Apparatus and process for cooling pressurized gas for fueling

Abstract

An apparatus and process for cooling a pressurized gas to supply one or more vehicle fuel tanks for fueling a vehicle may be configured such that the pressurized gas (e.g., hydrogen or natural gas) for fueling one or more vehicles can be cooled before being discharged through a heat transfer fluid that cools the pressurized gas and transfers the heat of the pressurized gas toward a fluid of a heat sink source. In some embodiments, the transfer of heat to the heat sink source fluid may occur through a refrigerant.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present innovation relates to processes, devices, and systems for cooling pressurized gas to be supplied to one or more vehicle fuel tanks to supply fuel to a vehicle. Fuel supply can also be considered as refueling the vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Examples of hydrogen generation and / or supply systems are U.S. Patent 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. Examples of hydrogen storage and / or discharge systems may also be understood from U.S. Patent Publications Nos. 9,404,620, 9,863,583, 10,502,649, 10,508,770, and 11,167,732. Examples of hydrogen storage and / or discharge systems may also be understood from U.S. Patent Publications Nos. 2023 / 0137335 and 2023 / 0107342 and International Publication No. WO 2023 / 095604. These systems may provide hydrogen to vehicles for use as fuel for vehicles.

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

[0004] We have found that fuel supply operations can often become complex in situations where each gas stream supplied to the vehicle fuel tank via a discharger can be cooled by different heat exchangers using different cooling media or refrigerants. Different cooling processes can make fuel supply operations inefficient and relatively complex, as multiple different cooling operations may need to be monitored and managed independently. We have found that this type of approach can lead to relatively complex process control, where multiple variables are monitored and changed without adequately considering the overall cooling being provided. This can result in inefficient processing decisions that cause wasted energy and other losses. These losses can result in reduced gains in operation and also cause energy and / or electricity lost due to these inefficiencies.

[0005] We have found that a pressurized gas cooling device for fuel supply can be provided to help reduce these complexities and also allow for a more efficient overall process for cooling the pressurized gas for fuel supply (e.g., to discharge pressurized gas into one or more vehicle fuel tanks for fuel supply). In some embodiments, the low-temperature heat transfer fluid may be provided through a common refrigeration system that allows the heat transfer fluid to flow into one or more heat exchangers to cool the pressurized gas as required. The refrigerant may also be provided from a refrigerant source to provide cooling to the heat transfer fluid in some embodiments to enable the transfer of heat from the pressurized gas to a common heat sink for cooling the pressurized gas provided through the heat exchanger(s) and the heat transfer fluid. In other embodiments, the fluid from the heat sink source may be used directly instead of the refrigerant to provide a heat sink for cooling the heat transfer fluid and the pressurized gas.

[0006] In some embodiments, a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) pump may be provided to regulate the flow of the heat transfer fluid. Variable speed control for a refrigeration system compressor or pump may also be provided in some embodiments to help maintain a desired preset temperature of the heat transfer fluid for cooling the pressurized gas. One or more valves may 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 heat transfer fluid to help enable temperature control for the pressurized gas and the heat transfer fluid.

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

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

[0009] A temperature sensor may be positioned to measure the temperature of the heat transfer fluid returned from one or more pressurized gas cooling heat exchangers, and in a refrigeration system, a variable speed compressor may be configured to use temperature information from the temperature sensor to control the flow of refrigerant supplied to cool the heat transfer fluid after being heated from cooling the pressurized gas and output from the pressurized gas cooling heat exchanger, in order to maintain the temperature of the heat transfer fluid transferred to the heat exchanger(s) at a preset heat transfer fluid supply temperature for supplying the heat transfer fluid to the pressurized gas cooling heat exchanger for cooling the pressurized gas. The refrigerant may be a heat sink fluid capable of functioning as a final heat sink for the heat of the pressurized gas being cooled, and the heat transfer fluid may function as an intermediate heat transfer fluid to enable the transfer of heat from the pressurized fluid to the refrigerant. Alternatively, the refrigerant may be supplied in the refrigerant circuit to enable the exchange of heat absorbed from the heat transfer fluid from the heat sink source to the heat sink fluid, so that the heat sink source fluid can ultimately absorb heat from the pressurized gas being cooled through the heat transfer fluid.

[0010] In a first aspect, an apparatus for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply is provided. An embodiment of the apparatus may include a first pressurized gas cooler arranged to receive a first stream of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas storage unit or a compressor to cool a first stream of pressurized gas to a preset fuel supply temperature. The first pressurized gas cooler may be arranged to receive a first portion of heat transfer fluid from a heat transfer fluid storage unit to cool the first stream of pressurized gas. The first pressurized gas cooler may be connected to an output conduit to output a first stream of pressurized gas to at least one vehicle to be supplied to at least one vehicle for fuel supply to at least one vehicle at a preset fuel supply temperature.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first pressurized gas cooler may be arranged to receive a first stream of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas storage unit. In other embodiments, the first pressurized gas cooler may be arranged to receive a first stream of pressurized gas from a compressor.

[0012] In a second aspect, 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.). An output conduit may be connected to a first supply conduit to supply a first portion of the first stream of pressurized gas to the first vehicle after the first stream of pressurized gas has been cooled to a preset fuel supply temperature. In some embodiments, an output conduit may be connected to a second supply conduit to supply a second portion of the first stream of pressurized gas to the second vehicle after the first stream of pressurized gas has been cooled to a preset fuel supply temperature. An output conduit may be connected to a third supply conduit to supply a third portion of the first stream of pressurized gas to the third vehicle after the first stream of pressurized gas has been cooled to a preset fuel supply temperature.

[0013] In other embodiments, there may be a second vehicle and at least one second vehicle (e.g., only one second vehicle, multiple second vehicles, etc.), and an output conduit may be connected to a first supply conduit to supply a first portion of the first stream of pressurized gas to the first vehicle after the first stream of pressurized gas is cooled to a preset fuel supply temperature, and may also be connected to at least one second supply conduit to supply at least one second portion of the first stream of pressurized gas to at least one second vehicle after the first stream of pressurized gas is cooled to a preset fuel supply temperature.

[0014] In a third aspect, the device may also include a second pressurized gas cooler arranged to receive a second stream of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas storage unit or a compressor to cool the second stream of pressurized gas to a preset fuel supply temperature. The second pressurized gas cooler may be arranged to receive a second portion of heat transfer fluid from a heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the second stream of pressurized gas. The second pressurized gas cooler may be connected to an output conduit to output a second stream of pressurized gas to a preset fuel supply temperature for supplying (i) at least one third vehicle for fueling at least one third vehicle or (ii) at least one second vehicle for fueling at least one second vehicle.

[0015] For example, in embodiments 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 to output a second stream of pressurized gas to a predetermined fuel supply temperature for supplying at least one third vehicle to an output conduit to which the second pressurized gas cooler is connected for fuel supply to at least one third vehicle.

[0016] As another example, in embodiments where the first pressurized gas cooler can supply pressurized gas to at least the 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 stream of pressurized gas to supply to at least one second vehicle for fuel supply to at least one second vehicle at a predetermined fuel supply temperature.

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

[0018] In a fifth aspect, the device may include elements capable of enabling cooling of the heat transfer fluid. For example, in some embodiments, the device may include a heat transfer fluid storage unit and a heat transfer fluid pump disposed 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 cooler may be disposed to receive the heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit to cool the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid cooler may be disposed to receive a refrigerant or heat sink fluid from a heat sink source to cool the heat transfer fluid.

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

[0020] As another example, the device may include a heat transfer fluid cooler positioned to receive heat transfer fluid from a heat transfer fluid storage unit 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 heating refrigerant to cool the heating refrigerant, and the refrigerant cooler is also positioned to receive a heat sink fluid from a heat sink source as a cooling medium for cooling the heating refrigerant. An expansion valve may be positioned to receive the refrigerant to expand the refrigerant and reduce the temperature of the refrigerant before the refrigerant 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 aspect, the pressurized gas may consist of hydrogen or natural gas. For example, the pressurized gas may be hydrogen gas for fueling hydrogen fuel vehicles. As another example, the pressurized gas may be natural gas for fueling natural gas-powered vehicles.

[0022] In the seventh aspect, the device of the first aspect may include one or more features of the second, third, fourth, fifth, and / or sixth aspects to provide other embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that other embodiments of the device may include other features. Examples of such features can be understood from the representative embodiments discussed herein.

[0023] For example, an embodiment of a device for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply may be provided by including a first pressurized gas cooler arranged to receive a first stream of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas storage unit or a compressor to cool a first stream of pressurized gas to a preset fuel supply temperature. The first pressurized gas cooler may be arranged to receive a first portion of heat transfer fluid from a heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling the first stream of pressurized gas. The first pressurized gas cooler may be connected to an output conduit to output a first stream of pressurized gas to be supplied to at least one first vehicle for fuel supply to at least one first vehicle at a preset fuel supply temperature. A controller having a processor connected to a non-transient memory may be communicated to a temperature sensor of the first pressurized gas cooler to receive temperature data from a temperature sensor to coordinate 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 stream of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas storage unit or a compressor to cool the second stream of pressurized gas to a preset fuel supply 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 stream of pressurized gas. The second pressurized gas cooler may be connected to an output conduit to output a second stream of pressurized gas to at least one second vehicle to be supplied to at least one second vehicle for fuel supply to at least one second vehicle at a preset fuel supply temperature. The controller may be communicated to a temperature sensor of the second pressurized gas cooler to receive temperature data from a temperature sensor to adjust the flow of the second portion of heat transfer fluid to the second pressurized gas cooler.

[0025] Some embodiments of such devices 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 disposed between the heat transfer fluid storage unit and the first pressurized gas cooler to receive heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit to supply a first portion of the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler and a second portion of the heat transfer fluid to the second pressurized gas cooler. The controller may be communically connected to the heat transfer fluid pump to coordinate the operation of the heat transfer fluid pump. The heat transfer fluid cooler may also be disposed to receive heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit to cool the heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid cooler may be disposed to receive a refrigerant or heat sink fluid from a heat sink source to cool the heat transfer fluid.

[0026] In the eighth aspect, a process for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply is provided. Embodiments of the process may be configured so that an embodiment of our device 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 pressurized gas to a predetermined temperature for supplying 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 through cooling of the pressurized gas 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 a heat transfer fluid cooler to cool the heat transfer fluid to a predetermined 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 supplying to at least one vehicle fuel tank.

[0027] In the ninth aspect, the process may be configured such that the supply of a heat transfer fluid to at least one pressurized gas cooling device for cooling a pressurized gas to a preset temperature for supplying at least one vehicle fuel tank comprises supplying a first portion of the heat transfer fluid to a first pressurized gas cooling device of at least one pressurized gas cooling device. In some embodiments, the supply of a heat transfer fluid to at least one pressurized gas cooling device for cooling a pressurized gas to a preset temperature for supplying at least one vehicle fuel tank may also comprise supplying a second portion of the heat transfer fluid to a second pressurized gas cooling device of at least one pressurized gas cooling device.

[0028] In the 10th aspect, the adjustment of the flow of a 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 to supply to at least one vehicle fuel tank may include adjusting the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid based on temperature data from at least one temperature sensor of at least one pressurized gas cooling device.

[0029] For example, the process may be configured such that the adjustment of the flow of 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 to supply 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 may utilize a second portion of the heat transfer fluid that can be supplied to a second pressurized gas cooling device, and the adjustment of the flow of 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 to supply at least one vehicle fuel tank may 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 eleventh aspect, the process may also include adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant or heat sink fluid to the heat transfer fluid cooler. For example, some embodiments may 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 may 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 may include adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant or heat sink fluid to a 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 may also include supplying a first stream of pressurized gas to a first pressurized gas cooling device to cool the first stream of pressurized gas to a preset temperature for supplying to at least one first vehicle. In embodiments where a second stream of pressurized gas may be supplied to a second pressurized gas cooling device, embodiments of the process may also include supplying a second stream of pressurized gas to a second pressurized gas cooling device to cool the second stream of pressurized gas to a preset temperature for supplying to at least one second vehicle.

[0033] In the 14th aspect, the process of the 8th aspect may include one or more features of the 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, and / or 13th aspects to provide other embodiments of the process. Therefore, embodiments of the process may include other features. Examples of these features can be understood from the representative embodiments of the process discussed 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 embodiments of the process and device may 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 may utilize, for example, an automatic process control system and / or a distributed control system (DCS). Various different conduit arrangements and process control systems may be utilized to meet a specific set of design criteria. A DCS or automatic process control system may utilize one or more computer devices comprising a processor connected to a non-transient computer-readable medium and at least one transceiver configured to monitor, supervise, and / or control processing according to at least one predefined algorithm that may be defined by code stored in a computer-readable medium executable by the processor.

[0035] Our processes, devices, and systems for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply, hydrogen fuel coolers for hydrogen fuel supply stations, natural gas fuel coolers for natural gas fuel supply stations, and other details, purposes, and advantages of methods for making and using the same will become clear as the following description of specific representative embodiments proceeds. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0036] Representative embodiments of our processes, devices, and systems for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply, and methods for constructing and using them, are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that similar reference numerals used in the drawings can identify similar components. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first representative embodiment of a device (1) for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply. FIG. 1 also illustrates a representative embodiment of our process for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply. Various optional elements that may be included in the representative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 are shown by dashed lines. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a representative embodiment of a first representative embodiment of the device (1) shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 also illustrates a representative embodiment of our process for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of another representative embodiment of the first representative embodiment of the device (1) shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 also illustrates a representative embodiment of our process for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of another representative embodiment of the first representative embodiment of the device (1) shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 also illustrates a representative embodiment of our process for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a representative embodiment of our process for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply. It should be understood that embodiments of this process can be used in embodiments of the device (1) for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a representative embodiment of a controller (10) (CTRL) that can be used in representative embodiments of the first representative embodiment of the device (1) and the first representative embodiment of the device (1) shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 and the second representative embodiment of the device (1) shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a second representative embodiment of a device (1) for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply. FIG. 7 also illustrates a representative embodiment of our process for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply. Various optional elements that may be included in the representative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 are shown by dashed lines. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0037] As can be understood from FIGS. 1 through 7 and the disclosure provided herein, representative embodiments of our device (1) for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply can be arranged and configured for an improved fuel supply operation to enable the supply of pressurized gas as fuel to one or more vehicle fuel tanks. The embodiments can be adapted for use, for example, in hydrogen fuel supply stations or natural gas fuel supply stations.

[0038] The device (1) may include a pressurized gas storage unit or a compressor to provide pressurized gas (2) (pressurized gas). The pressurized gas storage unit or compressor providing the pressurized gas (2) may be positioned between the flow control manifold and the discharger, may be positioned above the discharger to supply pressurized gas to the fuel tank of the vehicle (4), or may include at least one storage tank or container that may be integrated into the discharger to supply pressurized gas from the discharger to the fuel tank of the vehicle (4). In situations where the pressurized gas is output from the compressor to supply the pressurized gas more directly to the discharger (7) (without one or more intermediate storage tanks or buffer tanks between the compressor and the discharger), the pressurized gas compressor may be positioned above the flow control manifold and the discharger, or may be positioned above the discharger to supply pressurized gas to the fuel tank of the vehicle (4). The discharger may use a hose and a nozzle to enable connection with the vehicle fuel tank to supply pressurized gas for fuel supply to the vehicle (4).

[0039] A pressurized gas storage unit capable of providing pressurized gas (2) may store pressurized gas at a predetermined storage pressure to provide pressurized gas (2) to at least one pressurized gas cooler (3) for supplying to one or more vehicles (4). For example, the predetermined storage pressure may be 35 MPa, 70 MPa, or between 30 MPa and 75 MPa for some embodiments. Other embodiments may use different predetermined storage pressures. In situations where the pressurized gas (2) is output more directly from the compressor, the compressor may output pressurized gas at a predetermined supply pressure (e.g., between 30 MPa and 75 MPa or between 0.5 MPa and 100 MPa, etc.) to supply cooled pressurized gas to one or more vehicles (4).

[0040] 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 mol% (mol%) hydrogen gas (H2) or hydrogen gas between 98 mol% H2 and 100 mol% H2. As another example, the pressurized gas may be at least 99 mol% methane (CH4) or natural gas between 95 mol% CH4 and 100 mol% CH4.

[0041] At least one vehicle (4) may receive pressurized gas (2) from a pressurized gas storage unit or compressor to fill the fuel tank of each vehicle (4). In some embodiments, the first vehicle (4a) may receive pressurized gas for fuel supply. In other embodiments, the first vehicle (4a) and the second vehicle (4b) may receive pressurized gas for fuel supply simultaneously from different dischargers. In other embodiments, two or more vehicles (4) may receive pressurized gas. For example, the first vehicle (4a), the second vehicle (4b), and the third vehicle (4c) may receive pressurized gas (2) for fuel supply from a pressurized gas storage unit or compressor.

[0042] Before the pressurized gas (2) output from the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor is supplied to one or more vehicles, the pressurized gas may undergo cooling through at least one pressurized gas cooler (3) (PG cooler). Each pressurized gas cooler (3) may be configured to cool the pressurized gas to a preset fuel supply temperature to supply the gas to the vehicle fuel tank. The preset fuel supply temperature may be, for example, -33°C or lower, -17°C or lower, or other suitable fuel supply temperatures within a preset fuel supply temperature range (e.g., between -30°C and -35°C, between -17°C and -40°C, etc.). Each pressurized gas cooler (3) may be placed at the discharger to receive the pressurized gas to cool the gas before the discharger distributes the gas to the vehicle (e.g., through a nozzle connected to the discharger via a hose connected between the nozzle and the discharger, etc.) or may be fluidly connected to the discharger.

[0043] For example, the pressurized gas (2) may be discharged from a pressurized gas storage unit or compressor through a first output conduit (2a) connected between a first pressurized gas cooler (3a) and a first discharger to supply fuel to a first vehicle (4a). The pressurized gas may be cooled through a heat transfer fluid supplied to the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) as a cooling medium to cool the pressurized gas to a predetermined fuel supply temperature. The cooled pressurized gas may be discharged from the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) to supply it to the first vehicle (4a) through a first pressurized gas cooler output conduit (3o). The first pressurized gas cooler output conduit (3o) may be connected to a first supply conduit (4f) to supply a first portion of the cooled pressurized gas to the first vehicle (4a). In situations where cooled pressurized gas is supplied to a number of different vehicles, the first pressurized gas cooler output conduit (3o) may also be connected to a second supply conduit (4g) to supply a second portion of the cooled pressurized gas to a second vehicle (4b). In some embodiments, there may also be additional supply conduits to supply other portions of the cooled pressurized gas to other vehicles (e.g., at least one third supply conduit connected to the first pressurized gas cooler output conduit (3o) to supply 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 the vehicle through individual dischargers that may be connected between the vehicle and the individual supply conduits.

[0044] For example, the first supply conduit (4f) may be connected to or integrated into the first discharger to supply a first portion of pressurized gas to the first vehicle (4a). The second supply conduit (4g) may be connected to or integrated into the second discharger to supply a second portion of pressurized gas to the second vehicle (4b). At least one third supply conduit may be connected to or integrated into at least one third discharger to also supply a third portion of pressurized gas to the third vehicle (4a).

[0045] The heat transfer fluid supplied to the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) can be output as a heated heat transfer fluid through 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). The heat transfer fluid storage unit (9) may include one or more storage vessels or tanks for storing the heat transfer fluid at a predetermined storage pressure for storing a sufficient amount of heat transfer fluid and supplying it to one or more pressurized gas coolers (3) of the device (1).

[0046] The heat transfer fluid stored in the heat transfer fluid storage unit (9) is output from the heat transfer fluid storage unit (9) and can be supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler (15) (HTF cooler) through the heat transfer fluid output conduit (9a) connected between the heat transfer fluid storage unit (9) and the heat transfer fluid cooler (15) 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 is output from the heat transfer fluid (15) and can be supplied to the heat transfer fluid storage unit (9) through the cooled heat transfer fluid supply conduit (15o) connected between the heat transfer fluid cooler (15) and the heat transfer fluid storage unit (9).

[0047] The refrigerant may be supplied to a heat transfer fluid cooler (15) to cool the heat transfer fluid to a predetermined heat transfer fluid temperature that can be selected to cool the pressurized gas to a predetermined fuel supply temperature within a predetermined fuel supply temperature range. The refrigerant used to cool the heat transfer fluid may be any suitable refrigerant for cooling the heat transfer fluid. The refrigerant supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler (15) may undergo cooling before being supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler (15) through 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) may be supplied to the refrigerant cooler (12) through a refrigerant cooler supply conduit (11o) connected between the refrigerant pump (11) and the refrigerant cooler (12). The cooled refrigerant can be discharged from the refrigerant cooler (12) to be supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler (15) at a preset refrigerant supply temperature through a heat transfer fluid cooler supply conduit (15f) disposed between the refrigerant cooler (12) and the heat transfer fluid cooler (15).

[0048] The refrigerant cooler (12) may receive a cooling medium capable of functioning as a heat sink for cooling the pressurized gas from a heat sink source (14) (HS source). The heat sink source (14) may be another source of a suitable process gas or low-temperature fluid capable of functioning as a final heat sink for removing heat from the pressurized gas through a heat transfer fluid for cooling the pressurized gas to a preset fuel supply temperature.

[0049] The heat sink source (14) may be hydrogen gas or natural gas at an ultra-low temperature or near an ultra-low temperature that can be output from a liquid hydrogen gas or liquid natural gas storage tank for use as a refrigerant before discharging the gas, for example. For example, gas from a pressurized storage tank for storing ultra-low temperature liquids may be output to maintain the pressure of the storage tank at or below a desired storage pressure. The output gas may be used as a heat sink fluid supplied to a refrigerant cooler (12) to cool the refrigerant before discharging the gas or supplying the gas to another element of the device (e.g., a buffer tank for storing the gas before other uses of the gas).

[0050] The heat sink source may alternatively (or 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 supplied to the compressor to pre-cool the compressor for use and / or output at a predetermined pressure to be supplied toward the discharger. The fluid output from the compressor may be used as a heat sink source to help heat the fluid for supply toward the discharger (e.g., toward a buffer tank or upward of a flow control manifold).

[0051] The heated heat sink gas can be discharged from the refrigerant cooler (12) through a heated heat sink fluid conduit (12o) connected to the refrigerant cooler (12). This conduit can be used to discharge the fluid or to supply the heated heat sink fluid to another plant element or device element.

[0052] In other embodiments, the heat sink source (14) may be a cooling medium used by the refrigerant cooler (12). For example, in some embodiments, the refrigerant cooler may be an electric chiller or an adsorption chiller, and the heat sink source may be a cooling medium used in the chiller to cool the heat transfer fluid refrigerant used to cool the heat transfer fluid.

[0053] The heated refrigerant used as a cooling medium to cool the heat transfer fluid may be output from the heat transfer fluid cooler (15) to be supplied to the refrigerant pump (11) through a refrigerant pump supply conduit (11f) placed between the heat transfer fluid cooler (15) and the refrigerant pump (11). The refrigerant pump (11) may increase the pressure of the refrigerant to supply it to the refrigerant cooler (12) and then back to the heat transfer fluid cooler (15) for the heat transfer fluid refrigerant cooling circuit. A refrigerant buffer tank (not shown) may also be connected to this circuit to supply the refrigerant, as it may be required to account for the refrigerant composition that may be required as the refrigerant circuit is used for cooling the heat transfer fluid.

[0054] In some embodiments, the 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 pressure of the refrigerant to the heat transfer fluid cooler supply pressure. The pressure reduction may further cool the refrigerant to a desired preset refrigerant supply temperature.

[0055] The heat transfer fluid stored in the heat transfer fluid storage unit (9) can be maintained at a desired temperature through a heat transfer cooling circuit that uses a refrigerant for cooling the heat transfer fluid. This allows the heat transfer fluid to be supplied from a central source to one or more of the pressurized gas coolers (3) to allow the temperature control of the pressurized gas to be monitored and managed in an efficient manner, which can also allow the monitoring and management of the cooling of the pressurized gas to occur more simply and efficiently.

[0056] A heat transfer fluid is output from a heat transfer fluid storage unit (9) and can be supplied to one or more pressurized gas coolers (3) through a heat transfer fluid pump (8) (HTF pump) positioned between one or more pressurized gas coolers (3) and the heat transfer fluid storage unit (9). The heat transfer fluid can be supplied from the heat transfer fluid storage unit (9) to the heat transfer fluid pump (8) through 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 an appropriate pressurized gas cooler supply pressure to supply it to at least one pressurized gas cooler (3) through a heat transfer fluid pump output conduit (8o) connected between one or more pressurized gas coolers (3) and the heat transfer fluid pump (8). Examples of suitable pressurized gas cooler supply pressures may include pressures between 35 MPa and 70 MPa, pressures between 0.5 MPa and 100 MPa, or other suitable pressures. For example, when the fuel to be cooled is hydrogen, the preset pressurized gas cooler supply pressure for the heat transfer fluid may be between 20 MPa and 100 MPa. For other types of fuel, the pressure may be within different preset ranges (e.g., the use of one or more pressurized gas coolers (3) for natural gas cooling may utilize different pressure ranges).

[0057] For example, a first portion of the heat transfer fluid output from the heat transfer fluid pump (8) may be supplied to the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) to function as a cooling medium for cooling the pressurized gas through 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) may be supplied to the first vehicle (4a) for fuel supply through the first supply conduit (4f) as discussed above. A second portion of the cooled pressurized gas output from the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) may be supplied to the second vehicle (4b) for fuel supply through the second supply conduit (4g), as also discussed above for embodiments in which the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) cools the pressurized gas to supply it to a number of different vehicles from different dischargers.

[0058] Additionally, a second portion of the heat transfer fluid output from the heat transfer fluid pump (8) may be supplied to the second pressurized gas cooler (3b) to function as a cooling medium for cooling another stream of pressurized gas (2) output from the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor through 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). The pressurized gas to be cooled through the second pressurized gas cooler (3b) may be supplied to the second pressurized gas cooler (3b) through a second output conduit (2b) connected between the second pressurized gas cooler (3b) and the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor providing the pressurized gas (2). The second output conduit (2bt) may be positioned between the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor and the second pressurized gas cooler (3b). This second output conduit (2b) may be a separate conduit, or it may be connected to the first output conduit (2a) so that a first portion of pressurized gas (2) output from a pressurized gas storage unit or compressor is supplied to the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) as a first stream of pressurized gas, and a second portion of pressurized gas (2) output from a pressurized gas storage unit or compressor is supplied to the second pressurized gas cooler (3b) as a second stream of pressurized gas.

[0059] 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 through a cooled pressurized gas output conduit (4h) connected between the second pressurized gas cooler (3b) and another vehicle.

[0060] In embodiments where the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) can supply cooled pressurized gas only to the first vehicle (4a), another vehicle that receives cooled pressurized gas from the second pressurized gas cooler (3b) may be considered as the second vehicle. In other embodiments where the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) can supply cooled pressurized gas to the first vehicle (4a) and the second vehicle (4b), another vehicle that receives cooled pressurized gas from the second pressurized gas cooler may be considered as the third vehicle (4c).

[0061] A controller (CTRL) may be provided to help control the flow rate of a heat transfer fluid supplied to one or more pressurized gas coolers (3) for cooling the pressurized gas to a preset fuel supply temperature. The controller (CTRL) may have communication connections (CC) with valves, temperature sensors, pumps and other elements to provide such control for monitoring and / or managing the flow of the heat transfer fluid to the pressurized gas cooler(s).

[0062] For example, the controller (10) may be communicated to a pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor (Tx) for each pressurized gas cooler (3) 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 supplied from the temperature sensor (Tx) to the controller (CTRL) so that the controller can adjust the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid to the pressurized gas cooler(s) (3) based on the temperature data to help ensure that the cooled pressurized gas output from the pressurized gas cooler(s) (3) is output at an appropriate temperature (e.g., a preset fuel supply temperature).

[0063] For example, in response to detecting that the temperature of the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) exceeds a preset threshold based on temperature data received from a temperature sensor (Tx), the controller (10) may communicate with a heat transfer fluid pump (8) and / or at least one valve (V) connected to the heat transfer pump output conduit (8o) to adjust the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid to the pressurized gas cooler(s) for additional cooling of the pressurized gas. For example, the first valve (V1) connected to the first heat transfer fluid supply conduit (3fa) may be further opened or adjusted from a closed position to an open position to increase the supply of the heat transfer fluid or the speed of the heat transfer fluid supplied to the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) to provide additional cooling to the pressurized gas to cool the gas to a preset fuel supply temperature.

[0064] 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 preset threshold, the controller (CTRL) may communicate with a heat transfer fluid pump (8) and / or at least one valve (V) connected to the heat transfer pump output conduit (8o) to adjust the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid to the pressurized gas cooler(s) for additional cooling of the pressurized gas. For example, the 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 to increase the supply of the heat transfer fluid or the speed of the heat transfer fluid supplied to the second pressurized gas cooler (3b) to provide additional cooling to the pressurized gas to cool the gas to a preset fuel supply temperature.

[0065] Additionally, the controller (CTRL) may communicate with the heat transfer fluid cooler supply conduit (15f) and / or the valve (V) of the refrigerant pump (11) to adjust the operation of the heat transfer fluid cooler (15) for additional cooling of the heat transfer fluid stored in the heat transfer fluid storage unit (9). The controller (CTRL) may 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) to provide increased cooling when the heat transfer fluid temperature exceeds a preset high threshold and reduced cooling when the heat transfer fluid temperature is below a preset low threshold. The preset low and high thresholds may define tolerances for the range of appropriate heat transfer fluid temperatures for a desired preset temperature of the heat transfer fluid for cooling the pressurized gas.

[0066] Adjustments in cooling may include adjustments in the position of the expansion valve (V) of the heat transfer fluid cooler supply conduit (15f), adjustments in 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.

[0067] The controller (CTRL) can be adapted to account for pressurized gas fuel supply temperatures more quickly and easily through the use of a central heat transfer fluid array to provide heat transfer fluid for cooling the pressurized gas. Ultimately, the use of a refrigerant through a heat sink source (14) and a refrigerant to absorb heat from the pressurized gas from the heat transfer fluid for cooling the pressurized gas can allow for simpler control criteria that can adapt more quickly to temperature differences that may occur during operation. Additionally, the use of a central heat transfer fluid storage unit (9) can allow for improved control of the temperature of the pressurized gas coolant used to cool the pressurized gas. The embodiments can also provide improved operational flexibility by allowing other sources of the heat sink to be utilized in a manner that allows for extensive flexibility in operation and design for providing the cooling of the pressurized gas, while maintaining the ultimate control of the pressurized gas fuel supply temperature as a simpler process that can focus more on one or a few process variables.

[0068] Exemplary embodiments of the device (1) for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply, as illustrated in FIG. 1, can be better understood from FIG. 2 through FIG. 4. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the device (1) may include a first pressurized gas cooler (3a) comprising a pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor (Tx) that is communicationally connected to a controller (CTRL). A pressurized gas storage unit or compressor (pressurized gas (2)) may supply pressurized gas (2), including hydrogen or natural gas, to the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) through a first output conduit (2a) connected between the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) and the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor. The pressurized gas is cooled to a preset fuel supply temperature through the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) and may be output through the first pressurized gas cooler output conduit (3o). The first pressurized gas cooler output conduit (3o) may be connected to the first supply conduit (4f) to supply a first portion of the cooled pressurized gas to the first vehicle (4a). This first portion of the cooled pressurized gas supplied to the first vehicle (4a) may be the entire cooled pressurized gas.

[0069] Cooling of the pressurized gas through the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) can be provided to the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) via a heat transfer fluid supplied from the heat transfer fluid storage unit (9) through 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) may be placed between the heat transfer fluid storage unit (9) and the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) to help supply the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler (3a). The heat transfer fluid may be at a desired preset heat transfer fluid temperature to be supplied to the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) to cool the pressurized gas to a preset fuel supply temperature.

[0070] The heated heat transfer fluid, which has cooled the pressurized gas, can be discharged through 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) to be supplied back to the heat transfer fluid storage unit (9). The heat transfer fluid can undergo cooling so that the heat transfer fluid discharged to be supplied to the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) is at a desired temperature to cool the pressurized gas to a preset fuel supply temperature.

[0071] For example, the heat transfer fluid may be output from the heat transfer storage unit (9) to be supplied to a heat transfer fluid cooler (15) for maintaining the temperature of the stored heat transfer fluid at a desired temperature or within a desired temperature range. The heat transfer fluid is supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler (15) through 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 therein, and then output to be supplied back to the heat transfer unit (9) through a cooled 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 a pressurized gas cooler (3) at a desired preset temperature.

[0072] As discussed above, cooling of the heat transfer fluid is provided through a refrigerant that can be cooled to a predetermined refrigerant temperature for cooling the heat transfer fluid, and then supplied to a heat transfer fluid cooler (15) to cool the heat transfer fluid. Cooling of the refrigerant can also be provided through an expansion valve (V) that can be connected to a heat transfer fluid cooler supply conduit (15f) positioned between the refrigerant cooler (12) and the heat transfer fluid cooler (15) (e.g., the expansion valve (V) can be integrated into this conduit). Cooling of the refrigerant can be provided through 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 to absorb the heat of the pressurized gas that is cooled through the heat transfer fluid in the first pressurized gas cooler (3a).

[0073] The controller (10) may 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 the heat transfer fluid supplied to the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) or output from the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) based on the temperature of the pressurized gas in the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) or detected through the pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor (Tx) of the first pressurized gas cooler (3a). The controller (CTRL) may also be communicated to the heat transfer fluid temperature sensor (Thtf) to receive data identifying the temperature of the heat transfer fluid stored in the heat transfer storage unit (9) and / or output from the heat transfer cooler (15) to adjust the operation of the heat transfer fluid cooler (15) and / or the refrigerant cooling circuit connected to the heat transfer fluid cooler (15) to supply a refrigerant to the heat transfer cooler (15) for cooling the heat transfer fluid. A controller (CTRL) may be communicated to an expansion valve (V) and / or a refrigerant pump (11) of a heat transfer fluid cooler supply conduit (15f) to adjust the temperature and / or flow of the refrigerant supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler supply conduit (15f) to cool the heat transfer fluid supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler (15), for example.

[0074] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment similar to FIG. 2. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) provides cooled pressurized gas to a plurality of vehicles (4), including a first vehicle (4a) and a second vehicle (4b), through individual first and second supply conduits (4f and 4g) connected to the first pressurized gas cooler output conduit (3o). In the embodiment of FIG. 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 fuel supply to 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 fuel supply to the second vehicle (4b).

[0075] The controller (CTRL), refrigerant loop, and heat transfer loop of the device (1) for cooling the pressurized gas for fuel supply may be arranged and configured similarly to the embodiment of FIG. 2. For example, the controller may 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 preset low temperature threshold and / or exceeds a preset high temperature threshold. Additionally, the operation of the refrigerant cooling circuit and / or the expansion valve (V) of the heat transfer fluid cooler (15) and / or 15f may be adjusted based on the temperature of the heat transfer fluid detected through 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 expansion valve position may be further opened to provide additional cooling if the heat transfer fluid is too warm (e.g., exceeding a preset high temperature threshold for the heat transfer fluid) or adjusted to provide less expansion if the heat transfer fluid is too cold (e.g., below a preset low temperature threshold for the heat transfer fluid). Alternatively, the refrigerant fluid flow rate may be increased when the heat transfer fluid is too warm (e.g., exceeding a preset high temperature threshold for the heat transfer fluid) or decreased when the heat transfer fluid is too cold (e.g., below a preset low temperature threshold for the heat transfer fluid). Such flow rate adjustments may be provided through adjustment of the valve and / or adjustment of the speed of the refrigerant pump (11).

[0076] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a first representative embodiment of a device for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply, which may utilize a plurality of pressurized gas coolers (3) for cooling pressurized gas to be supplied to individual vehicles. The plurality of pressurized gas coolers (3) includes a first pressurized gas cooler (3a) and a second pressurized gas cooler (3b). Each pressurized gas cooler (3) may be arranged and configured to cool pressurized gas to supply the cooled pressurized gas from one or more dischargers to one or more vehicles (4).

[0077] For example, the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) may include a pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor (Tx) that is communicated to a controller (CTRL). A pressurized gas storage unit or compressor (pressurized gas) may supply pressurized gas (2), including hydrogen or natural gas, to the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) through a first output conduit (2a) connected between the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) and the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor. The pressurized gas is cooled to a preset fuel supply temperature through the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) and may be output through 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) to supply a first portion of the cooled pressurized gas to the 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.

[0078] The second pressurized gas cooler (3b) includes a pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor (Tx) that is communicationally connected to a controller (CTRL). A pressurized gas storage unit or compressor (pressurized gas) may supply pressurized gas (2), including hydrogen or natural gas, to the second pressurized gas cooler (3b) through 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 preset fuel supply temperature through the second pressurized gas cooler (3b) and may be output through 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 may be considered as one or more second vehicles.

[0079] The cooling medium supplied to the first and second pressurized gas coolers (3a and 3b) to cool the supplied pressurized gas may come 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) may be supplied to the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) to function as a cooling medium for cooling the pressurized gas through 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) may 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 through a second output conduit (2b). A second portion of the heat transfer fluid can be supplied to the second pressurized gas cooler (3b) through a second heat transfer fluid supply conduit (3fb) connected between the heat transfer fluid storage unit (9) and the second pressurized gas cooler (3b).

[0080] The heated heat transfer fluid may be output from each of the pressurized gas coolers (3) to be supplied to the heat transfer fluid storage unit (9). For example, the heated heat transfer fluid output from the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) may be supplied to the heat transfer fluid storage unit (9) through 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) may be supplied to the heat transfer fluid storage unit (9) through 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) may be interconnected between the heat transfer fluid storage unit (9) and the pressurized gas coolers (3) to combine heated heat transfer fluids from different pressurized gas cooler devices (3) before supplying fluid to the heat transfer fluid storage unit (9), or they may be entirely separate conduit arrangements based on the design criteria of the device and other design considerations.

[0081] 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). Adjustment in the positioning of the first valve (V1) and the second valve (V2) may adjust the flow rate of the heat transfer fluid supplied to the 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 embodiments, the first valve (V1) and the second valve (V2) may have a number of different open positions between a fully open position and a closed position. The valves (V) may be communicated to a controller (CTRL) so that the controller can communicate with the valves to drive the adjustment of the positions of the valves (V) based on temperature data from the temperature sensors (Tx) of the first and second pressurized gas coolers (3a and 3b).

[0082] For example, the controller (CTRL) receives temperature data from the pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor (Tx) of the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) and can adjust the flow of heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) based on whether the temperature is below a preset low temperature threshold and / or exceeds a preset high temperature threshold. This adjustment can be provided by adjusting the position of the first valve (V1) and / or the speed of the heat transfer fluid pump (8) as discussed above. Additionally, the controller (CTRL) receives temperature data from the pressurized gas cooler temperature sensor (Tx) of the second pressurized gas cooler (3b) and can adjust the flow of heat transfer fluid to the second pressurized gas cooler (3b) based on whether the temperature is below a preset low temperature threshold and / or exceeds a preset high temperature threshold. This adjustment can be provided by adjusting the position of the second valve (V2) and / or the speed of the heat transfer fluid pump (8) as discussed above.

[0083] The controller (CTRL), refrigerant loop, and heat transfer loop of the device (1) for cooling the pressurized gas for fuel supply may be arranged and configured similarly to the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3. For example, the controller (CTRL) receives 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 may 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 temperatures are below a preset low temperature threshold and / or exceed a preset high temperature threshold. Additionally, the operation of the expansion valve (V) of the refrigerant cooling circuit and / or the heat transfer fluid cooler (15) and / or 15f may be adjusted based on the temperature of the heat transfer fluid detected through the temperature data of the heat transfer fluid temperature sensor (Thtf) and / or the temperature data of the pressurized gas cooler temperature sensors (Tx). For example, the expansion valve position for the refrigerant cooling circuit may be further opened to provide additional cooling when the heat transfer fluid is too warm (e.g., exceeding a preset high temperature threshold for the heat transfer fluid) or adjusted to provide less expansion when the heat transfer fluid is too cold (e.g., below a preset low temperature threshold for the heat transfer fluid). Alternatively, the refrigerant fluid flow rate may be increased when the heat transfer fluid is too warm (e.g., exceeding a preset high temperature threshold for the heat transfer fluid) or decreased when the heat transfer fluid is too cold (e.g., below a preset low temperature threshold for the heat transfer fluid). Such flow rate adjustments may be provided through adjustment of the valve and / or adjustment of the speed of the refrigerant pump (11).

[0084] Referring to FIG. 7, embodiments of the device (1) for cooling the pressurized gas for fuel supply may be arranged so as not to require a refrigerant circuit for cooling the heat transfer fluid. Instead, a heat sink fluid may be used to more directly absorb the heat of the heat transfer fluid obtained from the pressurized process gas. For example, a heat transfer fluid cooler (15) may receive fluid directly from the heat sink source (14) through a heat sink source supply conduit (13f) connected between the heat sink source (14) and the heat transfer fluid cooler (15) to cool the heat transfer fluid. The heated heat sink fluid, having absorbed heat from the heat transfer fluid, may be output through a heat sink fluid output conduit (13o) connected to the heat transfer fluid cooler (15). The heat sink fluid output conduit (13o) may route the heated heat sink fluid to another process unit, back to the heat sink source (14), or discharge it, as may be required for a specific set of design criteria.

[0085] These embodiments may also include an expansion valve (V) in the heat sink source supply conduit (13f) to expand and further cool the heat sink fluid before it is optionally supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler (15). A controller (CTRL) may be connected to the expansion valve (V) to adjust its position based on the temperature of the heat transfer fluid detected by the heat transfer fluid temperature sensor (Thtf) as discussed above when the expansion valve (V) is used.

[0086] Some embodiments may be configured such that the fuel supplied to the vehicle includes another pressurized gas from another source in addition to the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor. For example, a flow of bypass fluid (BF) (shown as a dashed line in FIG. 1 and FIG. 7) may 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 an appropriate fuel supply pressure and temperature to be supplied to the vehicle. The use of such bypass fluid (BF) may help reduce the cooling requirements for the pressurized gas (2) from the pressurized gas storage unit or compressor.

[0087] As can be best understood from FIG. 6, a controller (10) (CTRL) that can be used in embodiments of a device (1) for cooling a pressurized gas for fuel supply may be a computer device (CD). The controller may include a processor (10a) (processor) connected to a non-transient memory (10b) (memory) that stores one or more applications (apps) on it and stores a number of data stores (DS). The controller may also include one or more interfaces (10c) (interfaces). Each interface (10c) may include a transceiver for communication connections with 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(s) (Thx) and / or heat transfer fluid temperature sensor (Thtf), etc.), one or more other computer devices (CD), and / or one or more valves (V). The transceiver(s) of the interface (10c) may include at least one short-range network connection transceiver, at least one wide-range network connection transceiver, and / or at least one short-range communication transceiver. The transceivers may be configured for communications that can be made possible through wireless communication and / or hard-wired communication connections.

[0088] It should be understood that at least some communication connections may utilize other elements for the communication connection. For example, some wireless communication connections may involve the use of access points, routers, or intermediate nodes.

[0089] Examples of input devices (10id) that can be connected to the controller (10) may include buttons, a keypad, a keyboard, a stylus, a microphone, or a touch screen. Examples of output devices (10od) that can be connected to the controller (10) may include a display, a printer, and / or a speaker. For example, the controller (10) may be configured to exemplify a graphical user interface (GUI) on a display to enable a user to provide input to the controller (10) for use of input provided by user interaction with the GUI through a touch screen display, a pointer device, and / or a keyboard.

[0090] In some embodiments, the controller (10) may be a controller capable of communicating with an operator device (21), which may be a computer device (CD) configured to drive an automatic process control system or other type of process control technique comprising various elements of the controller (10) and the device (1) to which the controller (10) is connected. The automatic process control system of the operator device (21) may, for example, help to supervise and / or monitor the operations of a fuel supply station and / or related operations.

[0091] Embodiments of our process for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply may be used in embodiments of our device (1) and / or embodiments of a pressurized gas fuel supply station (e.g., a hydrogen fuel supply station or a natural gas fuel supply station, etc.). Examples of such a process can be understood from the above as well as from the representative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5. For example, in the representative embodiment of our process illustrated in FIG. 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 predetermined discharge temperature for supplying to at least one vehicle fuel tank. Examples of such a first step (S1) can be understood from the above discussion of supplying the heat transfer fluid to a first pressurized gas cooler (3a) and / or a second pressurized gas cooler (3b).

[0092] In the second step (S2), cooled pressurized gas output from one or more pressurized gas cooling devices may be supplied to one or more vehicle fuel tanks at a preset discharge temperature. The preset discharge temperature may be a temperature provided based on a preset fuel supply temperature or a pressurized gas at a slightly warmer preset fuel supply temperature as it is supplied to at least one discharger to supply to one or more vehicle fuel tanks. Examples of such supply of cooled pressurized gas can be understood from the above discussion regarding the output of cooled pressurized gas from the first pressurized gas cooler (3a) and / or the second pressurized gas cooler (3b) to supply cooled pressurized gas to one or more vehicles (4).

[0093] In the third step (S3), the heated heat transfer fluid may be output from one or more pressurized gas cooling devices to a heat transfer fluid cooler to cool the heat transfer fluid to a predetermined heat transfer fluid supply temperature. For example, the heated heat transfer fluid may be output from one or more pressurized gas coolers (3) and supplied to a heat transfer fluid storage unit (9) to be cooled later through a heat transfer fluid cooler (15) to maintain the temperature of the heat transfer fluid at a desired heat transfer fluid supply temperature for later supplying the heat transfer fluid to one or more pressurized gas coolers (3) as discussed above.

[0094] Alternatively, the fluid from the heat sink source (14) may be supplied directly to the heat transfer cooler (15) to function as a cooling medium in the heat transfer cooler (15) to more directly cool the heat transfer fluid from the heat sink source (14) in the third stage (S3). In this arrangement, a refrigerant circuit including a refrigerant pump (11) and a refrigerant cooler (12) may not be used or required.

[0095] In the fourth step (S4), the refrigerant may be supplied to a 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 a refrigerant cooler (12) to be cooled through the heat sink fluid from the heat sink source (14) as discussed above. The refrigerant may also be further cooled through an expansion valve (V) as discussed above to return it to a desired refrigerant supply temperature for supplying to the heat transfer fluid cooler (15) to cool the heat transfer fluid. Examples of the processing of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit can be understood from the representative embodiment options discussed above for the first representative embodiment of the device (1) for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply.

[0096] In step 5 (S5), the flow of heat transfer fluid supplied to one or more pressurized gas cooling devices may be adjusted. Additionally, the flow of refrigerant to the heat transfer cooler (15) may be adjusted. These adjustments may 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 to be supplied to one or more vehicles (4). Examples of these types of adjustments are discussed above.

[0097] Embodiments of the process may also include other steps or features. For example, the process may include a 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 driving the adjustment of a heat transfer fluid pump 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 temperature data from one or more temperature sensors. As another example, the operation of a refrigerant pump (11) and / or expansion valve (V) may be adjusted via the controller (CTRL) based on such temperature data.

[0098] It should be understood that additional modifications or other modifications to the embodiments explicitly shown and discussed herein may be made to satisfy a specific set of design goals or a specific set of design criteria. For example, it should be understood that the heat sink source (14) (HS source) may be any of a number of different suitable 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 refrigerant and the type of heat transfer fluid used as the heat transfer fluid may be any of a number of suitable fluids. For example, the refrigerant in the refrigerant loop used to cool the heat transfer fluid through the fluid of the heat sink source (14) that has absorbed the heat of the heat transfer fluid absorbed by the refrigerant may include nitrogen, carbon dioxide, D-limonene, potassium formate solutions (e.g., FP40, etc.), or silicone polymer-based fluids (e.g., Syltherm XLT, etc.), or another suitable refrigerant. Preferably, the selected refrigerant may be cooled to a predetermined heat transfer fluid supply temperature that may be -20°C or less than -20°C (e.g., between -20°C and -70°C or between -20°C and -50°C, etc.) through 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, etc.), silicone polymer-based fluid (e.g., Syltherm XLT, etc.), R404a, R449a, R507a, or other suitable fluid.

[0099] Each pressurized gas cooler (3) may be any type of suitable heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the pressurized gas cooler (3) may be a diffusion coupled heat exchanger. Alternatively, the pressurized gas cooler(s) (3) may be countercurrent heat exchangers, tube and shell heat exchangers, plate-fin heat exchangers, or other types of suitable heat exchangers.

[0100] Additionally, 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 counter-flow heat exchanger, a parallel-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 counter-flow heat exchanger, a parallel-flow heat exchanger, a tube and shell heat exchanger, a plate-fin heat exchanger, a mechanical chiller, an absorption chiller, or another suitable type of heat exchanger.

[0101] 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 communicated to a controller (CTRL) for adjusting the operation to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant and / or heat transfer fluid as discussed above.

[0102] A pressurized gas storage unit capable of providing pressurized gas (2) can store gas at a rising pressure (e.g., a pressure greater than 1 atm). The stored pressure may be any suitable pressure for said particular gas to be supplied to a vehicle fuel tank in embodiments configured to use a pressurized gas storage unit for a source of pressurized gas (2).

[0103] The device (1) may also include a discharger having a hose and a nozzle for connecting to the vehicle fuel tank to supply pressurized gas to the vehicle fuel tank. The fuel supplied to the pressurized fuel tank may also include pressurized gas formed by vaporizing an ultra-low temperature liquid and then heating the gas so that the gas is at an appropriate pressure and temperature to be supplied to the discharger for fuel supply to the vehicle fuel tank. This type of supply may occur through a bypass arrangement so that it can occur continuously or simultaneously with the supply of pressurized gas after it is cooled through a pressurized gas cooler (3).

[0104] In some embodiments, it is considered that the heat transfer fluid may be cooled directly through the heat sink source fluid as discussed above with reference to the representative embodiment of FIG. 7. In these embodiments, a refrigerant cooler and a refrigerant pump may not be used. Instead, the heat sink source may supply fluid to the heat transfer cooler (15) to be used as a refrigerant to cool the heat transfer fluid in a more direct relationship.

[0105] As another example, the arrangement of valves, piping, and other conduit elements (e.g., conduit connection mechanisms, tubing, seals, valves, etc.) for interconnecting different units of a device for fluid communication of fluid flows between different elements (e.g., pumps, heat exchangers, compressors, storage vessels, etc.) may be arranged to meet a specific plant layout design that takes into account the available area of ​​the plant, the dimensions of the plant equipment, and other design considerations. As yet another example, the flow rate, pressure, and temperature of the fluid passing through various device or system elements may vary to account for different design configurations and other design criteria.

[0106] Embodiments of our processes, devices, and systems may each be configured to include process control elements arranged and configured to monitor and control operations (e.g., temperature and pressure sensors, flow sensors, an automatic process control system having at least one workstation including a processor, non-transient memory, and at least one transceiver for communication with sensor elements, valves, and controllers to provide a user interface for an automatic process control system that can be executed on a workstation and / or another computer device in the plant). It should also be understood that embodiments may utilize a distributed control system (DCS) for the implementation of one or more processes and / or control operations of the device.

[0107] As another example, it is considered that specific features described individually or as part of an embodiment may be combined with other individually described features or parts of other embodiments. The elements and operations of the various embodiments described herein may therefore be combined to provide additional embodiments. Accordingly, while specific representative embodiments of our processes, devices, systems, and methods for making and using them have been illustrated and described above, it will be clearly understood that the invention is not limited thereto and may be embodied and practiced in various ways within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A device for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply, comprising: a first pressurized gas cooler arranged to receive a first stream of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas storage unit or a compressor to cool the first stream of pressurized gas to a preset fuel supply temperature; the first pressurized gas cooler arranged to receive a first portion of heat transfer fluid from a heat transfer fluid storage unit to cool the first stream of pressurized gas; the first pressurized gas cooler connected to an output conduit to output the first stream of pressurized gas to at least one vehicle to supply fuel to at least one vehicle to at least one vehicle; the heat transfer fluid storage unit; a heat transfer fluid pump arranged 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 arranged to receive a heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit to cool the heat transfer fluid; and the heat transfer fluid arranged to receive a refrigerant as a cooling medium to cool the heat transfer fluid. A device comprising: a cooler; a refrigerant cooler arranged to receive a refrigerant output from a heat transfer fluid cooler as a heating refrigerant to cool a heating refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant cooler is also arranged to receive a heat sink fluid from a heat sink source as a cooling medium to cool the heating refrigerant; and an expansion valve arranged to receive the refrigerant to 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 arranged between the refrigerant cooler and the heat transfer fluid cooler. Claim 2 A device 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 to supply a first portion of the first stream of the pressurized gas to the first vehicle after the first stream of the pressurized gas is cooled to the preset fuel supply temperature. Claim 3 A device according to paragraph 2, wherein the at least one vehicle also includes a second vehicle, and the output conduit is connected to a second supply conduit to supply a second portion of the first stream of the pressurized gas to the second vehicle after the first stream of the pressurized gas has been cooled to the preset fuel supply temperature. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the apparatus comprises: a second pressurized gas cooler arranged to receive the second stream of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas storage unit or the compressor to cool the second stream of pressurized gas to the preset fuel supply temperature; the second pressurized gas cooler arranged to receive a second portion of heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit to cool the second stream of pressurized gas; and the second pressurized gas cooler connected to an output conduit to output the second stream of pressurized gas to the preset fuel supply temperature for supplying to the at least one third vehicle for fuel supply to at least one third vehicle. Claim 5 In paragraph 2, the apparatus comprises: a second pressurized gas cooler arranged to receive the second stream of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas storage unit or the compressor to cool the second stream of pressurized gas to the preset fuel supply temperature; the second pressurized gas cooler arranged to receive a second portion of heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit to cool the second stream of pressurized gas; and the second pressurized gas cooler connected to an output conduit to output the second stream of pressurized gas to the preset fuel supply temperature for supplying to the at least one second vehicle for fuel supply to at least one second vehicle. Claim 6 An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: a heat transfer fluid cooler arranged to receive a heat transfer fluid from a heat transfer fluid storage unit to cool the heat transfer fluid; and the heat transfer fluid cooler arranged to receive a heat sink fluid or a refrigerant from a heat sink source to cool the heat transfer fluid. Claim 7 An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: a heat transfer fluid cooler arranged to receive a heat transfer fluid from a heat transfer fluid storage unit to cool the heat transfer fluid; the heat transfer fluid cooler arranged to receive a refrigerant as a cooling medium to cool the heat transfer fluid; and an expansion valve arranged to receive the refrigerant to expand the refrigerant and reduce the temperature of the refrigerant before the refrigerant is supplied to the heat transfer fluid cooler. Claim 8 A process for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply, comprising: supplying a heat transfer fluid to at least one pressurized gas cooling device to cool the pressurized gas to a predetermined temperature for supplying to at least one vehicle fuel tank; outputting the heat transfer fluid from the at least one pressurized gas cooling device after the heat transfer fluid has been heated through the cooling of the pressurized gas, so as to supply the heat transfer fluid to a heat transfer fluid cooler for cooling the heat transfer fluid; and supplying a refrigerant or heat sink fluid to the heat transfer fluid cooler to cool the heat transfer fluid to a predetermined heat transfer fluid temperature. A process comprising: a step of 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 to supply to the at least one vehicle fuel tank; wherein the step of 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 to supply to the at least one vehicle fuel tank comprises: a step of 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; a step of 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 the at least one pressurized gas cooling device and temperature data from a heat transfer fluid temperature sensor, and a step of adjusting the position of an expansion valve for the expansion of the refrigerant and heat sink fluid. Claim 9 In claim 8, the step of supplying a heat transfer fluid to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device for cooling the pressurized gas to the preset temperature to supply to the at least one vehicle fuel tank comprises: the step of supplying a first portion of the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooling device of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device. Claim 10 In claim 9, the step of 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 to supply to the at least one vehicle fuel tank comprises: the step of adjusting the flow rate of the first portion of the heat transfer fluid based on temperature data from the temperature sensor of the first pressurized gas cooling device. Claim 11 In claim 10, the step of supplying the heat transfer fluid to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device for cooling the pressurized gas to the preset temperature to supply the at least one vehicle fuel tank also comprises: the step of 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. Claim 12 In claim 11, the step of adjusting the flow of a 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 to supply to the at least one vehicle fuel tank also includes: the step of adjusting the flow rate of a second portion of the heat transfer fluid based on temperature data from a temperature sensor of the second pressurized gas cooling device. Claim 13 A process according to claim 8, comprising the step of adjusting the flow rate of a refrigerant or heat sink fluid to a heat transfer fluid cooler based on temperature data from at least one temperature sensor of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device and temperature data from a heat transfer fluid temperature sensor. Claim 14 In claim 8, the step of supplying a heat transfer fluid to the at least one pressurized gas cooling device for cooling the pressurized gas to the preset temperature to supply the at least one vehicle fuel tank comprises: supplying a first portion of the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooling device of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device; and supplying a second portion of the heat transfer fluid to the second pressurized gas cooling device of the at least one pressurized gas cooling device, and the process also comprises: supplying a first stream of the pressurized gas to the first pressurized gas cooling device to cool the first stream of the pressurized gas to the preset temperature to supply the at least one first vehicle; and supplying a second stream of the pressurized gas to the second pressurized gas cooling device to cool the second stream of the pressurized gas to the preset temperature to supply the at least one second vehicle. Claim 15 A device for cooling pressurized gas for fuel supply, comprising: a first pressurized gas cooler arranged to receive a first stream of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas storage unit or a compressor to cool the first stream of pressurized gas to a preset fuel supply temperature; said first pressurized gas cooler arranged to receive a first portion of heat transfer fluid from a heat transfer fluid storage unit to cool the first stream of pressurized gas; said first pressurized gas cooler connected to an output conduit to output the first stream of pressurized gas to at least one first vehicle to supply fuel to at least one first vehicle; a controller having a processor connected to a non-transient memory, wherein the controller is communicately connected to a temperature sensor of said first pressurized gas cooler to receive temperature data from a temperature sensor to adjust the flow of the first portion of heat transfer fluid to said first pressurized gas cooler; and said second stream of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas storage unit or a compressor to cool the second stream of pressurized gas to a preset fuel supply temperature A second pressurized gas cooler arranged to receive; the second pressurized gas cooler arranged to receive a second portion of heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit for cooling a second stream of the pressurized gas; the second pressurized gas cooler connected to an output conduit to output a second stream of pressurized gas to supply to at least one second vehicle for fuel supply to at least one second vehicle at a preset fuel supply temperature; the controller communicately connected to the temperature sensor of the second pressurized gas cooler to receive temperature data from the temperature sensor 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;An apparatus comprising: a heat transfer fluid pump disposed between the heat transfer fluid storage unit and the first pressurized gas cooler to receive a heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit to supply a first portion of the heat transfer fluid to the first pressurized gas cooler and a second portion of the heat transfer fluid to the second pressurized gas cooler; a controller communicationly connected to the heat transfer fluid pump to adjust the operation of the heat transfer fluid pump; a heat transfer fluid cooler disposed to receive a heat transfer fluid from the heat transfer fluid storage unit to cool the heat transfer fluid; and the heat transfer fluid cooler disposed to receive a heat sink fluid or a refrigerant from a heat sink source to cool the heat transfer fluid. Claim 16 delete Claim 17 delete Claim 18 delete Claim 19 delete Claim 20 delete

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