cooler) via a heat transfer fluid output conduit 9a connected between the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 and the heat transfer fluid cooler 15, in order to cool the heat transfer fluid so as to maintain the heat transfer fluid at a desired temperature for cooling the pressurized gas. The cooled heat transfer fluid can be output from the heat transfer fluid 15 and supplied to the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 via a cooled heat transfer fluid supply conduit 15o connected between the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 and the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9.

[0048] A refrigerant can be supplied to a heat transfer fluid cooler 15 to cool the heat transfer fluid to a pre-selected heat transfer fluid temperature, which can be selected to cool the pressurized gas to a pre-selected fuel temperature within a pre-selected fuel temperature range. The refrigerant used to cool the heat transfer fluid can be any suitable refrigerant for cooling the heat transfer fluid. The refrigerant supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 can be cooled before it is supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 via a refrigerant cooler 12 (refrigerant cooler) positioned between the refrigerant pump 11 (refrigerant pump) and the heat transfer fluid cooler 15. For example, the refrigerant output from the refrigerant pump 11 can be supplied to the refrigerant cooler 12 via a refrigerant cooler supply conduit 11o connected between the refrigerant pump 11 and the refrigerant cooler 12. The cooled refrigerant can be output from the refrigerant cooler 12 for supply to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 at a pre-selected refrigerant supply temperature via a heat transfer fluid cooler supply conduit 15f located between the refrigerant cooler 12 and the heat transfer fluid cooler 15.

[0049] The refrigerant cooler 12 can receive a cooling medium from a heat sink source 14 (HS source) that can function as a heat sink for cooling the pressurized gas. The heat sink source 14 may be a suitable process gas or other cryogenic fluid source that can function as a final heat sink for removing the heat from the pressurized gas provided via a heat transfer fluid for cooling the pressurized gas to a pre-selected feed temperature.

[0050] The heat sink source 14 may be, for example, hydrogen gas or natural gas that is at or near cryogenic temperatures, and this gas can be output from a storage tank of liquid hydrogen gas or liquid natural gas for use as a refrigerant before the gas is discharged. For example, gas can be output from a pressurized storage tank for storing cryogenic liquids to maintain the pressure in the storage tank below a desired storage pressure. The output gas can be used as a heat sink fluid supplied to the refrigerant cooler 12 to cool the refrigerant before the gas is discharged or before the gas is supplied to another element of the device (e.g., a buffer tank for storing the gas before other uses of the gas).

[0051] The heat sink source may alternatively (and additionally) be another fluid from another process element. As another example, the heat sink source may be a pressurized cryogenic fluid output from a compressor. For example, a cryogenic fluid from a storage tank may be fed to a compressor to pre-cool the compressor for use and / or output at a pre-selected pressure for distribution toward a distributor. The fluid output from the compressor can be used as a heat sink source to help heat the fluid for distribution toward a distributor (e.g., upstream of a buffer tank or flow control manifold).

[0052] The heated heat sink gas can be output from the refrigerant cooler 12 via a heated heat sink fluid conduit 12o connected to the refrigerant cooler 12. This conduit can be used for aeration of the fluid or for supplying the heated heat sink fluid to another plant element or device element.

[0053] In other embodiments, the heat sink source 14 may be a cooling medium utilized by a refrigerant cooler 12. For example, the refrigerant cooler may in some embodiments be an electric chiller or an adsorption chiller, and the heat sink source may be a cooling medium utilized by the chiller to cool the heat transfer fluid refrigerant used to cool the heat transfer fluid.

[0054] A heated refrigerant, used as a cooling medium for cooling the heat transfer fluid, can be output from the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 for supply to the refrigerant pump 11 via a refrigerant pump supply conduit 11f located between the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 and the refrigerant pump 11. The refrigerant pump 11 can increase the pressure of the refrigerant for supply to the refrigerant cooler 12 and then for returning to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 for the heat transfer fluid cooling system. A refrigerant buffer tank (not shown) may also be connected to this system for supplying refrigerant, which may be necessary to accommodate refrigerant replenishment that may be required when the refrigerant system is used for cooling the heat transfer fluid.

[0055] In some embodiments, a valve V may be included in the heat transfer fluid cooler supply conduit 15f between the refrigerant cooler 12 and the heat transfer fluid cooler 15. The valve V in the heat transfer fluid cooler supply conduit 15f may be an expansion valve configured to reduce the refrigerant pressure to the heat transfer fluid cooler supply pressure. The pressure reduction can further cool the refrigerant to a desired pre-selected refrigerant supply temperature.

[0056] The heat transfer fluid stored in the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 can be maintained at a desired temperature via a heat transfer cooling circuit that utilizes a refrigerant to cool the heat transfer fluid. This allows the heat transfer fluid to be supplied from a centralized supply source to one or more of the pressurized gas coolers 3, making it easier and more efficient to monitor and manage the cooling of the pressurized gas, and enabling efficient monitoring and management of the pressurized gas temperature.

[0057] The heat transfer fluid is output from the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 and can be supplied to one or more pressurized gas coolers 3 via a heat transfer fluid pump 8 (HTF pump) positioned between the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 and one or more pressurized gas coolers 3. The heat transfer fluid can also be supplied from the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 to the heat transfer fluid pump 8 via a heat transfer fluid pump supply conduit 8f connected between the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 and the heat transfer fluid pump 8. The heat transfer fluid pump 8 can output the heat transfer fluid at a suitable pressurized gas cooler supply pressure for supply to at least one pressurized gas cooler 3 via a heat transfer fluid pump output conduit 8o connected between the heat transfer fluid pump 8 and one or more pressurized gas coolers 3. Examples of suitable pressurized gas cooler supply pressures include pressures of 35 MPa to 70 MPa, 0.5 MPa to 100 MPa, or other suitable pressures. For example, if the fuel being cooled is hydrogen, the pre-selected pressurized gas cooler supply pressure for the heat transfer fluid may be 20 MPa to 100 MPa. For other types of fuel, the pressure can be within different pre-selected ranges (for example, the use of one or more pressurized gas coolers 3 for natural gas cooling can utilize different pressure ranges).

[0058] For example, a first portion of the heat transfer fluid output from the heat transfer fluid pump 8 can be supplied to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a to function as a cooling medium within the first pressurized gas cooler 3a to cool the pressurized gas via a first heat transfer fluid supply conduit 3fa connected between the heat transfer fluid pump output conduit 8o and the first pressurized gas cooler 3a. A first portion of the cooled pressurized gas output from the first pressurized gas cooler 3a can be supplied to the first vehicle 4a for fuel supply via a first supply conduit 4f, as considered above. Similarly, a second portion of the cooled pressurized gas output from the first pressurized gas cooler 3a can be supplied to the second vehicle 4b for fuel supply via a second supply conduit 4g, as considered above, even in embodiments where the first pressurized gas cooler 3a cools pressurized gas for supply to multiple different vehicles with different distributors.

[0059] Additionally, a second portion of the heat transfer fluid output from the heat transfer fluid pump 8 can be supplied to the second pressurized gas cooler 3b via a second heat transfer fluid supply conduit 3fb connected between the heat transfer fluid pump output conduit 8o and the second pressurized gas cooler 3b to function as a cooling medium within the second pressurized gas cooler 3b to cool another flow of pressurized gas 2 output from the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor. The pressurized gas to be cooled through the second pressurized gas cooler 3b can be supplied to the second pressurized gas cooler 3b via a second output conduit 2b connected between the second pressurized gas cooler 3b and the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor that provides the pressurized gas 2. The second output conduit 2bt can be located between the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor and the second pressurized gas cooler 3b. The second output conduit 2b can be a separate conduit or can be connected to the first output conduit 2a so that a first portion of the pressurized gas 2 output from the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor is supplied to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a as a first flow of pressurized gas, and a second portion of the pressurized gas 2 output from the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor is supplied to the second pressurized gas cooler 3b as a second flow of pressurized gas.

[0060] A first portion of the cooled pressurized gas output from the second pressurized gas cooler 3b can be supplied to another vehicle for fuel supply via a cooled pressurized gas output conduit 4h connected between the second pressurized gas cooler 3b and the other vehicle.

[0061] In an embodiment in which only the pressurized gas cooled by the first pressurized gas cooler 3a can be supplied to the first vehicle 4a, another vehicle that receives the pressurized gas cooled by the second pressurized gas cooler 3b can be considered the second vehicle. In another embodiment in which the pressurized gas cooled by the first pressurized gas cooler 3a can be supplied to both the first vehicle 4a and the second vehicle 4b, another vehicle that receives the pressurized gas cooled by the second pressurized gas cooler can be considered the third vehicle 4c.

[0062] A controller CTRL can be provided to help control the flow rate of heat transfer fluid supplied to one or more pressurized gas coolers 3 for cooling the pressurized gas to a pre-selected feed temperature. The controller CTRL may have communicative connections CC with valves, temperature sensors, pumps, and other elements to provide such control for monitoring and / or managing the flow of heat transfer fluid to the pressurized gas coolers.

[0063] For example, the controller 10 may be communicably connected to a pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor Tx for each pressurized gas cooler 3 in order to monitor the temperature of the pressurized gas cooler 3 or the temperature of the pressurized gas output from the pressurized gas cooler 3. In some embodiments, the temperature of the pressurized gas cooler 3 may be used, for example, to monitor the temperature of the pressurized gas output from the cooler. Temperature data may be fed from the temperature sensor Tx to the controller CTRL so that the controller can use the temperature data to adjust the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid to the pressurized gas cooler 3 to ensure that the cooled pressurized gas output from the pressurized gas cooler 3 is output at a suitable temperature (e.g., a pre-selected fuel temperature).

[0064] For example, in response to detecting that the temperature of the first pressurized gas cooler 3a exceeds a pre-selected threshold based on temperature data received from a temperature sensor Tx, the controller 10 can communicate with at least one valve V connected to the heat transfer fluid pump 8 and / or heat transfer pump output conduit 8o in order to adjust the flow rate of heat transfer fluid to the pressurized gas cooler for further cooling of the pressurized gas. For example, the first valve V1 connected to the first heat transfer fluid supply conduit 3fa can be further opened or adjusted from a closed position to an open position for supplying heat transfer fluid or to increase the velocity of heat transfer fluid supplied to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a, thereby providing additional cooling to the pressurized gas to cool the gas to a pre-selected supply temperature.

[0065] As another example, in response to detecting that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Tx of the second pressurized gas cooler 3b exceeds a pre-selected threshold, the controller CTRL may communicate with at least one valve V connected to the heat transfer fluid pump 8 and / or heat transfer pump output conduit 8o in order to adjust the flow rate of heat transfer fluid to the pressurized gas cooler in order to further cool the pressurized gas. For example, a second valve V2 connected to the second heat transfer fluid supply conduit 3fb may be further opened or adjusted from a closed position to an open position in order to supply heat transfer fluid or to increase the velocity of heat transfer fluid supplied to the second pressurized gas cooler 3b, thereby providing additional cooling to the pressurized gas to cool it to a pre-selected supply temperature.

[0066] In addition, the controller CTRL can adjust the operation of the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 by communicating with the valve V and / or refrigerant pump 11 of the heat transfer fluid cooler supply conduit 15f for further cooling of the heat transfer fluid stored in the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9. The controller CTRL can also receive heat transfer fluid temperature data from a heat transfer fluid temperature sensor Thtf positioned to monitor the temperature of the heat transfer fluid stored in the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 in order to adjust the cooling provided through the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 so as to provide increased cooling when the heat transfer fluid temperature exceeds a pre-selected high threshold and reduced cooling when the heat transfer fluid temperature falls below a pre-selected low threshold. The pre-selected low and high thresholds can define tolerances for a suitable range of heat transfer fluid temperatures for a desired pre-selected heat transfer fluid temperature for cooling the pressurized gas.

[0067] Cooling adjustments may include adjusting the position of the expansion valve V in the heat transfer fluid cooler supply conduit 15f, adjusting the operation of the refrigerant pump to increase or decrease the flow of refrigerant supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15, and / or other adjustments.

[0068] The controller CTRL can be adapted to more quickly and easily consider the pressurized gas refrigeration temperature through the use of a centralized heat transfer fluid arrangement to provide a heat transfer fluid for cooling the pressurized gas. Using a refrigerant via a refrigerant cooling system and heat sink source 14 to ultimately absorb heat from the pressurized gas through the heat transfer fluid for cooling the pressurized gas allows for a simpler control criterion that can more quickly adapt to temperature differences that may occur during operation. Furthermore, the use of a centralized heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 can enable more refined control of the temperature of the pressurized gas coolant used to cool the pressurized gas. The embodiment can also provide improved operational flexibility by allowing the use of other heat sink sources in a way that allows for a wide range of flexibility in operation and design for providing cooling of the pressurized gas, while maintaining a simpler process in which the final control of the pressurized gas refrigeration temperature can be focused on one or more process variables.

[0069] An exemplary implementation of the apparatus 1 for cooling pressurized gas for fueling, illustrated in Figure 1, can be better understood from Figures 2-4. For example, as shown in Figure 2, apparatus 1 may include a first pressurized gas cooler 3a including a pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor Tx, which is communicably connected to a controller CTRL. A pressurized gas storage unit or compressor (pressurized gas 2) can supply pressurized gas 2, including hydrogen or natural gas, to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a via a first output conduit 2a connected between the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor. The pressurized gas can be cooled to a pre-selected fueling temperature via the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and output via the first pressurized gas cooler output conduit 3o. The first pressurized gas cooler output conduit 3o may be connected to a first supply conduit 4f for supplying a first portion of the cooled pressurized gas to a first vehicle 4a. This first portion of the cooled pressurized gas supplied to the first vehicle 4a may be the entirety of the cooled pressurized gas.

[0070] Cooling of the pressurized gas via the first pressurized gas cooler 3a can be provided via heat transfer fluid supplied from the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a via a first heat transfer fluid supply conduit 3fa connected between the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 and the first pressurized gas cooler 3a. A heat transfer fluid pump 8 can be positioned between the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 and the first pressurized gas cooler 3a to assist in supplying the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a. The heat transfer fluid may be at a desired pre-selected heat transfer fluid temperature for supply to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a in order to cool the pressurized gas to a pre-selected feed temperature.

[0071] The heated heat transfer fluid, which has cooled the pressurized gas, can be output via a heat transfer fluid output conduit 3hw connected between the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 (HTF unit) for feedback to the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9. The heat transfer fluid can be cooled so that the heat transfer fluid output for supply to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a reaches a desired temperature for cooling the pressurized gas to a pre-selected feed temperature.

[0072] For example, heat transfer fluid can be output from the heat transfer storage unit 9 for supply to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 to maintain the temperature of the stored heat transfer fluid within a desired temperature or temperature range. The heat transfer fluid is supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 via a heat transfer fluid output conduit 9a connected between the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 and the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 for cooling within the heat transfer fluid cooler 15, and can then be output for feedback to the heat transfer unit 9 via a heat transfer fluid supply conduit 15o connected between the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 and the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 to later provide the heat transfer fluid to the pressurized gas cooler 3 at a desired pre-selected temperature.

[0073] As discussed above, cooling of the heat transfer fluid can be provided via a refrigerant that can be cooled to a pre-selected refrigerant temperature for cooling the heat transfer fluid and then supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 for cooling the heat transfer fluid. Cooling of the refrigerant can also be provided via an expansion valve V that can be connected to a heat transfer fluid cooler supply conduit 15f located between the refrigerant cooler 12 and the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 (for example, the expansion valve V can be integrated into this conduit). Cooling of the refrigerant can also be provided via a fluid from a heat sink source 14 supplied to the refrigerant cooler 12, as discussed above. The fluid from the heat sink source can provide a final heat sink for absorbing the heat of the pressurized gas that is cooled via the heat transfer fluid in the first pressurized gas cooler 3a.

[0074] Controller 10 can be connected to the first valve V1 of the first heat transfer fluid supply conduit 3fa and the heat transfer fluid pump 8 to adjust the flow rate of heat transfer fluid supplied to the first compressed gas cooler 3a based on the temperature of the compressed gas in the first compressed gas cooler 3a or the output from the first compressed gas cooler 3a detected via the compressed gas cooler temperature sensor Tx of the first compressed gas cooler 3a. Controller CTRL can also be communicatively connected to the heat transfer fluid temperature sensor Thtf to receive data that identifies the temperature of the heat transfer fluid stored in the heat transfer storage unit 9, and / or data that can be output from the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 to adjust the operation of the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 and / or the refrigerant cooling system connected to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 to supply refrigerant to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 to cool the heat transfer fluid. The controller CTRL can be communicated to, for example, the expansion valve V and / or refrigerant pump 11 of the heat transfer fluid cooler supply conduit 15f in order to adjust the flow and / or temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler cooler 15f in order to cool the heat transfer fluid supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15.

[0075] Figure 3 illustrates an implementation similar to that in Figure 2. However, in the implementation of Figure 3, the first pressurized gas cooler 3a provides cooled pressurized gas to a plurality of vehicles 4, including the first vehicle 4a and the second vehicle 4b, via the first supply conduits 4f and the second supply conduits 4g, respectively, which are connected to the first pressurized gas cooler output conduit 3o. In the implementation of Figure 3, a first portion of the cooled pressurized gas output from the first pressurized gas cooler 3a is supplied to the first supply conduit 4f for fueling the first vehicle, and a second portion of the cooled pressurized gas output from the first pressurized gas cooler 3a is supplied to the second supply conduit 4g for fueling the second vehicle 4b.

[0076] The controller CTRL, refrigerant loop, and heat transfer loop of the device 1 for cooling the pressurized gas for fuel supply can be arranged and configured in the same manner as the implementation shown in Figure 2. For example, the controller can receive temperature data from the pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor Tx of the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and adjust the flow of heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a based on whether the temperature is below a pre-selected low temperature threshold and / or above a pre-selected high temperature threshold. In addition, the operation of the refrigerant cooling system and / or the expansion valve V of the heat transfer fluid coolers 15 and / or 15f can be adjusted based on the temperature of the heat transfer fluid detected via the temperature data of the heat transfer fluid temperature sensor Thtf and / or the temperature data of the pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor Tx of the first pressurized gas cooler 3a. For example, the position of the expansion valve can be adjusted to open further to provide further cooling when the heat transfer fluid is too warm (e.g., above a pre-selected high temperature threshold for the heat transfer fluid), or to provide less expansion when the heat transfer fluid is too cold (e.g., below a pre-selected low temperature threshold for the heat transfer fluid). Alternatively, the refrigerant fluid flow rate can be increased when the heat transfer fluid is too warm (e.g., above a pre-selected high temperature threshold for the heat transfer fluid), or decreased when the heat transfer fluid is too cold (e.g., below a pre-selected low temperature threshold). Such flow rate adjustments can be provided by adjusting the valve and / or adjusting the speed of the refrigerant pump 11.

[0077] Figure 4 illustrates another implementation of a first exemplary embodiment of a device for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply, in which multiple pressurized gas coolers 3 can be used to cool the pressurized gas supplied to each vehicle. The multiple pressurized gas coolers 3 include a first pressurized gas cooler 3a and a second pressurized gas cooler 3b. Each pressurized gas cooler 3 can be positioned and configured to cool the pressurized gas in order to supply the cooled pressurized gas to one or more vehicles 4 in one or more distributors.

[0078] For example, the first pressurized gas cooler 3a may include a pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor Tx that is communicably connected to a controller CTRL. A pressurized gas storage unit or compressor (pressurized gas) can supply pressurized gas 2, including hydrogen or natural gas, to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a via a first output conduit 2a connected between the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor. The pressurized gas can be cooled to a pre-selected feed temperature via the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and output via the first pressurized gas cooler output conduit 3o. The first pressurized gas cooler output conduit 3o may be connected to a first feed conduit 4f for supplying a first portion of the cooled pressurized gas to a first vehicle 4a. This first portion of the cooled pressurized gas supplied to the first vehicle 4a may be the entire cooled pressurized gas.

[0079] The second pressurized gas cooler 3b includes a pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor Tx, which is communicably connected to the controller CTRL. A pressurized gas storage unit or compressor (pressurized gas) can supply pressurized gas 2, including hydrogen or natural gas, to the second pressurized gas cooler 3b via a second output conduit 2b connected between the second pressurized gas cooler 3b and the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor. The pressurized gas is cooled to a pre-selected fuel temperature via the second pressurized gas cooler 3b and can be output via a cooled pressurized gas output conduit 4h connected between the second pressurized gas cooler 3b and one or more vehicles 4. These one or more vehicles can be considered as one or more second vehicles.

[0080] The cooling medium supplied to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and the second pressurized gas cooler 3b to cool the supplied pressurized gas may be from the same heat transfer fluid storage unit 9. For example, a first portion of the heat transfer fluid output from the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 can be supplied to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a to function as a cooling medium in the first pressurized gas cooler 3a to cool the pressurized gas via a first heat transfer fluid supply conduit 3fa connected between the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 and the first pressurized gas cooler 3a. A second portion of the heat transfer fluid output from the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 can be supplied to the second pressurized gas cooler 3b to function as a cooling medium for cooling the pressurized gas supplied to the second pressurized gas cooler via a second output conduit 2b. The second portion of the heat transfer fluid can be supplied to the second pressurized gas cooler 3b via a second heat transfer fluid supply conduit 3fb connected between the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 and the second pressurized gas cooler 3b.

[0081] The heated heat transfer fluid can be output from each of the pressurized gas coolers 3 for supply to the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9. For example, the heated heat transfer fluid output from the first pressurized gas cooler 3a can be supplied to the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 via a first heat transfer fluid output conduit 3hw connected between the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9, and the heated heat transfer fluid output from the second pressurized gas cooler 3b can be supplied to the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 via a second heat transfer fluid output conduit 3hw connected between the second pressurized gas cooler 3b and the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9. The heat transfer fluid output conduits 3hw can be interconnected between the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9 and the pressurized gas coolers 3 to merge the heated heat transfer fluids from different pressurized gas cooling devices 3 before supplying the fluid to the heat transfer fluid storage unit 9, or they can be completely separate conduit arrangements based on the design criteria of the apparatus and other design considerations.

[0082] The first heat transfer fluid supply conduit 3fa may include a first valve V1, and the second heat transfer fluid supply conduit 3fb may include a second valve V2. Adjusting the positioning of the first valve V1 and the second valve V2 can adjust the flow rate of heat transfer fluid supplied to different pressurized gas coolers 3. In some embodiments, the first valve V1 and the second valve V2 may be on / off valves that can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position. In other implementations, the first valve V1 and the second valve V2 may have a plurality of different open positions between a fully open position and a closed position. The valves V may be communicably connected to a controller CTRL so that the controller can communicate with the valves to activate the adjustment of the valve position based on temperature data Tx from temperature sensors Tx of the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and the second pressurized gas cooler 3b.

[0083] For example, the controller CTRL can receive temperature data from the pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor Tx of the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and adjust the flow of heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a based on whether the temperature is below a pre-selected low temperature threshold and / or above a pre-selected high temperature threshold. Such adjustment can be provided by adjusting the position of the first valve V1 and / or adjusting the speed of the heat transfer fluid pump 8, as discussed above. The controller CTRL can also receive temperature data from the pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor Tx of the second pressurized gas cooler 3b and adjust the flow of heat transfer fluid to the second pressurized gas cooler 3b based on whether the temperature is below a pre-selected low temperature threshold and / or above a pre-selected high temperature threshold. Such adjustment can be provided by adjusting the position of the second valve V2 and / or adjusting the speed of the heat transfer fluid pump 8, as discussed above.

[0084] The controller CTRL, refrigerant loop, and heat transfer loop of the device 1 for cooling the pressurized gas for fuel supply can be arranged and configured in the same manner as the implementations shown in Figures 2 and 3. For example, the controller CTRL can receive temperature data from the pressurized gas cooler temperature sensors Tx of the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and the second pressurized gas cooler 3b, and adjust the flow of heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler 3a and / or the second pressurized gas cooler based on whether the temperature is below a pre-selected low temperature threshold and / or above a pre-selected high temperature threshold. In addition, the operation of the expansion valve V of the refrigerant cooling system and / or heat transfer fluid coolers 15 and / or 15f can be adjusted based on the temperature of the heat transfer fluid detected via the temperature data of the heat transfer fluid temperature sensor Thtf and / or the temperature data of the pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor Tx. For example, the position of the expansion valve in the refrigerant cooling system can be adjusted to open further to provide more cooling when the heat transfer fluid is too warm (e.g., above a pre-selected high temperature threshold for the heat transfer fluid), or to provide less expansion when the heat transfer fluid is too cold (e.g., below a pre-selected low temperature threshold for the heat transfer fluid). Alternatively, the refrigerant fluid flow rate can be increased when the heat transfer fluid is too warm (e.g., above a pre-selected high temperature threshold for the heat transfer fluid), or decreased when the heat transfer fluid is too cold (e.g., below a pre-selected low temperature threshold). Such flow rate adjustments can be provided through valve adjustments and / or adjustments to the speed of the refrigerant pump 11.

[0085] Referring to Figure 7, an embodiment of the apparatus 1 for cooling a pressurized gas for combustion can be configured so as not to require a refrigerant system for cooling the heat transfer fluid. Instead, a heat sink fluid can be utilized to more directly absorb the heat of the heat transfer fluid obtained from the pressurized process gas. For example, the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 can receive fluid directly from the heat sink source 14 via a heat sink source supply conduit 13f connected between the heat sink source 14 and the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 in order to cool the heat transfer fluid. The heated heat sink fluid, having absorbed heat from the heat transfer fluid, can be output via a heat sink fluid output conduit 13o connected to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15. The heat sink fluid output conduit 13o can send the heated heat sink fluid to another process unit and return it to the heat sink source 14, or it can pass this heat sink fluid through as desired for a particular set of design criteria.

[0086] Such embodiments may also optionally include an expansion valve V in the heat sink source / supply conduit 13f for expanding and further cooling the heat sink fluid before it is supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15. The controller CTRL may be connected to the expansion valve V to adjust its position based on the temperature of the heat transfer fluid detected via the heat transfer fluid temperature sensor Thtf, as considered above, when the expansion valve V is utilized.

[0087] In some embodiments, the fuel supplied to the vehicle may be configured to include other pressurized gases from a source other than a pressurized gas storage unit or compressor. For example, a flow of bypass fluid BF (shown as dashed lines in Figures 1 and 7) can be supplied to the vehicle. The bypass fluid BF may be a fluid that is a pressurized gas formed by the vaporization of a liquid cryogenic fluid (e.g., liquid hydrogen or liquid natural gas) at a suitable fuel pressure and temperature for supply to the vehicle. The use of such a bypass fluid BF can help reduce the cooling demand for cooling the pressurized gas 2 from the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor.

[0088] As can be best understood from Figure 6, the controller 10 (CTRL) available in an embodiment of the apparatus 1 for cooling pressurized gas for fueling may be a computer device CD. The controller may include a processor 10a connected to a non-temporary memory 10b (memory) which stores one or more applications (apps) and several data stores (DS). The controller may also include one or more interfaces 10c (interfaces). Each interface 10c may include one or more input devices 10id, one or more output devices 10od, one or more sensors S (e.g., pressurized gas cooling device temperature sensor Thx and / or heat transfer fluid temperature sensor Thtf), one or more other computer devices CD, and / or transceivers for communication connections with one or more valves V. The transceivers of interface 10c may include at least one local area network connection transceiver, at least one wide area network connection transceiver, and / or at least one short-range wireless communication transceiver. The transceivers may be configured for communication which can be facilitated via wireless communication and / or hardwired communication connections.

[0089] It should be understood that at least some communication connections can utilize other elements for communication. For example, some wireless communication connections can involve the use of access points, routers, or intermediate nodes.

[0090] Examples of input devices 10id that can be connected to controller 10 include buttons, keypads, keyboards, styluses, microphones, or touchscreens. Examples of output devices 10od that can be connected to controller 10 include displays, printers, and / or speakers. For example, controller 10 can be configured to display a GUI on a display to facilitate the use of input provided to controller 10 by user interaction with a graphical user interface (GUI) via a touchscreen display, pointer device, and / or keyboard.

[0091] In some embodiments, the controller 10 may be a controller that can be communicably connected to an operator device 21, and the operator device 21 may be a computer device CD that can be configured to run an automated process control system or other type of process control scheme including the controller 10 and various elements of the device 1 to which the controller 10 is connected. The automated process control system of the operator device 21 can, for example, supervise and / or help monitor the operation of a combustion station and / or related operations.

[0092] Embodiments of our process for cooling pressurized gas for refueling can be used in embodiments of our apparatus 1 and / or embodiments of pressurized gas refueling stations (e.g., hydrogen refueling stations or natural gas refueling stations). Examples of such processes can be understood from the exemplary embodiments illustrated above and in Figure 5. For example, in an exemplary embodiment of our process shown in Figure 5, the process may include a first step S1 which may include supplying a heat transfer fluid to at least one pressurized gas cooling device (PG cooler) to cool the pressurized gas to a pre-selected distribution temperature for supply to at least one vehicle fuel tank. An example of such a first step S1 can be understood from the above consideration of supplying a heat transfer fluid to a first pressurized gas cooler 3a and / or a second pressurized gas cooler 3b.

[0093] In the second step S2, cooled pressurized gas output from one or more pressurized gas cooling devices can be supplied to one or more vehicle fuel tanks at a pre-selected distribution temperature. The pre-selected distribution temperature may be a pre-selected fueling temperature, or a temperature provided based on the fact that pressurized gas at the pre-selected fueling temperature is slightly heated when the pressurized gas is supplied to at least one distributor for supply to one or more vehicle fuel tanks. An example of such supply of cooled pressurized gas can be understood from the above consideration of the output of cooled pressurized gas from a first pressurized gas cooler 3a and / or a second pressurized gas cooler 3b for supplying cooled pressurized gas to one or more vehicles 4.

[0094] In the third step S3, the heated heat transfer fluid can be output from one or more pressurized gas cooling devices to a heat transfer fluid cooler for cooling the heat transfer fluid to a pre-selected heat transfer fluid supply temperature. For example, the heated heat transfer fluid can be output from one or more pressurized gas coolers 3, supplied to a heat transfer fluid storage unit 9, and then cooled via a heat transfer fluid cooler 15 to maintain the temperature of the heat transfer fluid at a pre-selected desired heat transfer fluid supply temperature for supplying the heat transfer fluid to one or more pressurized gas coolers 3, as considered above.

[0095] As an alternative, the fluid from the heat sink source 14 can be supplied directly to the heat transfer cooler 15 in the third step S3 so as to act as a cooling medium in the heat transfer cooler 15 to more directly cool the heat transfer fluid together with the fluid from the heat sink source 14. In such an arrangement, the refrigerant system, including the refrigerant pump 11 and the refrigerant cooler 12, may not be used or even required.

[0096] In the fourth step S4, the refrigerant can be supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 to cool the heat transfer fluid to a desired temperature (e.g., a pre-selected heat transfer fluid supply temperature). The refrigerant output from the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 may be a heated refrigerant that is later supplied to the refrigerant cooler 12 to be cooled via the heat sink fluid from the heat sink source 14, as considered above. The refrigerant can also be further cooled via the expansion valve V, as considered above, to be returned to a desired refrigerant supply temperature for supply to the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 for cooling the heat transfer fluid. Examples of refrigerant processing in the refrigerant system can be understood from the exemplary implementation options considered above for a first exemplary embodiment of the apparatus 1 for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply.

[0097] In the fifth step S5, the flow of heat transfer fluid supplied to one or more pressurized gas cooling devices can be adjusted. The flow of refrigerant to the heat transfer cooler 15 can also be adjusted. These adjustments can be based on the temperature of the heat transfer fluid supplied to one or more pressurized gas cooling devices and the temperature of the cooled pressurized gas supplied to one or more vehicles 4. Examples of these types of adjustments are discussed above.

[0098] Embodiments of the process may also include other steps or features. For example, the process may include the controller 10 receiving data from one or more temperature sensors for adjusting the flow of heat transfer fluid to one or more pressurized gas cooling devices (e.g., pressurized gas cooler 3), and / or activating adjustments to heat transfer fluid pumps and / or one or more valves V to adjust the flow rate or heat transfer fluid to one or more pressurized gas cooling devices based on the temperature data from one or more temperature sensors. In another example, the operation of a refrigerant pump 11 and / or expansion valve V may be adjusted via controller CTRL based on such temperature data.

[0099] It should be understood that additional or other modifications to the embodiments expressly shown and discussed herein may be made to satisfy a particular set of design objectives or a particular set of design criteria. For example, it should be understood that the heat sink source 14 (HS source) can be any of a number of different preferred options. For example, the heat sink source 14 may be a cooling tower, a secondary cooling loop, and / or other process gas, as discussed above. As another example, the type of refrigerant used as the coolant and the type of heat transfer fluid used as the heat transfer fluid may be any of several preferred fluids. For example, the coolant in the coolant loop used to cool the heat transfer fluid through the fluid of the heat sink source 14 that absorbs the heat of the heat transfer fluid absorbed by the coolant may include nitrogen, carbon dioxide, D-limonene, potassium formate solution (e.g., FP40), or a silicone polymer-based fluid (e.g., Syltherm XLT), or another preferred coolant. Preferably, the selected refrigerant can be cooled to a pre-selected heat transfer fluid supply temperature, which may be -20°C or below -20°C (e.g., -20°C to -70°C or -20°C to -50°C), via the fluid of the heat sink source and / or expansion valve V. The heat transfer fluid may be nitrogen, carbon dioxide, D-limonene, potassium formate solution (e.g., FP40), silicone polymer-based fluid (e.g., Syltherm XLT), R404a, R449a, R507a, or other suitable fluids.

[0100] Each pressurized gas cooler 3 can be any type of suitable heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the pressurized gas cooler 3 may be a diffusion junction heat exchanger. Alternatively, the pressurized gas cooler 3 may be a counterflow heat exchanger, a tube and shell heat exchanger, a plate fin heat exchanger, or another type of suitable heat exchanger.

[0101] Furthermore, each heat transfer fluid cooler 15 and refrigerant cooler 12 may be a suitable type of heat exchanger. For example, the heat transfer fluid cooler 15 may be a counterflow heat exchanger, a co-flow heat exchanger, a tube and shell heat exchanger, a plate fin heat exchanger, or another suitable type of heat exchanger. The refrigerant cooler 12 may be a counterflow heat exchanger, a co-flow heat exchanger, a tube and shell heat exchanger, a plate fin heat exchanger, a mechanical chiller, an adsorption chiller, or another suitable type of heat exchanger.

[0102] The heat transfer fluid pump 8 and / or refrigerant pump 11 may each be a pump or a compressor. In some embodiments, the heat transfer fluid pump 8 and / or refrigerant pump 11 may utilize a variable frequency drive that can be communicably connected to a controller CTRL for adjusting the operation to regulate the flow rate of the refrigerant and / or heat transfer fluid, as considered above.

[0103] A pressurized gas storage unit capable of providing pressurized gas 2 can store gas at high pressure (e.g., a pressure greater than 1 atmosphere). In embodiments configured to utilize the pressurized gas storage unit as a source for pressurized gas 2, the storage pressure may be any suitable pressure for that particular gas to be supplied to a vehicle fuel tank.

[0104] Apparatus 1 may also include a distributor having a hose and nozzle for coupling to the vehicle fuel tank in order to supply pressurized gas to the vehicle fuel tank. The fuel supplied to the pressurized fuel tank may also include pressurized gas formed by evaporating a cryogenic liquid into a gas, and then heating the gas to a suitable pressure and temperature for supply to the distributor for refueling the vehicle fuel tank. This type of supply may be carried out via a bypass arrangement such that the supply can be carried out following or in parallel with the supply of pressurized gas after the pressurized gas has been cooled via the pressurized gas cooler 3.

[0105] In some embodiments, the heat transfer fluid is intended to be cooled directly via a heat sink source fluid, as discussed above with reference to the exemplary embodiment in Figure 7. In such embodiments, a refrigerant cooler and refrigerant pump may not be used. Instead, the heat sink source can supply fluid to the heat transfer cooler 15 so that it can be used as a refrigerant to cool the heat transfer fluid in a more direct relationship.

[0106] As yet another example, the arrangement of valves, piping, and other conduit elements (e.g., conduit connection mechanisms, tubes, seals, valves, etc.) for interconnecting different units of equipment for fluid communication of fluid flow between different elements (e.g., pumps, heat exchangers, compressors, storage containers, etc.) can be arranged to satisfy a specific plant layout design, taking into account the available area of ​​the plant, the sized equipment of the plant, and other design considerations. As yet another example, the flow rate, pressure, and temperature of fluids passing through various equipment or system elements can vary to take into account different design configurations and other design criteria.

[0107] Each embodiment of our processes, apparatus, and systems may be configured to include process control elements arranged and configured to monitor and control their operation (e.g., temperature and pressure sensors, flow sensors, an automated process control system having at least one workstation, the at least one workstation comprising a processor, non-temporary memory, and at least one transceiver, the at least one transceiver for communicating with sensor elements, valves, and controllers, the controller for providing a user interface for the automated process control system which may run on the plant workstation and / or another computer device). It should be understood that embodiments may similarly utilize a distributed control system (DCS) for one or more process implementations and / or to control the operation of apparatus.

[0108] As another example, certain features, whether described individually or as part of an embodiment, are intended to be combined with other individually described features or parts of other embodiments. Thus, elements and operations of the various embodiments described herein can be combined to provide further embodiments. Therefore, while specific exemplary embodiments of our processes, apparatus, systems, and methods of manufacturing and using them are illustrated and described above, it should be clearly understood that the present invention is not limited thereto and can be embodied in various other ways and implemented within the scope of the following claims. Examples of embodiments of the present invention are listed below. [Aspect 1] A device for cooling pressurized gas for combustion, wherein the device is The system includes a first pressurized gas cooler positioned to receive a first flow of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas storage unit or compressor and to cool the first flow of pressurized gas to a pre-selected fueling temperature. The first pressurized gas cooler is positioned to receive a first portion of the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the first flow of the pressurized gas, A device wherein the first pressurized gas cooler is connected to an output conduit for outputting the first flow of the pressurized gas at the pre-selected fuel temperature for supplying to the at least one vehicle for fueling the vehicle. [Aspect 2] The apparatus according to Embodiment 1, wherein the at least one vehicle includes a first vehicle, and the output conduit is connected to a first supply conduit for supplying a first portion of the first flow of pressurized gas to the first vehicle after the first flow of pressurized gas has been cooled to the pre-selected supply temperature. [Aspect 3] The apparatus according to embodiment 2, wherein the at least one vehicle also includes a second vehicle, and the output conduit is connected to a second supply conduit for supplying a second portion of the first flow of pressurized gas to the second vehicle after the first flow of pressurized gas has been cooled to the pre-selected supply temperature. [Aspect 4] The system includes a second pressurized gas cooler positioned to receive a second flow of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas storage unit or the compressor and to cool the second flow of pressurized gas to the pre-selected fuel temperature, The second pressurized gas cooler is positioned to receive a second portion of the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the second flow of the pressurized gas, The apparatus according to embodiment 3, wherein the second pressurized gas cooler is connected to an output conduit for outputting the second flow of the pressurized gas at the pre-selected fuel temperature for supplying to at least one third vehicle for fueling the at least one third vehicle. [Aspect 5] The system includes a second pressurized gas cooler positioned to receive a second flow of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas storage unit or the compressor and to cool the second flow of pressurized gas to the pre-selected fuel temperature, The second pressurized gas cooler is positioned to receive a second portion of the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the second flow of the pressurized gas, The apparatus according to embodiment 2, wherein the second pressurized gas cooler is connected to an output conduit for outputting the second flow of the pressurized gas at the pre-selected fuel temperature for supplying to at least one second vehicle for fueling the at least one second vehicle. [Aspect 6] The heat transfer fluid storage unit, The apparatus according to embodiment 1, further comprising: a heat transfer fluid pump positioned between the heat transfer fluid storage unit and the first pressurized gas cooler for supplying the first portion of the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler. [Aspect 7] To cool the heat transfer fluid, a heat transfer fluid cooler is provided, which is positioned to receive the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit. The apparatus according to embodiment 6, wherein the heat transfer fluid cooler is positioned to receive a coolant or heat sink fluid from a heat sink source for cooling the heat transfer fluid. [Aspect 8] A heat transfer fluid cooler positioned to receive the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit in order to cool the heat transfer fluid, The heat transfer fluid cooler is positioned to receive a refrigerant as a cooling medium for cooling the heat transfer fluid, The apparatus according to embodiment 6, further comprising: an expansion valve positioned to receive the refrigerant and expand it, thereby reducing the temperature of the refrigerant, before the refrigerant is supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler. [Aspect 9] A heat transfer fluid cooler positioned to receive the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit in order to cool the heat transfer fluid, The heat transfer fluid cooler is positioned to receive a refrigerant as a cooling medium for cooling the heat transfer fluid, and A refrigerant cooler positioned to receive a refrigerant output from a heat transfer fluid cooler as a heated refrigerant and to cool the heated refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant cooler is also positioned to receive a heat sink fluid, which serves as a cooling medium for cooling the heated refrigerant, from a heat sink source. The apparatus according to embodiment 6, comprising an expansion valve positioned to receive the refrigerant, expand the refrigerant, and reduce the temperature of the refrigerant before the refrigerant is supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler, wherein the expansion valve is positioned between the refrigerant cooler and the heat transfer fluid cooler. [Aspect 10] A process for cooling a pressurized gas for combustion, wherein the process is To supply a heat transfer fluid to at least one pressurized gas cooling device to cool the pressurized gas to a pre-selected temperature for supply to at least one vehicle fuel tank, In order to supply the heat transfer fluid to a heat transfer fluid cooler for cooling the heat transfer fluid, the heat transfer fluid is heated via the cooling of the pressurized gas, and then the heat transfer fluid is output from at least one pressurized gas cooling device. Supplying a refrigerant or heat sink fluid to the heat transfer fluid cooler to cool the heat transfer fluid to a pre-selected heat transfer fluid temperature, and A process comprising adjusting the flow of the heat transfer fluid to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device based on the temperature of the pressurized gas output from the at least one pressurized gas cooling device for supplying the at least one vehicle fuel tank. [Aspect 11] The heat transfer fluid is supplied to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device to cool the pressurized gas to the pre-selected temperature for supply to the at least one vehicle fuel tank. The process according to embodiment 10, comprising supplying a first portion of the heat transfer fluid to a first pressurized gas cooling device of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device. [Aspect 12] The flow of the heat transfer fluid to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device is adjusted based on the temperature of the pressurized gas output from the at least one pressurized gas cooling device for supplying to the at least one vehicle fuel tank. The process according to embodiment 11, comprising adjusting the flow rate of the first portion of the heat transfer fluid based on temperature data from a temperature sensor of the first pressurized gas cooling device. [Aspect 13] The heat transfer fluid is supplied to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device to cool the pressurized gas to the pre-selected temperature for supply to the at least one vehicle fuel tank. The process according to embodiment 12, comprising supplying a second portion of the heat transfer fluid to a second pressurized gas cooling device of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device. [Aspect 14] The flow of the heat transfer fluid to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device is adjusted based on the temperature of the pressurized gas output from the at least one pressurized gas cooling device for supplying to the at least one vehicle fuel tank. The process according to embodiment 13, comprising adjusting the flow rate of the second portion of the heat transfer fluid based on temperature data from a temperature sensor of the second pressurized gas cooling device. [Aspect 15] The flow of the heat transfer fluid to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device is adjusted based on the temperature of the pressurized gas output from the at least one pressurized gas cooling device for supplying to the at least one vehicle fuel tank. The process according to embodiment 10, comprising adjusting the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid based on temperature data from at least one temperature sensor of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device. [Aspect 16] The process according to embodiment 15, comprising adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant or the heat sink fluid to the heat transfer fluid cooler based on the temperature data from the at least one temperature sensor of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device and / or the temperature data from the heat transfer fluid temperature sensor. [Aspect 17] The process according to embodiment 15, comprising adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant or the heat sink fluid to the heat transfer fluid cooler, and / or adjusting the position of an expansion valve for the expansion of the refrigerant and / or the heat sink fluid based on the temperature data from the at least one temperature sensor of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device and / or the temperature data from the heat transfer fluid temperature sensor. [Aspect 18] The heat transfer fluid is supplied to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device to cool the pressurized gas to the pre-selected temperature for supply to the at least one vehicle fuel tank. The first portion of the heat transfer fluid is supplied to the first pressurized gas cooling device of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device, and This includes supplying a second portion of the heat transfer fluid to a second pressurized gas cooling device of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device, The aforementioned process also, The first flow of the pressurized gas is supplied to the first pressurized gas cooling device to cool the first flow of the pressurized gas to the pre-selected temperature for supply to at least one first vehicle, and The process according to embodiment 10, comprising supplying the second flow of pressurized gas to the second pressurized gas cooling device to cool the second flow of pressurized gas to the pre-selected temperature for supply to at least one second vehicle. [Aspect 19] A device for cooling pressurized gas for combustion, wherein the device is A first pressurized gas cooler positioned to receive a first flow of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas storage unit or compressor and to cool the first flow of pressurized gas to a pre-selected fueling temperature, The first pressurized gas cooler is positioned to receive a first portion of the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the first flow of the pressurized gas, The first pressurized gas cooler is connected to an output conduit for outputting the first flow of the pressurized gas at the pre-selected fuel temperature for supplying to at least one first vehicle for fueling the first vehicle, A device comprising a controller having a processor connected to non-temporary memory, wherein the controller is communicably connected to a temperature sensor of the first pressurized gas cooler to receive temperature data from the temperature sensor in order to adjust the flow of the first portion of the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler. [Aspect 20] A second pressurized gas cooler positioned to receive a second flow of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas storage unit or the compressor and to cool the second flow of pressurized gas to the pre-selected fuel temperature, The second pressurized gas cooler is positioned to receive a second portion of the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the second flow of the pressurized gas, The second pressurized gas cooler is connected to an output conduit for outputting the second flow of the pressurized gas at the pre-selected fuel temperature for supplying to at least one second vehicle for fueling the second vehicle, The controller is connected to the temperature sensor of the second pressurized gas cooler in a communicative manner to receive temperature data from the temperature sensor, in order to adjust the flow of the second portion of the heat transfer fluid to the second pressurized gas cooler. The heat transfer fluid storage unit, A heat transfer fluid pump positioned between the heat transfer fluid storage unit and the first pressurized gas cooler is provided to receive the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit, so as to supply the first portion of the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler and the second portion of the heat transfer fluid to the second pressurized gas cooler. The controller is connectable to the heat transfer fluid pump in a communicative manner to adjust the operation of the heat transfer fluid pump, A heat transfer fluid cooler positioned to receive the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit in order to cool the heat transfer fluid, The apparatus according to embodiment 19, wherein the heat transfer fluid cooler is positioned to receive a refrigerant or heat sink fluid from a heat sink source for cooling the heat transfer fluid.

Claims

1. A device for cooling pressurized gas for combustion, wherein the device is A first pressurized gas cooler positioned to receive a first flow of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas storage unit or compressor and to cool the first flow of pressurized gas to a pre-selected fueling temperature, The first pressurized gas cooler is positioned to receive a first portion of the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the first flow of the pressurized gas, The first pressurized gas cooler is connected to an output conduit for outputting the first flow of the pressurized gas at the pre-selected fuel temperature for supplying to the at least one vehicle for fueling the vehicle, The heat transfer fluid storage unit, A heat transfer fluid pump is positioned between the heat transfer fluid storage unit and the first pressurized gas cooler in order to supply the first portion of the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler. A heat transfer fluid cooler positioned to receive the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit in order to cool the heat transfer fluid, The heat transfer fluid cooler is positioned to receive a refrigerant as a cooling medium for cooling the heat transfer fluid, A refrigerant cooler positioned to receive the refrigerant output from the heat transfer fluid cooler as a heated refrigerant and to cool the heated refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant cooler is also positioned to receive a heat sink fluid, which serves as a cooling medium for cooling the heated refrigerant, from a heat sink source, An apparatus comprising: an expansion valve positioned to receive the refrigerant, expand the refrigerant, and reduce the temperature of the refrigerant before the refrigerant is supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler, wherein the expansion valve is positioned between the refrigerant cooler and the heat transfer fluid cooler.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one vehicle includes a first vehicle, and the output conduit is connected to a first supply conduit for supplying a first portion of the first flow of pressurized gas to the first vehicle after the first flow of pressurized gas has been cooled to the pre-selected supply temperature.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the at least one vehicle also includes a second vehicle, the output conduit being connected to a second supply conduit for supplying a second portion of the first flow of pressurized gas to the second vehicle after the first flow of pressurized gas has been cooled to the pre-selected supply temperature.

4. The system includes a second pressurized gas cooler positioned to receive a second flow of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas storage unit or the compressor and to cool the second flow of pressurized gas to the pre-selected fuel temperature, The second pressurized gas cooler is positioned to receive a second portion of the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the second flow of the pressurized gas, The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second pressurized gas cooler is connected to an output conduit for outputting the second flow of the pressurized gas at the pre-selected fuel temperature for supplying to at least one third vehicle for fueling the at least one third vehicle.

5. The system includes a second pressurized gas cooler positioned to receive a second flow of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas storage unit or the compressor and to cool the second flow of pressurized gas to the pre-selected fuel temperature, The second pressurized gas cooler is positioned to receive a second portion of the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the second flow of the pressurized gas, The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second pressurized gas cooler is connected to an output conduit for outputting the second flow of the pressurized gas at the pre-selected fuel temperature for supplying to at least one second vehicle for fueling the at least one second vehicle.

6. To cool the heat transfer fluid, a heat transfer fluid cooler is provided, which is positioned to receive the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer fluid cooler is positioned to receive a coolant or heat sink fluid from a heat sink source for cooling the heat transfer fluid.

7. A heat transfer fluid cooler positioned to receive the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit in order to cool the heat transfer fluid, The heat transfer fluid cooler is positioned to receive a refrigerant as a cooling medium for cooling the heat transfer fluid, The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an expansion valve positioned to receive the refrigerant and expand it, thereby reducing the temperature of the refrigerant, before the refrigerant is supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler.

8. A process for cooling a pressurized gas for combustion, wherein the process is To supply a heat transfer fluid to at least one pressurized gas cooling device to cool the pressurized gas to a pre-selected temperature for supply to at least one vehicle fuel tank, In order to supply the heat transfer fluid to a heat transfer fluid cooler for cooling the heat transfer fluid, the heat transfer fluid is heated via the cooling of the pressurized gas, and then the heat transfer fluid is output from at least one pressurized gas cooling device. Supplying a refrigerant or heat sink fluid to the heat transfer fluid cooler to cool the heat transfer fluid to a pre-selected heat transfer fluid temperature, and This includes adjusting the flow of the heat transfer fluid to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device based on the temperature of the pressurized gas output from the at least one pressurized gas cooling device for supplying to the at least one vehicle fuel tank, The flow of the heat transfer fluid to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device is adjusted based on the temperature of the pressurized gas output from the at least one pressurized gas cooling device for supplying to the at least one vehicle fuel tank. Based on temperature data from at least one temperature sensor of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device, the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid is adjusted, and A process comprising adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant or the heat sink fluid to the heat transfer fluid cooler, and / or adjusting the position of an expansion valve for the expansion of the refrigerant and / or the heat sink fluid based on the temperature data from the at least one temperature sensor of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device and / or the temperature data from the heat transfer fluid temperature sensor.

9. The heat transfer fluid is supplied to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device to cool the pressurized gas to the pre-selected temperature for supply to the at least one vehicle fuel tank. The process according to claim 8, comprising supplying a first portion of the heat transfer fluid to a first pressurized gas cooling device of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device.

10. The flow of the heat transfer fluid to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device is adjusted based on the temperature of the pressurized gas output from the at least one pressurized gas cooling device for supplying to the at least one vehicle fuel tank. The process according to claim 9, further comprising adjusting the flow rate of the first portion of the heat transfer fluid based on temperature data from a temperature sensor of the first pressurized gas cooling device.

11. The heat transfer fluid is supplied to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device to cool the pressurized gas to the pre-selected temperature for supply to the at least one vehicle fuel tank. The process according to claim 10, comprising supplying a second portion of the heat transfer fluid to a second pressurized gas cooling device of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device.

12. The flow of the heat transfer fluid to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device is adjusted based on the temperature of the pressurized gas output from the at least one pressurized gas cooling device for supplying to the at least one vehicle fuel tank. The process according to claim 11, further comprising adjusting the flow rate of the second portion of the heat transfer fluid based on temperature data from a temperature sensor of the second pressurized gas cooling device.

13. The process according to claim 8, comprising adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant or the heat sink fluid to the heat transfer fluid cooler based on the temperature data from the at least one temperature sensor of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device and / or the temperature data from the heat transfer fluid temperature sensor.

14. The heat transfer fluid is supplied to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device to cool the pressurized gas to the pre-selected temperature for supply to the at least one vehicle fuel tank. The first portion of the heat transfer fluid is supplied to the first pressurized gas cooling device of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device, and This includes supplying a second portion of the heat transfer fluid to a second pressurized gas cooling device of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device, The aforementioned process also, The first flow of pressurized gas is supplied to the first pressurized gas cooling device to cool the first flow of pressurized gas to the pre-selected temperature for supply to at least one first vehicle, and The process according to claim 8, comprising supplying the second flow of pressurized gas to the second pressurized gas cooling device to cool the second flow of pressurized gas to the pre-selected temperature for supply to at least one second vehicle.

15. A device for cooling pressurized gas for combustion, wherein the device is A first pressurized gas cooler positioned to receive a first flow of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas storage unit or compressor and to cool the first flow of pressurized gas to a pre-selected fueling temperature, The first pressurized gas cooler is positioned to receive a first portion of the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the first flow of the pressurized gas, The first pressurized gas cooler is connected to an output conduit for outputting the first flow of the pressurized gas at the pre-selected fuel temperature for supplying to at least one first vehicle for fueling the first vehicle, A controller having a processor connected to non-temporary memory, wherein the controller is communicably connected to a temperature sensor of the first pressurized gas cooler to receive temperature data from the temperature sensor in order to adjust the flow of the first portion of the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler. A second pressurized gas cooler positioned to receive a second flow of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas storage unit or the compressor, and to cool the second flow of pressurized gas to the pre-selected fuel temperature, The second pressurized gas cooler is positioned to receive a second portion of the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the second flow of the pressurized gas, The second pressurized gas cooler is connected to an output conduit for outputting the second flow of the pressurized gas at the pre-selected fuel temperature for supplying to at least one second vehicle for fueling the second vehicle, The controller is connected to the temperature sensor of the second pressurized gas cooler in a communicative manner to receive temperature data from the temperature sensor, in order to adjust the flow of the second portion of the heat transfer fluid to the second pressurized gas cooler. The heat transfer fluid storage unit, A heat transfer fluid pump positioned between the heat transfer fluid storage unit and the first pressurized gas cooler is provided to receive the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit, so as to supply the first portion of the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler and the second portion of the heat transfer fluid to the second pressurized gas cooler. The controller is connectable to the heat transfer fluid pump in a communicative manner to adjust the operation of the heat transfer fluid pump, and A heat transfer fluid cooler positioned to receive the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit in order to cool the heat transfer fluid, An apparatus comprising a heat transfer fluid cooler, the heat transfer fluid cooler being positioned to receive a coolant or heat sink fluid from a heat sink source for cooling the heat transfer fluid.

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