A hydrogen refueling station

Abstract

Discloses is a hydrogen refueling station comprising a first flow path fluidly connecting a hydrogen source to a nozzle via a first valve. The first flow path having an inlet section and an outlet section fluidly connected via an intermediate section comprising a second valve. The station further comprises a main flow path fluidly connected to said first flow path upstream the second valve and connected to the first flow path downstream the second valve, and at least one controller configured to establish a simultaneous hydrogen flow in the main flow path and in the intermediate section of the first flow path by controlling the first valve to an open state to establish a main hydrogen flow from said hydrogen storage to the nozzle via the main flow path, and by subsequently controlling the second valve to an open state following the opening of the first valve to establish a supportive hydrogen flow in the intermediate section of the first flow path.

Description

A HYDROGEN REFUELING STATIONField of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydrogen refueling station, to a hydrogen refueling system, and to a method of refueling a receiving vessel.Background of the invention

[0002] Hydrogen may advantageously be utilized as a clean energy source, e.g. for vehicles, and is typically distributed via hydrogen refueling stations. However, hydrogen is highly flammable and hence, hydrogen refueling station design and the process of hydrogen refueling requires a particular attention to safety. At the same time, hydrogen refueling stations should provide for fast efficient hydrogen refueling. However, very fast hydrogen refueling rates may result in forces and temperatures compromising limits of, e.g., components of the hydrogen refueling station and of the vessels being refueled by the hydrogen refueling station. This may in turn increase the risk of station component failure or of a failure or defect of the vessels being refueled, and ultimately it may result in safety issues.Summary of the invention

[0003] In the process of hydrogen refueling, pressurized hydrogen is provided to a receiving vessel by establishing a flow of the pressurized hydrogen into the receiving vessel having a lower pressure. As the flow of hydrogen is initiated, e.g., by opening of valves between a pressurized hydrogen source and a receiving vessel, a pressure pulse may occur. The pressure pulse may be characterized by a large uncontrolled mass flow, which may, for example, exceed fueling protocol maximum allowed values. The pressure pulse may also be associated with a fast abrupt pressure rise towards a relatively high peak pressure. The abrupt mass flow peak may cause problematic and potentially unallowed temperature rises on receiving vessels or, in the sensitive refueling starting condition, cause an uncontrolled state that may stress components of potentially the whole refueling equipment. The abrupt pressure and mass flow rise may thus put relatively large and inexpedient forces on components of the hydrogen refueling station, and on the receiving vessel, which may increase the risk of failure and reduce the life expectancy of these affected components, and as such, of the hydrogen refueling station as a whole. Temperature rises are especially problematic due to hydrogen being highly flammable.

[0004] In general, the risk of failure is present for every component of a hydrogen refueling station, hence a refueling station with a complex design with many components and a correspondingly complex control system may result in a higher risk of component failure. Hence, hydrogen station designs having less component may minimize risk of component failure and, e.g., increase the mean time between failure of the refueling station. Moreover, a hydrogen refueling station having less components may be controlled with a simpler and less error prone control scheme.

[0005] The inventors have identified the above-mentioned problems and challenges related to hydrogen refueling stations and to hydrogen refueling and subsequently made the below-described invention, which may provide a hydrogen refueling station and hydrogen refueling at a reduced startup load condition (or reduced startup pressure condition), while keeping a simple control scheme and a minimum of station components, to secure a high stability of the station and a low risk of failure.

[0006] In an aspect, the invention relates to a hydrogen refueling station comprising: a first flow path fluidly connecting a hydrogen source to a nozzle via a first valve; said first flow path having an inlet section and an outlet section fluidly connected via an intermediate section comprising a second valve; a main flow path having an inlet end fluidly connected to said first flow path upstream said second valve and an outlet end fluidly connected to said first flow path downstream said second valve; at least one controller configured to establish a simultaneous hydrogen flow in said main flow path and in at least said intermediate section of said first flow path by controlling said first valve to an open state to establish a main hydrogen flow from said hydrogen storage to said nozzle via said main flow path, and by subsequently controlling said second valve to an open state following said opening of said first valve to establish a supportive hydrogen flow in said intermediate section of said first flow path.

[0007] Advantageously, the hydrogen refueling station may provide several advantages over known hydrogen refueling stations. For example, by establishing the support flow subsequent to the establishment of the main flow, the hydrogen refueling station may reduce the initial peak flow and / or high-pressure pulse that otherwise may occur when refueling a receiving vessel using traditional refueling stations. Advantageously, the reduction in the initial peak refueling pressure may reduce the pressure forces acting on the receiving vessel and on the components of the hydrogen refueling station, including the flow paths and valves of the hydrogen refueling station. This may in turn decrease the risk of component failure as well as increase the life expectancy of the components. In addition, limitations often introduced by equipment specifications or by regulations, codes and standards may herewith be complied with in a reliable manner and using less components and thereby less resources.

[0008] Moreover, the hydrogen refueling station may only require two valves to achieve the abovementioned advantages of reducing the initial peak flow and / or high- pressure pulse, namely the first valve in the first flow path, and the second valve in the main flow path. By keeping the number of components used in the hydrogen refueling station low, including the number of valves without compromising on function, the risk of component failure may advantageously be kept low simply because there areless components that may fail. Thereby, the invention provides a hydrogen refueling station with a high mean time stability or correspondingly, a high mean time to failure.

[0009] A further advantage is that the pressure-drop occurring over the second valve may be compensated for by the main flow path, when both the first valve and the second valve are open.

[0010] The method, system and hydrogen refueling station of the present invention may utilize gaseous hydrogen as well as liquid hydrogen, or in principle, a combination of both. Nevertheless, the invention may preferably be utilized for gaseous hydrogen refueling.

[0011] In the context of the invention, the term flow path should be understood as to comprise any assembly suitable for carrying a flow of hydrogen including, e.g., one or more pipes, pipelines, and conduits, to name a few non-limiting examples of flow paths. A flow path may further comprise multiple individual conduits or pipes, which together constitute the flow path. Also, a flow path may be divided into sections or segments. Each section may comprise one or multiple conduits or pipes and the section may be a straight flow line, or it may be curved or include both. As an example, one conduit may be divided into sections. Examples of sections of a flow path are the inlet section, intermediate section, and the outlet section of the first flow path. A flow path may comprise components such as, e.g., the following non-limiting examples: valves, one or more compressor(s), one or more heat exchanger(s), ejectors, one or more pressure sensor(s), flow sensors such as mass flow meters, temperature sensors etc.

[0012] The term upstream may refer to a direction being opposite of the direction of flow, while the term downstream may be understood as the direction of the flow. In other words, downstream should be understood as a direction opposite to upstream. In the context of the invention, the direction of flow is typically from the hydrogen source toward the nozzle. Therefore, upstream should be understood as referring to a direction toward the hydrogen source, while downstream should be understood as referring to a direction toward the nozzle. Hence, if a valve is described as arranged upstream to, e.g., another component, it means that the valve is located closer to the hydrogensource than the component. Conversely, if a valve is described as being arranged downstream with respect to a component, it would mean that the valve is located further away from the hydrogen source compared to the component, which would typically mean that the mentioned valve is located closer to the nozzle compared to the component.

[0013] In the context of the invention, a simultaneous hydrogen flow should be understood as a flow of hydrogen being present in at least two flow paths of the hydrogen refueling station at the same time. E.g., a hydrogen flow in the main flow path and a hydrogen flow in an intermediate section of the first flow path would be an example of a simultaneous flow occurring in two flow paths of the hydrogen refueling station. The at least two hydrogen flows do not both need to be established during the exact same period of time in order for the hydrogen flows to be understood as being simultaneous, as long as two flows in two different flow paths of the hydrogen refueling station are present at the same time for at least a short duration, this may be understood as simultaneous flow. E.g., one hydrogen flow could be established first, e.g., the main hydrogen flow, while another hydrogen flow, e.g., a supportive hydrogen flow may be established subsequently (later), while the main hydrogen flow is still present. In this example the supportive hydrogen flow is present in one flow path, e.g., the intermediate section of the first flow path, while the main hydrogen flow is present in another flow path, e.g., the main flow path, and thereby, the two flows constitute a simultaneous hydrogen flow when present at the same time.

[0014] In the context of the invention, a nozzle may be understood as an assembly suitable for connecting a flow path of the hydrogen refueling station to a receiving vessel, to enable the receiving vessel to be filled with hydrogen from the hydrogen source. The nozzle may comprise different types of nozzles suitable for hydrogen refueling stations. Sometimes the nozzle may be referred to as a dispenser. The dispenser of a hydrogen refueling station may, nevertheless, in some situations be understood to comprise more components than only the nozzle, including compressors, flow paths etc. Typically, the dispenser would be understood to comprise the nozzle.

[0015] In the context of the invention, the term valve may refer to various types of valves suitable for the given implementation of the invention. The valves may preferably be operated by one or more controllers. However, in principle, the valves may also be operated by a trigger signal, e.g., from sensors including sensors measuring one or more refueling parameters, without necessarily requiring a controller, or the valves may further in principle be manually operated or operated according to a time schedule, not necessarily requiring a controller, e.g., one or more check valves may be utilized.

[0016] In the context of the invention, a controller may be understood as any controller suitable for controlling the state of valves of a hydrogen refueling station. A state of a valve may comprise an open state, a closed state, or any state in-between the open state and the closed state. A valve in a closed state is closed, while a valve in the open state is open and so fluid may pass through the valve in the open state. The controller may thus provide control signals to components of the hydrogen refueling station and it may also receive signals from components including, e.g., sensors. The controller may utilize the received signals to determine what control signals to provide for controlling components of the hydrogen refueling station.

[0017] The subsequent controlling of the second valve to an open state following said opening of said first valve may be understood as the controller controlling the first valve to open and then sometime thereafter (subsequently) controlling the second valve to open. Hence, in the present context, the term subsequently may be understood as indicating that the controller opens the second valve at some timepoint after the first valve has been opened. Hence, e.g., at a first time point the first valve may open and then at a later timepoint the second valve may open. The time between the opening of the first valve and the second valve may be dynamic, or it may be fixed, or it may be predetermined.

[0018] The controller may control the valves and other relevant components of the hydrogen refueling station via wireless connection to the components (including valves, sensors etc.) or via a wired connection. The controller may both transmit and receive input via the wireless and / or wired connection.

[0019] In the context of the invention the term supportive flow may simply refer to a flow in the intermediate section of the first flow path. The supportive flow may support a main flow of hydrogen in the main flow path, which may be the first flow to be established when initiating a fueling with the hydrogen refueling station. Establishing a support flow may be advantageous in that it may increase the refueling ramp rate, e.g., the rate at which a receiving vessel connected to the nozzle is filled with hydrogen from the hydrogen source. This may advantageously speed up the refueling of the receiving vessel connected to the nozzle of the hydrogen refueling station.

[0020] In the context of the invention, the term hydrogen source may in principle be understood in a broad sense, and may include, e.g., a hydrogen storage including one or more hydrogen storage tanks, a mobile hydrogen storage such as a trailer including one or more hydrogen storage tanks, and / or as a pressurized supply line. However, a hydrogen source may in principle also refer to a hydrogen production arrangement including, e.g., one or more electrolyzer(s) or other production arrangements configured to produce hydrogen, and optionally connected to a compressor.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the invention, said hydrogen source is a hydrogen storage.

[0022] Advantageously, this may have the effect that a receiving vessel connected to the nozzle may be filled with hydrogen stored in the hydrogen storage. A hydrogen storage may include one or more hydrogen storages, e.g., one or more hydrogen tanks. The hydrogen storage may be a mobile hydrogen storage, e.g., a trailer. However, the hydrogen storage may also be a stationary hydrogen storage comprising one or more hydrogen storage tanks.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the invention, said main flow path is configured to have a higher a flow resistance relative to said intermediate section of said first flow path.

[0024] Advantageously, this may have the effect of reducing or eliminating the initial peak flow and / or high-pressure pulse that may occur when initiating a filling of areceiving vessel connected to the nozzle via the main flow path due to pressure difference in the receiving vessel and storage vessel. This may further reduce forces acting on the components of the hydrogen refueling station and forces acting on the receiving vessel being filled using the refueling station.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the invention, said main flow path is configured to have a pressure loss across said main flow path that is between 1.5 times to 150 times larger than a pressure loss across said intermediate section of said first flow path, such as preferably at least 50 times to 110 times larger than a pressure loss across said intermediate section of said first flow path, such as preferably at least 90 times to 110 times larger than a pressure loss across said intermediate section of said first flow path.

[0026] Advantageously, this may provide a significant reduction of the initial peak flow and / or high-pressure pulse when refueling is initiated via the main flow path, thereby minimizing wear on station components and a receiving vessel connected to the station, while still providing sufficient initial start pressure for refueling. The pressure loss of the intermediate section may be understood as the pressure loss in the section when the second valve, which is arranged in the section, is open. The pressure loss across the main flow may be a dynamic pressure loss. Notice that the pressure loss provided by a main flow path may vary depending on the station design, e.g., desired refueling pressures, desired refueling ramp rates, whether the refueling station is mainly for refueling of heavy-duty vehicles or not, etc.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the invention, a cross-sectional area of said main flow path is smaller than a cross-sectional area of said intermediate section of said first flow path.

[0028] Advantageously, this may provide a further reduction of the start peak pressure, e.g., compared to a design wherein both the main flow path and the intermediate section have more similar cross sectional area sizes. This may minimize wear on station components and a receiving vessel connected to the station, while still providing sufficient initial start pressure for refueling.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the invention, a cross section of said main flow path is between 5 and 5000 times smaller than a cross section of said intermediate section of said first flow path, such as between 10 to 2500 times smaller than a cross section of said intermediate section of said first flow path, such as between 50 to 1000 times smaller than a cross section of said intermediate section of said first flow path, such as between 100-500 times smaller than a cross section of said intermediate section of said first flow path.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the invention, said main flow path comprises a narrow orifice.

[0031] This may advantageously increase flow resistance and / or pressure drop across the main flow path, thereby further reducing the initial peak flow and / or high-pressure pulse when initiating a fueling. By using an orifice, the object of the present invention is still achieved even if the conduits of the main flow path and the first flow path may have the same dimensions.

[0032] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the main flow path may comprise a plurality of narrow cross sections or narrow orifices. Optionally, these may have the same cross section or they may have different cross sections. For example, one narrow orifice may have a more narrow cross section compared to the other narrow orifice.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the invention, said controlling of said second valve to an open state comprises said at least one controller comparing a refueling parameter to a refueling condition and controlling said second valve to an open state when said refueling parameter satisfies said refueling condition.

[0034] Advantageously, this may have the effect that the refueling rate may be controlled and elevated according to a refueling condition, because the opening of the second valve may result in the establishment of the supportive flow.

[0035] The refueling condition may be understood to comprise various parameters related to refueling, including, e.g., pressure threshold(s), temperature threshold(s),flow threshold(s), mass flow threshold(s), precure difference(s), time delay from opening of the first valve etc.

[0036] In the present context a refueling parameter satisfying a refueling condition may be understood in different ways. E.g., a refueling parameter may be a value such as a numerical value, and the refueling parameter may be said to satisfy a refueling condition when the value of the refueling parameter is equal to or is crossing the refueling condition and wherein the refueling condition is a value, e.g., a numerical value. A refueling parameter crossing a value of a refueling condition may refer to the value of a refueling parameter exceeding the value of the refueling condition, or to the value of the refueling parameter crossing from higher values to a value below the value of the refueling condition. The refueling condition may thus be understood as a threshold, e.g., a threshold value. However, the refueling condition may comprise multiple thresholds, e.g., threshold values, e.g., values for pressure, temperature, mass flow etc., to name a few non-limiting examples. To satisfy a refueling condition comprising a plurality of thresholds for different types of refueling parameters, the corresponding refueling parameters must satisfy each of the plurality of thresholds, e.g., by being equal to the threshold or by crossing the value of the threshold.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the invention, said refueling condition includes one or more of the list comprising: a pressure threshold, a pressure difference threshold, a pressure ratio threshold, a time delay threshold, a temperature threshold, a flow rate threshold, a pressure rate threshold, or a combination thereof.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the invention, said refueling parameter includes one or more of the list comprising: a pressure, a pressure difference, a pressure ratio, a time delay, a temperature, a flow rate, a pressure rate, or a combination thereof

[0039] According to an embodiment of the invention, said pressure difference is a pressure difference between a first pressure measured in said first flow path upstream said second valve and a second pressure measured in said first flow path downstream said second valve.

[0040] Advantageously, this may have the effect that the refueling ramp rate, e.g., when to open the second valve, may be controlled more accurately, even for different pressures provided in the inlet section of the first flow path during a fueling.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the invention, said refueling condition is a pressure difference threshold, and wherein said pressure difference threshold is a pressure difference within the range of 1 bar to 50 bar, such as a pressure difference within the range of 2 bar to 30 bar, such as a pressure difference within the range of 3 bar to 25 bar, such as a pressure difference within the range of 8 bar to 20 bar, such as a pressure difference within the range of 12 bar to 17 bar.

[0042] Advantageously, by opening the second valve when reaching a pressure difference threshold within the mentioned ranges may reduce the undesired initial peak refueling pressure. Selecting a pressure difference that is too low may result in a longer waiting time before the second valve is open because it takes longer to reach a low pressure difference due to pressure equalization when the first valve is open. However, using a pressure difference that is too high, may result in a situation where the second valve is opened too early, and thereby, the initial peak flow and / or high-pressure pulse may not be sufficiently suppressed. Therefore, selecting a pressure difference threshold may be considered a trade-off between the degree of suppression of the undesired initial peak refueling pressure and the time it takes to refuel a receiving vessel, e.g., a target vessel in a vehicle or trailer, for example.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the invention, said refueling condition is a pressure rate threshold, and wherein said pressure rate threshold is below 300 bar per second, such as below 100 bar per second such as below 50 bar per second, such as within the range of 1 bar per second to 25 bar per second, such as within the range of 5 bar per second to 25 bar per second , such as within the range of 7.5 bar per second to 15 bar per second.

[0044] Advantageously, this enable the second valve to be opened based on pressure rate measurements and a pressure rate threshold. By only opening the second valvewhen the pressure rate reaches a sufficiently low pressure rate threshold, the inexpedient initial peak flow and / or high-pressure pulse may be reduced.

[0045] Notice that basing the control of when to open the second valve on difference metrics, ratio metrics and / or rate metrics is advantageous in that these types of metrics is less influenced by variations in the absolute pressure in the system and less influenced by variations in the initial pressure of the receiving vessel that is about to be filled with the refueling station. This may provide a more accurate control of the opening of the second valve, and hence a better and more consistent suppression of the undesired initial peak flow and / or high-pressure pulse, while at the same time, it may ensure that a refueling of a receiving vessel with the refueling station does not take too long time, e.g. due to a too long delay between opening the first valve and opening of the second valve.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the invention, said refueling condition is a flow rate threshold, and wherein said flow rate threshold is a percent of maximum flow rate, wherein said percent of maximum flow rate is below 20 percent of max flow rate, such as below 15 percent of maximum flow rate, such as within the range of 2 percent of maximum flow rate to 15 percent of maximum flow rate, such as within the range of 5 percent of maximum flow rate to 15 percent of maximum flow rate.

[0047] Advantageously, this enables the second valve to be opened based on a percentage of the maximum flow rate threshold. By only opening the second valve when the flow rate reaches a sufficiently low percent of maximum flow rate, the inexpedient initial peak flow and / or high-pressure pulse may be reduced.

[0048] A dispenser or nozzle may typically have a maximum flow rate that it may support. In the context of the invention, the term percent of maximum flow rate may thus be understood as a percent of the maximum flow rate of the dispenser or nozzle. Thus, e.g., a flow rate of 15 percent of maximum flow rate may be understood as a flow rate that is 15 percent of the maximum flow rate that is supported by the refueling station, e.g., supported by, e.g., the dispenser or nozzle.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the invention, said hydrogen refueling station comprises one or more refueling parameter sensor(s) configured to measure one or more refueling param eter(s).

[0050] Utilizing further refueling parameter sensors may enable measuring more refueling parameters, which may advantageously be utilized to, e.g., determine when to open the second valve in correspondence with the refueling condition. This may, for example, provide more accurate control of load conditions and / or of the ramp, and thereby for example more accurate control of the initial peak flow or high pressure pulse..

[0051] According to an embodiment of the invention, at least one of said one or more refueling parameter sensor(s) is arranged to measure one or more of said one or more refueling parameter(s) in said inlet section of said first flow path.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the invention, at least one of said one or more refueling parameter sensor(s) is arranged to measure one or more of said one or more refueling parameter(s) in said inlet section of said first flow path, and wherein at least a further refueling parameter sensor of said one or more refueling parameter sensor(s) is arranged to measure one or more refueling parameter(s) in said outlet section of said first flow path.

[0053] Advantageously, this may enable measurements of a difference or ratio between refueling parameters measured in the two different sections of the first flow path. Non-limiting examples of such difference or ratios measures may be a pressure difference, a pressure ratio, a flow difference, a flow ratio, a temperature difference, a temperature ratio etc.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the invention, said one or more refueling parameter sensor(s) includes one or more pressure sensor(s).

[0055] According to an embodiment of the invention, said one or more refueling parameter sensor(s) include one or more flow sensor(s).

[0056] According to an embodiment of the invention, said first valve is arranged upstream said inlet end of said main flow path or downstream said outlet end of said main flow path.

[0057] This may have the advantageous effect that closing of the first valve prevents flow of hydrogen from the storage to the nozzle. Furthermore, this may be used as a safety shut off valve in case, e.g., a valve in the nozzle is leaky or does not close, e.g., due to a fault.

[0058] The invention further relates to a method of refueling a receiving vessel with hydrogen; said method comprising the steps of: connecting said receiving vessel to a nozzle; said nozzle being connected to a hydrogen storage via a first valve, a first flow path having an intermediate section comprising a second valve, and via a main flow path; said main flow path having an inlet end connected to said first flow path upstream said second valve and an outlet end connected to said first flow path downstream said second valve; opening said first valve to establish a hydrogen flow from said hydrogen source to said receiving vessel via said main flow path and said nozzle; subsequently opening said second valve to establish a simultaneous supportive hydrogen flow from said hydrogen storage to said receiving vessel via said nozzle and via said intermediate section of said first flow path.

[0059] The method may provide similar advantages as those described in relation to the various embodiments of a hydrogen refueling station according to the invention.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the invention, said receiving vessel is a vessel of a vehicle and / or trailer.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the invention, said method is performed by said hydrogen refueling station.

[0062] The invention further relates to a use of said hydrogen refueling station to refuel a receiving vessel.

[0063] The invention further relates to a hydrogen refueling system comprising: a receiving vessel fluidly connected to a nozzle of a hydrogen refueling station according to any of the previous embodiments of the hydrogen refueling station.

[0064] According to an embodiment of the invention, said receiving vessel is a vessel of a vehicle and / or a trailer.

[0065] According to an embodiment of the invention, at least one refueling parameter sensor of said one or more refueling parameter sensor(s) is arranged downstream said second valve and / or arranged in said outlet section of said first flow path.

[0066] According to an embodiment of the invention, at least one refueling parameter sensor of said one or more refueling parameter sensor(s) is arranged upstream said second valve and / or arranged in said inlet section of said first flow path.

[0067] According to an embodiment of the invention, said one or more refueling parameter sensor(s) includes one or more pressure sensor(s) and / or one or more mass flow meter(s) and / or one or more temperature sensor(s).

[0068] According to an embodiment of the invention, said hydrogen refueling station comprises a pressure sensor arranged in said outlet section of said first flow path and / or a pressure sensor arranged in said inlet section of said first flow path.

[0069] Advantageously, this may enable measurement of the pressure loss across the main flow path and / or across the main flow path and the intermediate section of the first flow path when the second valve is open. This pressure loss may be utilized as a refueling parameter together with a pressure loss threshold (or pressure difference threshold), to control the opening of the second valve and thereby the establishment of the support flow during a refueling.The drawings

[0001] Various embodiments of the invention will in the following be described with reference to the drawings where: fig. 1 illustrates a schematical representation of a hydrogen refueling station according to an embodiment of the invention, fig. 2a illustrates a schematical representation of a flow path arrangement with a main flow path and a first flow path, wherein the flow paths have different cross-sectional areas according to an embodiment of the invention, fig. 2b illustrates a schematical representation of a cross-sectional view of an intermediate section of a first flow path and of a main flow path according to an embodiment of the invention, fig. 3 illustrates a schematical representation of a flow path arrangement with a first flow path and with a main flow path having a narrow orifice according to an embodiment of the invention, fig. 4 illustrates a graphical representation of refueling pressure and refueling mass flow as a function of time for a hydrogen refueling station comprising a main flow line and a parallel intermediate section of a flow path according to an embodiment of the invention, and for a hydrogen refueling station comprising a single flow path.Detailed description

[0070] The following description comprises nonlimiting examples of embodiments of the invention. Details such as specific structures, arrangements and methods are provided to give an understanding of embodiments of the invention. Note that detailed descriptions of well-known methods, systems, apparatuses, circuits, parameters, known sensors, components including, e.g., bolts, materials, control leads, etc. have been omitted to not obscure the description of the invention with unnecessary details. Non-limiting examples of such component that will not be described in detail, but which is typically included in hydrogen refueling station designs include, means for pressurizing the hydrogen, including, e.g., one or more compressors, means for cooling hydrogen, means for venting hydrogen, for example, before connecting or disconnecting the nozzle to a receiving vessel, and in case of hydrogen refueling stations utilizing liquid hydrogen different means for evaporating and / or heating the liquid hydrogen and furthermore, conventional standard equipment such as, but not limited to, safety relief valves, additional shut-off valves for example for service and maintenance reasons, vent system, additional sensors such as, e.g., pressure, temperature or flow sensors and so forth. Further notice that the invention is not limited to the specific examples described below, and a person skilled in the art may choose to implement the invention in other embodiments without these specific details. E.g., the invention may be utilized in larger refueling station designs, e.g., comprising multiple dispensers. Furthermore, a skilled person in the field of the invention may choose to combine features of the described embodiments and of the illustrated embodiments of the invention. As such, the invention may be designed and altered into a multitude of varieties within the scope of the invention, as specified in the claims.

[0071] The following section comprises a description of various embodiments of the invention with references to the figures.

[0072] Fig. 1 illustrates a schematical representation of a hydrogen refueling station according to an embodiment of the invention. The hydrogen refueling station 1 comprises a hydrogen source 2, a nozzle 3, a controller 8, a communication link 9, a flow path arrangement including a main flow path 7 and a first flow path 4, whereinthe first flow path 4 has an inlet section 4a, an intermediate section 4b and an outlet section 4c and further including a first valve 5, a second valve 6 and a (set of) refueling parameter sensor(s) 10. The hydrogen refueling station may be applied to perform a method of refueling a receiving vessel, such as the illustrated receiving vessel 11, which is connected to the nozzle of the hydrogen refueling station.

[0073] The hydrogen source 2 of the hydrogen refueling station 1 is connected to the nozzle 3 via the first flow path 4. More specifically, the inlet section 4a of the first flow path 4 connects the hydrogen source 2 with the intermediate section 4b of the first flow path 4, while the outlet section 4c of the first flow path connects the intermediate section 4b of the first flow path 4 with the nozzle 3. The second valve 6 is arranged in the intermediate section 4b of the first flow path 4, while the first valve5 is arranged in the outlet section 4c of the first flow path 4. The main flow path has its inlet end 13 connected to the first flow path upstream the second valve 6 and its outlet end 14 connected to the first flow path downstream the second valve 6. In this example, the first valve 5 and the second valve are controlled by the controller 8.

[0074] The hydrogen refueling station may be applied to refuel a receiving vessel 11 connected to the nozzle, or in other words be utilized for performing a method of refueling a receiving vessel. In an initial start stage of the refueling of the receiving vessel 11, the receiving vessel 11 is connected to the nozzle and the first valve 5 is opened to establish a hydrogen flow from the hydrogen source 2 to the receiving vessel via the inlet section 4a of the first flow path 4, and via the main flow path 7 and the outlet section 4c of the main flow path 4. Thereby, the initial refueling of the receiving vessel is performed via the main flow path 7 at a first start pressure, while the intermediate section 4b of the first flow path 4 is bypassed by keeping the second valve6 closed. In a second stage of the refueling, the second valve 6 is opened to establish a supportive hydrogen flow from the inlet section 4a of the main flow path 4 to flow via the intermediate section 4b of the first flow path 4 to the outlet section 4c of the main flow path 4. In this second stage of the refueling procedure following the initial start stage, a simultaneous flow of hydrogen is thereby present in the main flow path and in the intermediate section 4b (the support flow) of the first flow path 4. When therefueling is terminated, the first and the second valve may be closed, e.g., be controlled to a closed stage by the controller. The simultaneous flow established in the second stage of the refueling may increase the flow rate of hydrogen flowing from the hydrogen source 2 and into the receiving vessel 11. Furthermore, refueling via only the main flow path 7 in the initial start stage may advantageously reduce the initial peak flow and / or high-pressure pulse (sometimes also referred to as initial start peak refueling pressure) acting on station components and on the receiving vessel.

[0075] Optionally, venting of hydrogen in the flow path connected to the nozzle may be performed before connecting the nozzle to the receiving vessel and / or before disconnecting the nozzle from the receiving vessel.

[0076] Optionally, the main flow path 7 may be configured to provide a larger flow resistance than the flow resistance of the intermediate section 4a of the first flow path 4 and / or of the inlet section 4a of the main flow path 4 and / or of the outlet section 4c of the main flow path 4. This may increase the reduction in the initial peak flow (or pressure pulse) that occur when a refueling is initiated via the main flow path. As described elsewhere in this disclosure, the main flow path 7 may be configured to provide different degrees of flow resistance to the hydrogen flow during a refueling. Non-limiting examples of ways to increase the flow resistance of the main flow path 7 include arranging at least one narrow orifice having a smaller cross-sectional area than the general cross-sectional area of the main flow path, and / or increasing the length of the main flow path, and / or narrowing the cross-sectional area of a part of the main flow path or of the whole main flow path. Fig. 2a and fig. 3 illustrate examples of main flow paths with higher flow resistance compared to one or more sections of the first flow path. These exemplified embodiments may be implemented in refueling stations of the invention, including the refueling station illustrated in fig. 1.

[0077] Notice that the sections 4a, 4b, 4c of the first flow path 4 may be made of multiple conduits connected to one another to form the first flow path, or the first flow path may be made as one conduit comprising all the sections 4a, 4b, 4c of the first flow path 4.

[0078] The hydrogen refueling station illustrated in fig. 1 may be understood as a preferred embodiment. As such, the illustrated hydrogen refueling station 1 comprises a few preferable but optional features. These features include, e.g., an optional refueling parameter sensor. The refueling parameter sensor may be configured to measure one or more refueling parameters. The one or more refueling parameters may be utilized to determine when to open the second valve, after the first valve has been opened. This may be determined by comparing one or more refueling parameters to a refueling condition. When the refueling condition is met, the second valve is opened. Optionally, the refueling sensor may be arranged in other sections of the first flow path or in the main flow path.

[0079] In an exemplified embodiment of the invention, the refueling parameter sensor is arranged in the outlet section 4c of the first flow path 4 as illustrated, and the sensor is a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure or a pressure rate in the outlet section of the first flow path. When the controller instructs the first valve 5 to open to initiate a refueling, the pressure measured with the pressure sensor may rise. At some point the pressure or pressure rate may start moving toward a pressure equilibrium. When the pressure rate, an example of a refueling parameter, reaches a specific refueling condition, the controller instructs the second valve 6 to open. In this example the refueling condition is a pressure rate threshold, and in this particular example, a pressure threshold of 10 bar per second. Hence, when the pressure rate obtained based on the pressure sensor reaches the pressure rate threshold, the second valve 6 is instructed to open by the controller 8. When the second valve is opened, a flow of hydrogen flows from the storage to the receiving vessel both via the main flow path and via the intermediate section of the first flow path. This enables the flow rate of hydrogen to the receiving vessel coupled to the nozzle of the hydrogen refueling station to increase, in turn, decreasing the time it takes to refuel the receiving vessel. At the same time, this also may reduce or remove the undesired initial peak flow and / or high-pressure pulse that otherwise may occur using other traditional hydrogen refueling stations.

[0080] Optionally, the hydrogen refueling station may comprise a second pressure sensor arranged upstream the second valve. E.g., the second pressure sensor may be arranged in the inlet section 4a of the first flow path 4. Together with the pressure sensor arranged in the outlet section 4c, this enables pressure measurements upstream and downstream the main flow path. Based on these pressure measurements, a pressure difference and / or ratio across the main flow path and / or across the intermediate section 4b may be determined and utilized as refueling parameter and hence, for comparison with a refueling condition such as a pressure difference and / or pressure ratio threshold, to control at least the second valve 6 and / or the first valve 5.

[0081] In a further exemplified embodiment of the invention, the refueling parameter sensor is arranged in the outlet section 4c of the first flow path 4 as illustrated, and the sensor is a flow sensor, e.g. a flow meter, configured to measure a flow rate in the outlet section of the first flow path. When the controller instructs the first valve 5 to open to initiate a refueling, the flow rate measured with the flow sensor rises. When the flow reaches a specific refueling condition, the controller instructs the second valve 6 to open. In this example the refueling condition is a flow rate threshold, and in this particular example, a flow rate threshold of 10 percent of the maximum flow rate, in this example, of the maximum flow rate supported by the nozzle of the hydrogen refueling station. Hence, when the flow rate measured with the flow sensor reaches the flow rate threshold, the second valve 6 is instructed to open by the controller 8.

[0082] Optionally, the hydrogen refueling station may comprise two refueling parameter sensors. One refueling parameter sensor may preferably be arranged upstream the second valve and upstream the first valve.

[0083] Optionally, the hydrogen refueling station may not require a refueling parameter sensor. E.g., instead of operating the valves, and particularly the second valve 6, based on one or more refueling parameters measured with a refueling parameter sensor, the valve may be controlled by other means. E.g., the valves may optionally be controlled according to a refueling condition being a time delay. The time delay being a time delay from opening of the first valve. Hence, optionally, the second valve may be opened, e.g., at a predetermined time interval from the openingof the first valve. E.g., the first valve may be opened at time T1 and then the second valve is subsequently opened at time T2, wherein the time between time T1 and time T2 may specify the time delay. Advantageously, controlling the valve according to a time delay may provide a simple, stable, and easy to implement control scheme. The simplicity of such control scheme may advantageously reduce the risk of control errors compared to more advanced control schemes. As an example, the time delay may be 10 seconds, however, the time delay may be more or less according to other embodiments of the invention. Non-limiting examples of time delays include, e.g., a time delay within the range of 3 seconds to 20 seconds, such as a time delay within the range of 5 seconds to 15 seconds, such as a time delay within the range of 8 seconds to 12 seconds. A too short time delay may not provide the desired reduction in the initial peak flow and / or high-pressure pulse, while on the other hand, a very long time delay may increase unnecessarily the time it takes to refuel a receiving vessel.

[0084] Optionally, the hydrogen source may be a hydrogen storage comprising one or more hydrogen storage tanks. In another optional embodiment of the invention, the hydrogen source may be a mobile hydrogen storage, preferably a trailer. In a further optional embodiment of the invention, the hydrogen storage may be an electrolyzer. In a further optional embodiment of the invention, the hydrogen storage or hydrogen source may be understood as a compressor, acting as “virtual storage” by providing hydrogen and pressure as needed.

[0085] Fig. 2a illustrates a schematical representation of a flow path arrangement with a first flow path 4 and a main flow path 7 and wherein the main flow path 7 has a different cross-sectional area compared to the first flow path 4, according to an embodiment of the invention. The flow path arrangement may be implemented in hydrogen refueling station embodiments according to the invention, including, e.g., the hydrogen refueling station illustrated in fig 1.

[0086] The first flow path 4 comprises an inlet section 4a, an intermediate section 4b and an outlet section 4c. A first valve 5 is arranged in the outlet section 4c and a second valve 6 is arranged in the intermediate section 4b. The main flow path 7 is connected to the first flow path upstream the second valve 6 and downstream the second valve 6.Furthermore, the first flow path 4 has a larger cross-sectional area compared to the main flow path 7, or said differently, the main flow path 7 has a smaller cross-sectional area compared to the first flow path. The difference in cross-sectional area is illustrated by the relatively thicker line used to represent the first flow path. Notice that in this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the main flow path 7 is smaller compared to the cross-sectional area of the first flow path 4 across the whole extend of the main flow path 7. The cross-sectional area of the main flow path 7 makes the flow resistance of the main flow path 7 larger compared to the flow resistance of the first flow path. Hence, when implemented in a hydrogen refueling station according to various embodiments of the invention, initiating a refueling via the main flow path advantageously reduces the start peak pressure, while a subsequent opening of the second valve 6 may increase the fueling pressure and / or the hydrogen flow in the outlet section of the main flow path and when fueling, in the receiving vessel connected to the hydrogen refueling station. This is advantageous in that the inexpedient initial peak flow and / or high-pressure pulse is reduced to protect the components against the forces provided by the sudden large pressure rise, while at the same time, the refueling rate may be increased to provide fast refueling by establishing a supportive flow in the intermediate section 4b of the first flow path by opening the second valve 6. The largest refueling rate is hence achieved when the second valve 6 is open to provide simultaneous flow of hydrogen in the intermediate section 4b and in the main flow path 7.

[0087] The cross-sectional area of the main flow path 7 and of the individual sections 4a, 4b, 4c may be adjusted according to the desired refueling pressures and according to how much reduction is required in the initial peak flow and / or high-pressure pulse. Decreasing the cross-sectional area of the main flow path 7 increases the reduction in the initial peak flow and / or high-pressure pulse, while at the same time, minimizing the flow through the main flow path. The size of the cross-sectional area of the main flow path may be decided by evaluating a compromise between the refueling time and the reduction in initial peak flow and / or high-pressure pulse that may be provided. E.g., a small cross section of the main flow path may increase the refueling time, while a large cross section of the main flow path may not provide a sufficient reduction inthe initial peak flow and / or high-pressure pulse). E.g., the cross section of the main flow path 7 may be 50 times smaller than the size of the cross section of the first flow path, e.g., of the outlet section 4c of the first flow path 4, however it may also be more or less. E.g., the cross section of the main flow path 7 may, e.g., also be within the range of 10-5000 times smaller compared to the cross section of the first flow path, or within the range of 100-500 times smaller compared to the cross section of the first flow path. As an example, the first flow path 4, (including, e.g., 4a, 4b and / or 4c), may be designed with a diameter within the range of 5 millimeters to 20 millimeters, while the main flow path may be designed to have a diameter within the range of 1 millimeter to 5 millimeters.

[0088] Optionally, the cross-sectional area of the main flow path is only smaller compared to the cross-sectional area of the first flow path in a sub-portion of the length of the main flow path. E.g., the cross-sectional area may optionally be reduced in the main flow path along 50 % or less of the length of the main flow path or be reduced along 50% or more of the length of the main flow path. Moreover, a plurality of subportions of the main flow path may have reduced cross-sectional area. Also, these plurality of sub-portions with reduced cross-sectional area may have varying sizes of cross-sectional area.

[0089] Optionally, the sections 4a, 4b, 4c of the first flow path may have different sizes of cross-sectional area.

[0090] Optionally, the first valve 5 may be positioned in the inlet section 4a of the first flow path.

[0091] Notice that the second valve 6 may be positioned anywhere in the intermediate section 4b of the first flow path.

[0092] Fig. 2b illustrates a schematical cross-sectional view of a main flow path 7 and of an intermediate section 4b of a main flow path. The illustrated intermediate section 4b and main flow path 7 may, e.g., represent the corresponding intermediate section and main flow path illustrated in fig. 2a. As illustrated, the cross-sectional areaof the intermediate section 4b of the main flow path is larger compared to the cross- sectional area of the main flow path 7.

[0093] As an example, the cross-sectional area of the main flow path and of the intermediate section is configured such that the flow resistance provided by the main flow path is substantially 100 times higher than the flow resistance provided by the intermediate section 4c of the main flow path. This may advantageously provide a good compromise between reduction in initial peak flow and / or high-pressure pulse and a sufficient fueling rate and / or short total fueling time.

[0094] Fig. 3 illustrates a schematical representation of a flow path arrangement with a first flow path 4 and a main flow path 7 and wherein the main flow path 7 includes a narrow orifice, according to an embodiment of the invention. The first flow path comprises an inlet section 4a including a first valve 5, an intermediate section 4b with a second valve 6, and an outlet section 4c. In this embodiment, the first valve 5 is positioned upstream the second valve 6.

[0095] The flow path arrangement illustrated in fig. 3 may achieve similar advantages as other embodied flow path arrangements wherein the flow resistance is larger in the main flow path compared to the intermediate section 4b of the first flow path, including the flow path arrangement illustrated in fig. 2a. The flow path arrangement may be implemented in hydrogen refueling stations according to embodiments of the invention, including, e.g., the hydrogen refueling station illustrated in fig. 1.

[0096] In the flow path arrangement of fig. 3, the increased flow resistance in the main flow path 7 is achieved by arranging a narrow orifice 12 in the main flow path.

[0097] Optionally, the main flow path may be implemented with a plurality of narrow orifices. Further optionally, the narrow orifices may have the same size of orifice, or the size of the orifice may vary across the plurality of narrow orifices. The size of the orifice may be understood as the size of the cross section of the orifice, through which a flow of hydrogen may pass.

[0098] Optionally, the narrow orifice may be adjustable in that the size of the orifice may be adjusted. This may advantageously enable adjustment of the size of the orifice to vary the degree of reduction in initial peak refueling pressure provided by the orifice during the initial stage of a refueling. This may be achieved by means of manual adjustment, but also by means of an automatically controlled adjustable orifice, for example, controlled by a controller.

[0099] Notice that the first valve may optionally be arranged in the outlet section 4c of the first flow part.

[0100] Fig. 4 illustrates a graphical representation of refueling pressure [p] 15a, 15b and refueling mass flow 16a, 16b as a function of time [t] for a refueling with a hydrogen refueling station comprising a main flow line and a parallel intermediate section of a flow path according to an embodiment of the invention (dashed graph), and for a refueling with a hydrogen refueling station comprising a single flow path (solid graph).

[0101] The illustrated refueling pressure graph 15a and the refueling mass flow graph 16a represents an example of refueling a receiving vessel connected to a nozzle of a hydrogen refueling station wherein only one flow path is connecting the hydrogen storage or pressurized hydrogen source and the nozzle connected to the receiving vessel. This may be considered an example of a traditional hydrogen refueling station. Notice that such type of hydrogen refueling station thereby does not comprise a conduit arrangement comprising the main flow path and the parallelly arranged intermediate section of the first flow path 4. From the refueling pressure graph 15a, two initial peak refueling pressures occur when the pressure rises at time point T1 and at time point T4. These very steep initial peak refueling pressure rises occur when a valve is opened to enable hydrogen flow from a hydrogen storage or another pressurized hydrogen source to a receiving vessel connected to the nozzle of the hydrogen refueling station. These initial peak flows and / or high-pressure pulses exerts inexpedient forces on components of the refueling station and on the receiving vessel or may result in very high flow rates, for example, not being allowed by equipment specifications or regulations, codes and standards.

[0102] The illustrated refueling pressure graph 15b and the refueling mass flow graph 16b represents an example of refueling a receiving vessel with a hydrogen refueling station according to embodiments of the invention, including, e.g., the hydrogen refueling station illustrated in fig. 1, which include the first flow path 4 with the intermediate section 4b and the main flow path 7. Notice that advantageously, the inexpedient initial refueling peak pressure does not occur when using the hydrogen refueling station of the invention. At time point T1 Vehicle pressure assessment starts and the main line is opened by opening the first valve 5, while the second valve 6 of the intermediate section 4b of the first flow path is kept closed. This increases the refueling pressure until the refueling pressure reaches the pressure of the receiving vessel at substantially timepoint T2. At timepoint T3 the first valve 5 is closed to enable a tightness test. The tightness test may optionally be implemented but is not necessary to achieve the advantages of the invention. The tightness test checks for leakage from timepoint T3 to timepoint T4. In this example, no leakage is identified as indicated by the constant refueling pressure during the period from timepoint T3 to timepoint T4. At timepoint T4 the first valve is opened again to enable hydrogen to flow from the hydrogen storage to the receiving vessel via the nozzle and via the main flow path. This causes a rise in refueling pressure, but without the initial refueling peak pressure occurring. At timepoint T5, the refueling pressure, which is an example of a refueling parameter, satisfies a refueling condition, which in this example is a refueling pressure threshold. This causes the controller to open the second valve 6 to enable a flow of hydrogen in the intermediate section 4b of the first flow path. Thereby, a simultaneous flow of hydrogen is present in both the main flow path and in the intermediate section of the first flow path. The refueling pressure satisfying the refueling pressure threshold means, in this example, that the refueling pressure reaches a pressure that is equal to the refueling pressure threshold. The opening of both the first and the second valve causes the refueling pressure to rise and at timepoint T6 the dispenser ramp control starts and the refueling may continue until a refueling pressure for the refueling is met.

[0103] Notice that according to various embodiments of the invention, the refueling condition and the associated refueling parameter(s) used for determining when to openthe second valve may comprise different parameters, as mentioned elsewhere in this disclosure. E.g., the pressure rate, pressure difference, flow rate, flow difference, flow rate changes, etc., may be utilized as refueling parameters in association with corresponding thresholds (refueling conditions) for determining when to open the second valve.

[0104] Embodiments of the invention may be combined in various ways. E.g., different embodiments of flow path arrangements may be combined and be implemented in different embodiments of refueling stations, according to embodiments of the invention. Hence, the embodiments may be varied in a multitude of ways within the scope of the invention at least as specified by the claims.List of reference signs:1 hydrogen refueling station2 hydrogen source3 nozzle4 first flow path4a inlet section of first flow path4b intermediate section of first flow path4c outlet section of first flow path5 first valve6 second valve7 main flow path8 controller9 communication link10 refueling parameter sensor11 receiving vessel12 narrow orifice13 inlet end14 outlet end15a, 16b dispenser pressure16a, 16b dispenser mass flowT1-T6 Timepoint

Claims

Claims1. A hydrogen refueling station (1) comprising: a first flow path (4) fluidly connecting a hydrogen source (2) to a nozzle (3) via a first valve (5); said first flow path (4) having an inlet section (4a) and an outlet section (4c) fluidly connected via an intermediate section (4b) comprising a second valve (6); a main flow path (7) having an inlet end (13) fluidly connected to said first flow path (4) upstream said second valve (6) and an outlet end (14) fluidly connected to said first flow path (4) downstream said second valve (6); at least one controller (8) configured to establish a simultaneous hydrogen flow in said main flow path (7) and in at least said intermediate section (4b) of said first flow path (4) by controlling said first valve (5) to an open state to establish a main hydrogen flow from said hydrogen storage (2) to said nozzle (3) via said main flow path (7), and by subsequently controlling said second valve (6) to an open state following said opening of said first valve (5) to establish a supportive hydrogen flow in said intermediate section (4b) of said first flow path (4).

2. A hydrogen refueling station (1) according to claim 1, wherein said hydrogen source is a hydrogen storage.

3. A hydrogen refueling station (1) according to any one of the claims 1 or 2, wherein said main flow path (7) is configured to have a higher flow resistance relative to said intermediate section (4c) of said first flow path (4).

4. A hydrogen refueling station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said main flow path (7) is configured to have a pressure loss across said main flow path (7) that is between 1.5 times to 150 times larger than a pressure loss across said intermediate section (4b) of said first flow path (4), such as preferably at least 50 times to 110 times larger than a pressure loss across said intermediate section (4b) of said first flow path, such as preferably at least 90 times to 110 times larger than a pressure loss across said intermediate section (4b) of said first flow path.

5. A hydrogen refueling station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cross-sectional area of said main flow path (7) is smaller than a cross- sectional area of said intermediate section (4b) of said first flow path (4).

6. A hydrogen refueling station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cross section of said main flow path (7) is between 5 and 5000 times smaller than a cross section of said intermediate section (4b) of said first flow path (4), such as between 10 to 2500 times smaller than a cross section of said intermediate section (4b) of said first flow path (4), such as between 50 to 1000 times smaller than a cross section of said intermediate section (4b) of said first flow path (4), such as between 100-500 times smaller than a cross section of said intermediate section (4b) of said first flow path (4).

7. A hydrogen refueling station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said main flow path (7) comprises a narrow orifice (12).

8. A hydrogen refueling station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said controlling of said second valve (6) to an open state comprises said at least one controller (8) comparing a refueling parameter to a refueling condition and controlling said second valve (6) to an open state when said refueling parameter satisfies said refueling condition.

9. A hydrogen refueling station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said refueling condition includes one or more of the list comprising: a pressure threshold, a pressure difference threshold, a pressure ratio threshold, a time delay threshold, a temperature threshold, a flow rate threshold, a pressure rate threshold, or a combination thereof.

10. A hydrogen refueling station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said refueling parameter includes one or more of the list comprising: a pressure, a pressure difference, a pressure ratio, a time delay, a temperature, a flow rate, a pressure rate, or a combination thereof.

11. A hydrogen refueling station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said pressure difference is a pressure difference between a first pressure measured in said first flow path (4) upstream said second valve (6) and a second pressure measured in said first flow path downstream said second valve (6).

12. A hydrogen refueling station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said refueling condition is a pressure difference threshold, and wherein said pressure difference threshold is a pressure difference within the range of 1 bar to 50 bar, such as a pressure difference within the range of 2 bar to 30 bar, such as a pressure difference within the range of 3 bar to 25 bar, such as a pressure difference within the range of 8 bar to 20 bar, such as a pressure difference within the range of 12 bar to 17 bar.

13. A hydrogen refueling station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said refueling condition is a pressure rate threshold, and wherein said pressure rate threshold is below 300 bar per second, such as below 100 bar per second such as below 50 bar per second, such as within the range of 1 bar per second to 25 bar per second, such as within the range of 5 bar per second to 25 bar per second , such as within the range of 7.5 bar per second to 15 bar per second.

14. A hydrogen refueling station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said refueling condition is a flow rate threshold, and wherein said flow rate threshold is a percent of maximum flow rate, wherein said percent of maximum flow rate is below 20 percent of max flow rate, such as below 15 percent of maximum flow rate, such as within the range of 2 percent of maximum flow rate to 15 percent of maximum flow rate, such as within the range of 5 percent of maximum flow rate to 15 percent of maximum flow rate.

15. A hydrogen refueling station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said hydrogen refueling station comprises one or more refueling parameter sensor(s) configured to measure one or more refueling parameter(s).

16. A hydrogen refueling station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said one or more refueling parameter sensor(s) is arranged tomeasure one or more of said one or more refueling parameter(s) in said inlet section (4a) of said first flow path (4).

17. A hydrogen refueling station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said one or more refueling parameter sensor(s) is arranged to measure one or more of said one or more refueling parameter(s) in said inlet section (4a) of said first flow path (4), and wherein at least a further refueling parameter sensor of said one or more refueling parameter sensor(s) is arranged to measure one or more refueling parameter(s) in said outlet section (4c) of said first flow path (4).

18. A hydrogen refueling station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said one or more refueling parameter sensor(s) includes one or more pressure sensor(s).

19. A hydrogen refueling station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said one or more refueling parameter sensor(s) include one or more flow sensor(s).

20. A hydrogen refueling station (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first valve (5) is arranged upstream said inlet end of said main flow path (7) or downstream said outlet end of said main flow path (7).

21. A method of refueling a receiving vessel (11) with hydrogen; said method comprising the steps of: connecting said receiving vessel (11) to a nozzle (3); said nozzle being connected to a hydrogen storage (2) via a first valve (5), a first flow path (4) having an intermediate section (4b) comprising a second valve (6), and via a main flow path (7); said main flow path (7) having an inlet end (13) connected to said first flow path (4) upstream said second valve (6) and an outlet end (14) connected to said first flow path (4) downstream said second valve (6); opening said first valve (5) to establish a hydrogen flow from said hydrogen source (2) to said receiving vessel (11) via said main flow path (7) and said nozzle (3);subsequently opening said second valve (6) to establish a simultaneous supportive hydrogen flow from said hydrogen storage (2) to said receiving vessel (11) via said nozzle (3) and via said intermediate section (4b) of said first flow path (4).

22. A method according to claim 21, wherein said receiving vessel (11) is a vessel of a vehicle and / or trailer.

23. A method according to any one of the claims 21-22, wherein said method is performed by said hydrogen refueling station (1) according to any of the claims 1-20.

24. Use of a hydrogen refueling station (1) according to any of the claims 1-20 to refuel a receiving vessel (11).

25. A hydrogen refueling system comprising: a receiving vessel (11) fluidly connected to a nozzle (3) of a hydrogen refueling station (1) according to any of the claims 1-20.

26. A hydrogen refueling system according to claim 25, wherein said receiving vessel (11) is a vessel of a vehicle and / or of a trailer.

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