Hydrogen refueling apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hydrogen refueling apparatus comprising: a dispenser; a supply line which is connected to the dispenser and supplies hydrogen; a first circulation line which is spaced apart from the supply line and through which a first heat transfer medium circulates; a first heat exchange unit which is disposed between the supply line and the first circulation line and cools the hydrogen flowing through the supply line; a second heat exchange unit which is connected to the first circulation line and cools the first heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation line; and a reservoir tank which is disposed between the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit and stores the first heat transfer medium that has passed through the second heat exchange unit.

Description

hydrogen refueling device

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydrogen refueling device, and more specifically, to a hydrogen refueling device capable of improving the cooling efficiency of hydrogen.

[0002] Generally, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles utilizing gaseous fuels such as hydrogen gas are attracting attention as low-emission vehicles to address recent environmental issues, and hydrogen refueling stations are required to stably and efficiently refuel the fuel tanks mounted on the vehicles in order to promote the widespread adoption of such hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

[0003] These hydrogen refueling stations perform the refueling operation by storing liquid hydrogen transported by a tank truck in a hydrogen tank, vaporizing the liquid hydrogen stored in the hydrogen tank by a vaporizer and temporarily storing it in a high-pressure tank, and then cooling the hydrogen temporarily stored in the high-pressure tank in a dispenser and injecting it into the fuel tank of a hydrogen electric vehicle.

[0004] The background technology of the present invention is disclosed in Korean Published Patent Application No. 10-2022-0012051 (published on February 3, 2022, Title of Invention: Hydrogen Charging System for Vehicles).

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a hydrogen charging device capable of improving the cooling efficiency of hydrogen.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problem, a hydrogen charging device according to the present invention comprises: a dispenser; a supply line connected to the dispenser and supplying hydrogen; a first circulation line spaced apart from the supply line and through which a first heat transfer medium circulates; a first heat exchanger disposed between the supply line and the first circulation line and cooling the hydrogen flowing through the supply line; a second heat exchanger connected to the first circulation line and cooling the first heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation line; and a reservoir tank disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and storing the first heat transfer medium that has passed through the second heat exchanger.

[0007] The second heat exchanger may include: a second circulation line spaced apart from the first circulation line and through which a second heat transfer medium circulates; a compressor that compresses the second heat transfer medium flowing through the second circulation line; a condenser that condenses the second heat transfer medium compressed by the compressor; an expander that expands the second heat transfer medium condensed by the condenser; and an evaporator that exchanges heat between the second heat transfer medium expanded by the expander and the first heat transfer medium.

[0008] The above expansion valve may include: a first expansion valve connected to the second circulation line and receiving the second heat transfer medium from the condenser; and a second expansion valve connected to the second circulation line and receiving the second heat transfer medium from the first expansion valve.

[0009] The above-mentioned expansion device may include: a branch line that branches between the first expansion valve and the second expansion valve and is connected to the evaporator; and a branch valve connected to the branch line and selectively blocking the flow of the second heat transfer medium through the branch line.

[0010] The above expansion valve may include: a first expansion valve connected to the second circulation line; a branch line branched between the condenser and the first expansion valve and connected to the evaporator; a second expansion valve connected to the branch line; and the second heat exchanger may include a branch valve that selectively delivers the second heat transfer medium that has passed through the condenser to the first expansion valve or the second expansion valve.

[0011] The pressure of the second heat transfer medium passing through the first expansion valve and the pressure of the second heat transfer medium passing through the second expansion valve may be different from each other.

[0012] The above-mentioned expander may include a variable expansion valve capable of adjusting the opening amount of the flow path through which the second heat transfer medium passes.

[0013] It may further include a pump connected to the first circulation line and flowing the first heat transfer medium.

[0014] The above pump may further include: a first pump disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and flowing the first heat transfer medium that has passed through the first heat exchanger toward the second heat exchanger; and a second pump disposed between the first heat exchanger and the reservoir tank and flowing the first heat transfer medium stored in the reservoir tank toward the first heat exchanger.

[0015] It may further include a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the first heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation line; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the second heat exchanger based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

[0016] The above temperature sensor may include a first temperature sensor installed between the second heat exchanger and the reservoir tank; and a second temperature sensor installed in the reservoir tank.

[0017] The above temperature sensor may further include a third temperature sensor installed between the reservoir tank and the first heat exchanger.

[0018] According to the present invention, a reservoir tank is positioned between the inlet of a first heat exchanger and the outlet of a second heat exchanger, and the first heat transfer medium that has passed through the first heat exchanger flows directly into the second heat exchanger while maintaining a relatively high temperature difference with the second heat transfer medium, thereby further improving the heat exchange efficiency between the first heat transfer medium and the second heat transfer medium.

[0019] According to the present invention, since the operation of the second heat exchanger and the pump is controlled based on temperature information measured at multiple points before charging begins, the temperature of the first heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation line in the initial charging state can be rapidly reached to a set temperature, and the charging time can be shortened.

[0020] According to the present invention, the refrigeration cycle of the second heat exchanger can be actively varied in response to fluctuations in the temperature or flow rate of hydrogen flowing through the supply line, thereby maintaining stable hydrogen cooling performance and reducing overall energy consumption.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a hydrogen refueling device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a second heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a temperature sensor and a control unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5 are diagrams showing the operation prior to the start of hydrogen charging.

[0025] FIGS. 6 to 9 are drawings showing the operation after hydrogen charging has started.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an inflator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an inflator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0029] In this process, the thickness of lines or the size of components depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated for the sake of clarity and convenience of explanation. Furthermore, the terms described below are defined considering their functions in the present invention, and these may vary depending on the intent or convention of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions of these terms should be based on the content throughout this specification.

[0030] Furthermore, in this specification, when a part is described as being "connected (or joined)" to another part, this includes not only cases where they are "directly connected (or joined)" but also cases where they are "indirectly connected (or joined)" with other members interposed between them. In this specification, when a part is described as "including (or having) a certain component," this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may additionally "include (or have)" other components.

[0031] Furthermore, throughout this specification, the same reference numerals may refer to the same components. Even if the same or similar reference numerals are not mentioned or described in a specific drawing, they may be described based on other drawings. Additionally, even if a part is not indicated by a reference numeral in a specific drawing, that part may be described based on other drawings. Furthermore, the number, shape, size, and relative differences in size of the detailed components included in the drawings of this application are set for ease of understanding and do not limit the embodiments, and may be implemented in various forms.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a hydrogen refueling device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, the hydrogen refueling device according to the present embodiment includes a dispenser (100), a supply line (200), a first circulation line (300), a first heat exchanger (400), a second heat exchanger (500), and a reservoir tank (600).

[0034] The dispenser (100) can function as a configuration for charging hydrogen (H) supplied from the supply line (200) into a fuel cell vehicle.

[0035] The dispenser (100) according to the present embodiment includes a dispenser body (110), a filling nozzle (120), and a breakaway (130).

[0036] The dispenser body (110) forms the general appearance of the dispenser (100) and can support the charging nozzle (120) and the breakaway (130) in its entirety. Various equipment required for the hydrogen charging process, such as a display, a gauge, a communication device, and a control device, can be installed in the dispenser body (110).

[0037] The charging nozzle (120) can inject hydrogen (H) supplied from the supply line (200) into the fuel tank of the fuel cell vehicle. The charging nozzle (120) according to the present embodiment can be exemplified by various types of nozzle devices that inject hydrogen (H) into the fuel tank, with one side connected to the dispenser body (110) and the other side detachably connected to the receptacle of the fuel cell vehicle.

[0038] A breakaway (130) can be installed between the dispenser body (110) and the charging nozzle (120). The breakaway (130) can be configured to separate the dispenser body (110) and the charging nozzle (120) from each other when an external force of a certain magnitude or greater is applied between the dispenser body (110) and the charging nozzle (120). Accordingly, the breakaway (130) can prevent damage to the dispenser body (110) or the charging nozzle (120) when the fuel cell vehicle moves during hydrogen charging.

[0039] The supply line (200) is connected to the dispenser (100) and can supply hydrogen to the dispenser (100).

[0040] The supply line (200) according to the present embodiment may be formed in the shape of a pipe with an empty interior. One side of the supply line (200) may be connected to a hydrogen storage tank (201) that stores hydrogen (H) in a compressed state. The other side of the supply line (200) may be placed inside the dispenser body (110) and connected to a charging nozzle (120). Accordingly, the supply line (200) may provide a path for hydrogen (H) to flow between the hydrogen storage tank (201) and the charging nozzle (120).

[0041] The first circulation line (300) is spaced apart from the supply line (200) and can provide a path through which the first heat transfer medium (A) circulates. The first heat transfer medium (A) is a heat transfer substance that performs a heat exchange operation with hydrogen (H) flowing through the supply line (200) by the first heat exchanger (400) described later, and can be exemplified by various types of secondary refrigerants that exchange heat through sensible heat transfer in a single-phase state, such as brine.

[0042] The first circulation line (300) according to the present embodiment may be formed to have the shape of a pipe with an empty interior. The first circulation line (300) may have the shape of a closed loop so that the first heat transfer medium (A) can flow continuously in circulation. A portion of the first circulation line (300) may be placed inside the dispenser body (110) and connected to the first heat exchanger (400) described later. The remaining portion of the first circulation line (300) may be placed outside the dispenser body (110) and connected to the second heat exchanger (500) described later.

[0043] The first heat exchanger (400) is positioned between the supply line (200) and the first circulation line (300) and can cool the hydrogen (H) flowing through the supply line (200). The first heat exchanger (400) can cool the temperature of the hydrogen (H) to approximately -33°C to -40°C through the heat exchange action between the hydrogen and the first heat transfer medium (A).

[0044] The first heat exchanger (400) according to the present embodiment can be exemplified by various types of heat exchangers capable of transferring heat from hydrogen (H) flowing through the supply line (200) to the first heat transfer medium (A) flowing through the first circulation line (300) through at least one of conduction, convection, and radiation.

[0045] For example, the first heat exchanger (400) may be placed inside the dispenser body (110). The first heat exchanger (400) may be connected to the supply line (200) and the first circulation line (300). Hydrogen (H) and the first heat transfer medium (A) flowing through the supply line (200) and the first circulation line (300) may be introduced into the interior of the first heat exchanger (400) through the inlet of the first heat exchanger (400). Inside the first heat exchanger (400), a flow path may be formed through which the hydrogen received from the supply line (200) and the first heat transfer medium (A) received from the first circulation line (300) can flow independently. Inside the first heat exchanger (400), the hydrogen and the first heat transfer medium (A) may flow in opposite directions. The hydrogen and the first heat transfer medium (A) that have passed through the internal flow path of the first heat exchanger (400) can be recovered to the supply line (200) and the first circulation line (300), respectively, through the outlet of the first heat exchanger (400).

[0046] The second heat exchanger (500) is connected to the first circulation line (300) and can cool the first heat transfer medium (A) flowing through the first circulation line (300). That is, the second heat exchanger (500) can function as a configuration that cools the first heat transfer medium (A), which is heated while passing through the first heat exchanger (400), thereby maintaining the heat exchange performance in the first heat exchanger (400) at a constant level. The second heat exchanger (500) can cool the temperature of the first heat transfer medium (A) to a temperature of approximately -40°C or lower.

[0047] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a second heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 2, the second heat exchanger (500) according to the present embodiment may include a second circulation line (510), a compressor (520), a condenser (530), an expansion unit (540), and an evaporator (550).

[0049] The second circulation line (510) is spaced apart from the first circulation line (300) and can provide a path for the second heat transfer medium (B) to circulate. The second heat transfer medium (B) is a heat transfer material that performs a heat exchange operation with the first heat transfer medium (A) flowing through the first circulation line (300), and can be exemplified by various types of primary refrigerants that exchange heat through a phase change process, such as Halon carbon refrigerant, hydrocarbon refrigerant, ammonia, etc.

[0050] The second circulation line (510) according to the present embodiment may be formed to have the shape of a pipe with an empty interior. The second circulation line (510) may have the shape of a closed loop so that the second heat transfer medium (B) can flow continuously in circulation. The second circulation line (510) may be separated from the first circulation line (300) so that the second heat transfer medium (B) can flow independently of the first heat transfer medium (A). The second circulation line (510) may be placed outside the dispenser body (110).

[0051] The compressor (520) can compress the second heat transfer medium (B) flowing through the second circulation line (510) into a high temperature, high pressure gaseous state.

[0052] The compressor (520) according to the present embodiment can be exemplified by various types of compression devices commonly used in a refrigeration cycle. The inlet and outlet of the compressor (520) may be connected to the second circulation line (510). The second heat transfer medium (B) flowing through the second circulation line (510) may be introduced into the compressor (520) through the inlet and compressed into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous state by the operation of the compressor (520). The second heat transfer medium (B) compressed by the compressor (520) may be transferred to the second circulation line (510) through the outlet of the compressor (520). The second heat transfer medium (B) may circulate and flow in one direction through the second circulation line (510) by the flow force received from the compressor (520).

[0053] The condenser (530) can condense the second heat transfer medium (B), which is in a high temperature and high pressure gaseous state and compressed by the compressor (520), into a liquid state.

[0054] The condenser (530) according to the present embodiment can be exemplified by various types of heat exchangers commonly used in refrigeration cycles. The inlet and outlet of the condenser (530) can be connected to the second circulation line (510). The second heat transfer medium (B) in a gaseous state flowing through the second circulation line (510) after being discharged from the compressor (520) can be introduced into the interior of the condenser (530) through the inlet of the condenser (530). The second heat transfer medium (B) in a gaseous state introduced into the interior of the condenser (530) can be condensed into a liquid state through heat exchange with the atmosphere or a separate refrigerant. The second heat transfer medium (B) condensed into a liquid state can be transferred to the second circulation line (510) through the outlet of the condenser (530).

[0055] The expander (540) can expand the second heat transfer medium (B), which is condensed by the condenser, into a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid state.

[0056] The expander (540) according to the present embodiment may include a first expansion valve (541) and a second expansion valve (542).

[0057] The first expansion valve (541) is connected to the second circulation line (510) and can receive the second heat transfer medium (B) from the condenser (530).

[0058] The first expansion valve (541) according to the present embodiment can be exemplified by various types of expansion valves capable of expanding the second heat transfer medium (B) in a liquid state received from the condenser (530) by throttling action. The first expansion valve (541) may be a constant pressure expansion valve capable of reducing the pressure of the second heat transfer medium (B) to a set size at a constant level.

[0059] The inlet and outlet of the first expansion valve (541) can be connected to the second circulation line (510). The second heat transfer medium (B), in a liquid state, flowing through the second circulation line (510) after being discharged from the condenser (530), can be introduced into the interior of the first expansion valve (541) through the inlet of the first expansion valve (541). The second heat transfer medium (B) introduced into the interior of the first expansion valve (541) undergoes adiabatic expansion through throttling action, and its temperature and pressure may decrease. The second heat transfer medium (B) expanded inside the first expansion valve (541) can be transferred to the second circulation line (510) through the outlet of the first expansion valve (541).

[0060] The second expansion valve (542) is connected to the second circulation line (510) and can receive the second heat transfer medium (B) from the first expansion valve (541). That is, the second expansion valve (542) can function as a configuration that secondarily expands the second heat transfer medium (B) that has been primarily expanded by the first expansion valve (541).

[0061] The second expansion valve (542) according to the present embodiment can be exemplified by various types of expansion valves capable of expanding the second heat transfer medium (B) received from the first expansion valve (541) by throttling action. The second expansion valve (542) may be a constant pressure expansion valve capable of reducing the pressure of the second heat transfer medium (B) to a set size at a constant level.

[0062] The inlet and outlet of the second expansion valve (542) can be connected to the second circulation line (510). The second heat transfer medium (B), in a liquid state, flowing through the second circulation line (510) after being discharged from the first expansion valve (541), can be introduced into the interior of the second expansion valve (542) through the inlet of the second expansion valve (542). The second heat transfer medium (B) introduced into the interior of the second expansion valve (542) undergoes adiabatic expansion through throttling action, and its temperature and pressure may decrease. The second heat transfer medium (B) expanded inside the second expansion valve (542) can be transferred to the second circulation line (510) through the outlet of the second expansion valve (542).

[0063] The expander (540) according to the present embodiment may further include a branch line (543) and a branch valve (544).

[0064] The branch line (543) branches out between the first expansion valve (541) and the second expansion valve (542) and can be connected to the evaporator (550). That is, the branch line (543) can function as a configuration that provides a path for the second heat transfer medium (B) passing through the first expansion valve (541) to bypass to the evaporator (550).

[0065] The branch line (543) according to the present embodiment may be formed to have the shape of a pipe with an empty interior. One end of the branch line (543) may be connected to a second circulation line (510) positioned between the first expansion valve (541) and the second expansion valve (542). The other end of the branch line (543) may be connected to a second circulation line (510) positioned between the second expansion valve (542) and the evaporator (550).

[0066] The branch valve (544) is connected to the branch line (543) and can selectively block the flow of the second heat transfer medium (B) through the branch line (543). That is, the branch valve (544) can function as a configuration that restricts or allows the second heat transfer medium (B) passing through the first expansion valve (541) to flow into the second expansion valve (542). Accordingly, the branch valve (544) can vary the temperature and pressure conditions of the second heat transfer medium (B) transferred to the evaporator (550) according to changes in the cooling load of the first heat exchanger (400).

[0067] The branch valve (544) according to the present embodiment may be exemplified by various types of on / off valves in which both sides are connected to the branch line (543) and, by opening and closing operation, allow the flow of the second heat transfer medium (B) through the branch line (543) or block the flow of the second heat transfer medium (B) through the branch line (543). The branch valve (544) may be an electric valve, such as a solenoid valve, that performs opening and closing operation by an externally applied current.

[0068] Although the above description describes an example in which the expander (540) includes two expansion valves, the expander (540) is not limited to this and can be configured to include three or more expansion valves.

[0069] The evaporator (550) can exchange heat between the second heat transfer medium (B), which is expanded by the expander (540), and the first heat transfer medium (A), and evaporate the second heat transfer medium (B) into a gaseous state.

[0070] The evaporator (550) according to the present embodiment can be exemplified by various types of heat exchangers commonly used in refrigeration cycles. The inlet and outlet of the evaporator (550) can be connected to the first circulation line (300) and the second circulation line (510).

[0071] A first heat transfer medium (A) flowing through the first circulation line (300) and a second heat transfer medium (B) flowing through the second circulation line (510) after being discharged from the expander (540) can be introduced into the interior of the evaporator (550) through the inlet of the evaporator (550). Inside the evaporator (550), a flow path can be formed through which the first heat transfer medium (A) received from the first circulation line (300) and the second heat transfer medium (B) received from the second circulation line (510) can flow independently. Inside the evaporator (550), the first heat transfer medium (A) and the second heat transfer medium (B) can flow in opposite directions. The temperature of the second heat transfer medium (B) delivered into the interior of the evaporator (550) may be lower than the temperature of the first heat transfer medium (A). The second heat transfer medium (B) in a liquid state introduced into the interior of the evaporator (550) can be evaporated into a gaseous state by the heat exchange action of the first heat transfer medium (A) and cool the first heat transfer medium (A). The first heat transfer medium (A) and the second heat transfer medium (B) that have passed through the internal flow path of the evaporator (550) can be recovered to the first circulation line (300) and the second circulation line (510), respectively, through the outlet of the evaporator (550). The second heat transfer medium (B) discharged from the evaporator (550) to the second circulation line (510) can be transferred back to the compressor (520).

[0072] The reservoir tank (600) is connected to the first circulation line (300) and can store the first heat transfer medium (A) flowing through the first circulation line (300). The reservoir tank (600) can function as a configuration that supplies the stored first heat transfer medium (A) to the first circulation line (300) or recovers the first heat transfer medium (A) from the first circulation line (300) according to a change in the flow rate of the first heat transfer medium (A) flowing through the first circulation line (300).

[0073] The reservoir tank (600) according to the present embodiment may be formed to have the shape of various types of storage tanks, with a space provided inside for storing the first heat transfer medium (A). The reservoir tank (600) may be positioned between the first heat exchanger (400) and the second heat exchanger (500). More specifically, the reservoir tank (600) may be positioned between the inlet of the first heat exchanger (400) and the outlet of the second heat exchanger (500). Both sides of the reservoir tank (600) may be connected to a first circulation line (300) connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger (400) and the outlet of the second heat exchanger (500). The reservoir tank (600) may store the first heat transfer medium (A) that has passed through the evaporator (550) of the second heat exchanger (500). Accordingly, the reservoir tank (600) can allow the first heat transfer medium (A) that has passed through the first heat exchanger (400) to flow directly into the second heat exchanger (500) while maintaining a relatively high temperature difference with the second heat transfer medium (B), and can further improve the heat exchange efficiency between the first heat transfer medium (A) and the second heat transfer medium (B) in the evaporator (550).

[0074] The hydrogen charging device according to the present embodiment may further include a pump (700).

[0075] The pump (700) is connected to the first circulation line (300) and can flow the first heat transfer medium (A) along the first circulation line (300). That is, the pump (700) can function as a configuration that provides a flow force to enable the first heat transfer medium (A) to continuously circulate along the first circulation line (300).

[0076] The pump (700) according to the present embodiment may include a first pump (710) and a second pump (720).

[0077] The first pump (710) and the second pump (720) according to the present embodiment can be exemplified as various types of fluid transfer means capable of receiving power from an external source and flowing the first heat transfer medium (A) in one direction.

[0078] The first pump (710) may be positioned between the first heat exchanger (400) and the second heat exchanger (500). More specifically, the first pump (710) may be connected to a first circulation line (300) positioned between the outlet of the first heat exchanger (400) and the inlet of the second heat exchanger (500). The first pump (710) may cause the first heat transfer medium (A) that has passed through the first heat exchanger (400) to flow toward the second heat exchanger (500).

[0079] The second pump (720) may be positioned between the first heat exchanger (400) and the reservoir tank (600). More specifically, the second pump (720) may be connected to a first circulation line (300) positioned between the inlet of the first heat exchanger (400) and the outlet of the reservoir tank (600). The second pump (720) may cause the first heat transfer medium (A) stored in the reservoir tank (600) to flow toward the first heat exchanger (400).

[0080] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a temperature sensor and a control unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the hydrogen charging device according to the present embodiment may further include a temperature sensor (800) and a control unit (900).

[0082] The temperature sensor (800) can measure the temperature of the first heat transfer medium (A) flowing through the first circulation line (300).

[0083] The temperature sensor (800) according to the present embodiment may include a first temperature sensor (810), a second temperature sensor (820), and a third temperature sensor (830).

[0084] The first temperature sensor (810) is installed between the second heat exchanger (500) and the reservoir tank (600) and can measure the temperature of the first heat transfer medium (A) transferred from the second heat exchanger (500) to the reservoir tank (600) through the first circulation line (300). The first temperature sensor (810) according to the present embodiment can be exemplified by various types of temperature sensing means capable of measuring the temperature of the first heat transfer medium (A), such as a thermistor, an infrared temperature sensor, or a thermocouple. The first temperature sensor (810) may be placed outside the first circulation line (300), or alternatively, it may be placed inside the first circulation line (300).

[0085] The second temperature sensor (820) is installed in the reservoir tank (600) and can measure the temperature of the first heat transfer medium (A) stored in the reservoir tank (600). The second temperature sensor (820) according to the present embodiment can be exemplified by various types of temperature sensing means capable of measuring the temperature of the first heat transfer medium (A), such as a thermistor, an infrared temperature sensor, or a thermocouple. The second temperature sensor (820) may be placed outside the reservoir tank (600), or alternatively, it is also possible to place it inside the reservoir tank (600).

[0086] The third temperature sensor (830) is installed between the first heat exchanger (400) and the reservoir tank (600) and can measure the temperature of the first heat transfer medium (A) transferred from the reservoir tank (600) to the first heat exchanger (400) through the first circulation line (300). The third temperature sensor (830) according to the present embodiment can be exemplified by various types of temperature sensing means capable of measuring the temperature of the first heat transfer medium (A), such as a thermistor, an infrared temperature sensor, or a thermocouple. The third temperature sensor (830) may be placed outside the first circulation line (300), or alternatively, it may be placed inside the first circulation line (300).

[0087] In the above description, the temperature sensor (800) is described as an example including the first temperature sensor (810), the second temperature sensor (820), and the third temperature sensor (830), but the temperature sensor (800) is not limited thereto, and it is also possible to configure it to include only one of the first temperature sensor (810), the second temperature sensor (820), and the third temperature sensor (830), or to include only two of the first temperature sensor (810), the second temperature sensor (820), and the third temperature sensor (830).

[0088] The control unit (900) can control the overall operation of the second heat exchanger (500) and the pump (700). More specifically, the control unit (900) can control the operation of the compressor (520), the branch valve (544), the first pump (710), and the second pump (720) based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (800).

[0089] The control unit (900) may be configured to include an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a processor, or a System on Chip (SoC), and may control multiple hardware or software components by running an operating system or application, and may perform various data processing and calculations. The control unit (900) may be configured to execute at least one instruction stored in memory and store the execution result data in memory.

[0090] The operation of a hydrogen refueling device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0091] FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5 are diagrams showing the operation prior to the start of hydrogen charging.

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, in a state prior to the initiation of hydrogen charging by the dispenser (100), if the temperature measured by any one of the first temperature sensor (810), the second temperature sensor (820), and the third temperature sensor (830) is above the set temperature, the control unit (900) can operate the first pump (710) and the second pump (720) so that the first heat transfer medium (A) circulates through the first circulation line (300).

[0093] The first heat transfer medium (A) of the reservoir tank (600), whose temperature has risen during the charging waiting process due to the operation of the first pump (710) and the second pump (720), flows into the second heat exchanger (500) through the first circulation line (300).

[0094] The control unit (900) operates the compressor (520) so that the second heat transfer medium (B) circulates through the second circulation line (510). In this case, the control unit (900) can open the branch line (543) by operating the branch valve (544) to open it.

[0095] The first heat transfer medium (A) introduced into the second heat exchanger (500) passes through the evaporator (550), is cooled by the second heat transfer medium (B), and is stored in the reservoir tank (600) with its temperature lowered.

[0096] Afterwards, if the temperatures measured by the first temperature sensor (810), the second temperature sensor (820), and the third temperature sensor (830) are all below the set temperature, the control unit (900) can stop the operation of the first pump (710) and the second pump (720) so that the flow of the first heat transfer medium (A) is stopped.

[0097] By such operation, the hydrogen charging device according to the present embodiment can reduce the time required for cooling the first heat transfer medium (A) flowing through the first circulation line (300) in the initial charging state when the dispenser (100) starts charging.

[0098] FIGS. 6 to 9 are drawings showing the operation after hydrogen charging has started.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, when the temperature or flow rate of hydrogen (H) flowing through the supply line (200) increases during the process of hydrogen charging by the dispenser (100), the heat capacity transferred from the first heat transfer medium (A) to the hydrogen in the first heat exchanger (400) increases, and the temperature of the first heat transfer medium (A) flowing through the first circulation line (300) rises.

[0100] If the temperature measured by any one of the first temperature sensor (810), the second temperature sensor (820), and the third temperature sensor (830) is greater than or equal to the set temperature, the control unit (900) can increase the output of the first pump (710) and the second pump (720).

[0101] As the output of the first pump (710) and the second pump (720) increases, the first heat transfer medium (A) stored in the reservoir tank (600) is supplied to the first circulation line (300).

[0102] Accordingly, the flow rate of the first heat transfer medium (A) flowing through the first circulation line (300) is increased, and the cooling capacity of the first heat exchanger (400) can be increased.

[0103] Additionally, if the temperature measured by any one of the first temperature sensor (810), the second temperature sensor (820), and the third temperature sensor (830) is greater than or equal to the set temperature, the control unit (900) can close the branch valve (544) to close the branch line (543).

[0104] As the branch line (543) is closed, the second heat transfer medium (B) discharged from the first expansion valve (541) flows into the second expansion valve (542).

[0105] The second heat transfer medium (B), which is expanded first by the first expansion valve (541), is expanded second by the second expansion valve (542) and transferred to the evaporator (550) with a further lowered temperature.

[0106] Accordingly, the temperature of the first heat transfer medium (A) that exchanges heat with the second heat transfer medium (B) in the evaporator (550) is also lowered, and the cooling capacity of the first heat exchanger (400) can be increased.

[0107] In the above description, when the temperature measured by any one of the first temperature sensor (810), the second temperature sensor (820), and the third temperature sensor (830) is greater than or equal to the set temperature, the control unit (900) is described as performing both the operation of increasing the output of the first pump (710) and the second pump (720) and the operation of closing the branch valve (544). However, the control unit (900) is not limited to this, and it is also possible to perform only one of the operation of increasing the output of the first pump (710) and the second pump (720) and the operation of closing the branch valve (544).

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, when the temperature or flow rate of hydrogen (H) flowing through the supply line (200) decreases during the process of hydrogen charging by the dispenser (100), the heat capacity transferred from the first heat transfer medium (A) to the hydrogen in the first heat exchanger (400) decreases, and the temperature of the first heat transfer medium (A) flowing through the first circulation line (300) decreases.

[0109] When the temperatures measured by the first temperature sensor (810), the second temperature sensor (820), and the third temperature sensor (830) are all below the set temperature, the control unit (900) can reduce the output of the first pump (710) and the second pump (720).

[0110] As the output of the first pump (710) and the second pump (720) decreases, a portion of the first heat transfer medium (A) flowing through the first circulation line (300) is stored in the reservoir tank (600).

[0111] Accordingly, the flow rate of the first heat transfer medium (A) flowing through the first circulation line (300) is reduced, and the cooling capacity of the first heat exchanger (400) may be reduced.

[0112]

[0113] In addition, if the temperatures measured by the first temperature sensor (810), the second temperature sensor (820), and the third temperature sensor (830) are all below the set temperature, the control unit (900) can open the branch valve (544) to open the branch line (543).

[0114] As the branch line (543) is opened, the second heat transfer medium (B) discharged from the first expansion valve (541) does not flow into the second expansion valve (542) but flows directly into the evaporator (550) through the branch line (543).

[0115] Accordingly, the temperature of the first heat transfer medium (A) that exchanges heat with the second heat transfer medium (B) in the evaporator (550) is relatively increased, and the cooling capacity of the first heat exchanger (400) may be reduced.

[0116] Hereinafter, a hydrogen charging device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0117] The hydrogen charging device according to the present embodiment may be configured to differ only in the detailed configuration of the hydrogen charging device and the expander (540) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] Accordingly, in describing the hydrogen charging device according to the present embodiment, only the detailed configuration of the expander (540), which is different from the hydrogen charging device according to one embodiment of the present invention, will be described. For the remaining configuration of the hydrogen charging device according to the present embodiment, the description of the hydrogen charging device according to one embodiment of the present invention may be applied as is.

[0119] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an inflator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 10, the branch line (543) according to the present embodiment may be branched between the condenser (530) and the first expansion valve (541). That is, the branch line (543) may function as a configuration that provides a path for the second heat transfer medium (B) passing through the condenser (530) to bypass the first expansion valve (541) and go to the evaporator (550).

[0121] The branch line (543) may be formed to have the shape of a hollow pipe. One end of the branch line (543) may be connected to a second circulation line (510) positioned between the condenser (530) and the front end of the first expansion valve (541). The other end of the branch line (543) may be connected to a second circulation line (510) positioned between the rear end of the first expansion valve (541) and the evaporator (550).

[0122] The second expansion valve (542) according to the present embodiment is connected to a branch line (543) and can receive a second heat transfer medium (B) that is bypassed through the branch line (543). That is, the second expansion valve (542) can function as a configuration that expands the second heat transfer medium (B) in parallel with the first expansion valve (541).

[0123] The inlet and outlet of the second expansion valve (542) according to the present embodiment may be connected to the branch line (543). The second heat transfer medium (B) in a liquid state, which is diverted to the branch line (543) after being discharged from the condenser (530), may be introduced into the interior of the second expansion valve (542) through the inlet of the second expansion valve (542). The second heat transfer medium (B) introduced into the interior of the second expansion valve (542) undergoes adiabatic expansion by throttling action, and its temperature and pressure may be reduced. The second heat transfer medium (B) expanded inside the second expansion valve (542) may be transferred to the branch line (543) through the outlet of the second expansion valve (542).

[0124] The pressure of the second heat transfer medium (B) passing through the first expansion valve (541) and the pressure of the second heat transfer medium (B) passing through the second expansion valve (542) may be different from each other. That is, the opening amounts of the first expansion valve (541) and the second expansion valve (542) may be formed differently from each other. For example, the opening amount of the second expansion valve (542) may be smaller than the opening amount of the first expansion valve (541), and the pressure of the second heat transfer medium (B) passing through the second expansion valve (542) may be smaller than the pressure of the second heat transfer medium (B) passing through the first expansion valve (541). Accordingly, the first expansion valve (541) and the second expansion valve (542) can vary the cooling performance of the second heat exchanger (500) by delivering a second heat transfer medium (B) of different temperatures and pressures to the evaporator (550).

[0125] The branch valve (544) according to the present embodiment is connected to the branch line (543) and can selectively transfer the second heat transfer medium (B) that has passed through the condenser (530) to the first expansion valve (541) or the second expansion valve (542). That is, the branch valve (544) can function as a configuration that allows the second heat transfer medium (B) that has passed through the condenser (530) to flow selectively toward either the first expansion valve (541) or the second expansion valve (542). Accordingly, the branch valve (544) can vary the temperature and pressure conditions of the second heat transfer medium (B) transferred to the evaporator (550) according to the change in the cooling load of the first heat exchanger (400).

[0126] The branch valve (544) according to the present embodiment may be exemplified as a 3-way valve positioned between the second circulation line (510) and the branch line (543). The branch valve (544) can selectively open and close the second circulation line (510) and the branch line (543) between the condenser (530) and the first expansion valve (541). The branch valve (544) may be an electric valve, such as a solenoid valve, that performs opening and closing operations by an externally applied current.

[0127] Hereinafter, a hydrogen charging device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0128] The hydrogen charging device according to the present embodiment may be configured to differ only in the detailed configuration of the hydrogen charging device and the expander (540) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] Accordingly, in describing the hydrogen charging device according to the present embodiment, only the detailed configuration of the expander (540), which is different from the hydrogen charging device according to one embodiment of the present invention, will be described. For the remaining configuration of the hydrogen charging device according to the present embodiment, the description of the hydrogen charging device according to one embodiment of the present invention may be applied as is.

[0130] FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an inflator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 11, the expander (540) according to the present embodiment may include a variable expansion valve (545).

[0132] The variable expansion valve (545) according to the present embodiment may be positioned between the condenser (530) and the evaporator (550). The inlet and outlet of the variable expansion valve (545) may be connected to the second circulation line (510). The second heat transfer medium (B) in a liquid state, which flows through the second circulation line (510) after being discharged from the condenser (530), may be introduced into the interior of the first expansion valve (541) through the inlet of the variable expansion valve (545).

[0133] The second heat transfer medium (B) introduced into the interior of the variable expansion valve (545) undergoes adiabatic expansion through throttling action, and its temperature and pressure may decrease. The second heat transfer medium (B) expanded inside the variable expansion valve (545) can be transferred to the second circulation line (510) through the outlet of the variable expansion valve (545).

[0134] A passage through which a second heat transfer medium (B) passes may be formed inside the variable expansion valve (545). The variable expansion valve (545) may be configured to be adjustable in the opening amount of the internal passage through which the second heat transfer medium (B) passes. The variable expansion valve (545) may be adjusted in the opening amount of the internal passage through which the second heat transfer medium (B) passes based on a control signal from the control unit (900), or alternatively, it is also possible to adjust the opening amount of the internal passage through which the second heat transfer medium (B) passes by manual operation by a user. Accordingly, the variable expansion valve (545) can freely vary the temperature and pressure of the second heat transfer medium (B) delivered to the evaporator (550).

[0135] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom.

[0136] Therefore, the technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the following patent claims.

Claims

1. Dispenser; A supply line connected to the above dispenser and supplying hydrogen; A first circulation line spaced apart from the above supply line and through which a first heat transfer medium circulates; A first heat exchanger disposed between the supply line and the first circulation line, and cooling the hydrogen flowing through the supply line; A second heat exchanger connected to the first circulation line and cooling the first heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation line; and A hydrogen refueling device characterized by including: a reservoir tank disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and storing the first heat transfer medium that has passed through the second heat exchanger.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above second heat exchanger is, A second circulation line spaced apart from the first circulation line and through which a second heat transfer medium circulates; A compressor that compresses the second heat transfer medium flowing through the second circulation line; A condenser that condenses the second heat transfer medium compressed by the compressor above; An expander for expanding the second heat transfer medium condensed by the condenser; and A hydrogen charging device characterized by including an evaporator that exchanges heat between the second heat transfer medium, expanded by the above-mentioned expander, and the first heat transfer medium.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above-mentioned expander is, A first expansion valve connected to the second circulation line and receiving the second heat transfer medium from the condenser; and A hydrogen charging device characterized by including a second expansion valve connected to the second circulation line and receiving the second heat transfer medium from the first expansion valve.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above-mentioned expander is, A branch line branched between the first expansion valve and the second expansion valve and connected to the evaporator; and A hydrogen charging device characterized by including a branch valve connected to the branch line and selectively blocking the flow of the second heat transfer medium through the branch line.

5. In Paragraph 2, The above-mentioned expander is, A first expansion valve connected to the second circulation line above; A branch line branched between the condenser and the first expansion valve and connected to the evaporator; A second expansion valve connected to the branch line above; and A hydrogen charging device characterized by including a branch valve that selectively delivers the second heat transfer medium, which has passed through the condenser, to the first expansion valve or the second expansion valve.

6. In Paragraph 5, A hydrogen charging device characterized in that the pressure of the second heat transfer medium passing through the first expansion valve and the pressure of the second heat transfer medium passing through the second expansion valve are different from each other.

7. In Paragraph 2, A hydrogen charging device characterized by including a variable expansion valve capable of adjusting the opening amount of the flow path through which the second heat transfer medium passes in the above-mentioned expander.

8. In Paragraph 1, A hydrogen charging device characterized by further including a pump connected to the first circulation line and flowing the first heat transfer medium.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above pump is, A first pump disposed between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and which flows the first heat transfer medium that has passed through the first heat exchanger toward the second heat exchanger; and A hydrogen charging device further comprising: a second pump disposed between the first heat exchanger and the reservoir tank, and which flows the first heat transfer medium stored in the reservoir tank toward the first heat exchanger.

10. In Paragraph 1, A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the first heat transfer medium flowing through the first circulation line; and A hydrogen charging device further comprising a control unit that controls the operation of the second heat exchanger based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above temperature sensor is, A first temperature sensor installed between the second heat exchanger and the reservoir tank; and A hydrogen refueling device characterized by including a second temperature sensor installed in the reservoir tank.

12. In Paragraph 11, A hydrogen charging device characterized by further including a third temperature sensor installed between the reservoir tank and the first heat exchanger.

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