MODULAR AND PORTABLE COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS SERVICE STATION

Abstract

Methods and systems are provided for a modular compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling station. The modular CNG refueling station modules include a control station skid, an interface module, and a compressor skid. The compressor skid includes a refueling station for a compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle. Each of the modular CNG refueling station modules is configured as a fully wired, plug-and-play station module. The control station module, interface module, and compressor module are each pre-installed with electrical connections to allow the CNG station to be portable and easily installed above ground at a utility site.

Description

MODULAR AND PORTABLE COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS SERVICE STATION nccfr Ln / zznz / E / YiAi Field of Invention The present invention relates to a compressed natural gas service station. Background of the Invention Conventional compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling stations for vehicles and CNG tanks require a separate on-site installation and custom underground wiring to operate. The compressor, truss lighting, heaters, and other devices and systems for CNG refueling stations require additional amperage to power the equipment. This necessitates custom electrical wiring in the ground to separate the on-site power sources for operating the higher-voltage devices. In conventional compressor systems for CNG stations, the compressor I / O boards are mounted on the back of a controller, which is housed in a separate location from the compressors. Consequently, the signal and electronic wiring for each compressor connects to the compressor I / O boards mounted on the back of the controller. Therefore, in a conventional compressor installation, this can require up to 7 or 8 conduits. Ref. 340178 electrical per compressor and 20 or more electrical conduits in total, distributed throughout the installation up to the controller, more than 1.6 kilometers (one mile) of wiring. In summary, conventional CNG refueling stations are built as permanent installations on-site. The structures, systems, and electronics are custom-built and installed as a permanent station. There has been no concept of a portable, all-in-one, plug-and-play CNG refueling station. Brief Description of the Invention System embodiments and methods for a modular and portable CNG refueling station are described. In one embodiment, the modular compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling station comprises a compressor module configured to house a CNG compressor unit for the CNG refueling station. The compressor module includes a compressor module connection interface component. The CNG refueling station also includes a control module comprising a control module connection interface component. The CNG refueling station further includes an interface module comprising electrical conduits that connect the compressor module connection interface component to the control module connection interface component to operationally connect the compressor module to the control module.The CNG refueling station also includes a refueling station module comprising a general-purpose gas inlet operationally connected to the compressor module. The CNG refueling station also includes a priority panel configured to control the flow of compressed natural gas to the refueling station module. The CNG refueling station module includes fuel inlets and outlets that can be connected to either side of the CNG station. The modular CNG refueling station is configured with pre-installed valves and electrical conduits. The control module's connection interface, the interface module, and the compressor module's connection interface are configured for above-ground installation and connection. The interface module includes an electrically isolated housing that encloses the electrical conduits connecting the compressor module's connection interface component to the control module's connection interface. The housing is adapted and safety-rated to allow the electrical conduits to operate above ground. When the control module is connected to a power source and the service station module is connected to a CNG fuel source, the station is fully operational. The CNG station includes a housing with an open floor plan and electrical conduits in a basement. The compressor module housing is configured to improve cooling and heating while preventing water ingress. The CNG station also includes modular and removable compressor units. Each compressor and its electrical and plumbing components are configured to be installed and removed as a single module, and each compressor can operate independently. This allows for easy compressor installation and removal, as well as easy maintenance. Remote I / O, transducers, and digital relay outputs are controlled by intelligent block compressor I / O boards. These compressor boards are mounted on the compressor panel within the compressor module. Consequently, only a single control signal line needs to be run from a controller in the control module to the compressor boards. The control station module is configured with a transformer set up to provide a plurality of different voltages from a power source to devices powered differently from the modular CNG refueling station. In one configuration, the service station module is configured to provide fuel unloading for CNG vehicles. The compressor module may include a fuel unloading priority panel configured to unload a CNG vehicle. The fuel unloading priority panel is also configured to store unloaded gas in fuel unloading storage tanks, which can then be used to refuel or refuel CNG vehicles and containers. In one configuration, the fuel unloading priority panel can direct the unloaded gas to fuel other CNG vehicles at the panel's refueling and unloading site. The storage tanks can be provided directly in the compressor module of the service station module. Brief Description of the Figures The modalities are illustrated in the attached figures, which are intended to be exemplary and not limiting, and in which similar references are intended to refer to similar or corresponding things. Figures 1A-1C show one modality of a modular CNG station. Figure 2A illustrates a side view of the control station module and interface module of Figures 1A1B. Figure 2B shows a close-up cross-section of Figure 2A. Figure 2C shows a rear side view of the control station module. Figures 3A-3B show plan views of the control station module. Figures 4A-4C show one modality of a wiring diagram for a control module control panel and interfaces with a compressor module control board. Figures 5A-5C show a plan view from below and a cross-section of the control station module and the compressor module. Figures 6A-6B show an exterior side view of the compressor module of Figures 1A-1B. Figure 6C shows a top plan view in cutaway of the compressor module of Figure IC. Figures 7A-7B show wiring diagrams for a compressor module. Figures 8A-8C show views of the service station module from Figures 1A-1B. Figures 9A-9C show valves and gas flow for a service station module. Detailed Description of the Invention Several modalities will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, which form part of this document and illustrate specific ways in which the innovations described herein can be implemented. However, the modalities can be implemented in many different ways and should not be interpreted as limited to the modalities summarized herein; rather, these modalities are provided to make this description comprehensive and complete and to fully convey the scope of the modalities to those experienced in the technique. The following detailed description should therefore not be taken in a restrictive sense. Throughout the description and claims, the following terms have the meanings explicitly associated with them herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "as herein" refers to the description, claims, and figures associated with this application. The phrase "in one modality as used herein" does not necessarily refer to the same modality, although it may. Likewise, the phrase "in another modality as used herein" does not necessarily refer to a different modality, although it may. Therefore, as described below, several modalities may easily be combined without departing from the scope or spirit of the description. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "or" is an inclusive "or" operator and is equivalent to "and" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "based on" is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional, undescribed factors, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Additionally, throughout this description, the meanings of "a," "an," and "the" include plural references. The modalities described herein provide a system, devices, and methods for a modular CNG service station. Figures 1A-1C show one embodiment of a modular CNG station 100. Figures 1A-1B show, respectively, a three-quarter perspective view and a side view of the CNG station 100. Figure 1C shows a top plan view in cross-section of the CNG station 100. The modular CNG station 100 comprises a control station module 101, an interface module 124, a compressor module 120, and a service station module 110. Each of the CNG station 100 modules is mounted on a platform 108, which allows the CNG station 100 to be easily placed on a site or lot designated for CNG stations. The CNG Station 100 is configured with a length, height, and weight that allow it to be easily moved and transported on a standard semi-trailer truck or transport truck without requiring special permits. For example, in this configuration, the CNG Station weighs approximately 19,505 kg (43,000 lbs), the Compressor Module 120 weighs approximately 14,968 kg (33,000 lbs), and the Control Station Module 101 weighs approximately 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs). The CNG Station 100 is also equipped with components to facilitate lifting and positioning, such as a 3-meter (10-foot) spreader bar and lifting lugs 111. Figure 2A illustrates a side view of the control station module 101 and interface module 124 from Figures 1A-1B. Figure 2B shows a close-up cutaway section of Figure 2A, and Figure 2C shows a rear side view of the control station module 110. The control station module 110 comprises a control room 109, a power supply 107, and lifts 125 on each side below the bottom of the control room 109. The lifts 125 are mounted on the platform 108. The lifts 125 include lifting lugs 111 at each corner of the control station module to allow a crane or other lifting mechanism to easily lift and place the control module onto the platform 108 or onto a truck. The control station module 101 includes grounding components 104 for securing the control station module 110 to the platform 108.In one configuration, the control station module 101 includes four grounding components 104, one in each corner of its underside. The power supply 107 includes a connection area 113 for connecting power to a utility station and is configured for 480 volts / 600 amps. The power supply 107 can be configured as a manual transfer switch, for example, to switch from utility power to generator power. The power supply 107 in the control station module 101 powers the CFS station 100 and external devices. In one configuration, the modular CNG station 100 can also operate from a generator. The exterior of the control room 109 includes external connectors 144 for connecting to external devices. These external connectors 144 include receptacles 102 for conduit to site heaters, such as armor block heaters, and receptacles 103 for lighting, such as armor lighting. The external connectors 144 of the control room 109 also include receptacles 105 for DCI communication connections and receptacles 106 for ESD circuits. The control station module 101 is thus provided with external connectors 144 for powering external devices for the CNG station 100 environment, such as lighting and heating. The control station module 101 also includes an antenna 112 for wireless communication with the compressor module 120. Figures 3A-3B show plan views of control station module 101. Control station module 101 nccfr Ln / zznz / E / YiAi comprises a high-voltage control power panel 190, shown as a 480 V control power panel 190. A key advantage of CNG station 100 is that control station module 101 is configured to add 200 amps of additional power to supply, among other things, external devices such as lighting structures and area heaters for the CNG station site 100, as described above. The site's power requirements are comparable to those of the stationary lighting structures at a conventional, permanent CNG refueling station. To explain, lighting and truss systems typically require additional amperage to power the devices.As described herein, the control station module system 101 adds additional amperage to the control room 109. Therefore, the modular CNG station 100 can be installed without the need to run electrical cables in the ground. The modular CNG station 100 is thus made portable and does not require permanent construction or distributed electrical installations in the ground. As explained herein, the modular CNG station 100 can be placed on an empty site at the utility company, such as a parking lot, to provide a fully functional refueling station for vehicles, complete with external lighting and heating. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 3B, the control room 109 of the control station module 101 is designed with at least minimum clearances to meet code standards for an electrical control room 109. For example, control room 109 may have a footprint of 2.4 meters (8 feet) x 3.7 meters (12 feet) and is therefore portable and meets NEC code standards. Figures 4A-4C show one modality of a fully wired plug-and-play wiring diagram for the portable CFS control module 180 control panel and interfaces with a compressor module 120 compressor board 150. Conventional systems would require a separate on-site installation and custom underground wiring to put a compressor into operation. The system presented here, however, provides pre-wired inputs for a 120-volt power supply 192, a compressor heater 137, a fuel discharge system heater 164, cooling compressor fans 134 136, a dryer 211, and compressors 136. By prefabricating the wiring from the control module to the interface module and, in turn, enclosing the wiring in the interface module 124 and in a subfloor 130 of the compressor module 120, the CFS is portable and requires no permanent installation. Figures 4A-4B show the power supply connections from switch 119 to the DCI control panel Ln / zznz / E / YiAi 180 and transformer 135. Transformer 135 is configured to boost the power by an additional 200 volts. This allows for lighting and heating of the fuel supply area for refueling and unloading. As shown in Figure 4A, the compressors 136, fans, and all high-load devices operate on 480 volts from switch 119 to compressors 136 and switch 125 to 145. Each compressor 136 has its own independent conduit, as each compressor 136 can operate independently of the other compressors when there are multiple compressors in compressor module 120. This voltage is reduced by transformer 135 to 200 volts at switches 143 for external devices such as frame lighting and block heaters.The system's electricity is then reduced again from transformer 135 to 120 volts at switch 142 for control panel 180, control room lighting 146, 120V low-voltage control 191, and other low-voltage controls and interfaces. Control panel 180 includes controls 181 and a control program to operate the CFS station's service station module 110, compressor module 120, heaters, and fans from a master controller and three sub-controllers. Control station module 101 is configured to operate the compressor and fuel supply functions (Ln / zznz / E / YiAi). As shown in Figures 4B-4C, the 480V 190V power panel is wired for quick connection to external outlets of a connection interface 140 on control room 109 of control station module 101. On connection interface 140, each compressor has its own independent conduit plug 204, which is configured for quick connection to compressor module 120. In one configuration, as shown in Figure 4B, the 480V 190V power control is wired to compressor plugs 204 of control station module 101.Power voltage 480V is also provided to external connections of interface 140, including fan output 134, fuel heater output 194, compressor module heater output 196, motor output 198, 120V power output 192, and dryer output 202. Lower voltage lines are provided from control station module 101 to the external outputs of interface 140 for device controls such as control room lighting, CSCAN 187, and CAT5 186. As shown in Figures 3A-3B, the external outputs of interface 140 allow for easy connection to interface module 124. The connections are plug-and-play. Figure 4C shows the interface connections for connecting control station module 101 to a compressor I / O board 150 for compressor module 120. Remote I / O, all transducers, and digital outputs to relays are controlled by the intelligent block compressor I / O boards 150. Lower voltage conduits are provided from control station module 101 to compressor module 120 via low-voltage device control 191, such as control room lighting, CSCAN 187, and CAT5 186. In one configuration, as shown in Figure 4C, 480-volt power control 190 is wired from the compressor plugs 204 of interface 140 on control station module 101 to the compressor boards 150 of compressor module 120. The compressor boards 150 for each compressor 136 are mounted on a compressor panel in compressor module 120.Consequently, only a single control operation (CSCAN) from controller 181 to the intelligent block of the I / O compressor board 150 needs to be executed. As shown in Figures 5A-5C, in one configuration, the control station module 101, interface module 124, and compressor module 120 are each pre-installed with electrical connections to enable the CFS 100 station to be portable and easily installed at a utility company site. The conduit cables, as shown, are pre-installed in a sub-floor 130 of the compressor module 120 to allow the interface module 124 to easily connect the control station module 101 to the compressor module 120 via the interface module 124. The interface module 124 cables and enclosure are pre-configured and safety-rated as a plug-and-play component of the CNG 100 station. Figures 5A-5C show a bottom plan view, including a cutaway showing the electrical conduits in a subfloor 149 of control station module 101 and a subfloor 130 of compressor module 120. As shown in Figure 5B, control station module 101 includes a subfloor 149 containing the connecting conduits that connect via a connecting interface 140 to the interface module 124. Control station module 101 also includes external connections 144 for electrical wiring to receptacles 105 on the outside of control room 109 for operating external devices such as truss lighting and a site heater. Interface module 124 encloses connecting cables that are pre-wired to connect to connection interface 140 of control station module 101 and connection interface 155 of compressor module 120. Interface module 124 comprises a plurality of flexible cables housed within the module's enclosure. For example, in one embodiment, interface module 124 may have 10 flexible Meltric connectors (not shown), which can be connected to the external connections of connection interface 140 of the control station module and the external connections of connection interface 155 of compressor module 120 in as little as 30 minutes. As explained herein, interface module 124 is configured for installation on platform 108 above ground. In one embodiment, Figures 6A-6B show an exterior side view of a compressor module 120. Figure 6C shows a top plan view in section of the compressor module 120. The compressor module 120 includes a housing 133 configured to accommodate a plurality of compressors 136. The compressor module 120 includes larger 114 cm (45 in.) doors 129 at each compressor station for adding and removing compressors. By this means, the compressor module 120 is configured so that compressors 136 can be added at scale to power additional vehicles or fleets. Thus, for example, a compressor module 120 as shown can have from 1 to 3 compressors 136. The compressor module 120 is installed on lifts 125. The lifts 125 can be sized to allow easy access through the service doors, which are shown as 81 cm (32 in.) service doors.The control station module 101 includes a grounding component 115 for fixing the compression module 120 to the platform 108. In one embodiment, the control station module 101 includes 4 grounding components 115 at each corner of the bottom of the compressor module 120. The compressor module 120 of the portable CNG station 100 includes an open floor plan with ductwork in a subfloor 130 and removable compressor units 136. As shown in Figure 6B, the compressor module 120 is configured with service walkways 139 to allow service technicians easy access to the compressors 136. The compressors 136 are mounted on a single frame 131 and suspended above the compressor control and piping components 136 (e.g., suspended approximately 1 meter (3 feet)). Notably, the compressor 136 and its electrical and plumbing components (e.g., regulator, ESD valve, receiver tanks, filtration) are supplied together as a modular compressor unit 138, unlike conventional systems where the compressor 136 and the electrical and plumbing components are distributed separately in the installation.Each compressor unit 138 can be easily installed or removed, and each compressor 136 can operate independently, as shown by the wiring diagrams in Figures 4A-5C. As shown in Figure 5C, the compressor units 138 can be installed via large doors 128 on the side of the compressor module housing 120. A key advantage of multiple individually independent compressors 136 is the ability to isolate the compressor units 138, thus enabling continuous operation if one compressor 136 fails or requires servicing. Consequently, the compressor module 120 and the compressor units 138 also feature a plug-and-play design, facilitating easy installation, removal, and maintenance of the compressors 136. As shown in Figures 5C-6A, the connection interface 155 of compressor module 120 is configured to connect the compressor ducts and other electrical conduits to the interface module 124. Again, the design of compressor module 120 is configured to allow plug-and-play operation for each of the compressors 136. As shown in Figure 5C, the electrical components of the compressor units 138 are connected to pre-installed ducts in the subfloor 130 of compressor module 120, which are in turn wired to the connection interface 155 of compressor module 120. As noted above, the interface module 124 comprises a plurality of flexible cables housed within the interface module 124 enclosure, which can be connected to the external connections of the control station module 140 connection interface and the external connections of the connection interface 155 of compressor module 120. just 30 minutes. nccfr in / zzh / E / yLi Figures 7A-7B show wiring diagrams for a compressor module 120. As shown in Figures 7A-7B, the compressor module 120 can be supplied with a heater 137 for cold-weather operation, as well as a series of exhaust fans 134. As described above, power is supplied to the compressor I / O boards 150 as described above with respect to Figures 4B-4C. As shown in Figure 7A, the compressor module 120 also includes a dryer 211 configured to ensure that there is no moisture in the mains gas. The compressor module also includes a glycol heater 164 for a fuel drain or discharge priority panel system. In one embodiment, the size of the compressor module 120 enclosure can be reduced by mounting the dryer 211 externally.The smaller enclosure, in turn, reduces the amount of heating and exhaust required, so the heater and fan sizes can also be reduced. In one configuration, the enclosure can be insulated to reduce noise and improve heating and cooling. Consequently, the enclosure of the 120 compressor module is configured to improve cooling, heating, and protection against water intrusion. The CNG station 100 also includes a service station module 110 and a priority panel 200. A priority panel is a valve and control system configured to directly fill a vehicle or fill multiple vehicles simultaneously, as well as to connect a dispenser to a utility natural gas supplier for public CNG vehicle refueling. In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 8A-9B, the service station 110 includes a fuel unloading priority panel 200, which is configured to unload, store, and supply fuel from unloaded CNG vehicles. In another embodiment (not shown), the service station does not include fuel unloading or emptying capabilities or storage tanks 201, but performs conventional priority panel fuel supply functions (e.g., time-based filling, direct filling). As shown in Figure 4B, the communication connection conduits run from the engine control power panel 190 of the control station module 101 to each compressor 136 via the connection interface 140, which includes control signal controls 187 from the control panel 180. As shown in Figure 7B, the compressor module 120 of the CNG station 100 comprises an I / O interconnection panel 185 for connecting the priority panel 200, the compressor I / O board 150, the compressors 136, the dryer 211, the control room lighting 146 and a light switch 147, the right ESD switch 148, and the left ESD switch 148. A compressor I / O board 150 is operated on the I / O interconnect panel 185 to control each compressor 136. To reduce wiring, the compressor I / O board 150 on the compressor module 120 is connected to the I / O interconnect panel 185 for communication with the control panel 180 (see Figure 4B). This provides an advantage over conventional permanent installations, where communications are wired from the compressor sensors to the control panel room, requiring communication wiring for each sensor. In one configuration, the I / O interconnect panel 185 is configured to centralize sensor signals from the compressors 136, lighting 146, dryer 211, priority panel 200, and ESD switches 148. The I / O controls 185 can communicate with the control panel 180 to allow for a reduction in conduit connections. As shown in Figures 7B and 4B, the wiring of the CFS station 100 is configured to connect CSCAN communication cables 186 and CAT-5 cables 187 to the interconnect panel 185, which in turn communicates with the compressors 136, priority panel 200, and low-voltage interfaces of the I / O compressor board 150. It will be appreciated that, in order to provide a CFS 185 remote control panel capable of powering vehicle fleets of 10-20 vehicles or more, conventionally, fixed connections between a 101 control module and a 120 compressor module would have required up to 7-8 conduits per compressor. The 185 I / O control panel reduces the number of conduits and wiring structures by more than 20, or over 1.6 kilometers (one mile) of cabling, enabling portability and simplified plug-and-play configuration for the CFS 100 station as described herein. As shown in Figure 8A, the service station module includes a main regulator 121, a manual valve 123, and an ESV safety valve 127. The service station module also includes an inlet connection 122 for accepting gas from the service station. In one configuration, the service station module 110 includes inlet connections 122 for accepting gas from the service station on each side of the module. Since the CNG station 100 is portable, having inlets 122 on each side of the service station module allows connection to the service station regardless of the location of the CNG station 100 relative to the service. If fuel offloading capability is included, the service station module 110 can also include fuel offloading storage tanks 201 for time-fill, direct-fill, and fuel offloading, and an intermediate storage tank 261. For example, as shown in Figure 8B, if fuel offloading capability is included, the station can include 10 storage tanks, where two tanks 261 can be used for time-fill or intermediate storage, and the remaining eight tanks 201 can be used for direct-fill storage. As will be seen, if fuel offloading capability is not provided, the service station module can be supplied without storage tanks, since the utility will provide the gas, and any excess gas can be vented, as is the case with conventional priority panels. As shown in Figure 8C, the service station module 110 is mounted on risers 126, which house a platform to provide connections to the compressor module 120. In one configuration, the service gas connection is installed 56 centimeters (22 inches) above the platform 108 for easy access. The service gas connectors 122 are pre-installed so that the service gas can be connected from either side of the service station module 110. The main regulator 121, safety ESV 127, and manual valve 123 are also pre-installed and do not need to be constructed on-site. Similarly, a dryer 211 is pre-installed and wired and does not need to be installed separately and permanently. In one configuration, the system may include simplified lockout labeling with valve locations, easily accessible purges, color-coded handles, and accessible drain valves. Figures 9A-9C show a valve and gas flow for a service station module 110 that includes a fuel discharge priority panel 200. The Fuel Discharge Priority panel is a valve panel 200 and an automated system for controlling gas flow via automatic valves, which can be controlled by control panel 180. The system comprises a plurality of CNG storage tanks 201 in an enclosed rack. In one embodiment, the system comprises dedicated fuel emptying storage tanks 201 for fuel emptying and dedicated intermediate storage vessels 261 for direct filling. The 200 fuel priority / discharge panel and the 110 service station module are configured to directly fill a vehicle, fill multiple vehicles simultaneously, and connect supply outlets 116, 117, and 118 for public vehicles loading and unloading fuel. Priority refueling determines which type of refueling should be performed: direct refueling or timed refueling. Direct refueling refers to dedicated refueling where a single vehicle or its fuel tanks are filled with higher priority. Timed filling refers to a regulated filling time where CNG is supplied to a fleet of vehicles over time (e.g., 30-40 trucks). In one configuration, the system is set up to draw service gas from a service station via a service gas line 215 and route the gas through a dryer 211 to an available compressor 136 on a compressed gas line 210. The supplied compressed gas is then filtered by a set of final discharge filters and sent to the priority panel 200 via a compressed gas line 210. The priority panel 200 then prioritizes the CNG for direct filling output 117 via a direct filling line 206 to directly fill a single vehicle or for timed filling output 118 via timed filling line 205 to fill multiple vehicles.As shown in Figure 9A, the direct fill line 206 to the direct fill outlet 117 and the time fill line 205 to the time fill outlet 118 are provided on each side of the service station module 110 to facilitate vehicle access to both sides of the CNG station 100. In one embodiment, the priority panel 200 can be configured to provide only direct fill and fill time and not provide fuel offloading capability. If fuel offloading capability is provided, the service station module 110 is configured with a fuel offloading inlet 116 to offload a CNG vehicle, compress the offloaded CNG, and store the compressed CNG in a fuel offloading storage tank 261. A fuel offloading priority panel and CNG flows are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 873,667 entitled "Defuel Priority Panel," filed July 12, 2019, all of which is incorporated herein by reference.As described herein, the Priority Panel 200 can be a standalone component; however, the Priority Panel 200 can also be configured to be incorporated into the existing Portable CFS Station 100 as described herein. A Fuel Offload Priority Panel 200 is configured to route the offloaded gas from a fuel offload vehicle via a fuel offload line 203 to a direct fuel filler vehicle or fuel fill-time vehicles. When the offload gas pressure equalizes in the system, the offload priority panel is configured to direct the offloaded gas to a compressor inlet 244 and the compressed gas line 210 to an available compressor 136 to compress the gas for a fuel supply vehicle or storage tank 201.The service station module 110 is also provided with a vent line 207 for venting CNG, for example, if the storage tanks are full and a vehicle ncpfr ίη / 77Π7 / E / YΙΛΙ is still unloading fuel or if the CNG needs to be vented for service. In one configuration, a CNG vehicle can be connected to a remotely mounted fuel discharge hose (not shown) that is connected to the Fuel Discharge / Priority panel via a fuel discharge input 116. In another configuration, once connected, the Fuel Discharge / Priority system can be fully automated. The system is configured with a fuel discharge line pressure transducer 321 that detects a pressure increase in the fuel discharge line 203. This pressure increase in the fuel discharge line 203 initiates a chain of events controlled by a PLC controller 180. First, controller 180 activates a heat exchange system 367 configured to prevent freezing during the fuel unloading or draining process. In one embodiment, the heat exchange system comprises one or more three-stage heat and pressure regulators. The heat exchange system 367 comprises a glycol pump 363 and a glycol heater 164. The glycol pump 363 draws glycol from a storage tank 366 through an in-line instantaneous heater 364. This glycol is instantly heated to 180 degrees. The heated glycol is first pushed through a high-pressure heat exchanger 365. This heat exchanger 365 is configured to preheat the incoming gas entering the valve panel, which enters the system at a pressure of up to 31 MPa (4500 psi), depending on the vehicle's pressure.After the heat exchanger 365, the gas travels through a fuel discharge valve 345 and a manifold 368 to corresponding glycol fuel discharge pressure regulators 328. A glycol outlet from the heat exchanger 365 feeds a manifold 168 which distributes glycol to the manifold comprising fuel discharge pressure regulators 328. The 328 pressure regulators are pre-configured to transfer fuel at a static rate and to apply heat to counteract freezing caused by pressure drop. For example, the pressure-reducing valves of the 328 fuel discharge pressure regulators can each depressurize fuel at a rate of 2.83 standard cubic meters per minute (100 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm)) and are individually heated by the glycol pump. The 328 fuel discharge pressure regulators lower the vehicle's fuel pressure to a set low pressure, for example, from 29 MPa (4200 psi) to 1.72–2.1 MPa (250–300 psi) to a manifold located inside the 366 glycol storage tank.As will be seen, while high and low tank pressures and fuel discharge pressures are given for exemplary CNG vehicle tanks and vehicles (e.g., 29 MPa to 1.72–2.1 MPa (4200 psi to 250–300 psi)), the fuel discharge pressure regulators can be configured to depressurize other higher and lower pressures. After the glycol is distributed to the fuel discharge pressure regulators 328, the glycol returns to the storage tank 366. The storage tank 366 also acts as the final heat exchanger for the discharge gas system. This is the final stage of heat exchange for the gas as it travels back from the panel and to the inlet of the general-purpose gas compressor 244 or the compressor(s) 136.Consequently, the glycol heat exchange system 367 is a loop system; therefore, the glycol can always be reused, reheated, and returned through the heat exchange process. As will be appreciated, the fuel drain or discharge pressure regulators 328 can be set to any low-pressure configuration to drain fuel from a high pressure to a low pressure. For example, the operation of a particular vehicle's tank may require 2.1 MPa (300 psi) to function, so the system is configured to regulate the pressure to 2.1 MPa (300 psi). Alternatively, the system can be set to 1.72 MPa (250 psi), for example, to achieve greater fuel efficiency or other benefits. As a result, the system is configured to discharge gas from a vehicle's tank into the service compressor inlet line 244 of the compressor(s) 136 so that it can be reused. A glycol suction hose 308 and pump 363 collect a cold glycol solution at the bottom of the tank and reheat it for further heat exchange during rapid depressurization. Although glycol is given here as the example heat exchange fluid, other fluids with antifreeze and heat exchange properties can be used in the heat exchange system 367. Furthermore, although the heat exchange system 367 is shown as a three-stage system, the heat exchange system could be configured with more or fewer stages—a one- or two-stage system, for example—by removing one or both of the preheater 365 and the heat exchanger 366 in the storage tank.Alternatively, another heat exchanger could be added, for example, to handle a larger pressure differential for a short period of time. During this time, the controller commands compressor 136 to start operating. If the compressor is already running, either during fill time or direct fill, the discharged gas is directed to meet existing demand. If there is no demand in the system, the compressor is commanded to start operating, and the gas from the fuel dumping vehicle is compressed into the onboard fuel dumping storage tank(s) 201. The compressors will continue operating until the fuel dumping vehicle reaches a user-set pressure, for example, 1.72 MPa–2.1 MPa (250 psi–300 psi). Controller 180 can be configured to automatically shut down the compressor if it is no longer needed. In one mode, the Priority / Fuel Offload panel system 200 is configured to depressurize the fuel stored by the system in the fuel offload storage tanks 201, referred to as depleted storage. Whenever there is a demand for fuel, the controller 180 can be configured to determine if fuel is available in fuel offload storage tank 201 first. For example, if the fill time is active and fuel offload storage tank 201 has fuel or is full of fuel, system 200 can be configured to use fuel from fuel offload storage tank 201 first. Therefore, the system can be configured so that storage tanks 201 are empty for the next vehicle to be offloaded.To accomplish this, whenever there is demand in the system and the fuel discharge storage tank 201 is full or contains fuel, a discharge valve 343 opens. This allows gas from the fuel discharge storage tank 201 to flow through the fuel discharge regulators 328 once again. This takes the high-pressure CNG from the fuel discharge storage tanks and regulates it to 1.7–2.1 MPa (250–300 psi) for reuse at the compressor inlet 244. A fuel discharge valve 345 then closes, and the gas returns along the same path in the opposite direction in the fuel discharge line 203, which takes vehicle gas discharged during a fuel discharge event (i.e., unloading fuel) from the fuel discharge storage tank(s) 201 for use by the fuel demand source. In one configuration, the system can be set up as an all-in-one system with either onboard or external remote storage. The fuel unloading station is designed to counteract the freezing effect of the exhaust gas and is used to unload the gas from the vehicle via a priority system on a direct, on-demand flow basis. Consequently, the Fuel Discharge Priority Panel 200 can be configured to prioritize the gas discharged from a vehicle or storage tank over the service gas. This provides significant advantages in both environmental safety and efficiency, as most of the discharged gas is not vented to the air or wasted, but rather stored and used as fuel. The provision of a Fuel Discharge Priority Panel 200 at a portable CNG station 100 allows for the immediate supply and installation of such capacity in a compact and unique space. It will be noted that the terms fuel, gas, natural gas, and CNG are used interchangeably herein. In one embodiment, the system includes a control panel 180 as shown in Figure 4A for the priority fuel discharge panel system 100 and the compressors 136. The control panel 180 includes a computer interface operatively connected to a processor and program memory that includes instructions for executing the logic program to control the devices and gas flows described herein. The embodiments described herein may be implemented using programmable digital computers. A computer device includes at least one central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor.In one embodiment, the system is configured to employ one or more programmable logic controllers (PLCs) 180 configured with multiple input / output arrangements hardwired to the priority discharge panel system 200 and the compressors 136 as described herein. For example, in one embodiment, the control panel 180 may include a Horner™ PLC and the Smart Block I / O interconnect panel 185 configured with analog and digital inputs and outputs. The PLC may be configured to operate with a power supply, for example, a 480V / 120V / 24V power supply, to power the CNG station 100 as described herein. The control logic for a control panel 180 is described in the Patent Application. U.S. Provisional No. 62 / 873, 667 entitled Defuel Priority 10 Panel, filed on July 12, 2019. The following reference numbers are used in the figures and descriptions herein: nccfr Ln / zznz / E / YiAi 301 Direct Fill Pressure Gauge 302 Time Fill Pressure Gauge 303 Temporary Storage Pressure Gauge 304 Truck Emptying Pressure Gauge 305 Fuel Emptying Upstream Pressure Gauge 306 Fuel Discharge Manifold Pressure Gauge 307 20 Gas Control Valve 308 Direct Fill Purge Valve 309 Time Fill Purge Valve 310 Storage Purge Valve 311 Temporary Storage Purge Valve 312 25 Vehicle Fuel Purge Valve 313 Upstream discharge purge valve 314 Fuel Discharge Manifold Purge Valve 315 316 Control Gas Purge Valve 317 Direct Fill Pressure Transducer 318 Fill Time Pressure Transducer 319 Fuel Empty Storage Pressure Transducer 320 Temporary Storage Pressure Transducer 321 Fuel Discharge Line Pressure Transducer 322 Fuel Discharge Upstream Pressure Transducer 323 Fuel Discharge Manifold Pressure Transducer 324 Control Gas Pressure Transducer 325 Control Gas Pressure Regulator #1 326 Control Gas Pressure Regulator #2 327 Backpressure Regulator 328 Discharge Pressure Regulator (Quantity of 4) 329 Control Gas Safety Relief Valve 330 Direct Fill Safety Relief Valve 331 Time Fill Safety Relief Valve 332 Downstream Discharge Safety Relief Valve ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ 332 Direct fill and temporary storage solenoid valve 333 Fill time solenoid valve 334 Fuel drain storage solenoid valve 335 Stop solenoid valve 336 Fuel discharge solenoid valve 337 ESD solenoid valve 338 Fuel drain vent solenoid valve 339 Direct fill valve 340 Time fill valve 341 Fuel drain storage valve 342 Discharge valve 343 Fuel drain valve 345 Temporary storage valve 346 Fuel purge valve 347 Control gas isolation valve 348 Control gas bypass valve 349 Vent stack drain valve 350 Temporary storage isolation valve 351 Fuel drain storage isolation valve 352 Fuel discharge regulator isolation valve (quantity of 4) 353 nccfr ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ pressure gauge paneland valves 354 main inlet check valve 355 direct fill check valve 356 fill time check valve 357 temporary storage check valve 358 fuel drain storage check valve 359 discharge hose check valve 360 ​​fuel discharge manifold check valve 361 backpressure check valve 362 glycol pump 363 glycol heater 164 heat exchanger 365 storage tank and heat exchanger 366 heat exchange system 367 manifold 368 control panel / controller 180 feed panel 190 fuel drain storage tank 201 fuel drain inlet 116 fuel drain line 203 compressor inlet 244 time fill line 205 direct fill line 206 nccfr ίη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ temporary storage line 307 glycol suction hose 308 discharge inlet of thecompressor 309 compressed gas line 210 temporary storage tank 261 depleted line 212 It is understood that flowchart illustrations and combinations of flowchart illustrations can be implemented by means of computer program instructions. These program instructions can be provided to a processor to produce a machine, such that the instructions, executed by the processor, create the means to implement the actions specified in the flowchart block(s). The computer program instructions can be executed by a processor to cause the processor to perform a series of operational steps to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, executed by the processor, provide the steps to implement the actions specified in the flowchart block(s). Accordingly, the blocks in the flowchart illustration support combinations of means to perform the specified actions, combinations of steps to perform the specified actions, and program instruction means (e.g., Ln / zznz / E / YiAi) to perform the specified actions. It is also understood that each block in the flowchart illustration and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustration can be implemented using special-purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified actions or steps, or combinations of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions. The preceding example should not be interpreted as limiting and / or exhaustive, but rather as an illustrative use case to show an implementation of at least one of the various modalities. It is hereby stated that, as of this date, the best method known to the applicant for putting the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

1. A modular compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling station, characterized in that it comprises: a compressor module configured to house a CNG compressor unit for the compressed natural gas refueling station comprising a compressor module connection interface component; a control module for controlling the CNG refueling station comprising a control module connection interface component; an interface module comprising electrical conduits connecting the compressor module connection interface component to the control module connection interface component to operationally connect the compressor module to the control module;a service station module comprising a service gas inlet and operatively connected to the compressor module and a priority panel configured to control the flow of compressed natural gas to the service station module, wherein the modular CNG station is configured with pre-installed electrical conduits and valves.

2. The modular CNG station according to claim 1, characterized in that the compressor module further comprises: a modular compressor unit and a pre-configured housing with electrical conduits for connecting the modular compressor unit to the compressor module connection interface component.

3. The modular CNG station according to claim 2, characterized in that the compressor module further comprises: an inlet / outlet compressor board connected to the compressor module connection interface and an inlet / outlet interconnect panel connected to the inlet / outlet compressor board.

4. The modular CNG station according to claim 3, characterized in that the control station module comprises: a controller operatively connected to the control module connection interface component; wherein the controller is configured to communicate with the inlet / outlet compressor board.

5. The modular CNG station according to claim 2, characterized in that the housing for the compressor module is configured to accommodate a plurality of modular compressor units.

6. The modular CNG station according to claim 5, characterized in that the housing for the compressor module further comprises a plurality of service gateways for each of the plurality of modular compressor units.

7. The modular CNG station according to claim 1, characterized in that the control station module further comprises: a power supply input configured to power the modular compressed natural gas station; a transformer configured to provide a plurality of different power supply voltages to devices powered differently from the modular compressed natural gas station.

8. The modular CNG station according to claim 7, characterized in that the control station module further comprises: an interface for supplying external devices of the CNG service station at a first voltage and an interface for supplying the compressor unit at a second voltage higher than the first voltage.

9. The modular CNG station according to claim 8, characterized in that the control station module further comprises: an interface for supplying the nccfr Ln / zznz / E / YiAi controller at a third voltage lower than the first voltage.

10. The modular CNG station according to claim 2, characterized in that the compressor module further comprises: a fuel discharge priority panel system operatively connected to the compressor module.

11. The modular CNG station according to claim 10, characterized in that the service station module comprises: a compressor inlet; a fuel discharge inlet for connecting and discharging a pressurized fuel source having a pressure; a heat exchange system connected to the fuel inlet, wherein the heat exchange system is configured to prevent freezing during fuel discharge; a pressure regulator and a fuel discharge storage tank, wherein the pressure regulator is configured to depressurize compressed gas discharged from the pressurized fuel source and wherein the system comprises a refueling outlet configured to refuel a fuel demand source with discharged gas, a fuel discharge storage tank for storing discharged gas, or both.

12. The modular CNG station according to claim 1, characterized in that the interface module further comprises: an electrically isolated housing enclosing the electrical conduits connecting the compressor module connection interface component to the control module connection interface, the housing being adapted to allow the electrical conduits to operate above ground.

13. The modular CNG station according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a site platform, wherein the control module connection interface, the interface module, and the compressor module connection interface are installed and connected above ground on the site platform, and the modular compressed natural gas station is fully operational when the control module is connected to a power supply and the service station module is connected to a compressed natural gas service supply.

14. The modular CNG station according to claim 1, characterized in that the modular compressed natural gas station has a length, height and weight to allow it to be transported in a standard nccfr Ln / zznz / E / YiAi semi-trailer truck or transport truck without the need for a special permit.

15. The modular CNG station according to claim 14, characterized in that the modular compressed natural gas station has a weight of approximately 19,504 Kilograms (43,000 pounds) or less.

16. The modular CNG station according to claim 1, characterized in that the service station module further comprises: a gas inlet and a service outlet on both sides of the station.

17. A method for installing a modular compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling station, characterized in that it comprises: placing a compressor module configured to house a CNG compressor and comprising a compressor module connection interface component at the site of a CNG station; placing a control module for controlling the CNG refueling station comprising a control module connection interface component at the CNG station site; and operatively connecting the compressor module to the control module with an interface module comprising electrical conduits connecting the compressor module connection interface component to the control module connection interface component; wherein the compressor module includes a refueling station module.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the interface module comprises an electrically isolated housing enclosing the electrical conduits connecting the compressor module connection interface component to the control module connection interface component, the housing being adapted to allow the electrical conduits to operate above ground level.

19. The modular CNG station according to claim 2, characterized in that the compressor module further comprises a sub-floor comprising electrical conduits.

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